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|  Learn how to fish at Trillium Lake.
If parents are casting about for summer activities for their
children, the Zigzag Ranger District is tipping the scale in the direction of
Trillium Lake.
The district will host its annual Free Youth Fishing Clinic
from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., June 24 at Trillium Lake, located off Hwy. 26 three
miles east of Government Camp.
“This is a great event for the whole family, and an
opportunity for kids to not only have fun fishing but to also learn about the
aquatic environment and to be in the outdoors,” Darcy Saiget, fish biologist
for the Mount Hood National Forest, wrote in a press release.
The clinic is free and intended for kids 12 and younger, but
young adults and parents are also welcome. The children will have the
opportunity to fish with an expert angler, learn catch and release techniques,
and to learn how to cast.
Children should bring lunch, warm clothing, a rod and reel
if possible, and a cooler to bring home their catch of the day. Limited
quantities of rods and reels along with bait will be provided. Children 12 and
under must be accompanied by an adult, and licenses are required for anyone 13
years and older. Licenses are not available at the event.
Two area clinics were held in May and were deemed a success.
“Forest Service staff are thrilled with how many returning
participants we had from past years and impressed by the participants positive
attitudes and fishing skills,” forest service fisheries technician Cate Dillion
wrote in an email to The Mountain Times.
Local clinic sponsors include Skyway Bar and Grill, Mt. Hood
Skibowl, Welches Mountain Supply and Rhododendron Dairy Queen.
The event is held in cooperation with the Oregon Department
of Fish and Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. By Larry Berteau/MT |
| May election returns four to school board posted on 06/02/2017
Randy Carmony and Kurt McKnight defeated their opponents to
retain their positions on the Oregon Trail School District’s (OTSD) board of
directors in the May election, while three others won uncontested races.
Vote totals through Thursday, May 25 showed McKnight
defeating Travis Brewster for the Zone 3 (Welches) position by a vote of 2,507
(70 percent) to 1,097 (30 percent), while Carmony won his race for the Zone 7
(At Large) position with 1,657 (46 percent) votes, compared to 1,297 for Scott
Stuart (36 percent) and 621 for Paul Elmore (17 percent).
“It is an honor to be reelected to serve another term on the
OTSD board,” Carmony wrote in an email to the Mountain Times. “I take pride in
ensuring the district provides the best learning opportunities for all of the
students in the district and preparing today's youth for their future following
school.”
McKnight noted that he will work to support the district’s
theme, “Children Thrive Here,” while adding that there is work to be done to
continue improving student outcomes.
“I look forward to continuing the efforts to reposition our
career and technical education offerings to better serve the students and
business in our community,” McKnight wrote in an email to the Mountain Times.
“Being part of a fiscally sound district is something I am very proud of and
will continue to help be the best stewards of our tax dollars. At a time when
most districts are making cuts and growing class sizes we at OTSD are growing
our offerings and staffing from K-12.”
Robert Lee won the Zone 5 (Cottrell/Bull Run), held by
retiring board chair Terry Lenchitsky, with 2,517 votes; Marie Teune won the
Zone 2 (Boring) with 2,650 votes and Marjan Salveter won the Zone 1 (North
Sandy) with 2,646 votes. The Zone 2 position is a two-year term, while all
others are four-year terms.
The Oregon School Boards Association noted that according to
a survey they conducted, 1,018 individuals ran for school board positions
throughout the state, the highest number since 2009. The number of candidates
is up from the 817 that ran for school board positions in May, 2015, but this
year’s election also saw 68.5 percent of races with just one candidate and
another six percent with no candidates.
In other local election news, three positions on the
Hoodland Fire District’s board were determined: Ron Partlow was elected to
Position 3, Darcy Lais was elected to Position 4 and Cliff Fortune was elected
to Position 5. All three races were uncontested and all three positions are
four-year terms.
Measure 26-190, a general obligation bond for Mt. Hood
Community College, was defeated in Clackamas County by a vote of 3,757 against
and 2,740 for the measure, and defeated by an overall vote of 21,108 against to
17,084 for the measure.
Countywide, 55,355 of 271,779 (20.37 percent) registered
voters voted in last month’s election. By Garth Guibord/MT |
|  Howard Bickle, Jr.
Howard Bickle, Jr.’s theatrical journey started in Sandy.
His earliest endeavors came at Sandy High School, where his interest was fueled
when Chris Harris became the drama teacher.
“I can’t say enough about how important these high school
teachers are; (Chris Harris) inspired his students to play and create,” said
Bickle, who now lives in Welches. “The last time I felt like throwing up before
audition was in high school.”
After graduating in 1986, Bickle launched into his career,
studying at the United States International University in San Diego (which
Bickle described as the “college version of Fame”) and the University of
Minnesota before working in theaters as an actor and director, including the
Guthrie in Minneapolis and the La Jolla Playhouse.
And now his journey brings him back to where it all started,
with Bickle returning to his roots and his family, including 15 nieces and
nephews. This month, his latest theatrical endeavor, the Wolf Pack Theater in
Sandy, will offer its inaugural production, “Chapter Two,” by Neil Simon.
Bickle sees potential for the new theater in the area, as he
reflected on the number of years he spent in Ashland and witnessed firsthand
the effect seven theater venues can have on a community. He also noted that he
doesn’t see the new theater as competing with established theaters in the area,
including Sandy Actors Theatre and Nutz-n-Boltz Theater Company in Boring, but
that more theaters can help support each other, particularly by fostering the
artistic community of actors, directors, designers and more.
“More theater is actually better for the existing theaters,”
he said.
Bickle plans on utilizing the people he’s met through the
years, including graduates of SHS who have gone on to successful theatrical
careers, Broadway professionals and other actors based around Portland who have
appeared on television shows such as “Grimm” and “Leverage.”
The theater, located at 39570 Pioneer Blvd. on the east end
of Sandy’s business district, is the smallest house Bickle has worked in, with
a capacity of 49 seats. He noted that the intimate space is more like a film or
TV studio, and the actors will have to take that into account for their
performances.
“Here, honesty in the performances is so important,” Bickle
said. “There is no hiding anywhere.”
He chose “Chapter Two” because of the parallels to his own
life, as the show deals with the loss of a loved one. In the play, George
Schneider, a recent widower, starts dating but ends up with bad matches until
he finds the Jennie Malone.
“I immediately identify with it,” Bickle said. “If we’re
focusing on honesty, the best art needs vulnerability and personal
connections.”
Bickle, who is directing and playing the role of George,
noted the play has the expected comedy and precision timing that Neil Simon is
known for, but it also has some sensitive and dramatic moments along with “very
relatable characters.”
“He’s much deeper than I had anticipated,” he said. “I think
that’s what people will recognize with this show.”
Bickle is also utilizing his large family as a resource for
the show, including his brother, Jason, serving as the master carpenter, his
dad as the house manager and his mom as a seamstress.
And while Bickle is still honing the upcoming season for his
fledgling theater, he hopes to include “Sylvia,” by A.R. Gurney and “The Weir,”
by Conor McPherson.
And with all the support he’s received so far, Bickle has a
good feeling about the latest chapter in his theatrical, and life’s, journey.
“We’ve got the right energy, so to speak, to make it work,”
he said.
The Wolf Pack Theater presents “Chapter Two,” by Neil Simon,
from Thursday, June 1 through Sunday, July 2, at 39570 Pioneer Blvd. in Sandy.
Show times are 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets
are $18 for general admission and $15 for students and seniors. For more
information, visit www.wolfpacktheater.com or call 541-722-2667. By Garth Guibord/MT |
| Whey better, barNONE posted on 06/02/2017
Corrine Konell was told a couple years ago following
extensive food allergy testing that she likely could end up with an auto-immune
disease later in life.
She was allergic to gluten and highly intolerant to cow
dairy products.
Changes were necessary.
“Being a very on-the-go person while trying to stay fit and
eat right is difficult as it is, but even more so when you can’t have just the
normal stuff,” Konell wrote in an email to The Mountain Times. “So, fueled by a
frustration to ‘break out of the typical herd’ I got to work on creating a
protein bar unlike any other.”
Turned out, it was a goat herd. It seems that goat whey has
considerably less lactose than cow dairy, and less allergenic.
Konell went to work (the process has taken two years) on
creating a protein bar unlike any other because “I was simply unable to find
any clean/nutrient-dense snack or quick food product that was actually
sustainable, and that I could have.”
After rigorous kitchen trial and error, clearing the
difficult hurdles required by the FDA, and obtaining a trademark, Konell came
up with a new marketable protein bar she dubbed, appropriately: barNONE.
At the moment, there are no goat farms in Oregon large
enough to fill the new business needs, or are certified for what the FDA
requires. Presently, the goat whey comes from a large farm in Wisconsin and is
certified 100 percent grass-fed. But this source will change.
“I plan to get goats of my own next year, when our farm is
set up,” she wrote.
Konell’s talents go beyond creating a new protein bar. She’s
become a quick study in the marketing business as well.
“My scheme this early on has been on social media outlets
and farmers’ markets … including the Nike Campus markets,” she wrote. “Our main
focus right now is getting out there in the local communities so we can gain
exposure, build relationships, and help customers become familiar with our
brand.”
The barNONE protein bar is currently in small cafes, local
gyms, nutritional shops, markets “and starting next month will be in New Seasons
Markets throughout the Portland area,” she noted.
In the near future, marketing of the bar will include
sporting events, ad campaigns, newsletters, expos and blogs.
And a kickstarter campaign looms to garner financial backing
on a global basis.
The barNONE protein bar has come at a cost, however.
Konell will be leaving her longtime post at McKenzie Dental
in Welches this month.
She admitted to being “very sad to leave the dental office,
but on to new adventures.”
“All of the good, NONE of the bad” Konell’s website
trumpets, and the site can be found at: www.barNONEprotein.com. By Larry Berteau/MT |
| Skyway holds fundraiser in honor of lost friend, Josh Wuerth posted on 06/02/2017
Just one year ago, the Skyway Bar and Grill lost a good
friend in Josh Wuerth, a local musician who often played there in his numerous
bands.
After his death, the staff was left trying to figure out how
to make sense of it, and their resulting tribute will be a fundraiser this
month to benefit the Welches School music program.
“He was a really humble guy, so he might be a little
embarrassed by it,” said Jason Hornor, the chef and general manager at Skyway,
adding that Josh would be “really proud at the same time. We just want to
celebrate his life and his impact on us.”
The event, “Music: It’s Wuerth It,” will be at 5 p.m.
Thursday, June 8, at the restaurant, 71545 Hwy. 26 in Zigzag, featuring
auctions, raffles and music by Keegan Smith & The Fam, Acoustic Minds and
the Steelhead Stalkers, Fingers & Chilly. Admission is $10 and includes two
raffle tickets.
Hornor noted that Josh played with each of the bands on the
bill for the fundraiser, while also working in the music industry doing sound
and lights, and of course, always playing music.
“He played music all day every day,” said Hornor, who knew
Josh for 10 years. “He played a mean guitar.”
Tracie Anderson, owner of the Skyway with her husband, Tom
Baker, noted that Wuerth had numerous talents, including gardening, golfing,
skiing, glass blowing and also helped build the pergola and mountainscape fence
at the restaurant.
“Anything he did, he was really good at it; he was so cool,”
said Anderson, adding that he was the “best food critic” and whenever he told
them something about their food, they took it to heart.
Hornor added that it is fitting that the event benefits the
music program, as Josh taught kids how to play the guitar, some of whom have
gone on to play the open mic night at Skyway.
“Josh was always really excited about sharing his talent
with younger kids,” Hornor said.
For more information, email Tracie at
SkywayZigzag@gmail.com. By Garth Guibord/MT |
| Mountain resident’s design selected autism walk posted on 06/02/2017
When participants of the Autism Society of Oregon’s annual
walk hit the pavement on Sunday, April 30 at Oaks Park in Portland, they were
clad in a t-shirt to commemorate the event; one that was designed by Brightwood
resident Haley Montana.
Montana’s designs have graced the event t-shirt twice now,
part of a contest held each year for the event. This year was the first year
that Montana, who raised her autistic grandson, attended the walk.
“It was pretty amazing, they do a great job,” she said,
adding that they had a number of different spaces to provide what different
kids need. “They covered it all.”
Montana, who has lived on the mountain for two years, noted
it was fun to see her design being worn by thousands of people, adding that
she’d like to see some designs by younger people get selected.
For her design, she started by making an anagram from the
phrase, “autism spectrum,” turning it into “capture’s summit,” and then making
the ‘a’ into a mountain.
The design was selected from a number of submissions by a
vote of all the volunteers involved with the event.
“The design really spoke to many of volunteers for its
beautiful imagery as well as the notion that autism is a mountain for many
people to climb: difficult but not insurmountable,” wrote Tobi Rates, Executive
Director for the Autism Society of Oregon in an email to the Mountain Times.
Montana noted that her grandson, Vince, is now 22 and living
on his own for nearly two years in a group setting where his medication can be
monitored and he is ensured a hot meal each day.
She and her partner had to split their days while raising
him to make sure that one was always around for him, including staying at
school while he was there.
“It’s like God prepares you for this special kid,” Montana
said. “He’s been a blessing to us, more than anything.”
“I love that he thinks way beyond the outside of the box,”
she added. “I can embrace that, that he can think differently about things.” By Garth Guibord/MT |
|  Constance Murray, 11, ponders a LEGO sculpture.
In Ben Stiller’s 2006 movie, “Night at the Museum,” a curse
makes the exhibits come to life, making for one mischievous evening.
Fortunately, for 49 students from Welches School, the night
of Wednesday, May 17 wasn’t quite so dramatic when they trekked into Portland
to spend a night at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI).
That’s not to say that there weren’t some disruptions.
“It was rough, it was very rough, a lot of people were
snoring,” said Malakai Roches, 11, a fifth grader, who then added, “I actually
feel well rested.”
The school used to go on the field trip on a yearly basis,
noted fourth/fifth grade teacher Sharon Nobel, but stopped in 2011. But at the
urging of fifth grade teacher Kalee Adams, fourth and fifth graders, along with
Nobel, Adams and parent chaperones, broke out their sleeping bags and set up
camp among OMSI’s exhibits in the science hall.
“I wanted to sleep at OMSI, who doesn’t want to experience
that?” Adams said.
Students enjoyed an evening of dinner, a planetarium
showing, a trip through the LEGO exhibit, “The Art of the Brick,” and lessons
on a variety of subjects, including black bears, erosion, pollution, earthquakes
and tsunamis. Four total schools and approximately 250 students took part in
the event, which OMSI offers throughout the winter and spring.
“They do a good job of keeping the kids engaged,” Nobel
said. “It’s fun to see the kids in a different light, out of the classroom.
They get to see us differently, bed head and all.”
Fifth grader Chloe Sperr, 10, noted her favorite activity
was learning about the black bears, during which they had to collect poker
chips to secure food, water and a safe place to hibernate.
“That was kind of fun,” she said.
Fifth grader Elliott Chesla, 11, said that while the group
got access to everything, she most enjoyed the tour of the submarine and the
planetarium show. And a (mostly) good night of rest.
“I slept pretty good, but we didn’t fall asleep until like
one o’clock in the morning,” said Chesla, adding that they got up at 6:50 a.m.
“And I’m not tired one bit.” By Garth Guibord/MT |
| A Paradise on Pedals posted on 05/02/2017
The Mt. Hood Bicycle/Pedestrian Coalition (MHBPC) is rolling
down the road in its collaboration with the Oral Hull Foundation for the Blind
to develop a tandem cycling program to introduce blind and low vision
participants to the art and skill of cycling.
The goal is to launch a full-scale training program at Oral
Hull Park in Sandy by the summer of 2018.
The vision is limitless for the farsighted program.
“We are looking for cyclists who may be interested in
becoming a tandem captain,” said George Wilson, director of the MHBPC. “Plans
are to develop a beginner and intermediate cycling program to include fully
supported single-day and multi-day rides.”Wilson also noted that riders wishing
to pedal beyond these programmed rides, that the coalition and the foundation
are working with the Oregon Bike Racing Association to sanction a racing series
for participants at the Portland International Raceway next year.
But the program tour doesn’t end there. Work is already
underway with the Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB) which already
has an established tandem cycling program.
On April 18, the WSSB launched its first pedaling bonanza,
according to lead captain Steve Rosvold. He was joined by local Mountain
resident and captain Terre Tomey, who buzzed through the nine-mile course for
the first time.
It should be noted that Wilson was unable to participate due
to having “tweaked my back.” He promises to make a comeback.
Regarding the WSSB ride, “Fifteen seasoned stokers and eight
(mostly rookie) WSSB captains, safely pedaled to Winter Park in Vancouver,”
Rosvold said. “We got to know one another and climbed through the historic
reserve on our return trip.”
Rosvold pointed out that almost all of the stokers were
stricken with “half ride syndrome” – an affliction that occurs when there
aren’t enough captains to pilot the full stockade of stokers.
While the WSSB is focusing on shorter distance excursions,
the local coalition-Hull group is looking forward to next year’s goal of
developing a program to introduce blind and low vision stokers to the art and
skills of advanced cycling techniques.
“Participants of our program will be introduced to longer
single-day rides, as well as multi-day rides that include overnight camping and
lodging,” Wilson said. “Participants will be introduced to basic and advanced
riding techniques, basic bicycle maintenance, and endurance racing.”
As a cycling bonus, Wilson noted that the coalition-Hull
program is connecting with the Oregon Bicycle Racing Association (OBRA) to
offer riders to test their advanced skills in sanctioned tandem racing series
during the OBRA weekly racing series at Portland International Raceway.
“We hope to encourage participants from across the United
States, as well as riders from abroad,” Wilson said.
Currently there are more male and female stokers than tandem
captains, both with the WSSB program and the Oral Hull program. Experienced
cyclists should contact George Wilson through the Mt. Hood Bicycle/Pedestrian
Coalition at mthoodbicycle.com, or phone at 503-622-0672.
New members may have the opportunity to watch Wilson return
to action following his rehab session. By Larry Berteau/MT |
|  The first haircut.
The mountain welcomes new hair salon
Rae O’Grady, who opened her new salon, Summit 26 Hair Design,
on Tuesday, April 25, will always remember who her first client was; her
five-year-old granddaughter, Allison.
“I am super excited,” O’Grady said. “My family has been very
supportive in my decision to open a shop.”
O’Grady, who moved to Rhododendron last May, is no stranger
to working magic on hair. She attended cosmetology school in 2000, and spent 17
years cutting, coloring and caring for do’s, including having a shop years ago.
She noted that she loves the relationships she builds with
her clients, which included one of her first clients ever that became her best
friend. For approximately six years, the friend would travel to Oregon from
Idaho (or sometimes bring O’Grady to Idaho) just to have O’Grady do her hair.
Her salon will offer everything from cuts and colors to
men’s, women’s and children’s haircuts, and hair products for sale, 10 a.m. to
6 p.m. from Tuesday through Saturday (and evenings by appointment). O’Grady
noted that her philosophy includes that people shouldn’t be afraid of trying a new
color, because she knows how to make it work no matter what.
“I love all the challenges and the creativity involved with
hair color,” she said. “I think the most important thing of hair color is
there’s nothing you can’t fix.”
O’Grady noted that work on the shop started about a month
before opening, with work going down to the sheetrock to build the salon up
from scratch with everything new.
She added that she’s excited for all the foot traffic at the
location and that her niece came up with the name as homage to being so close
to Mount Hood.
“It just clicked and I love it,” O’Grady said. “I think it’s
a great little place. I am so excited; it’s been a long haul.”
A grand opening celebration will be held from 10-11 a.m. on
Saturday, May 6, with snacks, juice, coffee and a drawing to win a free
haircut. She will also offer a May special of $10 off a haircut and color.
Summit 26 Hair Design is located at 68216 Hwy. 26 in the
Thriftway shopping center. For more information, visit
www.Summit26hairdesign.com or find it on Facebook by searching for Summit 26
Hair Design.
‘Sandlandia’ food cart court ready to serve
Brightwood’s Jerry Carlson has been around business most of
his life, starting off as a freshman in high school and working for the family
car business in Sandy, working up from cleaning the floors and toilets to
serving as the new car manager and putting together advertising.
But Carlson noted that the hours required to work at the
dealership meant he missed out on a lot, which lead him to get involved with
commercial property.
His latest endeavor is “Sandlandia,” a food cart court in
Sandy that will have space for 10 food carts, plus a few parking spaces, picnic
tables and facilities.
“I want to make it nice, I want it to be fun,” Carlson said,
adding that the name was a spinoff of the television show “Portlandia.”
Carlson noted that the property where the court is located
has been in his family for years, with a number of restaurants utilizing the
small building that was previously there. He put it up for sale, but started
thinking of alternatives to selling it and that’s when his idea struck.
“I kind of want to be on the (food cart) wave,” Carlson
said.
Now two years into his project, Carlson expected to have
carts open in late April, with carts open for breakfast and as late as they can
stay open until, including offerings such as fresh seafood, sliders, gyros,
macaroni and cheese, crepes and fish and chips.
He plans on making sure that the main dishes offered by the
carts do not overlap and that customers can enjoy a range of different foods.
Carlson added that he never went to a food cart court prior
to embarking on this endeavor, but he did visit one in Happy Valley, where he
picked up some good pointers on how to run Sandlandia.
“Those guys are paying huge money for spaces,” he said.
“That many carts, they’re competing to make money. It’s not what I wanted.”
Carlson noted that he went “above and beyond” to keep
expenses down so that carts could succeed at the location, which he sees as a
perfect spot for local residents and motorists travelling through to ski, hike
and more on Mount Hood.
“Now you can stop on your way, grab something to eat,
everybody’s got their spot they can run to,” he said. “I think it’s just going
to be awesome for everybody driving by. There’s food here that’ll be good for
them.”
Sandlandia is located at 38440 Pioneer Blvd. For more
information, visit www.Sandlandia.net. By Garth Guibord/MT |
|  Students work on the mural.
Christian Barrios, an artist who works in various mediums
including marquetry (wood), murals, recycled materials and more, grew up in
Mexico City, where he was first introduced to art by painting ceramics his
grandfather made. Today he helps bring art into classrooms all around Portland
through the Right Brain Initiative, an arts integration to help students link
learning from one area to others, and he still appreciates how the young
artists approach things and visualize their work.
“That’s why I like to work with kids, they have their own
idea of work,” Barrios said.
Barrios came to the Welches Schools to lead students in creating
a mural of Mount Hood, utilizing a variety of techniques and recycled materials
for the final product. At first, Barrios introduced students to his favorite
arts and lead them in a one-line drawing, like those of Pablo Picasso. From
there, each student created a painting of their own with simple lines, which
Barrios took parts of and created a larger picture of Mount Hood.
That image was then projected on wood, with students
transferring the image over with chalk. From there, Barrios planned on lightening
it up, gluing on a variety of painted bottle caps and finishing it with a layer
of epoxy. The mural is expected to be hung in the school’s gym.
Barrios noted that the project allows for a discussion on
ecosystems and nature, particularly how to take care of it and the importance
of recycling.
Second grader Olin Taylor offered another valuable lesson he
learned during the project regarding the number of artists involved.
“That you might need to make a team effort to make it good,”
said Taylor, 8. “I think it’s a very interesting piece, I’m curious to see how
it works out.”
Taylor’s classmate, Addy Kolibaba, already thought the mural
was coming along, despite that there were still work left to be done.
“I just like all of the colors and everything,” said
Kolibaba, 8.
Their teacher, Dan Winans, noted that the project comes at a
good time during the school year, helping to break up the routine and offering
something fresh.
He also noted that Barrios has lead the students in other
activities that help them get thinking in other ways, including having groups
of students get up and perform a sentence and creating tableaus.
“It’s invigorating,” said Winans, who has been teaching at
Welches for 19 years.
Barrios noted that one of the biggest lessons with the
project is when students get to realize that they can create art, whether it’s
the one-line drawing or a mural of Mount Hood that will be on the gym wall for
years to come. And for second grader Autumn Haney, that message has already
gotten through.
“Don’t give up on yourself, especially when you’re not good
at it, so you get more out of life,” said Haney, 8.
By Garth Guibord/MT |
| Rhody CPO boundary burgeons posted on 05/02/2017
(MT) – The Clackamas County Board of Commissioners (BCC)
cast a unanimous vote to accept a staff report approving the expansion of the
Rhododendron CPO boundaries that the CPO had requested.
The approval, which came at a March 18 meeting, marked the
culmination of an effort to expand the boundaries that was initiated in 2007.
“This is a red-letter day for the Rhododendron CPO Board who
has worked tirelessly with Clackamas County to get the boundary to be more
representative of the community they serve,” Rhody CPO President Steven Graeper
said. “My congratulations extend to the entire RCPO Board and my sincerest
thanks to county staff and the BCC.”
The result of the effort expands the Rhody CPO boundaries
east to Road 39 – also known as Kiwanis Camp Road – and west to Lolo Pass Road
to include the north and south compounds of the Zigzag Ranger Station.
The new boundary will: address inclusion and greater
representation of the residents; resolve issues caused by the physical gap
between the Government Camp CPO and the Forest Service cabins; formalize the
historical perspective that Rhododendron is the center for planning and development
for the Rhododendron community and all those impacted should be included; and
consolidate all properties served by Lady Creek Water System and Rhododendron
Water Association into one boundary area.
Combining the two water systems will qualify the CPO for
low-income funding, according to Graeper. |
| ODOT expected to start sign work in May posted on 05/02/2017
Kimberly Dinwiddie, Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT)
Community Affairs, noted that work is expected to begin by mid May on the
RealTime signs project, with work wrapping on the infrastructure by December.
The project will add 13 variable message signs, including ten major sign
structures, six cameras and more than 20 sensors on Hwy. 26 and Hwy. 35 that
will offer up to the minute traffic information and advisories, including road
conditions and travel times between destinations.
The process for locating the signs and sensors including
utility companies and the U.S. Forest Service, with priorities including access
to power, locations that allowed drivers to make informed decisions and making
sure no protected scenic views were impacted.
The total cost for the project is approximately $4.5
million.
The signs are not expected to be activated immediately after
work is complete, as testing will be needed to make sure sensors are working
properly.
Dinwiddie added that ODOT performed survey work in April,
needing to move and melt snow to make sure everything would go in the correct
location.
ODOT activated a similar system around the interchange
between OR 217 and Hwy. 26 in July 2014 and found that after a year the number
of crashes decreased by 20.8 percent while average delay times decreased by ten
percent.
For more information, and simulations, visit
https://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/REGION1/Pages/MtHoodSigns.aspx. By Garth Guibord/MT |
|  Jake introduces himself.
Joe Schwab, a Senior Firefighter/Paramedic at the Hoodland
Fire District (HFD), notes that most people in the community probably don’t
know the names of the district’s firefighters. However, there is one member of
the district that is instantly recognizable and easy to remember: the
four-year-old purebred Dalmatian, Jake the Firedog.
“There’s a face on the fire district even if it’s spotted
and wants to lick you,” said Schwab, Jake’s handler and caretaker.
Jake arrived at the district four years ago when he was just
nine weeks old, sometime after the district responded to a house fire where
responders had to use an oxygen mask designed for a human to save a dog’s life.
Schwab, who has been with the district for 10 years, and Jake now help raise
money to provide oxygen masks designed for animals to smaller fire districts in
the state.
HFD has such masks on all of its response vehicles, and
thanks to Jake and Schwab, more than 230 sets of masks have been given to other
districts.
“I never thought it would get this big,” said Schwab, who
noted they have raised more than $23,000 so far. “He’s exceeded every
expectation.”
The pair raises money through the Emma Zen Foundation, a
nonprofit organization, and Schwab notes that while the HFD has not had to use
an animal oxygen mask yet, other districts that have received their donations
have, including the Pendleton Fire Department using one to save a lizard.
Jake’s role in the district goes well beyond the oxygen
masks, too, as he serves as a way to get conversations started, break down the
barriers and spread fire prevention lessons.
“It’s amazing how many conversations that dog has gotten me
into,” Schwab said.
Jake also assists with station tours, demonstrates how to
wear the pet oxygen masks, performs other demonstrations (although Schwab said
Jake needs to get more consistency on the “stop, drop and roll” drill) and also
serving as a calming influence on the staff, as Schwab noted that Jake will
seek out anyone who’s stressed and “hole up with them for a while.” Jake has
also been a boon for interacting with people living with disabilities, as
Schwab noted, including children at the Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp.
“He doesn’t care about wheelchairs or disabilities,” Schwab
said. “He’s just a dog and they’re a kid. That’s been a real cool thing.”
Schwab also hopes to bring Jake to the Welches School to
help kids with reading, noting that dogs don’t try and correct kids when they
make a mistake in pronunciation.
“Dogs don’t do that to you,” he said. “You can sit and read
at your own pace.”
Schwab noted that he’s always wanted a Dalmatian, which have
historically been associated with the fire service, including protecting horses
and equipment in the early years. He added that while Dalmatians in general
aren’t ideal for this kind of work, fire dogs like Jake have been specially
bred to have a good disposition.
“It’s hard to find a dog that’s willing to socialize with
100 people,” Schwab said. “Jake is ideal for that, his disposition is perfect.”
For more information, visit www.emmazen.com.
Donations for Jake’s team should be noted as for “Team 02
Oregon.”
By Garth Guibord/MT |
| The old ‘swinger’ gets a facelift posted on 04/01/2017
It was the year when Dr. Martin Luther King led the march
from Selma to Montgomery; the year of the Watts riots; the year when the first
mini skirt fluttered down a street in London; and the year the Gateway Arch was
completed in St. Louis.
Fittingly, at least in a St. Louis sense, 1965 was also the
year the Swinging Bridge arched across the Zigzag River as a temporary crossing
to allow access to Rhododendron in the wake of the 1964 flood.
Over the years, the iconic crossing suffered the advance of
years, when wood decay presented a hazard to the community.
In 2015, Clackamas County Roads and Bridges scraped up
$150,000 to rebuild the old swinger.
According to Doug McLain, of county bridge maintenance, the
rebuilding of the Swinging Bridge will take place the entire month of April,
with work commencing April 3. During that time the bridge will be closed to the
public.
“We are replacing everything other than the towers, the main
cables, and the anchor system,” McLain wrote in an email. “All of those
components will be cleaned and have a new protective coating applied to them.”
New construction includes:
- The wood will be replaced using Douglas fir, and will look
like the natural wood due to the use of a wood preservative;
- The handrail system will be green, vinyl coated wire mesh;
- The top of the handrail system will be lowered to 43 inches;
- And new wind bracing rods, brackets and hangers will be
installed below the deck.
“What we need from the community at this time … is a secure
area to park equipment and materials during the work period,” McLain wrote.
McLain can be reached at 503-780-3194 or
dougmcl@co.clackamas.or.us. By Larry Berteau/MT |
|  Tony Starlight.
Allen Bixby, owner and operator of The Shack restaurant in
Welches, noted two reasons for participating in the annual culinary mountain
celebration, the Mt. Hood Area Chamber of Commerce’s The Bite of Mt. Hood.
The first is to just see everyone in the community come out
and have fun, while the second is to share some of their best creations for a
low price.
“The event is a ton of fun,” Bixby said. “It’s fun seeing
the community relax and enjoy themselves for a good reason.”
Bixby noted The Shack, one of ten local eateries that will
participate and present small plates of food, will offer up its Shack slider,
made from half bacon and half ground beef, along with another slider variety
and cookies.
“Who doesn’t like bacon?” Bixby asked.
The Bite, held at 5 p.m. Saturday, April 29 at The Resort at
The Mountain, 68010 E. Fairway Ave. in Welches, will also include entertainment
by Tony Starlight, a silent auction and a live auction. Admission is $5, and
auction items are expected to include gift certificates, nursery stock, artwork
and more. Clackamas County Board of County Commissioners Chair Jim Bernard will
be the Master of Ceremony.
Mathias Engblom, Executive Chef at the Rendezvous Grill,
will be cooking up creations for The Bite for the third year, and plans on
offering creamy tomato basil soup and a beet tartare (which looks like the beef
version), and possibly adding beer to tiramisu to make a “beer-amisu.”
“I always enjoy it,” Engblom said. “I like to try new things and test them out on
the public.”
Chamber President Coni Scott described the gathering, now in
its eighth year, as a “family reunion,” where the mountain community can get together
for a good time. She noted that this year’s event will offer some new twists,
including screens for information on area businesses and a non-profit booth
selling bottled water and coffee, with proceeds going to the Welches School’s
Outdoor School.
Lidia Vento, vice president of the Welches Parent Teacher
Community Organization, noted that the funds will help the school’s sixth
graders spend three days and two nights, transportation and meals for the
Outdoor School program. The total cost for all the students is $9,200, or $256
per student, while the booth at The Bite will be run by sixth grade students
and their parents.
“We are thankful that Mt Hood Chamber is allowing us to
participate in this year’s event,” Vento wrote in an email.
As in past years, The Bite will also auction off cases of
food to benefit the food pantry for Neighborhood Missions of the Hoodland
Lutheran Church. And Scott added that after the event, the Chamber will donate
the 17 table centerpieces, created by florist Chelle Mansella, to senior
citizens in the area.
Each year, a local artist is also honored at The Bite, with
this year’s artist being Patty Henninger, who creates papier-mâché pieces
including sculptures and Christmas items. Henniger, a mountain resident for 45
years, previously sold her works in a Chicago gallery but now offers them
online through Facebook (look for “Paper Patty”).
Henninger, who also works in watercolors and painted
birdhouses that were auctioned off last year, noted she’s enjoyed The Bite in
the past as a participant.
“I thought it was fun thing for people to do,” she said.
Scott added that the Chamber uses the proceeds from the
event to advertise the mountain to other communities, such as last year when
the organization used $15,000 to air ads in markets including the Oregon coast,
Eugene, Medford, Sisters and Bend. Scott noted that the campaign made more than
one million impressions over a three month period.
“That’s what it’s all about, bringing people to our
mountain,” she said.
But Scott also added that the success of the event can be
credited to everyone who works on The Bite, including approximately 60
volunteers, and the people who come out to support it.
“The community is so responsive to it,” Scott said. “The
success belongs to the community and the volunteers.”
For more information, visit www.thebiteofmthood.com. By Garth Guibord/MT |
| New Commissioners show at CPO meeting posted on 04/01/2017
“The makeup of commissioners is probably the best I’ve seen
in years.”
That was the takeaway from Rhododendron CPO President Steve
Graeper at the CPO meeting held March 18 at The Resort in Welches.
The CPO session attracted an official crowd of 47 – those
who signed in – but it was considered to be a larger group than that.
Besides the discussing of CPO business, newly elected
Clackamas County Commissioner Ken Humberston, and newly appointed interim
Commissioner Sonya Fischer took their initial bows on the Mountain, doubtlessly
prompting Graeper’s praise for the makeup and shakeup of the Board of Commissioners
(BCC).
Humberston was impressed by the turnout of local residents
and saw it as a sign of solidarity within the community.
“When a community is well-organized and efficiently led, and
comes united before the commissioners, things will get done,” Humberston said.
He also noted that he plans to be a more visual presence on
the Mountain and invited anyone to contact him with their concerns. He said he
had toured some of the Mountain’s problem areas and is looking forward to doing
what he can to help the community resolve them.
Fischer acknowledged her understanding of the workings of
the BCC was limited and that there was much to learn, but said she is excited
by the challenge.
Fischer noted that she “has a heart for giving a voice” to
those who feel they are not being heard, and that is something she will address
as a commissioner.
In other business, the CPO:
Discussed the proposed boundary changes and it was pointed
out that it will bring two water associations into one boundary and will aid
the CPO in qualifying for low-income funding;
The next step in the boundary issue is the staff
recommendations to the BCC along with public testimony at a date yet to be
determined;
The Rhody Rising project continues as a work in progress and
is still in the conceptual stages, but there is a strong feeling of optimism
that Rhododendron can once again be a vibrant community; and
The steering committee for Rhody Rising was announced.
By Peggy Wallace and Larry Berteau/MT |
|  Students at rehearsal.
Sandy High School Drama’s spring production of the American
classic, “Our Town,” by Thornton Wilder, has a unique director at the helm.
Senior Riley McCord, 18, will be the first student to direct a full production
in recent memory, while also taking on the role of the Stage Manager in the
show.
For his classmates and contemporaries, it’s a bit of a shift
from having a teacher leading the way, but they are fully behind McCord and the
production, offering the story of two families, the Gibbs and the Webbs, and
life and death in the small, fictional village of Grover’s Corners.
“It’s a lot of creative freedom and I feel open telling
Riley my ideas,” said Charlie Andrade, 16, a junior who plays Mrs. Gibbs. “This
show is more of a group production more than a director production. What I like
is the unity.”
“It’s a different relationship,” added Bruce Dhone, 18, a
senior who plays George, adding that they can build off each other and it’s
more constructive.
McCord, who had his choice of plays and noted that he didn’t
like “Our Town” at first before warming up to it, is taking the responsibility
in stride.
“It feels both like an honor and a huge pressure,” he said.
“I really want to make a good show and show my peers at school what a student
can do.”
Most of the students were not familiar with the play, which
won the 1939 Pulitzer Prize for drama, but that they have come to enjoy it and
its message of appreciating life in the moment.
“I think it’s really important that people see the menial
values in life as well as the greater ones,” Andrade said. “Even the littlest
moments count.”
“I can see why it’s called a classic,” Dhone added. “You can
fit it to anything; you can just draw out so many emotions with it.”
The students have also found it to be a good change from
some of the lighter fare that they have worked on in the past.
“Were just so used to the comedy shows,” said junior Dagan Godfrey,
17, who plays Mr. Webb. “You really have to put yourself to it when you’re
trying to act serious. You have to have a good time while acting serious; it’s
something new.”
McCord, who plans on studying theater in college and
pursuing it as a career, noted he’s learned a lot during the rehearsal process
so far, from technical elements such as lighting and the set, to growing as an
actor and a director.
He also wants the audience to walk away and enjoy the life
around them.
“I hope they’re thinking about the small things in life,”
McCord said. “The big take away on this show is go home and appreciate family,
appreciate the stars, if we get any here in Sandy.”
Sandy High School Drama presents “Our Town,” by Thornton
Wilder, at 7 p.m. April 27, 28 and 29, at 37400 SE Bell Street in Sandy.
Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students and senior citizens.
For more information, call 503-668-8011, ext. 7313. By Garth Guibord/MT |
|  The remains of the picnic shelter.
Trackers Earth, a Sandy and Portland based organization that
runs outdoor programming, has offered a $1,000 reward for information leading
to the arrests and convictions of the vandals who burned down a picnic shelter
at the Roslyn Lake Campground on Nov. 11, 2016. Tony Deis, founder of the
organization, noted that there are no current leads with the case, which is
being lead by the Oregon State Police.
Deis noted that the organization has been utilizing the site
for more than three years, first renting it and then buying it as part of 90
acres, including a campground and the former Bull Run Elementary School
building. He noted the picnic shelter was well utilized by the organization and
by numerous families for many years before.
“It was an awesome gathering space,” Deis said. “Also just
the historical part of it, you could feel its history when you’re in there.”
Deis noted that the property’s neighbors have been
supportive and trying to keep an eye out, while the organization plans on
trying to rebuild the structure at some point.
“With good planning and the community behind us, we can make
it happen,” he said.
The organization also hopes to renovate the school to use
for classes and community events and is expected to utilize part of its 90
acres to start a local Community Supported Agriculture program.
For more information, visit trackerspdx.com. By Garth Guibord/MT |
| David Jacobs named Water Operator of the Year posted on 04/01/2017
Often times his work can be taken for granted. Each turn of
a faucet, every welcome spray from a shower head, the necessity of a toilet
flush, all these can be directly linked to the diligence of David Jacobs.
But he no longer operates in the background. He has been
unmasked.
Jacob was named the Water Operator of the Year by the Oregon
Association of Water Utilities at the annual conference in March at Sunriver
for his work for 12 water operations in the Mountain community.
“I wasn’t really surprised,” Jacob wrote in an email to The
Mountain Times. “I had a few clues.”
Rhododendron Water Association President Steve Graeper had
asked Jacob to sit at his table at the conference. This table was normally
reserved for officials of the organization.
“I happened to glance at the table holding the awards and
from a distance I could see the shape of name,” Jacob wrote. “I looked at Steve
and he tried to look innocent.”
Not only does Jacob conduct water operations for multiple
systems, he also owns his own water system – Brightwood Water Works.
“David Jacob, in any single capacity of the many jobs he is
responsible for, would be deserving of System Operator of the Year,” Graeper
wrote in an email. “The fact that he serves so many systems, and serves them
well, speaks volumes as the (his) qualifications.”
Jacob’s work has proved to be a major contributor to making
sure the Mountain community is recognized as having the best tasting water in
Oregon.
Jacob was nominated for the award by the Rhododendron Water
Association, and he stayed with the flow while accepting his honors.
“I guess it was a feather in my cap and in the waters
systems I operate,” he wrote. By Larry Berteau/MT |
| Timmy Robison assembles a tire swing. Architecture project brings professional into classroom posted on 03/01/2017
David Hernandez, a fifth grader at Welches Elementary
School, and his group took to the internet to come up with ideas for their
architecture project, which entailed designing playground equipment and
creating a model of it. The group decided on a boat, featuring slides, a
tunnel, bouncy chairs, a climbing wall, barrels, a steering wheel and more.
“I’ve just seen boats with slides and rock climbing walls on
the side, but some stuff we have now I’ve never seen,” said Hernandez, 10.
The project is part of the Architecture Foundation of
Oregon’s Architects in Schools program, pairing architects and design
professionals with classroom teachers. For the project at Welches, students in
fifth and third grade classes were put together in small groups, also offering the
opportunity for different age groups to interact.
Third grader Adam Pintado, 9, was in the same group with
Hernandez, and noted it was a benefit to work with a more advanced student.
“The older kids are smarter, so they’ll know what to do,”
Pintado said.
Hernandez also found benefits in working with some younger
students.
“Their imagination has other things and other ideas,” he
said. “They come up with good ideas.”
The group including fifth grader Jeb Payne and third grader
Bradley Nelson came up with some ideas that would be welcome in most living
rooms, not just on the playground. Their tree house includes a flat screen TV,
soundproofing, a kitchen, a couch and candy, in addition to more traditional
features such as a rock climbing wall, a slide and “a bouncy thing.”
“We all had different ideas,” said Payne, 10. “We all wanted
something different so it was hard to figure out what we could do.”
After students came up with their designs, approval was
needed from Mechanical Engineer Roger Arnold, Jr. from the Portland engineering
firm Glumac, including an official stamp, before construction of the model
could begin.
“It’s actually kind of good because we get this awesome
stamp,” said Nelson, 8.
Fifth grader Olivia Daniels noted her group researched
playground ideas in books, and landed on including a tire swing in order to
have it last longer in the mountain weather. She added that the group did end
up coming to the same conclusion, despite the potential for disagreement.
“Sometimes, if someone else has an idea, things can get
squiggly, like messed up, where someone doesn’t like something,” said Daniels,
10. “The funny thing is, when we were doing it, we all wanted to do a tire
swing and a bench swing.”
Ellie Garmon, a third grader who worked with Daniels, added
that the tire swing would be a good change from the others at the school’s
playground.
“We already have a ton of swings,” said Garmon, 8.
Fifth grade teacher Kalee Adams noted that the hands-on
project offers an introduction to a career that uses a variety of skills,
including math, art and science. She added that students from both grades were
excited to work on the project and that the lessons they learned were evident
elsewhere in their studies.
“I've noticed students use vocabulary learned from Roger, or
this program, while independently reading, or researching for their expository
essays,” Adams wrote in an email. “The connections across our curriculum have
started to present itself. It's truly exciting to witness as a teacher.”
Arnold said that when he first presented to the students, he
connected his career in engineering to playing with Lego blocks as a child.
He’s completed a myriad of projects, including an airport in Las Vegas, Nev.
and a movie theater outside Washington, D.C., and connected his work now to
what inspired him in his youth.
“The concept being, if you can build it in Legos, you can
build it in real life,” Arnold said. “Legos are great because you can make your
imagination wander and build whatever you want out of it.”
This is Arnold’s first endeavor with the Architects in
Schools program, which he sees as a good way to introduce kids to the field at
an early age, particularly those groups that are currently underrepresented.
“There’s not enough women or minorities in engineering,” he
said. “This is the opportunity to affect that change, when kids are young and
passionate about something new, that there are role models out there that can
get them to an engineering career.” March 17 update: a special reception presenting the design projects will be held from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, March 22, at the Hoodland Library, 24525 Welches Road, and is open to the general public. The projects will be on display at the library from Wednesday, March 22 through Monday, April 3. By Garth Guibord/MT |
| Rhody water reservoir on tap posted on 03/01/2017
For many Mountain residents, the issue of an available water
supply is assured.
And if you’re looking for a source of this assurance, look
no further than the Rhododendron Water Association (RWA).
Currently, the association’s only water storage reservoir is
a 100,000-gallon redwood tank along Henry Creek built in the 1980s. And it was
only a few years ago when a giant Douglas fir toppled onto the tank sending the
RWA members scrambling for water.
To guard against such natural disasters in the future, the
RWA is in the permitting process of building a second reservoir. It will be a
130,000-gallon concrete structure on property off Hofeldt Road in the Woodlands
area.
“We acquired the property in August 2016,” Steve Graeper,
president of the RWA, wrote in an email to The Mountain Times. “The second
reservoir will greatly enhance our ability to provide water to our customers
during high turbidity events, natural disasters, or during times when we take
the current reservoir off-line for cleaning.”
Graeper added that “the new reservoir will be equipped with
a power generating turbine to significantly reduce our carbon footprint. We
should be able to generate enough power to offset any power needed to run the
booster pumps that will occasionally be needed to send water uphill into our
distribution system.”
Most of the time the system is gravity fed from the
reservoir at the treatment plant. But, when water is needed to supply the system
from the lower Woodlands reservoir, the pumps will be needed.
The power turbine will generate most of the electricity
needed to operate the pumps. When the pumps are not being used, the generator
will send power back into the PGE power grid, resulting in an offset to RWA’s
electric bill.
Graeper noted that at the same time RWA is installing the
Woodlands reservoir, the association will also be installing a slow-sand
filtration system at the treatment plant.
“Currently, we are using very expensive cartridge filters to
filter our surface water source of any contaminants, (like) giardia and
cryptosporidia,” Graeper wrote. By implementing the slow-sand filtration, RWA
could save $10,000 to $12,000 per year in cartridge replacement costs.”
The capital improvement budget for both projects is
$650,000. RWA has been granted a low interest loan at 1.72 percent from the
State Drinking Water Revolving Loan fund and Federal Infrastructure Finance
Authority, according to Graeper.
If the Rhododendron CPO’s boundary expansion (see January story: http://tinyurl.com/hesltag) is successful,
Rhododendron could qualify for a partial principal loan forgiveness and or
grants that could significantly reduce the loan principal for the expansion by
10 to 50 percent.
“However, regardless if the boundary expansion is approved
or not, RWA is moving forward with the capital improvement projects,” Graeper
added. By Larry Berteau/MT |
| ODOT making further improvements to Hwy. 26 this spring posted on 03/01/2017
The Oregon Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) “U.S. 26
Mt. Hood Highway Safety and Preservation Project” officially ended last
October, but further cleanup will be needed in April after paving work did not
pass the final inspection. Kimberly Dinwiddie, ODOT Community Affairs, noted
the contractor who performed the work, Oregon Mainline Paving, has been
directed to grind out and repave two stretches of Hwy. 26: one 300-foot stretch
in the eastbound left lane near the truck ramp and a few locations in the westbound
travel lanes between the ramp and Government Camp.
“We apologize that we have to come out and redo this work,
however it’s important to the people who paid for this work … that we have the
contractor do this work right,” Dinwiddie said, adding that the work (which
will be weather dependant) will likely be performed during the day with lane
closures and flaggers, but not require delays like in the past summers. “This
time of year, we see spring snow, so we’re going to be planning around weather
in this case.”
ODOT also selected the contractor for the RealTime signs
project, Legacy Contracting from Stayton, Ore., which will install electronic
signs that offer up to the minute traffic information and advisories, including
road conditions and travel times between destinations. Some preliminary work on
the signs was included in the safety project, but work this year is not
expected to start until May or June.
Installation of the signs will likely include shoulder
closures and intermittent lane closures.
“It’s going to be pretty low key,” Dinwiddie said.
Dinwiddie added that ODOT has plans to place more signage
and reflective poles around the center barrier that was installed as part of
the safety project to warn drivers. Signage is expected to be installed this
spring, and it will include a flashing light to be visible at night and during
snowy conditions.
Dinwiddie also noted that ODOT is also trying to figure out
a heating system for the new signage. By Garth Guibord/MT |
|  Al Christie on Mount Hood
Al Christie has some stories.
There’s the one about when he backpacked around Crater Lake
on skis. And the time he was nine years old when the family rented a cabin late
at night and ended up buying the place next door.
And the one about hitting the road for 45 days, spending
every night but one camping in National Parks (the one night was in a motel,
where he could get a shower). And another about when he got to ski on some bike
trails by the Deschutes River with four fresh inches of snow, thanks to getting
his work done quickly.
“I was lucky,” Christie said. “That was a really nice day.”
Christie grew up in New York State and frequented the
Adirondack Mountains before moving to Oregon in 1964, where he raised his
children and worked servicing restaurant equipment until he retired in 2000.
Two years ago, his brother died, and while Christie was going through four
albums of family photos, including some that went back to the early 1900s, he
realized some of the people in them were likely relatives, but he wasn’t sure.
The realization led Christie to decide that he didn’t want
his stories to be lost, and he landed on starting a website, OutdoorTracks.com
to share them and as a platform for others to share their own.
“That was an experience that I think had something to do
with this idea,” Christie said. “The idea of, at first, having a lifetime of
outdoor stories and wanting to write them up for my grandkids.
“So it wouldn’t happen to them what happened to me when I’m
gone,” he added. “There will be some stories behind the pictures.”
Christie has already written approximately 18 of his own
stories, with photographs, for the site, which also features 10 stories by
other contributors. He noted that he does review submissions before posting,
but has found that people have responded positively to the site, while
approaching it with a variety of motivations.
“They all think it’s a great idea,” said Christie, who has
been doing some work hauling things for people since retiring. “Some, like me,
are thinking of their kids and grandkids. Others are young people just wanting
to share experiences.”
Christie noted that for anyone who is interested in sharing
their stories, he encourages them to try submitting to the site while not
worrying about small things like typos. The act of sharing the stories is the
important part.
“I don’t want them to get bogged down on that sort of thing,
I want them to write it like they’re telling it around a campfire,” he said.
“There are people that have a lot of outdoor experiences that make good
stories, but they think they can’t write. Just put that on paper and we’ll take
it from there.”
The endeavor has also already lead to two discoveries. The
first was the Altai Hok Ski, skis that feature a climbing skin on the bottom
and are a ski and snowshoe hybrid.
“It’s the greatest ski experience that I’ve ever had,” said
Christie, who now offers the skis for sale through his site. “I like to get off
the trail. Now even cross country skiing is getting crowded.”
The second is that not only will sharing his stories on the
site be a lifetime project, but he’s also finding out that despite his time in
the Northwest, there are corners he hasn’t been – and stories yet to be told.
“I’m discovering and exploring some trails that I’ve never
even been on before,” Christie said.
To read Christie’s stories and others, visit
OutdoorTracks.com. By Garth Guibord/MT |
| Sandy High School thespians head to state posted on 03/01/2017
Riley McCord, an 18-year-old senior at Sandy High School
(SHS), noted that the group he performed a scene from “Dames at Sea” with at
the Feb. 4 Oregon Thespians Regional Acting Competition had some anxiety before
taking the stage in front of the judges. But they didn’t let that stand in
their way.
“We all went on stage with a lot of charisma, and I think
that won the crowd,” McCord said. “It showed in our faces and our actions.”
It showed in their scores, too, propelling them to the state
festival, to be held April 6-8 at the Salem Conference Center and Elsinore
Theatre in Salem. The six students, part of 25 SHS sent to the regional
competition, have already got a start on polishing up their performances in anticipation
of the next round.
“We know it’ll go by pretty fast,” said McCord, who has gone
to the state competition three times before.
Sophomore Seriah Vulgas, 15, added the group’s success at
the regional competition stemmed from some all-day rehearsals, but that she’s
also already feeling the nerves for the Salem performance.
“I’ve never done something like this before,” she said. “I
think we’re just going to continue to work on perfecting it.”
Most of the cast is also preparing for the high school’s spring
production of Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town,” directed by McCord and set to open
later in April, but sophomore Gina Hillstrom noted that because the competition
group already put in so much work, working on their scene shouldn’t cause a
conflict.
“I think it’ll be pretty easy to handle,” said Hillstrom,
15. “It’ll definitely take some balancing and time management, but it’ll
happen.”
McCord and Began Godfrey, a 17-year-old junior, will also
head to the state competition for their duo dramatic scene from “Only Kidding,”
by Jim Geoghan.
“We’ve got a lot going on,” McCord said. “Hopefully we’ll be
competitive at state.”
By Garth Guibord/MT |
|  Tyler Myers
The newest member of the Hoodland Fire District’s (HFD)
career staff, Firefighter/Paramedic Tyler Myers, is also an old hand at the
station and in the community. Myers, 21, grew up on the mountain.
As Myers described, when he was in high school he needed to
find some direction. His father was a HFD volunteer, so Myers joined the
district’s Explorers program, designed to give youth an opportunity to see what
the fire service is all about.
“I came in and just instantly fell in love with it,” said
Myers, a 2013 graduate of Sandy High School, adding that he then knew he wanted
to pursue it as a career.
On Jan. 16 of this year, that became a reality as he
officially joined the paid staff in the district.
“It’s kind of surreal – two years ago I was volunteering,
working alongside paid guys,” Myers said. “Now I’m one of them.”
In addition to his time spent as a volunteer with the HFD,
he also participated in a program at the Estacada Rural Fire District for about
two years. When his paramedic classes began to make his schedule more complex,
Myers stopped with Estacada, but maintained his volunteer status with the HFD.
He said that he appreciates the work because it’s not the
typical “nine to five” job and that the coworkers become a family away from
home. Myers also added he’s very familiar with the district, including
challenges such as snowy weather and incidents on the mountain that are not
seen with fire districts located in higher population areas.
HFD Chief John Ingrao noted Myers was one of 19 people who
applied for the position, adding that Myers is a “real professional.”
“He has always been an outstanding mature person (way beyond
his years),” Ingrao wrote in an email. “He is one of those individuals that
brings enjoyment to all those he interacts with.”
Myers added that he has a couple friends who have just
started similar student programs that he began right out of high school.
“Straight out of high school I hit the ground running, I
took as many classes as I could,” he said. “It feels great to be at the light
at the end of the tunnel. It just feels great to look up in the middle of the
day and realize I’m getting paid to do what I love.”
By Garth Guibord/MT |
| Fischer tapped for BCC open seat posted on 03/01/2017
Surviving a cavalry charge of 78 candidates, Sonya Fischer
has emerged as the unanimous choice to be Clackamas County Commissioner,
Position 5.
The appointed position became available when Jim Bernard –
the former Position 5 commissioner – was elected Chair in the November 8
election and took his new position in January.
The field of 78 hopefuls who applied for the vacancy was
trimmed to eight and all received interviews before the Board of County
Commissioners (BCC) January 8.
The first of February the BCC announced three finalists from
which Fischer was chosen on Feb. 7. She lives in Lake Oswego.
Fischer is an attorney with the law firm of Fischer Family
Law.
She is a former legislative director for the Oregon
Department of Human Services. She holds a J.D. from Lewis and Clark Law School,
a Master of Public Administration from Portland State University, and a
Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Warner Pacific College.
Fischer will complete the remaining term of Position 5 which
runs through December 2018.
The final three candidates included Jody Carson and Jenni
Tan.
Carson is a director with Healthinsight Oregon. She formerly
served as a member of the West Linn City Council and has an extensive record of
government and community service.
Tan is an officer with Children First For Oregon, a
non-profit organization that advocates for children’s well-being. She formerly
served on the West Linn City Council. By Larry Berteau/MT |
|  'Rhody Rising' possibilities.
If you want to keep the present look of Rhododendron in
mind, it would be a good idea to take some mental snapshots soon.
The effort has been dubbed “Rhody Rising,” and the plan was
hatched at a Rhododendron Community Planning Organization (CPO) meeting in
October last year. In the New Year, it has fled the nest.
“The idea is to make the Mountain community of Rhododendron
a safer, more economically vibrant, and a more appealing community to stop,
shop and stay,” CPO President Steve Graeper wrote in an email. “I think
Rhododendron can once again return to the vibrant community it once was. As a
matter of fact, I believe we can be even better.”
The ambitious goals of the project include: a sign to
identify Rhododendron and welcome visitors; sidewalks on both sides of Hwy. 26;
pedestrian safety islands; street lighting; bike paths; and parks and paths
leading to the Zigzag River and on the north side of the “Swinging Bridge.”
At a subsequent CPO meeting in November, Mark Seder, of
Seder Architecture and Urban Design, made a presentation that included artist
renderings of the type of redesign that was possible. (See graphic this page)
“Our work in 57 Oregon cities has ranged from some of our
most rural, and even isolated, to downtown Portland,” Seder said. “Rhododendron
is a tremendous opportunity to realize positive, community supported
improvements and further establishment as a thriving town center.”
In the October meeting a vote was taken by the membership
unanimously supporting the effort to revitalize Rhododendron. The wing flap
drew the attention of some members of the business community.
“As a business owner, I’m really interested in the beautification
of our area,” said Brigette Romeo, owner of the Still Creek Inn in Rhody. “It
needs some love to get it blooming again. It is going to take all property
owners, business owners, and local residents to come together and create a new
vision.”
Rick Applegate, proprietor of Mt. Hood Roasters in Rhody,
noted that there has been more investment in Rhododendron in the last couple
years than in the previous couple of decades.
“With Mercury Development, Ski Bowl, Mountainology, Al Forno
Ferruza and Mt. Hood Rec recently purchasing properties and developing
businesses, I see Rhododendron on the verge of an economic renaissance,”
Applegate said. “Mt. Hood Roasters invested in Rhododendron 10 years ago. It
has been a struggle because Rhody is so undervalued by some business leaders.
This will not be the case in five years thanks to the hard work of our local
CPO, and investors that have recognized Rhododendron’s potential.
“I see a much more cohesive business community in
Rhododendron that will be focused on ensuring this community has the resources
it needs.”
Investment is key, as the CPO has reached out to the
community for financial support as well as brought aboard a grant writer.
“In order for us to be eligible for any grant funding, which
will help finance this effort, we need to show potential grant funders that we,
as a community, are supportive of this effort,” Graeper said.
Early indications are positive. Seder’s initial invoice was
for $2,596.63, but the architect made an in-kind donation of $1,300 making the
CPO responsible for the other $1,300. As of Jan. 22, the CPO had already raised
$3,880.
Others who wish to donate can mail checks to Rhododendron
CPO, PO Box 33, Rhododendron 97049, and indicate the funds are for “Rhody
Rising.” Donations are tax deductible as the CPO is a 501(c)3 and the ID number
is 93-1286631.
At the January CPO meeting, the motion to continue with the
Rhody Rising dream passed unanimously.
With the support of the majority of the community, Rhody has
wings. By Larry Berteau/MT |
| School district changes calendar following snow days posted on 02/01/2017
By the middle of January, the Welches Schools, and schools
throughout the Oregon Trail School District (OTSD), had been closed for 13 days
due to winter weather and icy conditions, plus two days with late starts. And
while snow days are often a welcome respite for students from a typical school
day, the sheer number of them has some kids longing to go back and their
parents wondering about the impact on their education.
“The problem is, they’ve set the standard,” said Nicole
Stenson, mother of a kindergartener and a third grader, about closing schools
due to even a threat of bad road conditions. “Which seems to me like a really
flawed strategy. It seems to me like when everybody’s going to work,
something’s amiss.”
In response to the lost days of school, the OTSD board of
directors approved changes to the school calendar at a Thursday, Jan. 26 board
meeting. The changes include extending the end of school to Friday, June 9 for
Sandy High School (SHS) seniors and to Friday, June 16 for students in grades kindergarten
through 11 (a change of two days); the elimination of early release days
beginning Wednesday, March 1 (providing 13 more hours of instructional time);
and adding 21 minutes per day to the beginning of school at Sandy High School,
starting Tuesday, Jan. 31 (the start time will now be 7:24 a.m.).
Julia Monteith, OTSD Communications Director, noted the
changes came down to the number of instructional hours mandated by the state.
“We always go above and beyond those hours and we had a
little bit of a cushion,” she said.
Graduation for SHS will not be affected by the calendar
changes. Morning bus schedules for the high school on the mountain will be
approximately 10 minutes earlier for routes 1, 2, 4 and 5. The changes are
expected to be updated on the district’s website, oregontrailschools.com.
Alicia Schnadig, a mother of three (a fourth grader, second
grader and preschooler), expressed her concern that the inconsistent school
schedule could have an impact on the state testing later this year.
“I feel like they’re missing out on a lot of their education
right now,” she said. “I’m worried about them, because they’re still going to
have to do all the state testing that’s required of them.”
Schnadig noted that her family has good tires and four-wheel
drive, allowing them to get out during snow days, including going sledding,
cross country skiing and snowboarding.
“We’ve done all kinds of stuff,” she said. “But they’re
definitely bored and want to go back. You can only go sledding so many times.”
Schnadig also noted that while she stays at home with her
children, the snow days offer challenges for parents who need to work, adding
that she knows people who have had to pay for childcare because their kids
didn’t go to school.
Stenson, who also stays home with her children, would like
to see better snow routes for buses, while adding that she believes parents
could figure out a way to carpool when the weather turns bad to get students
in.
“We’re a small community here,” she said. “We will pull
together and get our kids to school.”
Stenson added that her family filled the snow days with
skiing, sledding and some indoor activities, such as Minecraft. But she also
noticed that her youngest child is suffering from the lack of school.
“His reading has definitely regressed,” Stenson said. “That
was kind of disappointing.”
Patty Chesla, a mother of a fifth grader, works for the
Gresham-Barlow School District, and noted she had resources to help her
daughter continue her studies. Unfortunately, her daughter had a broken arm,
eliminating sledding and skiing as snow day activities.
Chesla added that while she understands that some parents
wouldn’t want the school year extended and summer vacation diminished, she
would prefer to have the days missed tacked on to the end of the calendar.
“People have plane tickets, I totally get both sides,” she
said. “I just don’t want my child cheated on her education.”
Principal Kendra Payne shares these concerns, as she has two
children at the school, a fifth grader and a third grader. She noted that while
they’ve been busy playing outside, playing games inside, watching movies and
tending to firewood (along with some reading and math), she knew the snow days
that helped extend the winter break will mean students and staff will have to
start over with the routines and structures of the school day.
“We’re going to have to hit the ground running when we come
back,” Payne said, adding that she also knows that some students might have
even lacked access to full meals during snow days. “Rebuilding back the
schedules can take time.”
But she also expressed her confidence in the school staff to
make up for the lost instruction time, even if they have to do things a bit
differently.
“We have a great staff, they’re hard working and ready to
get back,” Payne said. “(They always) come up with good solutions during times
like this.” By Garth Guibord/MT |
| Vacant BCC slot expected to be filled this month posted on 02/01/2017
The empty seat on the Board of County Commissioners (BCC)
attracted 78 candidates for the open position – a spot made available following
the Nov. 8, 2016 election when then-Chair John Ludlow was defeated.
Recruitment closed Jan. 3, and the four members of the BCC
went to work immediately to narrow the field to eight candidates, announced
Jan. 18.
“The quality of the candidate pool was very impressive, and
we truly thank all those who showed an interest in this important position,”
newly elected BCC Chair Jim Bernard said. “I, like my fellow commissioners,
look forward to these interviews and making a selection in the best interest of
our residents as soon as possible.”
The interviews took place Jan. 25, with each candidate being
provided two questions in advance – one related to the most significant
challenge facing the county, and another concerning how candidates would
represent county residents outside of their immediate communities.
That last question will be important to the Mountain
community. Presently, there are no board members residing in any rural
community, and that includes the eight candidates vying for the open seat.
The final decision will be made Feb. 1, according to Tim
Heider, County Public Affairs Manager.
Those nominated candidates are:
Eleanore Hunter, Oak Grove, manager with Hunter Financial,
Inc. and co-manager of USA Financial, and currently serves on the Oak Grove
Community Council.
Scott Bruun, West Linn, Chief Operating Officer of Hubbell
Communication and a former member of the Oregon House of Representatives.
Jody Carson, West Linn, manager with HealthInsight Oregon,
and former member of the West Linn City Council.
Sonya Fischer, Lake Oswego, attorney with Fischer Family
Law, and former Legislative Director for the Oregon Department of Human
Services.
Charles Gallia, Oregon City, senior policy advisor with the
Oregon Health Authority.
Jon Gustafson, Lake Oswego, co-owner of Beals Design Build,
a real estate broker, and former member of the Lake Oswego City Council.
Carol Pauli, Oregon City, owner/operator of Midway Historic
Public House, and a former member of the Oregon City City Council.
Jenni Tan, West Linn, officer with Children First For
Oregon, and former member of the West Linn City Council. By Larry Berteau/MT |
| Melinda Revere (front) holds her award. Hoodland Fire District caps off 2016 with awards banquet posted on 02/01/2017
Mountain resident and Hoodland Fire District Firefighter
Melinda Revere has a lot to keep track of every day. Besides her duties with
the district (including training and responding to calls), she’s a mother of
four and works in Portland.
On Saturday, Jan. 28, the HFD honored Revere for her
dedication as the Firefighter of the Year at the district’s 2016 awards
banquet.
“It feels really good, I wasn’t expecting it though,” Revere
said. “(There are) a lot of great people and I’ve learned a ton. I just try and
go to as much as I can.”
Fire Chief John Ingrao noted that Revere “exemplifies what
we do and what we are,” adding that the number of responses she participated in
was one of the top number in the district, while also ranking near the top in
participating in training. Ingrao said that she “stood out to everybody” who
voted for the award, scoring almost a unanimous decision by the voters, who
included the career paid staff, volunteer officers and volunteer senior
firefighters.
“At night she’s coming in, and sometimes staying up all
night on calls and then going to work,” said Ingrao, who noted she’s also attending
school to become an Emergency Medical Technician. “(She’s) very dedicated.”
Revere, who has been with the district for three years,
added she enjoys serving the community.
“It feels good, it’s good to know that you’re able to be
there for somebody when they’re having a bad time,” she said.
Dana Waldron took home the Rookie of the Year award and
Susan Mikolasy, who often is the sole responder covering Government Camp,
received the EMS of the Year.
The district also honored two retirees, former Fire Chief
Mic Eby, who served the district for a total of 38 years, and Shirley Dueber,
who was on the board of directors for 28 years between 1983 and 2015. Current
board member Cliff Fortune, who served with Dueber for 20 years, noted that she
was a big part of what the district has accomplished over that time, including
the financial reserves it enjoys today.
Eby and his wife, Linda, who helped start the district’s
support group, received a quilt from the support group and a custom made sign
from the district.
“We all are so grateful for everything you have done,”
Amanda Schmitt said before presenting them with the sign.
Years of Service
award winners were: Kevin Frank, Taylor Kopecky, Tom Nelson, Pat Tritico and
Brandon Guerrero for three years; Kaarin Powell and Tony Hadeed for five years;
Richard Powell for 10 years; Nick Miller for 15 years; James Lucas for 20
years; and Jim Jarvis for 30 years.
By Garth Guibord/MT |
|  AntFarm's Sandy cafe.
On Tuesday, Feb. 14, AntFarm, the nonprofit with Brightwood
roots and now based in Sandy, will celebrate four years of giving and helping
through its Sandy cafe and bakery with more giving by offering up their
victuals for whatever patrons can afford.
Travis Roundy, a Brightwood resident who has served in a
variety of roles with AntFarm since 2012, said that he’s enjoyed seeing the
organization evolve through the years, including the cafe ranking as one of the
top rated restaurants in Sandy, while also serving as a meeting space for a
wide range of groups.
“It’s really cool to see where we’ve gotten to now,” said
Roundy, AntFarm’s manager. “It’s creating all this new awareness.”
He added that 2017 should see even more growth for the
entire organization, including adding classes, workshops and events at the
cafe, including “Lunch and Learn” lectures led by community members, completion
of more beds and development of workshops at the organization’s Learning
Garden, and continued growth of YouthCore, which provides paid employment and
skill-building opportunities for youth with a focus on conservation, and
CommunityConnect, which offers assistance to local senior citizens with home
management tasks such as splitting and stacking wood, raking yards, cleaning
gutters and gardening.
Roundy noted that many homeowners who have enlisted the
AntFarm for projects have noted how reliable the young workers are.
“We’re going to show up on time every time and we’re going
to have all the tools,” he added.
The group has also seen success with two trailers (one at the Hoodland Thriftway shopping center and
one in Sandy) that serve as receptacles for people to donate cans and bottles.
Roundy noted that proceeds from those have covered a portion of the
organization’s insurance, and he hopes that the level of participation
continues when the deposit on cans and bottles rises to 10 cents later this
year.
“If people continue to do it in the way that they have been,
it’s going to be a total game changer,” he said. “It will be a huge thing for
us.”
The AntFarm Cafe and Bakery is located at 39140 Proctor
Blvd. in Sandy. For more information, visit antfarmyouthservices.com.
More AntFarm events in February:
Friday, Feb. 3 – AntFarm will celebrate First Friday with
the City of Sandy and host its Soup Night from 5-8 p.m. at AntFarm Indoors
(39140 Proctor Blvd). February Featured Artist opening display in the Cultural
Arts Center.
Thursday, Feb. 9 – Featured Artist presentation for the
community.
Sunday, Feb. 12 – Starting this date, AntFarm will be open
seven days a week.
Friday, Feb. 17 – AntFarm Third Friday: Tribella (A local
belly dancing troupe) will perform with a local band in the evening. The Café
will be open for drinks and pastries. Time TBA.
Saturday, Feb. 18 – Paint Night: From 5-10 p.m. come join
members of the community for chocolate, dessert, coffee, tea and a fun night of
painting. Please contact AntFarm at 503-668-9955 to sign up.
Sunday, Feb. 19 – Wy'east Live Costume Drawing 5-10 p.m.
Please contact AntFarm to sign up.
Monday, Feb. 20 – AntFarm Outdoor Adventure will be going
out on a Snowshoe/Sledding trip to White River Canyon. Stop by AntFarm Indoors
or call in to the office to sign up. Limited number of snowshoes and sleds are
available. By Garth Guibord/MT |
| Merit Properties welcomes broker number nine posted on 02/01/2017
After 20 years of management and operations, plus nearly
four decades in the seat of a big rig, Brian Vieira made a tight right career
turn.
Vieira has joined Merit Properties Inc. as a new broker,
bringing the Merit staff to nine.
Last year Vieira found himself “available for new
opportunities” and turned his attention to obtaining a broker’s license – a
feat that culminated in passing both exams in December.
Vieira met with Merit owner David Lythgoe in late summer
last year to discuss possibly joining his firm.
“I liked him immediately,” Vieira said. “I’m thankful to
Dave for taking me under his wing as it were, and getting me started. My father
owned a real estate company when I was growing up, so I suppose it’s always
been in the blood. Helping others has always made me happy so this too was a
motivator to get my license.”
Lythgoe noted that all Merit brokers live, work, and play on
the Mountain when commenting on bringing Vieira aboard. “Brian will be working
with buyers and sellers here, as well as Sandy, Gresham, Portland and suburbs
east of Portland.”
Phyllis Vieira, Brian’s wife of 35 years, also works on the
Mountain.
“Now we both have that great commute,” Vieira said. “I look
forward to helping my neighbors as well as those that would like to join our
little community finding that just-right home or property.”
Vieira can be reached at 925-464-3930 or email at
brian@mountainmanproperties.com.
Merit Properties office is located at Hoodland Park Plaza
next to Thriftway. For more information, principal broker David Lythgoe can be
reached at 503-622-3141. By Larry Berteau/MT |
| Rhododendron dispensary focused on the local scene posted on 02/01/2017
After more than three years of working to open, the Mt. Hood
Rec Center, a marijuana dispensary in Rhododendron, opened its doors on Sept. 9
last year.
Sara Pool, the dispensary manager, noted that the first
months were buoyed by local support before the ski resorts opened and tourists
came to the mountain.
“They have been such a resounding positive influence, I’ve
never seen anything like it,” said Pool, who has experience managing four other
dispensaries in the past five years. “We’re just trying to keep them coming
back for more. Business is building, hoping to maintain that growth.”
But as Pool noted, the business is focused on building the
local ties as its philosophy, including creating an environment that encourages
repeat customers, responding to feedback and suggestions on what people would
like to see, keeping prices low and utilizing local grow operations and vendors
for marijuana and accessories. And beyond that, Pool added that the hope is
that the business can help spur growth in the Rhododendron community.
“We want this town to be a stopping point, not a passing
point,” she said, adding that she’s been involved with the Rhododendron
Community Planning Organization. “We’re just really trying to tap into our local
community and what they have to offer.”
The shop offers a wide range of products, including
marijuana flowers, cartridges, tinctures, pipes and “grab-n-go” items geared
toward outdoor enthusiasts, including collapsible bongs. And as new products
are introduced (such as beverages); Pool notes the dispensary will get them in
stock.
But the store will also emphasize education, including how
marijuana impacts the body, how to best prepare for using it (such as hydrating
and taking care with edibles) and helping people who use the drug for medicinal
purposes.
“We get incredibly scientific, as much as we can, so people
are aware as possible,” Pool said. “The more you know about just regular
biology and physiology, it just ties in.
“What we focus on is anything that’s going to help anybody
from cancer to fibromyalgia,” she added.
Pool noted that the idea for the dispensary started about
four years ago, with the owners, including developer Randy Rapaport, purchasing
the property approximately three and a half years ago. She added that Clackamas
County put a hold on their building permits as part of a moratorium on
medicinal marijuana licenses, delaying work on the business, but they were able
to work with the county to get things rolling again.
The Mt. Hood Rec Center is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
and is located at 73410 Hwy. 26 in Rhododendron. For more information, call
503-622-4272, email info@mthoodrec.com or visit www.mthoodrec.com.
By Garth Guibord/MT |
|  SkiBowl's tubing hill
Hans Wipper has seen a lot of snow fall on Mount Hood
through the years through his work at SkiBowl since 1988. And last month’s
bonanza of snow ranks pretty high and allowed SkiBowl to open on Dec. 7 and
open its outback terrain shortly after, the earliest Wipper can remember since
1994.
“It’s like the best opening conditions in 15 years, it’s
amazing,” said Wipper, SkiBowl’s spokesman. “It’s a great start to the year.”
As of Monday, Dec. 26, SkiBowl had enjoyed 113 inches of
snow so far this season, with snow depth of up to 54 inches. Wipper added that
everything at the resort is open, including tubing (now featuring a second conveyor
lift), while the newly installed snowmaking pipes at the SkiBowl west area have
not been the most necessary addition this winter.
“Luckily this year we didn’t need it,” he said, adding that
the Oregon Department of Transportation has done a “great job” clearing the
roads and allowing eager skiers and snowboarders to get to the mountain.
Closer to the peak of Mount Hood, John Burton, Timberline
Lodge’s Director of Marketing, noted that while the snowfall numbers are good,
they are in line with the numbers of the past 60 years.
“This is what it’s supposed to do,” Burton said. “We’re very
grateful for the current snow event, it’s making for some unbelievable
conditions. The snow quality is outstanding.”
As of Monday, Dec. 26, Timberline had enjoyed a total
snowfall of 235 inches (calculated since Sept. 1) and a base depth at the lodge
of 96 inches. Burton sees the ski industry across the country as enjoying a
good winter, while he noted the conditions and the type of snow on the mountain
as a driving force behind the early success of the season.
“It’s because the product is so good right now,” he said.
“There’s lots of snow and the quality of snow is great.”
Burton noted the resort’s Y’Bar was remodeled and now
features a new kitchen and new layout, including a glass garage door facing
south that can be opened when the weather cooperates.
“The goal was to create a premiere après bar type pub
environment on the mountain (with) great food and served in a timely manner,”
Burton said. “I think we pulled that off.”
Burton added that the resort is also offering “cat” skiing
on the Palmer Snowfield during the weekends, when skiers and snowboarders can
catch a ride to the top of the snowfield in a Snowcat, included in the price of
a lift ticket.
Down at the base of the mountain, Tom Butler of Mountain
Sports reported that business is “super busy,” and even joked how it was nice
to get a rainy and windy day to do a little catch-up work.
“This great early snow got everybody fired up,” Butler said.
“It’s been all we can do to keep up with the action.”
Butler added that the early snows have everybody in a good
mood, and even when customers have to wait in line, they are happy. He also
noted that mountain residents get to enjoy the snow at lower levels, going to
their secret sledding or snowshoe locations where the masses don’t go.
He also added three words of hope as winter rolls on: “Keep
it coming.”
The Skyway’s Tracie Anderson said that business has been
busy, while adding that the only slow times are when the road conditions make
for difficult travel.
“The general vibe or feeling is that people are real
excited,” Anderson said, noting that skiers and snowboarders returning from a
day of recreation are enjoying the restaurant’s fireplace. “It’s the best early
snowfall in many years. People are just in a really good mood.” By Garth Guibord/MT |
|  Miller Quarry
Mountain residents concerned with the safety and noise
issues from target shooters at Miller Quarry may have a long term solution in
the near future, according to Zach Jarrett, Cascades Outdoor Recreation Planner
for the Oregon Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Jarrett was one of several BLM representatives on hand at a
follow up meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 21 at the Mt. Hood RV Village, and noted
that the BLM finished a new Resource Management Plan (RMP) last August, which
included designating the quarry as a recreation management area and opening the
door to closing it for target shooting within the year.
“It’s a pretty powerful planning tool,” Jarrett said, noting
the plan helps decide what visitor activities are provided, how they are
managed and how they are protected. “Literally the ink is just drying on that
plan.”
The BLM had been operating under an RMP that was completed
in 1995, but the process for the new plan began three years ago. Jarrett noted
the plan gives a land use allocation to every acre the BLM manages, which in
turn identifies the activities that are allowed.
Approximately 2.5 million acres in western Oregon were
defined, with approximately one-half million acres designated as a recreation
management area. Jarrett added that the BLM received thousands of comments
during the three-year process.
“The good news is that we went through a very very public
outreach process,” he said, noting the most time consuming part of the process
is complete.
The RMP will now be reviewed in Washington, D.C., and while
there is no defined timeline for it to be approved, Jarrett said he’s seen it
happen as quickly as two months and as long as eight months.
“There’s a lot of competing uses on that area,” Jarrett
said, adding that the quarry is not closed to target shooting yet. “Some of
those that are happening here are not compatible.”
The December meeting was on the heels of another held on
Oct. 26, which was organized by Warren Bates, a resident at the Mt. Hood RV
Village, due to mounting concerns over safety and noise concerns with the
target shooting.
In response to that meeting, Belle Verbics, BLM Natural
Resources Staff Administrator, noted that law enforcement patrols were
increased (with participating agencies including the BLM, Clackamas County
Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Forest Service) to three or four times per week.
Verbics noted that the officers observed hikers, anglers and
target shooters, but did not notice anything illegal.
The quarry’s ownership is split between the BLM and a
private landowner, with target shooters using banks in both areas as backstops,
with spent casings, trash and bullet riddled electronics and other refuse used
as targets strewn about. Chris Papen, BLM’s Acting Field Manager for the
Cascades Field Office, noted the different owners, including other entities who
own other adjacent lots, makes management complicated.
“It’s a jigsaw puzzle ownership; that’s the way a lot of
land in this basin is,” he said.
Verbics added that the BLM is expected to continue with the
presence of its law enforcement at the site, but that due to the season, it may
not be as intensive moving forward.
After the meeting, Bates expressed his gratitude to the BLM
for their response and the potential closure of the site to target shooters.
By Garth Guibord/MT |
| Rhody CPO seeks bigger space posted on 12/30/2016
Years in the making, the Rhododendron Community Planning
Organization (CPO) has moved forward to the final process of a boundary
expansion effort.
A public meeting is set for 1 p.m., Jan. 21, at the Hoodland
Fire Station, 69634 Hwy. 26, where public testimony will be heard regarding the
boundary expansion after which the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) will take
up the issue and make a final determination.
The expansion is not modest in nature.
The current CPO boundary is a 1-square-mile section, which
extends at the west end of Rhododendron, from approximately the Zigzag River
bridge on Hwy. 26 east to about Belle Lake Road, according the Rhody CPO
President Steve Graeper. The north-south boundary extends about ½ mile on
either side of Hwy. 26.
“The current boundary excludes most of the Forest Service
cabins to the east, and along Road 19, and excludes the Woodlands and Faubion
neighborhoods,” Graeper added.
The new boundary would extend from the eastern edge of Lolo
Pass Road up to Kiwanis Camp Road (FS 29) with the northern border being
approximately the summit of Zigzag Mountain and the southern border the summit
of Hunchback Mountain.
“The purpose of the boundary expansion is to unify the
represented area and allow for greater participation in the CPO process,”
Graeper said.
The CPO, which formed in the 1970s as the Rhododendron
Neighborhood Association, has offered input on land use issues within its
boundaries to county officials. Since 2006, when the organization revamped its
bylaws and changed its name to the current moniker, the CPO has also served as
a communication outlet between the county and residents and been involved with
a variety of community-sponsored programs (for an in-depth look at the history
of the CPO and its presence in the community, please read Graeper’s commentary
on page 7 of this month’s paper).
The expansion comes at a time when the BCC has dissolved the
Villages at Mt. Hood – and refusing to recognize its elected directors – and
the Mt. Hood Corridor CPO has been idle since 2011 when its directors were hit
with a SLAPP suit.
By Larry Berteau/MT |
|  John Ingrao
The Hoodland Fire District’s board of directors hired John
Ingrao as the new chief last month, following the retirement of Chief Mic Eby.
Ingrao has been with the district since December 2011, when he was hired as the
deputy chief.
“It’s quite the zenith of my career,” said Ingrao, who has
lived in the community for 28 years. “I think I’m now well versed at (how the
district works), I think I can help the community continue what we have.”
One of Ingrao’s first initiatives is to start 24-hour
coverage with paid staff, which he expects to happen at the start of the New
Year after the hiring of a Firefighter Paramedic. To help facilitate that,
Ingrao will not fill the deputy chief position for approximately 18 months, as
he will continue to perform the duties of that role.
“It’s going to be difficult for me,” said Ingrao, who worked
for the Clackamas Fire District for 21 years before coming to Hoodland. “Even a
small department has a lot of administrative stuff.”
Ingrao stressed that his first priority as the chief is
public safety, and he created a Leader’s Intent, an internal document laying
out his vision, in his first days on the job to reflect that.
“Safety is always number one; I drive that in everything I
do,” he said. “That’s kind of how I envision my position as the chief.”
Ingrao noted that the district’s board also finished
strategic goals for future planning last month, with the remodeling of the
Government Camp fire station and upgrading the main station in Welches joining
24-hour coverage as three points of emphasis. He added that volunteer retention
will also be a priority, with job sharing volunteers with other agencies as a
possibility in the future.
Ingrao added that the district is currently getting material
costs for the Government Camp station, but that he believes the permit process
and planning with Clackamas County could begin in the New Year. The project, he
noted, is not very complicated and the work could begin as early as spring and
wrap up this coming summer.
“That is a very well-built structure,” Ingrao said. “(We
could be) inhibited by weather, but most work is internal. We’re very
optimistic.”
Ingrao, who was the first on the scene at the Golden Poles
fire in 2015, noted that the district offers some unique challenges, with
mutual aid from other fire districts often very far away. But he noted he has
learned a lot since he joined the district and also crediting learning under
Eby.
“The biggest thing was, I had this wealth of information that
I gleaned from the chief,” Ingrao said.
He also added that the staff and volunteers make the
district an efficient organization, with everyone working hard on various tasks
and projects when not on calls.
“My employees are my greatest resource and my greatest
asset, and that includes all volunteers that take time off from home,” Ingrao
said. “The people are what drives an agency and we are very lucky here to have
great people.”
Volunteer firefighter applications due Jan. 6 for Hoodland
Fire Department
Applications for the Hoodland Fire District’s volunteer
firefighter training academy are due by 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6, at the main
station, 69634 E. Hwy. 26 in Welches.
Applicants must live or work in the district, be 18 years of
age or older, have a valid Oregon Driver’s license, be able to pass a
background check, pass the physical agility test and pass an interview.
Fire Chief John Ingrao noted the district had received 10
applications as of mid-December, with another seven applications outstanding.
The training academy will begin in January and last for five
months.
Applications are available at the main station between 8
a.m. and 5 p.m.
For more information, call 503-622-3256. By Garth Guibord/MT |
|  Rebel & Rye staff
The tasty offerings at Rebel & Rye Public House arose
out of a mutual distaste for corporate America.
Nate Wiesner, Danny Casteel and Kelly Jones are the owners
of the new restaurant across from the Hoodland Shopping Center. And, according
to Jones, they share a group vision in their new venture.
“The ‘Rebel’ in the name comes from our combined employment
history in corporate America and our strong distaste for it,” Jones said. “We
were always told to look a certain way, act a certain way, basically never
allowed to be ourselves. The primary drive for opening our own place was to
create an environment where we could be who we wanted to be and allow our team
the same.”
The rest of the name came from a far less pointed
bureaucratic slant.
“The ‘Rye’ represents our love for rye whiskey,” Jones said,
before adding: “Plus, it sounds cool.”
Jones, of Brightwood, brings 12 years of experience in
property and financial management, and will oversee financials, payroll and
human resources. Wiesner, of Happy Valley, has more than 10 years of experience
in the hospitality, food and beverage industry and will serve as the executive
chef. Casteel, of Brightwood, also brings 10 years-plus of experience in the
industry and will be the front-of-house manager.
Dakota Mingus will add to the kitchen expertise in the role
of assistant head chef.
The menu is dotted with the influence of international
dishes that Jones describes as “gastropub.” Rebel & Rye has a full bar
specializing in local craft beers and ciders, and true to its name, features more
than 25 different whiskeys.
The menu is a gastronomic gallery of global delights.
Dinners include such items as: 12-ounce ribeye with blackened shallots; pork
cheek tacos; Hawaiian teriyaki chicken; Cubano sandwich on a grilled baguette;
crab mac and cheese; and the list goes on.
Breakfast does not take a back of the restaurant seat to the
dinner menu. The morning fare includes: chicken fried steak and waffles with
chorizo gravy; Cajun creole stack with blackened shrimp on hash browns; Dutch
baby euro-style pancakes; and a bad breakfast burrito.
“We pride ourselves in the diversity of our menu,” Jones
said. “You can come one night, have a burger, and in the same week have some
pad Thai, or jambalaya, or a quinoa bowl.”
The House has plans for live music events – already Tony
Smiley will appear Jan. 6, and the John Bunzow Trio with Bobby Cole and Ted
Swenson will sit in Jan. 13 – trivia nights, karaoke, movie showings and comedy
nights.
The Rebel & Rye Public House is located at 24371 Welches
Road, and operating hours are 7 a.m. to midnight Sunday, 10 a.m. to midnight
Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, and 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Saturday. By Larry Berteau/MT |
| Winter weather leads to multiple days off at Welches Schools posted on 12/30/2016
Kendra Payne, Principal of the Welches Schools, noted that
when winter weather hits the Oregon Trail School District, things get going
pretty early to determine if school will be cancelled, delayed or kept open for
the day. It starts when the district’s director of transportation, who Payne
added lives in the Welches area, starts to gauge the conditions of the roads as
early as 3 a.m.
“There’s a lot of layers to the process, but it also really
boils down to a simple thing: are the roads safe enough to drive on and will
the students be safe getting to school,” Payne said.
That process was frequently used in December, with the
Welches Schools racking up one late start and five days cancelled (giving
students an early start to their winter break).
Payne noted that a number of roads on the mountain are
closely watched, including Lolo Pass, Barlow Trail Road and Welches Road, while
other problematic roads in the district also get more attention, including Hwy.
211, McCabe Road and Tickle Creek Road.
“Hwy. 26 is usually in really good shape,” Payne added. “The
Oregon Department of Transportation takes really good care of it. It’s the side
roads that end up being more problematic for us.”
The Director of Transportation and Superintendent take the
information on the roads and what the weather forecast is to then come to a
decision.
Payne noted that snow can be manageable for keeping school
open, but when things ice over (as they did at times in December) it becomes
clear that a full closure is needed. In addition, the Welches Schools have
flexible closure protocol, allowing for the middle and elementary schools to be
closed or have a late start even if the rest of the district remains open.
“It’s recognized that Welches is at a different elevation,”
Payne said. “For the most part I think it works really smoothly.”
The only problem when the Welches Schools are closed or open
late, she noted, is for high school students. In that case, the bus typically
stops at the Hoodland Thriftway, while Payne noted that teachers at the high
school are also flexible in that case.
And while a snow day maybe a welcome respite for students,
the snow days in December may be twice as nice as Payne doesn’t believe the
days will be added to the end of the school calendar this summer. She noted
that while there is a formula for the number of instructional minutes students
must receive in a school year, there should be enough days remaining to meet
that requirement.
“It’s not out of the question that we might have to add days
back, because it’s early,” Payne said. “At this point, I don’t believe we are
going to be adding days on.”
The snow days also caused a number of school events to be
cancelled, some of which will be rescheduled, but some not, including a holiday
concert (will be a spring concert), a middle school dance, two basketball games
(not likely to be rescheduled), a high school band concert and a field trip to
the Portland Art Museum (likely to be rescheduled).
“It was really intense,” Payne said, adding how thankful she
was to the community for its understanding and flexibility. “It really has to
start with student safety, we don’t want anyone on unsafe roads.”
For more information and detailed snow route information,
visit http://oregontrailschools.com and click on “Transportation.” By Garth Guibord/MT |
|  Kim Yamashita
The Sandy City Council selected Sandy Police Chief Kim
Yamashita as the city’s interim city manager, with the departure of City
Manager Seth Atkinson set for Monday, Jan. 9. Yamashita has already started
working with Atkinson to get up to speed on city projects.
Sandy Mayor Bill King noted that Yamashita, one of two
candidates for the interim position, has had experience in very tough
situations and been able to keep her cool, while noting her ability to work
with others.
“Her people skills really set her apart,” King said.
Yamashita joined the city’s police department as the chief
in 2010, and she sees the job as an opportunity to serve the city in a
different capacity while gaining some new life experience.
“I think stretching and growth is always important and good
for you,” said Yamashita, who noted she wouldn’t have offered herself as a
candidate if she didn’t think she could do a good job.
King noted that the council will hire an outside firm to
lead the search for a new city manager, and it will be the same firm that was
used to lead the search for police chief when Yamashita was hired for that
position.
“We’re going to lean on them and see if they can strike gold
for us twice,” King said.
Yamashita expressed interest in taking on the position
permanently after a career spanning 24 years in law enforcement.
“I’m really proud of being a police officer,” Yamashita
said. “I think it would be a good way to leave on a high note and in good
hands.”
King noted that the council owes it to the city’s residents
to do a thorough search and end up with the right person for the position,
while adding that Yamashita should be a contender.
“I expect her to be a strong candidate for the permanent
position as well,” he said.
Yamashita noted that the city is at a critical juncture,
starting work on a new branding strategy that will help create the “face of
Sandy” for the next 15 years, while a number of projects are currently in
different stages, including the purchase of the Cedar Ridge Middle School from
the Oregon Trail School District to turn it into a recreation hub.
“We’ve got a long way to go on that project,” said
Yamashita, who noted the importance of community involvement in that process.
While Yamashita serves as the interim city manager, Sergeant
Ernie Roberts will take over as the interim police chief. Yamashita noted that
Roberts is versed in her vision of the police department and that she has
“every confidence” in him.
“I’m thankful for the council for the trust they’re
displaying in me,” Yamashita added. “(Roberts and I) both decided to just make
the most of it, have fun with it and learn from it. By Garth Guibord/MT |
|  Mic Eby
Ten years ago this month, the Hoodland Fire District’s (HFD)
board of directors named Mic Eby (serving as the acting fire chief) the
district’s fire chief, shortly after three members survived a recall vote. This
December will be Eby’s last month on the job, after he agreed to a request by
the current board to retire.
“It’s a good thing,” Eby told The Mountain Times, noting
that there is an opportunity now for the current board, which four out of five
members were not on the board when Eby was hired, to hire a chief. “They need
to build their own chief. They need somebody who they can call their own.”
Eby, whose contract expires in June 2017 and had discussed
retiring at that time, noted that when he took the job in 2006 the district was
at a controversial time, with disputes between staff and volunteers.
“We had some pretty bad times together,” said Eby, 66, who
has served the district for more than 30 years.
He added that the board at the time came up with a list of
goals to bring stability to the district and reestablish it as a good part of
the community.
“I believe I have accomplished it,” Eby said.
Eby noted that his vision included building the district up
from the inside, with improved training and better equipment, but to also not
go to the community and ask for a tax increase. And he credited the support
from his staff as a big reason to his successes.
“It really made my job a whole lot easier,” Eby said. “I had
people around me that made me look good.”
Cliff Fortune, chair of the board and the lone member who
was on the board when Eby was hired, described Eby as a “strong leader in the
community,” always attending meetings and functions as the “face of the
department” and credited him for bringing the district back from the deep
divisions and getting people on the same page.
“I wish Mic all the best in retirement; I think he’s done a
fantastic job,” Fortune said. “He’s got a lot of respect throughout Oregon fire
service.”
Fortune noted that no action was taken to start the process
for finding a new chief at the November board meeting and the board is likely
going to address it at the December meeting. He added that Deputy Chief John
Ingrao could take over as the chief on Jan. 1, 2017.
“He’d be the logical choice,” Fortune said.
The new chief will have a number of issues to deal with,
including a potential rebuild of the main fire station in Welches, renovating
the Government Camp fire station and a push to add 24-hour coverage (a new
staff member is expected to be hired by January to help provide that coverage).
“The new chief’s going to have his hands full,” Eby said.
Eby added that while he doesn’t know what he’s going to do
in retirement, he intends to continue his service with the district as a
volunteer at the Brightwood station. And after years of covering shifts during
holidays, he plans on doing something he hasn’t done in nearly 20 years - spend
Christmas with his wife.
“I’ve missed a lot by being fire chief,” Eby said. “I take
responsibility very serious. There’s fantastic people out there and they
deserve the best.”
By Garth Guibord/MT |
| George Wilson ponders alternatives to BCC posted on 12/01/2016
In testimony before the Board of County Commissioners (BCC),
Villages at Mt. Hood Chair George Wilson insisted the Mountain community was
being ignored, and that he was considering other ways to attain representation
for local residents.
“The disconnect between the BCC and village residents
continues,” Wilson told The Mountain Times. “The BCC only has interest in our
villages when there is timber to harvest to raise funds for Oregon City,
Milwaukie and Wilsonville projects. The BCC does not care about our villages,
or our residents.”
According to Wilson, the BCC public meeting held Nov. 23 in
Oregon City underlined the disconnect when it determined – once again – to
alter the county codes to remove all power previously held by the Villages board
of directors.
Wilson maintains that the BCC’s decision to alter the
Villages bylaws is directed at him, despite Commissioner Martha Schrader saying
it was “not personal or political.”
“This is personal,”
Wilson said, addressing the BCC. “I have been vilified and defamed by this
board. Not one (Villages) issue has been addressed by the BCC. You have not
listened. I know what I say here will be ignored. I have talked to a law firm
about a defamation suit (against the BCC). I am not going away.”
BCC Chair John Ludlow, having been voted out of the chair
position in the Nov. 8 election, responded to Wilson admitting it was threats
like these that precipitated the changes (in the bylaws).
“Spewing stuff like that, I’ve heard it before,” Ludlow
said. “And you can take that to your attorney.”
“I don’t need your permission,” Wilson said, exhausting his
time allotment.
The BCC concluded that by amending the county code, it could
now remove any board member or dissolve the board entirely when it decided to
do so, or, more precisely, whenever it feels it to be in the best interests of
the community.
With Commissioner Paul Savas as the only dissenting vote,
the motion carried by a solid 4-1 vote.
“What is the best interests of the Villages or Hamlets?”
Savas asked. “How will we know? It is being perceived that we are being heavy
handed. These (changes in bylaws) are nuclear. It’s a big hammer. It will
discourage public involvement.”
Savas’ concerns fell on deaf ears.
Frustrated with the BCC’s position regarding the Mountain
community, Wilson, besides deciding to pursue personal legal action, has turned
his attention to alternatives, including:
- Begin educating residents of the pros and cons of
incorporation;
- Exploring a class action lawsuit against the unlawful
invalidation and handling of the December 2015 Town Hall elections;
- Campaign hard to ensure misguided and misdirected
commissioners John Ludlow and Jim Bernard are not reelected to the BCC; and
- Forming special districts for particular projects.
By Larry Berteau/MT |
| Community effort targets gun issues at Miller Quarry posted on 12/01/2016
For Warren Bates, living at the Mt. Hood RV Village should
be idyllic, with its quiet, forested setting. But all too often, the sound of
gunfire and explosives echo through the community, travelling down from Miller
Quarry, land held by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
“You cannot believe the noise in the summertime,” Bates
said, noting how it goes from early in the morning until after dark.
And while the winter season should bring a downturn in the
amount of gunfire, Bates noted that the weekend before Thanksgiving, two large
explosions were set off at night, likely people detonating tannerite, an
explosive that is legal to possess but not permitted on federal land.
Bates has started an effort to try and improve the
situation, holding a community meeting with four representatives from BLM on
Oct. 26 featuring approximately 40 community members, with a follow up meeting
likely to take place in December or early January. The issues, he notes, go
beyond noise, with contamination of the quarry due to gun residue, litter and
refuse used as targets and the safety of people in the area, both nearby
residents and other users of the land, also priorities.
“Anybody could get hit with a bullet,” Bates said, adding
that bullet holes have been found in a car and a carport at the Village in the
past. “When you add all these things in, the simplest thing to do is to close
down the range. It’s way too close to populated areas.”
Chris Papen, BLM’s Acting Field Manager for the Cascades
Field Office, attended the Oct. 26 meeting and acknowledged the problem, but
noted that finding a solution is a “long road.” Target shooting on federal land
is legal, and Papen noted that with a lack of places for people to shoot guns,
Miller Quarry is a logical destination.
Papen noted that the BLM also has safety concerns at the
site, with contractors working near the quarry last year performing restoration
work on the Salmon River, not to mention anglers, hikers and other outdoor
enthusiasts trying to enjoy the area.
“This really came to rise with us with just the safety of
the public and our own employees working down by the river,” said Papen, who
has worked with the BLM for 27 years.
He added that the BLM added a “flip” sign near the entrance
to the quarry warning potential target shooters of BLM contractors working in
the area, which helped during the week this summer, but also noted that it’s
“not working in there” now.
There are restrictions on shooting on federal land,
including at least a quarter mile from a residence or recreational area and no
shooting from public roads, while shooting etiquette dictates a safe backstop
and for shooters to know their target.
“We expect people to uphold not just federal laws, but state
and local policies,” Papen added.
Terry Bennett, the host at the Douglas Ridge Rifle Club in
Eagle Creek, told the Mountain Times that the Miller Quarry has a bad
reputation with club members, including people shooting in different
directions, waving gun barrels “all over the place” and shooting up old
refrigerators and other garbage.
“It’s scary up there,” said Bennett, who has been host for
eight years but has not been to the quarry himself. “They just don’t feel
safe.”
Bennett noted that the problem is not limited to the quarry,
as he participated in a cleanup effort on U.S. Forest Service land last year in
an area decimated by target shooters, including trees shot in half.
“That’s as bad as I’ve ever seen,” Bennett said. “You could
see where they’d been standing, and they were shooting off the mountain.
“The thing is, there’s no regulation,” he added. “Common
sense isn’t common.”
Bennett noted that the club, which opened in 1969 and
features a variety of shooting areas on 130 acres, is “tight on safety,” and
offers a variety of safety classes open to non-members, including public
“site-in” days, youth training and ladies nights. He added that as a child, he
sometimes shot at gravel pits, but that the unwritten rule was to “take home
more than you brought.”
Papen credited Bates and the community for the self-started
movement to address the issues, noting that the BLM will put an emphasis on the
area with its law enforcement officers.
“The key is we want to work with them and we want to listen
to them,” he said. “We’re certainly in it for the long run.”
Bates and other members of the community now keep a log of
gunfire they hear from the quarry, including dates and times. But Bates also
hopes to see limits on the types of guns allowed at the quarry and target
shooting limited to certain hours of the day.
He added that he believes the gun noise has a negative
impact on business at the Village, including seeing diminished rentals.
“In the larger sense, it’s BLM’s responsibility,” Bates
said. “If they're going to have the gun range, it has to be monitored.”
By Garth Guibord/MT |
|  Caryn Tilton at The Rendezvous
Mountain resident Caryn Tilton retired five years ago, or
really semi-retired as she kept a few clients and weaned herself from work. But
as part of retirement, Tilton was finally able to pursue her interest in
learning how to paint watercolors.
In a class about watercolors, Tilton was a businesswoman
surrounded by artists and realized they could use a little help when it came to
marketing and computers. So one year ago, Tilton started a website,
MtHoodArtOnline.com, to help local artists market their works. 12 months later,
16 artists are on board and Tilton hopes more will soon follow.
“It seems to have really filled a need in the area,” Tilton
said. “It’s taken hold over the past year.”
The website offers a featured artist each month, with an
opportunity for all the artists to post photos of their work and biographical
information in their own gallery. Visitors can also purchase art through the
site, while the site also advertises art classes, promotes art events and
offers a quarterly newsletter.
Tilton has also brought works by the artists to local
businesses, including The Rendezvous, while she also started a greeting card
program, where retail customers, wholesale customers and fundraisers can
request customized cards to fit any occasion or select from the many website
options available.
Beth Verheyden, a Boring resident and watercolor painter who
has taught art for 25 years, noted that many artists need some outside help to
effectively market their works.
“I think that we as artists, we’re not our best salesmen,”
Verheyden said. “Some of us are a little more business-minded than others, some
of us just like to paint. I am my own worst salesman. I love to talk other
people up, I love to listen. I think this is a really wonderful tool for people
who fall into that category.”
Pam Smithsted, an oil painter, met Tilton through a meeting
of the Wy’east Artisans Guild and saw it as a perfect way to get an online
presence for her art, and she hopes it continues to grow.
“We want people to know they should apply,” Smithsted said.
Tilton noted she hopes to double the number of artists in
the coming year, while increasing the presence of the online newsletter.
The website, touted as by artists and for artists, has a
volunteer steering committee to guide the venture, including leading the
process of adding new artists.
During the month of December, all proceeds from the sales of
gift tags will be donated to the Hoodland Women’s Club. For more information,
visit MtHoodOnline.com. By Garth Guibord/MT |
| Sandy City Manager resigns posted on 12/01/2016
City Manager Seth Atkinson tendered his resignation last
month, following three years at Sandy City Hall.
Atkinson noted he accepted a job offer in a small town in
Utah and will be leaving to take that job in mid-January.
“It’s just been such a wonderful experience working with
council and staff here,” said Atkinson, who studied finance and economics and
earned a masters degree at Utah State University and served as a budget analyst
for the city of Park City, Utah before coming to Sandy as the finance director.
“We really feel we’re part of the same team.”
Atkinson noted a number of accomplishments over his tenure
as both finance director and city manager, including the recent sale agreement
between the city and the Oregon Trail School District for the Cedar Ridge
Middle School campus with an eye toward turning it into a recreation hub for
the city and the upgraded library.
“I’ve just enjoyed my time here so much,” Atkinson said,
noting the move is based on his family’s needs. “This has been a real
bittersweet decision. I would want to stay, if I could.”
The city council will recruit an interim city manager from
internal options, with an interview process likely to take place on Monday,
Dec. 5. Atkinson noted that process will allow the interim city manager to
shadow him during his last days on the job and will give the council more time
for a recruitment process for a permanent replacement, if they want.
Sandy Mayor Bill King noted Atkinson did a good job for the
city and grew in his role as city manager.
“He’s done a great job; if I could change his mind, I
would,” King said. “I understand why he’s doing it, I just wish he wasn’t.”
The city will also lose another employee as Nancy Enabnit,
Director of Community Services, will retire after 30 years at the end of
February, 2017. By Garth Guibord/MT |
| Shakeup at BCC; Mark Johnson keeps seat posted on 12/01/2016
The bitterly contested November election spurred Oregon and
County voters to cast their ballots. Nearly three-fourths (74 percent) of
eligible voters showed up countywide, topped only by the 77 percent turnout
statewide. The Board of County Commissioners (BCC) election results
promised to have an impact on Mountain residents. With the relentless attack
from the Board regarding the county’s dissolution of the Villages at Mt. Hood –
an incursion led by then-Chair John Ludlow and Commissioner Tootie Smith –
voters appeared to get the message, or at least send one. Ludlow was defeated in the race for the chair’s position by
Commissioner Jim Bernard (53 percent to 47 percent) and Ludlow was relegated to
take a back seat on the Board. Smith was sent packing by Ken Humberston’s run after
Position 4, with Smith suffering a 51 percent to 49 percent defeat. The new makeup of the BCC includes: Chair Bernard, and
commissioners Humberston, Paul Savas, Martha Schrader and Ludlow. House District 52 incumbent Rep. Mark Johnson (R-Hood River)
held off an effort by Democrat Mark Reynolds, returning to Salem with a 55
percent to 44 percent win. Johnson’s margin was considerably wider within
Clackamas County, 61 percent to 39 percent. Federal results Hillary Clinton fared better at the county and state level
than she did on a national scale. Clinton topped President-elect Donald Trump
50 to 43 percent countywide, and 50 to 39 percent statewide. U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D) coasted over Republican rival Mark
Callahan 54 to 37 percent and 56 to 33 percent, countywide and statewide
respectively. U.S. Representative contests that local residents
participated in included Democrat victories by incumbents Earl Blumenauer and
Kurt Schrader over David Walker and Colm Willis. Blumenauer’s win raised
eyebrows locally as he lost to Walker countywide 48 to 47 percent, but romped
statewide 72 to 20 percent. State results Incumbent Democrat Kate Brown was returned as Oregon’s
governor, eking out a narrow statewide victory by 50 to 43 percent, despite
Clackamas County voters disagreeing by backing Bud Pierce’s bid 48 to 47
percent. Republican Dennis Richardson unseated incumbent Bard Avakian
in the Secretary of State race, 53 to 39 percent countywide and 47 to 43
percent statewide. Local results The City of Sandy will have the same look as before with the
mayor and three city councilors keeping their posts while running unopposed.
Bill King is mayor, John Hamblin, Donald Hollis and Olga Gerberg will return in
Positions 3, 4 and 5, respectively. Measure 3-510 passed by a 75 percent to 25 percent margin
levying a 3 percent tax on marijuana sales. Measure 3-509, proposing a 6-cent per gallon fuel tax failed
by a 63 to 37 percent margin. And the city of Sandy will continue prohibiting marijuana
sales with a vote of 56 to 44 percent. Just in case, another measure that would
have authorized a tax on marijuana should the other measure permit sales, was
approved by 79 percent to 21 percent.
By Larry Berteau/MT |
| The Lions (Club) Pride posted on 12/01/2016
As the Lions Club International celebrates its centennial,
the local chapter focused in on helping youth this year and utilized proceeds
from its annual Chili Cookoff to fund scholarships at the Mt. Hood Learning
Center.
David Buoy noted this year they were able to fund two
scholarships (at $880 each), after funding three last year, when the Lions
started the scholarship program.
“We just kind of identified there’s not really much for
daycare,” said Buoy, the third vice president of the local chapter, noting that
many parents on the mountain have to travel to Gresham or farther for work.
“Sometimes that money makes a big difference to a working family.”
Alicia Sperr, president of the non-profit board that runs
the Learning Center, noted that the center has been a huge success since it
started three years ago. The number of children going there has more than
doubled, and the scholarships go to families that would not have otherwise been
able to afford sending their children there.
“We feel that’s a pretty big deal in the community and we
appreciate their contribution,” Sperr said.
Buoy noted that the club, which has other programs targeting
youth such as Reading is Fundamental at the Welches School and college
scholarships for mountain students graduating Sandy High School, likes to keep
the money generated by events in the community.
“People up here on the mountain have been very very
generous,” he said, adding that the entries for the Chili Cookoff have gotten
more competitive. “We try to spread it around with a focus on the young folks.”
The Lions Club is currently holding a toy drive starting at
6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Lions Club building on Woodsey Way and Hwy. 26.
Please bring a new, unwrapped toy. Tickets are $12 at the
door and $10 presale at the Barlow Trail Roadhouse, Welches Mountain Building
Supply and the Clackamas County Bank.
The Mt. Hood Learning Center still has spaces available for
children.
For more information, email mthoodlc@gmail.com or call
503-668-3868. By Garth Guibord/MT |
|  The county commissioners’ seats went unoccupied at the meeting.
Analysis The Mountain’s opposition to the Board of County
Commissioners (BCC) grew exponentially throughout October.
While the BCC continued its attack against the Villages at
Mt. Hood Board of Directors – more specifically its Chairman, George Wilson –
the community rallied behind the Villages at an emergency Town Hall meeting
Oct. 11 at The Resort.
The Town Hall, held in defiance of the BCC which had
previously dissolved, then put on hiatus, then again dissolved the Villages
Board, voted unanimously to oppose the BCC’s latest proposal to amend a county
ordinance, allowing the BCC to independently and arbitrarily remove an elected
representative of a Village or Hamlet. The only thing missing from the
amendment was mentioning Wilson by name.
“This is absolutely absurd,” Wilson said. “It is an outright
deviation from our democratic process.”
The unanimous vote to oppose the BCC action came in a raise
of hands of 71 attendees at the Town Hall.
The Town Hall setting was a statement in itself. There were
six seats set up at the dais – one for each commissioner (John Ludlow, Tootie
Smith, Jim Bernard, Martha Schrader and Paul Savas), plus a chair for HD 52
State Representative Mark Johnson (R-Hood River). All six had been invited.
Savas replied that he had a conflict and would not be able to attend. The other
commissioners deigned not to reply. As usual when there’s a pressing issue on the
Mountain, Johnson showed up.
“I had other commitments tonight,” Johnson said. “But this
is a lot more fun.”
Wilson ticked off many complaints that the community fosters
regarding the BCC beyond arbitrarily scuttling of the Villages Board,
including:
This is the same governing body to harvest and sell our
surrounding timber, with no proceeds coming back to our communities;
The same governing body that wants us to support increased
taxes for road maintenance and repair, with no monies budgeted for any or OUR
county roads;
The same governing body which due to its own neglect, failed
to adhere to FEMA reporting requirements over three years, causing all National
Flood Insurance Plan policy holders on the Mountain to lose their plan
discounts and suffer rate hikes.
“I could go on,” Wilson added. “But I hope residents begin
to see a pattern before it’s too late.”
Christine Roth, the former liaison between the BCC and the
Villages Board, knows the county’s players well.
“Costs incurred by Clackamas County for settlements or
additional unnecessary spending resulting from actions taken by Chair John
Ludlow and Commissioner Tootie Smith as of August 2016 total more than $3
million in taxpayer monies,” Roth writes in her site at www.fixourcounty.org.
At the Town Hall, Rep. Johnson indicated he would be willing
to put the Mountain’s concerns about the BCC to other legislative colleagues
who may have some influence.
He added that the BCC’s actions smacked of “taxation without
representation.”
Other local residents weighed in at the public affair.
Kip O’Connor: “If there’s something they (BCC) don’t like,
they just move the goal posts.”
Gary Randall: “They (BCC) only see tax revenue and a bunch
of ignorant people.”
Rick Applegate (the original Chair of the Board): “I make
the motion to not dissolve the Board.”
The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
The BCC has announced a public hearing for 10 a.m., Nov. 9,
in the BCC hearing room in Oregon City, to review and discuss the amendments to
the County Code that would place the Villages Board under the complete control
of the BCC, rendering the Villages Board useless.
The public is invited to attend and have their voices heard.
Wilson will be at the meeting.
“You don’t get to change the rules in the middle of the game
because you don’t like the way the game is being played,” Wilson said. “I can
only say that if county commissioners continue to ignore the will of our
community, they must be challenged in court, and forced to abide by the rules
and original bylaws they agreed to when the board was formed.
“No matter how long it takes, this issue must be presented
to the Oregon State Attorney General’s Office.” By Larry Berteau/MT |
|  Jack Fletcher tells his story at Emmanuel Hospital
Jack Fletcher walked on to the stage on Monday, Oct. 24 at
Legacy Emmanuel Hospital. That feat alone could be seen as a miracle, but then
Fletcher, 20, shares his story – a speech he gives up to six times a month.
“And I got to tell you - I shouldn’t be here today,”
Fletcher told the audience at one point.
Fletcher grew up in southwestern Washington, the son of the
high school’s rugby coach and an avid snowboarder, who got involved with the
local fire cadet program at Clark County Fire & Rescue when he was 16 at
Prairie High School.
Fletcher frequented Mount Hood, heading up ten times or so
each winter to go snowboarding.
“Love that mountain, man, love it,” Fletcher told the
Mountain Times during an interview.
Fletcher landed a fire scholarship at Crook County Fire
& Rescue in Prineville for the summer of 2014, right before heading to
nearby Central Oregon Community College that fall. In July that year, Fletcher
got a text from his grandmother about some cousins coming from the east coast
for a visit and he made up his mind - head back home and surprise his family for
the visit.
That day, July 30, 2014, fate intervened.
Just after 3:30 p.m., the Hoodland Fire District responded
to a head-on collision on Hwy. 26, near milepost 40. The accident featured a
Ford F-150 travelling approximately 80 miles per hour, veering off to the
opposite side of the highway before turning back into traffic and striking
Fletcher’s Subaru Outback on the passenger’s side.
Fletcher was trapped in his car, unresponsive. The driver of
the truck, who was driving under the influence at the time, was conscious with
no obvious injuries and would later be released from the hospital. But
Fletcher’s fight had just begun.
He required a trip on a Life Flight helicopter to the Oregon
Health & Science University hospital, odds stacked against him and arriving
in a coma with numerous injuries, including a broken arm, an injury to his
right hand requiring amputations, traumatic brain injury and damage to his face
that shattered most of the bones and caused blindness in his right eye. The
hours ticked by as the initial critical periods elapsed, offering some hope to
his family, and then Fletcher awoke five days later.
“For a while I didn’t remember Prineville,” said Fletcher,
who noted his short term memory, focus and attention are still affected. “I
thought I was still in high school.”
The recovery was just starting, from drilling holes in his
skull to relieve the pressure to a 13-hour facial surgery, and weeks of
rehabilitation before he was released on Sept. 27, 2014. On his way home, his
family stopped at a local Winco, where Fletcher was greeted by his fire
instructor on a cadet engine to drive him to his neighborhood, where a welcome
home sign and friends were waiting to greet him.
“That was super cool,” Fletcher said.
The following months included physical therapy, occupational
therapy, brain injury rehab and more. He also reconnected to his firefighting
roots, stopping by Clark County Fire & Rescue for a visit, where at first
he wasn’t recognized by Battalion Fire
Chief Dean Lange. Lange brought Fletcher in to see some of the staff, and was
moved by not only how much it meant to Fletcher, but also how much it meant to
the other firefighters.
“It overwhelmed me so much, that I thought right then and
there we’ve got to do something,” Lange said.
Lange spoke with his bosses and they offered Fletcher the
chance to pass a test to become a specialty volunteer, helping with auxiliary
duties. The test included physical agility, and Lange was impressed by
Fletcher’s performance.
“He whipped right through it,” he said. “I couldn’t believe
it.”
Lange noted that Fletcher was assigned to a captain, Jason
Leavitt, just as any other probationary firefighter would be, while the
administration has been very supportive of the plan.
“It kind of makes you reevaluate not only your life, but
faith in the human heart and the human drive,” said Lange, noting the members
of the fire district wanted to go out of their way to do the right thing for
Fletcher. “Here’s a kid that could have just laid around and felt sorry for
himself.”
And while Fletcher’s future as an emergency responder may be
unknown, he is making the best of his situation, volunteering his time as a
speaker at driver’s education classes, at churches, at proms and elsewhere
about the dangers of DUII and reckless driving.
“It definitely feels good to be able to help,” Fletcher
said. “I don't want to plateau with recovery. I hope I never stop.”
Hoodland Fire District Senior Firefighter Scott Kline was
one of the responders during the fateful call, tending to the other driver.
While he tended to the other driver, he’s been impressed with Fletcher’s
journey from the accident in what was once known as, “blood alley.”
“He’s kind of one of our honorary members,” Kline said.
“It’s awesome. He’s doing a really good job with his recovery.”
Fletcher’s parents, Kelly and John, also try to keep
positive about the accident, pointing to where he is in life now and not
dwelling on what happened.
“If you save one person, it’s worth it,” Kelly said about
Jack’s public speaking.
“He’s busy, and he’s at his best being busy,” John added.
Jack’s journey is also one of forgiveness, as he noted he
was able to forgive the driver who caused the accident, including reading from
the Bible at the sentencing hearing.
“Be kind and compassionate,” Jack said, adding that he hopes
the driver who hit him will join him for speaking engagements when he is
released from jail. “God forgave you.” By Garth Guibord/MT |
| Cedar Ridge sale agreement in place posted on 11/01/2016
The Oregon Trail School District (OTSD) and the City of
Sandy made a splash heard ‘round Clackamas County in October, as the OTSD board
of directors and city council both approved a sale agreement for the Cedar
Ridge Middle School campus and the Olin Y. Bignall Aquatic Center. The city
will lease back the school to the district while upgrades are made to the
Pioneer Building (former Sandy High School), before potentially turning the campus
into a recreation hub.
Sandy City Manager Seth Atkinson noted the magnitude of both
entities signing off on the deal after referring to the potential transaction
as a “slow moving train” numerous times.
“It’s exciting,” Atkinson said. “I kind of feel like we
passed a major station.”
“We knew from the beginning if we could make this happen, it
would be mutually beneficial to students and our whole community,” added OTSD
Superintendent Aaron Bayer in a newsletter release. “I’m excited about the
outcome.”
The agreement includes a $3 million sale price, which
includes $2.2 million to the school district and a loan of $800,000 to the city
at zero percent interest because the district will not be able to vacate the
property until after upgrades to the Pioneer Building. Proceeds from the sale
will be used for the upgrades, with a target of fall 2017 for students to
relocate.
Julia Monteith, OTSD Communications Director, noted that
construction documents were expected to be released in early November. The
Sandy Grade School campus will be partitioned into a separate lot and retained
by the district.
Atkinson noted that while the school is still occupied, the
city hopes to put together a team for site visits at various recreation centers
in the region to see the pros and cons on what other cities have done.
“We want to learn from any mistakes and obviously build the
best facility we can,” Atkinson said.
The city will also solicit a request for qualifications from
architect and engineering firms with the goal of putting together a master plan
for the site, including preliminary sketches. Atkinson added that multiple
public forums will be held to discuss what the public wants and the funding of
the project.
“From that point forward, we’ll have a plan in place so
whenever the school vacates, hopefully be ready for construction,” Atkinson
said, noting public forums could be held as early as next spring.
Monteith added that the Sandy High School swim and water
polo teams will retain access to the pool after the transfer.
“The city has been very willing to work with us on that,”
she said.
The city council unanimously approved the agreement at their
Monday, Oct. 3 meeting, while the OTSD board of directors unanimously approved
the agreement at their Monday, Oct. 10 meeting (Candice Lindberg was absent and
did not vote, while Kurt McKnight was absent but submitted his approval vote to
the board chair prior to the meeting). By Garth Guibord/MT |
|  Hwy. 26 after widening and adding a median barrier.
Drivers on Hwy. 26 might see some workers cleaning up along
the shoulders as they travel to and from Government Camp in November, but the
Oregon Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) “U.S. 26 Mt. Hood Highway Safety
and Preservation Project” reached an official end, including a celebration at
the Mount Hood Cultural Center and Museum on Friday, Oct. 28.
“We’re feeling really accomplished and proud for just
getting this done,” said Kimberly Dinwiddie, ODOT Community Affairs. “We’re
thankful for the community for putting up with it, because we realize it’s been
disruptive at times.”
Work on another project, adding RealTime signs that offer up
to the minute traffic information and advisories on Hwy. 26, Hwy. 35 and
Timberline Road, is expected to begin in the spring when the snow melts.
Dinwiddie noted more information will be available after a contractor is
selected, and the project will go to bid “any time,” she noted.
The project will cause fewer delays to travelers than the
safety project, while the sign work is expected to be completed in one season.
The signs, however, might not be operational for some time after construction
is complete, as tests will need to be performed on the software before then. By Garth Guibord/MT |
| Blind tandem bike project shifts into fundraiser gear posted on 11/01/2016
The organized effort to initiate the Blind Tandem Cycling
Project moved closer to reality during the month of October.
The Oral Hull Foundation, of Sandy, teamed with the Mt. Hood
Bicycle-Pedestrian Coalition (MHBPC), has now raised $3,500 following an Oct. 8
fundraiser.
“As far as I’m aware, there has never been a program of this
type anywhere,” said George Wilson, director of the MHBPC. “I am excited about
the fact that we will be the first.”
The project is coordinating with a Eugene-based company
Co-Motion Bicycles who will custom build each tandem bicycle. These bicycles
will provide for a pairing of a sighted tandem captain with a blind or visually
impaired rider – called a stoker – of various skill sets.
“Each handmade tandem bicycle will be made of sturdy,
lightweight aluminum, utilizing higher-end race grade components,” Wilson said.
The project plans include establishing novice and
intermediate camps to prepare the riders for single day/multi-day recreational
tandem rides and events. The next evolution would include organized sanctioned
tandem racing events through the Oregon Bicycle Racing Association.
“Our mission goal is to offer a quality program, utilizing
state-of-the-art equipment and gear, to produce an adventure experience of a
lifetime that would not otherwise be possible for individuals with visual
impairment,” Wilson said. “Each tandem team will utilize helmet to helmet
communication, which will be especially useful during racing events.”
The MHBPC contribution to the project will also include:
maintaining a pool of dedicated tandem captains and volunteers; provide medical
and rest stop support; manage, service and maintain tandem bicycles and
equipment; and provide an online computer assisted at-home training program
utilizing a stationary trainer.
By Larry Berteau/MT |
| A classroom of the students, by the students, for the students posted on 11/01/2016
Mountain resident Jillian Kyle has a tough decision this
fall when it comes to electing her president, because, as she notes, both
candidates are her really good friends. And with the stakes for this election
so high, with the winner receiving a four-week term as the president of Kyle’s
fifth grade class at Welches Schools, every vote will count.
“They’re both really really good students in the classroom,”
said Kyle, 10, of the two candidates, Abby Perez and David Hernandez.
The classroom election was the brainchild of teacher Kalee
Adams, who took the structure of the national presidential election and set it
in her classroom.
For the unit, Adams broke up her class into various groups:
two political parties (each with a president, vice-president, campaign manager
and three team members), one to create a voting booth, one for ballots, one for
voter registration cards and a final one for debate questions. All students
were randomly assigned to a group, with the roles (such as president) also
randomly assigned.
Furthermore, the two political parties - the Wildcats Party
and the Welches Party - created donation letters to solicit donations of fake
money (distributed to school staff) to buy supplies for banners, stickers and
other materials.
“We’re trying to make it as real life as possible,” Adams
said, adding they may try to make commercials on Chromebooks. “I think the
thing that most of them are excited about is because they have to earn that
money and they’re creating it, each team has a creativity piece.”
The non-party groups mirrored real life aspects of the
election, with those in charge of voter registration finding alternatives to
the typical questions, such as, “Are you 10 years old or older?”
The two candidates were honing their message for the
electorate, while also working hard to get that message out.
“The hardest part is working with your team and managing
them,” said Hernandez, the top of the ticket for the Welches Party, who is
pushing for more variety for the school’s pizza lunches and adding a wider
range of dietary options, such as gluten-free.
Perez, 10, the candidate for the Wildcat Party, noted she’s
focused on raising donations because, “running for president is not free.” But
she noted that she may have an advantage due to the staff around her.
“My campaign manager, Jacob, he’s like, ‘We’re not going to let
you lose,’ she said. “It feels good. Ms. Adams said that’s a really good
campaign manager.”
Landen O’Donnell, 10, was on the group coming up with debate
questions, and noted the difficulty was in narrowing down all the possibilities
to get to a final list of 20. He noted that among the questions that made the
cut include ones about wearing hats at school and chewing gum.
“There’s a lot of questions we could ask them, but we had to
choose some,” he said, adding that the debate will play “a big role” in determining
his vote.
Timothy McMillion, 10, worked on the ballot for the unit and
noted he learned a great deal about the election process.
“I just thought it was a bunch of paperwork,” McMillion
said, noting that a big factor in casting his vote will be “how well they
handle things.”
Tytan Rocha, 11, worked on the voting booth (something
utilized in most states, but not in Oregon), which ran into some issues.
“The tape isn’t strong, so it’s been a challenge to get up
the roof with tape like that,” Rocha said.
He added that he’s learned a lot about the three branches of
government, while he has some ideas that his ideal candidate would support.
“I like recess; maybe we could add on just a little bit
more, 20 minutes of recess,” Rocha said.
By Garth Guibord/MT |
| The Scene on Stage: ‘Hard-Knock’ musical at SHS posted on 11/01/2016
Sandy High School (SHS) drama instructor Tomi Griffin
directed a production of “Annie, Jr.” ten years ago, leading her to do the full
“Annie” musical this year. What she discovered, however, is that the cast
requirements for the larger show are just that - larger.
“‘Annie Jr.’ is a lot less,” Griffin said, noting that the
cast for the SHS production at almost 50 students (which doesn’t include
students involved with technical and backstage elements).
The cast also includes a number of students from other
schools in the district, as she opened up auditions to include younger
students. So many worthy young actors showed up that Griffin decided to cast a
student as Annie’s dog, despite Griffin having a dog at home that she thought
she would use.
“I want to give every single kid a chance,” she said. “It
will build my program in the long run.”
The popular musical offers the story of Annie, an orphan who
lands a home with billionaire Oliver Warbucks. They try to seek out Annie’s
parents, but the matron of Annie’s orphanage, Miss Hannigan, has a scheme of
her own to make some money.
Griffin noted the story, based on the 1920s comic strip,
“Little Orphan Annie,” by Harold Gray, offers a lesson on keeping a positive
attitude in life.
“I think it's going to hit us right when we need it most,”
she said of the November production.
SHS Drama presents “Annie,” music by Charles Strouse, lyrics
by Martin Charnin and book by Thomas Meehan, at 7 p.m. Nov. 11, 12, 17, 18 and
19, at 37400 SE Bell Street in Sandy. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for
students and senior citizens. For more information, call 503-668-8011, ext.
7313.
Drama performances at SHS this year are general seating only
on a first come, first serve basis. There will be no reserved seating.
American Classic at Sandy Actors Theatre
Doug Holtry, who has served on the board of the Sandy Actors
Theatre (SAT), directed and designed lights, noted that Neil Simon’s “The Odd
Couple” is one of his “bucket list” shows. And while he produced it years ago
in Olympia, Wash., he now gets to check it off that list as the director of
SAT’s latest production.
“It’s an American classic,” Holtry said. “Neil Simon and
Oscar and Felix, everybody knows the references.”
The comedy pits Felix Unger, the neat clean-freak, against
his friend Oscar Madison, an unkempt sportswriter, after Unger’s wife throws
him out. The play inspired a movie starring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau in
1968 and the 1970s TV series of the same name starring Tony Randall and Jack
Klugman.
“It is one of the challenges in doing something that is so iconic,”
Holtry said. “I try and keep the personalities as best we can to that. I think
they’ll be surprised and pleased with our version.”
Holtry noted the play is truly a story about friendship and
how Oscar and Felix grow and impact each other.
“Oscar grows and changes so much from the beginning of the
show to the end of the show,” Holtry added. “He’s really just a lonely guy,
he’s not really sure why his wife left him … he hasn’t come to grips with
that.”
SAT presents “The Odd Couple,” by Neil Simon, from Friday,
Nov. 11 through Sunday, Dec. 4, at 17433 Meinig Ave. (behind Ace Hardware).
Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. on Sundays.
Tickets are $18 general admission and $15 for students and seniors
(reservations are recommended). For more information, or to make reservations
call 503-668-6834 or visit sandyactorstheatre.org.
For the entire run of the show, military veterans who show
their veteran’s ID will get $3 off, while those who wear their uniform will
receive free admission.
The Wy’East Artisans Guild presents “Mismatched,” a show of
artwork by local artists inspired by “The Odd Couple,” at SAT from Nov. 11
through Dec. 4.
The featured artist for this show is Jennifer Bliesner. As a
young adult she pursued an interest in crafting, but as she approached
retirement she was attracted to watercolor and has been painting for eight
years. She teaches youth art classes at the AntFarm in Sandy and is the current
President of the Wy’East Artisans Guild.
A reception will be held at 6:45 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, at
SAT, followed by a dress-rehearsal performance. By Garth Guibord/MT |
|  Concrete barrier.
Contractors were expected to wrap up paving during the final
week of September for the Oregon Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) “U.S. 26
Mt. Hood Highway Safety and Preservation Project,” setting the stage for the
completion of the project this month. Kimberly Dinwiddie, ODOT Community
Affairs, noted the paving was a challenge due to weather delays, leading to
several days of working both day and night, after originally planning on just
paving during the night.
Dinwiddie added that the installation of a 1.6-mile concrete
median barrier to prevent crossover accidents was also expected to be finished
by the end of September, adding that people who need to make U-turns should
utilize the Government Camp Loop or Kiwanis Camp Road.
While the project is scheduled to end this month, travelers
should still expect 20-minute delays due to striping, as Dinwiddie noted there
will be flaggers and pilot cars utilized until the striping is complete.
“It’s been a busy couple of years, but we realize that it’s
been a rough month with the paving and delays,” Dinwiddie said. “We really
appreciate everyone’s patience, but in the end, we believe it will be worth it
when we have a safer highway and a smoother ride.”
For more information, please visit us26mthoodsafety.org and
tripcheck.com. By Garth Guibord/MT |
| Once again, the BCC dissolves Villages Board posted on 10/01/2016
Opinion
When we last left the Board of County Commissioners (BCC),
the gang that couldn’t shoot straight invited the Villages at Mt. Hood Board to
a policy session on Sept. 6.
At that point in time, it was quite possible the BCC had
awakened from its somnambulant state and was willing to recognize the Mountain
community as actually being in Clackamas County.
Our expectations remained guarded, as the BCC had lowered
the bar so far regarding rational thought. The reasons resembled a train wreck
that had stacked up over a three-month period.
Consider the following, which led to this derailment:
The BCC did not approve of the way the Villages at Mt. Hood
conducted an election. (This, from the BCC having corrupted a previous Villages
election when its liaison, Christine Roth, stopped the balloting one hour early
when the desired results [her desired results apparently] had been attained.)
Consequently, the BCC dissolved the Board.
When faced with the possibility it couldn’t actually do
that, the BCC changed the nomenclature, putting the Villages Board on “hiatus.”
Villages Chair George Wilson, his attorney, and Board
Director Carol Burk reacted to the insult, prodding County staff to agree to
mediation – with the mediator, of course, an employee of the county.
A Memorandum of Understanding was reached during the
mediation, with County staff recommending the BCC to allow Wilson et al. to
move forward with a Villages election.
This was followed by the Sept. 6 policy session in which by
a 4-1 vote, the BCC ignored the memorandum (from its own staff), and returned
to Step 2, above, and dissolved the Board – again.
Wilson, refusing to be cowed, responded by announcing an
emergency Town Hall meeting scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Oct 11,
in the Hunchback Room of the Resort at the Mountain.
“Mt. Hood area residents are outraged with the actions and
behavior of the BCC regarding their handling of the Villages issue,” Wilson
wrote in an email to the BCC and County staff. “The BCC has demonstrated their
willingness to dissolve an established board of 10 years, thereby ignoring and
disallowing our democratic system to work in the manner in which it was
intended.”
Wilson is urging Mountain residents to rally to the cause
against the BCC by attending the Town Hall.
“We plan to encourage voters to protest the actions of the
BCC by voting in opposition and forcing them to respect the wishes of local
residents,” Wilson told The Mountain Times.
“Please be advised our goal will be to encourage residents
to cast a resounding “NO” vote for the dissolution process, and force our
government representatives to pay attention to the needs and the will of the
people,” Wilson added.
It should be noted that the BCC actions, the four votes for
dissolution of the Villages Board (Commissioners John Ludlow, Jim Bernard,
Tootie Smith, Martha Schrader) provides no evidence of a rational thought
process. To the contrary, it’s quite obvious this is a personal dislike for
Board Chair Wilson. Listen to the Sept. 6 policy session at
www.clackamas.us/bcc/presentation.html and decide for yourself.
These are some of the commissioners’ comments:
“They are well represented by the Rhody CPO.”
“Leaders have thrown wrenches in the process. It’s time to
put this to rest.”
“It’s in our DNA to self-govern.”
“The leadership is not there any more. It’s gone rogue.”
“They are burrs under our saddle.”
Mountain resident and business owner Rick Applegate was the
first Chair of the Village Board, and although by his own admission, has not
always agreed with Wilson on everything, rallied to his defense and admonition
of the BCC.
“The tape (from Sept. 6 policy session) shows several
commissioners’ extreme hatred of Mr. George Wilson,” Applegate said. “They
don’t have the gumption to name him by name, but they slander him and everyone
knows they are talking about him when they make comments about the ‘one
person.’”
Applegate added that the decision to dissolve is driven by
the commissioners’ complete dislike, and possibly hatred, of Wilson.
“In this, I support George one hundred percent,” he said.
“His tenacious advocacy for our community is undeniable and honorable.”
It shouldn’t be required, but as a reminder, Wilson has been
duly elected to the Villages Board by Mountain residents. This stubborn fact
has slipped through an I-5 corridor crack.
In the policy session, county counsel reminded the BCC that
a Town Hall Meeting is required before the actual dissolution takes hold.
Commissioners got a good laugh out of this one, claiming the Town Hall would be
held in Oregon City, not on the Mountain. One commissioner can be heard saying
“Anyone can pack a Town Hall.”
Actually that’s not quite true. Not “anyone.” But Wilson
can.
It should be noted that Paul Savas was the lone BCC vote
against dissolution. “If the (Mountain) community wants to dissolve, it’s up to
them to decide, not us,” he said during the session. “If the community wants to
dissolve, so be it.”
We applaud Savas for standing up to the corrosive forces
that run amok at the BCC.
Finally, we urge all concerned Mountain residents to attend
the Oct. 11 Town Hall. It is incumbent on us to continue the drum beat of
democracy – a concept that has slipped from the grasp of Ludlow, Bernard, Smith
and Schrader. By Larry Berteau/MT |
| District seeks solution to lead in Welches School’s water posted on 10/01/2016
The Oregon Trail School District (OTSD) continues to seek an
answer to the discovery of lead in the Welches School’s water and has requests
out to contractors for recommendations on how to proceed, according to district
Communications Director Julia Monteith. As of Wednesday, Sept. 29, the district
received one response, but Monteith noted they will wait for more before
proceeding.
“We want to make sure we talk to two or three contractors
and make sure what we end up doing is the right thing to do,” she said, noting
that the most likely course of action will be installing a neutralizing system
into both the school’s buildings.
In the meantime, the district brought in six water coolers
between the two buildings to provide safe drinking water for students and
staff.
“It’s been a really smooth transition to the water coolers,”
said Kendra Payne, Welches Schools Principal. “It’s keeping everybody
hydrated.”
Payne added that students are encouraged to bring water
bottles to school to help reduce the number of paper cups being used. She also
noted that the only feedback she’s received about the issue was a question
during the Welches Parent Teacher Community Organization meeting in September.
Monteith noted that the lead issue is more “system wide” in
the middle school building, but more “localized” at the elementary school. But
the district is looking to instal a neutralizing system, which raises the pH
level to reduce the water’s acidity and reduce corrosion, in both buildings.
Monteith added that the work is expected to be performed
this fall, although she noted contractors and labs across the state are busy
due to the number of schools that are addressing the lead issue.
The district announced in August that seven fountains out of
14 and two faucets in food prep sinks out of two in Welches Middle School
contained slightly elevated levels of lead, ranging from .0206 to .030
milligrams per liter (mg/L) (the Environmental Protection Agency’s limit is
.020), and subsequently replaced the equipment.
However, further test results the district received on
Friday, Aug. 26 revealed the continued presence of elevated lead levels.In
addition, 23 classroom sinks out of 24 tested revealed elevated levels of lead
in the water, ranging from .0204 to .199 mg/L. Five of the seven fountains with
elevated lead levels are in rooms that are not used by students (but are used
for storage), while the remaining two fountains were sometimes in use.
Results from other facilities in the district revealed four
fountains out of ten and two faucets out of five at Sandy Grade School, one
fountain out of 16 at Kelso Elementary School, 12 fountains out of 15 at Cedar
Ridge Middle School, two faucets out of four at Kelso Elementary School, one
faucet out of one at the Community Connections (across from the Pioneer campus)
and one faucet out of seven at Naas Elementary School higher than the EPA
limit. By Garth Guibord/MT |
| Kids in the mix at ‘Just for Kix’ posted on 10/01/2016
Just For Kix, a youth dance program in its 35th year, in 14
states, at 210 locations, engaging more than 20,000 young dancers, is now being
staged in Welches.
The program boasts that “At Just For Kix, doing your best is
more important than being the best.” Dancers experience the health and fitness
benefits of working to build cardiovascular endurance, strength and
flexibility, along with the core attributes of confidence, pride and
friendship.
Tiffany Pfenning has assumed the director’s role for the
Welches business. She has an extensive background and passion for dance.
“I spent over 15 years training, competing and performing as
a studio dancer, dance team member and University of Oregon cheerleader,”
Pfenning said. “I also have over 15 years of experience choreographing,
teaching and coaching for private studios, high school teams, performance
companies and dance camps.”
The Welches Just For Kix dance program offers classes for
youth ages 3 to 18 at Camp Arrah Wanna.
“I enjoy working with students of all ages and abilities and
am committed to bringing the joy of dance to our community,” Pfenning said. “I
am excited to watch the Mountain children bloom from the friendships and
confidence gained through dancing.”
Class schedule is on Tuesdays, with Mini Kix (Grades 4-6)
from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m.; Wee Kix (Grades 1-3) from 5:20 to 6:20 p.m.; Tiny Kix
(3 years old to Kindergarten) 6:25 to 6:55 p.m.; and Junior Kix (Grades 7-12)
from 7 to 8 p.m.
Students can enroll at any time. Contact Tiffany at
welchesor@justforkix.com or call her at 503-673-2704. By Larry Berteau/MT |
| Dance to the music – in Sandy posted on 10/01/2016
For mountain resident Sharon Wortman, her love of music
began at an early age, listening to greats such as Chuck Berry, Fats Domino and
Bill Haley & His Comets as a sixth grader and even winning a bop
competition at the YMCA in Portland in 1956. Now, the 71-year-old has gone back
to her roots by organizing the “Get-the-Lead-Out, No-Partner-Needed 1950s Rock
& Roll and 1960s Motown & Other Eras Dance & Exercise Jam” at the
Sandy Community Center, 38348 Pioneer Blvd. in Sandy, from 2:30-4 p.m. each
Tuesday through Nov. 29.
“There aren’t very many places, especially during the day,
with a nice environment to listen to rock ‘n’ roll music,” Wortman said. “I’ve
always loved music and loved to dance.”
The free event is open to all ages, no partner needed, and
those who are shy or think they have “two left feet” are encouraged to attend.
Attendees can come and go as they please.
Wortman noted that a few songs will be staples at the event,
including Bill Doggett’s “Honky Tonk,” but declined to name her favorite song
or musician.
“That would be like trying to pick a favorite child or
grandchild,” she said.
Wortman enjoys putting together the playlist for each week,
but also appreciates how being physically active helps her out. This past
spring, she was involved in a car accident and needed six months to heal, with
the weekly dancing now contributing to her recuperation.
“Just getting up on my feet and moving my body makes me feel
better,” Wortman said. By Garth Guibord/MT |
|  Scott Caster (L) and Mackenzie Chapman
American actor and vaudevillian W.C. Fields is famously credited
with the quote, “Never act with children or animals.” That leaves Scott
Caster’s latest role, as Seymour in “Little Shop of Horrors,” off the hook
since he’ll be performing with a plant
in Nutz-n-Boltz Theater Company’s (NNB) latest production.
Director Justin Lazenby will provide the voice for the plant
(named Audrey II), while also operating the puppet, which NNB rented from
Southern Oregon University in Ashland. Audrey II’s progression includes five
plants of increasingly larger sizes.
“It’ll be interesting to see once we have our lines down to
see how that works,” Caster said. “The final plant is really cool.”
The musical, a blend of horror, comedy and rock ‘n’ roll,
offers the story of Seymour Krelborn, a florist who has a crush on his coworker,
Audrey, and names a new found plant after her. The plant promises fame and
fortune to Seymour if he can help satiate its need to feed on human flesh.
Lazenby noted the relationship with Seymour and Audrey II is
akin to a deal with the devil, but the horrible things Seymour ends up doing is
based on his affection for Audrey.
“He does it all for love, which is sweet and dark and lovely
and romantic all at once,” Lazenby said.
Caster added that Seymour is not a typical leading man, but
in that way, Caster can identify with the character he was introduced to 30
years ago when he first saw the movie.
“I felt like an outcast, I felt invisible, I felt like the
nerd,” Caster said. “He still gets the girl. He’s like the anti-hero, and
everyone roots for the underdog.”
The musical is set the 1950s and features doo-wop and other
types of musical numbers.
“It’s good music, it’s a great mix of songs that kind of
happened in different genres,” Lazenby said. “You kind of get this fun feel of
a whole bunch of different eras. It’s a lot of fun.”
The production will be the 50th for NNB, which is entering
its 11th season, and audience members who are familiar with NNB shows will be
treated to a new full proscenium curtain as an upgrade to the Grange where they
perform.
NNB presents “Little Shop of Horrors,” book and lyrics by
Howard Ashman and music by Alan Menken, from Oct. 7-23 at the Boring Grange,
27861 Grange Street in Boring. Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and
Saturdays and 3 p.m. on Sundays.
Audience members are encouraged to create plant art to get a
discount on the ticket and enter into a contest. There will also be door
prizes. For more information, or to make reservations, call 503-593-1295 or
visit nnbtheater.com.
Clackamas Rep’s children's series returns
Clackamas Repertory Theatre’s (CRT) “Wing It” series,
interactive children’s shows, will offer a performance of “Rapunzel” at 10:30
a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at the Niemeyer Center on the Oregon City campus of
Clackamas Community College, 19600 Molalla Avenue in Oregon City. The show
includes singing, dancing and a talent show for kids, offering a chance to go
up on stage. Admission is $5 at the door with no reserved seating.
Each episode of “Wing It” is unique and features an important
lesson to be learned. “Rapunzel” focuses on discovering beauty from within, as
forest friends will discover how Rapunzel feels about being judged by the
length of her hair and the audience will be asked, “What do you do when you’re
judged by the way you look?”
Children in the audience are sure to have fun helping solve
this conundrum. “Wing It” is created for children two to ten years of age, but
it’s fun for all ages.
The series was developed and directed by Travis Nodurft, a
CRT company member, professional clown and Oregon City sixth-grade teacher.
Future episodes of the “Wing It” season are Dec. 3 and 10,
Feb. 11, April 22 and June 10. All performances begin at 10:30 a.m. and take
place in the Niemeyer Center on the campus of Clackamas Community College. For
more information and show updates, visit www.clackamasrep.org.
First weekend offers one last chance for two shows
The Sandy Actors Theatre presents “Wait Until Dark,” by
Frederick Knott, about a woman who was recently blinded and three criminals,
who terrorize her as they search for a doll stuffed with heroin they think is
in her apartment through Sunday, Oct. 2, at 39181 Proctor Blvd. (behind Ace
Hardware). Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. on
Sundays. For more information, or to make reservations call 503-668-6834 or
visit sandyactorstheatre.org.
CRT presents “Steel Magnolias,” by Robert Harling, about a
southern belle and daughter to a local socialite, who marries a good ol’ boy
but then dies from diabetic complications after pregnancy, from Thursday, Sept.
8 through Sunday, Oct. 2, at the Niemeyer Center on the Oregon City campus of
Clackamas Community College, 19600 Molalla Avenue in Oregon City. Show times
are 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. For
more information, visit clackamasrep.org or call 503-594-6047. By Garth Guibord/MT |
| Assessment mixed for Welches Schools posted on 10/01/2016
The Oregon Department of Education released the 2015-16
state assessment results in September, with the Oregon Trail School District
(OTSD) above state averages in English Language Arts (ELA) in all grade levels,
and above state averages in math and science at the 3-5 and 6-8 grade levels.
The Welches Schools lag behind the district and the state in both ELA and math
for grades 3-5 and 6-8, but are above the district and state in science.
Welches Schools Principal Kendra Payne noted in an email
that the scores are a “snapshot” of student abilities during a particular
testing window.
“A wide variety of factors contribute to and influence the
results,” Payne added. “Welches is working on renovating our intervention
system to better support students in the specific areas that they need to
experience growth. Our staff works hard at providing differentiated
instruction, but will be using new assessment tools to better match instruction
to specific needs.”
Payne also noted that the strong results in the science
category are “due in part to the unique connections we are able to make with
our natural mountain environment.”
She added that the school will use a variety of resources to
address gaps, including digital tools such as iReady, ALEKS and BigBrainz,
which provide assessments, online lessons and practice sites, more rigorous
structure around staff development and training opportunities in collaboration
with other school districts.
In a press release, the district also noted that other
methods are used to measure student achievement and growth, including written,
verbal or web-based assessments and teacher observation.
“Our staff is wholly committed to the growth and academic
achievement of every student,” Payne wrote. “We strive, on a daily basis, to
implement best practices and reflect on their effectiveness. Our school goal
this year is to improve achievement for every student in literacy and math
while making meaningful connections to science, social studies and the arts.”
“Learning the skills necessary to successfully complete
post-secondary certificates and degrees is an endeavor that begins in
kindergarten,” OTSD Superintendent Aaron Bayer said in the press release. “We
need to undertake this journey together so our children arrive at the future
they deserve.”
Parent Teacher Corner
The Welches Parent Teacher Community Organization (WPTCO) is
looking for vendors for a holiday bazaar/Santa’s Workshop in December.
Upcoming events:
Middle School movie: “X-Men: Apocalypse” on Friday, Oct. 7
Elementary School movie: “Finding Dory” on Thursday, Oct. 13
(All movies shown in elementary multi-purpose room, $1 entry
fee with food for sale)
Harvest Festival on Friday, Oct. 28 (afternoon for
elementary students, 6-8:30 p.m. for middle school students, small entry fee)
Bookfair opening and Family Fun Night from 5:30-8 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 4, followed by the Bookfair from Nov. 7-10.
Next WPTCO meetings are 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, 9 a.m.
Thursday, Nov. 17 and 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15, in Room 20. Meetings will
alternate between morning and evening to accommodate more parents’ schedules.
For more information, email welchesptco@gmail.com. By Garth Guibord/MT |
| Golden Poles Chalet fire in 2015. Mountain Gold – Hoodland Fire District hits 50 posted on 08/31/2016
Fire Chief Mic Eby, the longest tenured member of the
Hoodland Fire District (HFD), joined the district in 1979 as a volunteer. He’s
drawn maps, staffed the Government Camp station and responded to a vast array
of calls and community emergencies over the years, from car wrecks to floods
and more.
One memorable event happened in his first years with the
district when a storm dropped approximately eight feet of snow in 72 hours.
Firefighters stayed at the station, working six hours and then sleeping for
four, while utilizing the wood stove for heat, cooking and to dry out clothes
on four clotheslines.
The station had a generator at the time, which was a
necessity to keep the radio and coffee machine running.
“That was the most important part,” Eby said.
He remembers snowshoeing to houses in the community,
especially since the snowmobiles they had sometimes worked, but sometimes
didn’t, while in lighter times the firefighters would jump off a backstop
behind the station into the vast depths of snow and built an igloo to bury
their supply of meat given to them by Thriftway (all the food at the store was
rotting). And through it all, the district’s greatest strength, the sense of
community, shone through.
“We were isolated, so we became a tight community at that
time,” Eby said. “We found out how hearty the mountain people are.”
The district will celebrate its 50 years of service from 2-4
p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, at the main station, 69634 Hwy. 26 in Welches. The
event will include refreshments, a dedication and a number of officials from
throughout the state.
50 years of change
The district today would seem extremely different to those
responders from the time of its formation. Lane Wintermute joined the district
as a volunteer in 1971 when he and a friend spoke to the chief, who said they
should join. Wintermute and his friend went to the station and signed up.
“That was the recruitment process at the time,” said
Wintermute, who would later become the district’s chief and is now a life
member. “Today, you go through a lot more.”
When Eby joined, he estimated there was about 40 hours of
training, but today volunteers go through more than 400, not to mention the
necessary certifications. Eby noted it was around the time he joined that the
district started the transition between the “good ol’ boys,” who enjoyed
hanging out at the station, to a more professional organization.
“People were trying to get smart about fire and medical,
trying to make a difference when I first joined,” Eby said, noting the fire
district merged with the Hoodland Rescue group right before he came on board.
Pat McAbery started at HFD as an explorer in 1982 and is now
a Battalion Chief, and remembers that in his youth, there was no 9-1-1 service
in the district. Those in need of help could call a number that would ring the
phone at every volunteer’s house, leading to times when nobody was around to
answer a call, and other times when everybody picked up at the same time.
McAbery described the equipment today as, “mind-numbingly different,” including
bigger and better rigs and also the advent of dispatching responders via
smartphones.
Conversely, McAbery notes the district’s volunteer ranks
were greater in the past, with as many as 60 in some years. When calls came in,
McAbery (as an explorer), would try to tag along on an extra seat in the rig,
if it was open.
“I got bumped a lot, because the rig filled up,” he said.
“Not the case now.”
The nature of calls has also shifted dramatically, with
early fires consuming mostly products made from natural materials, including
wood, wool and cotton. Today, building fires feature items made from plastics
and chemicals, which burn hotter, brighter and faster.
“It’s a lot nastier now,” Eby said.
The district also saw an increase in paid staff, as recalled
by Larry Eckhardt, the Fire Chief from 1991 to 2002. With most volunteers
working out of the district during the day, Eckhardt (who passed away in early
August) increased staffing to meet the demand.
“We worked hard to improve our level of service and our
commitment to the community,” said Eckhardt in an interview with the Mountain
Times earlier this summer.
The district was also quick to adopt new trends in
firefighting, including incident command structure, training for disasters and
implementing the first advanced life support rescue service in east Clackamas
County in the mid 1980s.
“That was something that was unheard of in the area at the
time and really a substantial accomplishment,” Wintermute said.
For the next 50 years, Eby sees a number of potential
changes, from a new station that will better fit the equipment and personnel
and increases in the volunteer and professional ranks, to more homes and
commercial buildings with sprinkler systems and improvements to Hwy. 26 to make
it safer.
A unique district
Hwy. 26 is one of the defining features of the district,
while other challenging aspects include
the fact that volunteers are so spread out, being bordered by just one other
fire district (Sandy) and a topography that includes an elevation range from
900 to 4,000 feet, causing roads to be wet in one place but icy in others. And
in addition to snowstorms, floods and large scale fires, such as the Golden
Poles fire in 2015, the highway has offered countless memorable moments
throughout the year.
McAbery remembers one call when a logging truck couldn’t
make the turn at Map Curve, resulting in a rollover crash with the driver
trapped in the cab under the logs. Firefighters had to cut up the lumber before
extracting him from the cab.
“That was a spectacular wreck,” McAbery said.
Eckhardt lamented the “driving habits” of people who visited
the mountain, but also the scenic beauty of the district, including that same
part of the highway that bore witness to numerous crashes.
“I remember my amazement the first time on Hwy. 26 I saw Map
Curve and understood why it was called Map Curve,” he said.
But throughout the changes, the calls and the disasters,
those who have served point to the sense of community as the quintessential
aspect of the district, from volunteers pitching in to help build each other’s
houses to the district’s support group and its late night meals for hungry
firefighters to any one of the thousands of calls from the past 50 years.
“What was always very special to me was the sense of family
and community within the fire department,” Wintermute said. “I kind of took it
for granted until later when I left to three other fire departments. I found
out it wasn’t that way in other fire departments.” By Garth Guibord/MT |
| Hwy. 26 project finish in sight posted on 08/31/2016
Contractors were expected to begin paving Hwy. 26 on Sunday,
Aug. 28 as the Oregon Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) “U.S. 26 Mt. Hood
Highway Safety and Preservation Project” nears the finish line.
“(We are) on the final stretch of this project,” said
Kimberly Dinwiddie, ODOT Community Affairs.
Dinwiddie noted that remaining work includes the paving,
adding the median barrier, drainage work, installing new signs and cleanup. She
added that paving will take place “pretty much” night and day for approximately
four weeks (not including weather delays), with lane closures and flagging
occurring at night, while paving outside the travel lines likely during the
day.
Work could potentially finish up in October, but could go
longer.
“There are things that could slow us, down, but we plan to
go at it strong,” Dinwiddie said.
The median is expected to be installed in late September,
followed by drainage inlets that will necessitate all traffic driving on one
side of the barrier at a time.
“It’s just going to be a little awkward for travelers,”
Dinwiddie said.
Dinwiddie added that a ceremony is in the works to mark the
end of the project, which includes the expansion of the highway and the
addition of a 1.6-mile concrete median barrier to prevent crossover accidents.
“The community has been through so much with this project
and we appreciate that,” Dinwiddie added.
The project also featured early work on adding RealTime
signs, offering up to the minute traffic information and advisories, including
electrical vaults. Dinwiddie said construction for that project could begin
when the snow melts in 2017, but added that the work would be “nothing like”
what drivers experienced over the past three years and the sign project should
be finished in one season.
Dinwiddie also cautioned that when the barrier is added to
Hwy. 26, vehicles will be unable to access the Mirror Lake trailhead from the
westbound lanes. A new trailhead is currently in the works.
For more information, please visit us26mthoodsafety.org and
tripcheck.com. By Garth Guibord/MT |
| County reconsiders Villages future posted on 08/31/2016
The saga of the Villages at Mt. Hood vs. Clackamas County
has become more like a Bertolt Brecht play than two governmental bodies trying
to solve a problem.
In the latest act, the Board of County Commissioners (BCC)
will hold yet another policy session Sept. 6 to determine either the fate, or
the way forward, for the Villages at Mt. Hood Board of Directors (BOD) – which
consists of Chair George Wilson and Carol Burk, or just one, or neither,
depending on the scenario.
Or, Wilson and Burk are still actors, perhaps, as they’ve
been invited to attend the policy session.
Newly appointed liaison to the Villages, Katie Wilson,
public involvement specialist with the County, wrote to Wilson: “I would like
to invite you and Carol to attend that policy session and ask you to please
hold off on your emergency meeting until after the BCC has discussed the
Villages election.”
Wilson had prepped an emergency meeting, steadfast in his
position that he is still the Chair and the Villages is still in existence.
In previous acts, the County had “dissolved” the BOD, then
later changed the terminology to put on “hiatus.” Either way, it no longer
existed. Now, it seems, there is some form of life as the two board members
have been at least recognized.
Wilson told The Mountain Times that he will attend the session.
“We recently received word … that the BCC have reconsidered
their previous decision (hiatus) and now plan to move forward with a
candidate’s forum and formal elections for fall of 2016,” Wilson said. “(Katie)
Wilson has asked us to hold off on a September emergency community meeting
(until) they reconvene to listen to Public and Government Affairs (PGA) staff
recommendations on how to move forward with the board. We do plan to attend.”
Earlier, PGA had recommended to the BCC to reinstate the
Board and hold elections. But for reasons shrouded in mystery, the BCC voted
4-1 to scuttle the Board instead. Now, just as mysteriously, the BCC will meet
Sept. 6 to discuss moving ahead with the elections.
Even with the window of opportunity, Wilson remains
skeptical of the new direction of the BCC.
“We remain steadfast and determined to proceed under the
guidelines of the current bylaws, until which time recommended amendments can
be discussed and approved by the Villages board,” he said.
It’s probably safe to assume that the Sept. 6 policy session
will be something more complicated than a simple curtain call. By Larry Berteau/MT |
| Lion’s Club building in need of repairs posted on 08/31/2016
At the Lion’s Club’s annual Chuck Wagon Breakfast earlier
this year, a near disaster was averted when a good Samaritan helped fix a
broken dishwasher.
But more issues have popped up at the club’s building, built
in 1991, including replacing the fire suppression system for the kitchen hood,
replacing fire extinguishers and potentially adding air conditioning.
“The Lions Club is getting older and we’ve got to do things
to keep up with the times,” said Carol Norgard, the building’s house manager.
“We don’t have that much extra in any coffers anywhere. We pretty much run
month to month from our rentals and events.”
Norgard noted the club received a bid for replacing the
kitchen hood system at nearly $4,000, and that while the organization had spare
funds in the past, the 2008 recession has drained reserves in order to take
care of basics.
The club is a 501c-4 organization that supports various
community activities, including baseball, softball, Boy Scouts, offering
scholarships for preschool children and sight and hearing programs.
Many of the club’s signature events, such as the annual
Chili Cook Off, dedicate funds specifically for these efforts.
Norgard noted the club’s August rummage sale helped raise
more than $1,000 during its first weekend, but that no firm plans are in place
to help make the necessary projects happen.
“Anything people would like to do, they would help,” she
said.
For more information on helping the Lion’s Club, call
503-622-4111. By Garth Guibord/MT |
| ‘Smoke’ rises on the Mountain posted on 08/31/2016
Proprietor Stewart Schmidt opened his business July 2, 2015.
Subsequent to that date, he was forced to close in order to comply with a
county marijuana zoning requirement.
On July 1, nearly one year to the day of the first opening,
Smoke on the Mountain reopened at its Welches location on Hwy. 26, in full
compliance.
Schmidt’s problem stemmed from a recent requirement that an
air filtration system stamped by a mechanical engineer licensed in the state be
installed, according to Schmidt. Failure to do so would have resulted in hefty
fines.
“As this is a new industry, it was rather difficult to find
a mechanical engineer willing to work on such a small job,” Schmidt said. “They
are used to dealing with large corporations, Costco, large restaurants, and
hospitals. The air filtration system was quite costly and I was told by two
separate engineers that the requirements that the county put into place matched
those of a hospital emergency room.”
Now, fully operational, Schmidt noted the business is
striving to grow and offer better and better products, more selection at
competitive prices.
“We carry several strains of marijuana flower as well as a
number of extract concentrates in cartridge form used for vape pens, as well as
a number of edibles and drinks,” he said. “We will soon be carrying other forms
of extracts such as dabbable extracts and shatters, And I’m happy to announce
that we now have an ATM.”
Most of the product at Smoke on the Mountain, appropriately,
comes from local farmers on the mountain. Schmidt pointed out that the current
25 percent sales tax goes to the state and the county’s 3 percent sales tax on
recreational marijuana goes to the Oregon Liquor Control Commission, none of
those tax dollars are specifically targeted for the local community.
“It is my goal to stay local and to directly stimulate the
economy of the mountain,” he said. “Purchasing locally and providing a local
discount is just the start.”
The business offers a 15 percent discount to veterans and
members of the community.
While the road has been dark and uncertain at times, turning
back was never an option for Schmidt.
“My commitment to bring a dispensary of the finest quality
to the mountain has never wavered,” he said. “We have started small, but will
continue to strive to grow and to meet our patient’s and customer’s needs.”
As of July 31, the Oregon Department of Revenue processed
$25.5 million in marijuana tax payments for 2016, according to Joy Krawczyk,
public information officer for the state. By Larry Berteau/MT |
| Rhody author offers holiday books posted on 08/31/2016
What started as a quiet form of rebellion at a conservative
Methodist seminary evolved into a home in Rhododendron next to a volcano.
Tiffany Reisz is an internationally bestselling author. If
she couldn’t write, she would die, according to Lisa Wray from Reisz’s
publishing company Harlequin/Harper Collins.
Reisz and her husband Andrew Shaffer – also a writer – moved
to the Mountain last year, migrating from Kentucky, following a visit in 2014
where she fell in love with the Mount Hood area.
“The beauty is unbelievable,” Reisz told The Mountain Times.
“I can sit in the guest room upstairs and watch the sun set on a billion trees
and the colors change a hundred times in a few minutes. It’s glorious. And
there’s something a little unnerving about living on a volcano … I mean how
many people can say they live on a volcano?”
Harlequin is rolling out three new Reisz novels with “Her
Halloween Treat” going on sale in September, “Her Naughty Holiday” hitting the
stands in October, and “One Hot December” on sale in November. All three novels
are set in Oregon.
“This series was
inspired by house hunting out here on the Mountain,” Reisz said. “So many
gorgeous cabins and cute guys in flannel – a great romantic combination.”
Reisz was bitten by the writing bug at an early age.
“I started writing as a kid … and from seventh grade I was
writing all the time,” she said. “Scripts for my favorite TV shows, bad love
poems, everything. It was just the weird kid thing I did … I’m not sure I ever
had a moment when I said ‘I’m going to be a writer.’ I didn’t need that moment
since I was already writing all the time.”
Her first published novel was “The Siren” and by her own
admission “It’s a very naughty book. The story behind it is that I was a
well-behaved student at a conservative Methodist seminary and writing a naughty
book was a very quiet form of rebellion,” she said. “Very soon writing took
over my life and became much more important than seminary. I quit school to
pursue writing novels. It’s worked out so far. No complaints.”
Reisz’s favorite writer is her husband who recently hit the
New York Times bestseller list. “Plus, he has a fabulous wife,” she said. She
is also a big fan of Anne Rice, Jennifer Egan, Elizabeth Knox and PG Wodehouse,
while Robert Penn Warren’s “All the King’s Men” is her favorite novel.
Reisz captured the prestigious RITA last year – the highest
award given in romance fiction – for “The Saint.” But she doesn’t categorize
herself completely within the romance fiction genre. Her latest release “The
Bourbon Thief” she describes as mainstream women’s fiction. Her favorite
description of the three upcoming holiday releases: “literary friction.”
She is quick to offer advice to budding writers.
“Write all the time,” she said. “Write your guts out. Write,
write, write.”
It seems that the Rhododendron author has followed her own
advice. And as well as being an avid writer, she’s also a very discerning
reader:
“Thanks for having me,” she said. “We love The Mountain
Times. We always read it.”
To learn more, visit www.tiffanyreisz.com. By Larry Berteau/MT |
| Lead found in Welches Middle School’s water posted on 08/29/2016
The Oregon Trail School District (OTSD) announced seven
fountains out of 14 and two faucets in food prep sinks out of two in Welches
Middle School contained slightly elevated levels of lead, ranging from .0206 to
.030 milligrams per liter (mg/L) (the Environmental Protection Agency’s limit
is .020), following testing in August. The district shut down the receptacles,
notified parents via email on Wednesday, Aug. 10 and replaced the equipment.
However, further test results the district received on
Friday, Aug. 26 revealed the continued presence of elevated lead levels.
“They came back with still a level of lead in the water that
is not acceptable,” said Julia Monteith, OTSD Director of Communications.
In addition, 23 classroom sinks out of 24 tested revealed elevated
levels of lead in the water, ranging from .0204 to .199 mg/L. Test results for
the Welches Elementary School classroom sinks were pending.
Monteith noted five of the seven fountains with elevated
lead levels are in rooms that are not used by students (but are used for
storage), while the remaining two fountains were “sometimes” in use. She added
that the district will have to hire a contractor to investigate the source of
the lead, and noted that the school’s water, supplied by the Salmon River Water
Company, has a low pH balance and the acidity level could cause corrosion.
Lon Goff, Water Distribution Operator at Salmon River Water
Company, noted the company is in compliance with the state for both lead and
copper. The company is tested every three years and the last test conducted by
the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), as detailed on the agency’s website, was
Aug. 18, 2015.
The Salmon Valley Water Company is designated as an
“Outstanding Performer” by the OHA, which is earned through an on-site review
of a system for the purpose of evaluating its capability of providing safe
water to the public.
The school still has seven fountains without elevated lead
levels and Monteith noted an alternative water source, likely bottled water,
would be brought in. She added a neutralizing system may be needed to combat
the problem, while noting the problem appears in certain areas of the school
while others are unaffected.
“That’s one of the things we need to look into as we
continue to test the water and try to determine if there are certain areas that
are higher in lead (or) if is it the whole system,” Monteith said.
“We expect to have all the results back before school
starts,” Monteith said, adding that all the receptacles will not be functional
until the district is sure they are safe.
The district tested fountains and faucets at all 12 of its
facilities in August, with preliminary results showing four fountains out of
ten and two faucets out of five at Sandy Grade School, one fountain out of 16
at Kelso Elementary School, 12 fountains out of 15 at Cedar Ridge Middle
School, two faucets out of four at Kelso Elementary School, one faucet out of
one at the Community Connections (across from the Pioneer campus) and one
faucet out of seven at Naas Elementary School higher than the EPA limit. The
district was expected to notify all parents on Monday, Aug. 29.
Monteith, who noted lead tests are not mandated, confirmed
that all fountains and faucets had been replaced and the district was awaiting
results from testing the new ones. Results were expected in late August or
early September, but if results had not been received prior to the return of
students, fountains and faucets that had not passed would not be in use.
Principal Kendra Payne noted she had not heard much feedback
from the community after the email notification.
“We are taking it really seriously,” Payne said.
Kurt McKnight, OTSD school board member for Zone 3
(Welches), noted that he hasn’t heard much from community members since he was
appointed to the board in August. He added that he has been updated on the
water issue from Jim Seipel, the Facility Operations Director.
“I’m confident in hearing the update from Jim that the
district is on top of it and going to keep our kids safe,” McKnight said. By Garth Guibord/MT |
|  Dan Davis at Wildwood.
Development at the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM)
Wildwood Recreation Site began in 1963 and was to originally go through three
phases, according to Dan Davis, Outdoor Recreation Planner for BLM’s Salem
District, with the first two resulting in the layout the mountain community is
now familiar with. The third phase would have added a campground in 1971, but
because of an inadequate water system, it never happened.
Since then, development at the area has been limited, but
has included upgrading the water system and adding the salmon viewing window, the
most recent new feature which was added approximately 20 years ago.
That may change soon, as the BLM looks to possibly develop
the area further, including the addition of campsites, yurts, cabins and RV
sites. That could help the site increase the number of visitors utilizing the
area each year, currently at approximately 50,000, a fraction of the 375,000 it
was built to accommodate.
“The site definitely offers the capacity to have it,” said
Jennifer Velez, Public Affairs Officer for BLM’s Eugene and Salem Districts,
about the potential development. “We feel it would be a value added thing to
have here at this site.”
The BLM will host a public meeting at 5:45 p.m. Thursday,
Aug. 11, at the Mountain View Shelter in the site, 65670 E. Hwy. 26 in Welches,
starting with a 30-minute presentation and also featuring up to four proposed
plans for Wildwood, including a “no development option,” a tour of the site and
an opportunity to ask questions as share feedback. The meeting also marks the
beginning of a formal 30-day scoping comment period, offering the opportunity
for the public to provide comments.
Development proposals will include an official entrance with
new office and visitor contact that is closer to the entrance than the current
office, a new loop for RVs, with campsites, yurts and cabins. Davis noted that
yurts and cabins could be clustered, offering the opportunity for guides,
outfitters or families to reserve a group of them for a specific outing.
The yurts, at a size good for a small family, would likely
be placed on pads that already exist, with perhaps four surrounding a central
kitchen area and a small barbeque for each yurt. Cabins, meanwhile, would
include a bed, table and chairs and also feature electricity. Both yurts and
cabins could possibly be utilized year-round, while building characteristics
would reflect the current construction, including large wood and stonework.
“We just want to offer people a little bit higher level of
camping experience,” Davis said.
He added that the lower section of the park, including the
salmon viewing window, could see the addition of popular day use activities,
including a playground and swings.
“We don’t want to displace the current use, we want to
enhance it,” Davis said. “We understand that people like to use this as a
community park.”
The park could also see three stops a day on weekends by the
Mountain Express bus service. No timeline is in place for when work could
begin, if development is the chosen path, but Davis noted that a new management
plan for Wildwood will hopefully be completed by next spring or summer.
Any development that would take place would be done in
phases, with portions of the park potentially closed off, but no closure of the
entire park.
“It’s too large of a park to consider that,” Davis said.
Davis also noted that similar development at the BLM’s
Molalla River Recreation Area helped make that park safer while reducing
problems and disruptions during the night.
“If you bring people in there that are doing responsible use
(it will) displace irresponsible use,” he said.
Some members of the community have formed a group, “Friends
of Wildwood Hood,” in opposition to the potential development of the park.
The BLM is also finishing the design for the Sandy Ridge
Trail System and starting to consider development options for the site of the
old Marmot Dam, which was removed in July 2007. The Marmot site would likely be
designed for fishing and mountain biking experiences, including camping, RV and
yurt sites, and potentially a boat ramp.
“We’re looking at doing a lot smaller scale than Wildwood,
for sure,” Davis said, adding it is “really early” in the process for planning
on the Marmot site.
The BLM will combine two districts, Salem and Eugene, into
one, the Northwest Oregon District, on Saturday, Oct. 1, which will offer 11
total sites. Davis noted that the district offers a year pass, good at 21 fee
sites, for $30. By Garth Guibord/MT |
| County ‘failures’ will be costly to Mountain residents posted on 08/01/2016
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has
downgraded Clackamas County’s Community Rating System (CRS) from a Class 6 to a
Class 10 which will result in a loss of flood insurance premium discounts for
local policy holders.
It seems the county’s failure to provide documentation to
the insurance carrier is at the root of the downgrade, one that will result in
premium cost increases to policy holders on average of $180, according to
Marlene Jacobs, ISO/CRS Specialist for Insurance Services Office, Inc. of
Portland.
The insurance spike will go into effect Oct. 1, 2016 or May
1, 2017.
“I regret to inform you that I will be recommending to FEMA
that the County retrograde from a CRS Class 6 to a CRS Class 10 rating,” Jacobs
wrote June 14 in an email to Steve Hanschka, senior planner for the county.
“This recommendation will result in the loss of flood insurance premium
discount for NFIP policy holders within the County.”
Jacobs went on to write in the email that the recommendation
is a result of not receiving sufficient documentation from the county since
March 2015.
Mountain resident and property owner Kip O’Connor cites the
ineptitude of county officials for the costly problem.
“Mike McCallister (county planning director) and Steve
Hanschka have failed at their jobs,” O’Connor wrote in an email to The Mountain
Times. “The county refused for one year and three months to furnish all Base
Flood Elevation (BFE) certificates associated with building permits (and) they
did not furnish repetitive loss paperwork as needed. They knew for a while they
were not following NFIP regs and that means they have been defrauding the NFIP
and insurance company all this time.”
McCallister wrote to O’Connor July 20 that the county has a
project manager who will be “looking at the County’s Floodplain management
program over the next year.”
At that time the project will consider future participation
in the CRS program, including where the program will be located
organizationally in the county, staffing resources, use of consultants, funding
strategies and overall coordination between divisions, McCallister added.
To reapply for the CRS program, the county would need to
complete a community assistance visit with FEMA and it be determined the county
was back in good standing with the National Flood Insurance Program.
Aside from the policy premium increase, it is uncertain what
lies ahead for Mountain residents.
But O’Connor has his own idea. “I think the county
commissioners should have to answer for this and act accordingly.”
By Larry Berteau/MT |
| Villages at Mt. Hood is no longer – at least for now posted on 08/01/2016
At a June 28 policy session the Clackamas County Board of
Commissioners (BCC) officially scuttled the Mt. Hood Villages Board – the last
vestige of political influence for Mountain residents.
The county had options after having first “dissolved” the
Villages, then not liking that word, changed it to putting the Villages on
“hiatus.”
One of the alternatives was the decision reached in a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by county mediator Amy Herman, Villages’
Chair George Wilson and Villages Director Carol Burk which reinstated the board
with instructions to move forward toward an election of board members.
But the BCC didn’t like that solution, instead opting for
the hiatus.
The county had hired a consulting firm, EnviroIssues, to
conduct a survey, feeling out the sentiments of the Mountain community.
The survey, plus meeting with PGA staff to create a draft,
management of survey distribution and website, outreach (including staff at
community locations with printed surveys), along with stakeholder interviews
and the final report, cost the county nearly $11,000, according to the county’s
strategic communication manager Amy Kyle.
Despite the county’s admitting it was not a “scientific
survey,” the results appeared to be split with an equal amount of local
residents showing distrust of the Villages and the county alike.
In the policy session, Commissioner Jim Bernard took from
this the position that “If we have all these concerns about trust, getting the
(Villages) Board back together would be a big mistake.”
Commissioner Paul Savas, the lone dissenting vote in the
decision, thought the BCC was making a mistake.
“We get an agreement (MOU), now we go against it,” Savas
said during the session. He added that he didn’t think a delay was good policy
without a cause.
Commissioner Tootie Smith was quick to respond.
“Oh, there’s cause here,” Smith said. “We don’t need to
comment on why we’re doing this.”
Villages Chair Wilson took the decision personally.
“I’m frustrated,” Wilson said. “The BCC has a vendetta.
They’re waiting for me to go away. Do I want to waste my life chasing this? I
know they won’t make it easy for me. But I take a great deal of pride in my
community. So I’ll wait to see what they do next.”
Mountain resident Brigette Romeo stood in opposition to the
county’s decision.
“As a past (Villages) board member and county taxpayer, I
disagree with what the county has done,” Romeo told The Mountain Times. “They
should be held accountable for the defamation of these board members. I give
kudos to George (Wilson) on his attempts to reunite the Villages board … Now we
have no representation at all with the county. Maybe the commissioners should
be on hiatus until they can find elected members that are for the people, not
themselves.”
Former Villages Board Chair Doug Saldivar added a slightly
different slant.
“I don’t think the current BCC cares much or thought much
about the Villages program,” Saldivar wrote in an email to The Mountain Times.
“I believe their view of the board was that it was an irritation.”
Saldivar added that, even though the BCC is not operating in
the best interests of the Mountain community, the real problem is that the
Mountain community is not operating in its own best interest.
“The community has never accepted the (Villages) board as
its representative to the BCC,” Saldivar wrote. “I think most of the people who
have ever been involved with the board (including myself) need to accept some
responsibility for this. When the board stopped meeting with the BCC and began
to run all its recommendations through (county) staff, it lost the chance to
show the community that it was a voice that would be heard by the BCC.”
Saldivar also noted there was a feeling that Wilson placed
his agenda above committee work and recommendations.
Commissioner Bernard will attend a Chamber meeting at 8
a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 2, at the Mt. Hood RV Village to discuss the plight of the
Villages board, according to Kyle. Kyle added that, “In the coming weeks we
will be working on an outreach plan with the Villages community.”
By Larry Berteau/MT |
| Support Group holds annual garage sale posted on 08/01/2016
Rochelle Simonds, Treasurer for the Hoodland Fire District
(HFD) Volunteer Support Group, noted the annual garage sale started sometime in
the 1980s as a way for the district to buy new gear.
“There wasn’t any money, it was all volunteer,” she said.
Now, however, the group runs the sale, with proceeds used to
give children in the community free bike helmets as part of EMS Day. This
year’s sale, including a barbeque, will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday,
Aug. 6, at the district’s main station, 69634 Hwy. 26 in Welches.
HFD Chief Mic Eby, who started giving away bike helmets
years ago before the district got involved, noted it's not just a matter of
giving away helmets, but also teaching kids how to put it on correctly and why
wearing a helmet is important.
For the sale, the HFD empties out the bays at the main
station, while anybody who wants to sell can reserve a table for $15 (tables
are already sold out for this year). Sellers have offered a wide range of items
in the past, including motorcycles, furniture, clothes, tools and more.
“You name it, there’s just tons of different things,”
Simonds said. “It’s a big, huge social event. A lot of people show up.”
The support group provides meals and other support for the
district’s firefighters, including cooking on late night calls and making
lunches for “Burn to Learn” events. The group, open to anyone who wants to
join, meets at 7 p.m. on the first Monday of each month at the main fire
station.
Eby noted the support from the group is extremely important
to the district, recalling how special it is to return from a call late at
night and a hot meal is waiting for them at the station.
“They do it all hours at night, no matter when we have a
call,” Eby said. “We’re so grateful to them.”
Hood to Coast and Fill the Boot
Runners won’t be the only people out in the community when
the annual Hood to Coast relay happens on Friday, Aug. 26. HFD’s firefighters
will be out and about as part of “Fill the Boot,” an effort to raise money for
the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Firefighters are expected to be at the stoplight at Hwy. 26
and Welches Road between approximately 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., as well as in the
Hoodland Shopping Center. And new this year, donations will be accepted via
credit cards or online (please choose Hoodland Fire District as the fire
department).
Evan Jarvis, Senior Firefighter/Paramedic for the HFD, noted
that last year the district raised more than $3,000.
“Our goal this year would be to beat that,” Jarvis said,
adding that it will be important for drivers to pay attention, slow down and
keep an eye out for runners during the Hood to Coast relay.
By Garth Guibord/MT |
|  Erin Fitzgerald.
In September 2014, Portland resident Erin Fitzgerald arrived
at Skibowl to help train for a mountain race in Colorado. But as she ascended
the slopes, she was shocked by how much litter was strewn about in the forest.
“I wasn’t prepared to pick everything up,” Fitzgerald said,
noting she could only fit a small amount in the hydration vest she wore. “I
probably would have needed 50 hydration vests or more.”
Fitzgerald, a trail runner who also runs frequently in
Portland’s Forest Park and in the Columbia River Gorge, returned and picked up
as much as she could, filling a 13-gallon trash bag to the brim and still not
taking away all the trash. She returned to Skibowl in 2015, found some more
trash, “but not a ton,” and picked up what she could.
But earlier this year, Fitzgerald once again went running at
Skibowl and found the situation was worse. Beer cans, papers, all types of
plastics and more were back on the trail, which she dutifully picked up again.
“It’s just too bad,” said Fitzgerald, who chronicles her
work on cleaning up the trash on her blog, adventuresinthumbholes.com. “I kept
thinking, ‘Why do people think its okay to toss something off the chairlift.’ I
was trying to wrap my head around why people litter. The best thing I could
come up with is they don’t have the connection to the natural world. Litter is
unattractive, it’s costly to pick up and harmful to wildlife and rivers.”
Fitzgerald plans on returning sometime in early August for
another training run and to check on the conditions of the trails.
Hans Wipper, Public Relations for Skibowl, noted littering
is a problem at the resort, despite the fact that they have receptacles in
various locations, including at the bottom and tops of lifts. But despite their efforts, litter still makes its
way onto the trails.
“It’s really unfortunate that people feel comfortable or
think its okay to throw stuff down (from the lifts),” Wipper said. “I think
it’s a great thing that (Fitzgerald is) doing and being a great example. If
everyone did a bit of that, we’d have a lot cleaner forests out there.”
The trash usually starts appearing in the spring when the
snow starts to melt, and Wipper added that Skibowl holds cleanup parties in the
spring before the Summer Adventure Park.
He also noted that the problem is worse in winter because
approximately twice as many people utilize the resort during that season.
“I just think everyone needs to take pride when visiting
their national forest and do their part,” Wipper said. “When one person
litters, others feel they can do it.”
Wipper also offered to supply Fitzgerald with gloves, trash
bags and a place to throw away what she collects.
Fitzgerald hopes her story resonates with other people and
inspires them to help keep the forest clean.
“I’m passionate about making sure that wild places are
litter free,” she said. “Pack it out even if you didn’t do it.” By Garth Guibord/MT |
| Welches students show generosity in quilt raffle efforts posted on 08/01/2016
Welches resident and parent Stephanie Gagnon came up with a
new fundraiser last year for the Welches School’s eighth grade class: a raffle
for a custom quilt that Gagnon would make.
Gagnon, who has been quilting for 15 years and had her
quilts shown at Timberline Lodge and Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show, offered three
different designs for the winner to pick from, along with the color and size,
and also committed to making a quilt for the student who sold the most tickets.
By the end of the school year, Samantha Weiler and Olivia
Wilcox had sold $217 worth of tickets, more than a third of the $600 total that
was raised. And in the continued spirit of giving, the girls – who will both be
ninth graders at Sandy High School this fall – elected to give their quilt to a
neighbor who Weiler noted helps others, including taking animals to the vet.
“We thought she should get the blanket because she is one of
the nicest people we know in the neighborhood,” said Weiler, 14l. “She started
crying when we gave it to her. She was really happy and she would call us and
thank us a lot after that day.”
The two girls spent hours going door to door in their
neighborhood to sell their raffle tickets, taking turns giving their pitch and
sometimes staying out until nearly dark. Weiler added this was not the first
fundraiser she’s participated in, noting she’s sold wreaths, flower baskets and
coffee in the past.
“I like helping out our school because I’ve been there since
kindergarten and they’ve treated me with respect and helped me through some
hard times,” she said. “A lot of people like to keep things for themselves. I
kind of wanted to be that one percent that didn’t.”
Gagnon noted how impressed she was with the two girls and
their selflessness.
“They thought outside themselves,” she said. “They did it
and I couldn’t be more proud of them.” By Garth Guibord/MT |
|  Jonathan Edwards at 2015 festival.
(MT) - (In anticipation of Timberline Lodge’s Mountain Music
Festival on Monday, Sept. 5, The Mountain Times and Jon Tullis, Director of
Public Affairs, had a question and answer session to get a better understanding
of what the event is all about.)
MT – This is your 20th year presenting music at Timberline,
how has the process of putting the lineup together evolved since you started?
JT – We started the Timberline Acoustic Music Series in
1995. Evening concerts were held in the Lodge’s main lobby on Wednesday
evenings in October when things were otherwise very quiet. I purposely reached
out to some of my favorite singer/songwriters, mostly of the rootsy, folk music
genre, or what has become known as “Americana.” The lineup over the years
included such chestnuts as Tom Russell, John Gorka, Steve Forbert, Dave Mallet,
Steve Young, Mary McCaslin, Katy Moffatt, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Eliza Gilkyson,
Dave Carter & Tracy Grammar, Kevin Welch, Bill Morrissey, Dan Hicks… I
could go on and on. For me it was about bringing great music to the mountain,
in this great intimate setting that the Lodge provides. These folks were the
troubadours of their day, poets of the people, and extraordinary performers.
The audience was always very attentive and appreciative. It was all about the
songs. The songs had the ability to move people, and pull them together. I’ll
tell ya, there were some magical evenings listening to those performances
around the fireplace. I have lots of fond memories. Sharing Timberline’s top
notch hospitality with the artists was always a source of pride for me, and I
enjoyed getting to know them as we ate dinner before the show.
Back then Portland wasn’t nearly as hip as it is today with
live music galore, and live music on the mountain was even rarer. These artists
often skipped Portland while touring the West Coast, so this gave the local
audience here a chance to see them, and it gave the artists a great little gig
in between shows say at the Freight and Salvage in San Francisco and the
Tractor Tavern in Seattle.
Portland is full of great live music now, and there are
great live music venues on the mountain like the Skyway. The final Acoustic
Music Series was in 2005. Nowadays we have moved the music outdoors in the
amphitheater so I focus more on presenting larger bands, and new, younger
talent, folks who are out on tour and playing the summer festival circuit. Our
festival is just a few days before the Sisters Folk Festival, so I often
feature some of the artists who are headed that way. It’s a win/win for everyone,
and I have been able to present some really tasty acts such as Nora Jane
Struthers and the Party Line, Eli West and Cahalen Morrison, and the amazing
quartet called Darlingside who went on to be named Folk Alliance Artist of the
Year in 2016.
MT – How has the event itself changed over two decades?
JT – Well, as I was saying, after Timberline’s historic
outdoor amphitheater was restored, we brought the Acoustic Music Series to a
close and started presenting summer shows out there. Then in 2012 we decided to
produce a big free all day festival on Labor Day to celebrate Timberline’s 75th
Anniversary. We called it the “Tribute to Tradition” and in addition to some
incredible barbeque, and a nice speech by Senator Merkley it featured Sarah Lee
Guthrie and an amazing line up of folks playing Woody Guthrie songs ,. Over
7000 people came out that day. It was so cool we decided to make it an annual
event; The Timberline Mountain Music Festival.
MT – What stands out about the musicians for this year's
festival?
JT – This year’s festival will be opened by Eric Kallio, a
fantastic local guitar and dobro player who has written some wonderful songs
about life on the mountain. Next up is a local favorite bluegrass band,
Jackstraw, back by popular demand you might say. They have their own unique
brand of bluegrass music that I sort of
see as Cascadian. We are also presenting two singer songwriters that just need
to be heard! The first is a rising star based out of Nashville, Caitlin Canty.
Her music is catchy and gritty and soulful all at once and I guarantee she will
charm the audience. Next, Sam Baker, who hails from Austin is perhaps one of
the most personable and powerful performers of the day. You just have to check
him out to understand, He too will have the audience in the palm of his hand.
Our headliner is a tried and true Americana band named Marley’s Ghost. They
have been pleasing festival crowds for over 25 years, and have recorded with
everyone from Emmy Lou Harris to John Prine, and they are soon to release a new
CD produced by Larry Campbell. I am sure
they will have everyone on their feet by the time they close out the show
around sunset.
MT – Bluegrass/Mountain music and Timberline Lodge are both
unique American creations; how does the festival's setting and the music
complement each other?
JT – That’s a great question. Again, the phrase “tried and
true” comes to mind. Timberline Lodge and the rustic sort of music that we
present at this festival are both tried and true, honest, authentic, and yes,
uniquely American. As songwriter Guy Clark once sang, “Its stuff that works.
Stuff that holds up. Stuff you don’t hang on the wall. Stuff that’s real. Stuff
you feel. The kind of stuff you reach for when you fall.”
The festival is also a huge team effort for us here, and
that brings out the best in Timberline. Our amazing staff is dedicated to
creating a very genuine, enjoyable, casual, family-friendly festival scene.
We’ll have food and drink on the back patio, the Taborgrass Players will lead
folks in impromptu jams (bring your own instruments) and we will have free face
painting for the kids as well. Various vendors and non-profit groups will be
sharing interesting information, and all the while the beautiful mountain is
right there on the horizon. The musicians always comment that our stage is one
of the most beautiful settings they have ever played!
MT – The festival, offering world class musicians, is free.
What does it mean to you and the festival sponsors to be able to present this
event to the public for no charge?
JT – It seems like a fitting way to give back to the
community. After all, the Lodge was built to be enjoyed. It’s the people’s
place. And thank you for the opportunity to recognize our sponsors! We couldn’t
throw this party and present such great talent without The Boyd Coffee Company,
The Mt. Hood Brewing Company, and of course RLK and Company, operators of
Timberline Lodge. And while I’m at it, I’d like to give a shout out to Stew
Dodge Sound who has been providing excellent sound mixing and lights for our
shows going back all the way to 1995.
MT – You've experienced 20 years of festivals – the
musicians, the music, the attendees - is there one memory or story that stands
out for you?
JT – There are so many. I’ll never forget Peter Rowan’s spirited
performance of Land of the Navaho. The temperature had dropped 10 degrees from
earlier in the show and a cold thick cloud rolled in across the stage like
God’s own smoke machine. Peter sounded a conch shell and he and his band just
sort of leaned into it and reveled in the moment. But if I had to choose my
personal favorite, I guess it would have to be when last year’s headliner, the
very gracious Jonathan Edwards, a personal favorite of mine since high school
days, invited me up on stage to sing a couple of songs with him. I was a little
nervous at first, but I couldn’t let that opportunity pass me by, and it was a
blast.
Of course, I promise I won’t do that every year! |
| Villages kept on ‘hiatus’ by commissioners posted on 07/01/2016
The Clackamas County Board of County Commissioners (BCC)
opted to keep the Villages at Mt. Hood Board of Directors “on hiatus” at a
Tuesday, June 28 policy session, despite efforts through mediation to reform
the Villages board and move toward elections of new board members, according to
Amy Kyle, Strategic Communication Manager for Clackamas County Public and
Government Affairs (PGA).
The BCC had three options given to them at the session: to
approve a process outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that would
have appointed an interim board to hold an election this fall, to keep the
board on hiatus or to begin the dissolution process for the Villages. The staff
recommendation was the first option, but the BCC voted 4-1 in favor of the
second, with Commissioner Paul Savas dissenting.
“They felt they needed to keep it on hold for now,” Kyle
said, noting the commissioners had received continued feedback beyond a staff
report on the matter and the staff recommendation was just a recommendation.
Kyle added that the BCC wants county staff to work with
community on a path forward and wanted to keep the Villages board on hiatus
until they are able to do so. The BCC did not offer direction on a timeline for
a resolution.
The county hired the consulting firm EnviroIssues to conduct
a survey of Mountain residents and stakeholders to provide better direction for
the Villages. Among the firm’s recommendations was to discontinue the board
until the end of the year, but Kyle indicated before the policy session that
the county wanted to move quicker. The survey, including meeting with PGA staff to create a draft, management of survey distribution and website, outreach (including staff at community locations with printed surveys), along with stakeholder interviews and the final report, cost the county nearly $11,000, according to Kyle.
The hiatus began in February when three members of the Villages
board resigned, citing concerns over the board’s chair, George Wilson, followed
by the BCC dismissing the three remaining Villages board members (including
Wilson).
But Wilson, with local attorney Gary Linkous providing legal
representation, challenged county staff that in turn knuckled enough to agree
to mediation. That occurred June 14 with county mediator Amy Herman holding
forth, and it was agreed that Wilson, along with serving director Carol Burke,
“will serve as existing board members during this interim time,” Herman wrote
in the MOU.
The agreement had limits, as the resuscitated board was to
only focus on organizing formal elections in order to fill remaining vacancies
and to establish a quorum. To that end, Wilson had already taken action, along
with Burke, and two applicants were selected to form a temporary quorum.
When told of the BCC decision, Wilson said he would consult
Linkous about what he would do next.
“I’m extremely disappointed that the commissioners decided
to keep us on hiatus, despite our agreement with senior county council … and
PGA staff,” Wilson said. “I’m just beside myself, really.” By Garth Guibord and Larry Berteau/MT |
|  Grace Ramstad spent early years on the mountain.
The 2016 Rose Festival Queen is Grace Ramstad – a rose that
rose in Brightwood.
“My backyard was
basically a forest so my twin brother (Will), our neighbor (Emily Smith), and I
would climb around in the trees pretending to live there,” Grace said. “(They)
would always argue who was the leader but I was always happy to be the chef and
make ‘meals’ from the plants around us. I definitely grew up surrounded by
nature.”
Grace’s road to the Rose Festival stage meandered from the
Mountain, through Welches School, Cedar Ridge, Sandy High, and finally
Centennial, as, along with the support of her family, she always sought to get
the best education possible.
Grace’s commitment to excellence has a new reward, fitting
of a queen.
“When I first heard my name announced as queen I had a
moment of disbelief,” Grace said. “Then all of the princesses circled around me
in a hug and I got a moment to feel their support and know that I was picked
for a reason.”
“What sets Grace apart is that she has always been willing
to work hard to learn and achieve,” her mother Rita Ramstad said. “She’s been
willing to make sacrifices … which twice meant leaving her friends and
community and changing schools. That’s not always been easy.”
Grace got a great start at Welches School. Besides becoming
a Student of Merit in The Mountain Times, she cited the special relationships
she forged with her teachers.
“I credit the people and experiences I had growing up on the
Mountain for my accomplishments,” Grace said.
“Throughout elementary school I attended speech classes to
fix my speech impediments, and now I’ve competed nationally in public speaking
events and serve in several positions such as Rose Festival Queen that are
based around communication skills.”
Two teachers, in particular, had a profound impact on Grace.
In fourth and fifth grade Virginia Knowles fed Grace her love of books and
encouraged her writing.
“Because Grace was seriously injured in a playground
accident, she had to miss the last five weeks of fifth grade,” Rita said.
“Virginia agreed to be her tutor, coming to our house to give Grace assignments
and keep her connected to classmates.”
The other was Tom Wallace who agreed to let Grace come into
his fourth/fifth grade class for writing instruction, when she was in third
grade.
“I would not be where I am today without my Mountain
community,” Grace said.
She will move on to Georgetown University (Washington D.C.)
this fall and intends to major in government with a minor in education.
A rosy future awaits. By Larry Berteau/MT |
| ODOT preps Hwy. 26 in July for paving in August posted on 07/01/2016
Construction work on Hwy. 26 during July will focus on
preparations for tentatively paving the road in August, according to Kimberly
Dinwiddie, Oregon Department of Transportation Community Affairs.
Workers restriped the highway in late June, moving traffic
to the south side, while causing some long delays.
“That allowed us to have more room on the north side and
we’re continuing to do our excavation on the north side of Highway 26 to later
put in the concrete barrier,” Dinwiddie said.
Dinwiddie added that paving dates in August are not set, but
completing the paving should take three to four weeks.
By late June, workers had placed 25,800 blocks out of a
total of 44,500 as part of a retaining wall located above the Pioneer Bridle Trail.
Each block is eight inches tall and 18 inches wide, with the wall varying in
height between three and 20 feet.
Dinwiddie also noted that workers are expected to finish up
the Map Curve area of the project in early July, including completing the
installation of all rock bolts to secure the banks. The “U.S. 26 Mt. Hood
Highway Safety and Preservation Project,” which will expand the highway and add
a 1.6-mile concrete median barrier to prevent crossover accidents, is still scheduled
to be completed this fall.
Workers are on two shifts this summer, a day shift and a
swing shift, with most of them staying on the mountain during the week and
going home for the weekends, according to Dinwiddie.
For more information, please visit us26mthoodsafety.org and
tripcheck.com. By Garth Guibord/MT |
| Brightwood RV park proposal denied posted on 07/01/2016
(MT) – What started as an attempt to build an RV park in
Brightwood, has been dashed by a land-use decision in a 16-page denial by
hearings officer Fred Wilson. Kashmir Dhadwal, of Sandy, was the applicant for the
proposed park on Hwy. 26 that would have included 99 campsites, an office,
clubhouse, laundry facility, restrooms, showers, a circulation system,
utilities for each campsite, horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, picnic areas,
walking paths, water well, septic system, septic dump site and detention ponds. A conditional use permit application went out Feb. 29 to
agencies, community planning organizations and property owners within 500 feet
of the property on Hwy. 26 in Brightwood. The land-use hearing took place April 7 in Oregon City,
after nearly 100 local residents showed up in March at the Dragonfly Café &
Bakery in Welches for a meeting with county officials regarding the RV park
proposal. At that meeting many local concerns were raised. Among them
were Welches resident and Realtor Dave Lythgoe and local property owner
Margaret Thurman. At the time, Lythgoe pointed out that the new owner
(Dhadwal) had eliminated all of the trees and natural plants by scraping and
denuding the property, saying “it is quite an eyesore along Hwy. 26 which I
believe is designated scenic highway.” Lythgoe’s concerns went beyond the scenic nature of the
site. “There is no sewer system in the area,” he said. “The septic
system that will be necessary will be massive with the potential of polluting
the river and the water table.” Thurman also cited water concerns. “We are most concerned about them drilling a well and how
that will impact the two Country Club water system’s wells as well as all of
the local wells on the property on Cottonwood Road that back up to the proposed
development,” she said. “We are already having well issues.” Wilson’s statement mirrored local concerns, and he piled on
citing the effect on wildlife, noise pollution and traffic concerns,
concluding: “The opponents’ evidence and testimony is much more
compelling than the limited evidence and testimony from the applicant,” Wilson
wrote in his decision.
Dhadwal is allowed to appeal the decision to the Land Use
Board of Appeals. |
| Bightwood residents alarmed by logging project posted on 07/01/2016
A number of Brightwood residents are concerned over a
potential logging project on a hillside property to the north of Barlow Trail
Road.
The owner of the property is Fern Hollow Farms, based in
Veneta, Ore., and residents met with Greg Demers, who represented the company,
to discuss the operation in late May.
Brightwood resident Scott McNamara noted that other projects
Demers has been involved with, including the Pilot Rock sawmill wood waste
landfill, 90 acres in Crow, Ore. that was clearcut and the mining of Parvin
Butte in Dexter, Ore., have earned Demers resentment in those communities and
some fines.
“This guy leaves a wake of destruction,” McNamara said, highlighting
his concerns over the potential operation, including the risk of landslides,
the impact and potential flooding from culverts added to McIntyre Road and the
danger of logging trucks operating on narrow and twisty community roads.
Bill Simonds, another homeowner concerned about impact on
his property, noted that concerns over the operation, on approximately 20 acres
of land, have been raised with the Oregon Department of Forestry, the Bureau of
Land Management and Clackamas County, but that Demers “seems to be
unstoppable.”
“If that’s the case, our best bet is to make sure he follows
the rules,” Simonds said, adding that he thinks the agencies they have
contacted will watch the project “extremely carefully.”
In a phone interview with the Mountain Times, Demers said,
“We bought the property, we’re going to do a selective harvest on it.
Everything’s going to be done according to state, county and federal
regulations.”
McNamara started a website, friendsofbrightwood.com,
outlining the community concerns and announcing meeting times. By Garth Guibord/MT |
| A smoothie way to better health posted on 07/01/2016
If you’ve been putting off that “get healthy” regimen, you
just ran out of excuses.
Mountain Mel’s Green Canyon Apothecary will hold its grand
opening celebration from noon to 6 p.m., Saturday, July 9 at 68272 Hwy. 26 in
Welches, on the back side of the Hoodland Shopping Plaza.
Green Canyon will serve as a hub of health and well-being
for the local community, featuring a full service herbal apothecary providing
bulk herbs, tinctures and other natural health care supplies with a focus on
using food and plants as medicine.
With owner Melissa Mutterspaugh at the helm, the apothecary
will also serve herbal teas, organic and locally grown smoothies, plus gluten
and dairy free snacks and treats.
“We are the community’s only natural health care supply and
educational space,” Mutterspaugh said. “We use only organic and ethically wild
harvested plants, herbs and oils in everything we serve. You can guarantee that
anything you get out of the Green Canyon Apothecary is the highest quality
available, and the best for your health, your family’s health, our community’s
health, and the health of the planet.”
The apothecary will also serve as a classroom and workshop
focusing on natural health and living, plus will provide a drop point for Azure
Standard organic, bulk, and natural food and product supplies.
Mutterspaugh has lived on the Mountain for nine years, and
recognizes, at last, that this is home.
“In all the places I’ve lived in the world, none of them
have embraced me … like this wonderful community,” she said. “I’ve taken
advantage of the healthy options that mother nature has provided us in such an
incredibly beautiful place. Opening the apothecary tea and smoothie shop is my
way of giving back to such an amazing community.”
Mutterspaugh is already looking toward the future.
“My hope is to continue to grow the Mountain Mel’s product
line, while creating a healthy gathering space for this community,” she said.
“I want to create a vibrant, fresh, friendly, positive, and inspiring place
that people can come to and feel good about what they’re putting in their
bodies, and minds. I want to see families gathering here for classes, and
perhaps others teaching their own classes.”
Green Canyon Apothecary is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.,
Thursday through Sunday. To celebrate throughout July, all bulk herbs and
products are on sale at 20 percent off. Learn more at www.mountainmels.com. By Larry Berteau/MT |
| Fire district welcomes four new vols posted on 07/01/2016
Four new recruits completed their training and graduated as
the new volunteer class for the Hoodland Fire District in June.
Three, Daniel Maurer, Casey McGinty and Dana Waldron, will
be firefighters while the fourth, Valentina Galenko, will be part of the
special task group that can participate on medical calls but not fight fires.
“(Special task group members are) allowed to do certain
things on the fire scene, but they’re not full fledged firefighters,” said
Scott Kline, co-director of the training company.
The recruit class began with seven in early January, but
three dropped out, and Kline noted that the numbers vary year to year. The 2014
class, for instance, featured 11 people signing up with seven graduates, and
all seven currently still serve the district.
The three new firefighters will all be based at the
Brightwood station.
Defensible space
Kline encouraged everyone in the community to create a
defensible space around their home in preparation for the fire season. The
space provides a buffer between the forest and a home in case of a wild fire.
“A lot of people think that means clear cutting, which isn’t
true,” Kline said.
He noted that within 30 feet of a house, all leaves,
branches and “brown stuff” should be cleaned up, while lower limbs of trees can
be cut down. Branches should not overhang on roofs, keep plants pruned within
the 30-foot barrier, while roofs and the ground under decks should also be
cleaned up.
Between 30 and 100 feet from the house, low hanging tree
limbs should be removed (reducing “ladder fuels,” which allow a fire to spread
up into the forest canopy).
“Some neighborhoods are really good at it, other places are
not so good at it,” Kline said, adding that some neighborhoods, such as
Timberline Rim and Zigzag Village, hold cleanup days and haul debris to a
central burn pile.
The defensible space could be crucial in the event of a
wildfire, when responders must assess each house and determine what resources
would be needed to save it from the fire.
“If we have a house that has prepared a defensible space
around it … we don’t have to put much effort into trying to save that house,”
Kline said.
Burn season over
Wednesday, June 15 marked the end of backyard burning in the
fire district. Recreational fires are still allowed, unless the district is
under a general fire closure. For more information, call the district’s burn
line at 503-622-3463. By Garth Guibord/MT |
| County pivots, will mediate with Villages board posted on 06/01/2016
A combined effort by Clackamas County offices scrapped the
Villages at Mt. Hood following what the county claims was an illegal election
in December 2015, followed by complaints from “several citizens” of the local
community.
In an apparent turnaround, county counsel Stephen Madkour
has agreed to mediate the county’s decision and will sit down with Villages
Chair George Wilson, and Directors Carol Burk, Ben Bliesner, and Pat Holbrook,
plus Wilson’s attorney.
The fact that the county disallowed Bliesner’s election at
the December Town Hall, and to this point doesn’t believe Wilson had to the
authority to appoint Holbrook as an interim board member, only adds to the
drama that surrounds this standoff between the Villages and the Board of County
Commissioners (BCC), the office of Public and Government Affairs (PGA), and the
county’s legal department.
Madkour told The Mountain Times that the county has agreed
to mediate but no date has been set, citing the busy schedule of county
resolutions services.
“We agreed last week (May 16) and must schedule with
resolutions services officer Amy
Herman,” Madkour said. “She has first-hand knowledge of the Villages Board. We
look to the opportunity to resolve issues.”
Wilson, who finds all the actions of the county to be
arbitrary and unlawful surrounding the scuttling of the Villages Board, was
quick to react to the mediation scenario.
“My concerns are that Ms. Herman is a Clackamas County paid
staff employee, as opposed to an independent arbitrator, and (her) busy
schedule raises some concerns,” Wilson said. “Are there really that many
conflicts requiring resolution services that our issues must be forced toward
further delay?”
The differences between the county staff and Wilson have
more twists and turns than a failed field sobriety test. But the main points
are these:
– The BCC ruled the December 2015 elections invalid, when
Bliesner was elected to the Board.
– Board members Joe Mazzara, Rob Bruce and Gina Royall
resigned from the Board over differences with Wilson, leaving the Villages with
only two members, Wilson and Burk – far short of a four-person quorum – from
the county’s point of view, but with a quorum according to Wilson, including
himself, Burk, Bliesner and interim appointee Holbrook.
– Wilson, through his Welches attorney Gary Linkous, filed a
tort claim notice to Amy Kyle, strategic communications director for PGA, for
allegedly issuing false information to The Mountain Times; and sent a letter to
Madkour citing violations of state statutes, county ordinances, and current
by-laws of the Villages. Both notices sought mediation to resolve these issues.
In defense of the county’s position of suspending the
Villages Board, PGA Manager Gary Schmidt pointed to several citizen complaints.
When questioned by Wilson, Schmidt listed three citizens, Fran Mazzara (wife of
resigned board member Joe Mazzara), the late Bob Reeves (former board member)
and Steve Graeper (Rhododendron CPO President). Again, Wilson questioned the
three people put forward, after which Schmidt admitted that Graeper was
incorrectly listed, leaving only one citizen complaint on the board, that of
Fran Mazzara.
Wilson was, and continues to be, incredulous of the county’s
position.
“The actions of Gary Schmidt to invalidate our December 2015
Town Hall elections were indeed unlawful,” Wilson said. “Mr. Schmidt acted
unilaterally based on frivolous allegations by Fran Mazzara, and without due
process for remaining elected board members. There was never an inquiry into
those alleged complaints … We were simply denied our opportunity to dispute
these claims, and as a result were denied our right to due process. Had the
elections not been invalidated, we wouldn’t be going through any of these
nonsensical circus acts.”
Madkour, however, defended the county’s actions all the
while agreeing to the mediation.
“There has been dissension among (Villages) board members,”
Madkour said. “They have been unable to agree on anything.”
However, Madkour admitted to “not being aware of the history
of the Villages,” in his interview with The Mountain Times, but stood firm on
the suspension of the board, saying “If the board has only three members,
that’s not a quorum.”
Kyle has indicated the mediation will occur sometime in
June. By Larry Berteau/MT |
| The Mount Hood Farmers Market returns posted on 06/01/2016
Ant Farm, the nonprofit with Brightwood roots and now based
in Sandy, had a vested interest in a farmers market since it started a garden
nearly four years ago, seeing a market as a way to give the youth it helps the
chance to understand what it takes to get produce in the hands of customers.
Last year, the organization was at the helm of the Mount Hood Farmers Market,
operating with no budget, and this year, the market returns bigger and better.
Nunpa, Ant Farm’s executive director and founder, noted this
year the market features more vendors, music and special events, while also
participating in the Power of Produce program, helping kids make healthy eating
choices, and the Double Up Food Bucks program, offering twice the amount of
vegetables for those using Oregon Trail Card SNAP dollars.
“We’re really stepping into offering everything (people)
want,” Nunpa said, adding the produce has expanded.
One of the new vendors is mountain resident Kayla Diggins,
who quit her job as a bartender and now creates wood burned art, including bird
feeders and planter boxes. This is her first summer participating in farmers markets,
and even on her first day at the Mount Hood Farmers Market, she was pleased.
“I’d rather be closer to home and I’ve already seen a ton of
people I know,” Diggins said.
Nunpa hopes that with the added attractions this year, the
market attracts more people.
“We really want to put that invitation out there,” he said.
The Mount Hood Farmers Market will be held every Saturday,
10 a.m. to 3 p.m., through Saturday, Oct. 29, at the Ant Farm Outdoor Building,
38600 Proctor Blvd. in Sandy (located between Dairy Queen and the Big Apple).
Market gift cards are also available at the market or at Ant Farm’s cafe, 39140
Proctor Blvd. in Sandy. For more information, please visit
mounthoodfarmersmarket.org. By Garth Guibord/MT |
| Deal in place for OTSD teachers posted on 06/01/2016
The Oregon Trail School District (OTSD) and the Wy’East
Education Association (WEA) agreed on a new four-year contract, with the
district’s board of directors expected to vote on it at the Monday, June 13
board meeting. The two sides met eight times over the course of nine weeks to
hammer out the agreement.
“The best word to describe bargaining was ‘collaborative,’”
said Steve Snow, WEA’s bargaining chair and an elementary school counselor. “We
have a great working contract and a great working relationship with the
district.”
OTSD Human Resources Director Ken Bucchi added that the
working relationship includes heated debate on some topics, but that each side is
willing to yield and recognize strong logic from the other.
“It isn’t about winning,” Bucchi said. “Too often, I think
districts believe they’ve won, but at what cost? The expense of relationships
and ability to work with those people later on.”
The contract, which starts July 1 of this year, includes a
cost of living adjustment of two percent each year, a benefits increase of five
percent each year and no reopeners. It also addresses class sizes, the number
one issue for the WEA in negotiations, by setting caps on the numbers of
students for each grade level.
If class sizes exceed that number, the teacher of that class
receives an additional $21 per child beyond the cap, per month.
“It’s not a remedy for large class sizes, (but) it at least
represents an acknowledgement that having a certain size classroom might
potentially create a greater workload,” Bucchi said.
The contract also includes new language guaranteeing two
weeks of paid family leave for younger teachers, including instances such as
having a baby, on top of other leave time they have accumulated.
“We didn’t feel it was fair that the group most likely to
have a child is the group least likely to have time to spend with that child,”
Bucchi said. “(We’re) trying to be a more family friendly environment.”
The contract also formally adopts language regarding salary
exempt status from the Fair Labor Standards Act, offering teachers the ability
to perform some duties, such as grading, away from the school and not requiring
teachers to remain at the school if they have completed their essential duties
for that day. The status also means teachers may work longer than eight hours
per day on other occasions due to the demands of the job and the essential
functions of their responsibilities.
The district has offered teachers the ability to perform
grading duties outside the school for approximately four years, which has
proven popular.
“It was overwhelming, the vast majority of everyone loved
it,” Snow said.
Each side has the opportunity to pull out of that language
in the next four years, while Bucchi noted he believes the OTSD is the first
district in the state to adopt the standards.
The contract also offers the district the unilateral right
to transfer teachers once every four years, and adds one additional day of
orientation for brand new hires. The additional day will be paid at the
substitute teacher rate. The contract does not include guaranteed daily teacher
preparation time, which the WEA had asked for, but the district will “make
every effort” to accommodate that, according to Bucchi.
Snow noted that the two sides do a lot of work between
bargaining, including a monthly labor management meeting at the district level,
and he added that the teachers are pleased with how the district manages its
finances.
“They’ve been good stewards of the money and making sure
there is a cushion there, which there should be,” he said. Welches board position opening Citizens interested in applying for the Zone 3 (Welches) open board position can find the application and other information at http://oregontrailschools.com/school-board/. Applications are due by 4 p.m. Thursday, July 7.
By Garth Guibord/MT |
| Contractor wraps blasting on Map Curve posted on 06/01/2016
K&E Excavating, the contractor for the Oregon Department
of Transportation’s (ODOT) “U.S. 26 Mt. Hood Highway Safety and Preservation
Project,” hit a milestone on Tuesday, May 24 when it set off the last blast on
the Map Curve section of the project. Map Curve required 14 total blasts,
starting with the first on April 28, 2015, which removed a total of approximately
44,000 cubic yards of rock and dirt from the area.
“That was pretty huge for us to get that done,” said Kerry
Kunzi the president of K&E Excavating. “Pretty much right on schedule so
far.”
Kimberly Dinwiddie, ODOT Community Affairs, noted that while
blasting slopes has concluded, there could still be more blasts this summer as
part of the RealTime travel information sign project.
“We want to thank everybody for their years of patience as
we’ve endured through the blasting,” Dinwiddie said.
Kunzi noted that work in June on the safety project, which
will expand the highway and add a 1.6-mile concrete median barrier to prevent
crossover accidents, will include building a retaining wall, digging out on the
north side of the highway to accommodate widening it and adding a guard rail.
Travelers can expect intermittent flagging and delays of up to 20 minutes.
“Traffic up here really seems to increase after Memorial
Day,” Dinwiddie said. “People should expect to see more congestion.”
Trucks carrying dirt and vegetation up Lolo Pass Road will
be “very sporadic” now, according to Kunzi, while trucks are still expected to
bring rock to the Tamarack site.
K&E will also crush rock at the Laurel pit site off
Kiwanis Camp Road to use for asphalt and road base for the project. Kunzi
estimated that approximately 50,000 yards of rock will be crushed and reused.
Both Kunzi and Dinwiddie stressed that while the project is
nearing completion and is expected to be done this fall, all travelers should
continue to drive safely through the work zone.
“We want everybody to go home safe,” Kunzi said.
For more information, please visit us26mthoodsafety.org and
tripcheck.com. By Garth Guibord/MT |
| Fire district looks to expand to 24-hour coverage posted on 06/01/2016
The board of directors for the Hoodland Fire District set
two new goals at a planning session: 24-hour coverage by paid staff at the
district’s main station and limited coverage at the Government Camp station.
And at the Sunday, May 8 board meeting, the board approved hiring one new full
time firefighter/paramedic, the first of four Fire Chief Mic Eby hopes to have
on board in the coming year.
“It is going to get us closer to that (24-hour coverage),”
Eby said. “The board feels it's such an important thing.”
Eby noted that currently volunteers cover the district at
night, but there are times when only two volunteers are able to respond to a
call. In addition, volunteers must wait at a station for somebody certified as
an Emergency Medical Technician and a driver before heading out on one of the
rigs.
All paid staff are paramedics and drivers, while
approximately 65 percent of the district’s volunteers are Emergency First
Responders, and unable to drive.
The first new firefighter could be hired by October, while
Eby hopes to utilize a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant to pay for the
others, including one who will be designated as a specialist for volunteer
retention and recruitment and public education.
As part of the move toward 24-hour coverage with paid staff,
Eby also noted the district will have to figure out sleepers quarters at the
main station. He added the southwest corner of the building is the likely
location, while no plans are in place for what the quarters would look like.
Eby also noted the district will look into an internship
program, potentially partnering with a college and having interns live at the
station.
“It’s an evolving challenge,” he said about staffing. “Once
you start catching up with it, a new aspect comes up.”
Other fire news
The district hired Architectural Cost Consultants to help
estimate the costs associated with renovations at the Government Camp station.
Eby noted the district has received drawings from structural engineers, which
the consultants will use in their estimates.
The board of directors passed the district’s budget at the
Tuesday, April 26 meeting, including approving the purchase of two new brush
rigs to replace old ones. Eby described them as “Swiss army knives” of fire
rigs, carrying water, foam to put out car fires, extrication equipment, high
angle rescue equipment and advanced life support.
Eby noted the brush rigs are particularly useful when
maneuvering smaller roads in the district and when responding to home first aid
calls.
By Garth Guibord/MT |
| A Merit milestone, 10k and counting posted on 06/01/2016
When David Lythgoe purchased Merit Properties in 1984, the
company was purring along through its sixth year.
Today, 32 years later, the Welches real estate company has
recorded 10,000 transactions. Not all resulted in sales, but Lythgoe estimates
that two-thirds became closed sales.
“It is an accomplishment I never expected to achieve,”
Lythgoe said. “Since that time we have weathered the high interest rates of the
late 80s, the boom years of the 90s when the Californians arrived, and the
great recession just passed.”
Lythgoe was quick to point out that more than 20 agents have
made up the Merit team during those years, and the company would never have
reached the 10,000 mark without them. “Some are still with us,” Lythgoe added.
It’s easy to imagine that all transactions are not alike,
and one in particular proves the point.
“I remember the buyer who wanted to trade gold for a house,”
Lythgoe said. “I found a seller willing to make the deal. After meeting with
all parties and a jeweler we then arranged for all to meet an assayer at the
gold office in Portland to value the gold. Long story short, the buyer never
showed and we never saw him again.”
In the meantime, more normal operations are expected.
“On to the next 10,000,” Lythgoe said.
A promotion of Merit
Marti Bowne returns to the fold at Merit Properties, and
will assume the position of office manager.
“I’ve been in love with the Mountain all my life,” Bowne
said. “Coming back to Merit, where I started my real estate career, was a
natural.”
While maintaining her broker status, as office manager Bowne
will also oversee day-to-day company operations. By Larry Berteau/MT |
| The Adventures of Welches School posted on 06/01/2016
In preparation for a visit from a comic artist as part of
the Right Brain Initiate program (RBI), Welches sixth grader Garrison Carpenter
broke out his dad’s collections of comics to study up. After three hours of
investigation, he came away a big fan of the Flash.
After five sessions with artist Lisa Eisenberg, Carpenter
created his own comic strip and came away a fan of the experience.
“I’m really happy she came and helped us with it,” said
Carpenter, 12. “It was just a great time overall.”
Eisenberg starts with art lessons on figure and anatomy and
helps students learn to draw characters that work for them, with a focus on
developing their comic’s main character. Students then develop the backstory of
the characters and a “story map,” an outline of how their comic will play out.
After that, students “thumbnail” the page, making a rough
sketch and investigating different choices of panel size, what’s inside each
panel, speech bubbles and creating a point of view to help direct the reader on
where to look.
Then students get feedback and begin the process of drawing
their comic in pencil before going over in ink and adding color.
Eisenberg, who has been creating comics for 10 years, noted
comics blend the worlds of writing and visual arts together.
“It creates something beyond those things and how they
function separately,” she said.
Her program at Welches focused on personal narratives, but
Eisenberg has also used it to teach social studies, language arts and more.
Eighth grader Taryn Criss, a fan of “Calvin and Hobbes” and
“Garfield,” learned a bit about herself through making her own comic.
“It was fun and it kind of helps you think about what
happened in your life,” said Criss, 14. “You look inside yourself and see what
great stories you have to write about.”
Fellow eighth grader Sophia Herman was intimidated at first
because she doubted her drawing skills, but she based her comic on a walk
through the woods back home from her friend’s house, adding a monster and
gaining a newfound appreciation for the work needed to make a comic.
“The comic book creators, we don’t give them enough credit,”
said Herman, 14. “It is so stressful to draw something and mess up and it
doesn’t look like what you want it to look like.”
Sixth grader Inanna Vognild was already familiar with comics
and graphic novels, including Japanese comics called “manga.” She based her
comic on attending her friend’s birthday party, where a girl was asked to
become a model, and learned what it takes to get an idea put on the page.
“It was fun because there were a lot of things I didn’t know
about the process on how to make them,” said Vognild, 12.
Eisenberg, who has taught comics for four years, found her
experience in Welches to be rewarding as well, noting she was impressed by the
differing views of the students, how they engaged in the work and the support
of the staff.
“I really appreciated the students there,” she said. “It was
definitely a really positive experience overall.”
Welches Principal Kendra Payne notes she’d like to keep the
RBI program going “in perpetuity.” It began last year in just two classes
before being expanded to the entire school this year, featuring comics for
grades fourth through eighth and drumming for kindergarten through third grade.
“It’s just a great program,” Payne said, adding that
she is developing a map to provide
different arts experiences for each grade level, including music, performance
and visual arts. “I think it makes arts feel more accessible for teachers. It
just really blends with what’s already happening.” By Garth Guibord/MT |
| Hwy. 26 project back on schedule posted on 04/30/2016
Oregon Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) “U.S. 26 Mt.
Hood Highway Safety and Preservation Project,” is on schedule after falling
behind due to spring snow, according to Kimberly Dinwiddie, ODOT Community
Affairs. Crews worked “almost around the clock” Mondays through Thursdays in
April, including during hail and rain, and were expected to continue doing so
into May.
“Our crews are pretty hard core,” Dinwiddie said. “We are
really moving ahead on this project.”
Day work has included work on slopes and a wall to protect
the Pioneer Bridle Trail, while workers have installed drainage pipes during
nighttime hours.
“It’s less of an impact on travelers to do drainage at
night,” Dinwiddie said, adding that travelers can expect to be held up by
flaggers “consistently” at night and intermittently during the day.
Two blasts are tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, May 3 and
Tuesday, May 10, which will take place at 5:30 p.m. and close the highway down
in both directions for approximately one hour. Dates are subject to change
based on conditions and if holes can be drilled in time.
Dinwiddie added that following the two blasts, ODOT should
know how much more blasting on the project, which will expand the highway and
add a 1.6-mile concrete median barrier to prevent crossover accidents, will be
necessary. The project is expected to be done this fall and Dinwiddie noted
that is still the goal.
“We are going to do whatever it takes, without causing too
much disruption, to get it done,” she said, adding that the patience exhibited
by drivers and those in the community is much appreciated.
For more information, please visit us26mthoodsafety.org and
tripcheck.com.
By Garth Guibord/MT
|
| Break-ins force pharmacy closure posted on 04/30/2016
The benefit of a
Mountain pharmacy has been ripped away from the community.
As of April 14, Williams Pharmacy has closed its doors, no
longer able to sustain its business due to multiple break-ins resulting in loss
of medications.
“We are sad over the demise,” Pharmacist Jeff Williams told
The Mountain Times. “We were broken into again over Easter and with the extent
of drug abuse in the area, three times was a charm. All involved, us, DEA (Drug
Enforcement Agency) and the pharmacy board all sensed a concern for overall
security.”
Williams was quick to thank the community who supported his
effort, and noted the difference between the majority of those who lead honest
and productive lives and “these small minded pathetic parasites” who violated
the pharmacy.
“I don’t know where it will end, but I will no longer create
a supply of narcotics to addicts in our community,” Williams wrote in a notice
posted at the pharmacy in the Rendezvous Center.
A pipeline has been set up for pharmacy clients. Walgreens,
in Sandy, has agreed to pick up the phone number, transfer all records and
service the patients, according to Williams.
“Walgreens, in our opinion, is the most efficient and best
for clinical care,” he said.
By Larry Berteau/MT
|
| County gears up for June Villages elections posted on 04/30/2016
Clackamas County sent a survey on the Villages at Mt. Hood
to all village property owners in April, with results expected to be presented
to the Clackamas County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) at a meeting on
Tuesday, May 24, according to Amy Kyle, Manager for Clackamas County Public and
Government Affairs. The BCC is also expected to set new elections for the
Villages board of directors for sometime in late June at that meeting.
The survey will be available at the Villages’ website,
www.clackamas.us/citizenin/mthood.html, through Friday, May 13, and Kyle noted
that “a number of people” had already taken the survey by the end of April.
The BCC dismissed the three remaining Villages board members
in February following the resignation of three others due to concerns over the
board’s chair, George Wilson.
Kyle noted that it is possible for board members who have
time remaining for their terms to fulfill them. Applications are available on
the county’s website for anybody interested in serving on the Villages board of
directors.
Wilson, however, contends that the BCC’s dismissal of board
members, as well as the county invalidating election results from Dec. 1, 2015,
was not supported by county ordinance or the Villages bylaws. In a letter dated
April 5 to county counsel Stephen L. Madkour from Wilson’s attorney, Gary G.
Linkous, Wilson requests the BCC to rescind the dismissal of the board and the
invalidated election from December, and to allow the board to appoint temporary
board members to fill out the board, followed by formal elections at a town
hall meeting.
The letter requested the BCC accept the proposal or “come
back with an acceptable solution or some effort” by April 15. Wilson did not
hear back from the county and now plans on moving forward with appointing new
board members.
“It’s apparent that they haven’t given much credence to the
letter we sent,” he said. “They had no authority to dissolve the board.
Essentially they violated their own ordinance and bylaws.”
Wilson noted the interim positions will be filled by people
who have already submitted applications through the county and once the board
is complete, they will announce the first meeting and move forward with formal
elections. He added no date has been set to appoint the interim board.
“I think at this point, they’re just hoping that I’m going
to let things rest,” said Wilson, whose term was set to expire this May. “I’m
not going to let that happen. If they decide to challenge, we’re completely
prepared to push it to the attorney general’s office. We believe we have a
strong case.”
Kyle noted the BCC has not approved any applicants for the
board and any appointment of non-approved applicants would be against the
Villages bylaws. She added that the Villages board members remaining did not
constitute a quorum, meaning they could not function as such, including make
decisions or hold a meeting.
Applications for the Villages board are available on the Villages’ website. Kyle
estimated the county has received “five or six” applications so far.
By Garth Guibord/MT
|
| RV Park permit left unresolved posted on 04/30/2016
The concerns of many Mountain residents were heard at an
April 7 land use hearing in Oregon City for a proposed RV park on Hwy. 26 in
Brightwood.
What followed was an exhaustive 45-page staff report from
county planner Sandy Ingalls to land use hearings officer Fred Wilson. In the
lengthy document, Ingalls recommended the proposal be denied.
"The applicant did not state how impacts to wildlife
will be minimized and mitigated with removal of the sites' vegetation, under
Comprehensive Plan, Chapter 3, Natural Resources and Energy, Wildlife Habitats
and Distinctive Resource Areas Policies: Minimize adverse wildlife impacts in
sensitive habitat areas, including deer and elk to winter range below 3,000
feet elevation, riparian areas and wetlands," Ingalls wrote.
However, Ingalls added that if information is provided by
the applicant the recommendation may be revised.
The ensuing pages of the report listed multiple conditions,
all of which Ingalls was confident applicant Kashmir Dhadwal would be able to
meet.
The land use permit proposal is to construct and operate an
RV park with 99 campsites, office, clubhouse, laundry facility, restrooms and
showers. The proposal also includes a road through the park, utilities for each
campsite and septic system, horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, picnic areas,
walking paths, grass recreation area, septic dump site, on-site water well,
detention ponds and landscaping.
The site takes access off Hwy. 26 and its neighbors would
include the community of Country Club Road and the Ark Motel.
Local residents wondered why if the owner was planning to
comply with the deer, elk and
environmental issues, he had removed all the trees from the property.
There were other issues raised as well, including:
– There is no well on the property, despite the applicant's
saying there is one. Thus, a deep well would have to be drilled, raising
concerns about the impact on existing wells in the area.
– Environmental impact due to soil erosion or water runoff
to the Salmon River.
– Impact that an RV park will have on property values.
Because of the high level of interest the proposal has
attracted, an extended period for the submission of new evidence and a period
for response has been granted.
The proceedings are expected to conclude May 5.
By Larry Berteau
|
| Spring Fling helps Neighborhood Missions help others posted on 04/30/2016
Clarence Edelman, the chairperson of Neighborhood Missions,
knows from personal experience about the struggles that some people go through
- people on the mountain that the organization helps every year. As a child, he
grew up during the Depression in a small town in Idaho, often without being
able to eat and with no resources that could offer some help.
“It hits pretty close to home,” Edelman said. “That’s my
motivation.”
Neighborhood Missions, which provides food, wood, and
financial assistance for heating, medicine, utilities, gas vouchers and
transportation for those in the community in need, will hold its annual Spring
Fling event on Saturday, May 21, at the Mount Hood Lions Club, at the corner of
Hwy. 26 and Woodsey Way in Welches.
“We help everybody, we don’t draw any lines,” Edelman said.
“Everybody gets help, everybody is welcome to ask us for help.”
The event features a silent auction, bake sale and craft sale
starting at 11 a.m., with the auction closing at 7 p.m. Silent auction items
are expected to include gift certificates to local restaurants, a gun cleaning
kit and power yard equipment. The crafts will be locally made, including
quilts, socks and more made by the Hoodland Lutheran Church quilt group.
A spaghetti dinner with dessert will start at 4 p.m., $10
for adults, $5 for children four to 12 and free for children three and under.
All proceeds will benefit Neighborhood Mission. Tickets are available at
Welches Building Supply, El Burro Loco, Still Creek Inn, Coffee Brewsters and
Clackamas County Bank.
Edelman noted the organization serves up to 15 people a
week, with tens of thousands of hours donated by volunteers to keep it going.
He added that Neighborhood Missions is unique because it is available seven
days a week to those in need, plus it can deliver help to people.
“If we didn’t have the support of the whole community up
here, we wouldn’t be able to do this,” Edelman added.
For more information, call 503-622-5694.
By Garth Guibord/MT
|
| Students win essay contest posted on 04/30/2016
The Mt. Hood Green Scene (MHGS) challenged the Welches
School’s sixth grade class to write essays on the theme, “What nature teaches
us about recycling,” following a presentation earlier this year.
The students, who were raising money to attend Outdoor
School, submitted 15 essays, with Grace Bliesner’s “What Nature Teaches Us
About Recycling and Sustainability” and Sam Butler’s “Recycling and
Sustainability in Nature” named as the co-winners, earning $500 toward the
Outdoor School from the MHGS and The Mountain Times.
“Our goal is to increase and promote recycling and
sustainabilty awareness and knowledge,” said Doug Saldivar, a member of the
MHGS board of directors. “Helping our children learn about sustainability is
one of the most important things we can do. After all, it will soon be their
world.”
Bliesner, 11, wrote about “The Three R’s,” recycling,
reusing and reducing, while also using the water cycle as an example of
recycling.
“When you really pay attention to it, it shows you how water
recycles itself,” she said.
Butler examined various cycles in nature, including geology,
weather and ecosystems, in his essay.
“I just looked up a bit of general information on the topic
and wrote a rough draft,” he said.
While the Mt. Hood Green Scene did not hold a recycling
collection event this year, it hopes to hold one next year.
Recycling and Sustainability in Nature
By Sam Butler
Nature is defined as "the phenomena of the physical
world, including flora, fauna, geography, and other features of Earth. There
are examples of recycling and sustainability in all of them.
To start, there is the Earth itself. The rock cycle is a process
through which igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rock, along with sediment
and magma, interact with and change into each other. This is an example of
recycling. Moreover, this cycle happens by itself, without outside
intervention.
There is also weather. Water evaporates, forms into clouds,
then falls back to the ground as precipitation. Whether this precipitation is
rain or snow or hail depends on atmospheric conditions. Once the water, in
whatever form, hits the ground it slowly seeps in to rivers and streams, which
run out into oceans or lakes, where the water evaporates again. The water cycle
is the means by which water is recycled.
The ecosystem is very sustainable. Anything that dies in a
working ecosystem is used by other organisms. Nature recycles things.
How the ecosystem is sustainable begins with sunlight.
Chlorophyll in plants uses the energy of the sun to fuel the plant's growing
process. As a byproduct of the chemical reactions involved in this, oxygen is
released, making the atmosphere sustainable.
After the plant grows, some kind of herbivorous animal eats
the plant. The animal digests the plant to help it live. Then, the animal excretes
those parts of the plant it cannot use. This helps spread seeds. Also, the rest
of the excrement provides plants with helpful minerals. What goes around comes
around.
Eventually, the herbivorous animal is killed and eaten by a
carnivorous animal for food.
Carnivores feed on herbivores, which feed on plants, which
feed on sunlight, which is almost everlasting. When the carnivore dies, its
carcass is useful to decomposers, such as fungi. The fungi eat the organic
matter on the carcass, leaving only bones. After thousands of years, the bones
transmute into coal.
Nature is made up of hundreds of recycling systems. The
environment will keep going until the sun swells so much the earth cannot
function as normal, in several billion years. Nature is almost complete
sustainable.
What Nature Teaches us about Recycling and Sustainability
By Grace Bliesner
Nature is amazing! It works together to provide a habitat to
plants and animals, who provide oxygen and materials for us. And it provides a
home to us. But think, nature is doing all this stuff for us but what are we
doing for it?
Some of us are trying to help the environment like the green
scene and other groups, who go around teaching people about the environment and
how we can help it sustain itself. Some of us recycle but don't fully
understand how much it helps, and some of us just throw our stuff away and
don't realize how it is hurting the place that we call home.
Almost everything in nature teaches us about recycling and
sustainability. (the ability to keep reproducing and sustain itself) Such as
Plants, animals and the water system.
RENEWABLE OR NONRENEWABLE
Some resources such as trees and water are renewable
resources which means they can be reproduced. Others like coal and oil are non
renewable which means they can't be reproduced or it takes billions of years to
reproduce them. Which leads us to the three R's, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
When it comes to resources and trash the best thing to do is
reduce the amount you use so it doesn't take so much energy and materials in
the first place.
The next best thing to do it reuse the materials and
resources you already have. Keep filling your plastic water bottle up to reduce
waste. Or even better buy ONE metal one and use it again and again. If your
family moves a lot don't buy new boxes every time, reuse the ones you already
have. Simple things can make our home a better place.
The next and probably easiest thing to do is Recycle when
you take your recycling to a recycling plant. The people will make your
recycling into new things.
But since it takes energy to make the new things it is best
to reduce and reuse before you recycle.
Recycling helps nature sustain itself. But we have to help
it. And we can by using the 3R's and treating the environment like we treat
family. And the environment quietly tells us how to help.
THE WATER CYCLE
It may sound weird but the water cycle teaches us about recycling
and sustainability.
The water cycle is a big system that recycles and reuses
water. The water starts in lakes and ponds. It then evaporates, turning into
condensation which forms clouds.
Then as you know the clouds move around then drain forming
precipitation which
comes in the form of rain, snow, hail and dew. In other
words nature recycles water. But that doesn't mean we can't help it along the
way by reducing the amount of water we use. We can do this by turning the water
off while you brush your teeth or not taking such a long shower. Even simple
everyday things can help the environment.
TREES AND PLANTS
Did you know one large tree can make enough oxygen for four
people! It's true but some people figure the world's population of trees has so
far decreased by 40%. But they teach us about recycling too. Trees turn carbon
dioxide and other harmful gasses into oxygen for us to breathe. Then we breathe
out carbon dioxide and they turn it into oxygen it is a cycle. That recycles.
Just like the water system we can help.
So there are many ways we can help the environment sustain
itself and we should help.
Use the three R's and help save the place we call HOME.
SITES
www.Gogreenplus.org
www.green-inovations.asn.au
www.dictionary.com
www.pachumama.org
|
| Fire District upgrades chief’s rig posted on 04/30/2016
Hoodland Fire Chief
Mic Eby gets to break in the district’s latest addition, a 2016 Ford Explorer
that will serve as the fire chief’s new vehicle.
Eby noted the district was able to replace the old one, a
Ford Tahoe purchased in 2003, through a state bid that saw numerous agencies,
including the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office and the Oregon State Police,
get a deal.
Eby noted that Deputy Chief John Ingrao researched and set
up the new rig, including lights and sirens, which came in under budget. It was
purchased at Suburban Auto Group in Sandy.
The new vehicle is smaller and lower to the ground than the
old one, so Eby added that he is testing it to see where it’s limits are,
particularly when it comes to forest roads and other more difficult terrain.
“So far it’s done real good,” Eby said, adding that he’s
found the sirens help move traffic over better than the previous rig.
The district is expected to sell the old command vehicle and
another 2003 Tahoe that has been up in Government Camp, or offer it to another
fire district in need.
In other district news, four recruits have started training
on combating fire fighting, including how to operate ventilation saws, throw
ladders, hazardous materials, incident command and more. The recruits are
expected to go through intensive training in wildland firefighting in June and
will graduate on Wednesday, June 22 as fully certified state firefighters and
state wildland firefighters.
“We wear both types of hats,” said Ingrao, noting the
district has a contract to help fight fires with the U.S. Forest Service. “Up
here it’s important because we’re surrounded by national forest and state
protected lands.”
The district is also making the transition from winter
operations to spring and summer operations, including replacing snow tracks
with tires and restoring outdoor pump equipment into proper shape. Eby noted
that with some hot days that have arrived already, it’s important to be
prepared.
“It’s good to know that we got more moisture in the ground
than we did last year,” he added.
Eby also recommended that people be prepared as they take
advantage of the better weather, including the possibilities of bee stings and
being ready for emergencies when going outside.
The burn season has also started and Eby noted that only
woody debris, including limbs and leaves are allowed to be burned. No petroleum
products, insulation, foam, garbage, rugs or anything that will produce hazardous
smoke are allowed.
A burn pile that is five feet long by five feet wide by no
taller than five feet high does not require a permit. Burn piles have to be ten
feet away from any combustible material such as structures, trees, utilities
and other burn piles, and must have a clear trail completely around the pile
that is down to dirt level. It cannot be within ten feet of moving creek,
stream or river.
Permits are required for burn piles bigger than five feet by
five feet by five feet, which can be made up of slash from land clearing,
thinning, brush/stump removal and debris blown down from wind storms.
Those interested in a burn pile should call the “Burn Line”
at 503-622-3463, to make sure it is a burn day.
Burn times are 8 a.m. through dusk, with no burning at night.
Chief’s Message
The Hoodland Fire District offers chimney brushes to borrow
for no cost. Anyone interested can stop by the main station, 69634 Hwy. 26 in
Welches, to fill out a form, including the size of the chimney and the number
of stories.
Chief Eby noted that the district used to have two or three
chimney fires per week, but following the implementation of the brush loan
program, he estimates they were reduced by approximately 80 percent.
By Garth Guibord/MT
|
| The Bite of Mt. Hood is a culinary cornucopia posted on 04/01/2016
The Mt. Hood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Bite of Mt. Hood has
offered an evening of some of the most fantastic fare since it began seven
years ago. But the event is not just about one night of nourishment, it also
helps fill the food pantry for Neighborhood Missions of the Hoodland Lutheran Church.
“They’ve done a tremendous job,” said Clarence Edelman,
Chairperson of the Neighborhood Missions, which also offers firewood and help
with rent and utility bills to locals in need. “Without all of that food, there
would be times that we’d be running very short.”
This year, The Bite features the theme “What fun looks
like,” and will add a little spice to the festivities with a new emcee, Helen
Raptis, the host of KATU’s AM Northwest, and entertainment by Tony Starlight,
who performs song parodies, pop icon impressions and pop culture tributes.
“I believe that when you do something, you have to expand
the platform and change it up,” said Coni Scott, president of the chamber. “You
have to add interest every year.”
Vendors at this year’s event feature some of the best in
area cuisine, including The Resort at The Mountain, The Shack, Hazelnut Bakery,
Ivy Bear, The Rendezvous, Dragon Fly, Whistle Stop, Skyway Bar and Grill and
Busy Bee Catering. Mt. Hood Brewing will be the newest addition to this year’s
food lineup.
Vendors will each offer a selection of small plates, with
the menu expected to include macaroni and cheese, Sicilian meatballs, a variety
of salads, desserts, pizza and two chowders, one with smoked sturgeon and
another with steelhead.
“I say it all the time when I’m visiting with my guests,
that we have some of the best selections of restaurants in the area,” Scott
said. “They have a way of expressing themselves through their food that I don’t
see in other places. I’m very proud to know all of them.”
The event will also feature an auction of donated items,
ranging from gift baskets and gift certificates to trips to the beach and
artwork. Scott noted they try to include items for all levels of budgets.
“We try to have a variety of things,” she said, adding the
auction catalog is made possible through advertisements and space is still
available.
Another change in this year’s event is the flower
arrangements on the tables will not be auctioned, but instead given to seniors
in need through the Hoodland Senior Center. Scott noted a faith-based community
group stepped in to cover the cost of the flowers.
Scott added that the event is made possible thanks to all
the volunteers who help, which include a number of people who aren’t even
members of the chamber.
The Bite of Mt. Hood will be held from 5 p.m. to late
Saturday, April 23, at The Resort at The Mountain, 68010 E. Fairway Ave. in Welches.
Admission is $5.
For more information, please visit thebiteofmthood.com. By Garth Guibord/MT |
| Residents up in arms over RV park proposal posted on 04/01/2016
A 99-unit RV park in Brightwood is on the county docket for
a hearing to approve on April 7. But there is a concerted effort by local
residents to foil that plan.
Kashmir Dhadwal, of Sandy, is the applicant for the proposed
park. A conditional use permit application went out Feb. 29 to agencies,
community planning organizations (CPO) and property owners within 500 feet of
the subject property, located at 61999 Hwy. 26 in Brightwood.
Besides 99 campsites, the proposal includes an office,
clubhouse, laundry facility, restrooms, showers, a circulation system,
utilities for each campsite, horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, picnic areas,
walking paths, water well, septic system, septic dump site and detention ponds.
However, the Mt. Hood Corridor CPO, which would have held
sway over the planned property as an advisor to the county while representing
the community’s point of view, has been inactive for the past two years. Janine
Bertram, a former MHC CPO director, told The Mountain Times that an active CPO
could have had a positive effect on the land use issue.
“It would be a strong tool for our community,” Bertram said.
“Personally, I feel that Clackamas County often treats the MHC like a colony,
ignoring our needs and using our natural resources to fund urban projects. When
county staff have relationships and regular communication with a solid CPO, it
softens that ‘us and them’ view.”
Rallying in lieu of a functioning CPO, nearly 100 residents
showed up March 13 at the Dragonfly Cafe & Bakery in Welches to gather more
information from county officials about the proposal.
Concerns ranged from traffic impact, environmental issues,
residential homes nearby, and the possible effects of a community well.
Welches resident and Realtor Dave Lythgoe shared his
concerns with The Mountain Times from the letter he sent to the county stating
his opposition to the RV park.
He pointed out that the property was purchased by Morris
Engineering in 2000 and the timber was logged and immediately replanted as
required by the state forestry department.
“The new plantings were growing well and just beginning to
dominate the property ... About six months ago the (new) owner eliminated all
of the trees and natural plants by scraping and denuding the property,” Lythgoe
wrote. “It is quite an eyesore along Hwy. 26 which I believe is designated a
scenic highway.
“An RV park this close to a residential area would be
detrimental to the neighbors,” Lythgoe continued. “As a local realtor, I can
attest that those concerns would be detrimental to property values.”
Lythgoe also pointed to the environmental issue of the
volume of water runoff along with vehicle oils so near to the drainage leading
to the Salmon River. “There is no sewer system in the area,” Lythgoe wrote.
“The septic system that will be necessary will be massive with the potential of
polluting the river and the water table.”
Margaret and Bob Thurman, local residents and property
owners, have issues with the proposed park as well.
“We are most concerned about them drilling a well and how
that will impact the two Country Club Water System’s wells as well as all of
the local wells on the property on Cottonwood Road that back up to the proposed
development,” Margaret Thurman said. “We are already having well issues.”
Dhadwal, in a truncated phone call, indicated his decision
to build the RV park came about after buying the property he discovered that
the property could only be used for tourism.
“We find out RV park is tourism,” he said. “Summer, there is
no parking spot. So we thought if the county agrees with that, then why don’t
we do that.”
The April 7 land use hearing will be held at 9:30 a.m. in
the Clackamas County Development Services Auditorium, 150 Beavercreek Road,
Oregon City.
Local residents can voice their concerns at the hearing.
By Larry Berteau/MT |
| Blasting on Hwy. 26 to start after delays posted on 04/01/2016
Reminiscent of last year, spring snows delayed early work on
the Oregon Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) “U.S. 26 Mt. Hood Highway
Safety and Preservation Project,” which will expand the highway and add a
1.6-mile concrete median barrier to prevent crossover accidents.
Kimberly Dinwiddie, ODOT Community Affairs, noted the
contractor, K&E Excavating, was able to get out during the week of spring
break to do some work without any lane closures, including drilling on the
hillside of Map Curve (west of the runaway truck ramp).
Dinwiddie noted that workers were expected to re-stripe the
highway to one lane in each direction as soon as the weather would allow.
“We’re already behind with the delays from the weather,” she
said. “We want to take the first dry window we can to get that re-striped.”
The first blast of the final season for the project is
scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 5, conditions permitting. The blast will
close the highway for no more than one hour.
Dinwiddie added the schedule for the project is “aggressive”
and that the contractor has ways to get back on schedule, including possibly
working on Saturdays and performing work during the night.
“We’re confident we’ll be able to catch up,” she said.
Dinwiddie also noted she has attended community meetings,
including the Rhododendron Community Planning Organization and is scheduled to
talk at the Mount Hood Area Chamber of Commerce meeting on Tuesday, April 5.
She reported that people have expressed similar sentiments about the project
scheduled to wrap up this fall.
“So far, everybody is happy that this is our final year of
construction,” Dinwiddie said.
For more information, please visit us26mthoodsafety.org and
tripcheck.com. By Garth Guibord/MT |
| Darcy Lais newest fire district board member posted on 04/01/2016
The Hoodland Fire District’s (HFD) board of directors
welcomed a new member on Sunday, March 13, when Darcy Lais was sworn in.
Lais, who has lived on the mountain for ten years, spent 28
years working for the Clackamas Fire District (CFD), retiring as a lieutenant
in January 2012.
“I thought that since I spent that much time working for the
fire district, it would be kind of nice to give back and spend some time to see
what I could do to help my own community and the fire district up here on the
mountain,” Lais said.
Lais noted during his time with CFD and in addition to his
regular duties, he was part of the process of ordering new fire engines. He
also worked with current HFD Deputy Chief John Ingrao when Ingrao was a
battalion chief at the CFD.
Ingrao noted Lais’ experience at CFD will help him serve
HFD, including spending time at both rural and urban fire stations, working
with and training volunteers and responding to complex scenes, such as
structure fires.
“Kind of all the things that we have here, he did there,”
Ingrao said. “As a board member he’s going to be very well attuned to our needs
and desires.”
Lais noted one of his priorities is to get 24-hour coverage
with paid personnel for the HFD.
“That’s something that I would definitely like to see happen
and hopefully we can make that happen,” he said.
Lais added that he is also heavily involved with his church,
Village Fellowship, while he also likes to camp, fish and hunt and loves living
on the mountain.
“The hardest part about living on the mountain is you
actually have to drive to town,” he said. By Garth Guibord/MT |
| Welches try in ‘Battle of the Books’ just the first chapter posted on 04/01/2016
As first-time participants in the 2016 Oregon Battle of the
Books, where teams of students from various schools read books and answer
questions about them to earn points, elementary and middle school students from
the Welches Schools more than held their own. And even though the middle school
team won both its matches, they didn’t make it to the next round, falling just
short of scoring enough points to be one of the 16 teams that advanced.
When reflecting on their performance, seventh grader Griffin
McAbery noted there was one question he had to answer that he’d like to have
back.
The question was to identify the product a company makes in
a book he read. McAbery answered, “fruit snacks,” while the correct response
was, “chemical weapons.”
“I should have been thinking of the right company,” McAbery,
12, said with a laugh.
Each team received 16 books in October, including titles
such as “Stormbreaker,” by Anthony Horowitz, “Famous Last Words,” by Katie
Alender, and “The Roar,” by Emma Clayton for the middle school team and
“Mountain Dog,” by Margarita Engle, “Escape From Mr. Lemoncello’s Library,” by
Chris Grabenstein, and “How to Train Your Dragon,” by Cressida Cowell for the
elementary school team. The teams first met in December and got together once a
week to practice, ramping up to meeting every day in the week prior to the
early March competition.
Fifth grader Jack Padberg, 11, noted the elementary team,
called the “The Mountain Bookaroos,” should have offered a challenge to some of
the questions, including one where they correctly answered that a hinge was
used to pry open the seal of a skylight in one book, but were told they were
wrong.
Sixth grader Inanna Vognild, 12, noted the middle school
team, “The Reading Wildcats,”
encountered some questions that asked for highly specific details, including
the address of a school in one book and the name of a newspaper in another.
“(It’s) not something you look for when you’re reading normally,”
she said.
The school plans on participating next year and wants to
expand it to more teams and students, with a school competition to determine
which team goes to the regional competition. By Garth Guibord/MT |
| Sandy High snow sports teams end seasons on high note posted on 04/01/2016
(MT) – The season came to an end for the Sandy High
snowboard team at Mt. Hood Meadows March 12.
The OISA state championships played host to 24 riders from
Sandy.
Ethan Anderson was the top individual garnering second place
in slope style and boarder cross, plus a third place finish in banked slalom.
Wyatt Johnson picked up a third place ribbon in boarder
cross, while Keegan Shackelton and Blake Haughton finished in fourth place half
pipe and eighth place half pipe, respectively.
The girls side was paced by Alex Connors who nailed down
third place in half pipe.
Kelly Stamatz finished sixth in half pipe and 10th in slope
style, while Brooke Phillips checked in seventh in slope style and 10th in half
pipe.
The riders were led by head coach Ben Beavon and assistants
JD Elliot, Alex St. Pierre and Sadie Ford.
Meanwhile, following up on their third place finishes in the
Mt. Hood Conference, the Sandy High boys and girls ski teams finished 10th and
11th, respectively, in the Southern Oregon State Championships, despite the
steep and icy course of Mount Ashland that took out 30 percent of all
competitors.
Senior Captain Erin Carpenter finished off his Sandy High
career with a fifth place finish in the freestyle state boys slopestyle event.
Freshman London Madrid finished in 25th place overall at
state. Junior Amber Herman took 31st place in the girls slalom. Freshman Gabe
Smith, Junior Kelby Richardson and freshman Sean Steffey picked up 32nd place
honors in boys giant slalom, girls giant slalom and overall alpine competitor,
respectively.
Senior Ryan Steffey took the Henry Bendinelli Sportsmanship
Award for the Mt. Hood League, following an ACL injury minutes before the last
league giant slalom race. Senior Kaylee Brunette picked up the league
sportsmanship award in the girls division.
The rest of the SHS team is comprised of undergraduates who
will return for the 2016-17 season. They include: freshmen Avery Whitlock, Mac
Potter and Sakura Yamamoto; sophomores Kaymen Izer, Oliver Jacobson, Noah
Whitlock and Taylor Torkelson; and juniors Anna Knollman, Emme Hansen and Sean
Fortune. |
| Bachmann freed from Mexico prison posted on 03/01/2016
As soon as Troy Bachmann stepped on American soil, he knelt
and kissed the ground.
It was 10:30 in the morning, Feb. 1. It was the Welches
resident’s first taste of freedom in more than eight months.
Bachmann had suffered through those long months in the
notorious Venustiano Carranza Prison in Tepic, Mexico since May 2015, held
without charges, then with charges, finally tried and found not guilty, then
remained in prison as the prosecuting attorney appealed the verdict.
Then came the phone call from Troy to his brother, Derek
Bachmann. He had been found innocent and absolved of all charges.
“I didn’t believe it,” Troy told The Mountain Times of when
he first got the news of his release. “I had been told that a couple of times
... I could not give up hope. But, I didn’t believe it.”
It was also difficult to believe that Troy had been arrested
in the first place. Watermelon farmers at Troy’s Mexican business, Fancy Fresh
Farms, brought the charges that Troy insisted were bogus. He had noticed
discrepancies in the accounting of his bookkeeper and hired an independent
audit, which confirmed his suspicions. Upon returning from a business trip he
was cuffed and taken off to the prison in Tepic – a prison, according to Human
Rights Watch, of “unspeakable conditions.”
When Derek got the phone call from his brother saying he had
been released and was heading toward Guadalajara to catch a plane to the U.S.,
Derek knew this time it was real.
“I couldn’t hear any yelling and screaming in the background
like all the other times I spoke with him, just his voice and the sound of a
moving car. It’s finally over,” Derek said, tears flowing and hugging his wife.
Feb. 20 was Troy’s homecoming party at The Fly Fishing Shop
in Welches, owned by his father, Mark Bachmann. He was joined by his wife Sara,
son Adam, brother Derek and his wife Angie, plus his attorney from Mexico, Jose
Miguel Pena and a host of friends.
According to Derek, his brother is doing fine, has obviously
lost some weight thanks to the prison in Tepic, and will be seeking medical
attention soon.
At the homecoming party Troy noted it is so easy in this
country to take our rights for granted, to have expectations of clean water,
decent food, mostly clean air to breathe, and the ability to get a job.
“Until a person sees how things are going elsewhere, there
is little appreciation of these things,” he said.
Pena, the attorney, supported Troy’s opinion, saying that he
loves his country, but only a handful of people hold all the power and
corruption is the norm. He compared it to “Hitler’s time.”
Besides the work of Pena, and the constant pressure from
Derek and the family, U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon) also played a role,
leaning on Mexican authorities to obtain the release.
“I’m overjoyed that Troy is back on American soil, reunited
with his family,” Merkley wrote in an email to The Mountain Times. “No one
should have to go through what he has gone through. His brother, Derek,
deserves tremendous credit for his unwavering efforts to advocate for Troy.
“I am also thankful to the Mexican Ambassador and Attorney
General of Mexico, U.S. State Department and consular officials in Guadalajara,
and everyone who assisted in securing his release.”
Troy was asked if he had any plans to return to Mexico and
he broke into a big smile. “No immediate plans to return,” he said. “It would
be easy to have bad feelings about all of Mexico and the people but there are a
lot of good people there. But it might be sometime before I go back.”
Employees that brought the false charges against Troy and
his company are being prosecuted to the full extent of the law, according to
Derek. He noted that officials are now dedicated to bringing those responsible
to justice. By Peggy Wallace and Larry Berteau/MT |
| County presses restart button on Villages board posted on 03/01/2016
The Villages at Mt. Hood, an advisory board to Clackamas
County, has been left without a board of directors following the resignation of
three members and the dismissal of three others by the Board of County
Commissioners (BCC) early last month.
Joe Mazzara, Rob Bruce and Gina Royall submitted their
resignations following a Tuesday, Feb. 2 Villages board meeting while the
commissioners dismissed the remaining board members, George Wilson, Marilan
Anderson and Carol Burk, during a BCC policy session on Tuesday, Feb. 9 by a
vote of four to one (Paul Savas cast the one ‘no’ vote due to the wording of
the motion).
The commissioners noted that following the resignations, a
number of options were on the table, including conducting an election at a town
hall meeting in May to fill the empty seats, appointments of new board members
by the commissioners, dissolving the Villages (part of the county’s “Complete
Communities” program) entirely or pursuing a “time out” by dismissing the
remaining board members and restarting the board at a later date. During the
policy session, commissioners noted the support for the Villages on the
mountain, in addition to other strong community organizations such as area
Community Planning Organizations and the Mt. Hood Area Chamber of Commerce.
In response to mounting concerns with how the board was
being run, commissioners Savas, Jim Bernard, John Ludlow and Martha Schrader
attended the Feb. 2 Villages meeting, held at The Resort at The Mountain, where
they observed other issues, including community members in attendance bringing
in alcohol during the meeting.
“I’ve been in some tough meetings before, but the last one
and the one prior to that was probably the toughest meeting I’ve ever been to,”
Bernard said during the policy session. “I would say that without question, the
board is dysfunctional.”
“The longer we wait, the worse it’s going to get,” he added.
“And sometimes you need to pull the plug, wait for it to recharge and plug it
back in.”
“Obviously, by our attendance, we recognize there needs to
be a change, a rather dramatic change,” Chair Ludlow said. “So, like everybody
else, I want to save this, I want it to be viable and effective and fair. But I
have no problem with saying thank you to those three.”
Amy Kyle, Strategic Communication Manager for Clackamas
County Public and Government Affairs, noted county staff is expected to take
some time to map out a path forward, while the commissioners are expected to
have a policy session in May to make a recommendation on an election timeline
and process. She added the county will reach out to community members and
leaders for feedback and concerns, while utilizing county resolution services
to help work through issues.
“We’re already hearing people are concerned about what’s
happening next,” Kyle said. “That’s really exciting, there’s enthusiasm for it.
You want it to be done right and you want it to be in the best interest of the
community up there.”
Meanwhile, Kyle noted the Villages subcommittees will be put
on hold until some further resolution is achieved.
“Everything is on pause until we regroup,” she said.
“Hopefully, we’ll get more clarity on those when we take the pulse of the
community.”
Mazzara and Bruce, who each served on the board for
approximately one year, noted their resignations stemmed from Wilson (the
board’s chair) not following Robert’s Rules of Order or the bylaws of the
Villages, including signing a contract for the Villages board to pay
approximately $1,900 for refreshments during a Town Hall that had not been
approved by the board and also using the county logo on his personal website.
“It was just blatant disregard for Villages bylaws, county
bylaws and state ethics that were broken repeatedly,” Bruce said. “That’s what
brought this whole thing to a head. It wasn’t a personality conflict; it wasn’t
‘We don’t like George.’”
Kyle told the Mountain Times that the county is looking into
outstanding invoices from The Resort, but had no further information.
Mazzara noted he came to the Feb. 2 meeting prepared to
resign, but he was unaware of the prospects of Bruce and Royall also resigning.
“It was not a surprise, I knew they were upset,” he adding,
noting that he intends to run for the board again when it is reformed. “I want
to see this thing work. I want to see it flourish because there are a lot of
things that have to get accomplished in the Villages.”
Bruce added that the Feb. 2 served as a tipping point for
him with representatives of the county in attendance.
“At the meeting, (Wilson) was trying to bend the bylaws,” he
said. “He wasn’t stopping, no matter what, even with the county legal there. I
couldn’t welcome that liability in my life any more.”
“It’s not a personality conflict,” Bruce added. “In a social
setting, I’ve enjoyed George’s company every single time.”
Bruce also noted he’ll stay involved in the community “in
some way,” even if he doesn’t run for the board again. In the meantime, he has
confidence that county staff will take the necessary steps to find a solution.
“They’re good people at the county and I trust them,” Bruce
said. “I knew they would handle it the right way.”
Wilson, who served on the board for six years, described the
events as “a focused effort” to discredit him and to make sure he’s removed
from the board.
“Nobody’s told me any violations or deviations from our
bylaws, nobody’s come forward with any charges,” Wilson said of the accusations
against him, while noting the county’s logo appeared on his site because of a
grant from the county. “There’s never been any wrongdoing or any violations
whatsoever.”
Wilson described the commissioner’s’ decision to dissolve
the board as “erroneous” and “overzealous,” while noting it is an example of
the county not supporting the Villages, citing the county’s invalidation of the
Villages’ Town Hall election results in December as another recent example.
“If this election had not been invalidated, we would be
dealing with none of this,” Wilson said. “At our last meeting here, the county
took full responsibility for the elections invalidation. This was a county
problem that was started because of the county’s inaction to support the
Villages at Mt. Hood, even when requested.”
Wilson has also started a petition to reinstate the three
dismissed board members and he has retained a lawyer for a potential lawsuit
over the dismissals.
“I don’t take it lightly; this taints my name and the other
directors and our reputations,” Wilson said, noting that he has not been
presented with any evidence of any wrongdoing. “If they decide that it’s best
to dissolve this board, then I feel obligated to deal with this, to take this
to court in order to exonerate the three of us from any wrongdoing.”
In a subsequent policy session held on Tuesday, Feb. 23,
Bernard mentioned that a petition was circulating, but added, “I already told
somebody that I doubt that we’re interested in doing that.” At the same policy
session, Ludlow recognized Burk and Anderson’s service on the Villages board.
“Their service is valued, appreciated and was not the cause
of the BCC action to have the Villages board take a pause,” Ludlow said.
Wilson noted that instead of going through the process to
form a new board, the commissioners should have allowed the three remaining
board members to stay on and hold elections to fill the empty seats.
“The BCC decision to dissolve this board has certainly done
more harm to our community and demonstrates the lack of support we’ve had by
the BCC,” Wilson said. “When you’ve got individuals who sat on the board who
resigned who were the main problem as to why we ended up here, and once they
resigned the problem is pretty much resolved.” By Garth Guibord/MT |
| Hwy. 26 safety project enters final season posted on 03/01/2016
Workers may be out as early as mid-March for the Oregon
Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) “U.S. 26 Mt. Hood Highway Safety and
Preservation Project,” now entering the final work season of the three-year
project. Kimberly Dinwiddie, ODOT Community Affairs, noted that thanks to
slides in the later part of the 2015 work season, the contractor, K&E
Excavating, is a little behind schedule on the project, but the expectation is
that the project will still wrap up this year.
“We still have a lot of time in 2016 and we are confident
that we will finish everything by fall,” Dinwiddie said. “It’s an aggressive
schedule.”
The details of early scheduling were still being worked out
in late February, but Dinwiddie noted that initial work on the project, which
will expand the highway and add a 1.6-mile concrete median barrier to prevent
crossover accidents, could begin in mid-March with some lane closures as
workers get an early start to get signs up and perhaps continue installing rock
bolts to secure the slopes at Map Curve. She added that the work will not
interfere with travellers during spring break.
In April, travellers can expect Hwy. 26 to be reduced to one
lane in each direction, with early work including the construction of a
retaining wall across from the Laurel Hill Chute Trail that will protect the
Pioneer Bridle Trail. Workers will then excavate the shoulders on the south side
of the highway in preparation for widening it, allowing for room for the
barrier.
Slope excavations are expected to include blasting, with the
potential for blasting in early April if workers can start their preparations
in mid-March, while Dinwiddie noted blasting is expected to be finished by the
middle of the summer.
Paving for the project could also begin in May, and
Dinwiddie noted the entire length of highway from the west end of the project
to Highway 35 will be paved by the end (the section of highway by Government
Camp will not be paved until after Labor Day).
Dinwiddie added that hauling will take place on Lolo Pass
and Trillium Lake Road, but the amount of hauling will be less than in the
first two years. She offered her appreciation to the community and to drivers
for their patience during the project.
“We realize that this has been an inconvenience and its
impacted a lot of people every day,” Dinwiddie said.
The project’s website, us26mthoodsafety.org, is expected to
be updated by the beginning of March, including a video outlining work done
during the first two years. An online open house at the site is expected to
occur in mid March, while motorists can also visit tripcheck.com for the latest
traffic information. By Garth Guibord/MT |
| Sandy High School offers one-act showcase posted on 03/01/2016
Sandy High School (SHS) sophomore Carl Nelson may be in his
first year of theater, but he’s not shy about finding ways to be involved. As
part of the school’s upcoming One Act Competition Showcase, Nelson is directing
one, acting in another and running the lights for the four other plays.
“I really enjoy it because not only do I get the perspective
of acting … it’s a lot of fun to do the directing,” said Nelson, who is also
the school’s auditorium manager. “I get to piece the story together with
movement and voice and tone.”
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Nelson noted the most difficult part
of his efforts is the scheduling and figuring out where he needs to be and what
times he needs to be there. Nelson is directing “April Showers,” a play set in
a silverware basket where a new utensil is introduced, while acting in
“Loyalties,” a play set in Nazi Germany where his character’s views on war and
politics conflict with others.
Drama teacher Tomi Griffin noted the showcase is a preview
of the pieces that will compete for a spot at the Oregon State Thespian
Festival, held March 31 through April 2 at the Salem Convention Center.
In past years, there were no performances for the local
supporters, but Griffin wanted to pull back the curtain and share the pieces
the students have worked on.
“I love for the community to see what kinds of things get
taken to competition and what it’s like to go to competition,” Griffin said,
noting 36 students are performing and just one of the plays will get to go to
the state competition.
Griffin added that she tries to let the students do all the
work on the shows, including directing, but will jump in if there are major
problems.
“I have to let them have their directorial space,” she said.
“They’re in charge of their own bit.”
Trinity Rodrigues, a 16-year-old junior, is directing “The
Square,” a play set on a playground where a group of sixth grade students
encounter a strange square, causing a conflict among friends.
“The square is one unit and they’re all talking in monotone,
(so) anything that one person does everyone else does,” Rodrigues said. “That’s
the challenge, is getting them to coordinate together.”
“I’m very excited about it,” she added. “It’s going to be
very good.”
SHS Drama presents the One Act Competition Showcase at 7
p.m. March 4, 5, 10, 11 and 12, at 37400 SE Bell Street in Sandy. Tickets are
$5 for adults and $4 for students and senior citizens. For more information,
call 503-668-8011, ext. 7313.
Classic murder mystery in Boring
Agatha Christie’s “Mousetrap” is known to have the longest
initial run of any play in history, with more than 25,000 performances since it
opened on London’s West End in 1952. The play, about a group of strangers -
including an unknown murderer - stranded in a snowstorm, is also known for its
surprise ending and for the request that theatergoers not share that surprise
to ruin the play for others.
Boring’s Nutz-n-Boltz Theater Company (NNB) will offer a
production of the classic this month, with the actors keeping true to the
tradition of not spilling the beans about the end. Kim Berger, playing Mrs.
Boyle, noted that was made clear as early as auditions for the production,
which meant she had to play coy with her husband at times.
“I’m looking forward
to opening night because I’m waiting for that moment when the big reveal
happens,” she said.
Berger, a regular with NNB who has performed in more than 25
shows there, added that Christie has a knack for creating fun characters.
“What’s great fun about the Agatha Christie plays is
everybody is quirky and everybody has secrets,” Berger said. “You start to tell
through people’s behaviors that everybody is hiding something.”
Berger, who has also performed in other area theaters
including Sandy Actors Theatre and the Lakewood Center for the Arts in Lake
Oswego, sees NNB as a hidden treasure in Boring.
“I just cannot tell you what an honor it is for me to be a
part of Nutz-n-Boltz,” she said. “I have such high regard for this theater and
I’m always thrilled when a new person discovers us.”
NNB presents “The Mousetrap,” by Agatha Christie, from March 4-20 at the Boring Grange, 27861 Grange Street in Boring. Show times are 7:30
p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $15. For more
information, or to make reservations, call 503-593-1295 or visit
nnbtheater.com. By Garth Guibord/MT |
| Kevin Frank named Hoodland’s Firefighter of the Year posted on 03/01/2016
Hoodland Fire District’s Kevin Frank gained a reputation
quickly since he joined the ranks of firefighters three years ago. The
Brightwood resident is up each morning to get to the Brightwood station at 5:45
a.m. to put in two hours of cleaning rigs, testing pumps and other work. He’s
also stood out for the number of drills and responses he’s participated in,
supporting the district’s Explorer program, helping rebuild the Brightwood
response team and going above and beyond expectations.
That dedication has also meant plenty of cold dinners for
Frank, returning home late to a call, or leaving his wife in the middle of a
movie when a call comes in. It also earned Frank the district’s Firefighter of
the Year Award at its annual awards banquet, held Saturday, Jan. 30 at The
Resort at The Mountain.
“It means a lot; there’s so many people here that put in so
much work,” Frank said. “I feel so privileged just to be able to get to spend
this time working with them.”
“He’s already a senior firefighter,” the district’s Fire
Chief, Mic Eby, said. “He is like the officer of Brightwood.”
Frank, who has lived on the mountain for 16 years, noted the
district has become family to him, while his family has also jumped into
firefighting, with his son, Jonathan, who is in the Explorers program and even
gets up some mornings to help his father at the Brightwood station.
“It’s great because it’s a bond that both of us can share,”
Frank said, adding that Jonathan will go to sleep in his uniform on the chance
he’ll be able to go on a call as an observer during the night.
The district also honored Battalion Chief Casey Buck, who
retired after 27 years of service. Eby noted that Buck’s contributions included
weekend duties that helped take pressure off of the chief, along with his
expertise gained from fighting fires with the U.S. Forest Service.
“He also brought an awful lot of humor; his humor was
amazing,” Eby said. “He was always able to lift the spirits of us up here. A
very sharing, caring kind of guy, and yet he took the calls seriously when the
tones went off.”
Other award winners include Byron Trelstad for the Rookie of
the Year, Nick Miller for the EMS of the Year, Amanda Schmitt for the Chief’s
Special Recognition, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office for the Community
Appreciation Award, a memorial plaque for Bob Reeves, five-year service awards
for John Ingrao, Debra Sinz and Scott Trax, 15-year service awards for Amanda
Schmitt and Jacob Rackley, and a 20-year service award for Lisa Kline.
Firefighters and units from the Sandy Fire District,
Estacada Fire District, Corbett Fire District and the Clackamas/Boring Fire
District covered the Hoodland Fire District during the banquet.
Chief’s message
Hoodland Fire District Fire Chief Mic Eby encourages all
mountain residents to start burning branches, leaves and more in burn piles
now, rather than wait until summer.
“I don’t want them to have dry piles of fuel,” Eby said.
“Let’s burn them early.”
For burn piles larger than five feet by five feet, a permit
is needed.
Permits are available at the main station at 69634 Highway
26 in Welches. For more information, call 503-622-3256. By Garth Guibord/MT |
| Stanford Hotel group takes over The Resort posted on 01/30/2016
The Resort at the Mountain has bounced between new owners
three times inside six months: from Coastal Hotels, to Y Hospitality RATM LLC
and now the newest entry, Stanford Oregon Hotel LLC.
Stanford negotiated the sale on Jan. 8 with Xiaoyan Yan,
managing partner of the previous LLC ownership group.
Yan passed the torch suddenly, citing health issues as the
primary reason in an email to Coni Scott, President of the Mt. Hood Chamber of
Commerce.
“It has been an eventful 180 days for all of us,” Yan wrote.
“We have tried our best but failed to meet the expectations of many neighbors
... We apologize, and will learn from the lesson and try to do better in
future.”
Stanford has inserted a new management team, headed by
General Manager Barbara Brunetti and Assistant Manager Tammy Kay Galvin.
Brunetti told The Mountain Times that the goal is to return
the Resort back to Coastal standards.
“We also want to make it a lot better,” Brunetti said. “We
want to improve services.”
Part of getting back to previous standards was restoring the
Resort rock sign on Hwy. 26 at Welches Road.
Even though Stanford will continue its association with Best
Western as part of its Premier Collection, the Best Western blue and gold drape
over the rock has been removed.
Also, an audible sigh of relief may have been heard from
Resort employees. Their positions, except for a few promotions, are intact.
“We’ll certainly evaluate them,” Brunetti said. “But they
know what they’re doing. Many have been here for a long time. They care about
the place and our feeling is we should keep them.”
The Stanford Hotel group has holdings in Oregon, New York
and Asia, and is currently developing a property in California.
The Mountain Times attempted to contact Yan for this story,
but failed.
Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. By Larry Berteau/MT |
| Hoodland’s first marijuana dispensary opens posted on 01/30/2016
Smoke on the Mountain opened its doors on Friday, Jan. 22,
making it the first marijuana dispensary in the Hoodland community.
An online application for licenses to sell recreational
marijuana went live at 6 a.m. Monday, Jan. 4 through the Oregon Liquor Control
Commission (OLCC) and the first application was received at 7:15 a.m. As of
Jan. 25, the OLCC had received 96 applicants statewide for retail licenses –
including five in Clackamas County. There were 38 applicants for processor
licenses, 228 for producer and 31 for wholesale businesses – including three
for processor, 28 for producer and four for wholesale in Clackamas County.
“Despite the Portland Metro area being gripped by an ice
storm the day the OLCC began accepting applications, the online system didn’t
freeze up, and we’re continuing to receive a steady stream of submissions,” said
Mark Pettinger, spokesperson for the Recreational Marijuana Program in a news
release.
The OLCC projects it will receive approximately 1,200
applications and issue more than 850 licenses in 2017.
Stewart Schmidt, owner of Smoke on the Mountain, started
preparations for his dispensary in January 2015 when he began leasing the
retail space at 23869 E. Arrah Wanna Blvd.
“This has been a year
in the making,” Schmidt said.
Schmidt noted the store currently offers 10 strains of
marijuana, but plans for more in the future. All of the marijuana is lab tested
for mold, mildew and pesticides as well as lab packaged and labeled to show the
breakdown of potency, including the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol
(CBD) content of each different strain.
“It is important to
me that people realize this is an upstanding local business,” Schmidt said,
adding the business is registered with the Oregon Health Authority and is in
complete compliance with all state and county regulations, including 24-hour
interior, exterior surveillance, window and door sensors and storing all of his
products in a commercial grade safe during non-business hours.
Customers must be at least 21 years old and have valid
identification to enter the premises.
Recreational customers may purchase up to seven grams of
product per day (prices range from $10-$14) and will be subject to the
temporary marijuana tax of 25 percent per the Oregon Department of Revenue.
Medicinal customers can purchase up to 42 grams per day tax
free.
Cannabis concentrates and tinctures will also be available
to medicinal customers only. Schmidt hopes to include edibles in his inventory in
the future.
“I intend to have
only the best quality product I can find represented in my store,” Schmidt
said. “Oregon is world renowned for the marijuana it produces and I believe
that some of the best marijuana is grown right here on the Mountain. I want my
store to be a showcase of what the Mountain has to offer, as well as the finest
from Portland, Eugene and Bend.”
Schmidt added that purchasing marijuana from a legal
dispensary offers customers with a variety of product, quality control,
convenience and a knowledgeable staff.
Smoke on the Mountain will be open Tuesday through Saturday.
For more information, visit
www.oregon.gov/olcc/marijuana/pages/default.aspx. By Fay Dunahoo/MT |
| Hoodland community bids farewell to Bob Reeves posted on 01/30/2016
Family, friends, community members, representatives from
approximately 11 fire districts, county commissioners, state legislators and
more gathered at the Mount Hood RV Village on Sunday, Jan. 24 to celebrate the
life of Bob Reeves, the community-minded Welches resident who died Dec. 27,
2015.
Born July 31, 1934 in Palo Alto, Calif., Reeves was known
for his service to others throughout his life, including on the Mountain where
he served in various capacities such as the Hoodland Fire District board of
directors, the Villages at Mt. Hood board of directors and was instrumental in
starting the Mt. Hood Express bus service.
Ron Reeves, Bob’s son, shared stories of his father’s
business ventures in Oregon, including a grocery store in Oak Grove and
starting a radiator business, while also expanding on the organizations his father
was involved in including the Boy Scouts and Optimists.
“His whole life has been about service, serving the
community, helping others,” Ron said. “I hope that’s an example that I can
follow in my life. He’s been a great example and a great father.”
Bill Kennemer, who served as a Clackamas County Commissioner
from 1997 to 2008 and is now the District 39 State Representative, shared how
Reeves would visit him to chat and even if the two were on different pages,
Reeves would
“As I think back, I’d
be hard pressed to find very many people that had more impact than Bob,”
Kennemer said, adding that he didn’t think the Mountain Express “had a prayer
at first.” “We’re all going to miss him, and thank God the world is better
because he was here and he loved us, he loved this community and he made this
world better.”
Martha Schrader, currently serving as a commissioner and a
former State Senator, noted that Reeves helped her when she first became a
commissioner in 2003.
“I didn’t know how to be a good commissioner, it was a new
job,” Schrader said. “(Bob) went out of his way to be a teacher to me. He was
always kind, he was always generous.”
Reeves received military and fire honors at the ceremony. He
is survived by his wife of 43 years, Karen; three sons, Ron, Jeff and Bryan;
eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
By Garth Guibord/MT |
| Court of Appeals slaps down suit posted on 01/30/2016
In the appeal of a lawsuit against public participation, the
Ninth Circuit Court has ruled against the plaintiff (Kip O’Connor et al.) in a
Dec. 24, 2015, decision.
In a case that began in 2011 and wound through two appeals
to overturn the courts’ decisions, the defendants (County of Clackamas and the
Mount Hood Corridor Community Planning Organization, including the CPO’s land
use chair Don Mench) have seen the court rule in their favor.
O’Connor, a local developer and owner of Big Mountain Co.,
claimed in his original suit that the CPO and individuals intentionally
interfered with the developers’ business relations, as well as violated their
constitutional rights to due process. O’Connor was upset about public comments
submitted by the defendants of the County’s land use permit process. Those
comments highlighted damage to the Sandy River and its sensitive salmon habitat
caused by the partially completed development activities.
In an earlier ruling, the Court threw out the business
relations claim under Oregon’s anti-SLAPP statute, a law specifically designed
to protect citizens who take advantage of public involvement opportunities to
provide input into government decision-making decisions.
SLAPP is an acronym for strategic lawsuit against public
participation.
The lawsuit was a contributing factor in the CPO going
silent over the course of the appeals hearings.
Mench affirmed that the legal wrangling was at the root of
the CPO’s temporary demise, but also cited that the economic recession during
that time reduced the number of new land use/permit applications being dealt
with by CPOs.
But there were other organizations that stepped up to fill
the void.
“The MHC CPO may have missed some comment opportunities,
however other groups and individuals did not,” Mench wrote in an email to The
Mountain Times. “Oregon Wild, BARK, Sandy River Basin Watershed Council, Oregon
Trout, and NW Steelheaders are a few examples. Local citizens have testified at
state and county land use hearings, and taken a local case all the way through
the Land Use Board of Appeals.”
It is Mench’s understanding that an effort may be made to
revive the CPO at a March 19 Rhododendron CPO meeting.
Daniel Rohlf, an Oregon attorney who defended the CPO,
commented that the Ninth Circuit’s ruling was “pretty short and to-the-point.”
He indicated that unpublished decisions (such as this one)
generally means the case did not raise any novel legal issues or deal with a
weighty topic that society in general might follow.
“Unpublished opinions are thus typically short and curt and
simply resolve the points of dispute between the parties,” Rohlf wrote in an
email to The Mountain Times. “It is one indication that the judges were not
very impressed by the appeal. I think the court of appeals correctly recognized
that the plaintiffs’ allegations against the CPO ... had no merit.”
In the Ninth Circuit Court’s memorandum, which is not for
publication verbatim, it indicated that O’Connor’s challenges failed on the
merits.
“While the courts readily recognized that plaintiff’s legal
claims were without merit, simply going through this legal process imposed
significant stress and uncertainty on my clients,” Rohlf wrote. “What I think
is even more unfortunate is that this suit has discouraged people in the Mount
Hood community from expressing their views on land use issues that affect their
community for fear of winding up in court.”
Through it all, Mench noted that he was encouraged by U.S.
District Court Judge Simon’s rulings.
“Now that the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has
affirmed those decisions, my sixth year of retirement starts with celebration,”
Mench wrote. “I thank all of our friends and Mountain locals who have
consistently encouraged my wife Christy and I throughout this case.”
The Mountain Times reached out to Kip O’Connor but he
refused to be quoted.
By Larry Berteau/MT |
| Cedar Ridge assessment next step before sale posted on 01/30/2016
The City of Sandy is expected to award a bid for a company
to perform a Phase 1 Environmental Assessment on the Cedar Ridge Middle School
campus at the city council meeting on Monday, Feb. 1, according to City Manager
Seth Atkinson. The assessment process will delay a potential sale of the
property by the Oregon Trail School District (OTSD) to the city by
approximately one month.
The assessment will primarily deal with paperwork about the
building, including titles, liens and permits, while also interviewing anyone
who worked on the site. That information would be used to determine if a higher
order assessment is necessary.
Atkinson noted one of the bigger worries about the property
is potential soil contamination from heating oil tanks, but added the potential
sale was nearing completion.
“If we can get this worked out between us, things will move
forward pretty quickly,” he said.
The city’s plan for the campus, which includes the Olin Y.
Bignall Aquatic Center, is to turn it into a recreational hub. The sale
agreement is expected to allow the school district use of the property while it
renovates the Pioneer Building (the former Sandy High School) to be used as a
middle school.
A possible agreement between the two government entities had
been expected to be reached as early as last September, but Atkinson noted that
despite wanting things to move a little faster, the process necessitated more
time.
“People want us to be careful and considerate,” he said. “We
want to be sure we’re doing this the right way.”
Background
The school district implemented an exit strategy to end its
support of the pool at the Nov. 12, 2013 board meeting, including a limit of
$400,000 or through Nov. 30, 2015, whichever came first. (Julia Monteith,
Communications Director for the OTSD, confirmed that the district will continue
to fund the pool operations while negotiations continue.)
In January, 2014, the city formed a task force to gather
information, identify options for continued operations and improvements and
survey the community.
Both the city and the district performed appraisals of the
campus in 2014. The district’s appraisal, including two buildings and 43.65
acres of land, placed the value at $3.4 million, while the city’s appraisal
valued the campus at $2.2 million for the land and $230,000 for the buildings.
Differences in the appraisals, such as a value for timber included in the
district’s but not the city’s, put the two valuations closer than the raw
numbers.
The city hired Moore Information to conduct a survey between
July 14 and 22, 2014, which revealed support for the continued operation of the
Olin Y. Bignall Aquatic Center from city residents.
At that time, it was noted that a fee between $3 and $7
might be added to Sandy residents’ utility bills to help pay for pool
operations. Atkinson confirmed that a potential fee is still in line with that
survey, adding that the city will perform a “big public outreach” before any
fee is instituted to inform what the city is trying to accomplish, what the fee
would go toward and why it is needed.
Last year, the city successfully completed a substantial
amendment to its urban renewal plan, helping to provide money for a variety of
city projects, including the recreation hub and assistance to the Sandy Fire
District.
By Garth Guibord/MT |
| A slice of Sicily served up on Mount Hood posted on 01/30/2016
Two years ago, Stephen Ferruzza closed his restaurant, Al
Forno Ferruzza, in Portland after a pipe burst and flooded it. But in the wake
of that crisis, Ferruzza found an opportunity. Two years later, with the same
restaurant crew and equipment, Ferruzza has opened the new Al Forno Ferruzza in
Rhododendron, located at 73285 Hwy. 26..
“The mountain is a fresh place to start,” Ferruzza said. “I
want it to be like a community center where people can come, like in Italy.”
Ferruzza described his pizza as “authentic style from old
world Sicily,” where his father was born. They use stone deck ovens to reach
800 degrees Fahrenheit, making the pizza come out “with a crunch and a chew.”
The restaurant will offer organic ingredients and in season
foods, including wild boar and elk, while their sauce and dough are both
handmade. Ferruzza’s father, Francesco,
also makes ricotta cheese from scratch, used for cannolis and calzones.
“We’re trying not to do the whole factory farm style that’s
bad for the earth, bad for the environment and bad for your health,” the
younger Ferruzza said.
He added that the fresh, wholesome and local food will be
high density and nutritious, perfect for the skiers, backpackers and others who
come to the mountain to play.
Ferruzza also noted that the style of baking that the
restaurant employs, utilizing a high temperature, imparts a unique flavor where
one or two ingredients are enough to make a tasty pie.
“You don’t need to put a lot of toppings on there,” he said.
The restaurant will also offer fresh salads and a variety of
canned goods, including sauces, pickles, roasted peppers and more. Ferruzza’s
family runs a business in upstate New York that produces maple syrup, a product
that Ferruzza utilizes in a variety of ways, including the cannoli filling,
salad dressings and more.
Ferruzza and his crew have been hard at work since their
previous location’s disaster, traveling the country with pizza trailers to
bring their food to various festivals, while also renovating their new
restaurant, in the same building where the Rhododendron Post Office is.
Included in their work has been a new kitchen, new walls, ceiling, floor, roof,
plumbing and electrical, with most of the labor provided by Ferruzza’s pizza
crew.
Al Forno Ferruzza was expected to open on Friday, Jan. 29.
For more information, visit 503alforno.com or call 503-622-1212.
By Garth Guibord/MT |
| Undetermined cause for fire at The Resort posted on 01/30/2016
The Hoodland Fire District (HFD) announced an undetermined
cause to the three-alarm fire that hit building four at The Resort at The
Mountain on Wednesday, Dec. 30, following an investigation by the district, the
Clackamas County Fire Investigation Team, Oregon State Police, Oregon State
Fire Marshal’s Office, ATF and Insurance Fire Investigators. The fire, which
forced guests out of their rooms, was determined to have started in the upper
areas of the building.
Scott Kline, HFD Fire Marshall, noted the undetermined cause
will “probably” remain that way.
District firefighters were on the scene for approximately
ten hours, according to Kline, while numerous other area fire districts
provided assistance, including an engine and water tender from the
Boring/Clackamas Fire District, four engines from Sandy Fire District, one
engine and a water tender from the Estacada Fire District, a truck from the
Gresham Fire Department, a truck from Gladstone Fire Department and two
American Medical Response units. HFD response vehicles included two engines,
two water tenders and a rescue rig.
Kline noted the water tenders were needed because the
available hydrants could not supply enough water.
“We have to augment with having water trucks bring in extra
water to the scene,” he said, noting that engines are able to pump up to 1,250
gallons per minute.
The fire was the second of 2015 which featured responders
from other fire departments, following the Golden Poles condominium fire in
Government Camp last April.
More district news
HFD Fire Chief Mic Eby noted that calls on the mountain are
up this winter compared to the previous winter, crediting more people seeking
out the snow for recreation. Eby noted more calls in Government Camp, including
auto, skiing, snowboarding and sledding accidents.
“We’ve had just about everything you could think of,” Eby
said.
Eby added that parking on weekends has been “saturated” with vehicles, including parking
in spots he hasn’t seen previously, such as along Highway 26 by Snowbunny and
Trillium snowparks.
The district also welcomed five new recruits into its training
company, which began on Saturday, Jan. 9.
The training company will have a more consistent schedule
this year, meeting every Friday evening and all day Saturday, with graduation
on Wednesday, June 29.
Following a retirement, the district has an open lieutenant
position for the first time in 20 years. The position is expected to be filled
by one of the six paid firefighter paramedics in the district, following an
interview process that includes a written exam, an exercise requiring
candidates to prioritize and justify 30 different topics, an interview with
Chief Eby and a tactical exercise that features a mock scenario.
Deputy Chief John Ingrao noted the new lieutenant is
expected to be named in early February.
Finally, the district was slated to hold its yearly awards
banquet, including naming the Firefighter of the Year, on Saturday, Jan. 30.
Eby noted the theme for this year’s banquet was “the Roarin’ 20s.”
The district’s awards banquet occurred after the print date
for the February edition. Look for the March Mountain Times for a recap and
award winners.
By Garth Guibord/MT |
| The snow has brought out the skiers. The Wait is Over, at Long Last - SNOW posted on 01/04/2016
The massive storm that hit Oregon mid-December has brought the glorious snowpack back.
Timberline and Skibowl were in full swing for the holiday season as a winter wonderland returned – cold on the heels of several years of winter misfortune.
“These are the best holiday snow conditions the ski areas on Mount Hood have had in many years,” said Jon Tullis, director of public affairs at Timberline. “People are really enjoying themselves on the slopes.”
Skibowl Public Relations Director Hans Wipper echoed the sentiments.
“This is the best opening we have had in a few years,” Wipper said. “Skibowl had a fantastic opening night for skiing and snowboarding (Dec. 16). The snow was epic and skiers were eager to hit the hill.”
Oregon’s ski areas are among the leaders in North America with the deepest snow depth. The massive five-day storm dropped more than four feet of snow at the local resorts, returning Oregon to its rightful place in the country.
The Mountain community will enjoy the economic boost of ski areas opening for the holiday season. The economic impact associated with the ski industry tops $482 million annually – figures that include ski areas, retail equipment purchases – as well as provides 6,800 jobs in the state generating nearly $200 million in personal income, according to analysis by ECO Northwest.
“Opening in time for the Christmas holiday is critical for ski resorts as much of the business for the year occurs in those two weeks,” Wipper said, also noting the importance of providing job security for staff and the erasing of uncertainty after last winter.
Greg “Chopper” Moreno, resident guide at Mt. Hood Adventure in Government Camp for more than 10 years, is fired up for his snowmobile tour business.
“The snowmobile trails are in good shape and we are ready to show our guests a wonderful adventure on a snowmobile,” Moreno said. “Or a quiet snowshoe hike through the woods if that is more your style.”
Wipper summed up the sentiments of all in the ski resort business.
“Everyone is excited and ready for a nice, long, snowy winter.”
There was holiday joy beyond the resorts, as Mountain businesses were feeling the return of welcome visitors. Brigette Romeo, owner of the Still Creek Inn, rejoiced in the return of winter.
“Yes, there has been an increase in travelers and snow enthusiasts,” Romeo said. “The holiday season should be back to normal with all this fresh snow.”
Kim Perry, owner of The Shack, echoed Romeo’s sentiments with a “Woo Hoo. The snow is finally falling,” she said. “And when the snow comes everyone benefits in a positive way. First, all our locals get to go to work. It’s been kind of a hard-candy start of the season for Mountain employees. Soon, the paychecks will start coming in and we’ll see some of that business. But the Mountain in general benefits from the ski season.”
Meanwhile, at the Skyway Bar & Grill, a hub for skiers and boarders, the snow has made the last couple weeks fun.
“Customers are giddy and the overall feeling is that we’re all excited and thankful, and I’ve been hearing that people aren’t going to take the snow for granted ever again,” said Tracie Anderson, owner of Skyway. “The snow is really exciting and it has definitely increased our business. But even more than the numbers, it has made our business more fun and positive. The kids are having fun and the adults feel like kids.”
By Larry Berteau/MT |
| County Approves Marijuana Land Use Regulations posted on 01/04/2016
The Clackamas County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) approved marijuana land use regulations at the Thursday, Dec. 17 business meeting by a vote of four to one, with Commissioner Paul Savas casting the sole dissenting vote.
The regulations, which only apply to the unincorporated areas of the county and do not apply to personal recreational or medical marijuana growing and production (as allowed by state law), become effective for recreational marijuana on Monday, Jan. 4, and for medical marijuana on Tuesday, March 1.
“We don’t know what the unintended consequences are yet,” Commissioner Martha Schrader said at the meeting, adding that it was highly likely that the county would have to address issues around the land use regulations of marijuana in the future.
The approved regulations include allowing retail marijuana businesses in commercial zones (both urban and rural); wholesale marijuana businesses in light industrial zones, rural commercial and rural industrial zones; processing businesses in all zones except urban and rural industrial zones (while extract and concentrate processing is prohibited); and growing operations in urban industrial, exclusive farm use, ag/forest, timber, rural residential farm-forest five-acre, farm-forest ten-acre and rural industrial zones.
There are 29 zoning districts in which no marijuana commercial business is allowed at all, including all urban residential districts and many rural residential districts. The ordinance also includes other requirements for marijuana businesses, including setbacks, hours of operation, odor prevention, lighting, minimum lot sizes, security and waste management, while a land use application with the county will be required for all businesses.
Cities in the county can determine their own policies regarding marijuana, including prohibiting businesses and sending the matter to a general election.
Welches resident Shirley Morgan appeared before the BCC to express various concerns, including that the potential enforcement needs and costs to protect citizens have not been identified.
“And it shocks me to believe that (the county) would open the door to marijuana sales and wholesale distribution into an area with limited law enforcement knowing that they are federally illegal and that they operate by cash only,” said Morgan, who was also on a county committee making recommendations on marijuana to the BCC.
Commissioner Jim Bernard also noted concern over law enforcement and also rules by the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) on the fencing requirements for certain marijuana businesses.
“I don’t want it to look like a prison camp out there,” Bernard said.
The OLCC must adopt administrative rules by Jan. 1, 2016, regarding recreational marijuana purchase, sale, production, processing, transportation and delivery, and will also begin accepting license applications to produce, process, wholesale and retail recreational marijuana by Jan. 4.
Approval of the regulations came after an earlier town hall meeting in the month held by the Villages at Mt. Hood board of directors (BOD) on Tuesday, Dec. 1. Bernard was in attendance at the town hall and helped shed light on some aspects of marijuana policy.
He noted the commissioners are likely to institute a three percent sales tax on marijuana in the county (in addition to the 17 percent for the state), adding that he has a problem with “sin taxes,” such as those on alcohol, cigarettes and gambling.
“The voters have spoken, let’s make sure we spend the money wisely,” Bernard said.
George Wilson, chair of the BOD, created an unofficial poll for community members in attendance to participate in, including asking the question, “Do you support the proposed ban on all four categories of recreational marijuana for rural Clackamas County/Villages at Mt. Hood?” The final results revealed 59 responses opposing a ban with nine responses in favor.
Many in attendance expressed general support for marijuana, citing possible health and economic benefits, adding that Measure 91 passed with approximately two-thirds support in the Mountain community. Rhododendron resident Rick Applegate found the discussion missed its target for gauging support on the specific issues of land use regulations for retail shops, wholesale shops, grow operations and processing operations.
“In my mind, this forum has not given any information on how many of those 65 percent wanted wholesale operations in their community,” he said.
For more information on the county’s marijuana land use regulations, visit clackamas.us/planning/marijuana.html.
By Garth Guibord/MT |
| Villages at Mt. Hood Voting Results Invalidated posted on 01/04/2016
Election results for two board positions in the Villages at Mt. Hood town hall meeting, held Dec. 1 at The Resort at The Mountain were invalidated by the county later in the month, citing election irregularities. In an email to the board, Clackamas County Director of Public and Government Affairs Gary Schmidt explained his decision, including candidate Ben Bliesner not receiving formal approval, names on sign-in sheets not including addresses, unclear identification to verify attendees with P.O. boxes were eligible voters and attendees who claimed they lost their ballot and were given new ballots.
“No one did anything purposefully wrong, especially the Village board members,” Schmidt told The Mountain Times in a phone interview. “They did the very best they could, and I feel my staff did the best they could.”
Schmidt noted that per county ordinance county staff organizes and runs the election for board members in conjunction with the village board, but the staff liaison was unable to attend the town hall. A county representative was trained and Schmidt noted the process is “fairly strong,” but there was confusion at the meeting, including some people taking extra copies of an unofficial survey that others in attendance believed were extra ballots.
“Because of the doubt that has been created, I feel it is in the best interest in the Village board and the community to have a new election,” Schmidt said.
A new election will be discussed at the Villages’ board meeting, 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 5, at the Hoodland Fire District main station, 69634 Hwy. 26 in Welches. Candidates must receive approval of the board to be placed on the ballot, while candidates must receive a majority of the ballots cast (50 percent plus one vote) to be elected. Bliesner and Gina Royall were the two candidates to appear on the ballot for two open positions.
George Wilson, chair of the board of directors, met with Schmidt to express his concerns over having the results invalidated.
“Gary (Schmidt) was very clear to point out that this was through no fault of our own,” Wilson said. “But because there wasn’t a way to validate or invalidate these accusations, the best thing to do was redo the elections and have proper county representation.”
Other topics at meeting The town hall also featured further discussion of a possible name and logo change for the village, with Wilson citing another website that appears at the top of internet searches that is not the official village website.
“Most people believe that … website represents the Villages at Mt. Hood board, which it does not,” Wilson said.
Wilson presented a new seal and has proposed to change the name to Mt. Hood Villages. Applegate raised the issue of how the proposed name could cause issues with area businesses with similar names, such as the Mt. Hood Village RV Resort & Campground.
“I think that’s close enough, you could have a problem,” Applegate said.
Wilson noted he has already secured the domain “mthoodvillages.org.”
“I want to make sure we’ll get this right, I want to make sure that the whole community is on board,” he said. “Our intention is to clearly define ourselves from the other website out there.” Wilson added that if the name change does gain approval, he would “pass (the url) on to the board and let the board deal with it and manage it.”
An unofficial survey created by Wilson asked the attendees, “Do you support a Name/Logo change for the Villages at Mt. Hood to Mt. Hood Villages?” 57 responses were in favor, with eight opposed.
Gary Barth, Clackamas County Director of Business and Community Services, also offered an update on a proposed community park at the site of the Dorman Center, across from the Welches School on Salmon River Road. The county is willing to lease the property for $1 per year, but it is up to the village to figure out funding for any park infrastructure and how to secure funding for ongoing maintenance.
Barth noted options for maintenance costs include forming a taxing district (likely based on geographical boundaries such as the Hoodland Fire District) with a dedicated property tax and led by a board of local citizens, or a county service district directed by the county’s board of directors.
The unofficial survey asked those in attendance, “Do you support a Special Parks District for the Villages at Mt. Hood?” 57 were in favor, with eight opposed.
Barth added the biggest issue is figuring out the assets to maintain a park, while money for capital improvements could be acquired via grant funding. The first step, he noted was specifying what the wants and needs for the park would be, then calculating what funds would be needed to operate them.
Ben Bleisner, who was elected to the village board of directors at the end of the meeting, noted current plans for the proposed park include a public shelter, five picnic shelters, a skate park, a BMX track, a playground, a community garden and a park and ride area.
Wilson said the current estimate on labor and materials (but not including items such as permits) for the park is approximately $1.1 million.
“This park will change in shape and design as we go along,” he said, adding the construction of the park is likely to be done in phases.
By Garth Guibord/MT |
| ODOT to Add Sign Advisory Technology Around Mount Hood posted on 01/04/2016
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) will add RealTime signs to areas around Mount Hood, including Hwy. 26, Hwy. 35 and Timberline Road, with construction beginning in late 2016. The signs offer up to the minute traffic information and advisories, including road conditions and travel times between destinations.
“This is a cutting edge system,” said Kimberly Dinwiddie, ODOT Community Affairs. “There are not very many systems across the country at all that tell people the weather conditions in real time.”
This will be the second installation of the technology in Oregon, according to Dinwiddie, following the first on Hwy. 217 in Washington County. She added that the data from the first year of the system show there has been a significant reduction in crashes.
Dinwiddie believes the problems that can occur around Mount Hood, including congestion, crashes and changes in weather - even weather changes based on the elevations - will make the signs a welcome addition.
“The Mount Hood area is the perfect location to have a weather warning system ... to advise (drivers) on what steps they can take to make sure they travel safely,” Dinwiddie said.
Designs for the project to this point have located sites where signs can go based on visibility, communications viability and access to power at the lowest cost.
Dinwiddie noted that things could change as the project progresses and she hopes to get feedback from the community.
Currently, signs that advise drivers to carry chains are changed manually by ODOT maintenance workers, which Dinwiddie noted adds a dangerous delay when trying to get information to drivers quickly. The new sign system will be controlled remotely, meaning managers can post advisories from their offices.
The new system is also expected to include weather sensors and additional cameras (accessible by the public at tripcheck.com).
Dinwiddie added that some of the early work for the project has been included in the “U.S. 26 Mt. Hood Highway Safety and Preservation Project,” which will expand the highway and add a 1.6-mile concrete median barrier to prevent crossover accidents.
The sign project will also have much less of an impact to the highway, but will require lane closures, flagging and extremely short term full closures of areas, such as overnight closures.
A project website is expected to to be up and running by mid-February, including offering an opportunity for community members to submit comments, while plans are expected to be put out for bid in spring.
For more information, visit TripCheck.com/realtime.
By Garth Guibord/MT |
| Troy Bachmann Continues to Await His Fate posted on 01/04/2016
The fate of Troy Bachmann remains cloudy, at best. His prison quarters have improved, but the rickety wheels of Mexican justice creek along.
Bachmann has languished in the Venustiano Carranza Prison in Tepic, Mexico – a prison of “unspeakable conditions” according to Human Rights Watch – since May 2015, on charges his family insists are bogus. In fact, the slow-moving Mexican court system seemed to agree. In mid-November the charges against Bachmann were negated, only to have the judge recharge the Mountain resident, despite admitting “there was no evidence (of guilt) in any of the charges against him.”
Now, Bachmann remains in prison, and waits.
Troy’s brother, Derek Bachmann, of Seattle, has worked furiously trying to gain Troy’s release, as well as provide funds to improve his prison conditions.
“About a month ago we were able to secure a private cell for Troy,” Derek wrote in an email to The Mountain Times. “Of course, at a cost.”
Derek’s early efforts cost him his job in August.
“I’ve completely exhausted my savings and dipped into my IRA account,” Derek wrote. “As you can imagine it’s taking quite a toll on my family both financially and emotionally.”
In the meantime, Derek stays in constant touch with his brother.
“Troy’s mood comes and goes,” Derek wrote. “I speak to him most every day now just to make sure that everything is OK with him. Of course a situation like this can take a toll on any man’s spirits.”
Troy was taken into custody, and prison, following charges from watermelon farmers at Fancy Fresh Farms, Troy’s Mexican business. Troy had hired a new bookkeeper and noticed discrepancies in the accounting. An independent audit confirmed his suspicions, but he didn’t have time to deal with it before leaving on a business trip.
In his absence, the bookkeeper and other employees raided the company’s checking accounts, wiped his computer hard drives and planted rumors with Troy’s growers that he was planning on leaving the country without paying them.
Upon returning from the business trip, Troy planned to meet with the growers to straighten out the misunderstanding but was immediately surrounded by police, handcuffed, and arrested – without a warrant or reading of his rights – according to Derek and their father Mark Bachmann, owner of The Fly Fishing Shop in Welches.
Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and, Jeff Merkley have tried to intervene on Troy’s behalf, but with little success.
“Senator Merkley has personally called and spoke with the ambassador of Mexico to the United States and it seems that the ambassador is doing everything he can to secure Troy’s release,” Derek wrote.
Previously, in September 2015, Sen. Wyden’s letter to Ambassador Dr. Miguel Basanez Ebergenyi, failed to change anything of note.
“I am writing to express my concern about the treatment of Mr. Troy Bachmann,” Wyden wrote in a Sept. 17 letter. “While I am not in a position to assess the merits of the allegation, I am told that the U.S. Consulate was not notified of Mr. Bachmann’s arrest for approximately one week. If true, that would raise serious concerns.”
The ambassador responded noting he was looking into the situation, even though referring to the senator as “Roy” Wyden.
Local residents can help pay for Troy’s legal bills and prison expenses through accounts that have been set up at PayPal, Fundly.com/friends-of-troy, and the U.S. Bank: Friends of Troy Account No. 153567494536.
The most recent report indicated that 75 donors had already contributed a total of $8,160.
As the ordeal continues, Derek keeps the faith.
“As you know, we are Bachmanns, and we will persevere,” he wrote.
By Larry Berteau/MT |
| Mountain Musician Turns Mount Hood’s Solitude into Songs posted on 01/04/2016
After years of playing music with various bands, including gigs with Blue Mountain Groove, Sound Scope and the Midnight Spaghetti & the Chocolate G-Strings, Eric Kallio landed a job running the Reed College ski cabin on Mount Hood in 2009. The cabin - utilized by the college’s students, alumni and staff and set in an undisclosed location on the mountain - made for a solitary setting for the musician, or as he describes it, a “hermit lifestyle.”
“It’s kind of cut me off from opportunities I’ve been used to having,” Kallio said, in particular noting he’s missed out on his friends and playing music in bands. “I love it, actually. It’s a great job. Great people, great community.”
But the solitude also inspired the guitarist and bassist to start playing some solo music, while adding to his instrumental collection, including a resonator guitar and a square neck Dobro. Those instruments, Kallio noted, made his older music richer and “a better version of itself,” and helped rekindle his passion for music.
Now, Kallio is about to release his first solo album, “Glass, Wood & Steel,” featuring 11 songs with sounds from Americana, a little bit of soul and a little bit of country jam that were honed at the cabin.
“Living up at this cabin made me realize that music is something that kept me happy,” said Kallio, who grew up in Virginia and started playing guitar at the age of 13. “If I don’t have it, I’m not a whole person.”
Last fall, Kallio got motivated to get the album done, and with the help of a loan from his brother, was able to record at Sean Flora’s “Rock N Roll BNB Recording Studio,” a residential recording experience, on Sauvie Island. Now, Kallio has launched a Kickstarter campaign to finish raising the funds necessary.
Kallio hopes to raise $6,000 and release the album, with themes of struggle and the natural world, in March. He noted this music is much different than what he created when he was younger.
“My earlier days, I was always trying to make complicated and technical things I would make myself better by doing,” Kallio said.
“I think I’ve simplified a lot,” he added. “It’s clear, your ideas are very defined because you have to limit them.”
Want a sneak peak? Eric Kallio will also perform from 6-8:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31, at the Skyway Bar and Grill, 71545 Highway 26 in Zigzag. No cover. Kallio’s music is also available on Youtube.com and at erickallio.com.
By Garth Guibord/MT |
| Why I Became a Firefighter: First Person From a First Responder posted on 01/04/2016
I didn’t know when I became a firefighter that showing up on someone’s worst day of his or her life would make me feel honorable. If I can make someone’s day better or easier or less stressful by just showing up I am better for it.
Duty, honor and commitment. Those are the Hoodland words printed on all our buildings and in our literature. Looking at these themes it is humbling to know I can make a difference. Sometimes it means just holding a patient’s hand, or helping the paramedics do their job better and faster.
I have had many human losses in my life. Stephanie, my favorite baby sitter, died in a car accident when I was only five. My favorite aunts passed away, one from a hit and run accident and the other from cancer. Bobby, my first true love, died in my arms when I was 18 after receiving a gunshot wound to the chest. My niece was murdered at 16. Looking back I wonder with my training as an EMT and as a firefighter if I could have saved Bobbi or if a volunteer or paid first responder could have saved my favorite babysitter or my niece, who died before getting to the hospital.
Once I got going, the training really made me think about all my bad days that could have turned out differently if a person had decided to volunteer and learn the tools and techniques that would make a difference in an individual and family’s life.
It is hard physical work and at 56 I want to make sure I stay injury free. I have to be able to pull a 100-pound tire. Lift 60 pounds over my head. Pull a limp body from a fire. Climb two-story ladders with 40 pounds on my back and also carry a 20-pound tool. I was in good shape before I started the training, yet firefighter shape is a different deal.
Now three years later I am lighter on my feet and can bench press close to my own weight. I want to be my best if I show up on someone’s worst day.
There are so many opportunities for learning in the firefighter world. I can study about: fire safety building codes, operating an engine, becoming a juvenile fire setter expert, how to communicate succinctly on the radio, or even become a paramedic.
I had an opportunity to go out on a wild fire this summer in John Day. I have never worked so hard in my life. I climbed hills at a 40 percent vertical daily all day. Please think about others and their property before striking a match or setting off fireworks.
When I drive on Hwy. 26 I remember the accidents. I think about the families who were affected by these accidents and wonder why a text or phone call is so important to take while driving. Then there are those drunk drivers who think it important to have another cocktail before getting in their vehicles.
Becoming a firefighter has changed my world. There were a few days I didn’t think I would make it. A few days I cried. I had to dig deep to accomplish the mental and physical tasks.
The challenges have made me younger and more flexible in both thought and physical strength. I have to give my time, learn new skills, learn new ways to think, act with calm intent and mostly give with my heart. As a firefighter and first responder I have new meaning. I get to show up on someone’s worst day and make a human difference.
The deadline for applications to become a volunteer firefighter at the Hoodland Fire District is 5 p.m., Monday, Jan. 4. For more information, call 503-622-3256.
By Susan Mikolasy For The Mountain Times |
| Wild Weather Wreaks Havoc in Hoodland posted on 12/01/2015
At one point when the winds whipped and the storm was at its strongest as it hit tahe mountain on Tuesday, Nov. 17, responders from the Hoodland Fire District (HFD) had to juggle seven calls at the same time. Fire Chief Mic Eby noted all the district’s rigs were out and three things were prioritized: gaining access to people in need, clearing roads for fire engines and ambulances to pass through and getting people out who needed it.
“We had issues everywhere,” Eby said. “Everybody described it like a train coming through, then poof, trees would bend over.”
Eby recalled things got rolling at 6:57 a.m. that morning, when the first power lines went down, and “it just took off from there.” Twenty-two volunteers responded during the storm, while Eby noted he was impressed by both volunteers and the district staff.
“All night long, they really care for the community and the people in it,” he said. “They want to provide the best and quickest service they can.”
Calls ranged from trees falling on houses to propane leaks to welfare checks, but Eby said the biggest problem was from the fallen power lines. The district’s standard policy is to treat all lines energized until Portland General Electric (PGE) tells them they are otherwise.
Despite the extensive damage, Eby reported no major injuries, even he noted one A-frame house was “now a duplex.” He added that many homes were vacant at the time, with owners who only visit on the weekends or on a seasonal basis.
At one point, both lanes of Hwy, 26 near milepost 46 were closed, while approximately 43,600 PGE customers experienced a power outage at some point. PGE deployed 97 crews to repair storm related damage.
“PGE was on it,” Eby said. “(Power was) back that night in places.”
Eby added that the welfare checks are a priority, as a quick response can make a big difference for somebody stuck in a car or a house when they can’t get out.
“If somebody has relatives up here and can’t contact them, give us a call and we’ll check it out,” he said.
Locals share their experiences
Lorry Lythgoe, a Mountain resident since 1968, had a tree branch break through the skylight of her Fairway Avenue home. The intrusion occurred early evening of the Nov. 17 storm.
“First I heard a bang noise and went outside to see what it was,” Lythgoe told The Mountain Times. “It must have been the wind because my patio furniture was heading toward the neighbors.”
After battling the wind and the furniture, she returned to the house. There was more to come.
“I was in the bedroom and heard this loud boom,” she said. “I ran into the living room and a huge tree branch had gone through my skylight. The rain was really coming down and my neighbors came running hard to help me. They knew I couldn’t swim.”
As the storm has passed, Lythgoe now reports that instead of the wind and rain, all you can hear are chainsaws.
“There’s going to be a lot of free wood this winter,” she said.
Robert Cole, of Welches, escaped without damage from the storm, but was in awe of the mighty blast.
“We had 80 to 100 mile per hour wind gusts and rain like I have never seen,” Cole wrote in an email the night of the storm. “All power is out in Welches, with power lines down everywhere. It might take days before it is restored.”
Cole was lucky. He was mostly prepared.
“I have a generator and able to email you,” he said. “But I have to get to Sandy for gas as the local station has no power to pump and I am running low. This is the worst storm I have witnessed up here.”
“This is the worst storm I’ve seen in a few years,” added Drew Levens, an Alder Creek resident for 16 years. “The power was out overnight which in comparison to previous years was actually fairly mild. The local power company was on it within a few hours and the power was on the next morning.”
Others in the community were not so lucky when it came to the falling debris.
A tree fell on the home of Eric Getchell, whose family is now in search of a new place to live with his wife and his adult son who is disabled with Asberger’s disease.
“We have two cats, and a dog, which will hamper us in finding a permanent home, and the tree that took out the entire width of our house, leaving a 4-ft wide, open skylight, is not covered by insurance,” Getchell wrote in an email to the Mountain Times, adding that he has set up an account on GoFundme.com to help pay for new housing and moving.
To help the Getchell family, visit GoFundme.com and search for “Eric Getchell Rhododendron.”
By Garth Guibord, Fay Dunahoo and Larry Berteau/MT |
| Bachmann recharged in Mexican legal battle posted on 12/01/2015
The tragic tale of local resident Troy Bachmann has not improved.
If anything, the story has become one of frighteningly gothic proportions as he continues to languish in the notorious Venustiano Carranza Prison in Tepic, Mexico, held on charges he and his family insist are bogus.
As late as Nov. 17, Troy’s father, Mark Bachmann, owner of the local Fly Fishing Shop, told The Mountain Times that “Troy has been moved to better quarters and food, and he may be out today. We are guardedly optimistic.” That was the last piece of good news coming out of Mexico.
On Nov. 22, Mark’s optimism had turned to disdain.
“Things are not progressing fast enough with Troy,” he said. “Little tangible progress has really been made. I’m going to have to go to war.”
Troy’s brother Derek Bachmann, of Seattle, has lost his job trying to battle against the Mexican authorities. On Nov. 23, he told The Mountain Times that “As far as I’ve been told, all the evidence against Troy has been negated and the court is deciding today whether or not to proceed with the growers’ charges against him.”
Then came the stunning news.
“Just found out that Troy has been recharged with the case even after this judge says that there is no evidence in any of the testimony,” Derek wrote in a Nov. 24 email. “But because there are five cases, he believes that there is reason to proceed with them anyway.”
Mark responded, saying “Apparently he has been recharged with the crimes he was acquitted of by a federal court.”
That acquittal came on Oct. 12, followed promptly by a local district attorney filing an appeal.
Troy Bachmann has been held in the Tepic prison since May, on charges from watermelon farmers at Troy’s Mexican business, Fancy Fresh Farms.
According to Derek Bachmann, his brother had hired a new bookkeeper for his business and started noticing discrepancies in the accounting. An independent audit confirmed his suspicions, but he didn’t have time to deal with it before leaving on a business trip.
As previously reported in The Mountain Times (Nov. issue), in Troy’s absence the bookkeeper and several other employees raided the company’s checking accounts, wiped his computer hard drives and planted rumors with Troy’s growers that he was planning on leaving the country without paying them.
Upon his return from the business trip Troy planned to meet immediately with the growers to straighten out the misunderstanding but was immediately surrounded by police, handcuffed, and arrested -- without a warrant or reading of his rights.
Since then he’s been in the Venustiano Carranza Prison, a deplorable institution referred to by Human Rights Watch as a prison of “unspeakable conditions.”
His family has been brought to its financial knees since the arrest, as the prison extracts money for food and a bed.
Local residents can help pay for Troy’s legal bills and prison expenses through accounts that have been set up at PayPal, Fundly.com/friends-of-troy, and the U.S. Bank: Friends of Troy Account No. 153567494536.
As of the last report, 72 donors had stepped forward raising $7,875 toward Troy’s legal bills and incarceration fees.
By Larry Berteau/MT |
| Storms cause mud slides and delays on Hwy. 26 project posted on 12/01/2015
Two stormy days, one on Halloween and the other on Tuesday, Nov. 17, lead to mud slides and some downed trees in the construction zone of Oregon Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) “U.S. 26 Mt. Hood Highway Safety and Preservation Project.” The slides, caused by oversaturated soils, and trees did not impact the highway as they occurred either where the new slopes were built far back enough to accommodate them and or where they fell on top of a work bench area, according to Kimberly Dinwiddie, ODOT Community Affairs.
K&E Excavating, the contractor in charge of the project, spent several days cleaning up the slides, while the unfavorable weather caused work on the project to be approximately a week behind schedule. Dinwiddie noted the hope was for workers to install rock bolts in the slopes at Map Curve in early December before the project wraps for the winter, but that some fencing would also be installed in areas.
“We just don’t have enough time, weather wise, to repair those slides fully before the snow starts falling,” she said. “We’re not going to leave anything that we feel couldn’t last until spring.”
The project is expected to restart on April 1, 2016, or as weather allows, and it is expected to be finished by next fall.
For more information, visit us26mthoodsafety.org.
By Garth Guibord/MT |
| Mallards wades into winter weekends posted on 12/01/2015
Welches resident Glen McLaughlin retired in 2000 after more than 20 years in the restaurant business, starting with the Chowder Bowl in Depot Bay before adding other restaurants and then a factory to offer his clam chowder in stores throughout Oregon. But now an opportunity has resurrected his restaurant career, and his clam chowder recipe, at the Mallards Cafe & Pub, now slated to be open on weekends throughout the winter.
“I’m going to come out of retirement and see if I remember how to do this,” McLaughlin said. “It’s ridiculous for something this nice to sit empty. It’s ideal for entertainment.”
McLaughlin will take charge of the kitchen, with a focus on lower prices, food specials and bringing locals in, while his friend, Robert Cole, will book musical acts for Fridays and Saturday nights. Cole, who helped bring McLaughlin on board, started bringing in musicians a couple months ago and has already started filling the place on Saturday nights.
“This place used to be the hottest place in town,” Cole said. “It’s such a great facility for it to be sitting idle all winter.”
In recent years, the restaurant, featuring a view of the scenic golf course as part of The Resort at The Mountain, had been closed during the winter months. The restaurant is expected to be open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays this winter (starting Thursday, Dec. 3), with the possibility of being open during all of Christmas break (if there’s sufficient snow).
“We’re really looking forward to Glen’s clam chowders and the music nights here really lighten it up,” said Willy So, Assistant General Manager of the Resort.
Musical entertainment will feature fireside music, such as a guitar player, from 6-8 p.m. on Friday nights, with more rowdy bands taking the stage from 7-10 p.m. on Saturday nights, including Bob Voll,
“We’ve got some of the best entertainment coming up here to play,” Cole said, noted that there will not be a cover charge. “A lot of variety, but all danceable and top name players in the Portland area.”
McLaughlin plans for a seafood oriented menu, although there will be steaks, burgers and nightly specials. He added that while the restaurant will open at 2 p.m. to start, he expects to be open for breakfast eventually.
“We want to get this thing rocking and rolling this place used to be one of the best places up here,” McLaughlin said.
December’s music at Mallards
Saturday, Dec. 5: PDX Funktown, a six-piece rock and funk band playing music of 70s, 80s and 90s.
Saturday, Dec. 12: Girls Night Out with Dudes, four men and two men.
Saturday, Dec. 19: Freak Mountain Ramblers, a hippie country/rock band.
Saturday, Dec. 26: John Bunzow, Nashville singer/songwriter.
Thursday, Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve party featuring Hottea Cold.
by Garth Guibord/MT |
| Chamber aims to make it snow on the mountain posted on 12/01/2015
As evidenced by the disappointing snowfall last year, when it comes to the frozen precipitation that helps fuel the mountain community in winter, we mostly have to just wait.
Mother Nature, perhaps along side Old Man Winter, rule the winter when it comes to making it snow, and there’s just not much humans can do to alter that dynamic.
Or is there?
It hasn’t stopped the Mt. Hood Area Chamber of Commerce (MHACC) from trying to make it “snow” in a different way. Mountain businesses can expect to see an influx of snowflakes thanks to the MHACC’s recent “Bring Back the Snow” campaign, where people can print out a list of participating businesses, find the snowflakes in their windows and get a discount of at least 15 percent.
“We’re working hard to get people up here,” said Coni Scott, MHACC President. “Snow or no snow, it’s been a tough year for people.”
The campaign follows an early one in which the chamber ran a video spot on Portland’s ABC television affiliate, KATU, which played hundreds of times in the late summer and early fall. The chamber spent $14,500 on the video and Scott noted the funds used came from the organization’s yearly Bite of Mt. Hood event.
“The funds go back into the community to bring people up here,” she said, adding that next year’s Bite is scheduled for Saturday, April 23.
“Most small businesses, especially those in rural areas, do not have the individual resources to promote themselves,” Scott added. “That’s our goal, to promote our businesses.”
John Erickson, a former general manager at The Resort at The Mountain and an industry consultant who worked on the campaign, noted that while snow is important for the mountain, it’s also just a part of the local economy.
“The whole thing about the mountain, it’s not just the snow, but that’s the first thing that people think of,” Erickson said.
“There’s so much to do on the mountain and in the villages,” he added. “It’s been an opportunity for the communities to come together and recognize that the general population needs to know how much more there is to do on the mountain besides the snow.”
But for the snow enthusiasts, the best news is that there is no limit to the snow for this campaign.
“(Visitors can) print up as many as they want and they can scatter the snow on Mount Hood,” Scott said.
Discounts at area businesses include 15 percent off at Alder Creek Cabin, All Seasons Vacation Rentals, Boulder Creek Retreats, the Cabins Creekside at Welches, Camp Arrah Wanna, Dragonfly Cafe & Bakery, the Hidden Woods Bed & Breakfast, Hull Park & Retreat Center, Ivy Bear Family Pizza and B&B, Liberty Lodge of Brightwood, Mt. Hood Cultural Center & Museum, Mt. Hood Vacation Rentals, Sandy Salmon B&B Lodge, Still Creek Inn & Lounge, The Resort at The Mountain, Valian’s Ski Shop and Whistle Stop Bar & Grill, and 25 percent off with Vacasa.
For more information, visit mthoodchamber.com.
by Garth Guibord/MT |
| Winter brings early gift of snow as Skibowl opens posted on 12/01/2015
Skibowl is back in business.
The Government Camp winter and summer resort kicked off the season, opening the Snow Tube and Adventure Park at Skibowl East and the world’s only Cosmic Tubing run.
“With a couple of early season snow storms and with forecasted cold temperatures favorable for snowmaking, Mt. Hood Skibowl opened the Snow Tube and Adventure Park on Nov. 27,” Public Relations Director Hans Wipper announced in a press release. “The opening included the tube hill conveyor lift, indoor play structure and the Multorpor Lodge.”
Full food service is available in the lodge with the Multorpor cafe serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus the 70-meter Bar and Grill featuring gourmet burgers and custom drink specials.
Cosmic Tubing slid into action after Thanksgiving. The world’s first and only such feature is like day tubing on steroids with colored lights, rocking music, laser shows, DJ nights and fireworks every third Saturday starting in December, Wipper noted. Thrill seekers will experience an entirely new way to have fun on the snow with 600,000 LED lights and laser light shows that make the experience out of this world.
Day tubing hours will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday, while Cosmic Tubing will run from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Upcoming Events
– Santa Claus will swoop down on Skibowl from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Dec. 12, 13, 19 and 20. Santa will visit the tube hill, then set up shop in front of the cozy fireplace at Multorpor Lodge. There will be picture taking opportunities and treats for the kids.
– Skibowl will celebrate 28 years of its legendary midnight fireworks extravaganza on New Year’s Eve. Events include skiing-riding until 2 a.m. plus the fireworks at Skibowl West and East Visit www.skibowl.com or call 503-222-2695 for more details on the operating schedule, pricing and the New Year’s Eve celebration.
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| Bark helps restore old road posted on 12/01/2015
(MT) - On Saturday, Nov. 21 two dozena volunteers picked up their shovels and went to work planting 200 western red cedar trees on Road 1825-111, a recently decommissioned logging road, as part of an effort by Bark, a non-profit dedicated to protecting the Mount Hood National Forest and the surrounding lands, and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). Shafts of sunlight highlighted their breath in the frosty air as they dug holes and carefully planted trees in the parts of the old road surface that had been decompacted using the bucket on a large excavator.
In 2009 the Forest Service analyzed each of the roads in the Old Maid Flat area to determine which roads were needed for recreation or administrative access and which ones posed a threat to water quality and salmon. Road 1825-111 was identified as a risk to watershed health and unneeded for public access. It was decommissioned in July 2015 by removing old culverts so they wouldn’t become blocked by debris and wash out during storm events, while earthen water bars were dug to reduce soil erosion by diverting water off of the road.
“Removing old, unneeded logging roads helps to protect our watersheds while providing high wage jobs for local contractors,” said Russ Plaeger, Bark’s Restoration Coordinator. “Tree planting is an excellent way for Bark to support the Forest Service’s efforts to reduce its approximately 3,000 mile road system, in the Mt. Hood area, to a more manageable size.”
Tree planting helps jump start the process of reforesting an old road. The volunteers planted willow cuttings, to shade the creeks, on the banks where two large culverts were removed. Willows produce extensive root systems that stabilize stream banks and reduce erosion. The old road and a spur road off of it total a little over one mile. The decommissioning was done by Leonard Collins and Sons, a private contractor, based in Colton, Oregon. Bark recruited volunteers from communities in the Sandy and Hoodland areas as well as Portland. Zigzag District Ranger Bill Westbrook and fisheries biologist Kathryn Arendt also participated with the tree planting project.
“It was great to have ten volunteers from Sandy-Hoodland area be part of the crew today including seven current students or recent graduates from Sandy High School,” Plaeger said. “These cedars have the potential to grow here for hundreds of years. That means each person who planted trees today contributed to the legacy of forests in the Old Maid Flat area.”
The project was the second time Bark planted trees in the Zigzag Ranger District.
“Decommissioning unneeded, old roads really is restoration because it improves water quality and reduces the impact of roads on fish and wildlife habitat,” Plaeger said. “Bark would like to see the Forest Service put more energy and funding into reducing the impact of the almost 3,000 mile road system in Mount Hood rather than planning large timber sales and building new roads.”
For more information, visit bark-out.org. |
| Resort links with Best Western posted on 11/01/2015
The Resort at the Mountain, spreading its wings globally, has joined one of the world’s largest hotel families – Best Western – and in doing so became the first Best Western Premier Collection member in North America.
“At the Resort, we are thrilled that we have the opportunity to join this chain … and look forward to welcome travelers from all over the world to visit the Mount Hood region,” said Willy So, assistant general manager of the Resort.
As a Best Western Premier Collection hotel, independent hoteliers in primary and destination markets can take advantage of the world’s largest hotel chain with more than 4,000 hotels located in more than 100 countries and territories around the world.
“We are pleased to add the beautiful Resort at the Mountain to our BW Premier Collection brand,” Senior Vice President of Brand Management at Best Western wrote in an email to The Mountain Times. “The BW Premier Collection provides an opportunity for independent hotels to join the strength of a global brand and benefit from the powerful $4.1 billion global distribution channels of Best Western Hotels & Resorts. It provides guests with confidence of associating with an iconic brand … and providing more choices for city center and resort destinations at which to earn and redeem Best Western Rewards points.”
As a result of its new Premier Collection status, the Resort will have the advantage of Best Western’s benefits which include:
1. Access to Best Western’s $4.1 billion global reservation system;
2. Participation in Best Western Rewards, an award-winning and fast-growing loyalty program;
3. Powerful mobile, eCommerce and technology resources;
4. Pay-for-performance business model;
5. Low fee structure that will improve profitability; and,
6. Reduced reliance on third-party distribution channels.
In conjunction with the new association with the Premier Collection, the Resort now extends the following offer to local and out-of-town organizations:
Starting immediately and extending through April 15, 2016, meeting spaces in the Mallards Restaurant building are open for booking for organizations for events at no cost. Available time is 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday through Thursday. For reservations contact the sales office at 503-622-2220.
The meeting spaces include the Foliage room (space for 50), Muscovy room (15), Trails (60-150), Pub area (20-30) and the dining room (40).
The Resort can provide coffee break, meals, banquet and other services if requested at cost. For pricing, contact sales at 503-622-2220.
The Resort will give a 20 percent discount to event goers for spa and golf course usage. For spa service call Rachelle Closner at 503-622-2228. For golf course call Bryce Finnman at 503-622-2239.
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| Bachmann remains in Mexico prison posted on 11/01/2015
The fate of local resident Troy Bachmann has taken another turn, due to the vagaries of the Mexican criminal justice system.
Imprisoned since May in the notorious Venustiano Carranza Prison in Tepic, Mexico, on agricultural fraud charges that were completely corrupt according to Bachmann and family members, he finally went to trial Oct. 12 in a Mexican court.
It appeared justice had been served. The court ruled Bachmann to be not guilty.
But a few days later, the local district attorney filed an appeal – not by the complainants but by the district attorney himself – and according to Troy’s brother Derek Bachmann, it could take another six months before a court date is set.
“The feeling is mostly anger right now, and kind of deflated,” Derek told KPTV news via Skype. “We thought it was over. I don’t think there’s anybody who doesn’t know my brother’s innocent. The worst part of it is we’re completely powerless from this position.”
Bachmann was originally charged for allegedly owing money to watermelon farmers through his Jalisco, Mexico business “Fancy Fresh Farms.”
What followed was six months in the dangerous and overcrowded prison where more than 3,000 inmates are crowded into a facility built to house 650 – referred to by Human Rights Watch as a prison of “unspeakable conditions.”
According to Troy’s brother, Derek, the problem began when his brother hired a new bookkeeper for his fruit and vegetable business, and started noticing discrepancies in the accounting.
An independent audit confirmed his suspicions, but he didn’t have time to deal with it before leaving on a business trip.
In his absence, the bookkeeper and several other employees raided the company’s checking accounts, wiped his computer hard drives and planted rumors with Troy’s growers that he was planning on leaving the country without paying them.
Upon his return Troy planned to meet immediately with the growers to straighten out the misunderstanding but was immediately surrounded by police and arrested – without a warrant or reading of his rights.
What followed was the six months awaiting trial at the prison.
Senator Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) sent a letter in support of Troy in September to Dr. Miguel Ebegenyi, Ambassador to Mexico, urging him to intervene. It appears nothing has come of this request.
At this point, all that remains for Troy Bachmann is to await trial on the appeal. That wait is at Venustiano Carranza Prison.
The public can help pay for Bachmann’s legal bills and prison expenses through accounts that have been set up at PayPal, Fundly.com/friends-of-troy, and the U.S. Bank: Friends of Troy Account No. 153567494536.
By Larry Berteau |
| Blast season on Hwy. 26 done this year posted on 11/01/2015
The final blast of the season was expected to take place on the evening of Monday, Oct. 26, for Oregon Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) “U.S. 26 Mt. Hood Highway Safety and Preservation Project.” The blast, the second-largest one so far during the project according to Kimberly Dinwiddie with ODOT Community Affairs, was expected to bring down approximately 8,000 yards of material.
Following the blasts, crews were to spend several days clearing rocks from the side of the road before pavement repairs can take place in early November.
“As everybody who’s driven up there have seen, the rocks being blasted off the slope have banged up the pavement,” Dinwiddie said.
Dinwiddie added that a “handful” of blasts are expected for 2016 after work on the project, which will expand the highway and add a 1.6-mile concrete median barrier to prevent crossover accidents, resumes in the spring. K&E Excavating, the contractor in charge of the project, restriped the lanes to the east of the runaway truck ramp in October, returning them to their original configuration. Dinwiddie noted the only work expected to be done along that part of the highway this year is installing rock bolts for stabilization and reducing rock falls.
That work will require lane closures, but “nothing major,” Dinwiddie added, while all lanes are expected to be open on nights and weekends.
Work will also be stopped for the Thanksgiving weekend, beginning at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 25, and lasting until Monday, Nov. 30.
Dinwiddie noted that the “ideal” time for the project to wrap up will be early December, but they will definitely wrap up by the middle of the month. “When you’re working on rock slopes, you can have all the best laid plans … things change and you need to adapt to that,” she said.
Dinwiddie added that the newly exposed slopes on the sides of the highway may change and shift during the winter months, with rocks and mud appearing to come down. This is natural, she noted, as rock will expand and contract with temperature changes, particularly in the winter.
Dinwiddie noted that the slopes will be monitored during the coming months and that an erosion plan is in place to make sure material does not go where it shouldn’t, including area creeks.
“It could look alarming, but that’s just what naturally happens after you blast slopes,” Dinwiddie said. She added that catchment areas should prevent anything that comes down from the slopes from impacting the highway.
The project’s website, us26mthoodsafety.org, is updated weekly or as needed, while motorists can also visit tripcheck.com for the latest traffic information.
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| Skibowl bike park expansion tested, will open in spring posted on 11/01/2015
Through the efforts of a funding grant from Clackamas County, the oversight of the Forest Service, and the commitment of Skibowl’s entire staff, the Bike Park just got bigger and better.
“We recognize the rapid growth of lift accessed mountain bike parks and know that developing ours is an essential part of the resort’s future,” said Kirk Hanna, president of Skibowl. “That’s not just talk. Skibowl has invested heavily in building the first new trail in several years.”
Hanna also noted the new flow trail from the top peak of Skibowl connects to the beginning of the Gnar Gnar trail that continues on down to the base area.
Petr Kakes, owner of the Hurricane Bike Shop at the mountain’s base, worked on the trail throughout the process.
“The trail crew was always up on the mountain early in the morning and got to see countless spectacular sunrises while cutting, sculpting and hand tooling the trail,” Kakes said. “They said to me we should call it Sunrise. The name stuck. Given the multiple viewpoints built along the trailside, Sunrise offers some of the best views in all of Oregon.”
The trail ascends to the top of the mountain and links with the Gnar Gnar trail, allowing riders to swoop from top to bottom without every getting on a road.
Sunrise is an easier/more difficult family friendly trail which descends through the forest, dropping 900 vertical feet over 1.4 miles of single track.
“The feedback we have received from pros, bike shop owners and beginner riders is that the track is fun, has great flow and is a great trail to learn on,” said Scott Connors, who joined in the effort from Trestle Bike Park in Winter Park, Colorado.
“For us, that is mission accomplished … for now,” he added. “Next season Skibowl will offer skills park clinics for new riders, open at least one more trail, run the upper lift Thursday through Sunday for maximum access to the Sunrise trail, and work toward tying into our base camp operation in Rhododendron.”
Connors also noted the goal is to make the bike park a go-to destination to the thousands of mountain bikers in the Portland metro area, while offering instruction to those who want to break into the sport.
Skibowl began in 1928 with its infamous Jump Hill and skiers and snowboarders have been jumping and riding its slopes ever since. It is also home to one of the nation’s oldest lift accessed mountain bike parks. And this spring, the spectacular Sunshine will be added.
By Larry Berteau |
| Two sets on Villages board to be decided in December Town Hall posted on 11/01/2015
The November Town Hall meeting of the Villages at Mt. Hood is slated for 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 1, at The Resort at The Mountain. Topping the agenda is the public election for two open seats on the Board of Directors.
One seat is occupied temporarily by candidate Gina Royall, who has been serving as an interim member, while local business owner Ben Bliesner has applied for the second open position, according to Board Chair George Wilson.
“Ben was raised on Mount Hood, and has donated a tremendous amount of his time and skills to the development of the CAD presentation for our proposed Mt. Hood Villages Community Park,” Wilson wrote in an email to The MT. “He also used to be a local teacher, and is now a current member of the Portland Mountain Rescue Team.”
Bliesner is the owner of Rhododendron Technology, LLC.
Although the Town Hall agenda had not been finalized by press time, one of the items up for discussion is a change of name for the Villages at Mt. Hood Board of Directors.
Wilson noted in his email that the change has been brought about by a “rogue website” by the same name and due to the confusion the Villages Board is proposing “Mt. Hood Villages Board of Directors” going forward, and has secured the domain @mthoodvillagesBOD.org for future correspondence.
Also on the agenda is an update on the proposed Mt. Hood Villages Community Park.
Current board members include: Wilson, Chair; Marilan Anderson, Vice-Chair; Joe Mazzara, Treasurer; Rob Bruce, Secretary; Carol Burk, member; Royall, interim member; and Bliesner, candidate.
By Larry Berteau |
| Welches students learn to 'Say Something' posted on 11/01/2015
At an assembly at the Welches School on Thursday, Oct. 22, as part of “Say Something Week,” students learned that in four out of five school shootings, the attacker told people of his or her plan ahead of time.
“The numbers of acts of violence are surprising,” sixth grade student Grace Bliesier said. “I learned to report things right away and what to look out for.”
The Oregon Trail School District (OTSD), in partnership with Sandy Hook Promise, took part in the program to help educate students on how to detect warning signs, signals or threats from their peers who may want to harm themselves or others.
The program encourages students to ‘say something’ when they read, hear or see signs of such behavior, particularly on social media.
Ladine Marquardt, OTSD Student Services, is at the helm of orchestrating this new program and noted that students can have a different vantage point on what is happening amongst their peers.
“Students are in a unique position to see and hear things that adults do not.” Marquardt said.
“Say Something,” based on research conducted by Dr. Dewey Cornell and Dr. Reid Meloy (two leading national experts in threat assessment and intervention), focuses on the prevention of gun violence, suicide, bullying or harassment in and out of the school. Students are encouraged to say something about concerning behavior or actions via phone, text, email or through a website, and can do so anonymously.
“We are trying to prevent a feeling of helplessness.” Marquardt said regarding the rise in school violence.
At the assembly, students watched a two-minute video of statistics about violence in schools, followed by a presentation and a discussion facilitated by teachers.
“I learned helpful information on signs of suicide,” Karver Muise, a sixth grade student said. Muise added he would “feel more comfortable” reporting something after the information he learned.
Fellow sixth grader Inanna Vognild noted she would try to text or email if she discovered something. “It’s really scary to think about,” she added about the statistics surrounding school violence.
By Fay Dunahoo |
| Winter is almost here and Timberline is ready posted on 11/01/2015
Mountain Times: In light of last season, we thought we’d check in with Timberline’s Jon Tullis about the coming ski season. Jon, how bad was last season?
Jon: Well, in the industry we have a technical term for a season like last season – we call it a “crappy season.” This season is going to be much better I can tell you, because it can’t be much worse! But truthfully here in the Northwest, even a crappy season is better than a bad season in most regions. We are a bit spoiled in that regard. As your readers know, we actually had some great ski days last winter, and we skied every day until Aug. 3 this summer, so that’s pretty amazing. The Cascades have a track record of some of the most dependable snow on the continent, and that is particularly true up at Timberline where we have the highest elevation skiing on Mount Hood.
Mountain Times: How did a bad season like last winter affect Timberline?
Jon: Bad seasons like last winter come down to two things, good snow management and good business management, and we did real well in both areas, thank you. We also stayed real strong in our hotel and food business, and this summer we had a very robust summer tourist season, so we’ve been very busy up here!
Mountain Times: And this season?
Jon: We are looking forward to a great season. As far as snow goes, we don’t really get into the forecasting business, and in a way it doesn’t matter. I can assure you we will have plenty of snow for skiing, but I must say we were pleased recently when the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration revised their outlook away from a dry, split jet stream model, to a normal wet winter pattern, and the last time I checked, snow has only two prerequisites: moisture and 32 degrees, so I think we’ll see plenty of snow up here this winter.
Mountain Times: Is there anything new at Timberline?
Jon: Yes indeed! We are particularly excited to be unveiling two new food venues. We are completing a million dollar remodel of our skier’s restaurant in the W’East Day Lodge, which is going to really be spectacular, and out on the hill we have taken occupancy of the old Phlox Point Boy Scout Cabin, which we have fixed up, and will be operating as a warming hut, and serving drinks and tacos. We can’t wait to get that going, so we hope to see you all on the slopes soon!
By Jon Tullis |
| Locked Up in Mexico posted on 09/30/2015
Former Welches resident Troy Bachmann, 48, has been held in the notorious Venustiano Carranza Prison in Tepic, Mexico since May 19, and is scheduled for trial in a Mexican court Oct. 12.
He is being charged for allegedly owing money to watermelon farmers, a charge he denies. If he is convicted, he faces up to 84 years in prison, according to his brother, Derek Bachmann, of Seattle.
Troy is the son of Mark Bachmann, who owns the Fly Fishing Shop in Welches.
In the meantime, Troy languishes in the dangerous and overcrowded prison where he is the only Caucasian among more than 3,000 inmates crammed into a facility built for 650. He is housed in a 5 foot by 10 foot cell with seven other inmates, a single toilet, no beds, and blankets, safe drinking water and food are available only for sale.
“We’re also paying $1,500 a month so he can have edible food,” Derek told The Packer reporter Coral Beach, who writes for the fruit and vegetable industry weekly newspaper. “He has to pay for everything in prison. If he wants to go to the bathroom he has to pay. If he wants to wipe, he has to pay again.”
Derek believes the problem began for his brother when he hired a new bookkeeper for his fruit and vegetable business in Jalisco, Mexico – Fancy Fresh Farms – and started noticing discrepancies in the accounting. An independent audit confirmed his suspicions, but he didn’t have time to deal with it before leaving on a business trip.
While he was gone the bookkeeper and several other employees raided the company’s checking accounts, wiped his computer hard drives, and planted rumors with Troy’s growers that he was planning to leave the country without paying them. When Troy returned he agreed to meet with some of them to straighten out the misunderstanding, according to Derek.
He was immediately surrounded by police and arrested without a warrant, explanation or reading him his rights.
He was hauled away.
“Apparently whoever grabbed him didn’t want anyone knowing he was there, because by law he is supposed to be allowed to call the U.S. Consulate within 24 hours,” Derek said. “Troy also wasn’t told what he was being charged with for I don’t know how long.”
When appeals to the American Consulate and Oregon Senator Ron Wyden led nowhere, Mark Bachmann took money from his personal retirement account to pay for a Mexico City private investigator to give him an independent assessment of the problem and what it would take to fix it. As a result, Troy now has a highly respected attorney to spearhead his legal defense.
Finally, the U.S. Consulate was contacted and has provided some assistance.
“We’ve visited him on a number of occasions,” the consulate’s public information officer – who requested her name not be used – told the reporter at The Packer. “We also watch for human rights violations. But we cannot provide legal assistance or advice. It is our understanding that he has secured a local attorney and we are actively monitoring the case.”
The attorney is handling the case pro bono, but the family must pay expenses, including $4,000 for forensic experts to try to recover information from two computer hard drives and another $4,000 for an interpreter and for translation of legal documents, according to Derek Bachmann.
Since the incarceration, Troy’s produce business has been destroyed, his home taken under duress, his wife and 9-month-old child are back in the U.S. having been threatened, and Derek has lost his job as an SEO and Internet marketing specialist for taking calls from Troy and Sen. Wyden during business hours.
Wyden’s office ultimately weighed in with a Sept. 17 letter to Dr. Miguel Ebegenyi, Ambassador to Mexico, urging him to intervene in the matter.
Human Rights Watch, in New York City, whose mission is to protect human rights of people around the world, has had Venustiano Carranza Prison on its list for many years, writing on its website: “Prison conditions are unspeakable.”
Funds are critically needed to help pay for Troy’s mounting legal bills and prison expenses, while the family works on raising public support to put pressure on the Mexican government to release him back to the U.S. The public can help through accounts that have been set up at PayPal, Fundly.com/friends-of-troy, and the U.S. Bank: Friends of Troy Account No. 153567494536.
Troy is remaining positive and hopeful, Derek noted, and added that his family is struggling to do the same.
by Lyla Foggia and Larry Berteau/MT
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| Where There's Smoke ... posted on 09/30/2015
Smoke on the Mountain is a new business in the Hoodland community. At this point Smoke currently offers cigars, cigarettes, tobacco and marijuana pipes and accessories.
The storefront is located at the corner of Arrah Wanna Blvd. and Hwy. 26.
Sole proprietor, Stewart Schmidt, has big plans for the future which go well beyond the current inventory.
“I do not want to be misleading; it is my plan to become a medicinal and recreational marijuana dispensary,” Schmidt said.
Schmidt opened Smoke on the Mountain on July 2.
“The response from the community has been overwhelmingly warm and receptive”, he said. “I had regular customers within the first week of being open.”
After working for Northwest Natural for 10 years Schmidt knew he wanted to be in business for himself. While commuting from West Linn to Bend where his daughter lives, Schmidt saw an opportunity to start a business in Welches.
One aspect that sets Smoke apart from the local competition is not only its low pricing on tobacco products but also allowing customers to place special orders for the store to carry in stock.
Schmidt noted that he is happy to serve the local community and the majority of his business has been local residents and via word of mouth.
Two focal points of Smoke’s business are to do everything legally and to use local artisans for the glass and wood work of products sold in the store.
“Doing everything by the law is of extreme importance,” Schmidt said. This includes checking identification of customers, product tracking and security.
Schmidt currently holds a medicinal marijuana dispensary license issued by the Oregon Health Authority. He plans to apply for a recreational wholesaler’s license for recreational marijuana in January 2016 when applications are being accepted.
According to Oregon.gov retail recreational marijuana stores will most likely be able to open sometime in the third quarter of 2016. Smoke looks forward to the opportunity to expand its business during that time.
by Fay Dunahoo/MT |
| Death in Government Camp Called a Homicide posted on 09/30/2015
(MT) – A body discovered Sept. 24 in a white pickup in the parking lot of Trillium Lake Snowpark on Hwy. 26 is being investigated as a homicide following autopsy results from the Oregon State Medical Examiner Office.
The autopsy on Frank Wilson, 68, of Gresham, showed he died of a gunshot wound to the chest.
At 10:26 a.m. on the 24th, a passerby spotted Wilson in a Ford F150 pickup and he called 911 and reported the male was obviously deceased, according to the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded and confirmed his findings.
The death was immediately deemed to be suspicious and Clackamas County Homicide and Violent Crimes Detectives, Crime Scene Reconstructionist and the Medical Examiner were called to the scene.
Wilson was initially listed as a missing person by the Gresham Police Department. He was reported to be driving the Ford 150 pickup with a disabled veteran license plate EYHQ.
Clackamas County Deputies would like to speak with anyone who might have information regarding this incident or who had seen Wilson or his vehicle. Deputies also noted that the vehicle had a Vietnam Veteran sticker in the back window of the cab.
Anyone that saw or spoke to Wilson between Sept. 22 and Sept. 24 – or anyone with other pertinent information regarding Wilson – is asked to call the CCSO Tip Line at 503-723-4949 or use the online email form at http://web3.clackamas.us/contact/tip.jsp and refer CCSO Case No. 15-25638. |
| School District Above State Averages posted on 09/30/2015
The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) released state assessment results from the 2014-15 school year, revealing students in the Oregon Trail School District (OTSD) scored higher than the statewide averages in all grades for all tests: English Language Arts (ELA), math and science.
Students at the Welches School scored lower than the state average in ELA, but higher than average in math and science (middle and elementary schools).
“The (Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium) results indicate that our staff and students rose to the challenge,” Debbie Johnson, OTSD Director of Curriculum, wrote in an email to The Mountain Times, noting the district developed a plan to address changes in standards that Oregon implemented a few years ago. “They also indicate that our students are capable of achieving this higher standard. We still have work to do, but we are encouraged by the results.”
Johnson added that ELA has been most improved in the district, crediting a collaborative effort and aligned focus for all grades. She sees science as a continued strength, while adding that math is an area of focus for the district after it completed a new math adoption last year.
“We have concentrated staff development and the purchase of new resources to support a shift in instruction,” Johnson wrote. “The new materials coupled with a shift in instruction means that students are experiencing a different approach to learning math.”
The district also saw an increase in “regular attenders,” students who attend school at least 90 percent of the time, including an increase of 3-3.4 percent for grades kindergarten through eighth, and an increase of 6.9 percent for high school students, while 95 percent of students participated in the state assessment.
The graduation rate for the 2013-14 school year increased by 2.4 percent over the previous year.
“A student’s success can be influenced by many factors, yet one of the simplest steps to success is being present at school,” Aaron Bayer, OTSD Superintendent, said in a press release. “Attendance and achievement are explicitly linked. This correlation serves as a reminder that being present can provide our students with the boost they need to arrive at the future they deserve.”
by Garth Guibord/MT |
| Fish On: October Caddis posted on 09/30/2015
Flies are meant to trick fish into believing that they are eating a live organism.
Most flies are made to look like a specific organism that a certain species of fish is used to seeing and eating from their natural environment. Trout eat a lot of things, but average size trout mostly eat insects. Trout normally target certain insects when they are concentrated, and most available.
Most insects have short lives, and are most concentrated when they are hatching, or mating, or laying eggs.
The dense hatches create the most interest. Dense hatches of large insects usually create the most interest for large trout.
In the fall, inch and a quarter long giant caddis flies hatch from nearly every river and stream in the Pacific Northwest. Many of these hatches comprise thousands or maybe even millions of these flying moth-like insects.
They have lived in a stream for a full year as a water breathing larvae.
Most of these large caddises hatch in to winged adults during the early fall, but some cold spring creeks have hatches through much of the winter and into the spring as well. The fat bodies of winged adults are in colors that range from light tannish orange to yellowish orange to bright orange to burnt orange. Wings are usually gray but there are also brown tones.
There are apparently a number of different sub-species in what is commonly called October Caddis or Fall Caddis or Giant Caddis.
Most belong to the family Dicosmoecus. Along the Pacific coast they range from California to Alaska.
The larva of these giant caddis build tube-like cases.
During the winter months when the larva are tiny, these cases are made from vegetable matter attached to a foundation of silk. As the larva grows in size through the spring months they abruptly switch to cases made from small gravel.
You can observe these larvae crawling around on the stream bed dragging their cases with them as they forage for algae and decaying plant and animal matter.
Many people call them periwinkles.
During the summer months of June and July Dicosmoecus larvae are important trout foods. Daily behavioral drift cycles occur in the early afternoon, usually peaking about 4 p.m. They are one of the few families of caddis that leave their cases before behavioral drift cycles. This makes them extremely enticing to large trout. In August these larvae seal themselves in their cases and by September they are ready to emerge as adults. Emergence occurs from late afternoon until dark. The pupae usually swim and crawl to shallow water, but some emerge mid-river. Many actually crawl from the water to hatch on rocks along the shore.
Even when adults are not active, you can tell if October Caddis have been hatching by observing their shucks on stream margin rocks.
If prospecting with a dry October Caddis pattern doesn’t turn up any interest, try a pupa pattern. Pumpkin orange color is usually the best.
Try fishing your pupa suspended from a dead drifted dry fly.
This technique can be very productive late in the evening when both egg laying adults and hatching pupas are both active.
Steelhead as well as trout can be fooled by this trick.
Egg laying occurs in the afternoon and evening. The big fat juicy females flop around on the water exuding their eggs.
They are a prime attraction for fish of all sizes. Fishing a big orange body dry fly can be productive any time of day if you fish in shady spots under overhanging trees.
Some caddis are active during moderate temperature days. Most of the big caddis rest in the shade of vegetation throughout hot days.
These caddis are perfectly camouflaged to hide during the day and wait for evening flights.
by Mark Bachmann/MT
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|  Jimmy Bunting well retired.
This is a story that would be told best by a classic fiction writer.
There’s just one problem.
It’s not fiction.
Jimmy Bunting now lives a quiet life on the Mountain (since 2005) with his wife Becky. It’s a life well earned.
He was adopted out of an orphanage at age 4 by an Illinois farm family. As he progressed through grade school, he was introduced to the burden that was required of Midwestern farm families.
“I got up before 5, and the chores began,” Bunting told The Mountain Times. “Livestock had to be fed, hay had to be baled – hay bales as big as me. Then, off to grade school, then back home, and the chores started all over again.”
He’d finish up around 9:30 in the evening, which left no time for homework.
“I was a terrible student,” he said. “And about the time I turned 15, I had it up to here.”
Bunting contrived a perilous escape plan.
There was no way he could join the military at 15.
So he went down the road to a neighbor farmer who happened to have a son in the Marines. He bribed the farmer with two quarts of Old Yellowstone – a lot of money in those days, and it took him a long time to save up – and the farmer gave Bunting his son’s birth certificate and accompanied him to the Marine recruiter’s office.
At the tender age of 15, Jimmy Bunting became a Marine.
The Marine Corps didn’t know he was 15. They didn’t even know his real name. Boot camp wasn’t easy, but after the farm life, it wasn’t all that bad.
“It was tough, but I could handle it,” he said.
Following boot camp and combat training he boarded a ship to Korea. The troops slipped down the big ropes on the side of the ship.
“That was where I saw my first dead Marine. He was crushed between the ship and the landing craft.” Oddly, the war was officially over, but there were plenty of enemy troops left behind who were unaware of the peace treaty.
Bunting was attached to a reconnaissance unit because of his shooting skills – he had shot 238 out of 250 on the rifle range. He was immediately made the permanent point man in his platoon.
“It was my job, all the time,” he said. “I was the best shot and the smallest target.”
He worked point with two interpreters with bull horns as the Marine unit was trying to notify the enemy the war was over. Both of the interpreters were killed immediately.
At one point his platoon was pinned down by an enemy machine gun nest. Bunting grabbed a couple extra grenades, worked his way around the back of the nest and lobbed two grenades at the enemy.
“They had already killed three or four of us,” Bunting remembered. “The grenades took out the machine gunner and his feeder, I shot two, and got the last one as he tried to run away.”
For that effort, he was awarded the Bronze Star.
After six months of combat, he was called before the commanding officer with six other underage Marines. The CO informed them they had enlisted under false pretenses, had his Bronze Star taken away, and was drummed out of the Corps, with the proviso that if he ever told anyone about his service he’d be sent to prison at Fort Leavenworth.
Bunting took them seriously. He never told anyone, not even his wife Becky, until 2011 at a nephew’s wedding. That original recruiter was there and remembered Jimmy.
But the Marine saga continued. When he turned 17 he enlisted again – this time under his own name. “Boot camp was a lot easier the second time,” he said. “I knew what was going to happen.”
He made the base wrestling team and was on his way to the Pan-American Games when he suffered broken ribs and couldn’t continue.
That was doubly unfortunate, as his next assignment was Desert Rock, Nevada, where his company was entrenched in a four-foot deep trench, 3,500 yards from three atomic bomb blasts.
“We put on our dark glasses, kneeled down, and wrapped our arms over our faces,” he said. “When the bombs went off, I can’t tell you how hot it was. It was the biggest firecracker I ever saw. When the bomb went off I could see the bones in my arm as if it was an X-ray.”
The Marine Corps was finished with the experiment. War games ensued and they approached ground zero. “As we got closer, the blast had been so hot we were crunching in sand that had turned to glass,” he said. “Finally, the lieutenant had had enough and ordered us to head back.”
He finished out his tour of duty in relative ease and settled as a civilian in San Francisco where he met, and married, Becky.
But a normal life was not yet in the offing. Bunting went to diving school, was certified as a deep sea diver doing salvage work. Later he became a plumber and worked as a boomer throughout the country on jobs such as, ironically, nuclear plants.
He later went into business for himself, owning a welding business, before retiring in 1999.
Becky remembers that moment, when, after 50 years of marriage, she found out about Jimmy’s underage enlistment.
“All I can remember saying was ‘What? Oh my God,’”
Becky and Jimmy have two children, and enjoying family is now a top priority.
And one of the youngest warriors ever is now one of the oldest veterans in the Mountain community.
When asked what’s next, Jimmy flashed a jagged smile and said:
“It takes a lot to take out an old Marine, especially if he still feels like fightin’.”
by Larry Berteau/MT
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| Summer Bows Out; School Days Return posted on 09/02/2015
The calendar for the Welches Schools will be a little different for the 2015-16 school year, with one change impacting the entire school and another just the youngest students.
This year, every Wednesday will feature an early release at 2:30 p.m., while the kindergarten classes shift from a half day to a full day.
Principal Kendra Payne noted the past couple years included an early release on 20 Wednesdays throughout the year, which is utilized for staff development, including team meetings and collaborative time. The development time will give teachers the chance to improve their classroom instruction by looking at student data and effectively responding to it.
“It really allows for customizing professional development based on your actual kids and the teacher’s needs at the time,” Payne said, noting this year’s increase will bring the total to 32 Wednesdays.
Payne added that the previous model for professional development included one or two full days during the year when kids would not go to school at all. But under that model, teachers found it more difficult to make an impact in the classroom.
The school district started the new model a few years ago in a pilot program and found it successful, Payne added.
“That was found to have much more lasting impact on helping grow and develop teacher’s practices,” she said.
The increase from half day to full day for kindergarten will also have an impact, as Payne noted instruction time will increase from approximately two hours and 20 minutes per day to approximately six hours. With the added time, students will get to build early literacy and math skills along with other content including science, social studies, health and physical education.
“We really have been able to expand what we can offer to the kids by going full day,” Payne said, adding the kindergartners will now get to have lunch at school, get three sessions of recess and also ride the bus with the older students. “It’s going to be a more full school experience for them.”
The entire school will also take part in the Right Brain Initiative, offering a five-week artist in residence experience to every classroom, funded by the Starseed Foundation, money from the school’s Jog-a-thon and by the Welches Parent Teacher Community Organization (WPTCO).
Meanwhile, the middle school lost one staff member due to lower enrollment this year, but Payne noted the remaining staff will still offer a full slate of classes.
The school will also see an influx of technology, with 35 new Chromebooks for grades K-2, another 20 from the district for the fourth grade and the WPTCO purchasing iPads for all the teachers.
The WPTCO will also hold elections for board members at 6:30 p.m. Wed. Sept. 2, at the school. While all positions are available, Payne believes the parents in the community will step forward to continue the organization’s strong support.
“What I know about Welches parents is they’re really vested in their kids education,” she said. “I think we’re going to maintain the same level of involvement we’ve had over the past few years.”
by Garth Guibord/MT |
|  New equipment at Roasters.
When Xiaoyan Yan – through his LLC – took over the Resort at the Mountain in July, he told The Mountain Times he was committed “to have good relations with locals.”
It would seem Yan and the new ownership team is making good on its promise.
In August, the Resort decided to depart from its coffee deal with Starbucks, instead turning to Mt. Hood Roasters coffee products owned by local entrepreneur Rick Applegate of Rhododendron.
“The Yan family notified us on August 10,” Applegate said. “The Yans are proving that they don’t just talk about ‘local,’ they act ‘local.’ Jiyeon (Rick’s wife) and I are so thankful that the Yan family is a part of the Mount Hood community and we feel incredibly blessed that they have allowed us, through our coffee, to join their team at the Resort at the Mountain.”
The Applegates aren’t the only ones to enjoy the new deal. Mountain residents and visitors alike will now enjoy a product that utilizes the highest grade Arabica coffees on the open market, and because its roasted on the Mountain, it promises to be fresher.
Applegate also noted that thousands of dollars that would have been sent out of the area will remain here and subsequently get distributed throughout this community.
“It just makes sense,” Applegate said. “This is the power of local.”
The Resort’s outreach program didn’t stop there.
Cathy Burgess, human resource manager at the Resort, notified The Mountain Times of a new Friend of the Resort Pass that will be available beginning this month.
The passes will be good for one year – through Sept. 1, 2016 – and are good for 20 percent discounts for golf, lodging, the spa and restaurants and lounges at the Resort. (Not to be combined with other promotions.) The pass is available to all Mountain and Sandy residents, and pass holders will be eligible to receive additional discounts for accumulated referrals to the Resort.
“Come to the Resort in the month of September to receive your pass and enjoy a dollar beer for registering,” Burgess wrote in an email to The Mountain Times.
by Larry Berteau/MT |
| Blasting on Hwy. 26 Takes Hiatus posted on 09/02/2015
On Thursday, Aug. 13, K&E Excavating hit a milestone while working on the Oregon Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) “U.S. 26 Mt. Hood Highway Safety and Preservation Project” by finishing blasting on all slopes east of the runaway truck ramp. Work continues on those slopes, including drainage, slope stabilization and widening the highway.
“It’s a major accomplishment,” said Kimberly Dinwiddie, ODOT Community Affairs. “We’re incredibly pleased. You could just feel the excitement among the crew as they were getting the last blast cleaned up.”
Following that accomplishment, blasting was suspended and will resume after Labor Day on the slopes around Map Curve. Blasting will take place from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, while travelers can expect to see shipping containers placed in the road for safety and resumption of 24-hour flagging.
Dinwiddie added that the long range forecast for the fall and winter includes temperatures that are warmer than average, with the possibility of less precipitation than usual. Due to this, they have proposed extending the fall timetable on the project – which will expand the highway and add a 1.6-mile concrete median barrier to prevent crossover accidents – until the end of November, followed by cleaning up and returning the road to its usual configuration by Tuesday, Dec. 15.
Work had been previously scheduled to take place through the end of October.
If the extended work schedule takes place, Dinwiddie noted K&E Excavating could complete all the remaining blasting on the project.
“We just want to take advantage of as much of the nice weather as possible,” she said. “It would just be nice to get (the blasting) over with.”
Inclement weather, such as a snowstorm or icy highway conditions, would shut the project down for the season, before it resumes next spring. And regardless of how much longer the project could go into the winter, hauling on Lolo Pass Road will cease on Oct. 31, as originally planned, according to Dinwiddie.
Dinwiddie added that while it is too soon to know if the proposed extended work time could push up the completion date of the project, it is still on track to wrap up in the fall of 2016. She noted that the slopes east of the runaway truck ramp are a reminder of how much has been accomplished and that the project’s completion is on the horizon.
“It doesn’t seem very far away, we can see the end in sight,” Dinwiddie said, noting that some people at ODOT have worked on the project for more than five years, while some of the original planning took place in the late 1990s. “We appreciate the patience of the community as well as the travelers for bearing with this work. We’re getting it done and we’ll be out of there soon.”
The project’s website, us26mthoodsafety.org, is updated weekly or as needed, while motorists can also visit tripcheck.com for the latest traffic information.
by Garth Guibord/MT
|
| Library Moves to New Location posted on 09/02/2015
The new Hoodland Library, after many months in the making, moved its literary contents with the help of enthusiastic volunteers at the end of July into its new space at the Welches Mountain Center, 24525 E Welches Road (at the corner of E Stage Stop Road) Welches.
The new library, which features additional breezeway and restroom areas, bay windows, and meeting and program rooms, held its Open House on Aug. 15.
Cookies and refreshments were on hand, and patrons were entertained by guitarist and singer William Frank.
“It’s beautiful, I love the new woodwork and especially the view out toward the wooded area,” said Welches resident Sue Ouderkirk, enjoying some quiet time with a good book. “It’s very peaceful and the same friendly folks are here. I always feel welcome.”
Sarah McIntyre, Library Director was present at the opening and is excited about being able to do additional programs, such as introducing a new book club.
She explained that three separate starter meetings, to accommodate busy schedules, will be held at 6 p.m. on September 9, 15 and 21 at the library and will give people an opportunity to brainstorm ideas and discuss the future format for the club.
“It’s really nice when people walk in for the first time,” McIntyre said. “The number one quote we get is people say it looks like a real library.”
Other additions to the Hoodland Library include a community room, with a capacity of 24 persons, and available for use by social, educational, or charitable groups. Groups may call 503-622-3460 for information and reservation requirements or complete an online application on the Sandy Public Library web page.
Cultural passes are still available for one-day check out to either the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden or the Japanese Garden, although patrons should note that the garden will be closed for construction from September through March of next year. A cultural pass to the Portland Art Museum will be added shortly. Other programs such as Story Time on Thursdays from 10:30 - 11 a.m. for all ages, and Lego Club, held on the second and fourth Saturday from 1 - 3 pm, will continue as before at the new location.
Dianne Downey, Hoodland Library assistant, is thrilled with the new library. “We’re having such a good time in our new space,” she said. ”People are really happy and proud.”
by Frances Berteau/MT |
| Sandy Ridge Leads the Way for Mountain Bikers posted on 09/02/2015
The Hoodland area is quickly becoming a major mountain biking destination. And Sandy Ridge tops the list offering downhill and intermediate riding.
The trail is designed specifically for mountain bikers rather than hikers and features one-way traffic which provides flow in a single direction.
Jay Small, of Vancouver, Wash., has visited Sandy Ridge several times in the past two years and last month brought his son to enjoy the experience.
“It’s an amusement park,” Small said. “These trails were built for mountain bikers.”
The trail system is comprised of three different downhill runs and has become a national model in sustainable trail design practices and provides virtually year-round access to some of the most unique riding opportunities in the country, as stated on the Ride Oregon Ride website.
Victor Flores, of Hood River, heard about the trail system from friends and expects to frequent Sandy Ridge more in the future.
“Trail conditions keep me coming back,” Flores said, noting his favorite part of the system is the downhill runs.
David Stevenson, of Portland, has been taking advantage of the trail for five years, and hits Sandy Ridge every weekend, 10 months out of the year.
“I wish Portland would take a lesson,” Stevenson said. “It’s not a converted hiking trail.”
Jim Scholefield is a committed mountain biker and used to travel to Oregon from Georgia specifically to enjoy the sport. Now living in Portland, Sandy Ridge has become his favorite. He discovered the trail by googling “best places to ride in Oregon” and looks forward to future visits, citing the “trails are top notch and the scenery is beautiful.”
Carl Svendsen, of Vancouver, Wash., has biked the trail two times per week for the last four years. He heard about it from his buddies when he first took up mountain biking.
“It’s a great little place,” Svendsen said, “and better than most places you get.”
He cited proximity to his home keeps him coming back.
Sandy Ridge has made its mark on the burgeoning mountain biking community, and contributes to the rising popularity of cycling tourism that generates approximately $400 million each year in Oregon.
by Fay Dunahoo/MT |
|  CAD rendering of the park.
There it stands, for now. The Dorman Center is a sad sentinel of the past, and a hapless harbinger of the future.
It’s coming down.
Now the Mountain community turns its attention to what remains – a four-acre plot propped up by a community garden.
The Villages at Mt. Hood Board of Directors, at a sometimes contentious July 7 meeting, witnessed a computer-aided design (CAD) presentation narrated by Ben Bliesner. The show outlined the Board’s best effort at creating a community park on the county-owned Dorman Center property.
“The park has been designed with the themes of art, science, movement, and community,” said Bliesner, of Rhododendron Technology, LLC. “Many great people put a lot of time and energy into this project (including Josh Frazier and Jason Johnson), and I hope that my work can capture that energy.”
The CAD presentation was mesmerizing – from a point of view drive-up by a Mountain Express bus, to a real-life dash through the skate park, and a stroll through the raised boxes of the community garden.
“We believe we have designed an artistic, sustainable community park that will not only become a valued Mountain asset, but also the center point of our Mountain community,” said Villages Board Chairman George Wilson. “Our goal is to keep this local through every phase of the project.”
The next step is to face a 12-person Clackamas County Park and Forest advisory board, in an attempt to get the county on board with the design effort. That meeting is set for 6 to 9 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 18, at the Resort at the Mountain as the primary focus of the Villages Town Hall meeting. The public is urged to attend.
The CAD community park design includes: 100 parking places, bike hub, bus stop, large community shelter, four private day-use shelters, playground with tree house slide, skate park, pump park, community garden, amphitheater and public rest rooms.
The Bliesner-Frazier-Johnson vision will take advantage of the close proximity to Welches School.
“The community garden (which will include a greenhouse) will be a great place for class projects and lessons about horticulture,” Bliesner said. “Themed structures will contain living models and sculptures that offer educational opportunities, from art and science to simple machines and water cycle and cultural history.
“Playing in the rain will be one of the best ways to enjoy the park,” Bleisner said. “The kayaking runs are going to be out of this world, and themed on our Sandy, Salmon and Zigzag rivers. Hydrology lessons will be a fun day for the kiddos.”
The park and ride for the Mountain Express will provide shuttle service to Timberline.
There was contention, as in all things at Villages meetings. A community park committee was disappointed there was no mention in the presentation of the committee’s desire for an area set aside for events such as weddings. This difference of opinion led to committee member Marci Slater resigning her position on the Villages Board.
The thrust of the Aug. 18 Town Hall and CAD presentation will be to convince the advisory board, and ultimately the county, to approve the design and assist in the funding for the community park.
by Larry Berteau/MT |
| Commuters Finding Minimal Delays on Hwy.26 posted on 08/01/2015
High traffic volume has altered some work for the Oregon Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) “U.S. 26 Mt. Hood Highway Safety and Preservation Project,” which will expand the highway and add a 1.6-mile concrete median barrier to prevent crossover accidents, including pausing work on the Map Curve section of the highway.
But the project, which began in the spring of 2014, is on track to finish up in the fall of 2016, according to Kimberly Dinwiddie, ODOT Community Affairs.
Now approximately half way through the project, some of those people who pass through the construction zone on a regular basis have a good understanding of the impact on their daily routines.
Lloyd Musser, curator of the Mt. Hood Cultural Center and Museum, described the impact on his twice-a-week commute as a “non-issue.”
“They say 20 minutes and except when there was an accident, I’ve never waited 20 minutes,” said Musser, who has been driving up Hwy. 26 to Government Camp for decades. “It’s not bad.”
Musser noted that while he’s not a fan of the project, he has no complaints about how K&E Excavating, the contractor, is performing the job. He added that he is impressed with how quickly the company cleans up the rock they are removing and noted the company was even washing its equipment during the Independence Day weekend.
“That company is something else,” he said. “That’s how clean they are.”
Musser also added that visitor traffic at the museum is up from last year and from the winter.
Daniel Reed, an employee at the Ratskeller, travels through the construction zone from Welches six times each week. He noted that prior to the project, he had to leave 25 minutes to commute to work, but now he leaves 40 minutes to get there.
“I think they’re doing their best,” Reed said.” I’m sure it’s not a fun job to deal with people getting mad.”
Cheryl Maki, who also works at the museum and commutes through the construction zone 10 times a week, noted every week is different, but the time added to her drive is typically from five to 20 minutes. That’s not a huge impact, she said, but she also leaves a sign out at the museum reading if she’s not there by 9 a.m., it’s due to construction delays.
“They’re doing an excellent job down there; they try and get everybody through,” Maki said. “The company is amazing. I’ve been really impressed.”
Joyce LeDoux, operations manager for the Mt. Hood Express, noted the service is doing OK through the construction, adding that when the project began, they asked the contractor to schedule blastings when it would least impact the service and that K&E Excavating has stuck to that schedule.
LeDoux added that they’ve received a few calls from people waiting at the bus stop in Government Camp, while the congestion is worse from Thursday through Sunday.
“No matter what, we’re just going to have to sit through that,” LeDoux said.
Dinwiddie noted that work on the Map Curve will resume after Labor Day, and will include 24-hour flagging. She added that whatever work is not completed this fall will be finished in the spring.
The contractor will continue working on drainage in August, focusing on the slopes east of the runaway truck ramp, by Mirror Lake and on the south side of the highway.
Some slopes have already been seeded, with approximately 7.8 acres of seed sprayed this summer already, according to Dinwiddie.
The project’s website, us26mthoodsafety.org, is updated weekly or as needed, while motorists can also visit tripcheck.com for the latest traffic information.
The Mt. Hood Express is also conducting a survey on the service. For more information, visit mthoodexpress.com.
For 2014 to 2015, work on the project included blasting 71,400 cubic yards, excavating 207,000 cubic yards, hauling 24,150 truck loads, installing 3,100 feet of rock bolts (help stabilize slopes after blasting) and using 30,600 pounds of explosives.
by Garth Guibord/MT |
| Lolo Fire Controlled After 3-Day Battle posted on 08/01/2015
It blew up Friday afternoon on July 24.
By Saturday it was contained.
By Sunday it was under control.
The US Forest Service responded to the fire on Friday about six miles up Lolo Pass Road, off Forest Service Road 1825, near McNeil campground.
Moments later a second fire flared across the road and the Hoodland Fire District was summoned.
With the tender nature of the forest due to unseasonably dry conditions, the situation got serious quickly.
“There was just too much heat,” HFD Deputy Chief John Ingrao told The Mountain Times. “We made the decision to call in a helicopter.”
The USFS responded and quickly the Type 1 helicopter was making 10-minute sorties over the fire, drawing water from a couple deep pools upstream on the Sandy River, according to Ingrao.
The fire grew to almost 12 acres before crews were able to get the blaze under control, according to HFD Fire Marshal Scott Kline.
Besides McNeil campground, Old Maid Flats and Forest Road 1825 were closed during firefighting operations, and campers were informally evacuated.
The terrain made it difficult for firefighters as they had to traverse steep terrain packing hoses, fire axes and other essential equipment.
But, according to HFD Fire Chief Mic Eby, there was another important factor in play.
“It’s just a most beautiful area, you hate to see it in our own back yard,” Eby said. “The trees, mosses, it’s so pristine. We really hustled to protect it.”
And besides the intervention by the helicopter, the firefighters got another helping hand.
“The rain was wonderful,” Eby said. “It really helped out.”
It should be noted that rain broke a string of 48 days without measurable precipitation, starting June 5 and ending July 25, the second day of the fire, as reported by The Mountain Times weatherman (see Page 27, this issue).
As of Tuesday, July 28, USFS investigators had not determined the cause of the fire. However, according to Laura Pramuk, public affairs officer for the Forest Service, an illegal campfire is suspected.
As the weather changes to cooler temperatures Kline urged local citizens to re-evaluate their homes for defensible space from the threat of wildfires.
Open fires are prohibited including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires, except in designated locations.
Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are still allowed.
by Larry Berteau/MT |
|  Willy So (left) and Iiaoyan Yan
The winds of change have arrived at the Resort at the Mountain – the zephyr sweeping over the local community. On July 2, the ownership of the Resort transferred to Y Hospitality RATM LLC. The “Y” is for Xiaoyan Yan, the major partner of the LLC and he will operate on site as the owner and general manager.
Yan, from Beijing originally, came to the U.S. in 1980, matriculated from the University of Oregon with a PHD in mathematics, taught at the University of British Columbia, owned and operated a hotel in Newport, another in Twin Falls, Idaho, and yet another in Abilene, Texas.
But his roots had been previously planted.
“After looking at other states, we came back to Oregon,” Yan said, with a knowing smile.
When the Resort became available, Yan and his wife Nongli, didn’t hesitate.
“The strong points in buying a business are always location, location, location,” he said. “We’re so lucky to have all three.”
There will be operational changes, as is usually the case when new ownership arrives on the scene. But some of the changes are anything but usual.
“Profit sharing will be implemented,” he said. “Everyone has to be involved in making the Resort a better place. Everyone is an owner, just like me.”
Yan noted that he likes a challenge, and the Resort will provide for that.
“The previous owner did not make a profit,” he said. “But if we work together we will make this happen.”
In that regard, Yan and his wife promised they would not take a salary until the profits arrive.
“Our (immediate) goals are for a reduction of the negative issues, and to have good relations with locals,” he said.
Besides Nongli and Yan at the helm, assistant general manager Willy So is already in place.
So, originally from Hong Kong, earned his bona fides at Red Lion and Lloyd Center Doubletree in Portland, the Hilton Garden in Beaverton, and Embassy Suites in Hillsboro.
So, echoing the sentiments of Yan, admitted to taking a considerable cut in pay to come to the Resort, but said “I wanted the challenge.”
by Larry Berteau/MT |
| Invasives Getting Uprooted posted on 08/01/2015
The Sandy River Basin Watershed Council (SRBWC) is at it again, protecting the Mountain’s most valuable asset – its native vegetation.
In partnership with the YESS Project and Clackamas County Conservation District (CCSWCD), the Watershed Council – a non-regulatory, non-profit organization – launched its most recent project to eradicate invasive plant species.
“Every bit of the work we do is through cooperative relationships with land owners,” said Corinne Handelman, the Watershed Council, Community Stewardship Coordinator.
Handelman also noted that the service is entirely free to land owners.
In 2014, of the 75 properties surveyed on the Mountain, 50 percent had invasive species infestation. Upon identification, each of these areas was treated.
The Salmon River has some of the most productive salmon spawning habitat in the Sandy Basin. The mission of this project is to ensure the local ecosystem has positive bio-diversity of native vegetation.
This vegetation shades streams to keep the water cool, promoting native insect multiplicity which provides food for salmon. As salmon spawn and die their bodies come back and fertilize the trees.
Handelman noted they are essentially “protecting the cycle of life.”
Invasive species disrupt this natural cycle by overwhelming native plants for nutrients, light and space.
By definition an invasive species causes environmental, economic or human health harm. Not only are they unwelcome, but they cause harm. One Policeman’s Helmet has between three and eight thousand exploding seed pods that can carry up to eight feet away. These seeds travel by way of rivers, seasonal ponds, side channels, wetlands or any riparian area. Therefore, this issue does not only pertain to riverfront property. One invasive species often leads to a disturbance that allows more invasive species to move in.
“Visitors come all over to the Pacific Northwest to go into the wild areas to see the native vegetation,” said Amber Ayers, invasive species outreach assistant for the Watershed Council. “(But) a lot of the places we are actually finding it is not directly on the river.”
The Watershed Council in partnership with CCSWCD has yielded proven results. They identify emerging invasive species such as knotweed, garlic mustard and orange hawkweed.
“You don’t know it’s a problem, until it’s a problem,” Handelman said.
Project YESS, established in 1980, is a youth education and workforce program designed to help youth prepare for the GED examination, establish career goals, develop job search skills and transition to college or advanced training opportunities, as cited on the Mount Hood Community College website.
These young students attack the invasive species with enthusiasm and the work had an impact on them. “Sustaining our native plants makes me feel like a true Oregonian,” said Revery McDinley, Project YESS member.
“It’s a satisfying feeling knowing you are helping the community,” said Trystan Bishop, Project YESS member. Many of these invasive species are still commercially sold. This is the suspected cause of the Policeman’s Helmet’s burgeoning presence on the Mountain in the last decade.
Land owners often think they can tackle the problem on their own, Ayers noted. However with ample acreage, steep slopes and lack of proper training this task is arduous and seldom successful.
Consequently, the Watershed Council is actively reaching out to land owners for permission to survey for these invasive species. Even after the initial eradication they come back year after year for maintenance. In addition, this fall they will replant disrupted areas with deep rooted indigenous plants.
“It’s a neighbor by neighbor campaign,” Handelman said “We are here to provide a service.”
The Watershed Council receives funding from CCSWCD and the Nature Conservancy to conduct this work free to landowners through this funding.
Residents who find invasive species should report it to the Oregon Invasive Species Hotline at oregoninvasivehotline.org.
The Watershed Council will host a cleanup effort at 9:30 a.m., Saturday Aug. 15 at Wildwood Recreation Park. Park entry is free for those who volunteer for the entire day. Local residents can RSVP for this event by emailing corinne@sandyriver.org.
by Fay Dunahoo/MT |
| Mountain Residents Welcome Lower-Cost Education posted on 08/01/2015
Oregon Governor Kate Brown signed Senate Bill 81 (SB 81), the Oregon Promise tuition waiver program, on Friday, July 17, opening the door for Oregonians to pursue higher education while lessening the burden of tuition.
The program, available to Oregon residents of at least 12 months, will waive tuition for certain community college courses if certain criteria are met.
“SB 81 creates an affordable pathway to the middle class,” said District 52 Representative Mark Johnson (R-Hood River), in an email to The Mountain Times. “Removing the barrier of tuition will allow more Oregonians to become self-sustaining by giving them post-secondary training needed to enter the workforce.”
Under the program, tuition waivers will be available to Oregonians who are enrolled in a degree or certificate program, are a recent graduate from a diploma or General Educational Development program, meet a minimum grade point average, show continued academic progress, and accept all available federal and state aid. Students will also be responsible for contributing $50 and need to apply for and accept certain other available sources of financial aid before becoming eligible for waived tuition.
The program, administered by the Office of Student Access and Completion of the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC), is capped to $10 million per fiscal year. HECC will set the prioritization if funding is not available to all eligible students.
Mountain resident Tony DeMicoli, whose daughter will be a freshman at Sandy High this fall, sees the program as offering a good option for students to get valuable education without entering the workforce or pursuing higher degrees, such as in law or medicine, with student loan bills.
He also noted that his daughter has high expectations for her future and this program could offer another avenue to chasing her dreams.
“I’m hoping when she’s ready for college, I can afford the college of her choice,” DeMicoli said. “It’s good to know that community college is there for her.”
Fellow Mountain resident Kevin Frank has two children attending SHS, including a college bound senior. He sees it as a valuable program, but noted he doesn’t know if it might impact people’s taxes.
“In theory it sounds like a great way to go … as long as the benefits outweigh the cost and expense to the community as a whole,” Frank said. “The cost of college has become a pretty insurmountable sum of money for somebody getting started.”
Becky Fortune, a Mountain resident who has spent 15 years working in the Oregon Trail School District in various capacities, has five children between the ages of 16 and 24. Between her job and her kids’ friends, she’s seen numerous graduates not seeing college as an option and resigned to finding a job after leaving high school.
“For parents it’s hard enough any more to support your family,” Fortune said. “A lot of parents don’t have the money any more to put away for kids school. I know too many kids who don’t think about college because money is an automatic road block.”
Fortune noted that she’s not sure if her own children will take advantage of the program, as they are pursuing other options, including one currently in a fire science program and another in the Army and planning to use the GI Bill for further education.
She sees those programs and others, such as job partnerships for high school students, as other ways for high school graduates to give themselves a brighter future.
“Not everybody’s built to go to college,” Fortune said. “But if you’re bright and you want to go to school, you should be able to go to school.”
by Garth Guibord/MT |
| Policeman's Helmet Targeted for Removal posted on 07/01/2015
The Sandy River Basin Watershed Council (SRBWC) is prepped for an invasive species attack on the Mountain environs.
SRBWC will be partnering with the Clackamas County Soil & Water Conservation District (CCSWCD) to reduce the spread of Policeman’s Helmet by expanding landowner outreach and surveying for other invasive plants.
“These efforts will focus on high priority habitat restoration sites along the Salmon River where the Sandy River Basin Partners have invested considerable resources to control invasives, replant with native riparian plants and install large woody debris to increase in-stream habit complexity,” said Corinne Handelman, community stewardship coordinator for SRBWC. “This summer, (we) will reach out to private property owners to secure access to new focus areas, identify and remove infestations of Policeman’s Helmet, and during the fall and winter we will add native vegetation replanting in treated areas with the largest amount of invasive species impact to secure them from regrowth and re-establish native riparian conditions.”
Handelman also noted that this replanting effort will help to restore long-term riparian processes such as native vegetation succession.
Policeman’s Helmet is the main target of the upcoming effort. This is a prolific seed producer that can grow more than 8-feet tall each year as an annual flowering plant.
“Policeman’s Helmet is a priority in Clackamas County because of its damaging impact on the health of our streams and rivers,” said Sam Leininger, weed wise program manager at CCSWCD. “It spreads quickly along streams and rivers where it displaces vegetation important to wildlife. Policeman’s Helmet leaves stream banks exposed, especially during periods of peak stream flow. This increases erosion along streams, which can threaten homes.”
Leininger also noted that this erosion introduces sediment into our waterways which adversely affects spawning habitat for our native fish.
“Fortunately, the extent of this infestation is limited in Clackamas County and we are working hard to prevent Policeman’s Helmet from spreading further,” he said.
Landowner outreach will start the first week of July, and the first day of surveying new properties will likely begin around July 6, Handelman said. Volunteer crews will begin treatments July 13, schedule permitting.
Area residents who find this species on their property should report it either to Leininger from CCSWCD at eleininger@conservationdistrict.org or at the Oregon Invasive Species Hotline at oregoninvasivehotline.org. Removal work is free to landowners.
by Larry Berteau/MT
|
|  Tanker extracted from embankment.
It could have been worse.
A quick response by Hoodland Fire District (HFD) personnel managed to contain a hot asphalt oil spill on Barlow Road that threatened the pristine waters of the Sandy River.
Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office received a report at 2:30 p.m., June 24, that a jack-knifed semi-truck was spilling hot asphalt into the Sandy River at Barlow Road and Road 14.
HFD moved quickly to the scene.
“We didn’t want to pollute the river,” said HFD Chief Mic Eby at the site of the spill. “After all, we live here.”
Using ropes, buckets and shovels, two HFD crews worked their way down the steep embankment to the river’s edge where the hot asphalt was pooling in the Sandy.
“We dammed it up with sand, gravel, rocks and logs,” said HFD firefighter Nick Miller, standing on the road after the rescue had been made. “Oil got to the river, but we kept it in a small area.”
As the trailer was being hauled up the embankment, more oil seeped toward the river.
“Fortunately, we had built a berm at the river’s edge,” Eby said, the day after the event. “That slowed the second oil spill. A small amount sneaked out but the tar balls pooled. The important thing is the river is clear.”
The truck and trailer was being operated by Michael Banta, 47, of Brush Prairie, Wash. The load was headed to the local gravel pit.
The Mountain Times received information there was a car that forced the driver to steer to the road’s edge, but that report remains unconfirmed.
What is certain is the trailer veered off the road and dangled over the embankment, all the while remaining hitched to the truck. That truck was carrying 14 tons of liquid asphalt, according to the sheriff’s office.
The incident remains under investigation, and CCSO reports that the driver is being cooperative.
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) responded to the location to determine the impact on the river.
Traffic was stopped on Barlow Road until after 6 p.m. the day of the incident.
by Larry Berteau/MT |
| County Approves Sandy's Renewal Amendment posted on 07/01/2015
The Clackamas County Commissioners became the latest agency to approve the City of Sandy’s substantial amendment to the city’s urban renewal plan, joining the Oregon Trail School District (OTSD) and the Sandy Fire District (SFD).
Commissioners Jim Bernard, Martha Schrader and Paul Savas voted for the amendment, while Commissioners John Ludlow and Tootie Smith opposed it.
“We weren’t really sure (about the potential for the amendment to pass) so it was exciting to see the support among the other three commissioners,” Sandy City Manager Seth Atkinson said.
The amendment, if passed by 75 percent of the taxing districts that overlap Sandy’s urban renewal area, could help fund the acquisition of the Cedar Ridge Middle School property to be used as a recreation center and provide money for other city projects, including road extensions for 362nd Avenue and Bell Street, continuation of the city’s storefront program and assistance to the SFD. The 75 percent threshold is based on the ratio of each taxing district’s property tax levy.
County commissioners placed votes for three agencies: the county, the Clackamas County Library District and the Clackamas County Extension & 4-H Service District, passing all despite some strong opposition from the two dissenters.
“I don’t believe in urban renewal, because it really scrapes from tender and precious services needed money for the future,” Ludlow said.
The county estimated the amendment would reduce its general budget by approximately $300,000 per year. Sandy City Council is expected to vote on the issue on July 6, and approval would push the amendment past the 75 percent threshold. Atkinson noted while he can’t say for sure if the council will approve it, he sees reasons for optimism.
“I think they’re pretty supportive or they wouldn’t have come this far,” he said. “I think it’s positive.” If the amendment is passed, the city is expected to begin in earnest the negotiations with the OTSD on purchasing the school property.
Last year, an appraisal of the school’s campus, including two buildings and 43.65 acres of land, performed by Integra Realty Resources in Portland for the OTSD valued the property at $3.4 million. A different appraisal for the city valued the campus at $2.2 million for the land and $230,000 for the buildings, but Atkinson noted that differences in the appraisals, including the district’s appraisal, included a value for timber while the city’s did not, meant that their final valuations were closer.
“We’ll just have to see how the numbers work,” Atkinson said. “It’s been a long and slow moving train. Things look pretty positive at this point, we keep making progress so that’s a good thing.”
by Garth Guibord/MT
|
|  Ray Howard
Ray Howard was watching the Bill O’Reilly show on television and heard him talking about The Independence Fund – an organization that raises funds to provide high-tech wheelchairs for disabled veterans.
As much as that caught his interest, a few months later in Salem he was roused into action. Outside a restaurant he watched a disabled veteran hobble haltingly on crutches.
In March, Howard purchased a track chair for $16,000, and now there’s a wounded veteran realizing a mobility thought to be gone forever.
“This is not about me,” Howard said. “It’s about severely injured veterans from the Iraq-Afghanistan wars … The Indy Fund, and others like it, are trying to make sure that some quality of life can be restored for these heroes, many of which are double, triple and even quadruple amputees.”
The track chair has been described as part snowmobile and part wheelchair. It looks like a hybrid comprised of a motorized wheelchair with bulldozer tracks. Users are able to navigate off-road and some models enable users to stand unassisted despite their injuries.
The next stop for Howard was a four-day gala celebration in New York City of The Indy Fund. Actor Gary Sinise – who is involved with a foundation for veterans – hooks up each year with The Indy Fund to honor those who have purchased and contributed track chairs.
“What is impressive is the Indy Fund is 100 percent staffed by veterans,” Howard said. “And at the celebration, which is also a fundraiser, the one-thousandth track chair was purchased.”
Howard, 79, lives in Brightwood and worked many years with FEMA, the US Forest Service, served on the Hoodland Fire District’s board of directors, and was incident commander for flood restoration in the 1996 flood that roared through the Mountain community.
He served on an ice breaker with the US Coast Guard from 1954 to 1958.
Despite all that, Howard felt that need to do more.
“The track chairs go a long way toward helping restore some semblance of normalcy to these richly deserving vets,” he said.
Information regarding The Indy Fund and to make donations small and large, go to info@IndependenceFund.org.
by Larry Berteau/MT |
| Hwy. 26 Project Takes a Break posted on 07/01/2015
Kimberly Dinwiddie of Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) Community Affairs described the Hwy. 26 construction project as on “cruise control,” with everything going as planned despite an increase in traffic since Memorial Day weekend.
Traffic is expected to be heavy for the Fourth of July weekend, but work in the construction zone, where they are expanding the highway and adding a 1.6-mile concrete median barrier to prevent crossover accidents, will be suspended by Friday, July 3 to help with holiday congestion. Work is expected to resume on the afternoon of Monday, July 6.
Dinwiddie also noted that ODOT and K&E Excavating, the project’s contractor, met in late June to help ease traffic issues in the work zone. She noted delays were no longer than 20 minutes (during non-blast times), but the two are considering suspending 24-hour flagging along Map Curve from early July until after Labor Day.
“We don’t like being at that 20 minute mark, we want to get people through the construction faster,” Dinwiddie said.
Dinwiddie noted even if the 24-hour flagging stops, travelers can expect some flagging to take place, as needed, and that blasting will be taking place throughout the remainder of the construction season. Blasting is expected to take place between 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays in July and August, and between 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays in September and October before the project breaks for winter.
Dinwiddie reported the contractor has found many drivers to wave and smile as they pass through the construction zone, but there have also been a couple of minor “fender benders.” She stressed that drivers should focus on driving and limit distractions.
“Just because the work is cool to look at, you really need to be paying attention to the road,” she said. One dump site up Lolo Pass Road has been filled and contoured, while a second is being intermittently used for fill appropriate for the site. The second site is expected to be filled this summer, and repair work on Lolo Pass Road is expected to take place in early July.
by Garth Guibord/MT |
| Fewer Changes at Welches School posted on 07/01/2015
Welches Schools principal Kendra Payne just finished her third year at the helm of the school and she noted her growth over the years includes being able to build a better schedule and being better able to support students, staff and parents and helping them work through problems.
“I just feel much more … stable in terms of what to expect, what to plan for, what to anticipate,” Payne said, adding that being able to counsel others is “a really satisfying part of the job for me.”
This summer will see fewer big changes at the school than in years past, when building security upgrades or changes to scheduling and the start of the school day took place.
One of the notable differences will be a full day of kindergarten next school year, which will include music, physical education, media and core academics.
Payne also noted that the Right Brain Initiative, a program that brings an artist-in-residence to the school to work with classes, will be expanded from two classrooms this past year to include the entire school.
“I think it’s going to be awesome for everybody to have an arts experience,” Payne said, adding the staff will also benefit by learning techniques to bring arts into their classrooms.
The school will also see another influx of technology, thanks to the Welches Parent Teacher Community Organization (WPCTO), which will provide funding for more Chromebooks for students and provide an iPad for all classroom teachers. Payne expects the total number of Chromebooks for the school to reach approximately 185 next year.
Payne also noted a new elementary teacher will be hired for next year, following the retirement of longtime teacher Jan Well.
The WPTCO will also undergo some changes for the next school year, as all four board members will not run for reelection. The organization is expected to vote for new board members on Wednesday, Sept. 2, but nominations are currently being accepted at the school. Every parent who attends the meeting will get a vote.
Clackamas County Elections certified results from May’s election, including officially declaring former Welches School principal Mike Sutton as the winner of the Oregon Trail School District’s board of directors position 2 (Boring).
Both Sutton and Tom Mack ran write-in campaigns after no candidate filed for the election.
Sutton garnered 273 votes as “Mike Sutton,” plus an additional 10 votes as “Michael Sutton” and six further votes with other variations. Mack received 271 votes as “Tom Mack” and one other vote as “Tom Mac.”
by Garth Guibord/MT |
|  Library construction moves ahead.
A few nails needed to be straightened, but the sound of pounding hammers can now be heard at the site of the new Hoodland Library.
Only one company – Cherryville Construction – responded to the request for proposal, and according to Library Director Sarah McIntyre, the short delay was due to reducing the scope of work in order to get the bid amount to come in at the amount it did. Work began on May 18.
Total cost is $176,642.40 and construction is anticipated to take 10 weeks.
“I’m really excited to say that the construction work started … for the new Hoodland Library,” McIntyre said. “Cherryville Construction is moving quickly to try to give us as much time as possible to transition from the old space to the new one.”
Subcontractors contributing to the construction include Bull Run Electric, Sandy Décor, Commercial Interior Contractors, Airflow Engineering and Morgan Heating.
The library will exit its space in the Hoodland Shopping Center and plans are to open across the street, Aug. 1, in the Welches Mountain Center. According to the latest concept drawing, the new library will boast 1,909 square feet of space – up from the current footprint of 1,756 square feet.
The new site will feature continuous space utilizing additional breezeway and restroom areas, bay windows, meeting and program rooms, and a naturally landscaped wooded area in the rear.
The move from the old space to the new one is planned for July 26 to July 31, and library staff is encouraging people to sign up to help with the move by calling 503-622-3460 or stopping by the library.
“We are really excited about the new space,” McIntyre said. “Look for information about a grand opening soon.”
by Larry Berteau/MT |
|  Candice Lindberg
The Oregon Trail School Board will feature two new members, as Candice Lindberg defeated incumbent Norm Trost for the Zone 6 (at large) position, and former Welches Schools principal Mike Sutton held a small lead over Tom Mack for the Zone 2 (Boring) position.
Both Sutton and Mack held write-in campaigns after no candidate filed for the ballot.
According to Clackamas County Elections (CCE), results are expected to be certified sometime between June 4 and 8.
Election numbers from May 19 put Lindberg at 1,543 votes against 1,235 for Trost, who has served on the board since 2006. “I’m clearly happy,” said Lindberg, a Sandy resident. “I think parents have made a statement that they’re ready for change and they want to be allowed to be a part of their kid’s education.”
Lindberg hopes to help improve communication between the schools, district and the parents, while also wanting to address the Common Core State Standards and helping people understand everything they need to about them.
“I’m excited that the people obviously liked my opinions and platform, so I’m excited to serve them and be their voice,” she said. “But I still want to hear their voices, I don’t want people to stop telling me what their issues are.”
The write-in race for the Boring position was close, with Sutton garnering 271 votes as “Mike Sutton” and up to 17 more votes with other potential spellings. Mack earned 268 votes as “Tom Mack,” while “Tom Mac” had one additional vote. According to CCE, variations of a name will be counted together when they can determine that they were intended for the same person.
In Sutton’s case, 10 votes were cast for “Michael Sutton,” while a number of other variations received a single vote, including “Michael B (Mike) Sutton,” “Mik Sutton,” Michael Mike Sutton” and “Mike Shutton.”
A total of 794 votes had been cast for the position at the time of printing.
“I’m thrilled if I get it,” Sutton said.
Sutton noted he was on a missionary trip at the time of the deadline for candidates to file to make the ballot, but when he returned he saw that nobody had filed for the position. After consulting with his family, he decided to run a write-in campaign, but he was pleased to see another member of the Boring community step forward in the same way.
“It was nice that somebody else jumped in, too,” Sutton said of Mack. “I’m sure he would do a great job.”
Sutton is a graduate of Sandy High School, spent most of six years as the principal at Welches Schools and also worked as a teacher and administrator in the Estacada School District for 29 years.
“People know what I stand for and how I deal with kids,” Sutton said. “I didn’t do a lot of campaigning. If I did win, I would attribute it to people knowing who I was.”
Sutton sees a number of issues of import for the board to deal with, including state funding, what to do with the Pioneer Building (former Sandy High School), the future of the Cedar Ridge property and pool, and Smarter Balance testing.
More election results The following election winners were the sole candidates to file for their position:
D. J. Anderson was re-elected to the school board for the Zone 4 (South Sandy) position, earning 2,063 votes. Pat Buckley garnered 522 votes for Position 2 on the Hoodland Fire District Board of Directors, while Ron Partlow received 525 votes for Position 3.
Hans Wipper won Position 3 on the Government Camp Road District board with 24 votes.
Edward D. Rogers Jr., Brett Fischer and Andrew Tagliafico won Positions 1, 3 and 5, respectively, on the Government Camp Sanitary District board.
According to an Oregon School Boards Association survey, a total of 817 individuals ran for school board positions in this past election, the lowest number in any election of the past decade. The number of candidates is typically from 850 to 1,050.
by Garth Guibord/MT |
|  Chris Scott
Besides the heroics of the Hoodland Fire District firefighters – and those of nine other area districts – there was a handful of local citizens who rose to the occasion April 20 when the Golden Poles condominium exploded in flames in Government Camp.
Chris Scott, 49, a plumber from Welches, was having lunch at Charlie’s in Government Camp when a phone call came in from a local housekeeper that the condominium was on fire.
Scott, along with bartender Aaron Sgrignuoli, Skibowl mechanic Scott Anderson, and Govy gas station attendant Pete Peterson, headed immediately in the direction of the blaze, stopping only long enough to call Hoodland Fire.
What Scott saw was three apartments engulfed in flames.
“This is serious,” Scott said, remembering back at the moment. “It was shocking. The heat was tremendous. It was crazy. No one’s here.”
Anderson got a phone call from a condo at the rear of the building. A woman was in trouble. Anderson took off running.
“I didn’t think,” Scott said. “I just raced after him.”
There was a woman two floors up, trying to clamber over the railing of a patio, her leg in a heavy cast. They later found out it was a broken femur from a snowboarding accident.
“Scott (Anderson) started climbing,” Scott said. “I grabbed a railing, headed up, and grabbed a patio bar stool to stand on.”
Anderson reached the woman in distress, and managed to hand her over the edge into Scott’s arms.
“I saw her coming, took her feet, and hugged her as she slid down,” Scott said. “I’m surprised I could hold her. We got down from the stool, and she grabbed onto my back, piggy back, and I carried her away from the building.”
Anderson had grabbed the woman’s wheelchair from the condo apartment and Scott put her into it. Anderson, Sgrignuoli and Peterson got the woman to her van and Anderson and Sgrignuoli drove her away.
“I’m just standing there,” Scott said, then remembered thinking “What if there are more people?”
He ran back to the rear – the only part of the condo that was accessible due to the inferno that was blazing in the front – and started yelling for people. He noticed a light on and a patio slider open one floor up.
It was time to climb, again.
Scott reached the apartment but the inhabitants had already cleared out. As quickly as he could, he grabbed up some belongings – purse, keys, laptop, wallet, photos – crammed them into a tote bag and headed out to the railing.
“The owner is looking up at me, carrying stuff out of his condo,” Scott said.
“I’m going, ‘am I going to
have to explain myself?’”
The crisis was avoided. The owner took the tote bag.
“That’s when Pete (Peterson) told me that Hoodland Fire had arrived, and we’d better get out,” Scott said.
They walked around to the front as fire engines were arriving on the scene and firefighters were attacking the flames.
The Hoodland Fire Department presented awards to the stalwart individuals at a May 9 Government Camp CPO meeting.
Looking back, Scott wondered when some people told him after hearing what they had done that they wouldn’t have done what he did.
“We didn’t hesitate,” he shrugged. “No one else was there.”
by Larry Berteau/MT
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| Hwy. 26 Blasting to Continue Through August posted on 06/01/2015
Motorists travelling on Highway 26 from Rhododendron to Government Camp can expect blasting delays two or three times a week to continue through August as part of the Oregon Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) “U.S. 26 Mt. Hood Highway Safety and Preservation Project,” according to Kerry Kuenzi, President of K&E Excavating, the project’s contractor.
Kuenzi noted the blastings have been successful to this point, with approximately 19,000 cubic yards of rock removed so far.
Kuenzi added he expected a total of 150,000 cubic yards of rock to be removed during the project, with all rock removed to be recycled.
Blasting for the project will result in road closures of up to one hour between 5:30-7:30 p.m. on up to three days per week from Monday through Thursday, while motorists can expect flagging and traffic reduced to one lane to continue, as well.
Kuenzi noted that safety during the project’s construction, which will expand the highway and add a 1.6-mile concrete median barrier to prevent crossover accidents, has been a strong point. That includes a number of shipping containers installed to prevent debris from reaching the road, which has performed as expected, and travellers who have followed the instructions from flaggers.
“We do appreciate the traffic; most of the time, people have patience,” he added.
Kimberly Dinwiddie, ODOT Community Affairs, added the containers will remain in place, after they were expected to be removed on May 21.
“If we take those away, we’re going to see longer delays, close highways for 20 minutes at a time to bring materials down,” Dinwiddie said.
Kuenzi reported that 150,000 cubic yards of total material have already been removed from the slopes, with a total of 83 truckloads to take the material to various sites. One dump site up Lolo Pass Road is close to being filled (likely in June), while another up Lolo Pass is expected to be utilized throughout the summer. Another site near Trillium Lake is expected to be utilized this summer and into next year.
Dinwiddie noted that work is expected to ramp up this summer, including longer days of work and work performed on Saturdays. According to Kuenzi, 70 people are working on the project during work hours, and that number is expected to rise as the work increases.
Dinwiddie added that it is important for people to follow the instructions from flaggers and to be patient during delays.
“We’re committed to getting people to their favorite destinations on the mountain, but there will be delays,” Dinwiddie said. “Your life is worth so much more than being delayed for a few minutes.”
The project’s website, us26mthoodsafety.org, is updated weekly or as needed, while motorists can also visit tripcheck.com for the latest traffic information.
by Garth Guibord/MT
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|  Redside Trout
The big “Redside” is five pounds, 23 inches long, and six years old. He is in perfect physical condition, and is the dominant trout in this riffle. His home was taken in combat, by driving out previous occupants and succeeding interlopers with his size and aggressiveness.
This is the prime hold in many acres of water. The fish rests at the edge of an intermittent slick of calm created by the displacement of a large, flat, angular, mid-stream boulder. The Deschutes River rushes by, its jade green water races to the Columbia, and finally to the Pacific Ocean. The big trout rests in his lair … in a tubular calm behind the boulder. A curtain of bubbles securely screens him from above. His home is a calm tunnel amid the raging torrents.
Here no angler can see him. In the suction behind the boulder is a tiny eddy, which traps food and pulls it deep into the water. The big “Redside” has perfect escape routes to either side, into rushing water that will instantly hurtle him away from danger. Long filaments of blue green algae wave with the flow, even further concealing the trout’s home. The boulder, a chunk of basalt, recently discharged from the rim rocks, anchors the algae and breaks the flow into a cascade, which plunges a thousand oxygen-laden, silvery-green bubbles deep into the river. They mix with the long trailing algae and bounce off the gravel bed like an endless procession of transparent rubber balls.
The afternoon sun filters through the leaves of the streamside alders. A gentle breeze animates the leaves, changing the spaces between them, turning the rays into dancing columns. They penetrate the turbulent surface of the river and play upon the ever-changing pattern of the bubbles. Some of these tiny orbs of light cling momentarily to the algae and other water plants, before wandering downstream – and then back to the surface from whence they came.
The water is a melody played by the afternoon sun upon the bubbles full of light.
The current slows next to the bank nearest to the sun. Here the large, smooth, current swept stones gradually give way to a bottom of sand and silt as the flows diminish. The finer silt provides a solid footing for Elodia plants and all of the creatures that live in them. The strands of bright green vegetation trail in the gentle current like an undulating wall of Christmas tree garlands. These fronds are lighter than water. The river moves through them in well-defined pulses. Groups of garlands rise to the surface as the changing currents subside but sink beneath the weight of stronger flows, so that they dance up and down, in and out. Their pulse adds melody to the harmony of the bubbles.
The Elodia rises on straight stalks and fans out to cover more of the surface of the river than the bottom. It forms caves and funnels and tunnels. Several small trout flit about in the caves under the Elodia, capturing many of the hapless dwellers as they are washed from the foliage.
The big trout need not waste energy by flitting among the foliage in search of prey. The river brings him an endless smorgasbord and deposits it in the tiny eddy inches in front of his pointed snout.
Using polarized lenses, I cautiously peak over the streamside vegetation. Several small trout are visible along the edge of the weed bed. One is directly below me. It rises splashing to the surface and dispatches a small yellow stone fly.
My binoculars disclose other stone flies upon the riffle, but there are no other trout rising to them. The rest of the riffle seems curiously barren of fish. My view rests momentarily on the slick behind the boulder. The visibility is unusually good but the seamy, boiling surface is hard for my eyes to penetrate. Yet there is a grayish-greenish-reddish cast to the streambed in the far edge of the slick. At first I think it is a fish. Then I am not so sure as the image seems too immobile and too large.
A tiny yellow stone nymph leaves the gravel upstream from the boulder. It struggles to the surface and the pressure within its body splits the exoskeleton from the top of its head to the center of its back. A viscous, bleached version of the adult insect emerges through the rended skin. First the crumpled wings appear and then the back of the head and finally the thorax, feelers, and legs. Last to leave the nymphal shuck is the abdomen. Finally, the Stonefly rides the choppy, undulating meniscus as a fully developed air-breathing adult. It rides the surface only a short distance and is pulled under by the spill behind the boulder.
There is a short, swift movement as the trout lunges forward and the stone fly disappears into the giant maw.
Standing crouched on the bank, I see the movement and for an instant the trout is fully visible. A shot of adrenaline shoots up my spine and lodges in the base of my skull. The primal hunter is aroused. The quarry has been detected. Briefly his camouflage has failed. He is now vulnerable because the predator has uncovered his presence.
Brush and tall weeds surround me. The alders, which shaded me earlier, are now an obstruction to my back-cast. My eyes trace out the only possible trajectory for my fly line, which must be high and behind the trees. The forward cast must change direction in the air to align itself with the target. Since the line and the fly will land in water travelling at drastically different speeds, there will have to be a lot of slack in the leader. As I trace and retrace the path that the line must follow, my confidence falters. There is a brief search for alternatives.
There are none.
Carefully, the leader is inspected and the 6X tippet is replaced with three feet of 5X. To its end is knotted a size #14 low floating Yellow Stone Fly – which was constructed complete with feelers, tails and flat Fly-Film wings. The colors, size, and shape matches the real ones hatching from the river. The fly is not dressed so that it will sink quickly as it enters the spill below the rock.
The leader and 20 feet of fly line are carefully coiled in my left hand. I raise the rod quickly with my right, and the coils feed out of my other hand into a high back cast, which hangs momentarily over the alders. The rod tip is then brought forward in a shallow arc and the forward loop sails out high over the water. The loop changes from vertical to horizontal with the swing of the rod tip. An instant before the loop flows into the leader, I push a tiny amount of slack into the line and the cast dies in the air. The fly line lands on the water upstream from the fish, with the leader pointed downstream and the fly on a direct course to the center of the boil below the rock. There is a quick rush of air from my lungs, and the incredible tension from executing the impossible cast is suddenly gone.
The fly drifts a foot and disappears in the spill. There is sudden movement in the slick below the rock; I raise the rod more by instinct rather than by observation. The line comes instantly tight, and there is an explosion of water meeting the air as the wide caudal fin hurtles the fish into the raging current. The trout and my fly line are a blur as yards of the white Dacron backing leaves my shrieking reel.
The huge trout launches himself into the air near the far shore and then races downstream into the eddy. Still he takes line, and the black felt marker stripe signals that 50 yards of backing have left the reel. Incredibly the fine leader holds up against the pressure of the light rod and smooth drag.
The trout pauses, and then runs toward me, and I reel frantically to maintain tension on the line so that the tiny barbless hook will stay embedded in the flesh. The trout shakes his head in angry violence and I ease off on the pressure slightly. He reverses his course and the reel spool, which is now small in diameter from loss of line, turns with unbelievable speed. The shiny black handle disappears in a blur.
A red felt marker stripe signals that the reel is almost empty.
To my relief the trout pauses again. There is no accounting for the luck. A few more yards and I will be out of line and he will break the light tippet.
I must follow him.
Immediately downstream, alders over-hanging the deep eddy block my path. The river bottom is mud and sticks. Off comes my vest and binoculars, which are tossed into the grass. I can barely feel the trout on the end of my line as I slide down the bank into the cool water.
Now, I am into the river up to my shirt pockets, and fighting my way through a floating raft of flotsam and midge shucks, which readily adhere to the fabric of my clothing and the hair on my chest. I hurriedly reel myself downstream to the fish, which is heavy against the current of the river. Line is gained slowly back onto the reel. Alder branches hang nearly to the surface of the water. The throbbing rod tip slips through the water surface beneath the limbs. I fight my way through beneath them as quickly as possible with my nose underwater. My waders are totally filled. My feet sink into the bottom and I finally emerge downstream. I crawl up the bank, water gushing from the top of my waders, while still maintaining pressure and gaining line back on to the reel. The fish is still far below me as the red marker stripe comes back onto the reel. For a while the fish gives ground and I reel continuously until the black stripe is also back on the reel. By now, I am downstream 50 yards below the riffle.
As if raising a ghost from the deep, I first see my fish as the backing knot comes into the rod guides. He is only a silvery-green blur deep in the clear water of the eddy. My heart jumps. He is even larger than I had thought.
For a long time the fish stays deep along the far shore and bullies my light tackle with the force of the main current at mid-stream. The backing knot seesaws back and forth through the guides. There is a tremendous down-stream bow in my line, as the fish stays straight across the wide green river. Finally after many minutes, the constant pressure takes its toll and the big trout starts to give ground. A few minutes more brings him to my hand.
He is a wondrous creature, subdued but still full of life. His body is nearly as deep as the length of my hand. I can’t close my fingers around the waist of his tail as I slide him into the shallow water. The rose colored gill plates pump rhythmically. His nose is long and pointed, but the lower jaw lacks the pronounced kype of sexual maturity. All of his fins are in virgin condition. He has never spawned. The predominant male red stripe from whence his species got its name is but a faint glow of the ruby it will become. Every scale contains a sparkling mirror crescent. His muscles are hard to the touch.
Energy returns to this body and he starts to struggle, at first feebly, then with vigor. Complete equilibrium returns more slowly.
He is tired. I am tired. I turn him toward the river and he struggles free from my hand. His form dissolves into the green depths of the eddy, and is free again.
And so am I.
by Mark Bachmann/MT
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|  Firefighters battle condo blaze.
This was not the golden reminder that the Government Camp condominium intended.
The Golden Poles erupted in flames early Monday, April 20, prompting a three-alarm response by firefighters to Multorpor Road at the entrance to Skibowl East.
Hoodland Fire District Chief Mic Eby took a well-deserved breath of fresh air Friday, April 24, and reflected on the heroic efforts of his staff and volunteers.
“Our firefighters were exceptional,” Eby said. “We tried to pace them, but we were forced to use them over and over. I’m so proud of them. They epitomized what it means to be a firefighter. With that much fire, the winds, rain and snow, nature was against us. No, nature was testing us.”
Fortunately, only a handful of rooms were occupied at the time the fire broke out. Everyone at the Golden Poles managed to escape unharmed. There were no serious injuries to firefighters.
“Thank God,” Eby said. “One guy bummed a knee. That was all.”
The fire started on the top floor of the three-story complex, and firefighters were immediately confronted with challenges. There was no sprinkler system. Golden Poles had a double metal roof which prevented a collapse, containing the fire. The back side was nothing but patios, providing no access.
“The place was built to withstand heavy snow and there were lots of hidden places,” Eby said. “Each room was like a vault – very difficult to penetrate.”
Three million gallons of water was used to battle the blaze, according to Eby. The Government Camp water supply was soon exhausted.
“We had to take water from Trillium Lake, and every creek in Govy,” Eby said. “We had to do it.” Firefighters and equipment from Sandy, Boring, Estacada, Clackamas, Gresham, Gladstone, Wilsonville and Lake Oswego joined forces with Hoodland Fire.
“There were so many tenders I’m not sure where they all came from,” Eby said.
Due to the depletion of the local water supply a tier-1 violation was triggered forcing a mandated Boil Water notice by the Government Camp Water Company. The notice was lifted April 22, but Steve Graeper of the Hoodland Area Water Coalition took the event as a signal to all area water companies.
“This is exactly the type of situation that calls for a united front by all Hoodland area water suppliers,” Graeper wrote in an email. “Much like it happened with Hoodland Fire District, we should all be ready to offer assistance to a fellow water system in need. Whether it be with manpower, materials, supplies, filter trucks, excavators, you name it.”
As the flames subsided, leaving behind the destruction of Golden Poles, with the remainder of the smoke drifting high above the condominiums, Eby traveled from Hoodland to Government Camp Friday, experiencing the best moment he’d had in a while.
“It was nice to see (this morning) on the drive up – there was no smoke,” he said. “But it’s still very unsafe in there (the condominium).”
Cause of the fire is still under investigation, and could take weeks before fire marshals make a determination, Eby said.
by Larry Berteau/MT |
|  Bob Reeves
Bob Reeves was there when it all began.
Now, the venerable chair of the Villages at Mt. Hood, is stepping down.
“Any time a person can be involved in their community for as long as I have is a great honor,” Reeves told The Mountain Times. “While I feel very fortunate to be a part of the Villages Board, it has never been about me. We serve because we feel that we can make a difference and have something to offer. I feel blessed that I could serve as long as I did.”
In 2005, Reeves headed a committee that met with the Clackamas County Commissioners to form a transit district to serve the Mountain community. When the commission offered to be the fiscal agent for the Mountain Express bus line, the committee went to work and the transit district was formed.
That event led to the formation of the Villages at Mt. Hood, May 6, 2006, and Reeves’ tenure began.
“One thing that is overlooked (about the Villages Board) is the relationship developed between the county and our community,” Reeves said. “While we always don’t get what we ask for, we have a much better line of communication with the county staff.”
George Wilson, who now moves up to interim chair of the Board, reflected on the endurance, commitment and dedication of the departing chair.
“He is the last of the original members,” Wilson said. “While Bob and I have agreed and disagreed … we were able to work together to keep the Villages at Mt. Hood Board of Directors functional and operational despite the many hurdles we have had to endure. We have worked together on many issues that have been, and will continue to be, beneficial to our Mountain community.”
Longstanding board member Judith Norval has worked with Reeves for many years.
“Bob’s devotion to community service is nonpareil,” Norval said. “His presence on the Villages Board will be sorely missed.”
Reeves felt this was a good time to leave.
“The board is at full strength and they have some good ideas moving forward,” he said. “When my wife and I moved up here we did some traveling and we would like to do some more while we still can. I also have some projects at home that have been ignored.”
Reeves offered some advice regarding the future of the board.
“The Villages will survive as long as people serve for all the right reasons and represent the citizens of the community without involving their own personal agendas,” he said. “As elected people we need to remember who we work for. I think over the years we have been very fortunate to have some very good residents serve on the board. As long as this continues the Villages board will be strong.”
Although he now turns a page, Reeves will continue to serve as director on the Hoodland Fire District, the Governor’s Fire Service Policy Council, the Mt. Hood Area Chamber of Commerce Board and the Mt. Hood Bus Committee. He also serves on a county Homeless Committee and is a member of the local Heart Team.
From his new position as Villages interim chair, Wilson not only lauded Reeves for “hanging in there during rough times” but also for making the Villages a viable entity.
“I will do my best to carry the torch,” Wilson said. “I truly wish Bob all the best, and hope he spoils his wife and himself with his new-found free time.”
It is apparent that Bob Reeves left his mark on the Villages Board, and will continue to serve the community in his selfless manner.
by Larry Berteau/MT
|
| Govy Fire Station Renovations Will Start Soon posted on 05/01/2015
The Hoodland Fire District (HFD) has received funds from Clackamas County and will shortly begin the process to hire an architect and general contractor to renovate the Government Camp fire station, according to Fire Chief Mic Eby.
Eby noted the funds total approximately $570,000, but he anticipates using some contingency funds for the project. Eby is optimistic to get work started by this winter.
“I’d love to have a shell done by the end of summer so we can put our equipment back in there,” he said. The renovated station will feature the same building footprint, but add another story. The downstairs area will feature bays for fire equipment, with the upstairs offering rooms for sleeping and office space.
Eby noted the biggest cost for the renovation will be adding an elevator or lift to meet ADA requirements. He said the current plan is to install a smaller lift that holds one wheelchair, instead of a full eight-foot square elevator.
“That looks like the direction we’re going to go,” Eby said, noting the reduced cost compared to a full elevator.
The Government Camp station is expected to have a full rescue rig in the near future, too, after the district receives a new one in late April (the new one will be housed at the main station, while one currently in use at the main station will be transferred to Government Camp). Currently, the Government Camp station features a duty rig with medical equipment on it.
Eby added that the district’s main station in Welches will likely be a candidate to be replaced in future years.
More fire news Eby reported that he is expecting a hot and dry summer and that district responders have already started training, including more training and at higher levels for the district’s volunteers.
The district already received its first brush fire call of the year on April 19 – not to mention the Golden Poles Fire of April 21.
Eby added that burn season may close earlier than June 1 this year, as the determination is based on conditions throughout the state and some areas are already claiming drought.
“I’m pushing people to get their burning done early,” Eby said. “I think everybody is conscientious, (when we) put the red flag warning, everybody understands.”
The district is now part of a county-wide program, PulsePoint, an app on smart phones that notifies people who are trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and registered through the app when someone nearby is having a cardiac emergency and may need help.
The free app will also direct people to the location of the closest publicly accessible Automated External Defibrillator.
Eby plans on having information on the program available soon at the district’s main station, 69634 Highway 26 in Welches.
by Garth Guibord/MT |
| Weather Delays Work on Hwy. 26 posted on 05/01/2015
Winter’s lower snowfall seemed like a boon for the Oregon Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) scheduled restarting of the “U.S. 26 Mt. Hood Highway Safety and Preservation Project” on April 1, but Mother Nature had different ideas.
Two snow storms in the first two weeks of the month delayed work, including restriping the highway and pushing back the first rock blasting.
But the contractor, K&E Excavating, carried out a successful blast on April 21, with another potential blast scheduled for April 28.
Kimberly Dinwiddie, ODOT Community Affairs, noted it is too early to know if the April delays will impact the end of this year’s construction season, expected to run through October.
“Considering the delay happened early, there hasn’t been any talk about snow delaying work at the end of the year,” Dinwiddie said, noting they will examine the schedule and remaining work at the end of the summer.
One highly visible addition to the project, which will expand the highway and add a 1.6-mile concrete median barrier to prevent crossover accidents, was installed near the end of April: trucking containers lining the side of the highway to protect cars from rock falls.
Dinwiddie noted without the containers (expected to remain in place through May 21), some rock falls could damage vehicles and also potentially close the road for up to 20 minutes.
“It was a real innovative solution by the contractor,” Dinwiddie said. “They have a strong commitment to safety and keeping people moving.”
Travelers can expect work on the north and south sides of the highway, including flagging for approximately 1,000 feet, reducing the highway to one lane, from 5 a.m. Monday through 10 a.m. Friday, around the clock.
There will be two lanes of traffic during the weekends, and the lane reduction and flagging is expected to end on May 21.
Dinwiddie added that there have been concerns on Lolo Pass about the speed of trucks bringing rocks and debris to a dump site, but that the contractor has addressed that with their drivers.
ODOT has also set up a system with the Hoodland Fire District (HFD) in case firefighters need to respond to an emergency past the construction area, particularly when a blast is scheduled.
The district can contact an individual who will be able to stop a blast in time for responders.
HFD Chief Mic Eby noted a similar system was in place last year, and ended up being used with a blast day getting delayed.
“I’m actually happier this year, with us taking last years process and improving on it,” Eby said, adding that the district hopes to put a staff member and volunteer in place at the Government Camp fire station during blast times. “They showed us last year they’re serious.”
Eby noted that during non-blast times, even when just one lane is open, the workers will be able to hear the sirens in time for responders to pass through with minimal or no slowing.
He added that the district has also toured the construction zone, looking at all aspects to plan for a “worst case scenario,” including getting to patients in inclement weather. The system got a test on Monday, April 20, due to the three-alarm fire in Government Camp. Dinwiddie noted that at the request of HFD, all traffic was stopped for a time to allow responders to go through, causing “significant delays.”
“We will always give emergency services top priority to get through,” she said.
Dinwiddie added the contractor was also able to assist in the firefighting effort, providing some water they had on site.
Please note the Pioneer Bridle Trail is closed during blasting.
For more information, visit us26mthoodsafety.org and tripcheck.com.
by Garth Guibord/MT |
| Explosion Rocks Rhody, One Dead posted on 04/01/2015
Mystery still surrounds the deadly March 19 explosion at Milepost 48 of Hwy. 26 east of Rhododendron.
What is known is Jeffrey Roger Williams, 24, of Portland, was killed in the blast, and Oregon Medical Examiner Dr. Karen Gunson determined March 23 that the death was a suicide, according to U.S. Forest Service spokeswoman Laura Pramuk.
“We were lucky enough to find fingerprints and we had enough of the hands to do a fingerprint analysis,” Gunson reported. “It confirmed it is Jeffrey Williams.”
Friends and family of Williams were puzzled, stating he was a well-adjusted person and gave no indication that he was thinking of suicide, according to a March 24 report by The Oregonian. However, Gunson indicated there was enough evidence in Williams’ background, his actions before the event, his medical records, and that he bought the explosive close to the time he used it to conclude the incident a suicide.
Authorities searched Williams’ Portland apartment and found no suicide note.
The blast created an 11-foot wide, 2-foot deep crater a few feet off the road and closed Hwy. 26 until 9 p.m. that night. That day, Gunson confirmed Williams died of “blast injuries and body fragmentation.”
The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a 6:25 a.m. dispatch and arrived on the scene at 7:30 a.m. Finding evidence of the explosion, the Metropolitan Explosive Disposal Unit was summoned to the scene to gather evidence.
By 3 p.m., the FBI’s Evidence Response Team began processing the scene using bomb technicians and a robot to determine that no further threat existed. The robot was used to open the trunk of a nearby abandoned vehicle – Williams’ 2002 Ford Focus – and a backpack was removed from the trunk, X-rayed, but no other explosives were found.
In all, dozens of personnel from multiple agencies worked the explosion area.
Authorities were able to determine that the victim was killed by an exploding target mixture not regulated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms.
It is believed the blast was caused by a substantial amount of Tannerite, a material commonly used by target shooters to make exploding targets. These targets are readily available at most gun stores and on the Internet, and the mixture, when placed in a receptacle like a can, will explode when hit by a bullet. Gun fragments were found at the scene, according to Pramuk.
by Larry Berteau/MT |
|  The hardware store remains optimistic.
Despite snowfall in the latter half of March, Mount Hood’s Snow Water Equivalent (SWE), a measure of the amount of water contained within the snowpack, remains close to a record low according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA).
On March 25, the test site, at an elevation of 5,400 feet and in the vicinity of Timberline Lodge, revealed an SWE of 13.7 inches, barely above the lowest on record in 2005 of 13.5 inches (data cited from 1981 to 2012), and 24 percent of the 30-year average, 56.6 inches.
The snow depth at the test site was 35 inches and precipitation to date was 66.4 inches, both as of March 25. “Overall, we still have a huge deficit on snowpack,” said Andy Bryant, Service Hydrologist for NOAA. “We’ve had some rain, which certainly helps. But snowpack hasn’t gotten significantly better.”
Bryant anticipated an on/off wet pattern for the end of March and into early April, with freezing levels dropping a bit at the same time. He noted that Mount Hood typically continues to accumulate snowpack during the first half of April and sometimes into May, which is something to monitor.
“That would help to give us some snowpack to push some of that runoff into the spring and early summer,” Bryant said, adding it would help area streamflow and water temperatures.
The lack of snowpack has made the winter a challenging one for Mount Hood’s ski resorts. Hans Wipper, Public Relations for Mt. Hood Skibowl, reported the resort had only been open for 11 days, all during the last part of Christmas break, as of the middle of March.
Wipper added that on the bright side, Skibowl has been able to offer tubing for visitors and even opened some of its summer activities, including the Malibu Raceway. Wipper anticipated opening almost all summer offerings for spring break, and will keep them open on weekends moving forward, weather permitting. “You’ve kind of got to roll with the punches, and if there’s no snow, why not open up the summer activities,” said Wipper, who has worked at Skibowl for more than 20 years.
Wipper added the resort is “not throwing in the towel yet” on winter activities, and that they could open the ski lifts back up if enough snow arrives.
Jon Tullis, Director of Public Affairs at Timberline Lodge, estimated in mid March that skier business was off approximately 20 percent, but that business at the lodge and visitor numbers remained strong.
Tullis added that thanks to the resort’s higher elevation, skiing was available on the Palmer snowfield every day, and that while the lower mountain was closed, the upper mountain remained open. He also noted the late March snow should ensure that the Bruno chairlift is open for spring break and that he anticipates a good summer season.
Tullis credited Timberline’s groomers for creative snow farming (also known as harvesting), moving snow from one location to another to maximize the snowfall on their terrain.
“They’ve done a great job for us,” he said, noting the resort has a spring pass on sale that is good through Memorial Day. “All said and done it’s been a disappointing ski season but we’ve remained open.”
Tullis, who has worked at Timberline for 31 years, sees some similarities between this winter and the winter of 2005, noting that 10 year ago, the snowpack was worse at the point before gaining 100 inches by mid April. He added that skiing lasted through Aug. 18 of that year.
Dave Tragethon, Executive Director of Public Relations and Social Media at Mt. Hood Meadows, estimated the snowpack at Meadows to be approximately 20 to 25 percent of normal in mid March, which is typically more than 100 inches. The resort, however, has been open every day since Dec. 22 and will continue daily through April 12, with the possibility to stay open on weekends beyond that.
Tragethon also credited his crews for their harvesting techniques, including starting the process in November to help fortify the base area even prior to opening. He noted the resort has been able to operate most of the upper mountain, although Heather Canyon has been closed since there hasn’t been enough snowpack to build snow bridges for full access.
The conditions in January may also have contributed to the best month for ski school in Mt. Hood Meadows history, Tragethon noted, including a lot of sunshine and good snow coverage in the beginner’s terrain.
“It brought the families out, it brought the beginners out,” Tragethon said. “On one hand, we’re probably missing the hard core, powder enthusiast. But on the other hand, we’ve had more families, more beginners come out.”
Tragethon, who has been at the resort for 20 years, also saw similarities with the winter of 2005, but noted they are keeping their fingers crossed for some more spring snow.
“By no means are we throwing in the towel,” said Tragethon, while adding the resort offers spring passes. “March and April are big historical snow months.”
The cause of it all Bryant noted that the amount of precipitation this winter is below normal, but not by a dramatic amount. Unfortunately, much of the precipitation has come during warm events, often referred to as “atmospheric rivers” or a “pineapple express.” In these cases, a storm system picks up tropical moisture, perhaps the remnants of a tropical storm, but temperatures weren’t cold enough to produce snow.
“It’s an issue more of the temperatures; this winter, our temperatures have been several degrees above average over the course of the last 90 days,” said Bryant, who added there isn’t a connection with El Nino or La Nina. “That’s really unusual around here, we typically don’t see that much deviation.”
Bryant also said there is a connection to what happened this winter in the Pacific Northwest and what happened in the eastern United States: a large area of high pressure pushed the jetstream to the north, with cold air being funneled to the east. While our temperatures were higher, the east coast endured cold temperatures mixed with storms arriving from the Atlantic resulting for many places with record snow totals. Bryant noted that the bigger picture does not look like it will include a very wet spring for the region.
“It’s possible we’ll still have a wet spring, and that will alleviate some of the drought concerns, but at this point we’re not seeing a strong indication of that,” he said.
by Garth Guibord/MT
|
|  Dulcie Lindsoe-Johanson at the wheel.
Bring an appetite, a love of art and music, and dig into the Sixth Annual The Bite of Mt. Hood.
Presented by the Mt. Hood Area Chamber of Commerce, the food, art auction and music extravaganza will take place from 5 to 9 p.m., Saturday, April 11 at the Resort at the Mountain.
“It is like a family reunion,” said Chamber President Coni Scott, who doubles as chair of the event. “I talk with people that I get to see every year here at The Bite.”
Now a yearly fixture on the Mountain, The Bite began modestly with 12 volunteers that has now grown to 35 volunteers who will keep the evening running smoothly for more than 800 expected guests.
As the name boldly suggests, community members will have a smorgasbord of choices to bite into.
Participating restaurants include Skyway Bar and Grill, The Resort at the Mountain, The Shack, The Rendezvous Grill and Tap Room, The Dragonfly, The Hazelnut Bakery, Busy Bee Catering, The Whistle Stop and the Ivy Bear Family Pizzeria.
More specifically, try these menu items: seared yellowtail wonton tacos, Carlton pork and fennel meatballs, truffles, prime rib stroganoff, chili nachos, Shack sliders, prosciutto wrapped prawns, pizza by the slice, Horner’s famous mac and cheese, smoked sturgeon chowder, sesame pork, chocolate dipped strawberries, cinnamon rolls, lemon puffs, and the culinary delights go on and on in the annual Bite festivities.
“When I finished reading all the menu options I felt like I had gloriously journeyed where taste and beauty meet,” Scott said. “Each restaurant honors its own cuisine, characteristics of who they are, and proud of what they create. I guess all I can say is it’s more than simple food, it’s tasting masterpieces.”
Beyond the food, there will be music provided by this year’s entertainer Joe Stoddard. Combining a great sense of humor and a rich baritone voice, Stoddard brings his experience from working with The Beach Boys, Oak Ridge Boys, and many more.
More than 200 auction items will be sold off with Tom Anderson – of Rendezvous fame – making the call as auctioneer.
This year’s featured artist is Dulcie Lindsoe-Johansen, a local pottery and sculpture master.
From her Welches studio, Dulcie creates a stunning line of functional stoneware and hand-built sculptures. She has been producing and selling her work throughout the Pacific Northwest since 1980. All of her ware is thrown on the potter’s wheel. No molds are used, giving each piece its own personality.
“It is an honor to be selected as this year’s featured artist,” she said. “Many thanks are due to the Mt. Hood Chamber of Commerce for their continuing good works done for the betterment of our Mountain community.” When arriving at The Resort, look for the signs on the first floor for directions.
For this year’s event, The Resort’s General Manager John Erickson has donated the Trees Room for those who would prefer to sit, have a drink, and enjoy the art work donations.
By Larry Berteau/MT |
|  Tony Turin gets to know a video crew member.
When Tony Turin separated from active military duty, setting up his family eye care business was his first goal.
March, 2014: mission accomplished.
“I’ve been counting down the days for many years to return to the Mountain community,” Turin said last year.
The Welches native served a four-year commission as an Army captain following his obtaining a doctorate in optometry from Pacific University.
Now, a year into owning his own business, he has been recognized by the Small Business Administration as a model success story in the SBA’s ongoing program called “Boots to Business.”
The recognition turned into something more tangible when a documentary film crew led by independent video producer Dick Phillips set up shop at Turin’s eye care center March 24 and 25 in Sandy.
The SBA is producing a series of success stories about veterans who have successfully started their own businesses, and Turin was the third in the series, according to Leigh Ann Arnold of the Office of Veterans Business Development of the SBA, who was on site for the taping.
“Honestly, I could not believe it,” Turin said. “It was very humbling to have a crew fly out from Washington, D.C. to film our small clinic in Sandy.”
The Boots to Business series will be distributed to more than 165 military installations around the world for veterans to view, according to Arnold, who also noted the SBA will use the series for internal curriculum as well.
When asked if he was walking in the footsteps of his film star father, Dave Turin (of Gold Rush fame), Tony’s response was a quick one.
“No way,” he said. “I have enjoyed watching him become a big name but I would not do well having so much publicity. I am OK being known in a small community, but not to the same extent as my dad.”
Friday, after the dust had settled, the film crew had moved on, and Mt. Hood Eye Care got back to business, Turin had a moment to reflect.
“It is such an honor and I have much to be grateful for,” he said. “I appreciate that they (SBA) are continuing to honor veterans even after leaving active duty.”
Tony Turin’s service and accomplishments are easily honored as well.
By Larry Berteau/MT
|
| City Moves Forward with Urban Renewal Amendment posted on 04/01/2015
The City of Sandy is expected to create a substantial amendment to the city’s urban renewal plan sometime in early April, including feedback the city received during a public forum held Wednesday, March 11.
The amendment could allow the city to secure funding to potentially acquire the Cedar Ridge Middle School campus, including the Olin Y. Bignall Aquatic Center, and create a new recreation hub.
Sandy City Manager Seth Atkinson noted a long and drawn out public process is necessary to put the amendment in place, including approval by the city’s planning commission and approval by all other taxing districts that overlap the urban renewal area.
“We essentially need 75 percent of taxing districts to approve the amendment,” Atkinson said. “If we don’t get 75 percent, then we won’t be able to do it. If so, back to city council for final approval.”
Atkinson added the process to get approval from all those entities, including tax districts such as the Oregon Trail School District (OTSD), the Sandy Fire District (SFD), the Port of Portland and the Clackamas Education Service District, could take up to four months. The 75 percent threshold for approval was added by legislation enacted by the state in 2009, after the city’s last amendment to the urban renewal plan.
SFD Chief Phil Schneider, who is the district’s representative on Sandy’s urban renewal agency, already received confirmation from enough board members to support the amendment.
The district, which can receive urban renewal funds for “brick and mortar” projects, is currently in the process of getting facts and figures in anticipation of a seismic upgrade of the main fire station in Sandy.
“We’re not going anywhere, we’re staying here,” Schneider said.
Julia Monteith, Communications Director for the OTSD, noted the school district would be in support of the amendment, while adding that there is “nothing different at this point” regarding the status of the pool, which is set to cease operating by Nov. 30, 2015 or when the $400,000 budget the district allotted for its operations ends, whichever comes first.
If the city is able to acquire the school campus, it is expected to include a fee on its residents’ utility bill to fund the operation of the recreation center.
Urban renewal basics Urban renewal for cities stretches back to 1957 and provides a way to finance projects in designated areas. The tax base for the area is “frozen” for all overlapping jurisdictions, while the increases in taxes over that base in the subsequent years are used by the agency.
The urban renewal plan doesn’t increase taxes, but it changes the distribution of the collected money.
Sandy’s urban renewal agency, which administers the plan, is comprised of the city council, a member of the SFD and a member of the Sandy Area Chamber of Commerce. Sandy’s urban renewal plan was originally adopted in 1998, has a maximum indebtedness of $18 million and is currently projected to go until fiscal year 2020-21.
Projects funded by Sandy’s urban renewal plan include storefront and streetscape improvements and the new Sandy Police Department building.
Atkinson noted the storefront improvements have garnered the most feedback, both from city residents and visitors passing through.
“I would say the facade grant program has been one of the most visible and most talked about projects,” he said, noting the program is still ongoing.
Other projects to be considered as part of the amendment, which would increase the maximum indebtedness of the plan, include road extensions for 362nd Avenue and Bell Street, continuation of the storefront program and assistance to the SFD.
by Garth Guibord/MT |
|  The Salmon Surprise
There are many indications that in the past the Sandy River hosted huge runs of Chinook salmon. Of the five species of Pacific salmon, Chinooks are the best equipped to exploit highly fluctual, glacial/volcanic watersheds like the Sandy River basin.
Chinook populations have to be pivotal to the overall fishery management scheme in this river system. Spring Chinook are the largest spawning biomass in the upper basin. Fall Chinook are the largest spawning biomass in the lower main-stem. Therefore they are potentially the basis of the food chain for both trout and steelhead. Chinook spawn (eggs) and carcasses provide nutrients to the system, both directly and indirectly. Chinook eggs are ravenously consumed by all sizes of salmonids, cotids and minnows – whenever they are available. Salmon carcasses are prey to all kinds of beneficial insects and plants, which are also consumed by other species of fish, of many sizes.
Chinook fry are some of the earliest to emerge from the gravel (March-April). This emergence provides an early spring meal for trout and steelhead juveniles, which are two or more years older. Chinook fry are consumed by all fish that are large enough to eat them.
John Peterson, who was a fishery tech for the Mt. Hood National Forest, was in charge of the Still Creek fish trap. This trap is placed to capture downstream migrating fish. Most of the fish that have been caught in this trap are juvenile salmon, trout and steelhead. A small sample of each specie was killed for scientific study. These studies included stomach autopsies. John reported that most of the wild steelhead smolts had gorged on Chinook fry. No doubt resident cutthroat and rainbow trout partake of this same feast. Spring Chinook fry emerge January through March. Fall Chinook fry emerge February through April. They are about 1 1/2 inches long when they become free swimming. Many Chinook salmon rear in the stream for less than one year before going to sea. Some start to out-migrate immediately upon emerging from the gravel. Most are about 1 3/4 to 2 1/4 inches long when they enter the salt. By comparison, the average out-migrating steelhead smolts are usually 5 to 7 inches and may be more than 10 inches.
Chinook fry emergence is perfectly coordinated with the peak downstream migration of juvenile steelhead. Juvenile steelhead consume large amounts of Chinook fry on their way to the ocean. Chinook fry are larger food which permit the steelhead juveniles to grow very quickly and enables them to compete better in the ocean.
Since the Chinook and larger steelhead are out-migrating together, this symbiotic relationship may continue for a while at sea. However, ocean rearing Chinooks tend to feed at much greater depths than do steelhead and the two populations are soon parted.
Since Chinooks out-migrate at a comparative small size, they probably don’t compete much with other species for food or space while in the stream. They are a wind-fall profit in the food chain department. Basin populations of every other wild salmonid specie are probably highly dependent on very large healthy populations of spawning and emerging Chinooks.
If we have more Chinooks we will probably have more of everything else.
Chinooks were the most abundant salmonid in the Columbia River basin. They were also the most desirable salmonid for table fare. They were highly exploited by indigenous populations of humans for thousands of years. They were soon over exploited by the present civilization to the point of near extinction.
This happened very early in our history. Records show that in 1877 there were more than a thousand 1,200-foot long gill nets and many fish traps working the Columbia River. All of the larger tributaries also had nets and traps. Most of the Chinook runs were on the brink by 1885. This is long before we kept records of wild fish populations.
I think that all of the west-slope rivers were much richer in all of their fish runs before the Chinook populations were reduced. The catastrophic reductions in Chinook runs probably brought a biological collapse to much of the Columbia River basin, both east and west of the Cascades.
Sandy River Chinooks were some of the first to be heavily targeted by commercial fishermen. The mouth of the Sandy is in close proximity to the largest population area. Nets and fish wheels probably killed most of the Sandy River Chinook runs before 1880.
A salmon hatchery was established on South Boulder Creek, a tributary to the Salmon River in 1892. This hatchery was to supply Chinook eggs to bolster the failing Clackamas River runs. Chinook eggs were taken from mid-July through November. There were fair numbers of fish.
But what the hatchery people found at the mouth of South Boulder Creek in 1892 was probably no more than the remnant valleys, after the peak runs had been cropped to extinction. Old records speak of July spawning Chinooks in both the Sandy and Clackamas drainage’s. There is indication that in the first two years of hatchery operation; peak-spawning activity was in mid to late August. These upper river runs had severely declined by 1900. By 1906 the runs were so poor that the hatchery was shut down.
(Next month, our fishing guide will explore the fate of the great Chinook, and their return to prosperity.)
by Mark Bachmann/MT |
|  Trucks to Return to Lolo Pass.
Work is expected to resume April 1 on Hwy. 26 as part of the Oregon Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) “U.S. 26 Mt. Hood Highway Safety and Preservation Project,” which will expand the highway and add a 1.6-mile concrete median barrier to prevent crossover accidents.
Kimberly Dinwiddie, ODOT Community Affairs, noted the first work will include creating access roads for future excavation and blasting, along with re-striping the highway and placing a temporary barrier to reduce traffic to one lane in each direction.
Blasting is expected to take place in April, but no firm dates have been set. Dinwiddie added that all blasting must be completed by the end of the 2015 construction season, set for the end of October.
“If they get it done earlier, that would be great,” Dinwiddie said. “It is possible.”
The contractor, K&E Excavating, will perform work on both sides of the highway this summer between Map Curve and Mirror Lake, with one lane of traffic in each direction for approximately three miles. Last year, the one-lane reduction lasted for 1.5 miles.
Dinwiddie noted that the traffic congestion last year “wasn’t terrible” and backups were likelier when a heavy truck was heading east (uphill). She credited motorists for adjusting travel schedules to avoid blast times, which are the same for this year and can lead to road closures of up to one hour between 5:30-7:30 p.m. on up to three days per week from Monday through Thursday.
“We didn’t see terrible tie-ups and we hope it’s the same thing this year,” Dinwiddie said.
She added that the speed limit in the construction zone will be 45 mph and that police will be enforcing it. K&E Excavating is expected to work long days during the 2015 construction period, from sunrise to sunset every day of the week except Sunday, and may also work at night.
“We’re trying to stay out of everybody’s way,” Dinwiddie said. “But be aware that contractors will be out working six days a week.”
Materials removed during blasting will be taken to various sites on the Mountain, including up Lolo Pass Road and to the Tamarack Quarry near Trillium Lake. Dinwiddie noted the contractor expects to remove more rock than last year, which could lead to fewer trucks on Lolo Pass Road, as the two sites accessed there are set to receive softer material, such as vegetation and dirt.
When the two sites up Lolo Pass Road are filled, they will be returned to their natural character.
Dinwiddie added that other aspects of the project include reusing materials removed from the project area in other parts of the forest, including using fallen trees for fish habitat in rivers and crushing the rock blasted from the slopes at Mirror Lake to create a retaining wall that will protect the Pioneer Bridle Trail (a large pile of rocks now sits next to Hwy. 26 where the wall will be built).
Dinwiddie reported that a minor rock fall occurred on a bank at Map Curve that had not been worked on last summer. The debris was enough to cover the westbound travel lanes, but ODOT was able to clean it up in one day.
Despite the mild winter, there will be no early start date to resume the project.
“It is tempting to get some work done now, however the contractor does plan to start work on April 1,” Dinwiddie said.
An online open house is expected to take place during March at us26mthoodsafety.org with an open house also held from 5-7 p.m. Monday, March 30, at The Resort at The Mountain.
The project is expected to run each year between April and October through 2016. For more information, visit us26mthoodsafety.org and tripcheck.com.
by Garth Guibord/MT |
|  Fir Tree Carnage Spurs Action
When a tree fell in the forest back in November of 2009, it’s safe to say it was heard.
The 85-foot Douglas fir slammed into the Rhododendron water treatment plant, cutting the water supply to the homes connected by the Rhododendron Water Association (RWA). Steve Graeper, president of RWA, along with water master David Jacob, responded by hooking into the system of neighboring Lady Creek Water Association, and within five days RWA customers had their water restored.
That event of mutual cooperation led to a Sept. 20, 2014 meeting where 17 of the 58 water systems between Alder Creek and Government Camp were represented by individuals to form a coalition of responders.
On Feb. 21, the Hoodland Area Water Coalition (HAWC) was officially formed at a meeting of water board members held at The Resort. Eighteen of the 58 water systems were represented.
Graeper pointed out how none of the members are competitors.
“We are all striving to do the same thing: provide safe drinking water to our customers,” Graeper said. “Why anyone would not want to be a part of this, I have no idea.”
There is much work to be done, but some of it is already in motion. A free Wiki website has been set up at https://sites.google.com/site/hoodlandwater. A purchase of a domain name is in the works. Jacob is completing an area boundary map so that HAWC systems can be identified by the county and local fire departments.
At the same meeting, Ken Schlegal, chairman of the Oregon Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (ORWARN), pointed to the work of his group and that emergencies transcend jurisdictional boundaries, and the need for utilities helping other utilities.
Schlegal also noted that often times, in emergencies, federal response hinges on whether there exist mutual aid agreements between associations.
“The presentation of ORWARN was eye opening,” Graeper told The Mountain Times. “Mutual aid agreements are common to fire districts, why can’t they be initiated between water systems? Hopefully, HAWC can facilitate that.”
Graeper also noted that if HAWC can be there to gather contact information about each other, and provide assistance to each other in time of need, or just be there for each other as information sources, all water system customers will be better served.
“Down the line we could even form a buying group to obtain quantity discounts on treatment supplies that are common to all water systems,” Graeper said. “Saving money is a good thing. The possibilities are endless if we just learn to work together. I see HAWC as a first step toward working together for a common good.”
by Larry Berteau/MT |
|  Demetrio Martinez installs Sandy fiber.
The City of Sandy started its municipal internet service provider, known as SandyNet, in 2003 and is now in the middle of upgrading to a fiber optic network.
But while Sandy’s residents have enjoyed the successful venture into internet service, some states have laws that prohibit municipalities from even offering it.
Now Sandy has added its support alongside the Next Century Cities (an initiative supporting communities seeking fast, affordable and reliable internet) and 38 other cities in urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to respect community choice for internet infrastructure. Mayor Bill King and City Council President Jeremy Pietzold signed their names to a letter which was sent prior to the FCC meeting held on Thursday, Feb. 26 when it was expected to consider a memorandum opinion and order addressing petitions filed by two municipal broadband providers to preempt provisions of state laws in North Carolina and Tennessee restricting communities from providing broadband services.
“This group is all in favor of expanding broadband service,” Sandy City Manager Seth Atkinson said. “We think that’s a worthy endeavor.”
The ruling will have no impact on SandyNet.
The letter reads, in part: “It is increasingly clear that ultra-fast, next-generation Internet networks are the key to building and sustaining thriving communities, as essential as good healthcare, great schools, and reliable public safety. Indeed, in the coming decades, the Internet will increasingly become a platform for delivering these and other core services to our citizens, in addition to providing an onramp to the jobs and opportunities of tomorrow. Providing high-quality Internet is inarguably essential to safeguarding the public interest in the years and decades to come.”
Atkinson said Sandy’s success in the field shows “how it can happen.”
The service had approximately 1,200 customers on the old wireless system and is already up to 1,800 signups for the new network.
“Our expectations were very much met, with people demanding the service,” Atkinson said. “It’s gone a little faster than we thought it would.”
The new service will provide internet service at approximately 20 times the speed of a wireless service, and Atkinson sees the new capabilities as a good marketing tool to bring new business to the city. “We really see this hopefully as an economic development tool moving forward,” he said.
by Garth Guibord/MT |
|  Prize of the Deschutes: a Redside
You are waist deep in the riffle, the shadows and reflections of the basalt ramparts above turn the water golden brown. The fly rides in the surface film under light tension, the long rod balances lightly in your hand. Your eyes wander to the Great Blue Heron stoically perched in an alder tree across the river. You are content in this soft fluid world. The line tightens in a slow but deliberate pull and the heavy fish twists and turns trying to dislodge your hook. Your rod arches with his power and the line melts from your screaming reel. An incredible distance away the huge silver and gunmetal fish bolts through the surface and you are caught in the frenzy of your first Deschutes Steelhead.
And time stands still.
The Deschutes River heads in South Central Oregon and flows nearly 300 miles due north to enter the Columbia River near The Dalles. It drains all of the east side of the Cascade Mountain Range. Although this drainage is located in the arid rain shadow of the Cascades, the large area encompassed produces a river with average annual flows of more than 4,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) at the mouth. One hundred miles upstream from the mouth, Pelton Dam creates 400 foot deep Lake Billy Chinook. Agreements with the Power Company keep water fluctuations to a minimum. This tail-water effectively turns the next 60 miles of the Deschutes into an enormous spring creek.
The lower 100 miles of the Deschutes is one of the most prolific trout streams in the western United States. Seventy miles are open to angling year round. In this unique river, wild endemic desert rainbow trout rise to myriad hatches in riffles and back eddies mirroring green alders and brown basalt cliffs. These distinctive fish are affectionately called Redsides and are linked to the desert Red Band Trout group. Rocky Mountain Whitefish add to the spectacular nymph fishing. An occasional native Bull Trout adds variety.
The Deschutes River canyon is an oasis in the sagebrush covered desert. Bird life is concentrated here, attracted by the hatches that also feed the fish. Game animals come to water. The sun shines an average of 300 days a year. The air is pure and clear. In winter the Deschutes often has warm mid-day sun which triggers hatches of tiny may flies and great dry fly fishing. Early spring is a time of March Browns or Gray wing Olives. Late spring and early summer brings on the world famous Salmon Fly hatch. The warm weather of mid-summer through October brings hatches of caddis, midges, mayflies and small stone flies.
Steelhead are available nearly year round, but mid-July through November is prime time when mint bright summer Steelhead enter the river. These aggressive fish come readily to the surface and create one of the premier floating line steelhead fisheries in the world.
The Deschutes River in Central Oregon drains the east side of the Cascade Mountain Range. The cold green water provides a counterpoint in what is otherwise a stark and arid landscape. The lower 100 miles of the Deschutes River Canyon averages 2,000 feet deep. The sparse vegetation allows the angler to observe nearly twenty five million years of geologic history recorded in the steep canyon walls. Forty million years ago Central Oregon was a semi-tropical, flat coastal plain which may have received 240 inches of rain fall per year. About 30 million years ago the drifting Continental and Pacific Plates collided. The Continental Plate was pushed on top of the Pacific Plate and the coastline started to gain elevation. This was the birth of both the Cascade and Coast Range of mountains.
The Deschutes trout fishery is regulated to sustain and enhance its populations of wild endemic fish. Only two trout per day between 10 and 13 inches may be harvested. Only barbless hooks on lures and flies are allowed. The use of bait is prohibited. No fishing from a floating device is allowed. Deschutes Redsides are a unique subspecies of rainbow trout called Desert Red Band Trout. Adult fish are heavily built and often brightly colored. They are very strong and acrobatic when hooked.
The Deschutes River contains every age group with the highest population made up of three to four year old specimens that range from 13 to 18 inches and weigh 1-1/2 to 3 pounds. Twenty-inch fish weigh more than four pounds and 23-inch fish weigh about six pounds. Many of these larger fish are four and five year olds which have not reached sexual maturity. They are incredibly strong and fast and can be extremely wary. Deschutes Redsides are primarily insectivorous with stone flies, caddis flies and may flies making up the highest percentage of the diet for fish under four years old. Larger fish consume large amounts of insects, but also eat many crayfish.
Since much of the Deschutes is open to the angler year round, fly fishing opportunities exist all year.
by Mark Bachmann/MT |
| Welches Student 'Jets' to Spelling Bee posted on 03/01/2015
Welches sixth grader Madison Bowling put in a lot of practice time with her dad before the school’s second annual spelling bee, held Wednesday, Feb. 11 (sponsored by the district’s Talented and Gifted Program). During her preparation, one word was a little problematic: jettison, which Bowling spelled “j-e-d-i-s-o-n” on her first attempt, so she gave it a little more attention and work to get it down right.
When the competition arrived, featuring 16 of the best spellers Welches School has to offer, Bowling found herself going for the victory with just one word to spell.
“She said ‘jettison’ and I thought, ‘Oh yeah, I got this,’” said Bowling, who was the runner up in last year’s bee.
Now Bowling will get to prepare for the Portland spelling bee on Saturday, March 7, with a chance to go to the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
“I’m feeling nervous, definitely, but I’m really excited,” Bowling said.
Fourth grader Denali Barrett placed second, failing to correctly spell “modicum,” but she’s already got a plan in place for next year’s bee.
“Practice a little better on all the words,” Barrett said.
Last year’s winner from Welches, Savannah DiMicoli, bowed out earlier in the competition after missing out on “credulity.”
But DiMicoli did offer some advice to the new school champ about the Portland competition, including trying to make friends with some of the other spellers.
“They seem really intimidating but I actually made friends there,” DiMicoli said. “It’s scary. There’s a ton of old people and they’re all really quiet and they’re staring at you. It’s really nerve wracking; just don’t go too fast.”
Welches Principal Kendra Payne noted the competition brings academic skills to the forefront like sports does for physical skills.
She added that the student body also gets to practice appropriate audience behavior during the bee and that the preparation for the bee helps bring together students from all grade levels.
“I really like that it becomes a collective experience for our kids since they all take the same version of the final test,” Payne wrote in an email to The Mountain Times. “In the week before, I overheard kids who didn’t compete in the final Spelling Bee talking about the words and comparing their results.”
by Garth Guibord/MT |
|  Photo by Fox Searchlight
Leanne Veldhuis, Special Uses Program Manager for the Mount Hood National Forest (MHNF), noted that before the recently released movie “Wild” got to film scenes around Mount Hood, the production hit a snag during the permitting process.
Just as work on the permit started in October, 2013, the federal government shut down for approximately three weeks, putting employees of the U.S. Forest Service on furlough.
Luckily, Veldhuis added, the film crew could shift their schedule to prioritize some scenes on private land until the permit process could be completed. And she noted that the film crew fortunately avoided early winter weather that could have made things worse.
“If it had been later in the year when the weather turns for the worst, you can really lose your filming window,” Veldhuis said. “It could have had serious repercussions for the film.”
But the hard word was worth it from all the parties involved and on Tuesday, Jan. 6, Governor John Kitzhaber presented an Oregon Film & Television Office’s Annual Governor’s Award in the category of “Film Advocate” to the MHNF for their work on the film.
Bill Westbrook, District Ranger for the Zigzag Ranger District said in a press release, “It always feels good to be recognized for hard work. Putting together filming permits like the one we established for Wild took great efforts from many talented staff members. It’s wonderful to celebrate their efforts in this way.”
The film (based on a book by Cheryl Strayed), stars Reese Witherspoon as a woman who hikes the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) by herself after her life spirals downward and features numerous locations in the MHNF, including the Clackamas Lake Ranger Station complex, Timberline Lodge and SkiBowl.
Veldhuis noted that she and Kathleen Walker, Westside Recreation Program Manager for the MHNF, spent time monitoring the sites where filming took place to ensure nothing was damaged. On one occasion in the past, she added, a film crew at the Clackamas Lake Guard Station used some heavy equipment too close to the building, which had a negative impact on the site.
Their responsibilities included preventing damage to structures (such as nails put into walls), protecting salmon and other wildlife and stopping any pollution from contaminating wetlands – basically enforcing to the fullest extent the “Leave No Trace” principals. Veldhuis also noted there is a balance to be struck between the people who want pristine forest and those who want to use it for artistic purposes.
“We’re public servants, right, so we’re representing the interests of the American people,” Veldhuis said.
Veldhuis and Walker both noted how some of the most time-consuming work performed by the film crew resulted in only a few seconds of screen time in the final film. The Clackamas Lake Guard Station, for instance, includes a ranger’s office and a barn, both called for in the script. But instead of using the real spaces, the film crew created new ones by building intricate sets, including making an office in a mess hall and using a warehouse as the barn.
“They ended up spending a lot of time to create a corral outside the barn,” Walker said.
The process for acquiring a film permit is the same as commercials and photo shoots. Fees are based on the number of people involved and the number of days in the forest. The permit for “Wild,” which had a crew of 75 in the forest for nine days, cost $828 per day.
Five percent of the funds collected go to the Washington, D.C. office of the USFS, while approximately 80 percent go to the local agency. Veldhuis noted the MHNF uses the money to “help build the program,” including staff time for future film projects and the like.
“That money collected goes back into managing the land,” she said. “It’s a good thing.”
Interest in PCT already increasing Both Walker and Veldhuis also reflected on how “Wild” should increase interest in the PCT, something Jack Haskel, Trail Information Specialist for the Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA), reported has already happened. The trail stretches from Mexico to Canada through a wide range of terrain, from deserts to lush forests and more, but Haskel noted there are no hard numbers for how many people utilize the trail or parts thereof each year.
Haskel added that the impact from the book, and the book it’s based on, has had a notable increase in the donations, volunteers, website views, phone calls and social media activity for the PCTA. The organization has responded by launching a campaign called “Responsibly Wild,” including public service announcements and a microsite (a small cluster of stand-alone web pages) to increase awareness of “Leave No Trace” principals and how to be safe when hiking in the wilderness.
“It’s really important that they don’t get in trouble,” Haskel said of new potential hikers.
Haskel added that the Mount Hood chapter of the PCTA is the strongest volunteer program in the organization, with approximately 900 people, and that the stretch of the PCT around Mount Hood is “really fantastic.”
He recommended summer as the best time for hiking, to avoid the perils of snow, such as getting lost and falling (while muddy and wet trails also receive more damage from hikers).
Fore more information, visit pcta.org.
by Garth Guibord/MT
|
|  The Swinging Bridge losing its grip.
The future of the swinging bridge in Rhododendron sways in the balance, awaiting a decision by the federal government on a grant application that was expected to be filed Jan. 30 – just after press time.
It seems the 50-year-old swinger is in dire need of repairs, or perhaps replacement. A Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) grant application – created by Principal Planner Larry Conrad and Engineering Manager Mike Bezner – went before the Clackamas Board of County Commissioners Jan. 20, and board staff recommended the application. The recommendation calls for a grant of $1,050,000 to replace the bridge, or an alternate proposal of $291,833 for repairs.
The bridge that spans the Zigzag River – known locally as the swinging bridge – came into being at the point where the old Mt. Hood Loop Highway crossed the river before being washed out in the devastating flood of 1964.
The swinging bridge was built by the county to provide a crossing for pedestrians and bicycles to the community of Rhododendron. The crossing serves more than 250 permanent and part-time residences on Mt. Hood National Forest Service and private property.
Steve Graeper, president of the Rhododendron CPO was quick to urge the board to recommend the FLAP application.
In a Jan. 19 letter to the board – the day before the BCC met – Graeper wrote:
“Maintaining this crossing location is paramount to not only the residents and commercial establishments in the area, but to the bicycle tourism industry by providing a convenient and safe crossing of the Zigzag River, away from the dangers inherent with the heavily traveled Hwy. 26. Without this crossing location, alternate routes to cross the river would be over a mile away and would require travel along a lengthy stretch of Hwy. 26.
“Additionally, the Rhododendron CPO favors the replacement of the existing bridge through funds acquired from this grant application rather than just maintaining the existing swinging bridge. At only 6 feet wide, the current bridge does not allow for easy passage of two-way pedestrian or bicycle traffic.”
The replacement bridge would be 12-feet wide and provide for one-way vehicle traffic.
Graeper also noted that the current configuration as a suspension bridge causes it to easily bounce risking the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists that could be a liability for the county.
Graeper continued to point out that replacing the bridge with one that meets county standards would increase the probability that at least one bridge would remain in the event of another catastrophic flood and would allow emergency aid for victims who would otherwise be stranded on the peninsula between Still Creek and the Zigzag River.
In the BCC executive summary it was pointed out that while replacing the bridge is higher than the cost of major repairs, the Transportation Maintenance Division has indicated the reduced long-term maintenance costs associated with a new bridge would more than offset the short-term costs of replacing the existing bridge.
The FLAP review of the grant application could take as long as six months, according to Graeper. Meanwhile, the swinging bridge rocks along, awaiting its fate.
by Larry Berteau/MT |
|  Miller (left) and Chief Eby
When Nick Miller first joined the Hoodland Fire District as a volunteer in 2001, he was an “un-corralled, wild kid with a lot of energy and enthusiasm,” according to Fire Chief Mic Eby.
But Eby noted that over the years, Miller has focused that energy and enthusiasm in becoming one of the best volunteers in the district.
And on Saturday, Jan. 24, at The Resort at The Mountain, Miller’s hard work and focus earned him the Firefighter of the Year award at the district’s annual banquet.
“I joined the fire department to help serve the community I grew up in,” Miller said after receiving the award. “It’s great to receive the award, but I basically do it for the community.”
Eby noted one of Miller’s greatest contributions was invigorating the responders in the Brightwood area. The district’s station there previously was “dead,” Eby explained, but things turned around with Miller responding to even late night calls.
“Now he’s an anchor point for main station for late night calls,” Eby added.
Miller is currently attending an Emergency Medical Technician class to become a medic, which Eby described as “the first steps to advancing to a senior firefighter.”
The district also honored two Rookies of the Year, one from each of the past two recruit classes: Kevin Frank from the 2013 class and Susan Mikolasy from the 2014 class. Mikolasy serves at the Government Camp station, and she also attends meetings in the community as a district representative, cleaned and organized the station and made a new sign for it. Frank serves at the Brightwood station, where he arrives at 7 a.m. in the morning to clean rigs and call in a report, while also typically being the first responder to arrive on a scene and the last to leave.
“Both of them were kind of like the steadfast class leaders, doing a lot to maintain and keep them together,” Eby said.
Linn Norgard, who has served the district for 30 years, earned the district’s Officer of the Year award. Eby noted that thanks to his long history with the district, Norgard has filled in for himself and the deputy chief at numerous meetings.
“He’s been our clutch hitter, so to speak,” Eby said. “He knows the district, he knows the people, he knows the department.”
The EMS of the Year award went to Melinda Revere, a member of the 2014 training company. Eby credited Revere with excellent diagnostic abilities and bedside manner, and for being one of the most physically fit volunteers in the district.
“It seems to me every time I work with her she’s getting better,” Eby said.
The Above and Beyond Community Recognition award went to the Hoodland Fire Support Group, who prepare food for firefighters returning from a house fire and other calls. The group also prepared the food for the standby firefighters from other districts (including Sandy, Boring, Colton and Estacada) who covered the district during the banquet.
“They’re there whenever we need them, day or night,” Eby said. “A lot of times, we see them after a call, always there with smiles and food. They make a hard night’s work worth it when you come in and there’s the nice smell of food.”
“They deserve it,” he added. “They’ve been more than supportive; it’s all encompassing.”
The district also awarded Years of Service awards to Karin Powell and Tony Hadeed for three years, Battalion Chief Casey Buck for 25 years, Senior Firefighter/Paramedic Scott Kline and Battalion Chief Pat McAbery for 30 years each, and to Chief Eby for 35 years, while honoring Kim Weaver, who retired after 19 years of service.
“We appreciate the time he’s given us and the support for the district,” Eby said.
by Garth Guibord/MT
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| Medford Skier Dies at Skibowl posted on 02/02/2015
New Year’s Eve brought great sadness to Skibowl when a skier died during a night skiing accident.
At approximately 8:30 p.m., ski patrol was notified that Brian Fletcher, 37, of Medford was skiing with friends when he caught an edge and fell on a ski run, according to Skibowl public relations spokesman Hans Wipper.
Ski patrol and American Medical Response personnel were unable to revive him.
“We are deeply saddened by this accident and our thoughts and prayers are with the family,” Wipper wrote to The Mountain Times in an email. “The run was appropriately designated as a Black Diamond (most difficult). The presence or lack of signage had no bearing on the accident as he caught an edge and fell.”
However, Andrew Fletcher, the father of the skier, wrote in an email to The Oregonian that his son was an excellent and cautious skier with many years of experience. He questioned whether the signage on the mountain was adequate near the intersection of the two trails.
In his email to the MT, Wipper cited the Duties of Oregon Skiers that apply to the situation.
Duties of Skiers under Oregon Law (ORS 30.985):
– Skiers shall be the sole judges of the limits of their ability to meet and overcome the inherent risks of skiing and shall maintain reasonable control of speed and course.
– Skiers shall familiarize themselves with posted information on location and degree of difficulty of trails and slopes to the extent reasonably possible before skiing on any slope or trail.
by Larry Berteau/MT |
|  You need a big net.
The Sandy River falls 6,000 feet in 55 miles. The headwaters get more than 100 inches of rainfall every year.
For these reasons, water flows remain constant only for very short periods. This river doesn’t just flow downhill, it literally pulses though its channel. There is a daily pulse, inside the weekly pulse, which coordinates with an annual pulse of water flow, which is determined by the Earth/Sun cycle and the resulting seasonal temperature and the precipitation cycle.
The fish follow these rhythms. As a matter of fact they are genetically selected by, and adapted to survive within these cycles. Their individual lives and racial histories are determined by hundreds or thousands of pulses within these natural cycles.
Mother Nature can be the cruelest of all mistresses. A fish egg buried in the gravel at the wrong time of year, or in the wrong place, may be frozen solid or ground to bits by rolling down this river in a catastrophic flood. That is why there are not only different races of steelhead, but also different races of salmon as well.
Each is adapted to fill a different niche. Starting with the Winter Solstice, first comes the winter steelhead, then summer steelhead mixed with spring Chinooks, then Cohos mixed with fall Chinooks.
Each specie and sub-specie is adapted to a particular water flow and temperature. And so the beat goes on for thousands, nay for millions of years.
Early November is Indian Summer in the Sandy River canyon. Days are mid-50s and nights are in the 40s. The first light rains of the fall season raise river levels. A few summer steelhead and a few winter steelhead are available. The first wild winter steelhead are some of the most aggressive biters of the year.
November can be a most interesting month as the angler may catch steelhead that have been in fresh water for six months or six days. Their form and color will vary greatly. Most are two salt fish from seven to 12 pounds.
The winter run peaks during the last two weeks in January through the first two weeks in March. Winter steelhead are normally available in fishable numbers through April and occasional stragglers are caught as late as June.
Through the peak of the season water temperatures in the lower river can vary from 44 degrees to 35 degrees with 38-40 degrees average. By late April water temperatures average around 50 degrees.
by Mark Bachmann/MT
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|  Kathryn Bliss on her last day at the Vous.
The transition promises to be seamless, but a certain “Bliss” will be missing. After 20 years of operation, the first change in ownership and in the kitchen took place in mid-January at The Rendezvous Grill.
Co-founder and owner Chef Kathryn Bliss is tossing aside her apron.
“I made the decision about a year and a half ago, but it took me five months to tell Tom (Anderson, co-owner),” Bliss said. “Now, I’m going to pause, live life for a while, a different kind of life, with weekends off.”
Under her guidance, The Rendezvous Grill became a leader in the fresh local food movement. Her networking with local ranchers and growers for the best food available, as well as constantly changing of desserts, and placing an emphasis on Northwest seafood, made her an industry leader.
“Procure a food product that is someone’s labor of love, and half the work of cooking is done, as long as it is treated with passion and respect,” Bliss said.
“This has been my passion. Thank you for letting me share it with the community.”
Owner Tom Anderson will miss his prized chef.
“Not only will we miss Kathryn’s skills as a chef, but her leadership, intensity and dedication to training cooks and future chefs created this special place,” Anderson said.
Leaving has been more difficult that Bliss thought.
“It’s been my baby for 20 years,” she said. “But my ties to the Mountain are not over.”
Then, on her last day on the job, she added (with a chuckle), “To the very end I’m bossing people around.”
Remembering back, she couldn’t help to site her biggest disaster.
“It was 10 years ago,” she said. “My big idea was fathers eat free on Father’s Day. The patio was open, the place was packed. The wind picked up, rain began to fall, then a huge clap of thunder followed by a downpour. Customers fled the patio for indoors, holding their food in their hands. Tom was having a cow.”
But to this day, the Father’s Day special continues.
What will she miss the most?
“My customers, my employees, vendors, local producers of beef and produce,” she said. “They’re all my friends.”
But won’t she miss the cooking?
“Yes and no on the kitchen,” she said, the chuckle returning.
The new chef and partner is already in place.
Mathias Englom grew up on the Mountain, is a culinary school graduate, and cooked at The Rendezvous for several years prior to becoming the sous chef. He then moved on to the executive chef position at Full Sail in Hood River.
He is excited for the opportunity and looking forward to the shorter commute.
Englom will be helped by sous chef Lisa Lanxon who has been at The Rendezvous the past four years.
“When partnered with Mathias, Lisa’s knowledge and sense of savory ensures that the great food found at The Rendezvous will continue into the future,” Bliss said.
Meanwhile, the Bliss future starts a new chapter.
by Larry Berteau/MT |
|  Josie and Faith in action.
A little more than 18 months ago, Josie Dockery was first introduced to horses during a sleepover at a friend’s house. At the time, Dockery, now a sixth grader at Welches Middle School, took a pony out and rode in some mock competitions around flower pots.
Today, the 11-year-old’s room is adorned with countless ribbons and other prizes (including two belt buckles, two jackets, boots and a halter breast collar); her spoils from various competitions (held by the Clackamas County Gaming Association and other groups), including barrel racing, pole bending, figure eight, key racing, stake racing, western riding, showmanship and more.
“I really want to go do NFR (National Finals Rodeo) barrel racing,” Dockery said, referring to a major horse gaming event in Las Vegas. “It’s big.”
Dockery’s horse, Faith, a 14-year-old appaloosa, was set to be put down before Dockery rescued her, shortly after being introduced to horses. Faith was considered not to have good ground manners and not a horse for kids, but Dockery gave her a second chance and proved Faith’s skeptics wrong.
“The first event it was rough, but then when we started doing more and more we started doing better,” Dockery said, adding that she would just hang out with the horse to help figure out how best to work with her. “My horse is stubborn at times, but she comes around and she’s really sweet.”
Dockery and her parents, Dallas and Stephanie, credit neighbors, friends and the horse community, including Jerry Carlson and the Palmateer and Searls families, for helping teach Josie about taking care of a horse and providing constant support.
“They’ve been a big big part of our life,” Stephanie said.
In preparation for event days, Josie typically heads to Eagle Creek the night before, where Faith is kept, to prepare the horse trailer and get the hay bags ready.
Then on the day of the event, she leaves her house as early as 5 a.m. and might not finish competing until 6 p.m.
On top of all this, Josie still finds the time to participate in soccer, earn straight A’s at school, serve as a student ambassador, do her chores at home and even hang out with friends.
“I would say that I didn’t think that she was going to follow through with it,” Stephanie said, adding that they usually go to Eagle creek three or four times per week.
“I couldn’t be prouder,” Dallas added. “She’s proved it over and over again, she’s committed to the horse.” Josie, who also has dreams to be a crime scene investigator, now passes on her horse skills and knowledge by setting up race courses in her yard with soccer balls and coaching her friends through it.
And Stephanie recently rescued a horse, Penny, giving Josie another challenge.
“She’s giving me lessons,” Stephanie said.
And sometimes Josie will look at the awards and trophies that line her room reflecting on how far she’s come in the last two years.
“It feels awesome,” Josie said. “I’m considered a champion to some people.”
by Garth Guibord/MT |
| Hoodland Library is on the Move posted on 01/01/2015
The Hoodland Library is packing up its books and moving across the street.
The library has finalized plans to take over space in the Welches Mountain Center July 1.
The current concept drawing shows the new library will boast 1,909 square feet of space – up from the current footprint of 1,756 square feet.
Located at 24525 Welches Road, the library will include continuous space utilizing additional breezeway and restroom areas, bay windows, and is situated with views of a naturally landscaped wooded area, according to Library Director Sarah McIntyre.
“We are very excited to be able to provide additional space and services at the Hoodland Library,” McIntyre wrote in an email to The Mountain Times. “Our concept drawings at this time show a meeting/programming room which initial feedback shows as a very popular idea.”
The library’s building committee will now turn to collecting public feedback from electronic surveys (www.surveymonkey.com/s/Z9NQLNV) and through the flyer in this month’s Mountain Times being distributed to all post office and mail boxes in the coverage area. The survey deadline is Jan. 15.
The building committee includes McIntyre; Linda Layne, Sandy/Hoodland Library advisory board; Judith Norval, Friends of the Hoodland Library; Bob Reeves, Villages at Mt. Hood; Dianne Downey, library assistant, Hoodland Library; Tracy Brown, City of Sandy, director of planning and development; and Margaret Thurman, Welches Mountain Properties (non-voting member).
The City of Sandy has signed a contract for architectural design services with Architecture Northwest PC, and the process timeline is set for: December and January – design process; February – permitting and RFP for construction services; March through May – construction; and a July 1 move in.
The library staff will also be holding public meetings with the Hoodland Women’s Club on Jan. 5, and the Mt. Hood Area Chamber of Commerce on Jan. 6.
by Larry Berteau/MT |
|  High, but not so dry.
Residents of Mount Hood share their homes with the dynamic forces of the Mountain, including occasions when area rivers forge paths outside their normal banks.
But for Nancy Spencer and the others who witnessed the December, 1964 flood, a “100-year” flood that destroyed property and turned communities into islands, there’s only one Flood.
“If you’ve been here long enough, you call everything ‘high water’ except ‘The Flood,’” Spencer said. “‘64 was The Flood.”
The torrent of water that came down the mountain was preceded by a long stretch of cold weather which froze the ground, followed by large amounts of snow and finally warming temperatures and a deluge of rain. “There was no place for the snow to go, except down the rivers and the roads,” Spencer said. “Everything it could go down, it went down.”
Rhododendron At the time, Spencer and her husband owned the Log Lodge in Rhododendron (across from the Still Creek Inn), when the rain started on the night of Sunday, Dec. 20. Since they had difficulty getting back to their home on Road 29, the couple and their two daughters (one 3, and the other 18 months), hunkered down in an upstairs bedroom at the restaurant.
The next morning, they got up and were crossing the street for breakfast when they noticed a group of people looking back. Behind the Log Lodge, the river had undermined the bank and the trees were falling quickly.
“I thought they were looking at us,” Spencer said. “They weren’t; they were looking at the trees going down. These big Doug firs would just drop straight through.”
The river washed out both approaches to the Rhododendron bridge, separating it from the west half of the community, although Spencer remembers a bit of luck for their side.
“We not only had the grocery store on our side of the bridge, but we had the liquor store,” she said. “And that made all the difference.”
Spencer recalled that their electricity returned on Christmas and to celebrate the holiday, her family invited everybody in town and served more than 30 Christmas dinners.
“We had a pretty good Christmas day out of it,” said Spencer, adding it was two weeks after the flood before they could return to their home and three months before they could live in a “civilized manner.”
Spencer also remembers waking up on New Year’s Day to hear the front door of their restaurant slam shut (they weren’t locking it due to their isolation). She ran downstairs and two skiers were outside wondering if they were open for business.
“They had fixed the bridge and nobody told us,” Spencer said. “There was the end of our seclusion. It was quite a traumatic time, but we survived it.”
Zigzag Pic Erickson was a 28-year-old waitress at the Zigzag Inn who lived up Lolo Pass with her children at the time of the flood.
She had a day off from work when the flood hit and her children had already been sent home from school (other children remained at the school, while many families would end up using the school building as a shelter in the flood’s aftermath).
“I had seen rivers get high all my life, so it didn’t really make an impact,” Erickson said. “I knew the rivers were high. But I didn’t think that the devastation was going to happen.”
As she and her children baked Christmas cookies, her ex-husband sped up to her house and told them to get in the car so they could leave immediately. They did and a few minutes after crossing the Sandy River, the bridge went out.
“I didn’t have to be helicoptered out,” Erickson said, referring to numerous Mountain residents who required rescue in that manner.
Erickson was then called in for work, as Zigzag Inn was the only place that was open for the crews from Portland General Electric to eat.
She remembers the crews working for 24 hours at a time, but the restaurant kept up with the food demands of the workers thanks to a big supply of meat they kept on hand.
With all of their belongings and Christmas presents stuck on the other side of the river, Erickson took a ride across on a bosun line to collect some things.
Despite a fear of water, she looked down and described the river looking “like chocolate,” with trees and remnants of houses floating down.
Her house survived the flood, although it took at least three weeks before she could return. Others, she noted, didn’t fare as well, including friends who lived on Barlow Road who lost their house and had to leave their dog behind as they fled.
Luckily, they returned the next day to find the dog alive.
“Lots of friends lost houses,” Erickson said, holding back some tears. “Luckily I was young and rolled with the punches.”
Erickson later bought a house near Marmot Bridge, and she remembers another storm when the water started rising fast.
Despite not losing the house, it was the final straw for her.
“I decided right then, we sold,” she said.” I never want to live on a river again. So we’re flatlanders now.”
Government Camp Maryellen Englesby had a ski shop in Government Camp in the winter of 1964. When the flood hit, she remembers “roaring down the mountain” to pick up her children from school to get them across the bridge. She also noted that a number of people who were up on the mountain wanted to get back to their homes in Sandy.
“It was kind of a mad scramble,” Englesby said. “The only way was the back way through (Highway) 35, I think it went out, too. It was kind of a matter of being stranded.”
Englesby recalled that while power was out to the community, most of the ski areas had backup power at the time.
“Things could run,” she said. “People just couldn’t get here.”
Englesby gave credit to Joie Smith, who helped rig a bosun line between Rhododendron and Welches, for “getting things moving.”
She added that she doesn’t remember any trouble getting food during the aftermath of the flood, and everybody had a wood stove to provide heat and to cook on.
by Garth Guibord/MT |
| District Welcomes New Firefighters posted on 01/01/2015
We’re all a little safer now.
The ranks of the Hoodland Fire Department welcomed a pair of new firefighter/paramedics, Evan Jarvis and Andy Figini.
It’s almost like they were destined for the job. Jarvis and Figini’s fathers were fire department volunteers for a combined 53 years – Jarvis’ dad (27 years) at Hoodland, Figini’s (26 years) in Gladstone.
Figini, 26, was a volunteer for eight years in Gladstone before landing the permanent position Oct. 1 with HFD.
“You could say I grew up in it (firefighting family tradition),” Figini said. “I figured out a long time ago that I wanted this.”
He hopes to relocate on the Mountain as soon as possible.
“I will move closer because I plan on staying here,” he said, adding “I have three horses and would like some land, my own house, build a barn.”
Jarvis, 25, grew up on the Mountain, worked ski patrol at Skibowl, attended Kenai Peninsula College in Soldotna, Alaska in the paramedic program, volunteered at HFD Government Camp (where he lived in the fire station) before attaining his permanent slot Dec. 1.
Jarvis noted that his career path was pretty much set out from the beginning.
“It was a natural path,” he said. “It just made sense to keep going. Heck, Chief (Mic) Eby has known my dad longer than I’ve been alive. Besides, I like pulling hoses and getting dirty.”
The possibility of advancing to senior firefighter, or even an officer, is part of the future that awaits the new HFD members.
“Maybe one day,” Jarvis said.
“I’ll take it as it comes,” Figini said.
In the meantime, there are plenty of hoses to pull.
by Larry Berteau/MT
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|  Mark Bachmann and a trophy.
The Sandy River in northwestern Oregon is undoubtedly one of the best maintained urban rivers in the world. Recent management emphasis has been to maintain many parts of the Sandy drainage in a wild condition conducive to rehabilitating its diverse populations of native salmonids.
All wild fish within the basin are catch and release. There is evidence that wild fish populations are increasing. The future looks good.
This river contains Oregon’s oldest Wild & Scenic designated area, and the state’s first “big dam” removal. The Sandy River originates high on the slopes of Mount Hood, an 11,200-foot volcano located about 50 miles east of Portland. The headwaters of the Sandy are beneath Reid and Sandy Glaciers at 6,000 feet elevation. From here the river flows due west past the village of Welches, located in the Hoodland Corridor, then 15 miles west of this location at the town of Sandy, the river then turns north to enter the Columbia River at Troutdale, which is at sea level. The river drops 6,000 feet in 55 miles. The Sandy River is a geological product of some of the most dramatic forces on Earth. Her changeable personality is one of tectonic stress, explosive volcanism, glaciations, torrential rainfall, the afternoon sun, and the disintegration and regeneration of huge conifer forests. This river’s geographic location, topography and geologic history make it the perfect factory for large, strong fish that return ocean bright.
The river flows through a rugged canyon. The deep clear pools and clean, gray gravel bars are often shaded by the tall, wet green trees. As the river leaves the steep slope of the mountain it crosses recent volcanic mud flows and the gradient decreases. The mellowing currents allow smaller gravel to collect. These deposits form an ever-shifting layer, lying loosely over a mantle of hard basalt.
Much of the water in the river travels through this inter-gravel aquifer providing maximum oxygenation for the spawn of large anadromous fish.
Winter Steelhead Winter steelhead provide the most popular sport fishery on the Sandy, The river has the most reliable and longest lasting Winter Steelhead run in the region. Some years more than 10,000 fish enter the river from November through May. (Runs in the 1970s and 1980s averaged 4,000 to 10,000 fish. Runs in the 1990s averaged about 1,000 to 3,000 fish. Average runs from 2000 to 2014 are probably 3,000 to 6,000 fish, but no counting facility remains since the removal of Marmot Dam in 2007. (Totals are wild and hatchery combined.)
Steelhead runs fluctuate from year to year as does run timing. These winter steelhead comprise at least three different genetic backgrounds. Steelhead from the Sandy can weigh from 3 to 30 pounds. Seven to 11-pound fish are average. Most have spent at least two full years at sea.
Tackle and Techniques The angler who can cover the most water, the most efficiently always wins at steelheading. Even when runs are at peak, steelhead fly fishing will demand more than a casual approach.
The Sandy River and its winter steelhead have a reputation for being difficult for entry level fly anglers. The winter weather and water conditions, as well as sexually developed fish, create some of the most demanding conditions any angler will encounter anywhere. Sandy River winter steelhead are bottom hugging denizens of a cold, often rain swollen river. Most seasoned anglers use two-hand fly rods of 13 to 14 feet so that large expanses of water can be covered efficiently.
Fly speed, pattern and depth of presentation are very important. Because of their mating instincts, winter steelhead, especially the males, can be territorial and will attack a fly to drive it from their hold. Large flies dressed in steelhead spawning colors can bring jolting strikes.
Steelhead that have freshly returned from the ocean, often retain an acute search image of the marine organisms that nurtured them. Flies dressed in the form of squid, shrimp or krill can trigger a feeding response.
In most cases the fly must be presented deep and slow. A Skagit style shooting head line with interchangeable sinking tips is most useful when covering large expanses of water. Many different depths and speeds of water might be encountered in a single run. Line tips and flies are changed as necessary. Leaders attached to sinking tip lines are usually short and stout. Big flies fished on the swing are the choice of most experienced anglers.
Although a 45-minute drive from Portland International Airport will put you on any stretch of water, the basic nature of the Sandy River is wild. Fishing from a boat is excluded in many parts of the river. The Sandy is a demanding river to wade, even at summer levels. Its water can be very cold for the majority of the year. A dunk can be extremely unpleasant and a wading staff and traction devices are highly recommended.
Next month: – Seasonal changes on The Sandy – Tips on winter clothing – Winter steelhead flies
|
|  A house heads downstream.
Fifty years ago this month, Oregon – and in particular the Mountain community – experienced a flood that few had seen before and none have seen since. The “100-year” flood (just a one percent chance it could happen in any given year) destroyed houses, cut off communities, separated families and made Governor Mark Hatfield declare Oregon a disaster area.
In capturing the aftermath of the flood, Don Hom, writing for the Sunday, Jan. 3, 1965 edition of The Sunday Oregonian, set the stage for the flood starting with the previous night, Sunday, Dec. 20, 1964:
“Late that night the warm, spring-like Chinook wind … swept over Western Oregon. The next morning the streets ran deep with water, ponds appear where there had only been snow drifts. Low spots in the road were puddles. The first reports of slides and wash-outs came over the car radios."
This day, Monday, Dec. 21, the shortest day of the year, the first day of winter, also turned out to be the most important day of 1964.
It was the day that marked the beginning of the worst disaster to hit Oregon in at least 200 years.” Holm noted the buildup to the flood started on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 1964, when snow flurries first hit Oregon. At the same time, a mass of cold air formed over Alaska and the Yukon, allowing commuters in the Portland area to hear signals emanating from Alberta, Canada (known as “skip” to ham radio operators).
On Wednesday, snow was on the ground in Portland while temperatures averaged 15 degrees, and the cold front grew to cover an area from Bellingham, Wash. to Texas and Detroit. At the same time, another storm formed over the Pacific Ocean with warm air and moisture.
When the western edge of the cold front collapsed, cold air and high winds surged into Oregon and lowered the temperature in Portland to eight degrees, a new record, and making December 1964 the coldest since 1879.
Snow continued through that weekend, as a two-truck collision on the Columbia River Highway caused a backup involving 100 cars, and Oregon retailers complained about low sales.
By Sunday night, the ground in western Oregon was completely frozen and also covered with snow. On Sunday night, the storm from the Pacific began to move in (now known as a Pineapple Express) bringing in the moisture that would form a torrent of rain to melt the snow and unleash the flood.
Gene Murphy, a special correspondent writing for The Oregon Journal on Monday, Dec. 28, 1964, detailed the conditions on the Mountain before the rain arrived, with Rhododendron experiencing a temperature of zero for three days prior and at least a foot of snow on the ground. After the flood, Murphy, an employee at the Zigzag District Ranger Station who lived on Still Creek, wrote, “At the west edge of Rhododendron, where the river and the creek come together, there are four channels now instead of two.”
According to The Sunday Oregonian on Jan. 3, 1965, all the railroads leading into Oregon were blocked by damage from the flood, while half of the streamflow at the Bonneville dam was due to runoff from the Columbia River’s tributaries.
In that same edition, Robert Olmos reported the statewide impact included “between 4,000 and 4,500 families statewide estimated to need Red Cross assistance,” and “more than 6,300 homes received major or minor damage.”
Other papers shared the details of damage and loss on the Mountain, as The Sandy Post from Jan. 7, 1965 noted the severity of the flood in the Wildcat community, where 28 of the 30 dwellings that received damage were destroyed, 100 people were left homeless and included the Mountain’s sole casualty, A. Harry Engols.
An earlier edition of the Sandy Post, from Dec. 31, 1964, included a message from Clackamas County Sheriff Joe Shobe, who estimated between 500 and 750 homes were lost on Mount Hood, noted the Rhododendron bridge lost both approaches and Hwy. 26 was closed between Alder Creek and Government Camp (passes for residents and others were issued at the Zigzag District Ranger Station).
In an unattributed story in the same edition, the paper revealed the Sleepy Hollow bridge was also damaged, while the new bridge at Brightwood, still under construction, served as a dam for all the debris that was washed downstream. The Salmon River bridge remained, the story noted, as damage on that river was less severe than on the Sandy or Zigzag rivers.
by Garth Guibord/MT
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| Bad Potty Habits Initiate CPO Response posted on 12/02/2014
Spurred by a flurry of emails that rained down from the area, the Rhododendron CPO seized the initiative.
At their Nov. 22 meeting, the CPO members discussed what action could be taken regarding the urination habits of certain individuals at the Mt. Hood Express drop-off and pick-up site across Hwy. 26 from the Still Creek Inn.
It was noted early on in the meeting by CPO President Steve Graeper and Bob Reeves of the Mt. Hood Transit Alliance (MHTA) that they had no authority to curtail the activity.
In fact, Oregon public urination law is a bit murky on the subject as well: 5.125 Public Urination (1) No person shall urinate or defecate in public view or in a public place other than a restroom. (2) Violation of this section constitutes a violation.
The question then arises, what are the consequences of a violation?
It obviously falls somewhere below the misdemeanor bar.
Attention then turned to what could be done, if anything at all. The 19 attendees went to work.
The first suggestion was signage, which prompted Dave Lythgoe to weigh in, saying “I don’t want to see any signs saying ‘No Public Urination’ on the Mountain.”
All agreed, and the idea of erecting a sign indicating public restrooms were available across the highway at Mt. Hood Roasters and the Dairy Queen.
MHTA member Jon Tullis, unable to attend the meeting, assured CPO members that the alliance was taking the issue seriously and wrote in an email read aloud by Graeper:
“I can assure you that we are taking steps to address it (urination at the drop-off and pick-up). We are evaluating the idea of discontinuing this Rhody stop, but want to find a suitable replacement before making any such change. We are not ready to do that yet.”
Teresa Christopherson, administrative services manager of the county’s Social Services, was contacted and wrote, in part, in an email to the board:
“I’ve been actively involved in several steps to discourage this inappropriate and illegal activity. The property owner, Anna McKinney, has posted no parking signs on her privately owned property (the property used by the bus). This should help.
“Our bus drivers have been communicating with riders not to park in this area. We have also requested if any of our drivers hear about any public urination that they immediately inform our operations manager.
“I have informed the sheriff’s department that there have been concerns about public urination in this area.” The CPO, MHTA and the county will continue to put a stop to the problem.
In other business, the CPO: – Listened to a presentation by Coni Scott regarding her effort to place a sign near the Arc Motel identifying the area on Hwy. 26 between Alder Creek and Rhododendron as “The Hoodland Corridor.” Scott asked the CPO for a sign of support for her sign effort and the board agreed to submit such a letter; and
– CPO member Barbara Novinger addressed the potholes on Road 20 and said as soon as the snow was gone a representative from the Forest Service would be in contact with the board.
by Larry Berteau/MT |
|  Crow strutting through snack time.
Imagine a devoted parent able to speak to his or her child, communicating in perfect speech patterns, often even in several dialects, regarding the dangers and misfortunes that await them as they grow into adults. And imagine the parent being able to pass on the information as to what these dangers might actually look like.
Then imagine these very parents not looking anything like you. Rather, imagine them as crows.
Humans have a long history with crows, fearing them as symbols of death. This ill-begotten belief has been fueled by the crow’s scary nature – which usually is defined by their dark appearance and baffling intelligence.
Take note of a much-reported experiment held by researchers at the University of Washington.
But first, think of a time when you gazed at a group of crows. Is there any way you could tell them apart the next time you saw them? As David Dietle wrote in a report he penned about crows: “Every last one of them very likely remembers you as the weird human who kept staring at them.”
The UW experiment entailed the researchers capturing seven crows on the grounds of the campus, banding them, letting them go. They did this wearing creepy skin masks, according to them “because it was funny.” They were testing whether crows could recognize them.
They did.
When the researchers strolled around the campus with the masks on, the crows would “scold” and dive-bomb them. And the crows didn’t just recognize them, they passed the information to other crows who had never been captured. These other birds started dive-bombing the scientists as well.
Further, the crows weren’t just telling the others to get the guys with the masks. When other humans donned the masks they left them alone.
How did they know?
Simple: they were told.
And it didn’t stop there. Ensuing generations of these crows were able to pick out the capturing culprits and displayed the same antagonistic behavior toward them.
Dietle went on to write: “Crows have been known to change their entire migration pattern to avoid farms where even a single crow has been killed in the past … Sure, they’re only avoiding those houses for now … but there’s just something deeply unsettling about the possibility that there are millions of crows out there right now that know your address.”
A Murder of Crows There are many versions of how a group of crows became known as a “murder.”
One old yarn has it that crows will hold a meeting to determine capital punishment against a wayward crow. Another is that crows were an omen of death, associated with dead bodies, battlefields and cemeteries.
The most likely reason, however, dates back to the times when collective nouns were applied for more poetic reasons, such as a pride of lions, an ostentation of peacocks or a parliament of owls.
Social Characteristics Crows mate for life. They have tight-knit families. They are respectful of other crows’ “territories” but will often roost in large numbers to protect each other from predators such as hawks, owls and raccoons.
They are found all over the world except in Antarctica.
They are scavengers and will eat almost anything. They are expert thieves and will steal food and anything else they can get their beaks around.
A Local Tale Mountain resident Mike Nelson enjoyed a long-term relationship with our local crows.
Nelson would often be met by two crows that would hang around the pro shop at the Resort. They would spot him when he drove into the parking lot and they would follow him around the pro shop grounds. He always had peanuts in the shell at the ready.
“When I played Pinecone – the nine-hole course closest to the pro shop – they would follow me to the first green, never farther,” Nelson told The Mountain Times. “That next hole belonged to another family of crows, and one male would walk with me on that hole and first half of hole No. 3, less than three feet away from me which is strange because they are the most wary of birds.”
But that’s not Nelson’s most interesting golf-crow story. There was a crow on Nos. 7 and 8 that would meet up with him.
“He and I go back six or seven years,” Nelson said. “He would not come down while I was teeing off (editor’s note: Anyone who’s seen Mike drive suggests even a crow would know better), but as soon as I started walking to my drive, down he would come, hopping along with me.
“I’d throw him a nut and he’d crack it while I continued along the fairway. By then other crows would arrive, but I always tried to give my buddy the first nut.
“He would then fly directly over my head and actually bump me on top of my head with his breast. Then he would glide down to the grass about six feet ahead of me and look up, assuming he would get the next nut – which he always did. He didn’t nudge me every time, just when a lot of competitors were around.
“Interesting birds.”
by Larry Berteau/MT
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|  Ludeman and his work.
The Wy’East Artisans Guild and the Sandy Area Chamber of Commerce will hold an art exhibit “Northwest Impressions” featuring the work of Welches artist Steve Ludeman.
The public can take in the exhibit during the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from Dec. 4 through Dec. 30.
Ludeman draws his inspiration from the scenic beauty and remarkable natural and cultural history of the Pacific Northwest.
Through his sketching pencil and paint brush he shares his love of nature and tells stories of his outdoor adventures – hiking, skiing and kayaking.
In 2013, Ludeman was honored with the “Artist’s Award of Excellence” from the Mt. Hood Area Chamber of Commerce.
Multiple art galleries and gift shops display his works including the Gallery at Timberline Lodge, Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, Mount Hood Cultural Center and Museum and Vista House at Crown Point. His paintings are included in permanent collections at Timberline Lodge and the Oregon Health and Science University.
To view examples of his work go to his website at www.steveludemanart.com. |
| Hoodland Fire District Calls for Volunteers posted on 12/02/2014
For a number of years, the yearly volunteer academy at the Hoodland Fire District brought in up to 12 applicants, according to Fire Chief Mic Eby.
But he noted only half would finish the academy and half of those who finished would leave after the first year.
But the trend has reversed in the past two years, with 18 applicants yielding up to 12 active volunteers. Now the district is accepting applications for its 2015 volunteer academy.
“We’re getting much better people; committed, devoted,” Eby said. “We’re hoping to have that trend continue on this coming academy.”
The district will accept applications through 5 p.m. Friday, January 9, 2015 and the academy is expected to take approximately five months to complete. The training will cover fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical and rescue responses and assisting during district wide emergencies, such as flooding and high winds.
Eby notes that call volume has increased in the district, while the district’s ranks feature approximately 30 active volunteers.
Eby would like to see that get to 55, adding that the volunteers “run the place” between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. every day.
“We have less people, but we have higher quality people,” Eby added. “People are seeing that and they want to be a part of that team.”
The academy will meet up to three times per week and on some weekends, and applicants must be at least 18 years old with a valid Oregon drivers license, have no criminal background, be able to pass the drug test, pass the physical agility test, pass the background search and live or work in the fire district.
“The big commitment is the first five months,” Eby said. “That’s the hardest part.”
Applications can be picked up at the Main Hoodland Fire Station, located at 69634 Hwy. 26. For more information, call 503-622-3256.
by Garth Guibord/MT |
|  Author Mark Pomeroy
Mark Pomeroy wrote the first draft of “The Brightwood Stillness” when he was 27 years old. He’s now 45. And now, his novel has been published by OSU Press.
“I know what it’s like to put something in the drawer for good,” Pomeroy wrote in an email to The Mountain Times. “But with ‘The Brightwood Stillness,’ the characters and the story kept pulling me back.”
The Journey The author started visiting in Brightwood when he was 3 years old at his grandparents’ (Bob and Bev Pomeroy) cabin.
“My mother and I would drive up there often to visit,” Pomeroy wrote on the OSU Press website. “And … that mountain land began to seep into me. The moist woods, the Salmon River, the small dark cabins. The shadows.”
Pomeroy was raised partly by a Vietnam veteran stepfather who terrified and intrigued him with his silence and anger of the war.
“What had happened to him in that mysterious far-off land?” Pomeroy wrote. “What had he done? What was so difficult for him to talk about?”
So Pomeroy began reading about the war. In high school he tutored Vietnamese refugees – whole families in some cases – and visited in their apartments and listened to stories about their lives in Vietnam.
“Here were actual Vietnamese people, offering me cashews and tea, sitting across from me, trying to sound out strange vocabulary words,” he wrote.
Much later, he and his wife – to whom he had proposed to on Thanksgiving Day, 1999, beside the Salmon River – went to Vietnam.
“I had to see it with my own eyes, finally,” he wrote. “Had to smell it. Here were the places I’d read about, seen on TV, heard about from Vietnamese students and veterans willing to share their stories. Everything could become an enemy in this forest, fast. And yet, of course, for other human beings it was home.”
The Novel “In light of the concerted campaign during the Vietnam War to dehumanize the Vietnamese, I felt it important to show the humanity of a Vietnamese character,” Pomeroy wrote in an email to The Mountain Times. “And what better way to learn about someone’s true character than seeing him when his back’s up against the wall.”
That character, Hieu Nguyen, is a Portland school teacher who is accused of sexual misconduct by two students. At the same time, Nate Davis – a close friend and fellow teacher – tries to lend support but is deep in his own personal problems.
Davis launches on a search for his uncle, a drifter and Vietnam veteran.
Hieu is driven into solitude amid a police investigation, and he reflects on his year during the war that included service in the NLF (Viet Cong).
Their stories run in parallel as both confront the ways in which their pasts – each so linked to a mysterious far-off country – have left them isolated men.
“The Brightwood Stillness” is a riveting story of love, betrayal, and ultimately, redemption.
“It’s been a long, memorable road,” Pomeroy wrote in his email. “And the thing about it is, even though parts of that road have been harrowing, as it is for all writers of course, I think that the novel is better for it. Call it forced revision.”
The novel can be purchased for $18.95 at the website: osupress.oregonstate.ed/book/brightwood-stillness.
by Larry Berteau/MT
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|  The Beleaguered Dorman Center
More than 50 local residents filled the Trees Room at the Resort for the October Town Hall Meeting.
They listened to political hopefuls make their final pitch for the Nov. 4 election, and they made their voices heard as well on critical local issues.
David Robinson made his case for the county clerk’s position, while incumbent Sherry Hall tried to fend him off.
Incumbent State Sen. Chuck Thomsen defended his record in Salem against an insurgency mounted by hopeful Robert Bruce.
And State Rep. Mark Johnson held his ground against the attempt by candidate Stephanie Nystrom. Hall had problems overcoming the shaky track record she has piled up during her tour of duty as county clerk. Robinson’s inroads were thoughtful and incisive.
Bruce and Thomsen squared off in a refreshing display of civility, but Bruce’s comments about Thomsen’s record scored significant points. Several in the audience indicated that Bruce was getting another look. Nystrom made her case of the need for change in representation for HD 52, but Johnson’s smooth style set a high bar for any withering attack.
The candidates forum was lively and informative, and the Villages at Mt. Hood board of directors should be applauded for hosting the event.
Community Survey High on the list during the public forum was the future of the Dorman Center. The Hoodland Women’s Club’s valiant effort to create a community center fell $700,000 short in its attempt to fund the center.
In response, the Villages Board is soliciting opinions from local residents as to what the next step should be. A community survey appears in the print edition.
Options in the survey include: a community center with meeting space; senior center and day care; assisted living center; park and ride for Mountain Express; or a rest area with restrooms.
Regina Lythgoe, of Merit Properties in Welches, spoke during the public forum and suggested another alternative: a community park.
“We don’t have places to push our grandchildren on swings,” Lythgoe said.
Later, in an email to The Mountain Times, she wrote: “I am hoping to have some kind of park on the Dorman Center land which is the county parks department land. AKA Park. People can write on Line 5 (of the survey) other ideas. I envision a community park with picnic tables, covered area, playground equipment like swings, slides, jungle gym, some kind of parking, and keep the community garden area where it is.”
Community member Don Mench pointed out that the county’s insistence that the Dorman Center is unusable is false. “We can’t lose what we have,” he said, noting that the community has to step up.
Rep. Johnson supported Mench’s position, pointing out there were no county commissioners at the Town Hall forum, suggesting their lack of interest in local issues.
“What should happen is you (community members) take charge of it (Dorman Center) yourselves,” he told The Mountain Times.
The survey also asks local residents of the importance of bicycle tourism in Hoodland, and where would be the most likely places for bicycle-pedestrian pathways. Options include Welches Road, Lolo Pass Road, Barlow Trail Road and Salmon River Road.
by Larry Berteau/MT |
| Hwy. 26 Construction Takes Winter Break posted on 11/02/2014
October’s rain delayed restriping the construction area on Hwy. 26 as work concluded for this year for the Oregon Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) “U.S. 26 Mt. Hood Highway Safety and Preservation Project.” Kimberly Dinwiddie, ODOT Community Affairs, noted the restriping was expected to take place on Monday, Oct. 27 and Tuesday, Oct. 28, weather permitting, which would restore the highway to its original configuration for the winter.
“We’re hoping the weather will cooperate to allow us to do that,” she said.
Dinwiddie added that workers are expected to pin a mesh restraint on a slope west of the Mirror Lake pull off in order to stabilize it.
And while that work may go into November, it will only require closing the highway’s shoulder and result in no impact on traffic.
ODOT and the contractor, K&E Excavating, will monitor the slope throughout the winter, according to Dinwiddie.
The project, which will expand the highway and add a 1.6-mile concrete median barrier to prevent crossover accidents, will not restart before April 1, 2015, but a firm start date is currently unknown. “We do have Oregon spring break in late March,” Dinwiddie said. “It’s always a bonus when we’re not mixing construction with spring break traffic.”
Dinwiddie added that more information on when the project will resume should be available in March. The project is expected to run each year between April and October through 2016.
Dinwiddie added that ODOT received no reports on accidents on the worksite.
For more information, please visit us26mthoodsafety.org and tripcheck.com.
by Garth Guibord/MT
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| Negotiations to Start on Sale of Cedar Ridge posted on 11/02/2014
An appraisal of the Cedar Ridge Middle School campus, performed by Integra Realty Resources in Portland for the Oregon Trail School District (OTSD), valued the property at $3.4 million, including the two school buildings and 43.65 acres of land.
The district is expected to enter into negotiations shortly with the City of Sandy on a sale of the property, with the city eyeing a possible recreational hub that would also include the Olin Y. Bignall Aquatic Center.
City representatives are expected to take a tour of the property by the end of November.
This summer, an appraisal done for the city valued the property at $2.2 million for the land and $230,000 for the buildings. Despite the gap in numbers, Sandy City Manager Seth Atkinson noted a few differences in the appraisals, such as the city’s appraisal not including a value for timber while the district’s did and the district’s appraisal assumed that street easements had been vacated when they have not been, which result in valuations that are closer.
“I think there’s a couple factors when taken into account, really we’re not far off; we’re pretty close,” said Atkinson.
Atkinson noted the city is expected to revisit it’s urban renewal plan before entering into formal negotiations. He added that legislation from 2009 has made it difficult for cities to extend an urban renewal area, which could make the sale more challenging.
“It’s not as easy as just identifying projects, increasing debt limit,” said Atkinson. “It’s not going to be that simple.”
Atkinson added the urban renewal process would likely be the only funding mechanism for the purchase, since a general obligation bond would be “another obstacle.”
The OTSD’s appraisal noted the property is suitable for single family residential and timber uses, while the school building could be utilized by a church or other organization. However, when asked about the possibility of the district seeking a different buyer, Julia Monteith, OTSD Communications Director, wrote in an email, “Currently the district’s intent is to enter into an agreement with the city that is mutually beneficial.”
If the city and district cannot agree to a deal on the property, the future of the aquatic center could be up in the air. Atkinson noted the city, which is interested in taking over pool operations, could find it difficult to run the aquatic center while dealing with parking issues and rules about being on campus with Cedar Ridge Middle School and Sandy Grade School on either side of it.
“I think it would be very difficult to operate a facility like that sandwiched between two school facilities,” he said.
The district, which currently operates the facility, implemented an exit strategy in November 2013 limiting the district’s support for the facility to $400,000 or until Nov. 30, 2015, whichever comes first.
When asked about the status of pool funding and the Nov. 30, 2015 deadline, Monteith noted, “If we know we have a transaction in the works, we will sustain the pool through the completion of that transaction.”
by Garth Guibord/MT |
|  Western Gray Squirrel
They don’t get much respect, but they don’t give much either.
They can be shooed away, but they’ll come right back.
They’ll act cute and eat out of your hand, then they’ll eat out of your plate when you’re not looking.
They’ll pose for a picture, then steal away to their splendid new apartment – which bears an odd resemblance to your attic.
Let’s face it. They’re adorable, pesky and just plain nutty.
There are four native tree squirrels in Oregon. The western gray, Douglas, American red and northern flying squirrels all call our Mountain environment home.
While they are members of the rodent family, they enjoy a much more attractive outward appearance. They have hefty incisors that remain sharp by their continuous gnawing.
They are somewhat active throughout the seasons, they are particularly busy this time of year as they forage on the ground gathering and storing food.
The squirrel’s food gathering plays an important role in forest regeneration by spreading fungi mychcorhizae – microbes essential for soil health and composition.
Besides their teeth and nimble front paws, the squirrels greatest asset is their bushy tails. They provide balance, enabling them to maneuver quickly without falling. If they should make a misstep, the tail spreads like a parachute cushioning the fall. The tail also acts as a winter coat in cold weather, and can be used to communicate with other squirrels.
Tree squirrels can carry disease and host parasites that carry pathogens that can potentially be harmful to humans. However, there are precious few reports of disease transmission to humans.
Tree squirrels may also be susceptible to rabies, but none have tested positive in Oregon.
Squirrel bites are the most common wildlife bite reported to ODFW, and nearly every one can be traced to feeding of the offending squirrel.
The western gray is classified as a game mammal and the only native tree squirrel that may be legally hunted. (See Oregon Big Game Hunting Regulations on ODFW’s website for season and restrictions.)
Western Gray Squirrel This is the largest native tree squirrel in Oregon and can reach 2 feet in length, including the tail. It is easily spotted, sporting a creamy white belly and silvery gray fur.
They prefer larger patches of forested habitat, usually away from human contact. However, the green forests of the Mountain community bring them in closer contact than many other regions.
They eat a variety of foods including fungi, acorns, fruit, berries, insects and conifer seeds and cones. When disturbed, it will issue a hoarse barking call.
Douglas Squirrel Sometimes called a chickaree or pine squirrel, the Douglas has grizzled brown and gray fur with an orange underside. It’s about a foot long including a dark reddish-brown tail.
Its distinctive loud, chattering cry can be heard throughout our Mountain forests.
Their numbers have been declining in recent times, suffering pressure from invasive squirrels and the decline of its preferred habitat – mature mixed-conifer forests.
The Douglas is prevalent in our area and can be found as far east as The Dalles, John Day, Burns and Lakeview.
The Douglas’ preferred diet consists of fir, pine, spruce, berries, mushrooms, and hemlock cones and seeds.
American Red Squirrel They are found most often in our higher elevations in semi-open forests. They are about a foot long with fur that ranges from dark red to grey with a cream-colored underside.
The American red is best known for being extremely loud and raucous.
They prefer conifer seeds in the winter, but during the spring and summer they add flowers, berries, eggs, nestling birds and insects to their diet.
Northern Flying Squirrel This is our most distinctive of all Oregon squirrels, but because of its nocturnal nature, it is seldom seen. They have dark brown fur and can reach up to a foot in length.
Contrary to its name, this species doesn’t actually fly – unless you consider its unique skin folds that extend from foreleg to hind leg that allows it to glide from tree to tree as actual flight. This ability requires it to live in heavily forested areas, such as our own.
The bulk of their diet consists of fungi and lichens, but they will also eat seeds, nuts, insects, bird eggs and nestlings, and conifer cones.
Eastern Gray and Eastern Fox Squirrels (nonnative, invasive species) The effects of these two squirrels on Oregon’s ecosystems are not fully understood. However, there is enough evidence to consider them a threat to native squirrel populations.
They aggressively compete for food and nesting habitat and require far less territory to persist – and they can spread disease to native squirrels.
Unfortunately, they have a high reproductive potential, diverse food habits and a high tolerance of human activity which allows them to expand their range.
by Larry Berteau/MT
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| Maintaining Recreation Sites and Protecting the Watershed posted on 11/02/2014
A concerted effort is underway to shift the focus of land management in Mt. Hood National Forest (MHNF) from logging to watershed health, wildlife habitat and recreation.
The tip of the effort’s spear is Russ Plaeger, program director at Bark, of Portland.
Plaeger pointed out in an Oct. 22 letter to Lisa Northrop, forest supervisor for MHNF, that the most damaging activities in the forest are silent and subtle: the vast network of crumbling roads slowly leaking sediment into streams.
“Roads in the forest are a key topic in the letter,” Plaeger wrote in an email to The Mountain Times. “They’re important to people who want to access recreation sites. But unfortunately, this year, the Forest Service only had funding to maintain 15.8 percent of its approximately 3,000-mile road system in Mount Hood. That means that some roads to popular trailheads are in bad shape. With a deferred maintenance backlog of just under $52 million, things aren’t going to get better anytime soon.”
With this in mind, Plaeger urged the Forest Service to quit wasting money rebuilding old logging roads. He pointed to the $229,000 spent rebuilding previously decommissioned logging roads for the Jazz Timber Sale . The rebuilding of old logging roads also damages watershed restoration efforts that Plaeger managed as a member of the Sandy River Basin Watershed Council, prior to his position at Bark.
“We advocate that the Forest Service invest in fixing neglected roads that lead to campgrounds and trailheads, repairing trails forest-wide, and removing – instead of maintaining – unneeded, ecologically harmful roads,” Plaeger wrote in his letter.
The letter went on to urge a shift in priorities that: 1) substantially invest in recreation infrastructure; 2) significantly involve the public to create a Travel Analysis Process that right-sizes the Forest Service road system; 3) commit to increase road decommissioning efforts to improve watershed health and wildlife habitat; and 4) do not rebuild decommissioned roads.
To that end District Ranger Bill Westbrook is hosting a public open house from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 6, at the Zigzag Ranger Station.
Letter signers Plaeger’s letter to MHNF was co-signed by numerous organizations and individuals throughout the country, including the following members of the Mountain community: Christy Slovacek, owner of a music studio in Zigzag; Tom and Sonya Butler, owners of Mountain Sports in Welches; Don Mench, chairman of Mt. Hood Stewardship Council in Zigzag; Amber Spears, owner of Sissy Mama’s Bistro in Welches; Tracie Anderson and Tom Baker, owners of Skyway Bar & Grill in Zigzag; Hidee and Ryan Cummings, owners of Wraptitude Restaurant inWemme; and Brenda Taylor, owner of Zig Zag Zen Chiropractic & Yoga Studio inWelches.
by Larry Berteau/MT |
| Improvement Abound as Skibowl Preps for Season posted on 11/02/2014
Besides the normal off-season preventive maintenance and sprucing up, several larger projects guarantee a positive impact for this winter’s visitors to Mt. Hood Skibowl.
New Conveyor Lift The parking lot rope tow has been replaced with a new 210-foot conveyor lift (photo, right) that introduces new technology. New skiers and riders will have a much better experience learning the sport with this installation.
“This conveyor is a great addition to Skibowl,” said public relations chief Hans Wipper. “Many people who grew up with the rope tow will be sad, but I think everyone can agree that learning to ski or snowboard on a conveyor lift is much easier.”
Fusion Pass and Powder Alliance The Fusion Pass on Mount Hood is back, uniting the best of both Skibowl and Timberline Lodge ski areas for the most ski terrain at one low price. This season the Powder Alliance welcomes the 13th resort – Silver Star Mountain in British Columbia.
“This is the best season pass on the Mountain,” Wipper said. “You get America’s largest night ski area at Skibowl and the longest ski season in America at Timberline. The areas really compliment each other.”
Snow Tube and Adventure Park New this winter is the Tree Top Action Zone featuring a five-story Tarzan Freefall Swing and the six-story Tarzan Plunge. Both attractions are accessed by a series of balance bridges that increase in difficulty the higher you go.
Cosmic tubing has been expanded to include 200,000 more LED lights, plus an expanded laser light show and 100 new snow tubes have been added to the fleet.
“Cosmic tubing has really become popular,” Wipper said. “People love all the lights and music and having a fun activity to do in the evenings … and you’re never far from a warm fire or hot drink.”
Warming Hut The favorite mid-mountain stop received some much needed TLC (photo right). The Zigzag Ranger district was instrumental in providing funds for the repairs.
by Larry Berteau/MT
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| Ambassadors Offer a Student Voice posted on 11/02/2014
Last month, 10 students from Welches Middle School ventured up to Sandy High to hear a speaker discuss technology and how it interacts with their brains – both the benefits and the detriments. But their mission was more than just an educational one; the students are the school’s new student ambassadors, who were tasked to report back to administration to see if the speaker would be worthwhile to bring to Welches and speak to the entire student body.
Their answer: a resounding “yes.”
The student ambassador program started this year as a revamped leadership program. In past years, the school offered a leadership class as an elective and, more recently, as a club.
Principal Kendra Payne noted the leadership group, consisting of approximately 30 students, played a large role in planning activities, including the harvest festival, dances and more.
Student ambassadors, however, will serve as more of a conduit between students and staff, facilitating information and giving the student body a greater voice.
“We were just finding it too hard to run it as a class,” Payne said, adding that she sees the ambassadors potentially attending staff meetings and serving as mentors and mediators for their peers. “I think this model will be a better match for us in the next couple years.”
Ambassadors were selected at the beginning of the school year, with interested students filling out applications and then a vote by the student body. After teacher input, the ambassadors were selected (three for each grade with one alternative), led by the school’s new science teacher, Alison Conner.
Conner noted the new program is more student centered, rather than project centered, and that is part due to the support the school receives from the Mountain community.
“Because the PTC (parent teacher club) is so involved up here, these kids actually have an opportunity to talk about kids and what they think and what they feel ... and what they would like to see happen as far as improving student success,” she said.
The students have found the new program a different experience so far, including fewer meetings, but are eager to do their part.
“It’s really cool being able to help the school,” said eighth grade ambassador Aubrianna Covington, who participated in the leadership program before. “There’s so many things you need to help make better. I like helping out; it’s good to put yourself to use.”
Sixth grade ambassador Riley Andersen, as others did, noted that she hasn’t changed how she goes about the school day, but she does have a plan when it comes to her classmates.
“We can start asking the kids in our class, ‘What do you think we should do in the school?’” she said.
And despite a shift away from the projects the leadership class has helped out with in the past, the ambassadors are eager to continue helping out with them.
“I really like being part of the school, to decorate for dances and help be a part of things,” said eighth grade ambassador Savannah DiMicoli, who was also in the leadership program.
by Garth Guibord/MT |
|  Blast Off!
Three explosions, one of which was a test, rang out over the Mountain in September as part of the Oregon Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) “U.S. 26 Mt. Hood Highway Safety and Preservation Project.”
Kimberly Dinwiddie, ODOT Community Affairs, noted one blast included approximately 6,000 pounds of explosives to remove approximately 15,000 cubic yards of solid rock from a slope near Mirror Lake. Dinwiddie added that 120,000 total cubic yards or rocks and dirt had been removed from slopes along Hwy. 26 so far.
The success of the blasting also meant the cancellation of two days when blasting was scheduled, according to Dinwiddie.
“That means less closures for the trail users and the traveling public,” said Dinwiddie, adding that the project, which will expand the highway and add a 1.6-mile concrete median barrier to prevent crossover accidents, is proceeding as expected.
Work on the project will wrap up by Friday, Oct. 31, Dinwiddie noted, with all lanes reverting to their original configuration, but no firm date has been set. Dinwiddie added the weather will play a large role in that decision, but that erosion control measures are already on site and will be installed to fully stabilize all the slopes.
Another blast could potentially occur just west of Mirror Lake in early October, according to Dinwiddie. She added that all blasting necessitates the closure of nearby trails in addition to the highway and that hikers and pedestrians should keep away when explosives are being used.
“Blasting is not a spectator sport,” Dinwiddie said. “We’re not closing the road and the trails and the surrounding area for our own convenience, we’re doing it for people to stay safe and alive.”
Dinwiddie reported traffic through the construction area has lessened since the beginning of the school year, while fewer trucks have hauled soil on Lolo Pass Road than earlier in the summer.
She added that when the project starts up again in April 2015, the Lolo Pass dump site could be used again. The project is expected to run each year between April and October through 2016.
For more information, visit us26mthoodsafety.org and tripcheck.com.
by Garth Guibord/MT |
| Villages, Coalition Secure Grant for Safety Project posted on 10/01/2014
A $150,000 planning grant has been received by the county’s transportation department on behalf of the Villages at Mt. Hood Board of Directors and the Mt. Hood Bicycle/Pedestrian Coalition.
Coalition organizers George Wilson and Petr Kakes met in September with County and Oregon Department of Transportation officials as well as Villages board members to discuss which projects should be focused on and prioritized.
“As the traffic on Hwy. 26 continues to increase, so do the safety concerns for local and visiting pedestrians and cyclists,” Wilson said. “Our community must be proactive, and begin planning an effective strategy to improve our infrastructure to ensure children have a safe route to school, and that pedestrians and cyclists have safe access throughout our Mountain communities.”
On that note, in conjunction with County Transportation Supervisor Karen Beurig, County Transportation Project Leader Lori Mastrantonio, and ODOT Grant Manager Gail Curtis, the coalition identified the following projects to be pursued with the grant monies: – Bicycle/Pedestrian overpass on Hwy. 26.
– Controlled pedestrian crossing on Welches Road (Thriftway Shopping Center, Doctor’s office, Post Office). – Signage-paving of Still Creek Road as an alternate cycling route to Government Camp in order to avoid riding on Hwy. 26.
Local bicycle and pedestrian projects recently became eligible for state lottery funds through ConnectOregon – an initiative that ODOT uses to provide grants and loans to public and private entities to invest in, among other things, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure to ensure Oregon’s transportation system is strong, diverse and efficient.
The initiative is lottery funded through the legislature on a biannual basis.
The Mt. Hood Bicycle/Pedestrian Coalition’s main focus it to promote and educate, as well as outline project goals for the enhancement of bicycle/pedestrian infrastructure and safety for the villages of Mount Hood. The coalition’s website can be accessed at www.mthoodbikeped.com.
“We have included an easy search tool to conveniently locate local businesses of your choice while cycling or visiting throughout the villages of Mount Hood,” Wilson said. “We are currently adding local ride maps for both road cyclists and mountain bike riders.”
Wilson also noted that brochures are on the way, and will be placed in the visitor’s information center and local businesses.
If a local business wishes to be listed send information to info@mthoodbikeped.com and be added to the website for free.
by Larry Berteau/MT |
| Town Hall Offers Candidates Forum posted on 10/01/2014
Ballots for the November mid-term election will be arriving the second week of this month. The voting deadline is 8 p.m., Nov. 4.
Those still up in the air over some of the candidates will have an opportunity to see them face-to-face Oct. 18. The Villages at Mt. Hood Town Hall will be held from 9 a.m. to noon, Oct. 18, in the Trees Room at the Resort at the Mountain.
The Town Hall will feature a two-hour candidates forum and offer members of the Mountain community a chance to meet the candidates, ask questions about policy and opinion, and have their own voices heard. The forum includes:
– Incumbent Chuck Thomsen, State Senate District 26; – Candidate Robert Bruce, State Senate District 26; – Incumbent Mark Johnson, State House of Representatives District 52; – Candidate Stephanie Nystrom, State House of Representatives District 52; – Incumbent Sherry Hall, Clackamas County Clerk; – Candidate David Robinson, Clackamas County Clerk.
The Villages Board is also interested in polling the community as to the ultimate fate of The Dorman Center. The repurposing of the property – now owned by the County – remains undetermined at this point in time.
by Larry Berteau |
|  Warming Hut Gets a Facelift.
Skibowl’s Warming Hut is about to get warmer.
Petr Kakes, the manager of the historic Warming Hut at Skibowl, said the building has seen very limited maintenance since its construction in the 1930s – the biggest fix since then was the addition of some paneling inside to prevent snow from blowing through the walls when Kirk Hanna purchased the ski resort more than 20 years ago.
“I have been noticing, especially on rainy winter events, the water was accumulating from the surrounding area underneath; basically a river running through it,” Kakes said.
This fall, however, the Warming Hut (located mid-mountain at the bottom of the Upper Bowl) is being restored by the Mount Hood National Forest and Skibowl, including replacement of sill logs, repairs to log posts and repairs to the foundation.
The 32-feet by 22-feet hut, featuring one large open loft room and an enclosed porch and storage area, was originally constructed by the Forest Service through the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1937 and offers a warm respite and refreshments to skiers.
At first, the plan was for the hut to be built from stone, like warming shelters of a similar design throughout the Northwest, but another nearby project kept stone masons too busy to do more than one section.
“One theory is that all the stone masons were up at Timberline, so they decided to use wood instead and made one side a masonry chimney,” said Alexandra Wenzl, Mt. Hood National Forest historian.
The hut has seating for 40 and thanks to its picturesque location, with a perfect view of the summit of Mount Hood, also is the site of nearly 20 weddings per year during the summer.
Its location at the Upper Bowl also allows skiers and snowboarders to pop in for a break without going to the bottom of the mountain.
“The warming hut is packed every night, even during the week, especially during a good snow event,” Kakes said.
The U.S. Forest Service contributed $50,000, including $22,000 for materials and a preservation team, plus donated staff time, while Wenzl noted Skibowl staff has helped move rocks during the restoration.
Kakes pointed out that Zigzag District Ranger Bill Westbrook helped get the ball rolling for the project, adding that the building was a lower priority for his predecessors.
Wenzl estimated the hut is one of possibly six remaining in Oregon and Washington and added that it still is fulfilling its original purpose, to promote skiing and recreation on the Mountain.
After work is complete this fall, Wenzl said the hope is to repair the wood storage area and replace the roof sometime in the future, depending on when funding is available.
“Then it will last another 75 years … hopefully longer,” she said.
by Garth Guibord |
| Literacy Programs Help Students Get a Jump on Reading posted on 10/01/2014
Becky Fortune, Title-1 Family Liaison and Little Steps program coordinator at Welches School, still has her copy of Watty Piper’s “The Little Engine That Could.”
And now copies of that book could be on the shelves of preschool children all over the Mountain and throughout the school district, thanks to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
The program, now in its second year, is free for any children ages 0-5 who register, and families with multiple qualifying children can enroll them all.
Every month, each child will receive a free hard-cover book until their fifth birthday.
“It’s really good if you can instill a love of reading early on,” Fortune said. “It makes learning to read so much easier.”
Fortune notes that kids who get read to on a regular basis typically pick up the alphabet quicker, and kids can benefit from even just sitting and looking at pictures or retelling a story based on the pictures.
“Kids that are read to at home do better when they start school,” Fortune said.
T
he program, now in its second year in the school district, is sponsored locally by the Oregon Trail Education Foundation.
For more information or to register, visit oregontrailschools.com/otef/.
Fortune also noted the first meeting for Little Steps to School Success, a yearly program that introduces preschool students to the school setting, will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, at the Welches School, 24901 E. Salmon River Road.
The program is free and open to children who turned three by Aug. 31, 2014 and meets four times during the school year.
Meetings last one hour and feature a kindergarten teacher reading to the children, a free book for each child, activities for parents and children, plus strategies for parents to help enhance their child’s reading experience.
For more information call 503-622-3165.
by Garth Guibord/MT |
| Welches Elementary Drops a Level in State Assessment posted on 10/01/2014
The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) released report cards on school districts throughout the state last month, the second year in which schools are rated on a scale of 1-5 (five being best).
Welches Elementary School dropped from a level 4 in the 2012-13 school year to a level 3 in the 2013-14 school year, while Welches Middle School stayed at level 4 and Sandy High School rose from level 2 to level 3 (the high school lost a level in the 2012-13 school year due to a failed participation target in a subgroup).
Ratings are based on standardized test scores in reading and math, student achievement, the academic growth of subgroup populations and individual student growth over the prior year. Twenty-five percent of the rating is based on the percent of students who met or exceeded standards, another 25 percent on growth of students in subgroup populations and the remaining 50 percent is based on all student growth.
Oregon Trail School District’s Director of Teaching and Learning Debbie Johnson noted in an email to The Mountain Times that the state increased the threshold for schools to reach level four, which resulted in Welches Elementary School dropping to a level three despite improvements in reading and math.
She added that the staff is working diligently to address the academic needs of students in both the middle and elementary schools.
“In the elementary, this is done through targeted tiered intervention for reading and math where students receive additional instruction in a small group setting,” Johnson wrote. “In the middle school, students who are not at grade level in reading and math are placed in ‘lab’ classes to address their needs. Our goal is that all students are on track for their grade level by the end of the year.”
The district is also stressing student attendance this year and Johnson noted ODE changed its method for tracking attendance, moving from a “daily attendance” that counts how many students are present each day to the percentage of students who attend 90 percent or more of school days.
According to Johnson, last year the daily attendance averaged 94.5 percent and 94.45 percent for Welches Elementary School and Welches Middle School, respectively, but when totaling the number of students who attended school for 90 percent or more of the days, the numbers drop to 81 percent and 60 percent, respectively.
Similarly, Sandy High School attendance rated at 94.47 percent for “daily attendance,” but just 36 percent of students attended school at least 90 percent of the time.
“The (School) Board took a strong stance on the impacts attendance has on student achievement in June when they approved the updated attendance policy,” Johnson wrote. “If attendance impacts a student’s ability to demonstrate mastery of content standards, then the child can be retained or be required to repeat a course.”
Johnson noted the district utilizes a variety of assessments for student progress, including the developmental reading assessment for elementary students, embedded assessments within the new English language arts curriculum, writing work samples and unit tests in math for all grade levels. The district is also considering an interim assessment aligned with the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (testing based on the Common Core State Standards) performed twice a year for students in third grade through eighth grade and in 11th grade.
“We have to remember that state assessments, regardless of what it is, is a snapshot of what students know and can do,” Johnson added. “The classroom assessments tell the bigger picture of student progress.”
For more information and to view the full reports, visit www.ode.state.or.us.
by Garth Guibord/MT
|
|  Evan Jarvis, HFD Firefighter/Paramedic.
A bolt of lightning, a clap of thunder, and a killer cloudburst fell on the Sandy River at Ramona Falls just before 3 p.m. Aug. 12.
The river level rose immediately, collapsing the footbridge at Ramona Falls, and the raging rapids swept away Brent Ludwig, 34, of New Lenox, Illinois. He was washed off the bridge and his body was discovered one mile downstream. He had drowned.
Twenty three other hikers were stranded on the opposite side of the river – including four members of Ludwig’s family – and after several hours they were brought to safety by a swift water rescue employing rapid deployment crafts of the Clackamas County Water Rescue Consortium.
Several teams of rescuers were sent to the scene following a 911 call. Other units searched the river bank downstream for the missing hiker, including Evan Jarvis, 25, of Welches, a firefighter-paramedic of the Hoodland Fire Department.
On receiving the alert, Jarvis, along with volunteer firefighter Luke Fortune, took off in the Rescue 251 vehicle with rescue packs, life preservers and throw bags.
“We knew of stranded people upriver, but our job was to focus downstream for the man in the water,” Jarvis told The Mountain Times.
From the Brightwood trailhead the pair started upstream under miserable conditions.
“There were no radio communications, it was pouring rain, and the Sandy River looked like a chocolate fountain,” Jarvis said.
“There was no walking room due to the swollen river and we had to go up embankments, through ravines, over fallen trees, and even had to hack our way through a stand of alder that were no more than a foot apart.”
All the while, concern grew from knowing they might be missing the endangered hiker as their course necessarily took them out of sight of the river.
“Also, when we got near the river, there were trees flying by and the river was so fast, so dark, we knew he could go by,” Jarvis said.
After more than two hours into the search, finally in radio communication, Jarvis received word the hiker had been found.
Cold, wet and tired, Jarvis and Fortune abandoned the search, with new respect for nature’s power.
“The rushing water, the sound of boulders striking together, it was an incredible show of force,” Jarvis said.
Responding agencies included Hoodland Fire, Sandy Fire, Clackamas County Search and Rescue, Clackamas County Dive Rescue, Pacific Northwest Search and Rescue, Lake Oswego Fire, Gladstone Fire, Tualatin Valley Fire, Clackamas County Fire District 1, US Forest Service, Oregon State Police and Mountain Wave Communications.
by Larry Berteau/MT |
| Hwy. 26 Blasting Expected Early This Month posted on 09/01/2014
Blasting of rock faces on Hwy. 26 for the “U.S. 26 Mt. Hood Highway Safety and Preservation Project” did not occur in late August, as expected, but was set to begin in the first week of September, according to Kimberly Dinwiddie, Oregon Department of Transportation Community Affairs.
Dinwiddie noted the contractor, K&E Excavating, was able to remove much of the rock without blasting.
Dinwiddie added that the project, which will expand the highway and add a 1.6-mile concrete median barrier to prevent crossover accidents, was also delayed due to stopping all work for the safety of runners during the Hood to Coast relay.
Work will stop again for Labor Day, but the contractor is expected to work longer days through this month and early September to make up the lost time.
They are still hopeful to complete work on the north slope of the project before it stops for the winter season in November.
Construction is expected to take place between April and October through 2016. For more information, visit us26mthoodsafety.org and tripcheck.com.
by Garth Guibord/MT |
|  Lynette Xanders spearheads effort.
A common take on artisans is they are a madcap group of disorganized genius.
Lynette Xanders, of Brightwood, and a merry band of Mountain artists are brushing that notion aside, having created an e-gallery website and have a hard-copy book set to launch in December.
Xanders is founder and CEO of Wild Alchemy, a Portland-based company that crafts information into brand positioning, marketing and innovation strategies.
She also paints, renovates children’s furniture, likes her Mountain home, and has the vision to reinforce her artistic desires.
“I’m more selfish than altruistic,” Xanders told The Mountain Times. “I want the double luxury of living up here as an artist.”
She also noted that sales outlets for artists have been limited in the past, and the website and book are an attempt to solve this problem. “It has to be easier than this,” she said of the present state.
The website, MtHoodArtisans.com, provides viewers the opportunity to see local artist’s portfolios and be able to purchase work through links to artist websites or their contact information.
“This site is being created by a local group of people as a service to the local artist community,” Xanders wrote in a concept overview. “It is intended to bring awareness, access and customers to artisans in the Mount Hood area … The site itself is being created through donations and volunteerism. It is not set up to be profitable, but it must be sustainable.”
Xanders’ husband, Chris Martin, is managing business operations, and Lisa Riversong, a Mountain artist and teacher, is in charge of outreach and community relations.
The MHA website is designed to showcase artists across multi-media platforms, including but not limited to photography, jewelry, knitwear, furniture, glassworks, paintings – whether a full-time or part-time pursuit. All participants must be majority owners of their businesses.
Current MHA members include Xanders, Riversong, Jen Andersen Fibre, Aaron & Caleb Gabbert Glass, Pete Bady Photo, Jerry Cave Jewelry, Andunn Einarsson (Seaburg) Paint and Steve Ludeman Watercolor. New additions, “Hopefully soon,” Xanders said, include John Smith, Judy Cave, Jason Johnston, Mel Mutterspaugh, Sue Allen, Allison Collins, Josh Frazier, Patty Chesla, Danielle, Gary Randall, Ryan Peloquin, Jard and Mark Dulcie.
Other artisans should contact Chris Martin at 503-622-1776 or info@mthoodartisans.com.
The upcoming book, slated for December, will be a 4-color catalogue to be placed in restaurants and rental units in the Mountain area.
“This is a way to showcase our local artists,” Xanders said. “It’s a way for locals to buy from locals, and to bring in outside dollars to our community.”
by Larry Berteau/MT |
| Boulder Timber Sale Moves Forward posted on 09/01/2014
At a July 29 meeting, Clackamas County Commissioners voted 4-0 (one excused) to decline an offer by Western Rivers Conservancy (WRC) to purchase approximately 140 acres out of a larger 340 acre parcel, and gave the go ahead to start the bidding process for eventual logging.
WRC submitted a proposal at the end of May to purchase the smaller section, and the county postponed sending the harvest out to bid for one month in an attempt to strike a deal.
Clackamas County Parks and Forests Manager Rick Gruen noted the deal was contingent on getting a value that met the market value for the price of timber on the land and the value of the land itself, giving the county the opportunity to purchase other property.
“We couldn’t do either satisfactorily,” Gruen said. “It’s very important to us to pay for acquisitions out of capital dollars.”
Gruen declined to reveal how much WRC offered for the property, but the county did not submit a counter offer.
He added the county has been in “open communication” with WRC and would consider a new offer from the organization in the future.
“They know where they need to get to,” Gruen said.
The project is expected to go to bid as early as late September or early October, and Gruen noted the likeliest start time for logging on the property would be in the summer of 2015.
The sale would represent three years of timber harvest and should yield approximately 6.4 million board feet, with money from the sale going into a county fund used to run its parks and forest programs.
Gruen added the county expected a geotechnical report from an outside consulting firm in late August, further detailing slide potential on the site and impact on Country Club Road from logging trucks and offering recommendations.
“If they do find evidence of that, we’ll adjust accordingly,” Gruen said, adding that the county has already adjusted the logging plan to increase buffer widths, create a 12-acre no-cut zone to preserve the view from the Mount Hood Village RV Resort and modified hours of operations.
The WRC did not respond to a request for comments.
by Garth Guibord/MT |
| Boulder Timber Sale Moves Forward posted on 09/01/2014
At a July 29 meeting, Clackamas County Commissioners voted 4-0 (one excused) to decline an offer by Western Rivers Conservancy (WRC) to purchase approximately 140 acres out of a larger 340 acre parcel, and gave the go ahead to start the bidding process for eventual logging.
WRC submitted a proposal at the end of May to purchase the smaller section, and the county postponed sending the harvest out to bid for one month in an attempt to strike a deal.
Clackamas County Parks and Forests Manager Rick Gruen noted the deal was contingent on getting a value that met the market value for the price of timber on the land and the value of the land itself, giving the county the opportunity to purchase other property.
“We couldn’t do either satisfactorily,” Gruen said. “It’s very important to us to pay for acquisitions out of capital dollars.”
Gruen declined to reveal how much WRC offered for the property, but the county did not submit a counter offer.
He added the county has been in “open communication” with WRC and would consider a new offer from the organization in the future.
“They know where they need to get to,” Gruen said.
The project is expected to go to bid as early as late September or early October, and Gruen noted the likeliest start time for logging on the property would be in the summer of 2015.
The sale would represent three years of timber harvest and should yield approximately 6.4 million board feet, with money from the sale going into a county fund used to run its parks and forest programs.
Gruen added the county expected a geotechnical report from an outside consulting firm in late August, further detailing slide potential on the site and impact on Country Club Road from logging trucks and offering recommendations.
“If they do find evidence of that, we’ll adjust accordingly,” Gruen said, adding that the county has already adjusted the logging plan to increase buffer widths, create a 12-acre no-cut zone to preserve the view from the Mount Hood Village RV Resort and modified hours of operations.
The WRC did not respond to a request for comments.
by Garth Guibord/MT |
| Sandy Residents Show Support for Pool posted on 09/01/2014
A survey conducted by Moore Information for the City of Sandy between July 14 and 22 revealed a total of 82 percent of respondents believe the continued operation of the Olin Y. Bignall Aquatic Center is either “very important” or “fairly important.”
Fifty-five percent of respondents also supported the idea of the city purchasing the Cedar Ridge Middle School campus, Sandy skate park and the pool to create a recreational hub.
Two hundred residents were surveyed via cell phones and land lines.
“I was actually pleasantly surprised by the level of support,” said Sandy City Manager Seth Atkinson, who presented the survey results to city council Aug. 4. “We could tell that even amongst those people who didn’t want to fund anything, continued operation of the pool was a big priority.”
Atkinson also noted the property was appraised at $2.2 million for the land and $230,000 for the building (the appraisal did not include value of timber on the land, value for the track or furnishings or fixtures in the building).
Atkinson added that it was assumed any renovations needed for the pool and skate park negated their value. The council also instructed Atkinson to create a schedule of events to extend the urban renewal area.
Julia Monteith, Oregon Trail School District Communications Director, noted the district expects to have an appraisal of the property performed by sometime in early September.
After that appraisal, Atkinson said the two entities will have to come to a final figure if the sale is to go through, adding that any sale would be a large transaction for both parties with some logistics to be worked out.
“It’s a slow moving train, but it’s moving,” Atkinson said. “We can’t make a purchase like this quickly. I would hope taxpayers wouldn’t want us to. We both want to take our time and do it right.”
Atkinson added that if the sale goes through, the city will still need to figure out what kind of fee city residents might see on their utility bill to help pay for pool operations. As it stands, the fee could be between $3 and $7, which had differing degrees of support from residents in the survey (73 percent and 53 percent of respondents had either “strong support” or “support” for $3 and $7 fees, respectively).
“We think we’ll be able to do it for something within that range,” Atkinson said.
Monteith noted the district is enthusiastic about the support from the city’s residents for the pool and recreation hub and about a potential sale.
“We are pleased with the results of the survey,” she wrote in an e-mail to The Mountain Times. “A good percentage of our community supports paying a small fee to allow the City to operate the pool, and they support the concept of a recreation campus.
“This is an exciting opportunity that we will continue to discuss with the City in hopes of reaching an agreement that best serves our students and community.”
by Garth Guibord/MT |
|  Black bear and her cub.
Black bears are not always black. Often, they are brown, blonde, and sometimes cinnamon. But all bears that roam our Mountain community are black bears. If you’re still confused, just call them bears. But refrain from calling them to dinner.
The black bear is the most common of bear species in the U.S., and the only one found in our area. It is estimated there are about 30,000 in Oregon, and they thrive on the Mountain. They vary greatly in size based on where they live. Our black bears average between 130 and 190 pounds and five to seven feet in length – but can occasionally top out at as much as 500 pounds. The record size was recorded in New Brunswick at 1,100 pounds.
The black bear is clever and can use its paws and claws to open screw-top jars and door latches. Their physical strength is remarkable, with cubs able to flip over 300-pound rocks. They are sure-footed, and can reach speeds of 30 mph. They are strong swimmers, and besides looking for fish, will often swim for pure pleasure.
As indicated in Gary Brown’s “Great Bear Almanac,” they make 20 different sounds, including growls, woofs, snorts, bellows and roars. The black bear has much better eyesight and hearing than humans, and a sense of smell seven times keener than dogs, according to Brown.
The black bear breeding period usually occurs between June and July. Both sexes are promiscuous. The gestation period lasts 235 days with litters typically of two or three cubs being born in January or February. The average lifespan of our local bear is 18 years.
Typically, they enter their dens in October or November after putting on up to 30 pounds of body fat to get them through the 3-to-5 month hibernation.
Biologist Susan Barnes of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, has encountered bears during her adventures in the woods. While participating in a population study in the Bull Run Watershed she came across a mother and her cubs.
“The sow reared up on her hind legs,” Barnes said. “This allowed the cubs to climb a tree.”
That was apparently the end of the confrontation, as Barnes is around to tell the tale.
She also noted that a bear rearing up is not usually a sign of aggression, rather an attempt to get a better view of the situation and to pick up a scent.
The black bear without doubt has the ability to kill a human, but they tend to avoid us whenever possible. They rarely attack, instead resorting to mock charges, digging at the ground with their forepaws and making aggressive blowing noises.
However, they can be motivated by hunger, especially if they have become habituated to humans, as around campgrounds, garbage dumps, and natural feeding grounds like berry patches.
They are omnivorous, with grass, fruit and berries supplying the bulk of their diets. They will include the occasional mammal and amphibian, and, according to Barnes, enjoy the odd insect as well.
Humans should never allow our black bears access to food, garbage, or outdoor pet feeders. Once they find such a feeding ground they can become a real threat to human safety – often leading to the bear needing to be destroyed.
In short, they belong in the wild and we should never provide the bear with the temptation of becoming habituated.
Safety Steps Keep pet foods indoors; Hang bird feeders from a wire at least 10 feet off the ground and 10 feet from the trunk; Add lime to compost piles to reduce odors, and never compost meat, bones, fruit or grease; Secure garbage cans in a garage or shed; Take garbage with you when leaving a vacation home; Don’t leave scented candles, soap or suntan lotions outdoors or near open windows; When berry picking, don’t go alone, make noise, even carry a whistle. When camping: Keep you campsite clean; Sleep at least 100 yards from cooking areas; Keep pets on leashes; Give any bear you encounter a way to escape, step off the trail and slowly walk away, stay calm, avoid eye contact; In the unlikely event of attack, fight back, shout, be aggressive, use rocks, sticks and hands to fend off the attack; Pitch your tent away from dense brush and avoid what might be an animal trail to a river or stream; Use a flashlight at night; and, don’t camp alone.
Mythology Bears figure prominently in the culture of nearly every American Indian tribe.
They are considered to have magical powers and are symbols of strength and wisdom and are associated with healing and medicine.
A bear’s claw was one of the talismans frequently included in medicine bundles, and warriors of many tribes wore bear claw necklaces to provide power and strength.
Some tribes also tell stories about monsters resembling man-eating bears the size of elephants which prey on innocent people and must be slain by heroes.
The devoted maternal behavior of female bears is often noted in folktales with mother bears sacrificing themselves for their cubs or adopting human children.
by Larry Berteau/MT
|
|  Jean Ludeman gets doused for ALS
Jean Ludeman, of Welches, took the ice bucket challenge with good humor and a serious desire to raise money for research in the battle against Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
Getting donors to make pledges for the research, the national phenomenon has raised more than $80 million. Ludeman did her part, getting doused and picking up more than $600 in contributions.
“It wasn’t too bad,” Ludeman said, even after getting a surprise second bucket from her husband, Steve Ludeman, while doubling his pledge. “But the slow pour wasn’t so nice,” she added, noting that Steve had begun with an excruciating trickle from the bucket.
Jean’s connection to ALS is a personal one. Her former husband, Dennis Obert, died of the dreaded disease. Donors are still pouring in, even after the pouring of the ice water, and her goal is to raise $1,000. In that effort, she has challenged Obert’s daughter and family in Eugene.
“They’re next,” she said, adding, “I appreciate all the support from everyone.”
by Larry Berteau/MT
|
|  The Big Dig
The Oregon Department of Transportation began work on the “U.S. 26 Mt. Hood Highway Safety and Preservation Project” last month, establishing a temporary work zone, reducing traffic to one lane and starting to remove trees and the overburden to prepare hillsides for later excavations.
The project, expected to run between April and October through 2016, will expand the highway and add a 1.6-mile concrete median barrier to prevent crossover accidents.
Kimberly Dinwiddie, ODOT Community Affairs, noted the work has caused some expected disruptions for members of the community and travelers, but no major disruptions in the early going.
She reported that the high temperatures in mid July did not stop the work.
“Our crews are tough and they worked through it,” Dinwiddie said.“It’ll have to be a really major event for us to pull work off of this project.”
Dinwiddie added one early aspect of the project includes trucks transporting some of the material removed from the highway hillsides to Lolo Pass Road. She is aware of the safety concerns, including pedestrians and bikers who use the road, and noted the area where the material is being taken is the most likely one ODOT will use ahead of winter weather, so it will be filled first.
Anna M’Kinne, who lives on Lolo Pass Road, expressed her concerns about the lack of available information regarding the trucks, noting she was unaware of the expected truck use and the increased danger to everyone who uses the road.
“It is reasonable to expect advance access to information-data that we can proactively use (if we choose) to do our best to stay safe,” she wrote in an e-mail to the Mountain Times.
The trucks are expected to use Lolo Pass Road Monday through Saturday during daytime hours, with no hauling on Sunday.
Similarly, trucks are expected to haul material on Trillium Lake Road to another site during the weekdays, but ending at noon on Friday with no further hauling over the weekend so as not to disturb campers.
Dinwiddie noted the project’s contractor, K&E Excavating, is expected to try and limit the blasting of rock faces and utilize other methods of excavation when possible.
“That’s better for everybody, it’s better for the community and travelers,” Dinwiddie said, adding that it will be sometime in mid to late August when blasting would begin.
K&E expects to complete work on most of the slopes on the north side of the highway and attempt to start drainage work before work shuts down for the winter months, according to Dinwiddie.
Dinwiddie reported early traffic delays on Hwy. 26 in the 10-minute range, but she expects when the blasting begins it will lead to road closures of up to one hour between 5:30-7:30 p.m. on up to three days per week from Monday through Thursday.
Traffic will back up for approximately one and one-half miles in the eastbound direction (but traffic is not expected to reach Rhododendron) and approximately one mile in the westbound direction.
Hoodland Fire District Chief Mic Eby has driven through the construction zone, but did not experience any delays.
He does have concerns about potential delays to accidents on the east side of the project when the blasting occurs and will request a system to notify ODOT when HFD responders are heading up the mountain to stop blasting and allow safe and quick passage through the construction zone.
For more information, please visit the website us26mthoodsafety.org and tripcheck.com.
by Garth Guibord/MT
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|  HWC hands over the check.
The Hoodland Women’s Club made good on its promise to contribute to the community in the wake of its foiled attempt at creating a new community center. Out of the ashes rises the Mt. Hood Learning Center.
The HWC redirected $15,253 from donors and foundations to finance the learning center and pre-school program and daycare facility at Welches School. Fittingly, the check was presented July 25 on the school’s playground.
“We are grateful for these monies that have been donated by several organizations,” said Alicia Sperr, president of Mt. Hood Learning Center. “We are excited to put these monies to good use and to create a very needed program for our community children.”
In the spring of 2013 the HWC saw its 12-year dream of building a new community center come up short as costs exceeded monies raised by $700,000. But the club was determined to make certain their efforts were not in vain, and sent letters asking donors if they would redirect their contributions to other projects. Many donors agreed, and the learning center took flight.
“As a retired educator and grandma of school-aged children, I feel having the pre-school program and the before and after-school daycare located in the Welches School building is a great option for parents,” said Kay Baker of the HWC. “The transition between pre-school and kindergarten will be more seamless. Having before and after-school daycare available on site … will open options for working parents.”
The Mt. Hood Learning Center is a non-profit organization that was formed in January 2014 by four local mothers who saw a need to provide a pre-school and childcare program to be located at Welches School.
The community lost its facility a few years ago and Sperr, along with learning center board members Maria Burke, vice president, Jocelyn Van Hee, secretary, and Jessica Tagliafico, treasurer, contacted Welches School Principal Kendra Payne, then approached Liz Claussen of the HWC, to assist in their program.
“Once the Hoodland Women’s Club made the decision to cancel the plans on the new community center, it was great to hear that they listed us as a program to redirect those already donated funds to,” Sperr said.
The learning center is now enrolling and will open the doors Aug. 4. An open house will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Aug.13, at Welches School.
For more information e-mail mthoodlc@gmail.com, or call Alicia Sperr at 503-816-3389, or go to the website at www.mthoodlc.com.
by Larry Berteau/MT |
|  American Beaver
Our forest community is host to the American beaver and mountain beaver. The former is the largest rodent in North America – top logging weight averaging 40 pounds – while the latter is half that size.
In fact, the mountain beaver is not a beaver at all. Known affectionately as “Boomer,” the mountain variety is referred to as a beaver due to its beaver tendencies. They gnaw bark and cut off limbs like their American cousins.
The mountain beaver is thought to be the world’s most primitive living rodent species. They are about a foot long and resemble overgrown hamsters. Their tails are rudimentary, but they maintain the sharp teeth and claws for gnawing, digging and climbing.
They are not particular about their diet, feasting on ferns, vine maples, salmon berry, rhododendrons, dogwoods, maples, alders and conifers – just about anything that grows in the Mountain community.
Unlike the American beaver, this smaller version does not build dams across waterways, preferring to burrow into homemade tunnels that can extend 10 feet underground across a territory of two acres or more.
“They are more secretive (than American beavers) and spend most of their time underground,” said Susan Barnes, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife biologist. “Landowners will sometimes complain they chew newly planted seedlings.”
But Barnes was quick to point out the benefits far outweigh the shortcomings. “Their burrowing aerates soil, their scat acts as fertilizer, and their gnawing becomes space for woodpeckers.”
The American beaver is the hefty cousin that can top 40 pounds into a 3-foot frame. They are not only master loggers, they are extraordinary engineers.
The nose and ears seal out water, the hind feet are webbed, large incisor teeth are used to cut down trees and peel bark while eating. They have poor eyesight but a keen sense of sight and smell. They are territorial and will mark their areas with a pungent oil called castoreum.
The sound of flowing water is all this beaver needs to stimulate its damming instinct. Their structures can be as high as 10 feet and stretch more than 150 feet. Utilizing their engineering expertise, they will often leave a leak in their dam to allow the flow of water, especially during times of high water.
They constantly repair their dams and can rebuild them in quick fashion.
Beavers choosing habitats of calm water – lakes, ponds or marshes – do not build dams.
Beaver dams provide a deep water hideout from predators, an area to store food, stay warm, and give birth and raise their young – called kits.
Mates live together for many years, and often for life. They breed between January and March, have litters of as many as eight kits between April and June, and the kits are weaned at 10 to 12 weeks of age. Most kits will hang around until two years old before going off in search of mates and areas to create new colonies.
Most of the conflicts with beavers are caused by human activity. Barnes cited roads and houses being built too close to streams and under-sized culverts as examples.
“But the advantages are many,” Barnes said. “Dam building creates valuable wetlands and habitats essential to a healthy environment – including habitats for fish to grow and hide, and basking areas for turtles. Wetlands are like sponges, absorbing moisture, reducing flooding and providing important nutrients.”
Back in the 1800s beaver became nearly extinct due to trapping for pelts. The collapse of the fur market helped rescue the valuable rodents.
A trapping season still exists, from Nov. 15 to March 15. Common predators include coyotes, owls, cougars and bears. Large numbers of the mountain beaver are often trapped to prevent damage to newly seeded or planted commercial forests. Occasionally, they are relocated.
Beaver are not aggressive by nature, but they are not without weapons.
Barnes told The Mountain Times there are a couple incidents that have been reported on the east coast of beavers having bit the butts of swimmers.
There have been no such incidents reported on the west coast, suggesting our Mountain beavers have a healthy amount of derriere respect.
by Larry Berteau/MT |
| 'Bite' Money Serves the Community posted on 08/02/2014
More than 1,000 people attended the Mt. Hood Area Chamber of Commerce’s “Bite of Mt. Hood” in April, according to the chamber president Coni Scott, but it turns out the event did more than feed the hungry masses while bidding on various auctions.
The chamber also fed back into the community the proceeds from the event, giving $11,600 to 14 area organizations and groups, plus more than 1,600 food items for the Neighborhood Missions, at the chamber’s July 1 meeting.
“I have really strong feelings about us all working together as a community,” said Scott, who noted the chamber’s board decided not to release the specific amounts of each donation. “We’re not a town, we don’t have paid people. I think it’s just marvelous that our community can pool our personal strengths together to create the best.”
Scott said she solicited suggestions from board members on which groups to help. Last year, money went to support tourism at the new information center at the Zigzag Ranger Station.
Recipients of the funds did not know of the donations in advance, but the reactions were joyful, as expected. Judith Norvall, Chairwoman for the Friends of the Hoodland Library, said she was “amazed” at the money, noting it would be used to increase the library’s DVD collection and for magazine subscriptions.
“The staff at the library was absolutely thrilled,” Norvall said. “(We were) wondering where money was going to come from to renew subscriptions.”
Cris Crislip, Executive Director of the Hoodland Emergency Action Response Team, said his group has had to use paper as a stand-in for bandages during training exercises recently, making his team “visualize or pretend to put a dressing on.” The money they received will go toward new medical supplies and new student manuals to help with basic certification classes.
“I was pretty overwhelmed because I had no idea we would receive funds,” Crislip said. “I think it motivates us to want to be more professional, more involved and more community minded.”
Other organizations receiving money were the Welches School, which will expand technology resources; Mt. Hood Lions Club, used for Christmas baskets and testing for glasses and hearing aids; Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp, which will make kitchen and phone upgrades; Girl Scout Troop #40268, which will help pay train tickets to attend summer camp; the Oral Hull Foundation for the Blind, which will support a confidence building workshop; the Mt. Hood Learning Center, to help start up preschool and daycare; the National Alliance on Mental Illness Clackamas Education and Support, which will offer training for law enforcement and community education; the Hoodland Volunteer Support Group, which will purchase bicycle helmets for young in the community; Clackamas Women’s Services (Rural Outreach), to upgrade office equipment and rural services; Mt. Hood Hospice, which will help assist families with their pets during the dying process; Boy Scout Troop #173, which will help 10 scouts go to summer camp; and the Hoodland Senior Center, which will be used toward a budget shortfall of 750 meals within the nutrition program.
by Garth Guibord/MT |
| School Adds Two Administrators posted on 08/02/2014
The Oregon Trail School District (OTSD) announced the hiring of Rachael George as the new principal of Sandy Grade School. George is the second new administrator to join the district this summer, following the hire of Nicole Johnston as the new principal at Cedar Ridge Middle School in Sandy.
The district was expected to also announce a new principal for the Oregon Trail Primary Academy during the last week of July, following the departure of principal James Miliken, who previously served as the Teacher on Special Assignment at Welches Schools.
Julia Monteith, district communications director, noted the search process was a little more challenging due to resignations occurring later in the summer than what is ideal. “We are fortunate to have found such a highly qualified candidate in a rather short period of time,” added Superintendent Aaron Bayer in a press release about the George’s hiring.
George has experience teaching in elementary, middle and high school and most recently served as the principal at Lorna Byrne Middle School in the Three Rivers School District in Grants Pass.
Johnston grew up in Sandy, attending Cedar Ridge Middle School and graduating from Sandy High School, and has experience as a language arts teacher, instructional coach and substitute administrator at Centennial High School in Gresham.
Pool update The OTSD and City of Sandy recently concluded a phone survey to gauge the interest of city residents in taking over operations of the Olin Bignall Aquatic Center, including a possible utility fee of up to $7 per month (with city residents receiving a reduced rate for use of the pool).
City Manager Seth Atkinson is expected to address the city council some time in August with the results, and declined to share any specifics from the survey before he did so.
“Overall I can say the response was generally positive feedback,” Atkinson wrote in an email to The Mountain Times.
by Garth Guibord/MT |
| School Adds Two Administrators posted on 08/02/2014
The Oregon Trail School District (OTSD) announced the hiring of Rachael George as the new principal of Sandy Grade School. George is the second new administrator to join the district this summer, following the hire of Nicole Johnston as the new principal at Cedar Ridge Middle School in Sandy.
The district was expected to also announce a new principal for the Oregon Trail Primary Academy during the last week of July, following the departure of principal James Miliken, who previously served as the Teacher on Special Assignment at Welches Schools.
Julia Monteith, district communications director, noted the search process was a little more challenging due to resignations occurring later in the summer than what is ideal. “We are fortunate to have found such a highly qualified candidate in a rather short period of time,” added Superintendent Aaron Bayer in a press release about the George’s hiring.
George has experience teaching in elementary, middle and high school and most recently served as the principal at Lorna Byrne Middle School in the Three Rivers School District in Grants Pass.
Johnston grew up in Sandy, attending Cedar Ridge Middle School and graduating from Sandy High School, and has experience as a language arts teacher, instructional coach and substitute administrator at Centennial High School in Gresham.
Pool update The OTSD and City of Sandy recently concluded a phone survey to gauge the interest of city residents in taking over operations of the Olin Bignall Aquatic Center, including a possible utility fee of up to $7 per month (with city residents receiving a reduced rate for use of the pool).
City Manager Seth Atkinson is expected to address the city council some time in August with the results, and declined to share any specifics from the survey before he did so.
“Overall I can say the response was generally positive feedback,” Atkinson wrote in an email to The Mountain Times.
by Garth Guibord/MT |
|  Organic Sandy's new digs.
When Studebakers ruled the road, and apple pies cooled on window sills, mom and pop run corner stores displayed pesticide-free fresh fruits and vegetables where granny wandered the aisles seeking the perfect melon.
Organic Sandy, located at 39750 Hwy. 26, Sandy, has created such a place after its modest debut in the summer of 2013 when it offered local produce from a $60 popup tent on a corner in Sandy.
“I just wanted enough food for us to eat, I was not intentionally wanting to start a business,” owner Jennifer Davis said.
Since the humble beginnings of the corner tent, Davis has succeeded in creating a welcoming store selling produce which is mostly organic and where her goal is to have 80 percent organic goods available.
Fifty percent of her produce comes from local farmers and the remainder from the Organically Grown Company in Portland. She pointed out that some produce is certified, and some is not, as local farmers don’t always have means for organic certifications, but there is no use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or GMO seeds in any of her produce.
To pass Davis’ muster, products sold in her store must meet those high standards. Products include honey, eggs, milk, various dry goods, meats, cheeses, wine and local brews, with growler fills available.
To quench your thirst, try some Kombucha, a sparkling probiotic tea, or an in-house made smoothie blended with anything that takes your fancy in the store. And remember to take your own jar if you want to buy honey.
Organic Sandy also hosts a Friday night market where people who may not otherwise have tried organic food or produce before can give it a go.
“There are a lot of first timers at the market,” Davis said. “They can come, try it out and not be intimidated, and once people realize organic food is not so expensive, they come back to the store.”
The outdoor Friday night Farmer’s Market runs from 4-9 p.m. and continues through the end of August.
Offerings include fresh local produce, food and crafts and a different live band plays each week. It’s a good place to simultaneously tap your toes, browse the crafts and sample nutritious food.
“Everybody meets where there is food, and conservatives and liberals all agree that good food is important,” she said. “Food, art and music are an essential part of nourishment.”
Davis’ future plans include “to just find more local stuff and keep doing what we’re doing. You get up every morning and do it again, and you keep trying until you find what works, you’re not going to get it right the first time. We’re still growing,”
by Frances Berteau/MT |
|  Gabby Webber, Ronnie Mitcham, Hanna Benson (L-R).
During the Nixon administration (the night of June 12, 1962) Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers attempted an escape from Alcatraz. It is unknown whether they succeeded or not, but it is doubtful they were able to manage the cold water and tumultuous currents of San Francisco Bay.
Fast forward to June 7, 2014, when 900 open-water swimmers left Alcatraz and headed for Fisherman’s Wharf, mimicking the Morris-Anglin attempt in an event dubbed Sharkfest Swim.
Among that daring group was Gabby Webber, 16, of Rhododendron; Hanna Benson, 16, of Welches; and Ronnie Mitcham, 65, of Welches. There was no mystery surrounding this trio’s success.
They escaped.
The dangers were evident: swells, whitecaps, wind and the notorious reputation of the bay being infested by sharks.
Webber shrugged off the idea of being eaten by a shark.
“Sharks? They were never a concern,” she said.
Benson had done her shark research in advance.
“I Googled shark attacks (before I went),” she said. “I found out there are more vending machine deaths than shark attack deaths.”
Mitcham, who was facing the shark challenge for the second consecutive year, confessed only a slight concern.
“Before jumping in, yes, they crossed my mind,” she said. “But once in the water you have to focus.”
And the Mountain trio kept going. In fact, Mitcham won her age class (65 and over) in a crisp 62 minutes. Webber and Benson weren’t far behind, sticking together throughout the 1.5-mile swim and finishing in 63 minutes.
The journey through the frigid 58-degree bay waters attracted swimmers from 38 states and 18 countries – including ages from 10 to 81, plus three disabled veterans and the Mountain entrants.
There were boat escorts along the route, with monitors prepared to pluck swimmers who got in trouble.
“Every second it was like I was never going to make it,” Benson said. “But there was no way I was getting out of the water.”
“It seemed like I was not moving at all,” Webber said. “Every time I looked up the shore wasn’t getting any closer.”
“You just keep going,” Mitcham said. “But the conditions this year were a lot more of a challenge (than last year).”
Mitcham swam competitively as a youngster but took a break from her fitness regimen during her middle-aged years. Later, she decided to get healthy again and started swim training at Mount Hood Athletic Club in Sandy.
Webber and Benson prepped for Sharkfest as members of the Sandy High swim and water polo teams.
Mitcham’s next adventure is to take on the Crater Lake Rim Run in August. For Webber and Benson, they can’t wait until they’re 18. They want to sky dive.
It should be safe enough. There won’t be any sharks.
by Larry Berteau/MT
|
| Boulder Timber Sale Put On Hold posted on 07/01/2014
At a Tuesday, June 17 meeting, the Clackamas County Commissioners decided to give County Forester Dan Green a month to negotiate a possible sale of part of a 180-acre section known as the Boulder Timber Sale, to Western Rivers Conservancy.
The land, part of a larger 340-acre property owned by the county, is slated to be harvested as recommended by the Clackamas County’s Timber Sale Advisory Committee (TSAC) earlier in the month, yielding approximately 6.4 million board feet. County Forester Dan Green noted the commissioners had two instructions regarding the bid: get enough from the sale to be able to buy land on the open market to replace what was sold and get the value for the timber at market value.
“All we’re asking for is market, we’re not trying to get any kind of premium,” Green said, noting the sale area would be approximately 140 acres.
Green added the two sides will have approximately one month to hash out the details so he can present the deal to the commissioners at a study session sometime past the middle of July. He also noted the commissioners offered strong support for the timber sale “in one form or another” and that the timeline can change if needed.
“It’s a flexible schedule, if more time is needed I’m sure it would be granted,” he said.
Mountain resident Don Mench sees WRC as a good potential steward of the land, should the sale go through.
“I think they’ve done well as far as helping to move the land into good management,” he said. “I think they’ve been good at it.”
Mench added the “wild card” in the deal would be with the county commissioners, noting the number of commissioners is now five when during previous negotiations there were only three.
The timber sale, located in an area south of Highway 26 off Country Club Road, would have been sent out for bid in June had WRC not submitted a proposal. The TSAC recommended the sale by a 3-1 vote, with one absentee.
Green declined to share any details about the WRC proposal and WRC Communications Director Danny Palmerlee declined to comment.
by Garth Guibord/MT
|
| Hwy. 26 Project Swings Into Action posted on 07/01/2014
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) was expected to break out temporary road signs and electronic reader boards in late June to prepare drivers for the upcoming construction project between Rhododendron and Government Camp.
The project, “U.S. 26 Mt. Hood Highway Safety and Preservation Project,” includes adding a 1.6-mile median barrier from east of the runaway truck ramp to east of the Mirror Lake trailhead, cutting back rock faces and widening the highway.
Tim Smith, ODOT assistant project manager, expects work to begin in earnest after the July 4 holiday weekend, including mobilization of equipment and restriping the upper mile and one-half of the construction zone, which will be reduced to one lane of traffic in each direction.
On Tuesday, June 24, representatives from ODOT held an open house at The Resort at The Mountain to talk with local residents about their concerns.
Kenney Nilsen, the Property Manager for Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp, noted the proximity of the camp to the construction zone, which begins just east of Kiwanis Camp Road, is a concern on a number of levels, including traffic delays and when explosives are used for rock removal. The camp offers various programming, including summer camps for disabled people and rentals in the fall, and has a number of horses.
“We might honestly be the most affected,” Nilsen said, estimating part of Highway 26 that will see construction to be as close as a third of a mile from some camp facilities.
Delays are expected to take up to 20 minutes any time the contractor is working and up to one hour when blasting occurs, which will be between 5:30-7:30 p.m. on up to three days per week from Monday through Thursday. The highway will be reduced to one lane in each direction between Kiwanis Camp Road and just east of the Mirror Lake Curves, however construction will only take place between April and October of each year through 2016, and the highway will reopen with all lanes from November through March.
Nilsen added that ODOT has been good in keeping the camp informed about the project and it’s impacts on the highway and surrounding area.
“I think they’ve done as much as could have been expected,” he said. “Hopefully it saves some lives and makes it a little bit more accessible, in which case, ultimately it probably helps us, too.”
The concrete median barrier was another area of concern for Mountain residents, including Pat Buckley, who noted how emergency responses to accidents in the westbound lane could require responders to drive past the scene in the eastbound lane to turn around at the east end of the barrier (original plans for the project included a longer barrier with a gap to allow emergency vehicles to pass through). “If I was in the accident, and I was hurt, I could just wave at the fire department as they go by,” Buckley said. “That’s not a good option.”
Kimberley Dinwiddie, ODOT Community Affairs, noted the current area with the barrier is in a narrow stretch of the highway with curves, making it difficult to add a gap as emergency responders would not have good visuals for oncoming traffic.
John Larson, a retired ODOT employee who spent 28 years working winters in Government Camp, expressed his concerns about how snow removal will work after the median barrier is installed. He noted from experience how snow can melt during the day and then freeze at night, causing a layer of ice on the highway and the barrier will likely prevent the complete removal of snow in the winter.
“I’m just not sure how that snow removal is going to go with that barrier; time will tell,” Larson said. “I’ve never seen them design it where they can beat Mother Nature.”
The first stage of work on the project, awarded to K&E Excavating out of Salem in May after a second round of bids, will include removal of trees from the tops of slopes, followed by excavation of the overburden (looser soil on top of the rock layer) and followed by blasting the solid rock.
The downed trees will be used by the Zigzag Ranger District for stream restoration projects and Supervisory Fish Biologist Greg Wanner expects more than 500 trees between 12 to 18 inches in diameter to be used on Still Creek this summer.
Dinwiddie noted ODOT’s traffic website, tripcheck.com, will be updated every Friday during the construction schedule to include days that will include blasting and the longer delays.
“It’s not a perfect system, but we’re just asking that people are prepared for those 20-minute delays,” she said.
For more information, visit us26mthoodsafety.org and tripcheck.com.
by Garth Guibord/MT
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|  A coyote 'Song Dog'
They howl, they yip, they’ve been called the “Song Dog” by some American Indians, and their name comes from an Aztec word “coyoti” which translates as “trickster.”
They have sharp eyesight, keen hearing, a heightened sense of smell, and tremendous speed and agility. Combining these qualities with intelligence and adaptability, their populations are flourishing.
But despite all its attributes, the coyote is often maligned and almost always misunderstood.
“There are those who think coyotes chase humans and go after children,” said Susan Barnes, biologist for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. “That’s just not true. There are some situations where a coyote has been fed by humans and they lose their natural fear and they will approach. But that doesn’t happen all that often.”
In actual fact, they are much more a nuisance than a threat, and their contributions to the environment far outweigh any problems they may cause.
The coyote is a skilled hunter and will feed on almost anything. They eat rats, gophers, squirrels, snakes, lizards, fish, grass, fruits and berries. Occasionally, they will also hunt in pairs or family groups, taking down deer and antelope.
By controlling the mice, rats and other rodent populations – and scavenging on dead wildlife that could spread disease – coyotes play an important role in the food chain and are protectors of the environment.
Many areas, such as cemeteries and golf courses, have reported declines in damage associated with gophers once coyotes start hanging around. They also help control geese in urban areas and on agricultural lands where flocks can forage and destroy crops. However, coyotes will also eat pets, pet food and garbage. But these incursions can be mitigated by removing food sources and access to shelter.
“This is the time of year when pups are born and they are growing fast,” Barnes said. “This often pushes adults to look for food in daytime as well as night. With pressure to feed more mouths they will also go for easier prey such as outdoor cats and small livestock. It is up to pet and livestock owners to protect their animals and be diligent. Bring them indoors, lock the coop and barn, or expect some losses.”
Coyote populations are controlled by social stress, diseases, parasites, competition for food, and predators – including cougars, bears, and, unfortunately, humans. Due to archaic regulations dating back to the 1800s, coyotes are not protected and it’s not illegal to shoot them.
Family Structure Coyotes typically mate in February and give birth to pups two months later. An average litter is four pups, but can be as high as 12, depending on population density and the abundance of food. Pups emerge from the den in two to three weeks. A mated pair of coyotes will live, hunt and raise pups together for many years. Juvenile coyotes learn to hunt by stalking and pouncing on grasshoppers and other insects. They will venture out on their own at age six to eight months, and will usually hunt alone.
Avoiding Problems Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to avoiding, minimizing or correcting problems with coyotes. By far the greatest number of conflicts between humans and coyotes are those in which the animal has habituated to a residential area by the behavior of humans – by giving them access to food or shelter. Giving a wild animal food is never a good idea.
Coyote Identification They are members of the dog family, looking like a small German shepherd, with features that include erect pointed ears, a slender muzzle and a bushy tail. At the shoulder, adult males are about 25 inches tall and weigh between 20 and 35 pounds, although occasionally they can get as heavy as 45 pounds.
Coyotes in the Mountain area are dark brown with streaks of gray and black. They have a distinctive voice, consisting of howls, high-pitched yips and occasional dog-like barks.
One of Barnes’ favorite sounds near the county park where she lives is when a coyote chimes in with a police or ambulance siren.
“I enjoy that,” she said.
And we should take note of that. Let’s be good stewards of the environment and enjoy the coyote’s contribution.
And “enjoy that.”
by Larry Berteau/MT |
| School Wraps Up Its Year posted on 07/01/2014
The end of the school year illustrated just how much support there is for the Welches Schools in the community.
In May, the annual ABC Auction and Dinner raised more than $12,000 for the school’s parent/teacher community organization (PTCO). That was followed by a surprise donation by the Mt. Hood Area Chamber of Commerce for $1,000, now earmarked for technology, and support by the Hoodland Women’s Club to create incentives for student attendance.
“That was my sense coming into this principalship, we had a lot of untapped resources willing, able (and) ready to help,” Welches Schools Principal Kendra Payne said. “I know there’s a lot more to go,” citing the US Forest Service and ski camps as examples of partnerships she’d like to make happen.
The end of the school year also saw an influx in technology with the addition of 60 new chromebooks (laptop computers featuring Google applications, including Google Drive and Google Docs). Payne noted every student in the building got to use and benefit from them in the final month of the year, including studies on the Civil War, globalization and oceans, while they also began submitting papers online through Google Docs.
“It was just a real benefit and the kids were so appreciative of them,” said Payne, who added she’d like to get some sort of tablet or device in the hands of every student in the future.
The transition to new security upgrades at the school, including a vestibule with security camera, was a smooth one for the community. And in light of the recent shooting at Reynold’s High School, the upgrades have eased the minds of staff and families.
“That was really close to home,” Payne said. “Everybody appreciates the added security we have.”
There will be some changes for the next school year, including upgrades to the school heater units and air conditioners. The upgrades feature digital controls and will result in more efficient and cleaner heating for the buildings.
Payne reported the schools will also participate in the “Right Brain Initiative” program starting this coming fall, a Portland-based program that uses arts integration to help students link learning from one area to others.
As part of the program, the school is expected to feature year-long artists in residence in the coming years. The PTCO also purchased a greenhouse for the school, which has been assembled in the playground area and will get up and running this fall to help teach students about agriculture, food, healthy living and more.
The 2014-15 school year will start a week earlier than usual, on Monday, Aug. 25, and the year will end earlier, too, on Friday, June 5, 2015.
And the next school year will be missing a couple of familiar faces on the staff, thanks to the retirements of Molly Espenel, a library assistant, and Joyce Reynolds-Ward, a special education teacher.
Espenel, who worked at the school for 27 years including her first as a year-long substitute cook, noted she will miss the look on the faces of students when she helped them find something that inspired them to read.
“They get so excited when they actually find that perfect book,” said Espenel, who plans on continuing to work for the county library system, including at the Hoodland and Sandy branches, while also spending time gardening, wandering the forest with her dog and volunteering in the community.
Reynolds-Ward spent 10 years at Welches after working as a bookkeeper, secretary and paralegal before becoming a teacher.
She noted she will miss watching how the students grow and change throughout middle school in particular.
“I think its even more of a change than kids going through high school; they come in as little kids and they leave as young adults,” said Reynolds-Ward, who plans on spending time hunting, fishing, camping and continuing writing as a freelance fiction writer, including two books that will soon be released by a small press publisher.
by Garth Guibord/MT
|
|  Belle runs down a Frisbee.
Imagine a canine utopia. A place to let your fur down, run free off-leash, romp, bark, sniff and fetch frisbees forever.
That doggy dream turned into a reality at the official dedication on June 17 of the Sandy Dog Park, a fully fenced, double gate, one acre-plus facility located at Sandy Bluff Park, 36801 Goldenrain St.
“This has been a long time coming, and the dogs don’t seem to mind the weather,” Mayor Bill King said under grey skies and an intermittent drizzle.
Officially “cutting the leash” for the grand opening, the mayor thanked the fundraising “Bark for the Park” committee members Stephanie Craven and Julie Snell, the park board, city council and staff, local businesses and the many generous donors and participants who made this day possible.
The mayor promised that this is just the beginning.
“This is the first of two planned dog parks, the other to be in Meinig Park,” he said, adding that the next “Bark for the Park” fundraising event will be held on September 20.
The vision of a dog park began in 2009 following city council goals that included the designation of a dog park in Sandy. Later on, sites were identified in Sandy Bluff Park and Meinig Park, and the ball was rolling. Recreation manager Sarah Richardson was assigned the task of project manager to oversee the venture, and several city staff members worked alongside volunteer committee members.
Fundraising followed and the first “Bark for the Park” event was held in 2013 where participants registered their dogs for a fee and took part in 2K and 5K walks and other fun doggy activities. Each registered dog received a custom dog collar.
“Sixty percent of Sandy households own a dog, and dog parks offer many benefits such as responsible pet ownership,” Craven said. She urged the audience to be proud, take ownership, protect the place and have fun. “I am delighted to see this space come together.”
“This is a great park, a place to bring your dog and not worry about her running off,” Sam Craven said, while throwing frisbees for his energetic dog, Belle.
Carol Cohen, one of the staff members of “Bark for the Park,” was delighted with the new facilities.
“It’s great, we’ve needed it for so long and for me, living in a residential area there is not much room to run around,” she said. “Fenway can socialize with other dogs. I come two to three times a week, and sometimes in the mornings before work. He’ll run for 15 minutes then sleep the rest of the day. It’s also great to have a smaller section for the little dogs.”
“This is awesome, a good place to take Molly to run and meet other dogs and people” said local dog owner Rick Hanna. Molly, a lively labrador retriever, tirelessly fetched thrown tennis balls and true to Labrador form, managed to discover the solitary mud puddle in the park.
Mayor King expressed thanks to all the citizens of Sandy who continue to support the special touches that make the community a model of livability.
But, for the dogs, it was quite simple. It was the best day, ever.
by Frances Berteau/MT |
|  Melanie Atkinson
In the late hours of the night, after her children have gone to bed, Sandy resident Melanie Atkinson can often be found at her laptop, writing, rewriting, and finishing up what will be her second self-published novel.
Atkinson first realized her talent for writing when she was in third grade, and it has been a large part of her life ever since.
“I think through school assignments I learned that I loved to write, and one assignment I remember we were supposed to write a paragraph in third grade about what we would take with us on a desert island and my paragraph turned into a 24 page story,” Atkinson said. “So I knew early on that this is what I love. It’s always been something that I know that I have to do. It has always been there, and I feel that it fulfills some part of me.”
Atkinson studied various subjects in college, but always seemed to drift back to writing, her one true passion.
“When I went to Utah State I studied a whole mess of things,” she said. “I didn’t think that I would ever be able to make a living off of writing. So I took some history, and political science, and biology, and I took this whole mess of things and I was miserable and I did really poorly that semester. Then I realized ‘What am I doing?’ I love writing. I’m not doing this to make money, I‘m doing it because this is who I am.”
Years later, Atkinson finally channeled her love of writing into her first novel, “Sea Dweller,” a fantasy about a girl who grows up on an island and discovers that she possesses various magical powers. Throughout the novel she has to face the trials that her parents had always tried to protect her from.
“This book is a young adult fantasy,” Atkinson said. “I really love fantasy, because you can create your rules and in turn, your own world and your own ideas.”
Atkinson’s novel, currently an eBook, has sold relatively well on various sites like Barnes and Noble and iTunes. She entered “Sea Dweller” into a contest on Amazon.com and won a Publisher’s Weekly Review, a huge honor for a self-published author.
“You usually don’t get a Publisher’s Weekly Review unless you have a pretty big book,” she said. “And it was a really nice review, and pretty positive. Some of the other books that were reviewed were just ripped to pieces, so it made me feel good that someone thought that highly of my book.”
As a mother of four, Atkinson finds it hard to balance her writing and manage a family. Every day is full of “constant choices,” she said.
“Because of my husband’s job, and because of our family needs, I have to balance it by writing slower,” she said. “I hate to say it. I finished the second book and it’s been two years, and readers don’t like that. I’m getting faster, but it’s a matter of deciding what is more important. There are days where the dishes don’t get done and the laundry is piled up to my head, and sometimes I have to push the writing aside. It’s constant team work and constantly deciding what is more important.”
Atkinson’s husband, who is the City Manager in Sandy, is very supportive of her writing, and serves as her inspiration in continuing what she loves to do.
“My husband is very busy with his job, and he has a lot of responsibility, but when he has that time and he’s home, he is very supportive,” Atkinson said.
“In the beginning I was afraid to let him read my writing, but after he read something that I wrote, he was really enthusiastic. He loves fantasy and he was the one that kind of encouraged me to write fantasy. He’s the one that keeps me going, and when I get in waves where I feel like I’m horrible and that I am never going to get anything done, he will tell me that I can do it. I don’t think I could write without him.”
“Sea Dweller” and Atkinson’s second novel “Heiress,” which will be available for purchase within the next month, are both self-published novels, but Atkinson looks to the day when she can publish books commercially.
“I self-published my first book because I didn’t want to take the time to find an agent,” she said.
“I just wanted to get it out there because I was doing it more for me than for anything else. Although I don’t think that I’ll ever find an agent for any of the books in this particular series, I do have an idea that I could potentially get an agent for.” “Eventually I’d like to see my book on a bookshelf one day.”
For more information about Atkinson’s novels and future projects, visit www.cityofnethra.com.
by Madie Smith/MT
|
| Community Center Effort Grinds to a Halt posted on 06/01/2014
Despite their efforts, all the Mountain’s women couldn’t put the new community center together.
Facing a $700,000 gap in funding the building (on the site of the Dorman Center), the Hoodland Women’s Club, on April 7, voted to discontinue the new building project.
“At that time a few members asked to attempt to bring in money on their own, which was granted,” project originator and steering committee member Barbara Saldivar wrote in an email to The Mountain Times. “But to no avail.”
The dream of a new community center was hatched in 2002 when Saldivar presented the idea at an HWC meeting. Club members Judith Norval, Nancy Spencer and Marilan Anderson joined in the effort and soon numerous HWC members and others from the community threw in their support.
The center gained momentum immediately when County Parks dedicated $250,000 to the project. A conditional use permit was granted. A donor came up with $100,000 for the senior center and those monies were earmarked for the new center so they could be included in it.
In 2006 the County Library System went through some changes and as a result the Hoodland Library became part of the Sandy Library and the library board and City of Sandy received $1 million from the county – of which $250,000 was earmarked for the new center to house the Hoodland Library.
The economy dipped and efforts to raise more money became difficult, and the new center was put on hold.
In 2010 Saldivar and the new chair of the building committee Kay Baker began writing grants to secure a project manager to help move the project forward, resulting in a special projects grant from the county.
“In January, 2011, Diane Lokting was hired to help navigate the project through the many county processes and apply for grants,” Saldivar wrote.
“A business plan was developed. If HWC could fund the building of the center, it should be self supporting.”
It went well for a while. Grants were received from Meyer Memorial Trust, Ford Family Foundation, Autzen Foundation, Collins and Oregon Community Foundation.
“We all put a lot of work into raising the funding needed,” Lokting said. “But with the turnaround in the construction industry which raised the cost to build the Community Center, the gap in funding needed was just not breachable.”
Still, more grants were written, but without success.
In March, 2012, facing a $700,000 gap in funds, the steering committee made a final push for a $300,000 grant from Murdock Foundation. Murdock said the project didn’t qualify for their grants.
Then came the April 7 decision to discontinue.
“I was proud to be the project manager for the Hoodland Women’s Club,” Lokting said. “Through this work I came into contact with many amazing people. First and foremost are the women whose vision to bring a community center to Hoodland was a dream of over a decade. My thanks to these incredible women, as well as our supporters, from local residents and business leaders to the Clackamas County Commissioners as well as Sen. Chuck Thomsen and Rep. Mark Johnson … The demise of the project is very sad.”
With the dream dashed, the HWC went back to work.
County Commissioners have been asked to put the $200,000 into a park on the Dorman Center site.
The library has been asked to use their $250,000 donation in the community. Letters will be going out to those who donated funds to the project. They will be able to have their money returned or put into a different project.
Donations received can be redirected to: Mt. Hood Learning Center, a new preschool and daycare program to be located at Welches School; the HWC scholarship fund; or to a Project Bike Rack, where, in partnership with local businesses, unique bike racks would be installed in front of businesses to attract cyclists to stop there.
The club members keep their heads high.
“HWC does not feel that this project was in vain,” Saldivar noted.
by Larry Berteau/MT
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| Decision Looms for Boulder Timber Sale posted on 06/01/2014
CORRECTION: The TSAC meeting will be held at 6 p.m., June 5, at the Development Services Building in Oregon City.
Clackamas County’s Timber Sale Advisory Committee (TSAC) is expected to make a recommendation regarding the Boulder Timber Sale, a potential 180-acre clear cut harvest of trees south of Hwy. 26 off Country Club Road.
A meeting will be held at 6 p.m., Thursday, June 5, at the Development Services Building, 150 Beavercreek Road in Oregon City. Public testimony will be accepted at the meeting.
Dan Green, County Forester, said the sale has been in the works for approximately a year, including six public meetings, and the harvest should yield approximately 6.4 million board feet. The property is part of a larger 340 acre lot owned by the county.
Green noted the trees on the acreage for the proposed cutting include ones approximately 100 years old on the south end and younger ones on the north end.
He added the county’s harvesting plan for all its properties includes cutting approximately two percent each year, resulting in a 50-year cycle of cutting, replanting and growing the forests.
“We’ve tended to stay away from the Mountain community as much as possible because harvests there are controversial,” Green said, adding that other county lands have been cut and the pattern “requires to move on to the next.”
The cutting would represent approximately three years of harvest, according to Green, who noted no other harvest on county property would happen for approximately three years. Harvested trees would be transported to the highway via Country Club Road. The proposed cutting has drawn criticism from some Mountain residents, including those worried about issues such as impact on the viewshed (the property is at least partly visible by some residents at the Mt. Hood Village RV Resort), erosion, and impact on fish habitat.
Don Mench would like greater details about how close the cut area is to a restored side channel project on the Salmon River, pointing out the “bulk” of the cutting is a ways from the river and that Green has already agreed to adjust the buffer to twice as large as planned.
“It’s the Salmon River … any impact on that is a negative one,” Mench said.
“We are also worried about the steepness, erosion and landslides,” Janine Bertram added. “They really aren’t addressing that.”
The county’s harvest of timber is done under the Oregon Forest Practices Act, which covers state and private land, but not federal property. Federal entities, including the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service, operate under different guidelines and requirements.
Steve Wilent, a resident of the Mountain and a member of the TSAC (which looks at harvesting plans and advises the county forester on methods, equipment and more), attended a couple of the public meetings, toured residential areas where the view will potentially be impacted and said Green has done a good job of finding compromises, including preserving approximately 12 acres as a partial cut to preserve the view from the Mt. Hood RV Village Resort.
“My personal opinion is that the sale is very well designed, that it accomplishes the goal of the county forest management plan and that it should proceed,” said Wilent, who also teaches forestry at Mount Hood Community College and is the editor of “The Forestry Source,” the monthly newspaper of the Society of American Foresters. “I think it is very unlikely there will be any significant adverse conditions on water quality issues related to the sale.”
The money from the sale will go into a county fund used to run its parks and forest programs. Green noted the only other funding sources for these programs are taxes on recreational vehicles, a very small amount of money from the general fund and entry fees from forest activities.
Green added this sale is not related to the county paying off a bond for the Stone Creek Golf Course, which was paid off from a harvesting performed more than a year ago.
Whatever money is collected for the Boulder Timber Sale, Mench would prefer to see more of it returned to the Mountain. He cited the Dorman Center, which the county closed in September 2012, as one of the few facilities the county has in the area, but currently doesn’t offer anything to the community.
“I don’t see it as equitable between areas of the county,” Mench said of the distribution of funds. “But we also aren’t packed with voters like we are down in Oregon City.”
Two other possibilities exist for at least part of the property slated for harvest: a land exchange with the BLM or a sale of part of the land to the Western Rivers Conservancy (WRC). Green noted an exchange is not likely due to the amount of time needed to pass any proposal through Congress, but he is expecting the WRC to submit an offer to purchase part of the land by the end of May.
Green added that any proposal would need to include a good price and certainty for the transaction. If it does, the county could then withdraw that portion of the property from the timber sale.
“That action is very doable if they come up with a proposal that is attractive,” Green said.
WRC and Mt. Hood RV Village did not respond to calls for comments.
by Garth Guibord/MT
|
|  Tom Teven
Former Mountain resident Thomas B. Teven passed on May 4.
Tom was a traveler of the world with a golden voice, a tender heart and a sharp wit. And when this newspaper was very young, he worked alongside this writer as editor and publisher of The Mountain Times, a talented journalist and newspaperman. He was always his own man, always true to himself. He will be missed.
Tom was born in the former coal mining village of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, Scotland on Aug. 22, 1947 to John and Winifred (Bramwell) Teven. In Scotland he was known as Tommy, and at the age of 15 he started work as a tile layer. He had an unfortunate accident during this time in which he lost an eye. Undaunted, he continued to work at a variety of jobs, and he met and married Elizabeth, a local girl. But Tom’s passion was music. He taught himself to play the guitar and the drums, eventually forming a duo with his younger 14-year-old sister Betty called The Carltons. The two worked the Scottish circuit, often with nationally known acts. In 1970 the duo split and Tom went solo.
Tom migrated to the big city, Edinburgh, and joined a very active music scene, often performing seven days a week, several shows a day. Music was hot and he was a popular act. He worked alongside the likes of Billy Connolly during those years and many other nationally known artists. But his marriage couldn’t withstand the stress. Tom and Elizabeth divorced. He met and married a young woman from Edinburgh called Irene.
In 1974 Tom and Irene moved to the south of Spain. Tom became the house act in a Costa Brava nightclub. The Franco regime was in power. It was a scary time and Tom told stories of threatening and aggressive soldiers. But the beaches were beautiful, the wine was delightful and he thoroughly enjoyed the food.
Tom and Irene met some German residents in one of the clubs and were invited to visit Germany, so they were off again. By this time, Irene had become part of the show as a backup singer. They performed together in Germany for more than 15 years. Again, a heavy performing schedule wore on the marriage and Tom and Irene divorced.
About this time, this writer came on the scene. I was backpacking in Scotland and had been performing in Edinburgh for some time when I met Tom who was on tour in his home country. Our initial introduction was interesting and we didn’t exactly hit it off, but I was invited to come to Germany to see if we could put something together musically. So, I moved to Germany, and we began touring together. Within a year we were dating. Shortly thereafter we flew back to Sandy to be married.
We toured Europe for several years and then moved back to Oregon in the fall of 1986. Our tours in the U.S. took us to the Southwest. Tom loved the warm climate, enjoyed the desert. We wintered there for five years, playing in a pub in North Phoenix called the Dubliner. It was a wonderful time, large crowds, fun music. We made many life-long friends there. When the owner decided to sell the club, we came back to the Northwest.
Tom and I soon bought the fledgling Mountain Times newspaper. We published the paper for seven years. Toward the end of that time, Tom and I divorced, but our friendship remained. We continued to play through the divorce. It was an honor to perform with Tom. Other musicians worked with us over the years. The performances at Kells in Portland, Edgefield concerts, City of Portland concerts and regional highland games were such a joy. I feel honored to be one of the many who worked with Tom. He was an extraordinary talent with a voice that was larger than life.
After selling the paper, Tom bought property to the other side of Mount Hood, just outside The Dalles. He suffered a house fire during the move-in and with the kindness of friends the house was rebuilt.
In November of 2012, he made his way back down to the southwest in what turned out to be his final tour, landing in Yuma, Arizona. He quickly developed a large following. He loved his home there, living as he had always done, on his own terms.
Outside of the music and other creative endeavors, Tom liked to hunt and shoot. He learned to stalk game in his native Scotland. Despite having only one eye, he was a deadly shot. He was also quite partial to a wee pint of Guinness. Tom was especially close to his youngest sister Betty and her husband Dave who visited Oregon several times.
A wake was held in Phoenix, fittingly at the Dubliner Pub, on May 18. A celebration of life is being planned for what would have been his 67th birthday, sometime around August 22. It will likely be an event filled with music, just as he would want it to be. Tom is survived by his sisters Elizabeth (Betty), Sarah (Sadie) and Winifred, and by many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, and his sister Ann and brother James.
by Marie Kennedy/For The Mountain Times |
|  Deputy Alan Alderman
Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Alan Alderman was reassigned recently, leaving his post on the Mountain, and in the process the community lost one of the good guys.
After several years back and forth patrolling on the Mountain, Alderman was assigned full time in 2010 to the area. An immediate exhale was heard in the community as residents were still edgy following the imprisonment of disgraced Deputy Brandon Claggett who had worked the Mountain patrol.
“I loved working up here (during the part-time duties) and took every chance I got to be here,” Alderman said.
When full-time duty began, Alderman saw it as an opportunity.
“Deputy Claggett did some good things, but his actions were a big reason I wanted to work in the community,” he said. “I wanted to restore the sheriff’s office’s name.”
He did just that, using a simple tool, as he describes it.
“I start with respect for you,” he told The Mountain Times in a casual setting on the Mountain. “I don’t start with being a cop. I’m a judicial tool, here to help people get things fixed that are going wrong. When I go on a call, I’m problem solving first. Of course, if a crime has been committed, you get hauled off.”
His boss, Captain James Rhodes, reflected on the deputy’s work.
“As a patrol division commander, I was honored to have a deputy as committed to a community,” Rhodes said. Then, in a follow-up email, Rhodes wrote “Deputy Alderman’s passion for his work and service to the community are remarkable. He is a shining example of a deputy sheriff who is dedicated to the community he serves. I wish I had more like him.”
Alderman gained the respect he deserved by his actions. He frequented local establishments, showing up where people hang out. He made himself, not special, but available.
He put it more simply: “Let your boots hit the ground.”
One establishment owner, Kim Perry of The Shack, reflected on the impact of Alderman’s presence in a Commentary she wrote.
In part, she wrote: “Our Welches community had the honor to get to know one specific individual who deserves a hero’s recognition. Deputy Alan Alderman gave us a sense of safety and security. He frequented most of the eating establishments daily for a meal and an ear. He ultimately stood out to the people as a law enforcer who wasn’t out to be a bully in a uniform. He genuinely cared for people and their well being.” Alderman will serve out his final years before retirement in the civil division of the sheriff’s office, process serving, courthouse duties, training, and “bringing in bad guys,” he said.
But, as much as he’ll be missed by locals, he will miss them as well.
“I already miss the people, the serenity of driving around, seeing people walking their dog, mowing their lawn, waving, saying good morning,” he said. “This community is unique. The people live here for various reasons, but it’s all personal. No company moved them here. They bust their butts. And I respect that.”
That unusual attitude did not go unnoticed by many residents.
The Mountain will miss him.
by Larry Berteau/MT |
|  Black Bear Cub
Often times our best intentions have unintended consequences.
This applies to the newborn critters that are now finding their way in the Mountain community. Young animals are rarely orphaned and should be left where they belong – in the wild.
“This is the time of year Oregon’s wildlife rehabilitators … are inundated with calls from people who have picked up perfectly healthy young animals,” Michelle Dennehy, of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, wrote in a May 9 press release. “In spring, birds will spend some time on the ground as they learn to fly. Deer fawns, elk calves and other animals may be left alone for several hours while their parents feed elsewhere.”
Susan Barnes, biologist for ODFW, pointed to owls as perfect examples.
“Great horned owls, and screech owls are on the ground for weeks before they fly,” Barnes told The Mountain Times. “They hop around, flap their wings, and people see them as abandoned.”
Peggy Cheathem of the Umpqua Wildlife Rescue has been in the business of rehabilitating deer fawns for 18 years, and she has seen many unfortunate incidents in which people have “rescued” fawns assuming they were orphaned.
“I explain to them the natural process of mom and baby in the wild and that taking the fawn was a mistake,” Cheathem said. “I ask them to put it back exactly where they got it, or close by, and to follow up in the morning. Nine times out of 10 the fawn is gone by morning because mom has picked it up.”
Any of our young critters taken away from its natural environment misses out on the opportunity to learn important survival skills – like where to eat, how to behave as part of a group and most importantly, perhaps, how to avoid and escape from predators.
Further, removing an animal from the wild and keeping it in captivity without a permit is against state law, as is transporting animals, Dennehy noted. Holding some birds and marine mammals without permits are also violations of federal laws.
Barnes has had to deal with such best intentions many times – and a couple of them have occurred recently. Barnes tells the tales:
“Just this week (in mid-May) a well-intentioned woman from Boring – who frequents the Mountain View Golf Course – saw a fawn near the golf course at about 9 a.m. There was no doe around and she was concerned. She returned about 9 p.m. and the fawn was still there. She figured it was in trouble, brought it home, and bottle fed it. The next morning she called in and it got routed to me. I urged her to bring it in but instead she decided to take it back to hole No. 13. I told her to ‘not look back’ after she returned it. The fawn is no longer there.”
An even more bizarre moment occurred when a Milwaukie woman called Barnes saying she had found a crow nestling and had “rescued it.”
“I questioned her and she admitted having been caring for the crow for 12 years,” Barnes said, unable to mask her own astonishment. “It had been living in a kitchen cage and she was feeling guilty. The crow was in poor condition, so I went and retrieved it. She had clipped its wings, named it Dexter, and it is now living in my office.
“It wouldn’t have survived much longer, and certainly not in the wild. It was malnourished and I’ve been giving it a healthier diet. I’m now trying to get it placed with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.”
Barnes noted that citizens who observe what they think is an animal in distress to first call the Portland Audubon Society Wildlife Care Center at 503-292-0304, as the society is manned seven days a week. For backup, ODFW’s number is 971-673-6000; or the Molalla Wildlife Foundation at 971-227-4036.
“It’s obvious when an animal needs help – a dead doe, a cat has pounced on a baby bird or has a duckling in its mouth,” Barnes said. “It’s best then to take immediate action and call.”
And in light of the most common incidents, Barnes urges all cat owners to keep their charges indoors.
by Larry Berteau/MT
|
| H&E Excavation Wins Hwy. 26 Project posted on 06/01/2014
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) received three bids for the revised plan for the “U.S. 26 Mt. Hood Highway Safety and Preservation Project,” including adding a 1.6-mile barrier from east of the runaway truck ramp to east of the Mirror Lake trailhead, cutting back rock faces and widening the highway.
K&E Excavating, out of Salem, submitted the lowest bid of $19,388,374. Kerr Contractors and Tapani Inc. submitted the two other bids.
Kimberly Dinwiddie, ODOT Community Affairs, noted several weeks of behind the scenes work, including paperwork, will take place before the contract is finally awarded.
She added the plans do include “minimal” rock fall work at Map Curve to address immediate dangers, but it will be less than the original proposal of removing approximately 50 feet.
“Were really pleased we’re able to address the rock fall concerns at Map Curve, and we’re looking forward to when that’s official and we have a contract awarded,” Dinwiddie said. The first round of bids ODOT received were significantly higher than the available budget, resulting in the revised plan and a second round of bidding.
The budget for the work is $20,780,000, while the budget for the entire project is $27.85 million, including other aspects such as inspections, surveys, permits, engineering and public notification.
Dinwiddie expects the work to begin as early as late June or early July, with a focus this year and in 2015 on rock fall work and excavation.
During the summer of 2016, the work is expected to focus on paving, striping and the construction of the barrier.
Work will be performed April through October each year, with no work done during the winter months.
Traffic delays, including reducing the highway to a single lane and complete highway closures for short periods of time, will also occur.
“We want all lanes back open for the winter season,” Dinwiddie said.
by Garth Guibord/MT |
| SHS Students Nab Prize, Trip to New York posted on 06/01/2014
The Sandy High School art department won $10,000 and an all-expenses paid trip to New York for four after their skate deck design took first place against 41 other participating schools.
The competition was sponsored by Truth, a company that seeks to clarify information regarding the tobacco industry and its products.
The contest partnered with Vans Custom Culture, and piggybacked on a competition where 2,000 schools entered designs for four pairs of Vans tennis shoes. SHS placed as one of the top 50 finalists in the nation, enabling them the chance to design a skate deck based on their response from the provided prompt: “In 2006, a judge ruled that Big Tobacco had been engaged in a 50-year-long scheme to deceive the public about the dangers of smoking.”
With less than two weeks to complete the entry, senior Sierra Martz, junior Mikayla Lindsey, and sophomores Pam Frasier, Hanna Benson, Ashley Brown, Haley Kern, Dylan Kenney and Karlie Edwards created a design based on their reaction to the statement.
“What we did was that we had one central girl who kind of represented society, and we had the guy in the background hushing with his finger with smoke coming out of his mouth, blinding the girl like how the tobacco companies went under the radar, trying to do stuff without the public knowing,” Kenney said. “At the bottom of our skate deck we had a teddy bear and we really wanted to emphasize how the tobacco companies had ripped away the innocence from the public without them knowing, so that is why the little girl is holding one arm of the teddy bear, and the smoke is entangling its body.”
After Vans released the winner of the contest on their website May 12, the students realized all their hard work was being recognized.
“One night I was up until 2 a.m. working on the skateboard, and I worked on it every day in art class for about a week straight,” Frasier said. “When I found out that we had actually won, I was filled with excitement, and I kind of couldn’t believe it. I thought we would do well, but I wasn’t sure that we’d win, and to win out of all the other schools is pretty cool. It didn’t really settle in for about two days afterwards.”
Aside from the $10,000 prize, Shanklin as well as Kenney, Martz, and Lindsey received an all-expenses paid trip to New York City for the Vans Custom Culture celebration, where they will attend workshops and an awards banquet to see which of the five schools who had placed first in their respective regions will win the $50,000 grand prize.
“I was really excited when I found out that we won and that we were going,” Lindsey said. “I couldn’t believe it. I’ve never been on an airplane before, so that’s exciting. We’re going to get to go to an awards night for the shoe designs, and we’re also going to get a tour of New York.”
With the art department’s skate deck victory and promising performance with their Vans shoe designs, Shanklin knows that his students are capable of winning their region and by extension, the entire competition.
“I’ll be honest, it’s my goal for next year that we come back and win the whole thing,” Shanklin said.
“I think we can do it. We almost won our region two years ago, and we won the skate deck this year. So as long as students can believe in that and buy into it, and work really hard and believe that they can win, I think we can do it. This year $10,000, next year $50,000. That’s the goal.”
Aside from the prize money, students also gained a new appreciation for the way art can be used as a medium to communicate various ideas and messages.
“I think art really speaks to the younger generation and it is the new form to get information out there,” Kenney said.
“I think it’s more than just writing on billboards and stuff like that. It’s just another way to inspire the youth. There were 50 schools that did skateboards, and all the schools that were involved with it got to know about the health risks about smoking and all the information that goes along with that, so it’s just different targeting of marketing to get it out there.”
by Madie Smith/MT |
| Mountain Memorial Day posted on 05/01/2014
This Memorial Day on the Mountain should be one to remember.
A weekend for everyone awaits the local community due to a convergence of efforts provided by The Resort at The Mountain, a state representative, and a bicycling enthusiast.
Dubbed the Mt. Hood Wine, Dine and Ride Weekend, the inaugural event will celebrate Memorial Day in a 3-day extravaganza from Friday, May 23 through Sunday, May 25.
For the Resort, it’s an excellent opportunity to show off.
“The event is a statement of the cooperation developed on the Mountain between the Resort, wineries and community the quality and diversity of hospitality we have available to the public,” wrote the Resort’s general manager John Erickson in an email to The Mountain Times.
For State Representative Mark Johnson, it’s an opportunity to bring communities together.
“One of the things that has become apparent to me in my time (serving House District 52) is this area’s incredible natural resources,” Johnson said. “Mount Hood is the most prominent of these resources. “In addition to being a natural barrier that keeps the communities (Hood River and the Mountain) from communicating and collaborating as effectively as they could. My interests are in helping the communities on both sides of the mountain develop better lines of communication and in the process learn more about how we can network together for mutual benefit.”
For Villages of Mt. Hood board director and a driving force behind the Mt. Hood Bicycle/Pedestrian Coalition, George Wilson sees it as an event that will go a long way toward promoting the local cycling industry.
“This is our first year working with the Resort at The Mountain,” Wilson said. “We hope that by making this an annual event, we will continue to draw cyclists to explore the villages of Mount Hood. We are a tourism based community, and there is a lot of money in cycling tourism.”
Aaron Williams, the Resort’s director of food and beverage, has been at the forefront of the Resort’s Memorial Day effort.
“We are excited to be hosting this event, particularly in the month of May, since it is Oregon Wine Month,” Williams said. “The desire by the Oregon wineries to be part of the event has been great. The opportunity to show off the Resort this time of year with all the outdoor activities, featuring the bike rides, will be good for people around the state that only associate the area with being a ski destination.”
Friday Night 7 p.m. – The Resort will hold a reception featuring wines from Willamette Valley Winery and assorted appetizers. Guests will then be invited to the Altitude restaurant for dinner.
Saturday 8 a.m to noon – A 42.5-mile bike ride on loop, from Welches to Sandy and back led by George Wilson. $20 per person. 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. – A 10-mile bike ride on the historic Barlow Trail Road Loop, a segment of the Oregon Trail that was once used by covered wagons. $10 per person. 10 a.m.to noon – Local chefs will host cooking with wine demonstrations. Free. 1 to 2 p.m. – Wine 101. Learn about local wines with Sommelier discussions from local wineries and restaurants. Free. 3 to 5 p.m. – Experience Timberline’s Wine Vault Tour and Tasting. The wine vault was once a bank vault for the lodge, now converted to a tastier purpose. $19 per person, reservations required (40 persons maximum). 7 p.m. – Wine & Food Pairing Dinner at the Resort featuring wine from Willamette Valley Vineyards, with Resort executive chef O.J. Robinson preparing the four-course meal. $45 per person.
Sunday Noon – Nine-Wine-Dine. Spend the afternoon golfing while snacking on hors d’oeuvres and sipping wine from food tents set up on the Resort’s golf course. $25 for 9 holes, $40 for 18 holes. Noon – Nature Walk at the Resort organized by the Resort’s nature concierge. For the true party animals who want to make it a weekend event, arrive and unwind at The Resort on Friday, May 23, for two nights at $299. The package includes the welcome reception, cooking demonstration, wine 101, nature walk, and a $75 Resort credit to use anywhere on the property.
For reservations call 503-622-3101, ask for front desk. Mention promo code WDR14. All other weekend events are available for purchase a la carte through the front desk. For more information visit www.theresort.com.
by Larry Berteau/MT |
|  Smith Left Her Tracks.
In recollecting the life of mountain woman Joie Smith, close friend Gary Randall noted two constants when dealing with her. The first was that she always had her way of doing things - “Don’t do it like that, do it like this,” he recalled her saying - and the second was her unique smile and a thank you.
“She always had that sincere thank you,” said Randall, who met Smith when he ordered wood from her and was told to stand aside when she delivered it.
Members of the Mountain community flocked to the Welches Lions Club on Sunday, April 27 to celebrate Smith and share stories that combined aspects of her work ethic, tough mountain mentality and her spirit of generosity and friendship. Smith died on March 29 at the age of 85.
Smith moved to Rhododendron in 1953, the start of a lifetime of activity and roles that impacted countless facets of mountain life. She operated a ski shop in Rhododendron, worked as a logger, flew planes, made saddles, was a gunsmith, produced videos, worked at Timberline Lodge in the ski shop and in the stables and owned and operated Alpine Towing. Smith had a passion for horses, riding all over the mountain, riding in rodeos, teaching others and even supplying her horses for a movie.
“Joie had a depth of knowledge that was only exceeded by the depth of her curiosity,” said Patti Risley, a friend and fellow horse rider who came in from Sisters for the celebration. “She would rather go out with the fellas and talk about trucks and transmissions than sit around the table and talk about menus with the girls.”
As a tow truck driver, Smith made a lasting impression with her knowledge and skill in extracting vehicles from perilous situations. Randall remembered when he was summoned in the middle of the night to help Smith rescue trucks stuck from a blizzard at the junction of Highways 26 and 35.
“I’ve worked in mills, I’ve worked in machine shops, I’ve done heavy work; I don’t think I’ve ever worked harder than I have with Joie Smith,” said Randall, who got to ride on the running board of Smith’s tow truck, “Big Red.”
Her presence and skill at the scene of an accident also made a huge difference for the Hoodland Fire District, as Chief Mic Eby explained.
“I can honestly say that in some of the most hairiest accidents, emergency scenes on Hwy. 26, when Joie showed up things settled down, things got calm and things got safe,” Eby said. “She took over, she wouldn’t let us do anything unsafe.”
John Rizzo, a former Oregon State Police officer who met Smith in 1980, recalled how proud she was when the police used her horses to help stop a crime spree on Mountain cabins, catch the burglars in the act and send them to jail. He also marvelled at her skills and tenacity in life.
“The only two people I’ve ever met in my life who I thought could live more than five days on the Oregon Trail were Joie Smith and Charlie Lake,” Rizzo said. “Not only would they have got through it, they would have got the whole damn wagon trail through it.”
Bill Nylund, a neighbor of Smith’s and pastor at Milwaukie Covenant Church, noted her impact on his family.
“We’re a little bit better, a little bit more knowledgeable about a few things because we learned the Joie way,” he said.
Smith is survived by her half sister Gayle Smith Kosel, numerous nieces and a nephew.
by Garth Guibord/MT
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|  Five sites targeted for cleanup.
Approximately 50 volunteers collected more than 12,000 pounds of garbage and other debris as part of a clean up event held at the Helion Pit and four other locations in the Clackamas River Ranger District (CRRD) on Saturday, April 26.
The event, held in honor of Earth Day and in conjunction with Solve, a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring natural spaces, exceeded the expectations of organizers.
“The impact we made was substantial and made a significant visual difference that was appreciated by both all those who participated in the event, and others who were simply driving through the area,” wrote Aaron Pedersen, Assistant Recreation Manager, West Zone, for the CRRD, in an email following the event. “Our hope is that this event will act as a catalyst to create new advocates for the stewardship of our shared public lands. And give us a clean slate to start out the upcoming summer season. We are extremely grateful to all those who participated.”
The pit, among other sites in the national forest, is a popular location for target shooters (an acceptable and legal activity in the forest). Unfortunately, irresponsible shooters leave behind shell casings, objects brought into the forest to shoot (including refrigerators and TVs) and other refuse.
“It’s a really bad deal,” Pedersen said, noting it is a problem throughout the country. “It makes you angry and it makes you feel like you’re spinning your wheels.” In recent years, the US Forest Service has made a concerted effort to better manage the shooting, which has also resulted in the loss of trees and put other forest users in danger from stray bullets.
The USFS has added new signage to Memaloose Road, issued a new forest order to clarify rules of what is and is not allowed and improved its website and brochures. Dump Stoppers, an organization that routinely cleans up sites in the national forest, visits the pit regularly, while Pedersen hopes the larger cleanup day will offer new baseline and help the USFS law enforcement officers possibly determine who is not cleaning up after themselves.
Mike Chaveas, District Ranger for the CRRD, noted the illegal dumping is a long term problem but sees progress being made, particularly considering the response he’s seen from local organizations who want to maintain the rights of shooters.
“One of the nice aspects of some of the outreach I’ve heard (is) they’re glad we’re putting a focus on this, they’re kind of sick and tired of (others) doing the wrong thing and trashing the reputation of their sport,” Chaveas said.
by Garth Guibord/MT |
| Stream Restoration Work 'Spawns' Project Award posted on 05/01/2014
Last August, Greg Wanner, the Supervisory Fish Biologist for the Mount Hood National Forest’s Zigzag Ranger District, revisited a site on Still Creek where earlier in July, a restoration project added large wood and helped reconnect the stream to its surrounding ecosystem.
When he arrived, he immediately saw three steelhead making themselves at home in their refurbished habitat.
“That’s really good gratification that we’re doing what the fish want us to do,” Wanner said.
Now all the organizations involved, the US Forest Service, Oregon Bureau of Land Management and the Freshwater Trust (a coalition of agencies and nonprofits), earned even more gratification by landing a State Land Board Stream Project Award for exceptional stream, wetland and partnership projects for their 2013 work on Still Creek and Salmon River.
Mark McCollister, Habitat Restoration Director for the Freshwater Trust, sees the award and the results as a “milestone” and believes it will build the momentum for future work. McCollister noted the roots for the multi-year effort to restore habitat for federally listed spring Chinook, coho and steelhead in the Sandy River Basin started in 1999 and included nearly a decade of intensive planning to assess, prioritize and develop the restoration plans, plus years of work on the streams.
“Seeing that habitat and fish response, and recognizing all the work by all the contributing partners over time, yielding those outcomes is tremendously rewarding,” McCollister said.
Wanner noted last year’s projects, all performed to undo work done in the 1960s by the Army Corps of Engineers intended to mitigate flooding by increasing the water conveyance, included adding 350 pieces of large wood in a half-mile stretch of Still Creek and reconnecting it to more than a mile of side channels. Projects also added 180 pieces of large wood to parts of Salmon River, turning back the clock and revealing what real Pacific Northwest streams should look like.
“Large wood everywhere (and) water everywhere,” Wanner said, adding that fish biologists from the Willamette National Forest are expected to tour the project sites later this year to see the work.
McCollister noted a benefit of the projects is they contribute to restoring an entire river basin, rather than just isolated parts of a river, resulting in a “synergistic effect of multiple actions over time and space.”
This year, the organizations expect to do more restoration work, including three sites on Still Creek and sites on the Salmon River behind Mt. Hood Village RV Resort & Campground and by Miller Quarry. Wanner noted the majority of the work on Still Creek is expected to be finished by 2018.
The work this year is expected to take three weeks sometime during July and August when there is the least impact on the fish, and up to 200 pieces of large wood are expected to be used.
by Garth Guibord/MT |
|  Welches Students with new Chromebooks.
Last fall, students at Welches School participated in a “jog-a-thon,” running laps and landing donations from the community to raise money for technology.
Their efforts resulted in $5,200, and this month the students will start to enjoy the fruits of their labors: brand new chromebooks, laptop computers featuring Google applications, including Google Drive and Google Docs.
Principal Kendra Payne noted the purchase of the computers was also possible thanks to a contribution of more than $11,000 by the Welches Parent/Teacher Community Organization (WPTCO).
“Welches PTCO was excited and proud with the community support that we have had to be able to donate a huge portion of the funds for 60 new Google Chrome Books,” Travis Brewster, WPTCO President, added in an email to The Mountain Times. “So a big Thank You to everyone who donates to our fundraisers and my board for making this a reality.”
“The fact that they were willing to take such a large chunk of their fundraising dollars and devote it to technology just really says a lot about how they support the school and the direction we’re going,” Payne said.
The new computers, purchased for $290 each, will replace 50 computers in two computer labs that were on their “last legs.” Payne noted the chromebooks will serve as “portable labs,” brought into different classrooms via carts the school already has. Payne said the chromebooks have a different operating system than the previous computers, which featured Windows XP, an operating system that Microsoft stopped providing support and technical assistance for on April 8 of this year. That development meant that sensitive information, such as testing information, student identification numbers and login information, could be put at risk. The Oregon Trail School District’s technology department also loaded a free Linux operating system to the school’s old computers, helping to get some extra time out of them.
Payne added other district schools are in similar positions and are working with their parent/teacher organizations to purchase new technology, while the new chromebooks in Welches is the biggest purchase in the district to date.
“I think we’re on the leading edge of that,” Payne said.
The WPTCO also supports the school with the annual Harvest Feed, spaghetti feeds, dances, movies and more. The school and the WPTCO will hold its annual ABC Auction and Dinner at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at the Mt. Hood Village RV Resort & Campground, 65000 Highway 26.
The event features free admission, a silent auction, an oral auction and live music. Dinner tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids.
Organizers are still looking for donations for the auctions. For more information, call 503-622-3165.
by Garth Guibord/MT
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|  Trap Door Spider
Although the urban legend of “never being more than six feet from a spider” has been more or less debunked, make no mistake, they’re around, and probably close by.
While there is no comprehensive list, it is widely believed there are several hundred species of spiders in Oregon. And the Mountain community is a haven for many of them.
Despite their appearance – which has certainly contributed to the outbreak of phobias, with one exception (the western black widow) – no local spiders are known to have a bite severely poisonous to people, according to Jim LaBonte, entemologist for the Oregon Department of Agriculture.
But if you drift into their path, you may be bitten. All spiders have venom. They will bite in self defense.
The black widow, the hobo spider, and the yellow sac spider should pique Mountain dwellers interest, as they have a habit of entering homes and inflicting bites.
Black Widow – They don’t find the Mountain community much to their liking (preferring the Columbia Gorge, eastern or southern Oregon).They are brought into our area in household goods or wood.
“Black widows are truly poisonous to people but are fortunately not aggressive and normally stay in the vicinity of their irregular webs placed in sheltered areas, such as under rocks, in woodpiles, amid household goods in garages and cellars,” LaBonte said. “The adult females are very distinctive with a deep black pea-shaped abdomen with a red spot on the underside.”
Black widow bites should always be treated as serious.
Hobo Spider – The bites of this critter are highly debatable as to the danger to humans. Some experts question the science regarding the true effect of hobo bites, but still believe they should be treated as truly dangerous.
LaBonte has his own opinion. “There is absolutely no evidence that the hobo spider has a bite poisonous to people, let alone causing the horrific effects attributed to it via the Internet and other media sources,” he said. “This species was accidentally introduced from Europe, where it is common and it is not recognized as poisonous. There has been much confusion with this spider and the brown recluse, a species not found in Oregon.”
Of course, it is always possible for someone to be unusually sensitive to even a normally harmless spider’s venom and spider bites are a form of puncture wound, so care should be taken if bitten by a spider. Also, most wounds thought to be spider bites have other causes and confirmed spider bites are quite rare, according to LaBonte.
The assumption is that much of the hobo’s reputation has been gained due to its aggressive nature. This is not true. It is no more aggressive than any other spider.
Yellow Sac Spider – There are several hundred species of this spider in North America. They don’t make webs. Instead they stalk their prey at night. Their bites have been reported to cause long term or severe tissue damage. However, like the hobo, there are few confirmed instances of yellow sac bites. One ODA staff member was bitten by a yellow sac. The bite burned and was painful for a short time. A small reddish welt formed which mildly itched and lasted for about a week. No further damage or symptoms developed. Like the hobo spider bite, the spider should be saved for identification and if severe symptoms develop, medical attention may be advisable.
Trap-Door Spider – These primitive spiders are one of the most interesting found around Mount Hood. They resemble a miniature tarantula, about an inch across with legs spread.
“As the name suggests, these spiders have burrows in the ground or in rotting wood that can be closed with a door across the top that folds in the middle,” LaBonte said. “They pounce on prey such as insects and other invertebrates that cross over or near the burrow.”
The trap-door can be found wandering over the ground after heavy rains. While they have very large fangs and look fierce, they are not known to be poisonous and are, in fact, quite mild-mannered – as far as spiders go.
Giant House Spider – Like the hobo spider, it is commonly found in and around houses as they often get transported with household goods. Although intimidating in appearance because they are relatively large and dark with long legs – they can reach a couple inches or more across with legs spread -- they are not aggressive and are not poisonous.
Cross Spider – Some of the most common spiders found in gardens and forests in the Mountain community are orb weavers, of which the cross spider is one. Like all orb weavers, it makes wonderfully intricate webs in the form of a series of circular silk strands strung between radiating struts attached to supports such as plants. The cross spider hangs in the center, awaiting unsuspecting flying insects which hit the web, become stuck, and become dinner.
Writing Spider – Another orb weaver, this is a truly beautiful spider and is the largest spider found in Oregon.
“With legs fully spread these spiders can be about three inches across,” LaBonte said. “Although they can look intimidating, they are really very gentle, at least when handled by humans. Not so much to their prey.”
Wolf Spider – They are modest in size (up to one inch with legs spread), mostly dark, hairy, and found in gardens and other open habitats. They make no webs and capture their prey by chasing them over ground and through low foliage – living up to their name.
There are many more spiders lurking in our community, including crab spiders – that ambush their prey from behind protective foliage and flowers; all sorts of jumping spiders – blessed with the best eyesight of all spiders and actually jump to capture prey and escape predators; the familiar daddy long-legs, or harvestman – which are actually more related to mites than spiders; and pseudoscorpions, which resemble scorpions but lack tails and stingers – and are the only animals with poison glands and fangs in their pincers. Fortunately, they are so small they could never puncture the skin of a human. One more reason to not be thin-skinned.
Then there’s the mordant scorpion that hangs out in the drier areas of Mount Hood forests. It is not severely poisonous with the sting being similar in severity to a bee sting.
If you haven’t had enough of our neighboring spiders, take a look around the house or yard. One may be eyeing you right now. And most have eight of them.
by Larry Berteau/MT
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|  Moria Shay assembles a wind turbine.
Freshly printed graduation announcements rest near their preaddressed envelopes, the kitchen table cluttered with college admissions letters and scholarship notices.
May marks the beginning of the end for Sandy High seniors, and as graduation grows closer, students are eagerly awaiting the day when they can finally begin the future that they have always dreamed of.
SHS senior Moriah Shay plans to attend Oregon State University in the fall and major in market management and business administration. Although excited for the many opportunities it provides for her future career, OSU surprisingly was not her first choice.
“I first applied to OSU and got accepted in November, and then I visited the University of Portland, and decided that it was my dream school. I applied, and I was put on the waiting list. That was really hard, but life doesn’t stop because you do,” Shay said. “I decided to go to OSU, and I’m totally happy with that now. I think that it was meant to be.”
A lifelong Mountain resident, Shay is eager to make the transition from small town to college life. However, OSU’s overwhelmingly large campus and student body is admittedly one of the things that she is most nervous about.
“I’ve lived in Welches my entire life. Transitioning to middle school to high school was even hard at first because everyone up there I knew since I was 4 years old. To go from an eighth grade graduation with 50 kids to a high school with 1,300 kids, you definitely get put into the mix,” Shay said. “I’m kind of nervous with the whole college thing. There are 20,000 undergraduates at OSU, and I am one.”
Shay’s determination to succeed has motivated her throughout her high school career. As the first person to go to college in her family, her work ethic has ultimately earned her two scholarships that cover her full cost of tuition – an accomplishment that has made her high school experience worthwhile.
“As a freshman and sophomore and even as a junior, I thought about when I was ever going to benefit from all of my hard work. To finally get money and be recognized, it feels so nice. I’ve worked so hard all four years and now I finally get to go to college and do what I enjoy doing.” Shay said.
Other students have to rely on their own funding to afford college tuition. A much cheaper option than attending a four-year university is community college, a plan that for Sandy resident Grant Hoffman just made sense.
“I’m going to Mt. Hood Community College, and I’m probably going to live at home for two years, and then get an apartment,” Hoffman said. “I’m trying to save as much money as possible, just because student debt can be pretty hard to get rid of.”
Hoffman plans to study computer science through a program offered through Portland State, earning him a degree for a fraction of the price.
“A lot of people don’t like being home with their parents, but I’m fine with it,” he said. “As much as I wish I could move away, I don’t have the money for it, so I’m fine where I’m at.”
Hoffman has been working at Sparky’s Pizza in Sandy for the past two years, with the goal in mind to save for college. Like most seniors, he admits that he is nervous about how much depends on what is accomplished through college.
“College worries me, but it worries everyone, just because basically it lays out your life for you. It builds the bridge to get to your life, and it’s kind of scary to think about that.”
Just as Hoffman has a clear goal in mind for the future, senior Sam Kalar has always dreamed of being a pilot, and found that enlisting in the Air Force would be his best option.
“I’ve always wanted to be a pilot, and I’ve just always wanted to go into the military, so the Air Force seemed like my best option because of the job I wanted to have,” Kalar said. As a newly enlisted recruit, Kalar attends weekend training once a month in preparation for basic training.
“When I graduate high school, about a month later I go to basic training, and then I go to my schooling so that I can learn how to do my job,” Kalar said. “I get done with everything around January, take the rest of the year off for school and start college in the fall of 2015.”
As a lifelong resident of the surrounding Mountain communities, Kalar knows that leaving the people he’s known all his life will be difficult, but also necessary.
“I’ve been in this area for quite some time. It will definitely be different, leaving this place. I’ll be alone, but I’ll still have strict rules, so I won’t really be on my own,” he said.
by Madie Smith/MT |
|  Mark Vincent and his Penguin Posse.
As if running marathons on six continents wasn’t enough, he had to challenge all seven.
Mark Vincent, general manager of Timberline Lodge, returned in March with all seven continents under his belt. Antarctica was the finale.
“The day of the race started out calm, no wind, then halfway through the wind came up and it started snowing sideways,” Vincent told The Mountain Times. “The terrain was horrible, mostly hills, large rocks, mud, snow and ice. It’s the kind of marathon you do only once.”
In 2007 Vincent signed up for the New York City Marathon after his brother-in-law suffered a sudden heart attack.
“That was my proverbial wake-up call to get in better shape and focus more on my health,” he said.
Prior to the New York City event, Vincent’s running accomplishments included jogging on the beach and as a sprinter in high school. He had never taken on a marathon.
In New York he heard runners talking about competing on every continent. He was intrigued because of his passion for world travel. Later that year Timberline’s Area Operator Jeff Kohnstamm challenged his directors to set a personal goal for themselves.
“It was then that this goal became clear to me,” Vincent said. “I blurted out that I was going to run a marathon on each of the world’s seven continents.”
He strapped on his running shoes and successfully completed marathons in Rome, Marrakesh, Buenos Aires, Tokyo and Sydney.
Only one remained.
Mark joined a 10-day boat excursion and sailed from Tierra del Fuego across the Drake Passage to the Antarctic. On March 9, about 70 runners started the marathon under sunny skies.
“There were runners from all over the world,” Vincent said. “They were a great group, coming from the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, Poland, all over Europe and South America.”
Not all were able to finish as the weather turned around, but Vincent had a promise to keep. He admitted it was the most difficult marathon, but also the most interesting and rewarding.
The crowd kept him going: thousands of possibly perplexed penguins cheered him on.
Now that he’s joined the elite “7 Continent Finishers Club” he may set his sights slightly lower, but the world is still out there.
“I’m not sure what’s next,” he said. “Probably half marathons. But there’s this interesting country, a kingdom actually, that holds a marathon. It’s Bhutan. Supposedly it’s the happiest country in the world.”
If running makes a person happy, Bhutan is a natural for Vincent.
by Larry Berteau/MT |
|  Maria Burke
“Necessity being the mother of invention” applies figuratively and literally to Mountain resident Maria Burke.
When the Mt. Hood Preschool/Daycare business closed last year, Burke was left in a difficult position – with a 3-year-old daughter and a son on the way.
She formed a small in-home preschool/daycare out of necessity.
“I sent out an email message to a handful of Mountain moms that I knew were also going to need childcare and preschool services,” Burke said. “Very quickly the handful of moms grew and within a few days I realized that this small project needed to be much bigger.”
Burke contacted Welches Schools Principal Kendra Payne and with her support meetings ensued and the new project was growing legs.
“We started off slow, with only a few people coming to our meetings,” Burke said. “But we kept pressing on.”
Ann Yarbro and Heather Sullivan pitched in and with the three determined moms spearheading the effort research revealed a master plan: form a non-profit organization and the possibilities were endless.
A board was formed and by the end of December they filed for non-profit status for their new business, the Mt. Hood Learning Center.
The next hurdle was to earn the nod of the Oregon Trail School District, and on March 19 the center’s proposal went before Superintendent Aaron Bayer.
“The district was very supportive and understood the need in our community,” Burke said. “They just need to work out a few kinks with scheduling. We were told by the OTSD that we would have a final decision by the first week of April.”
The center leaders were not the type to sit on their early laurels. They will need the community to help raise funds to get the program up and running.
A Hawaiian theme fundraiser – Meet and Great Luau – will be will be held at Welches School, slated for 5:30 p.m., April 25. Penny’s Puppet Productions will perform at the event. A donation of $5 is suggested for each individual.
“Come meet the new non-profit board members, teachers and staff,” Burke urged. “We will keep everyone updated (for the final confirmation from OTSD) through our Facebook Group: Mt. Hood Learning Center.”
Burke and the center’s crew plan on becoming a long-term member of the community.
by Larry Berteau/MT
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| The Bite Rolls Out Anniversary No. 5 posted on 04/02/2014
The Bite is back.
Celebrating its fifth year anniversary, the Mt. Hood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Bite of Mt. Hood will take place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, April 12, at The Resort at the Mountain.
The evening celebration – run entirely by more than 50 volunteers and businesses – features foods prepared by Mountain chefs with a silent and oral auction under the direction of auctioneer Tom Anderson, plus entertainment by Brady Goss. Tim Windell will act as master of ceremonies.
The signature event draws visitors from all over to support the local tourism-based economy. Chamber President Coni Scott emphasized the importance of the Chamber’s effort to promote and foster the community and businesses.
“Giving back to the community and developing tourism by giving funds back includes a display monitor and kiosk at the USDA Forest Service for travelers to the Mount Hood area,” Scott said.
Participation has quadrupled since its beginning in 2010, Scott noted, and emphasized there will be much more seating available this year.
The 2014 Bite will include a booth by the boys and girls scouts where they will sell bottled water.
“They will keep all the funds that they collect,” Scott said. “They are so excited, as they need the money.”
Each year The Bite recognizes a local artist, and that goes to local photographer and artist Gary Randall.
“I’m glad to have been selected,” Randall said. “I appreciate the recognition. I feel I am an artist first and a photographer second, which in combination allows me to create art with my camera.”
Randall will donate a 16-inch by 24-inch float mounted metal print of a moon rise and Mount Hood from Lolo Pass, with a gallery value of $1,500.
“I seek sweet light during sunrises and sunsets, as well as clear starry night skies to add to the beauty of my images,” he said. “My love of nature drives my landscape photography, and I think that shows in my work.”
The Chamber funds many local needs, including: the development and maintenance of the Welches School’s nature path; support of the Hoodland Senior Center; an annual fundraising pancake breakfast; additional flooring to add more beds for the Clackamas County Women’s Services; Mountain Express bus services; and $1,000 in food to fill the pantry at the Neighborhood Mission.
by Larry Berteau/MT
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|  Jakob Eslinger (right) and Mason Colbry
When Sandy High School senior Justin Newberry was a freshman in 2010, he took part in the school’s first year of robotics competitions. Newberry’s robot came in last place at his first tournament, but he ended up in an alliance of teams that went to that year’s VEX world competition and ran off eight consecutive wins.
Now, after four years for the program to gain traction, while Newberry will not be going to this year’s VEX Robotics World Championship, held April 23 through 26 in Anaheim, Calif., he can cheer three teams from Sandy that will, plus the two teams from Sandy that will compete at the US Open Robotics Championship in Nebraska from April 3-5.
“It’s just important to know that anything is accomplishable,” Newberry, 18, said. “You can achieve anything you want to achieve if you put your mind to it and dedicate yourself to it.”
The high school’s program featured nine teams consisting of up to four students who build and program a robot to compete against other robots. Competitions take place in a 12-foot by 12-foot platform where each team tries to score points by placing balls in certain scoring zones.
Competitions last for two minutes, with a 15-second automated section to begin the competition where the robots must perform autonomously. During the remainder of the competition, a team member drives the robots. Sandy went to six league tournaments this year and the state tournament.
The teams competing at the world competition are 1460B: Jakob Eslinger, Mason Colbry and Kodi Lang; 1460J: Josh Paugh, Nathan Kentner, Angel Dzul and Josh Anderson; 1460G: Matt Dunlap, Paul Tidball and Ryan Swinson. The teams competing at the US Open competition are 1460B and 1460E: Daniel Hardin, Nicholas Chan, Esten Barker, Andrew Hokanson, Soren Ofstie and Phoenix Gan.
Team members are hard at work preparing for their next challenge, and some have big changes to implement before the world competition. Paugh, a tenth grader from Boring, noted his team will upgrade the motor with a planetary gearbox in order to switch between going fast and using higher torque in order to push other robots around.
Tidball, a 15-year-old sophomore from Sandy, will do a complete robot rebuild with his team because the wheels have fallen off during previous competitions (luckily it could operate on three wheels).
“That was very annoying,” said Tidball, who plans on pursuing a master’s degree in mechanical engineering at Portland State University. “They were attached by one collar.”
Eslinger’s team is not making any drastic changes to their robot, but focusing on programming the autonomous modes.
The winner of that stage gets a 10-point bonus that can determine who wins and who loses.
“Matches are typically close enough it can make the difference,” said Eslinger, a 15-year-old sophomore, who added he programmed a “secret” autonomous mode before the state finals.
Bob Tisch, who teaches a class on robotics at the high school and serves as the program’s advisor, noted many of the students work on their robots for up to a year, serving as a great educational project outside their normal studies.
“I think it’s a competitive thing, like in sports,” Tisch said. “It motivates kids; it’s also kind of exciting building a robot.”
Tisch noted there were approximately 60 teams in Oregon this year, up from 16 when things first got started in 2010. He added there could be upwards of 100 next year.
In addition to those changes, Sandy’s program has changed drastically since it’s inception, when Tisch found some VEX robot parts in a cupboard at the old high school and decided to get things started.
One big addition is a practice platform in his classroom at the new high school, where teams can work out their kinks before competitions. “Before we’d have to go to a portable room and set up to actually practice,” said Tisch, who also noted parents and area businesses have been very supportive of the program.
And Tisch credited the support his students give to each other as a big reason for the success and growth of the program, something that Newberry echoed about the teams he’s met at competitions.
“For being as competitive as it is, it’s a really friendly environment,” he said, noting that students often go from competing head to head one minute to asking for (and receiving) help the next.
“We’ve got a really good batch of kids in the Oregon VEX league.”
by Garth Guibord/MT |
| Lions Club Screening Program posted on 04/02/2014
Excited clusters of first graders swarm the long wooden table, pointing at the various sets of colored headphones and loudly talking with their friends as they hand the volunteers their paperwork and take a seat.
They were told that they were going to play “the hearing game” – a nickname given to the hearing screening test by Lions Club members all around the state.
Elementary schools throughout the Oregon Trail School District were screened for vision and hearing during the months of February and March with the help of parent and high school volunteers, Lion Club members, and most importantly, the Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation (OLSHF).
The OLSHF is the nonprofit arm of the Lions Club, an organization dedicated to serving and assisting the blind. The foundation sponsors a variety of programs throughout the state, their largest being the mobile health screening program.
“The mobile health screening program’s goal is to screen as many children as possible throughout the state of Oregon,” program manager Mara Steen said. “Last year we screened about 50,000 kids in one school year. This year our estimate is that during the school year, we would have screened about 70,000 kids. Really our wish is to leave no child unscreened.”
OLSHF’s mobile health screening program traces its roots back to 1997, when members of the Lions Club board saw a large screening truck acting as a portable clinic. Inspired, the board members purchased a semi-truck, painted it with the Lions Club logo, and began traveling around the state to screen students for their vision and hearing.
“We did this for years, but we noticed that we were not able to screen as many kids as would like on the truck,” Steen said. “So somebody had the amazing idea to actually set up the equipment and do the screenings inside of the schools. We were able to screen so many more kids much more quickly than on the truck. Teachers were excited because kids were out of the classroom for less time, and so were the nurses.”
Over time, mobile screenings began to accelerate in speed, outreach, and efficiency, especially as technology started to improve. Last year, the OLSHF became aware of Spot, a new, easy-to-use vision screening device that takes a picture of the student’s eye and quickly produces data based on the photograph – making vision screenings much more objective than the vision light boxes used before.
“Sometimes it’s more subjective working with a student with the vision light box. This Spot device takes that away, and makes it much more objective because the camera just takes a picture and it immediately tells you what is wrong with that child’s eyes,” Steen said. “It checks for nearsightedness, farsightedness, gaze deviation, all of these things that the light boxes could never check for. So now we are able to screen tons more kids because it is so quick. And the idea is that if we are screening more kids, more kids are covered throughout the state of Oregon.”
The school district values its connection with the foundation, especially for the fact that the OLSHF provides resources and manpower that most public school districts can’t provide.
“We have been working with them since I took over as district nurse three years ago,” District Resource Nurse Brie Leiblein said. “Previously, the district nurse would do the vision screenings herself, and the speech language would do the hearing screenings. We decided to go with the Lions Club because they have the capability to screen several more kids at once, which has saved the school staff and myself countless hours of our time. They also have access to newer and better technology. It has been a great partnership for us, and I plan to continue building a relationship with the Oregon Trail School District and the Lions Club foundation.”
by Madie Smith/MT
|
|  American Bald Eagle
It took a long time for us to accept the true nature and importance of our raptors, and eagles especially were put to the survival test.
A generation ago it was accepted behavior to shoot eagles as birds of prey were considered fair game. Then came the invasion of insecticides that cost eagles their nesting places and limited their ability to lay eggs – eggs with thin shells that would break before hatching.
Over time, humans changed their minds, realizing eagles did much more good than harm. The occasional farm animal that fell prey to their attack was minimal compared to the hunting down and controlling of rodent populations.
Unlike most birds, raptors have their eyes set forward to search for prey, not having to worry about what might be coming up from behind. They tend to be monogamous and return year after year to the same area – and in the case of the bald eagle, to the exact same nest. It has been noted that one bald eagle nest weighed more than 2,000 pounds – having been added to every year – and the weight brought down a tree after being used for 36 years.
Bald Eagle – It is the national bird of America and is the only eagle unique to North America. Sexes have similar plumage but the female is larger than the male, with wingspans up to 8 feet. It breeds not only on the Mountain, but in 32 of 36 Oregon counties.
“The bald eagle numbers are increasing,” said Susan Barnes, biologist for Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife. “It has recovered well and has been delisted from the endangered list – augmented by the banning of DDT.
“Their nests are huge, they mate for life, they eat fish, water fowl, small mammals, carrion, newborn lambs, and have even been known to steal fish from osprey in startling aerial displays.”
As their populations increase there has been an uptick of injured eagles on the ground due to tussles with other eagles competing for space, according to Barnes.
Osprey – Look for a body of water on the Mountain, and you’ll likely encounter this magnificent raptor. Like their bald eagle cousin, they were nearly destroyed by DDT, but have rebounded from that disaster.
“They have a high profile (up to 5-foot wingspan), nest on tree tops, power poles, cell phone towers, and always near water,” Barnes said. “And they collect weird things (for their nests). Besides sticks you can find nests that include plastic bags, T-shirts, baling twine and fishing line.”
They have been arriving on the Mountain since mid-March, mate for life, and can be easily identified by their beautiful, vocal chirp, Barnes noted.
They are fish eaters and are seldom seen outside a 2-mile area from water.
Turkey Vulture – It is commonly known as a buzzard and they are the scavengers of the sky, feasting primarily on carrion.
“They are ugly, but well-adapted for cleanup duty,” Barnes said. “They have no feathers on their head (hence, the ugly moniker) which allows them to stick their heads in carcasses.”
They are recently returned from their winter grounds and spring nesting on the Mountain is underway.
“The world would be a stinkier place without them,” Barnes concluded.
American Kestrel – Commonly referred to as a sparrow hawk, this falcon is the smallest of the family, about a foot in length. But it makes up in size by being the most common of falcons, breeding statewide in open terrain from sea level to the alpine mountain zones.
“The kestrel is the only raptor with sexual dimorphism,” Barnes said. That is, the males and females differ greatly in appearance.
Easily identified, they soar with their pointed wings flat, and regularly hover over open country, including cultivated lands and occasionally suburban areas.
“They have beautiful markings, eat insects and small mammals, and can be attracted by nest boxes,” Barnes said.
Peregrine Falcon – They have adapted to living in cities and make use of tall buildings that provide suitable ledges for nesting. They dive and snatch their prey in mid-air, and have few natural predators.
The peregrine falcon has hooked beaks and strong talons, are found on every continent except Antarctica, mate for life, and are the fastest flying birds in the world – able to dive at 200 mph.
“They are a great success story,” Barnes said. “Their populations have rebounded from being victims of DDT.”
There are currently an estimated 1,650 breeding pairs in the U.S. and Canada.
by Larry Berteau/MT |
|  Dylan Kenney's 'This is Love'
Sandy High School sophomore Dylan Kenney didn’t expect to earn a medal at the 2014 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. But the resident of Rhododendron did just that, landing a silver medal for his scratch art titled “This is Love.”
“I’m kind of realizing I’m not too shabby at art, so that’s cool,” the 16-year-old Kenney said.
The piece was one of two that Kenney had in the competition after both earned gold keys at the state level earlier in the year. Seven students overall earned gold keys from the Sandy High School art program.
Kenney’s silver medal piece features two young men in an embrace, made from a piece of cardboard with a black layer on top. Kenney scratched off the black layer, revealing the white underneath to create the image.
The artist noted his interest in art was sparked early in life, as his family made arts and crafts with him from a young age and encouraged him by getting him drawing and sketch pads.
“I just did it in my free time,” Kenney said. “I fell in love with it.”
Thanks to his success this year, Kenney received a scholarship opportunity to attend a month-long program this summer at the Northwest College of Art in Portland. Dan Shanklin, art teacher at Sandy High School, noted Kenney was one of three students in the program to land national silver medals.
“This was our best year ever!” Shanklin wrote in an email. “Most years we are happy to even get one student with national reconnection.”
Kenney credited Shanklin for his artistic growth over the past year.
“He has taught me so much and I would have never been at this level without him,” Kenney said.
by Garth Guibord/MT |
|  Tony Turin
You may not be able to see him yet, but you will soon.
Tony Turin is coming back to town.
And if you don’t see him, he can help you with that too.
Turin was born in Welches, graduated Sandy High in 2002, went to Mount Hood Community College for two years, earned his undergraduate degree from Western Oregon University in visual science, received a Health Professional Scholarship through the Army and graduated from Pacific University with a doctorate in optometry.
That led to a four-year commission in 2010 as a captain in the Army at Fort Bragg, North Carolina – which included a five-month hitch in a combat support unit in Kuwait. During his tour of duty he became a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, an achievement realized by only 10 percent of optometrists.
He then entered a business competition sponsored by Citi Bank, known as Citi Salutes, a first-year endeavor to assist veterans in business, and garnered a $15,000 prize to open a new enterprise.
And now, with his wife Kim, son Micaiah, and daughter Jamela, he returns to his roots to open Mt. Hood Eye Care in Sandy – with the doors swinging open in May.
“I can’t wait,” Turin told The Mountain Times. “I’ve been counting down the days for many years to return to the Mountain community.”
The Citi Salutes competition was rigorous. While deployed Turin wrote his business plan, and was selected as one of seven finalists.
First up was a 20-minute presentation to a panel of judges in Long Beach, Calif.
Citi Salutes described Turin’s winning presentation:
“Dr. Tony Turin strode in the room, shook hands with the judges and introduced himself. He stood Oprah style in front of the room, sans notes, and began. ‘We’re going to produce profits by pro-viding the best eye care possible,’ Turin said. The Army doc detailed his market, the existing competition, market strategy, projections and expenses.
At the conclusion, Turin let out an audible ‘whoosh’ of relief. The judges, clearly impressed, jumped in with comments, advice and several compliments.”
Judge Larry Broughton listened intently and added: “You’ve done your homework.”
The field was narrowed to three, with a 90-second presentation in the offing in front of an audience of 90 attendees of the conference.
“It was hard,” Turin said. “I’m not usually one for public speaking.”
He underestimated himself, pocketing $15,000 to prove the point.
Tony Turin is the grandson of Jim Turin, owner of Jim Turin & Sons, a family owned asphalt company on the Mountain. He is the son of Dave Turin of “Gold Rush” television fame.
Tony Turin’s rock fell a long way from the gravel pit.
“It doesn’t quite all line up,” he said with a chuckle.
The new optometrist will be assisted by his wife Kim, sister-in-law Kelly Obrist, mother Shelly Turin and mother-in-law Becky Titney, in keeping with the tradition of family run businesses.
The new Mt. Hood Eye Care will be located at 36840 Industrial Way, Suite B, in Sandy. And when you see the new doc, tell him:
“Welcome home.”
by Larry Berteau/MT |
| Windells Produces Another Champion posted on 03/01/2014
Every Olympian’s journey begins somewhere, but what are the odds that 18 Olympic medalists started theirs in the exact same place?
That place is the Mountain’s own Windells, “The Funnest Place on Earth.” The tradition was upheld this year when Nick Goepper captured the bronze medal in the Sochi Olympics ski slopestyle event.
The Windells Academy is a unique part of Windells and features a year-round action sports program that helps student athletes develop their skills, while still continuing their education.
Goepper entered the Academy in 2009 when he was 15 years old, brought in by Windells coach Mike Hanley – who still remains his personal coach.
“He came in the fall of 2009 as a pretty good skier, but he really didn’t stand out,” said Rachel Lemons, who oversees the Academy. “Fast forward to the summer of 2010, Nick had taken those months and learned so many new tricks and was riding with all of the top pros at Mount Hood … that when he went into competition the following year, he was right there on the podium.”
Goepper’s biggest accomplishments outside of winning a medal at the Olympics was being the first skier in a decade to win back-to-back X Games Gold in slopestyle both in 2013 and 2014. He also won the Dew Tour at Breckenridge and Snowbasin, and both World Cups in New Zealand and Colorado. But more importantly, his coach points out, Goepper has a good heart.
“What you see is what you get with Nick,” Hanley said. “He is a really well-mannered Midwestern young man who loves his mom and grew up going to church on Sunday. He’s a great kid,” Hanley said.
Windells runs year round and attracts athletes from all major U.S. cities as well as Russia, Chile, England and Japan.
Founder Tim Windell had the vision to add the Academy to the Windells experience, and now students train at the camp while completing an on-line schooling program and traveling to competitions around the country coupled with one-on-one coaching. “He (Tim) always wanted to have that academic component,” Lemons said. “It’s been his vision, and it just so happened that the right people were aligned together to get it started. It started small, and it’s been growing every year.”
Goepper is a shining example of the Windells experience – producing top-notch athletes by offering a high-quality training.
“That’s one of the things that we always want to be the hub of,” Lemons said. “Which is to train the up and comers, and help build them up to be future Olympians.”
by Madie Smith/MT |
|  Explorer Mackenzie Brink
Pat McAbery recently landed on a different shift during his day job as a firefighter for the Gresham Fire Department. And on one of the first calls, he ran into a familiar face – a young firefighter cutting holes in the roof to release smoke just as he had been taught by McAbery, who runs the Gresham’s Explorers program.
McAbery, also a volunteer battalion chief for Hoodland Fire District, estimates approximately 10 percent of the career staff in Gresham were taught by him through the program, a Boy Scout sponsored activity that introduces interested young adults to what it means to be a firefighter.
And his influence is also evident on the mountain, where he grew up helping his mother respond to emergency calls as a young boy in the 1970s and where he now helps run the HFD Explorers program for those youths between the ages of 14 and 18.
“It’s hugely rewarding for me,” McAbery said, noting the HFDs current Firefighter of the Year, Tony Hadeed, was a student of his in the Gresham program.
HFD’s current program got started approximately 12 years ago when Linn Norgard’s oldest son and nine other kids of firefighters signed up. Norgard, who has run the program since, noted participation in it has ebbed and flowed over the years, but a number of graduates have gone on to pursue careers in the fire services, including three former explorers in the current training company of the HFD.
“It’s pretty cool to be able to help these guys along,” Norgard said. “It’s been pretty rewarding watching some of the kids grow up and move onto fire jobs.”
The Hoodland Explorers meet every Monday night to learn about the essentials of being a firefighter, including learning about engines, tools, how to properly pull out a hose and other skills. And while Explorers cannot be active participants on fire calls, they are able to provide some assistance after learning some of the basics, providing an extra set of hands that can make a difference on a call.
“They’ll actually be able to hook up the tools and prep up for the guys who can use the tools,” Norgard said. McAbery stresses a hands-on approach with the program, letting the Explorers gain mastery of the physical techniques a firefighter needs and leaving the book learning for when the Explorers are ready to join the volunteer ranks at the age of 18.
“They’re going to be touching, pulling, feeling, doing,” McAbery said. “Let’s work on those skills so they know how to pull a hose, where things are on the rig; then do it for three years, get into volunteers and then they can concentrate on bookwork.”
Norgard also stressed that the first priority for every Explorer is their current schoolwork, and that they can get help with that, too, if they need it.
“Explorers (program) is secondary,” said Norgard, who hopes to have weekend job shadows for those interested in pursuing careers as firefighter sometime in the future. The current crop of Explorers have found it to be fun and challenging, including getting a feel for some of the tools, such as the “jaws of life.”
“They’re heavy, but once you get them on hand you’ll remember it,” said Aaron Hunt, 14, a freshman at Sandy High School who started last summer.
“We have to remember all the stuff on the engines. It’s a little challenging but I like challenges.”
Sean Fortune has followed in the footsteps of two brothers who went through the program and his father, who was a volunteer and now is on the HFD board of directors.
Fortune, 15 and also a freshman at the high school, noted he’s been around the fire station since before he can remember.
“Just coming up here as a kid made me want to get involved,” he said. “It had always been a pretty cool thing.”
Mackenzie Brink was introduced to the idea last year when she saw a presentation on the program in her eighth grade class at Welches Middle School. Now a freshman at SHS, she has not just learned what it takes to be a firefighter, but she has gained confidence and made new friends.
“I just fell in love with pulling hose, putting turnouts on and working together,” Brink, 15, said.
For more information, call 503-622-3256.
by Garth Guibord/MT
|
|  Northern Harrier
Raptors have enjoyed the respect and the indignation of humans through the ages.
In a time long ago, they were worshipped as gods.
In more recent times, they were considered varmints.
Today, they inhabit our Mountain community and are accepted for what they are: essential winged commanders of the sky.
The American bald eagle rules as the stalwart symbol of the country.
The osprey is the great fisherman of our rivers and lakes.
The turkey vulture is an ugly scavenger that cleans up after us.
The American kestrel and peregrine falcons are the aerial speed merchants.
And in their midst the hawks are the most plentiful and diverse, with five types patrolling the Mountain skies.
Hawks, like all the raptor family, suffered through the day when they were considered senseless killers of ducks, chickens and livestock.
They were seen as fair game and were shot for sport. Then they were invaded by insecticides which produced thin egg shells that were broken before they could hatch.
Slowly, they gained acceptance when the public realized they were much more beneficial in their rodent control than any harm they visited on livestock.
The Cooper’s hawk, Northern goshawk and sharp-shinned hawk are woodland hunters on the Mountain. They are built for speed and agility. They prey mostly on other birds and the occasional rodent.
The Northern harrier is a low-flying hawk that hunts primarily in open country, eschewing wooded areas. They feed mostly on small mammals.
The red-tailed hawk is the most common in our area, soaring to great heights over open fields, or perched on a utility pole or fence post waiting patiently for its prey. They feed mostly on rodents but will capture the occasional snake.
Cooper’s Hawk – Often called a chicken hawk, due to its desire for eating chickens. They are extraordinary in that they can eat birds “on the fly,” according to Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife biologist Susan Barnes. For some reason “they will also bite the heads off quails,” Barnes said. This hawk is easily identified by its flight pattern – several rapid wing beats alternating with brief periods of sailing.
Northern Goshawk – An aggressive hawk, it is able to maneuver through thick forest landscapes. “They inhabit deep forests such as the areas of the Mt. Hood National Forest,” Barnes said. “But it is uncommon to actually see one because of their quickness and the habitat they call home.” They eat geese, rabbits, ducks and squirrels, as well as insects, Barnes added.
Sharp-shinned Hawk – This is the smallest of the area’s hawks and is highly secretive by nature. It is often depicted as a blood-thirsty villain due to its appetite for songbirds. The ODFW biologist backed up this notion. “Although they can be found in the forests, it also hunts in backyards,” Barnes said. “They get 95 percent of their diet from birds.” Though seldom sighted, they are easily identified by their bright, red eyes.
Northern Harrier – Also called the marsh hawk due to its primary hunting areas being pasture and wetlands. Its main hunting technique is a distinctive, gliding flight low over the ground relying heavily on visual as well as auditory cues to detect prey.
Red-tailed Hawk – It is easily identified in flight by its orange-red tail. It is the most common of Oregon hawks because they are “habitat generalists,” Barnes said. “They live on fire escapes in Portland, trees, urban parks, forests and farm fields. They nest in tall trees and build nests of sticks lined with vegetables. They are nesting now (in the Mountain community).
They have amazing eyesight and will carry off chickens, rabbits, snakes, frogs – in general they have a varied diet.” For some unknown reason they are often harassed by crows.
Of all the hawk families, the Northern harrier is a particular favorite of the ODFW biologist.
“Their flight pattern is amazing,” Barnes said. “They fly so low and tilt their wings back and forth. They nest on the ground.”
This is obviously the stuff of a devoted biologist.
By Larry Berteau/MT
|
|  Savannah DeMicoli
Welches seventh grade student Savannah DeMicoli sat on the stage in the Welches Elementary multipurpose room next to two of her friends during an all-school spelling bee on Friday, Feb. 14.
Her friends said they were surprised she won the spelling bee in her class to make it to the school competition, but that it would be “kind of cool” to see her win.
“I’m the crazy kind of girl and nobody thinks I’m smart,” DeMicoli, 13, said.
But that might change after DeMicoli correctly spelled the word “perceived” and won the school’s inaugural spelling bee.
“I was nauseous all morning; I didn’t really want to do the spelling bee,” DeMicoli said. “I’m not good in front of people.”
DeMicoli noted that the final word was not the toughest for her, as she stumbled with “detective” earlier in the competition. Fifth grader Madison Bowling, 10, was the runner-up, bowing out after she incorrectly spelled “perceived” with the “i” before the “e.”
“I never practiced that word before; when I got up there I was like, ‘oh gosh, what comes next,’” Bowling said, adding, “I feel great. I’m pretty sure my dad’s really proud of me.”
The competition featured 19 students from all grades of Welches Elementary and Middle Schools. Students were given a list of words that would appear in the spelling bee prior to the competition so they could practice.
The Oregon Trail School District’s Talented and Gifted program sponsored the spelling bee and Principal Kendra Payne hopes to make it an annual event.
“I think they did wonderfully,” Payne said. “I loved having all the grade levels compete against each other. I think it kind of upped the ante and the pressure for some of them, but it also really showcased our students.”
As the school’s winner, DeMicoli will now participate in this spring’s Scripp’s competition in Portland, with a chance to head to the national spelling bee in Washington, D.C.
“I think I’ll be so much more nervous that day and just freak out,” she said.
By Garth Guibord/MT
|
| Craft Fair Coming to Avamere posted on 03/01/2014
A spring craft fair and garden swap is being held as an event fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., March 22, at Avamere at Sandy, 17727 SE Langensand Road.
Hand-sewn baby clothes, jewelry, arts, paintings and more will be featured at the craft fair according to Stephanie Johanesen of Welches, the organizer of the first annual craft fair at Avamere at Sandy.
Johanesen is the founder of “Handcrafted in Sandy,” a local artists and crafters group on Facebook.
“There are a lot of local artisans that have amazing talent to offer,” Johanesen said.
“Sandy is a wonderful community for this.”
Johanesen has close ties to Avamere with both her mother and her grandmother living at the facility. “Avamere is extremely excited to host this craft fair,” she added.
Proceeds from the vendors’ table costs and raffle will go toward the Alzheimers Association.
Local artisans interested in registering for the craft fair can contact Avamere at Sandy, 503-668-4199 or the Sandy Area Chamber of Commerce, 503-668-4066.
If walking is your passion and you would like to help raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Association, the Portland Walk to End Alzheimers is to be held at the Portland International Raceway on September 7, 2014.
To organize your walk team and register for the event, go to www.alz.org.
by Frances Berteau/MT |
|  Northern Spotted Owl
The image of the wise old owl, perched in a tree, giving a hoot now and then, can be shattered in the blink of an eye.
It is also a silent, lethal hunter. The round, lazy gaze of the eyes is seductive. But the head can swivel 270 degrees and the owl’s keen vision in low light provides for deadly night forays.
Rabbits, skunks, voles, quail, ducks, amphibians, even smaller owls are subject to the clutch of their talons.
And while they prey on a variety of dishes, they are prey for few others.
Besides humans, the owls have no natural enemy, other than other owls, according to Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife biologist Susan Barnes – the Mountain Times expert in the field for this series.
“I can’t think of anything that hunts them (owls),” Barnes said. “Smaller owls have to watch out for larger owls, occasionally, but that’s it.”
They are more in danger from habitat loss, getting tangled in fences, hit by cars, or being shot at.
The “being shot at” part is prohibited by law.
“They are amazing and beautiful creatures,” Barnes said. “And they are a top predator in the bird world.”
Besides the talons, the night vision, and the swiveling head, the owl has another distinct advantage over its prey: silence. The attack is more than deadly and swift. It comes without notice. Their wings are wide, bodies light, and have feathers designed to silently slip through the night.
There are seven species of owls that inhabit the Mountain community.
Northern Spotted Owl – This meek creature has caused a firestorm of controversy, if for no other reason than it insists on an old-growth forest to call home. Problematically, the logging industry also covets the same areas for harvesting. That brought out the environmentalists to defend the spotted owl’s habitat, and the battle was on. Some of the old growth has been saved from the saw, but the spotted owl’s population is still in decline, according to Barnes. Unfortunately, barred owls have also migrated from the east and they find the spotted owl as a prized feast. Another quirky habit of the spotted owl also works against them. They are not frightened by humans. Juveniles have even been spotted following hikers through the woods. “I’ve held them in my hands,” Barnes said. Barred Owl – Due to questionable forest management, this owl has invaded western forests, the Mountain woods as well. They have an aggressive nature and are a real threat to the humble spotted owl. The barred owl was first spotted in Oregon in the 1970s, and has since spread throughout our state’s forests. Western Screech Owl – This is a common, year-round resident in our woodlands and has been spotted above 4,000 feet elevations in the Cascades. Strictly nocturnal as a hunter, the screech owl will perch during the day and because of its streaked plumage can easily appear as tree bark. Great Horned Owl – This is the most often seen owl in Oregon. It is a large, powerful owl and is easily distinguished from other owls by the feather tufts above the eyes that appear as horns. It is an aggressive hunter and is known to include smaller owls in its varied diet. Northern Pygmy Owl – Don’t be fooled by his size. This tiny owl is active during the day, is aggressive in nature, and has been known to take down mammals twice its size. It is an obsessive hunter and can often be approached during their forays for food. Northern Saw-Whet Owl – They are tiny, no more than 8 inches in length, and is one of the most common owls in Oregon. It breeds in low to mid-elevation coniferous forests but can occasionally be spotted near the tree line. It is the most common owl in the Coast Range. Barn Owl – Besides its keen eyesight and silent approach, this owl also has a well-defined facial disc that acts as a parabolic dish collecting the faint sounds of its prey. This allows the barn owl to hunt successfully in total darkness. The harsh, shuddering call of the barn owl will split the night as it flies over fields in search of rodents.
Owls need our help. They devour rodents. So when humans poison rodents, they kill owls in the process. Also, due to the lack of natural nesting cavities in trees, owls sometimes nest in weird places.
“This can cause conflict and requires us to adjust timing of projects (and) restrict certain activities until nesting is complete,” Barnes said. “I’ve seen barn owls and screech owls nest under roofs of outdoor basketball play areas at schools. I’ve seen barn owls nest in cell phone tower holes and in holes of houses being remodeled.”
We can help by being aware of, and protective of, their nesting areas. We get rid of stumps and snags. This is prime real estate for owls – and the bigger, the better. It sounds corny, but we can give a hoot and help these wide-eyed, valuable residents of our Mountain woodlands.
by Larry Berteau/MT
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|  Martin Beaudet
The allure of the Mountain community has lured another filmmaker.
And in this case, “community” is the operative word.
The screen adaptation of the novel “Senseless Confidential” will start principal photography in May of this year. And according to the novel’s writer and the producer of the film, Martin Bannon Beaudet, 90 percent of the filming will be shot on location in the communities of Brightwood, Rhododendron, Sandy, Boring, Damascus, Estacada and Elwood.
“We are in talks to shoot at local homes and businesses, including the Still Creek Inn in Rhododendron, as well as in the Mt. Hood National Forest,” Beaudet said. “It (will be) really rewarding to get to work closely with the locals in making this an authentic, home-grown film.”
Beaudet, who lives in Damascus, was ready to put away “Senseless Confidential” one year ago and begin work on his next novel. But his story grew legs.
Laura Peterson, a server at the Rendezvous Grill and Tap Room in Wemme, became a local celebrity when it became apparent a character in the novel resembled her. She also bought several copies of the book and distributed them to friends around the Mountain. Readings at book stores ensued, from Welches to Sunriver.
Next, local actor Brian Allard contacted Beaudet and offered to read for an audiobook edition of the novel. During the recording session Allard told Beaudet he’d like to play the lead role of Nick Prince in a feature film.
“Yeah, right,” Beaudet responded. “Like someone’s going to make that.”
Allard was serious. He already had Portland director Andrew Michael Bray on board to direct the film.
Beaudet formed an LLC for fundraising through his company, Faux Meme Productions, and the project took off.
“A casting call was announced last month, generating nearly 200 responses in the first 12 hours,” Beaudet wrote in an email to The Mountain Times. “Auditions begin on Feb. 2, and principal photography is set to begin on May 17.”
An executive producer kicked in 25 percent of the needed funding, and as of today, 40 percent of the monies required have been raised, according to Beaudet.
The storyline of the film – titled Senseless Confidential – follows hapless census worker Nick Prince as he deals with the reluctant residents during his appointed rounds.
“Readers of the novel love Nick’s sardonic wit and wry observations about the senselessness of both the bureaucracy he works for and the outlandish attempts of residents to avoid cooperating with it,” said the film’s director Andrew Bray.
Nick wants nothing more than to drown his sorrows over a lost love, but his job with the census bureau requires him to venture into the Mountain community where he encounters everything from reluctant citizens to pit bulls and shotguns.
When he runs into a loopy polygamist clan, it sets off a wild, wacky race to save himself, his job, and his bleeding heart.
Oregon has attracted numerous filmmakers in recent years due to cash rebates on Oregon-based goods, services and the availability of production personnel.
Feature films like “Wild” (2013), “Extraordinary Measures” (2009) and “Twilight” (2008), plus television productions of Leverage, Grimm and Portlandia, have dotted the local landscape.
Now, “Senseless Confidential” will focus its cameras on the Mountain community.
by Larry Berteau/MT
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| Hwy. 26 Project Trimmed Back posted on 02/02/2014
The Oregon Department of Transportation presented a revised plan for the “U.S. 26 Mt. Hood Highway Safety and Preservation Project” on Tuesday, Jan. 21 at The Resort at The Mountain after the five bids for the original project were significantly higher than the available budget.
Changes in the project include reducing the 2.3-mile concrete barrier to a 1.6-mile barrier (now starting just east of the runaway truck ramp) and eliminating rock fall work at Map Curve.
Rock fall work could be included if new bids are viewed to be favorable, while the scope of the project will continue to include paving work from east of Rhododendron to Highway 35 and lengthening of westbound passing lanes.
“We recognize rock fall at Map Curve is still a problem,” wrote Kimberly Dinwiddie, ODOT community affairs coordinator, in an email to the Mountain Times. “Today, we don’t know what improvements we will be able to afford to make at that location. We look forward to opening the bids in March to learn what rockfall improvements, if any, we can construct.”
Dinwiddie noted it was not known at this time if work at Map Curve would be considered for a separate project in the future.
Construction is expected to start as early as May and will likely need three years or more to complete. Work will be performed between April through October each year, with no work done during the winter months. Traffic delays, including reducing the highway to a single lane and complete highway closures for short periods of time, will also occur.
Dinwiddie noted while details on the last round of bidding are unavailable to keep the bidding process competitive, the bids exceeded ODOT’s engineers estimate, which is based on historical costs. If the second round of bidding also comes in significantly higher, Dinwiddie wrote that ODOT will analyze the reason for the higher bids and determine the next steps.
“Unlike the last bidding round where we based our estimates on historical costs, we now have a solid idea of what rate the contractor is bidding,” she added.
The budget for the project remains at $27.85 million,
For more information, visit US26MtHoodSafetyOpenHouse.org.
by Garth Guibord/MT
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| City Dives Into the Pool posted on 02/02/2014
The Sandy City Council approved the formation of a task force to look into the future of the Olin Y. Bignall Aquatic Center and pool at the Monday, Jan. 20 meeting.
The task force was asked to gather and summarize information regarding other pools, identify options for continued operations and improvements and to survey the wants and needs of the community and how to pay for them.
Task force members include Sandy City Councilor Jeremy Pietzold, Chip Parkinson, Oregon Trail School Board member Dan Thompson, Sandy City Manager Seth Atkinson, City of Sandy Event Coordinator Carol Cohen, Tammie Macalevy, Bob Goodward and Ken McKlarty. The task force was expected to hold its first meeting on Monday, Jan. 27.
The future of the facility has been in question since the Oregon Trail School District (OTSD) implemented an exit strategy to end its support of the pool at the Nov. 12, 2013 board meeting. The strategy includes a limit of $400,000 or through Nov. 30, 2015, whichever comes first.
In a staff report written for the Tuesday, Jan. 14 council workshop, Atkinson explored some options for the city in taking over the pool operations. One option Atkinson noted was a special service district, a method used for operating other area pools, but it might also have a negative impact on the amount the city collects from property tax.
Atkinson added that an operating levy and a capital levy to fund improvements, along with increasing some user fees (while offering a discount for those who live within the city), would be another option. An operating levy, however, would require renewal by the voters every five years.
“For the most part, we’re not really sure how a levy would be received by the citizens,” Atkinson said. “We had a pretty big bond passed back when the school went in and I think people are still reeling from that.”
A third option could be a utility fee to fund a portion of operating expenses not covered by pool program fees.
“Most pools are subsidized in some form or fashion,&rdquo |
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