Gov. Ted Kulongoski ordered flags at all public institutions to be flown at half-staff Thursday in memory of Pfc. Erin L. McLyman of Eugene.

The 26-year-old died March 13 in Iraq from wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked her base with mortar fire. She was assigned to the 296th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.

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Gov. Ted Kulongoski has ordered flags at all public institutions in Oregon to fly at half-staff beginning at sunrise Wednesday through sunset on Sunday in honor of state Treasurer Ben Westlund.

Westlund died of cancer on Sunday.

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1. Flag Honors Fallen Soldier

As I was coming home from grocery shopping today I saw a few new signs around town…

FOR LEASE signs.

Last month it was Basco’s Burgers in Cornelius.  Thirty years in the business and then gone, just like that.

Today I saw Triple Point Biologics was empty.  They were the protein lab located between Dr Tidwell’s Dental Office and Napa Auto Parts.  I don’t think they closed, but just moved.  According to their website they are now on Douglas, in the old building that used to be Jim’s Automotive.  Cheaper rent maybe?

While discussing this with my wife she noticed another business gone.  Signmesiters.  The entire store located next to OK Floral was empty.  And sadly, I don’t think this business moved, or sold, or anything else but just closed up completely.  No signs in the window, no nothing.  I remember when Tamra and Vern opened this business.  They were located in one of John Hamilton’s buildings over on Main St – pretty close to where The Urban Decanter is now….  They were a nice couple, and hard workers.  Their two dogs were always excited to see me.  And now?  Another sign of the economy?

Good luck  Tamra and Vern, wherever you are.  We will miss you.

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1. UPS Store is now closed.

Where do we go from here?

That was the question posed at the Forest Grove Town Meeting last month.  Although I did not have a chance to attend, there has been a lot of discussion on the bulletin boards around town.  Suggestions like turning Forest Grove into a Wine gateway,  adding a Town Center, or bringing in more Arts.

These are all good suggestions – assuming everything is back to normal and our main goal is to attract more people / business to boost our local economy.

But is everything normal?   We are still in the clutches of a major economic recession.  Many people are still out of work.  Job are getting harder and harder to find.  Every day more and more businesses are closing their doors for good.  Hollywood Video closed a dozen Oregon stores just last week.    Basco’s Burgers in Cornelius is closing after 30 years.  Rumor has it that Horton’s Office Supply could be closing soon.

In Colorado Springs, CO the city just turned off a third of its streetlights and has police helicopters for sale on the Internet.  City recreation centers, indoor and outdoor pools, and a handful of museums will close for good in March.  California is near bankruptcy.  Nevada’s budget is so far out of balance that by one account the state could lay off every worker paid from the general fund and still be $300 million in the red.  Prisons may be closed, entire colleges shuttered and thousands left without jobs.  And in Utah, facing massive budget cuts, one school district is considering eliminating the 12th grade altogether.

No, I’m sorry.  This does not sound like everything is back to normal.  And I really doubt if inviting people out for wine tasting will help.

Well then….what should we do?  Where should we focus?  Becoming a better bedroom community?

As I said, encouraging more people and/or businesses to move to Forest Grove is a good idea – assuming the recession is indeed over and our economy will soon be getting back to normal.  But just remember, it has taken us several years to get to this point.  Do you really think it’s going to improve very quickly?  And of course, there is always that possibility….. that it just doesn’t.

Here’s another happy scenario.  Climate change.  The debate could go on for years, but the truth of the matter is this….  our climate IS changing.  Ask Europe who had one of the coldest winters on record.  Ask Washington DC who got hit recently with two, back to back, snowstorms.  Ask Dallas, TX who just got hit with 12.5″ of snow, yes, Dallas.  Google the Iguanas and Manatees in Florida.  It’s happening, whether we are to blame, or not.  What if it happens here?

Remember our little snow storm just two Christmases ago?  I was stuck in my house for 2 weeks!  I had to ask a neighbor to run me down to Safeway for a prescription for my wife.  He had a huge 4 wheel drive truck, with chains, and we still got stuck.  And when we finally made it to Safeway…..(our one and only grocery store in town), many of the shelves were already bare.  You could clearly see panic in many of the faces that were there.

And what would a gloom and doom posting be without mentioning Peak Oil.  Many experts are predicting that worldwide oil production will peak very soon if it hasn’t already.   Remember, we are a bedroom community.  The majority of our residents depend on commuting to work every day.  What happens if oil surged to $147 a barrel again?  Remember what it was like paying $4 a gallon?   What is this time it hits $5?  What about $10?

The town focus?  The future of Forest Grove? We might want to look at communities like Boulder, Colorado for inspiration.

Boulder County Going Local was only named an official transition initiative earlier this month, but it’s getting started with a bang. The organization has already launched a series of talks and workshops to teach residents how to survive with local resources entitled “The Great Reskilling”. Planned events include “High Altitude Gardening”, “Garden Design and Planting A La Permaculture”, “The Bountiful Pantry”, and “Solar Greenhouse Design”.

It is sobering to think about how few survival skills most of us have. Perhaps if more transition initiatives like Boulder’s take off, we can relearn the skills that fossil fuel-based industrialization has rendered useless.

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I remember the first time I heard them.  It must have been about 12 years ago, right after we moved here.  “What in the heck is that!?” I asked my wife.  She said it sounded like a baby was crying.  Sounded more like some poor woman was screaming at the top of her lungs to me.  Bone chilling is what it was.  I thought, what kind of neighborhood is this!

Well, it wasn’t a baby, or any kind of evil doing going on in the hood.   It was the famous Forest Gale Peakcocks.  

Peakcocks?

According to the local rumor mill – a local farmer used to raise them nearby, long before Forest Gale Heights was fully developed.  I’m not sure what happened to the farmer, but his brood of peafowl remained – and multiplied.   At one point in time they were everywhere.  Oh sure – they are pretty to look at.  But once you get woke up by them screaming at 5am, or have to clean up after them, you may change your mind.  I’ve had them on my roof, in my lawn, on the sidewalk, and everywhere in between.  And they don’t just leave typical little bird droppings when they go.  Oh no.  Think more like – hairballs.  Lots of them.  Nasty.

Peacocks and peahens—are members of the pheasant family. Although most people call the whole species peacocks, the word really only refers to the male bird. Just like chickens,  where the male is called a rooster or cock and the female is called a hen, male peafowl are peacocks, female peafowl are peahens, and babies are peachicks.  There are three species of peafowl in the world: the Indian, or blue peafowl, the green peafowl, and the Congo peafowl.  Up here in the Heights, we have the Indian Blue.

Lucky us.

So if you are out for a Sunday drive, and happen to be in  Forest Gale Heights, don’t be surprised if you see a parade of peakcocks and hens crossing the street in front of you.  One warning – they cross the street very slowly.  Very, very slowly.  If you get out and try and take a picture of them, they usually run, but if you leave the back seat open, maybe you can entice them into your car with some cat food.  They like that.  Then you could take them home with you.  Start another brood.  Say in – Washougal?

Please?

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Christmas and New Years have now come and gone, time to start taking down the decorations.  But what do you do with that tree?  Here are some options for Forest Grove.

Option 1:  Recycle

Many nonprofit organizations offer pickup services or locations where you can take Christmas trees and wreaths to be recycled.  They will charge a small fee or request a donation.  These nonprofit groups accept trees at least one day on the weekend after Christmas.  Nonprofit organizations provide this service as a fundraiser for many worthwhile projects and as a community service.  Once these groups are finished with tree recycling projects, the yard debris processing companies in the region will still accept them.

Here in Forest Grove, the organization that has handled this for us over the last 25 years is the Forest Grove FFA.

• Drop-off location: Ace Hardware, Tom McCall Upper Elementary School
• Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 2, Jan 3 and Jan. 9
• $4 for green trees; $15 for flocked trees (wreaths, swags and garlands accepted for free with tree)
• Pick-up is available within the cities of Forest Grove and Cornelius
• Pick-up prices: $6 for green trees; $15 for flocked trees (wreaths, swags and garlands taken for free with tree)
• Pick-up hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 2-3 and Jan. 9
• To arrange pick-up, please call 503-357-6526.

Option 2:  Curbside Yard Debris Collection

Residents with curbside yard debris collection service can recycle their trees in their yard debris carts. If placing tree pieces in your cart, cut your tree into small enough pieces to fit so they are able to fall freely when tipped into the truck. Trees can be set out in lieu of yard debris container. If your cart is full, you can set out trees less than six feet tall as additional yard debris materials.  An “extra” yard debris charge will be assessed. Trees must be free of tinsel, stands, ornaments and other added materials. Wreaths can be placed in the yard debris cart with the frames, wire and other non-organic material removed.

Recycling preparation

It is important to remove all lights, wire, tinsel, ornaments, nails, stands and other materials that are not part of the original tree. Most trees are ground up as part of the recycling process; foreign material can ruin a chipping machine. Also, nonorganic materials aren’t good for a compost mixture. Some groups or businesses do not accept flocked trees.

Christmas wreaths and swags can be recycled with trees. Most recyclers ask that all frames and wire be removed.

Do not bring yard debris to nonprofit groups that are collecting trees.

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No, I wouldn’t recommend duct taping your cell phone to your ear, but I would recommend something, because as of today it is illegal in Oregon to chat on your cell phone while driving.  If you decide to chance it anyway, and get caught, it could mean a $142 fine.

So what do you do?  Look for a hands free headset, or one of those kooky looking bluetooth gadgets that wrap aroud your ear.  Best Buy had some on sale today for $29 (I picked up the last 2 – sorry).    But they had many more brands to choose from with an average price tag of about $50 – $75.

Where do you go look?  Although I haven’t gone and checked it out myself, I wouldstart at Freddys, they should carry something.  (BiMart is a long shot – but if you’re there already – why not look).  After Freddy’s, your closest place is probably going to be Office Depot or Best Buy.   And remember, whether you’re at The Esplandade in Hillsboro or Tanasbourne on 185th, either spot has a Target nearby to check out  too.

But if you wait a few weeks, you’re probably going to find empty shelves.  I would start soon.  Like I said, I grabbed the last two on sale today and only because there was a rush of people looking for them.

If you get a Bluetooth earpiece, make sure you read the instructions that come with it.  If you’re phone has bluetooth capability you’ll need to turn that on, and then ‘pair’ the device with your phone.  Not too hard, just read the instructions, or go ask your closest teenager for help.  They seem to be able to figure out this technology stuff like it was nothing.

Good luck Forest Grove, and well – if you go the duct tape route – don’t tape over your nose – and when you’re all done – pull quickly.  It’s not supposed to hurt as bad.

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Just off Cornelius Pass and Baseline in Hillsboro

I wondered if it might snow today when I saw the red sky this morning during the sunrise.  Remember the old saying, “Red sky at night, sailor’s delight?  Red sky in the morning, sailors take warning” ?  Proved true today.   I just don’t think people had any idea of how much snow we would get.  I just measured 5″ out on my deck, and it’s still coming down.

I saw my first clue this afternoon.  “It’s snowing!” the Facebook message said,  from a friend in Hillsboro.  Sure enough within a few moments, it was snowing here in the Grove too.  I jetted off to Safeway to get a few last minute supplies, and boy, what a zoo!  Rude people, crazy parking lot, and only 4 checkers.  I think I waited at least 20 minutes to get checked out.

Coming home was no easy task either as everyone was driving about 5 mph.  I even saw one car stop in the middle of the road to put his chains on.  It was deja vu from last Christmas all over again.  My daughter almost got stuck (with 5 other cars) coming up the hill from Purdin Rd to Thatcher.  Fortunately everyone was able to get turned around (including my daughter) and come into Forest Grove from Hwy 47 instead.   The driver in the photo wasn’t so lucky.

I understand it’s all supposed to turn to rain later on tonight, so if you like snow, and I know some of you do, now is the time to go play, before it all turns into a wet slushy mess.

Enjoy it while you can!

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It’s funny that I still remember all the rumors floating around town back in 2007.  Albertson’s was coming, then Haagens.  I heard that Foreign Car Specialists and JD Pence was going to become a Rite-Aid.  That was a “done deal”.  Well – they’re empty, and I don’t see a Rite-Aid.  I actually do feel sorry for the little Doggie Daycare that moved in there though.  They didn’t last very long.

And then there was WalMart.  You know, it’s been almost 3 years now, and I still don’t see a WalMart either.  Oh I know it’s coming.  I see them moving dirt around over there.  But it’s not done.  And it has been 3 years now.    Personally, I could care less whether they come or not.  I’ll still go to Freedy’s and BiMart.

I hope the economy does turn around soon.  Because the number of businesses that have closed in the last few years far outweigh the ones that have opened.  Ok wait -  we did get a Taco Bell.  Woohoo.  I was actually hoping it was in Cornelius, but I guess it’s right on the FG line.  Oh well.  Sorry – not a big Taco Bell fan.  In my opinion, the last thing we need is yet another fast food restaurant.

I remember the Sushi store opening just before I left – and then it closed.  And now it’s back open again.  I’m not a Sushi fan either – but I do hope they stick around this time.  If I remember. the early reviews were good, and it does make a nice addition to the town.

Pac Ave Bar and Grill looked like it was going to be the next up and coming spot.  They had a cool bar, some good imported beer, and live music, and then – boom – they were gone.  Just like that.  Now it’s Pac Thai and some Monkey? Deli?  I have heard the Thai food is good, and I also heard good reviews on the Deli.  Regardless, I’m just glad something moved in there.

Speaking of gone like that……Times Litho.  Wow.  What a shocker.  My wife and daughter were actually working there at the time.  And then….they weren’t.  Just like that.

I see the little flower shop across from Scotties closed too.  Now it’s a craft store.  Strange location – but I hope it works out.  And speaking of Scotties, remember Flying Pig that used to be next door?  Then they moved downtown.  Did they move – again?  What’s up with THAT?  They’ll win the award for most locations in Forest Grove if they keep this up.

And how could I forget….we have a new MAYOR!  Now that’s a big change.  Good luck Mayor Truax.  If you’re city speaches are half as good as your Rotary Announcements – I really want to come listen.  I always enjoyed your Duck vs Cougars debates.

So many changes in the last few years.  But you want to know what’s funny?  There’s one thing that hasn’t changed.  My old computer shop is STILL for rent!  Now that’s funny

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