As the SBDC's premier program, SBM I gives business owners and managers the tools and skills they need to take their business to the next level. Participants of the cohort receive training on how to build and formalize their business, and gain valuable professional development on topics such as sales and marketing, operations, finance, strategy and legal issues. This non-credit, business training program combines 30 hours of training with 20 hours of confidential one-on-one business advising.  The SBM I program starts on Thursday, June 21, from 6 to 9 pm at PCC's Willow Creek Center located at SW 185th Avenue and Baseline Road in Hillsboro and continues for a total of 10 sessions ending in early December 2012.

To be eligible for the grants, you must be in business for at least one year, have five or fewer employees and the business must be located in Forest Grove.  Home Occupancy businesses in Forest Grove are also eligible. The Small Business Development Center will make the final selection of the grant awards. Application must be made to the City by June 11th to be considered for a grant.  Grant awardees will need to contribute $200 toward the program cost.  Candidates not selected for grants may also enroll in the program for the regular cost of $1,200.  They may also enroll a second person from the same business for half-price or $600, whether or not a training grant is awarded.  Click here for an application

Forest Grove, working with partners at the Forest Grove Chamber of Commerce and SBDC, will continue to offer other forms of small business assistance including economic gardening grants for second stage companies, comprehensive guides to starting a business in Forest Grove and the Business Incentive Program for occupying formerly vacant space and other training.

For more information or an application for the SBM I training grant or other programs, contact Jeff King at 503-992-3293 orjking@forestgrove-or.gov

City Manager Michael Sykes said, “The City is very excited and pleased about the generous support received from Sheriff Pat Garrett.  The Sheriff recognizes that the City of Forest Grove has a very strong Police Department and would like to help us maintain our strong presence in Western Washington County. We are very appreciative of the support from Sheriff Garrett to help us through this interim period.”  Chief Deputy Steele has worked for Washington County Sheriff's Office since 1996 and has held several positions including Patrol Deputy, Patrol and Investigations Sergeant, Patrol Lieutenant, and Services and Patrol Commander.  He has held the position of Chief Deputy since December 2011 and is third in cammand at the Sheriff's Office.

Sykes noted that the City had internal candidates who could have filled the position during the interim period, but that would have compounded the current shortage of officers.  Presently, the City is down three patrol officers due to injury or attendance at the Academy plus one Sergeant and the Chief.  If an internal candidate would have been promoted into this position, it would have meant one less officer on patrol and would have further impacted operations during a busy time for the department.

Mayor Truax noted, “The Forest Grove Police Department already enjoys a partnership with the Sheriff’s Office through several multiagency teams and occasional joint responses to priority calls.  I believe this additional partnership will further offer long-term benefits to both the City and County.  Crime doesn’t necessarily know or care about boundaries and finding ways to share resources and coordinate service delivery to our collective citizens is a win-win situation for our citizens,” said Mayor Truax.  “We have found that working with our neighbors can make a real difference in service response,” he added.  “Our experience coordinating the delivery of fire services with the Cornelius Fire Department has been a great success and has really improved service to both of our communities.  Having Chief Deputy Bill Steele working on a daily basis with our Department during this interim period offers the opportunity for efficiencies in providing Police service as well.” 

Steele will begin as full time Interim Police Chief on May 21st and will work closely with existing department leadership as the agency transitions to the selection and appointment of a new chief.  Steele will be sworn in before the Forest Grove City Council on Monday, May 14, at 7:00 pm.

On the afternoon October 24, 2011, Phoebe Reinecker, owner of Reinecker Nursery, was in her home office, the work day almost done, when she heard one of her employees call for help.  An otherwise healthy man in his early fifties, and longtime employee of her small horticulture business near Forest Grove, had suddenly gone into cardiac arrest and had collapsed near one of the greenhouses.  Reacting quickly Phoebe made the one hundred yard dash to the man who was unconscious and not breathing.  Knowing exactly what to do, Phoebe began to apply very effective CPR to the man she had worked with for so long. 

The American Heart Association created the term "Chain of Survival" to describe how timing is everything when it comes to a successful resuscitation of a cardiac arrest victim, and this case shows exactly how essential this timing really is.  With her swift actions, Mrs. Reinecker effectively connected the first two links (early access to 9-1-1, and early CPR) of the chain of survival.  When Paramedic/Firefighters from the Forest Grove Fire Station arrived within five minutes they were able to provide the other two links of the chain that include cardiac defibrillation for the unconscious man as well as advanced life support care.  These steps combined with Mrs. Reinecker's earlier response restarted the man's heart; by the time that he had arrived at Tuality Hospital in nearby Hillsboro, the man had even started to wake up and begin to speak.  Within a matter of weeks he had returned to work and is still there to this day helping the family owned company grow beautiful flowers and horticulture products.

Sadly, most sudden cardiac arrest calls do not end this way, in fact less than 8% of victims of sudden cardiac arrest survive the event and the damage it causes to the human body.  In almost every incident where a victim of sudden cardiac arrest survives it is because someone helped them with early and effective CPR, which can cause survival rates to double or triple in some instances.  There is no doubt that in this incident the man is able to be among us today because of the calm yet quick actions that Mrs. Reinecker took to save his life.  That's why on Monday, May 14, 2012, Forest Grove Mayor Pete Truax, his fellow City Councilors, will join Fire Chief Michael Kinkade in honoring Mrs. Reinecker with the Forest Grove Fire & Rescue Citizen's Service Award.  You are invited to attend and meet with the Paramedics that responded to the call as well as Mrs. Reinecker to share her inspiring story of how important it is to learn CPR so you too can save the life of someone else. 

During his tenure, Aleshire oversaw a number of major changes at the police department, include the revamping of the department's policy manual, an increase in regional partnerships with Tri-Met and county task forces and the implementation of a new police records system.  Aleshire also aided the Forest Grove City Council in establishing a ban on outdoor drinking and made the department's National Night Out a major department priority.

Aleshire leaves behind a department with a significantly boosted public presence.  "I think he has done an outstanding job of really building a good community policing program for the City," said City Manager Michael Sykes.  "One of the reasons that I hired him was his community approach and he hasn't disappointed me at all."  Sykes said the department's citizen academy, National Night Out event and reserve officer program were all examples of Aleshire's commitment to developing community involvement.  Every year, the department sends officers to Forest Grove High School's career day event and multiple students have shadowed officers for their senior project. 

Sykes said the City will spend four to six months on a search to replace Aleshire.

Thursday, May 10, 2012
Community Auditorium, 1915 Main Street
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

To register, go to www.solv.org and click on Events Calendar. 
Registration Questions:
Briana Goodwin
503-844-9571 x332 or 800-333-7658 x332
briana@solv.org

EDRR Brochure  

The information presented at this seminar not only covers the rules and regulations for Oregon Notaries, it also explains how to properly identify the signer, what to record in your journal, as well as what requirements are needed to create a proper Oregon Notarial Certificate.

FREE Notary Public Educational Seminar
May 22, 2012, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM
Community Auditorium
1915 Main Street
Forest Grove, OR  97116

Check out our seminar website at:  http://notsem.sos.state.or.us/

You may register online or call us at 503.986.2200.

When firefighters from Forest Grove Fire & Rescue arrived they found an active fire burning in the kitchen of unit 207.  After having to force entry into the locked apartment, a dog and a cat charged from the smoke-filled building while Intern Firefighter Gabe Welp quickly extinguished the fire as Lieutenant Chris Woodford searched the condo. Entering the first bedroom he came to, Lieutenant Woodford found a male victim who was unresponsive in the bed.  Volunteer Firefighter Brooke Brown and Intern Emmet Middaugh from Engine 422 assisted Woodford and Welp as they grabbed the unconscious man and pulled him free from danger, where Firefighter/Paramedics outside began to provide Advanced Life Support Care to the young man.

The victim was transported to Tuality Community in Hospital where he was treated for smoke inhalation; he is still at the hospital at this time.  Firefighter Paramedics that went with the victim in the Metro West Ambulance reported that he was able to talk to emergency room staff by the time that they arrived at the hospital, but that he was confused and did not know what had happened, his injuries do not appear to be life threatening.  Fire Investigators found that a pan had been left on the stove and that the burner to this pan was left turned on high.  Fire caused extensive damage to the kitchen, with at least $40,000 in damages to the home and contents.  No working smoke alarms were found and the building did not have a fire sprinkler system that would have otherwise controlled this fire. 

The condo is occupied by a husband and wife, the victim is their roommate.  The married couple was not at home at the time of the fire, but arrived later after being informed of the fire.  Forest Grove Police Officers quickly secured the dog that escaped the fire, but the family cat is still missing.  Based on statements from roommates and evidence at the scene, it appears that alcohol may have been a contributing factor in this incident.  Luckily firefighters were able to stop the fire within minutes of it spreading to the attic and other units in the building.  Please be cautious in your home, especially if you share a building with others.  If you choose to drink, please do so responsibly, and never attempt to cook, drive, or use equipment.  Make sure you have a working smoke alarm and practice a family fire escape plan.  

The Tree Line USA honor comes from the City's Light & Power Department's commitment to proper tree pruning, planting and care in the provider's service area.  This is the 10th year of recognition for Forest Grove Light & Power Department.  Forest Grove Light & Power Department achieved the Tree Line USA status by meeting five program standards.  Utilities must follow industry standards for quality tree care; provide annual worker training in best tree-care practices; sponsor a tree-planting and public education program; maintain a tree-based energy conservation program; and participate in an Arbor Day celebration.

This is the 22nd consecutive year that Forest Grove has been recognized as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation.  To receive this national recognition a community must meet four standards.  Tree City USA communities must have a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program, and hold an Arbor Day™ observance.  The City of Forest Grove Community Forestry Commission, made of local volunteers, guides these and other forestry-related efforts.  The Commission oversees the Forest Grove Register of Significant Trees, sponsor tree planting and tree care workshops and makes recommendations to the City Council on policies related to tree protection. 

The Community Forestry Commission generally meets at 5:30 pm on the third Wednesday of every month at the Forest Grove Community Auditorium, 1915 Main Street.  The Commission currently has one vacancy open to a resident of Forest Grove.  Please call 503.992.3226 for additional information about becoming a Forestry Commission volunteer member.

More information about Tree Line and Tree City USA can be found at www.arborday.org.

Through their efforts, the park is cleaner and healthier for all residents. Special thanks are also due to Aramark at Pacific University for providing lunch to the volunteers, and to Clean Water Services for loaning tools. The volunteers and the donors who supported them are helping to build a stronger, healthier community.

Click here for more volunteer opportunities!

Emergency management staff plan to use a moderate, local-fault earthquake scenario for Tuesday’s full-scale exercise. Staff from numerous emergency response agencies and organizations in Washington County will practice the collection, reporting, analysis and sharing of damage assessment information.

The exercise is being coordinated by the Office of Consolidated Emergency Management for Washington County and the participants include Washington County, the cities of Banks, Beaverton, Cornelius, Hillsboro, Forest Grove, and Tigard, Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue, the Joint Water Commission, Washington County Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES), Tuality Healthcare, Metro West Ambulance, and the Intel Corporation. 

Although much of the exercise play will involve staff working in emergency centers, several agencies will have personnel working in the field simulating the rapid visual assessment of damaged buildings, bridges and roads.

A damaging earthquake can occur at any time of day and on any day throughout the year. When an earthquake is felt, the public is advised to:

• DROP to the floor and get under a sturdy piece of furniture like a desk or table. Stay away from windows, bookcases, pictures and mirrors, hanging plants and other heavy objects that may fall. Be aware of falling materials such as plaster, ceiling tiles and bricks that may come loose during the quake.
• Stay under COVER until the shaking stops.
• HOLD ON to the desk or table providing protection and if it moves, move with it.

To learn more about preparing for earthquakes and other natural disasters, visit these web sites:

http://www.take5tosurvive.com/
http://www.ocem.org/
http://governor.oregon.gov/OMD/OEM/
http://www.fema.gov/

Go to the Calendar for a complete updated listing of Community Events as well as City Activities.  Or download This is Forest Grove 2012! Fun Events & Experiences.

If your organization sponsors a community event that you would like included on the calendar, please contact Jeff King, Economic Development Manager, at jking@forestgrove-or.gov or 503.992.3293.

With over 20 vendors featuring a variety of different items that have been handcrafted or repurposed by talented local artisans, this new market is expected to kick-off Forest Grove’s weekly and monthly spring and summer events. The weekly Farmer’s Market and monthly 1st Wednesday’s street presence events will begin in June on Main Street, also downtown, from 4-8 p.m.

Artisans in the Grove is a group of local artists and crafters that came about from several conversations around a kitchen table, and subsequent interactions with members of the community highlighting the interest and need for an affordable, regularly-occurring market to display and sell their artisan goods and services. They represent vendors seeking an affordable market for their high quality, handcrafted or repurposed arts, crafts, textiles and demonstrations. As an affiliate of the City Club of Forest Grove, they join in the mission to improve the vitality of the downtown Forest Grove area and help with the operation of City Club’s events.

After a successful first summer market season ended, it was suggested that the Artisans group organize a couple biannual bazaar-type events. The first was the Artisans Holiday Market, which opened in November and December in conjunction with Holiday in the Grove, a seasonal event put on by City Club. Both events were a huge success, drawing hundreds of people from around the Metro area and the Spring Market is expected to do just as well.

The primary objectives of Artisans in the Grove include:

• Providing a low-cost opportunity for local artists to share their talents with the community through arts, crafts, textiles, pottery, etc. Demonstration space is also available for artisans and businesses that offer classes and/or performance services in the arts.
• Promoting the sales of these goods and services for smaller scale vendors (home crafters etc.), as well as established artists and businesses in the Forest Grove and surrounding areas.
• Complimenting the mission of the weekly Forest Grove Farmer's Market which must maintain strict guidelines for the participation of crafters/artists in order to comply with certification produce and agricultural regulations.
• Encouraging increased foot-traffic and business in the downtown area of Forest Grove, contributing to the economic vitality of the city.

If you would like more information about Artisans in the Grove and/or how to join them, please email artisansfg@gmail.com.

From 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., crafts and activities will be offered for children of all ages.  All participating children will be able to select a paperback to keep, donated by All Together Now, during the craft and activity time. The Ballet Folklórico Sol Azteca will perform from 11am-11:15am, and Mid-City Breakers will be performing from 11:15a.m.- 11:45 a.m. Refreshments and door prizes will follow the final  performance.

The event is sponsored by The Friends of the Library, a nonprofit volunteer organization, and made possible by volunteer support from Adelante Chicas.  Volunteers will be on hand to assist visitors in both English and Spanish .

Children’s Day/ Book Day (Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros) is observed nationally on or around April 30th.  In 1997, a literacy initiative was introduced through a collaboration involving schools, libraries and community organizations.  Teachers and librarians across the country joined together to celebrate childhood and bilingual literacy using the traditional Latin American celebration “El Día del Niño” (April 30th) as the vehicle to highlight the importance of honoring children and promoting bilingual literacy.  REFORMA (The National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish speaking) and the National Association of Bilingual Education (NABE) also joined the effort to assist in promoting this initiative as an annual event.  This will be the sixth year Forest Grove City Library has participated.  The Library is located at 2114 Pacific Avenue in Forest Grove.

Questions about this event can be directed to librarian, Linda StilesTaylor, at (503) 992-3327. 

The Unified Theatre program began last year with a class composed of students with and without disabilities performing a show designed to educate the community about discrimination against students with special needs.  This year, students decided to focus on the issue of bullying on many levels, providing personal stories and collecting stories from high schools both local and around the nation.  Together, these stories form the backbone of the performance, written by Instructional Assistant and Director John Anderberg who believes that “we are seeing bullying now more than ever.  All across the country we are hearing stories about students being bullied. With this production, we hope to encourage others to look at how they treat people and that words have power to hurt or to help.”   Due to the importance of the subject, the show will be free of charge to ensure that anyone can attend.  Students hope to have a widespread impact on the community and invite everyone to experience the performance and be a part of the change.

For more information about the performance, please note the contact John Anderberg at 503.891.8667 or janderberg@fgsd.k12.or.us. 

If you're a regular at Fernhill Wetlands in Forest Grove, whether you go there for exercise, bird watching, or just to get away from it all then you may already have noticed the distinct silhouette of a pair of nesting bald eagles perched high in the trees on the southern edge.  It's no wonder the geese are so talkative lately.  By now, the winter migratory species are moving on and the residents of spring and summer are just starting to arrive.  Look closely and you can catch sight of buffleheads diving, hooded mergansers, dabblers, great blue herons soaring overhead, and if you're lucky, a glimpse of a snowy egret.

Keep your eyes open around Dabbler's Marsh, along the northernmost trails for improvements.   Clean Water Services (CWS), which owns 748 acres encompassing Fernhill Wetlands, has recently moved forward on their habitat restoration goals with the planting of 75,000 native trees and shrubs along the trails near Dabbler’s Marsh.  The new plants, when established, will help the wetland perform its function of improving the quality of the water entering the Tualatin River, as well as providing shelter and nesting sites for the numerous ground-nesting waterfowl in the marsh.  This is vital to the biodiversity of the wetland.  Forest Grove is directly in the path of the Pacific Flyway and will provide the necessary habitat for migratory species of all kinds.  This kind of mitigation wetland also helps control flooding along the banks of the Tualatin River, keeping our community safe and our watershed ecosystem healthy.

Plants aren't all that's new out there.  If you've been missing your favorite picnic gazebo, plans for reconstruction are on the way.  In addition, the parking lot will be receiving necessary upkeep, and the addition of a restroom will make Fernhill Wetlands a much more pleasant place to spend the afternoon for all.  These improvements are set to be completed by June 15.  Watch your step though. It's still raining out there, - the water is high and sometimes the road is closed to Fernhill Wetlands.

When the water recedes, go out to Fernhill Wetlands and bring your binoculars for some relaxing fun.  There are still lots of birds to be seen and it is a wonderful place to just walk and enjoy nature.

By Erin Harman

The OAMR is very proud to be hosting this international conference and would to showcase cities in Oregon by participating in donating door prize items or items made in Oregon, including items with business-related logos, wine, beer, coffee, nuts, soaps, jams, cheese, small art pieces, lapel pins, magnets, water bottles, etc.  

You may drop off your donation items at City Hall, Second Floor, Attn: Anna Ruggles, City Recorder, or call Anna at 503.992.3235 or e-mail aruggles@forestgrove-or.gov for pick-up. Donations will be accepted until May 1st.  

You don’t want to miss this presentation, the second in a series of events that comprise the Revitalization Curriculum for Forest Grove, which is designed to bring more vitality and increased economic performance to the historic core of the city.

"Downtown Forest Grove has many wonderful building blocks that are essential to creating success in a mixed-use district. We are going to be focusing on how to leverage those strengths to increase sales per square foot and begin establishing stronger ties to members of the community and to visitors," said Reeves.

There are several areas Reeves will focus on, including exploring opportunities for cross marketing, improving gateways, whether downtown should consider introducing more public space, and parking. Reeves said it is common for downtowns to feel they are being held back from a lack of parking, "but usually, upon taking a closer look, that isn’t the case," she observed.

"We had great turnout for our first event in the Revitalization Curriculum, and are excited about launching the remaining elements of the program," said Ms. Reeves from Civilis Consultants.  Please mark your calendars, and don’t worry if you miss one, each event is designed to make sense as a stand-alone program.

Analysis and Recommendations.
May 22nd, 6 pm at the Community Auditorium, 1915 Main Street, Forest Grove.

Field Trip.
June 26th, 1-4 pm, departing via bus from the Community Auditorium, 1915 Main Street, Forest Grove.  During this tour, we will cover "Retail 101" and "Redevelopment Dos and Don’ts" as we hear stories directly from property owners and businesses in a district undergoing renewal.

Marketing & PR Workshop.
July 24th, 6 pm the Community Auditorium, 1915 Main Street, Forest Grove.  In this fast-paced workshop, stakeholders will build the story framework for downtown Forest Grove to be used for effective marketing, event planning, and land-use policy.

The City of Forest Grove announced several initiatives to support entrepreneurs with new business startups and on-going small businesses. The Small Business Initiative effort combines comprehensive information on starting a business with specific programs to help small businesses get established and grow.  “The City recognizes that small businesses are a vital component of our local economy,” stated Jeff King, Forest Grove Economic Development Manager.  “We want to create an environment that encourages new and small businesses to operate here.”

The Small Business Initiative consists of the following elements:

·       Information – A free CD or USB thumb drive that contains a comprehensive guide to starting a business in Forest Grove, funding and business resource programs and weblinks, a wide range of business services offered by local companies and a series of articles that contains tips and strategies on running a business.  The CDs and USB Drives are available at City Hall, Forest Grove City Library and the Forest Grove Chamber of Commerce.

·       Economic Gardening - This program provides no-cost critical market information to existing second stage small businesses looking to grow. Services include sales leads generation, market research, web site search optimization, strategic consulting and more.  Local funds have been made available to extend and leverage the State’s Grow Oregon program and regional gardening programs.

·       Business Counseling, Workshops and Classes – The City, working with the Forest Grove Chamber of Commerce and Adelante Mujeres, will partner with the Small Business Development Center to provide funds for two or three small businesses to attend the SBDC Small Business Management Program, will identify small businesses and start-ups for no-cost business counseling and will develop local workshop series combined with counseling.  These funds will leverage Small Business Development Center, SCORE and Adelante Mujeres counseling programs.

·       The existing Business Incentive Program can also be accessed by small businesses.  This program eliminates or reduces certain fees such as building permits and business license charges if a business occupies a currently vacant commercial or industrial space.

For more information contact Jeff King at 503-992-3293 or jking@forestgrove-or.gov. 

See Starting A Business on the Economic Development website.

The officer conducted a DUII investigation and determined that the driver was impaired.  Two minor children were in the vehicle.   The driver, 37 year old Samuel Lee Sanders of Forest Grove, was arrested and cited for DUII, Reckless Endangering, Reckless Driving, Refusing the Breath Test and Driving with a Suspended License.  The children were released in the care of another family member. 

Sanders is scheduled to appear in court on May 2nd.

According to the other farm employees the worker was using a cutting torch to cut apart the drum when it suddenly exploded.  They reported that the man remained standing throughout the incident but that initially the injured worker had fire burning on his clothing.  He was able to use the basic fire safety skill of "STOP DROP & ROLL" to put the flames out and that's when firefighters arrived to find him on the ground.  Even though the explosion created enough heat to melt glass barn windows and scorch the cinder block wall the injured man remained conscious and alert and talked to our crews.  The injured man was transported by Metro West Ambulance to the Trauma Center at Legacy Emmanuel Hospital in Portland.  Fire Investigators believe that the metal drum had contained diesel at one point , and that even though it was thought to be empty, enough diesel fuel and vapors remained to cause the explosion.  Unfortunately, this type of accident, where an explosion happens from using a cutting torch on a drum or container, is more common than it should be.  It's important that you consult a safety professional or hazardous material clean up company before completing this type of work.  You should never under any circumstances attempt to cut on a container that has potentially contained hazardous materials or flammable liquids.  

Last October, Americans turned in 377,080 pounds—188.5 tons—of prescription drugs at over 5,300 sites operated by the DEA and nearly 4,000 state and local law enforcement partners.  In its three previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners took in almost a million pounds—nearly 500 tons—of pills. 

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue.  Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.  Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.

Four days after the first event, Congress passed the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010, which amends the Controlled Substances Act to allow an "ultimate user" of controlled substance medications to dispose of them by delivering them to entities authorized by the Attorney General to accept them.  The Act also allows the Attorney General to authorize long-term care facilities to dispose of their residents' controlled substance in certain instances.  DEA is drafting regulations to implement the Act, a process that can take as long as 24 months.  Until new regulations are in place, local law enforcement agencies like the Forest Grove Police Department and the DEA will continue to hold prescription drug take-back events every few months.

The following National Weather Service watches, advisories and warnings are posted for our area:

• Flood Watch for much of northwest Oregon and inland southwest Washington through Saturday afternoon
• Urban and Small Stream Flood Advisory for much of northwest Oregon through early this afternoon
• Flood Warning for the Tualatin River at Dilley until late this evening

Since 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, Hillsboro has seen 1.45” of rain and Forest Grove has seen 2.18”.  The heaviest rains have moved to the south but there’s still light to moderate rain falling around parts of the metro area.

At 10:00 a.m. this morning, The Tualatin River was just under flood stage (17.5’) at Dilley.  It’s probably already at flood now and is currently expected to crest at 17.6’ this afternoon.  The river will remain near flood stage at Dilley through Sunday.  The following roads, all in western Washington County, are currently closed – Fern Hill south of Forest Grove; Old Hwy 47 at Stringtown; and Bates at Old Hwy 47.  See http://www.wc-roads.com/ for a list of other impacted roads.

Saturday, April 7, 2012, Tree Planting at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm. 

Tillamook Forest Center, Oregon, Highway 6 at Milepost 22

Oregon Department of Forestry staff will guide participants to a tree planting site, provide native tree seedlings to be planted in the Tillamook State Forest and share a campfire to take the chill off.  Participants will receive a tree planting certificate. 

This event is rain or shine so please consider:

• Spending one to two hours tree planting
• Wearing sturdy shoes. We will be planting on uneven ground
• Dressing in layers. The temperature is usually 10 degrees cooler in the forest. 

Family fun activities and special exhibits will also be available throughout the weekend. We invite you to:

• Create tree art and crafts   
• Go on a tree scavenger hunt to win a prize
• Plant a tree seed to take home!

Step into the shoes of citizens who helped plant the Tillamook Burn and created the Tillamook State Forest! You are guaranteed to have a tree-mendous time!

Please Note: Activities are available for all ages and abilities. If you have a special need, please check in at the front desk. In order to accommodate large groups, please call the Oregon Department of Forestry at (503) 815 – 6807 by April 4th.

• Author Donald Sevetson will present and sign copies of his new book "Atkinson: Pioneer Oregon Educator" at Pacific University Old College Hall. 
• Theatre in the Grove will host the Titanic story in memory of the 100th anniversary of the disaster.
• Prizes will be awarded to the best decorated umbrellas in each age group at Connie's Corner Cafe.
• There will be birthday cake at VanDyke Appliances in honor of Becky's birthday!
• Wine tasting at Corner Antiques & Collectibles (Plum Hill Vineyard), Urban Decanter (Forty Five Wines by Ben Friesen), and Valley Art Gallery (Montinore Estate Vineyard).
• Caffe Montecassino will be showcasing new artist, Photographer Rose Engelfried, Pacific University Student.
• Listen to music, take advantage of food specials from restaurants and shop stores offering bargains.

See the flyer for more details! 

Do you know your candidates?  Do the candidates know you?

Katie Riley and Ben Unger

Sunday, April 15, 2012
4 to 5:30 pm
Forest Grove Senior & Community Center
2037 Douglas Street, Forest Grove

• Don't miss your chance to talk to the candidates for the Democratic primary.
• Bring your questions and concerns about what the candidates have in mind for Forest Grove and western Washington County.
• Moderated by Jim Moore, Director of Pacific University Tom McCall Center for Policy Innovation.

Sponsored by Dairy Creek Community Food Web, Forest Grove Community Matters, Tom McCall Center for Policy Innovation and Forest Grove Senior & Community Center.

National Library Week April 7 - 14, 2012.

See Washington County Cooperative Library Services for a complete listing of storytelling performances at local WCCLS member libraries, the Glenn & Viola Walters Cultural Arts Center in Hillsboro and the Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club in North Plains.

The event brings fun and art together in a community celebration of the season.  The decorated umbrellas will be displayed in the front windows of Connie’s Corner Café & Ice Cream.  Prizes will be awarded in each age group.  Prize sponsors include Grendel’s Restaurant, Pizza Schmizza, Valley Art. Connie’s Corner Café, Elizabeth’s Massage, Artisans in the Grove and more  

To enter, decorated umbrellas with name, address and phone number attached, need to be brought to Connie’s Corner Cafe at 2001 Main Street, Forest Grove from now until 5:45PM Wednesday, April 4th.  There is no limit as to design or creativity of the umbrellas and may include painting, embroidery, stick –ons and other crafts. No professional art background needed.

The umbrella decorating contest along with wine tastings, live music food, art and retailer specials are features of the monthly downtown First Wednesday event. For more information on the umbrella decorating contest contact Connie at (503) 357-7786 or Jeff at (503) 992-3293.

See Commemorative Flag for more information on the City's flag located at Pacific Avenue and Maple Street.

The following Explanatory Statement will appear in the Voters' Pamphlet:

What is the Public Safety/Community Services Levy?   A five-year operating local option levy for $1.60 per $1,000 assessed value to try to maintain City services in the General Fund over the next five years.  Police and Fire are the principal General Fund programs.  The current cost of police and fire services is about equal to the City’s total property tax revenue.  Other City services that are partially funded by the levy are the library, aquatic center, parks & recreation, planning and administration.   

The program features an awards presentation to students who wrote the best essays about our current economy.  This will be followed with a panel discussion by Lawrence Lipin, Professor of History at Pacific University; Jerralynn Ness, Executive Director of Community Action Organization in Hillsboro and Manuel Castaneda, CEO of Pro Landscape.  They will share their perspectives about surviving hard economic times in America, past and present.

There will be time for questions and comments after the panel presentation.  Refreshments will be available.  This FREE program is co-sponsored by Tom McCall Center for Policy Innovations at Pacific University and The Friends of the Forest Grove City Library.  Call 503-992-3247 if questions.

Click here to watch the video of his remarks.

The City of Forest Grove Light & Power Department has teamed up with ECOtality to bring 6 electric Blink car chargers to Forest Grove. The locations of the Blink stations are: 2 in the City parking lot, across Council Street from City Hall; 2 on College Way, south of University Avenue; and 2 in the City parking lot on 21st Avenue, behind the Forest Theater. For more information see Light & Power: Electric Car Charging Stations.  

Mayor Truax and City Council will select one winner in each of three (3) categories:

• POSTER (4^th – 6^th Grades)
• ESSAY (Junior High School) 
• VIDEO / POWERPOINT PRESENTATION (High School/College).

Entries must be received at Forest Grove City Hall by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 20, 2012. Submit your original work with a completed entry form to Anna Ruggles, Forest Grove City Hall, 1924 Council Street, Forest Grove, OR 97116 or aruggles@forestgrove-or.gov.

The local winner in each category will be awarded $50 cash and gift certificates to local merchants and a presentation at the televised May 14 City Council meeting. Mayor Truax will submit one winner for each category to the League of Oregon Cities (LOC) to be eligible for the statewide competition. Three statewide winners will receive lap-top computers.

Statewide recognition will be given to one winning poster, essay and video/PowerPoint and any honorable mentions as determined by the evaluation committee (Oregon Mayors Association Executive Board plus two mayors). Statewide winners and their parents will be invited to attend the OMA summer conference in Florence, on Saturday, July 28, 2012, where they will be recognized at the lunchoen and receive their prizes.

Statewide winners will receive additional recognition in a display at the LOC Conference in Salem in September, 2012. Presentation of their work to LOC conference attendees and display in the Capitol Galleria during the next legislative session may be included.

Click here for Contest Rules and Official Entry Form. 

Applications are being accepted during the month of March for eligible projects meeting one or more of the following criteria:

• Enhance appearance and cleanliness of the area.
• Preserve or improve natural, cultural or recreational resources for public enjoyment.
• Improve public safety.
• Improve transportation including pedestrian and bike routes.
• Improve viability of commercial, industrial, and residential areas.

The project must be completed within the urban growth boundary.  If the project meets one or more of the above criteria, the following factors will be considered in the evaluation process:

• The amount of matching funds.
• The number of benefiting residents.
• Future costs associated with the project.
• The amount of public support.
• The correlation between the project and the Vision Statement.

The complete application packet with instructions is available at City Hall, 1924 Council Street, or online. Applications will be accepted through March 30, 2012.

Questions may be directed to Paul Downey, Administrative Services Director, at pdowney@forestgrove-or.gov  or 503.992.3200 or Beverly Maughan, Assistant to City Manager, at bmaughan@forestgrove-or.gov  or 503.992.3234.

The Committee for Citizen Involvement coordinated the program to discuss:

• property tax bills increasing each year even though the market value of homes is in decline;
• the need for a local option levy to provide additional funds because the permanent tax rate does not generate sufficient property tax funds to support a full-service city; and
• what is happening with the lawsuit against the City by The Parks developer and how it would affect City services.

If you missed attending the Annual Town Meeting, you can still see it! Watch it on

• Public TV Channels 28 and 30 or
• YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/MACCTVCTV/feed. 
• City’s website: www.forestgrove-or.gov/ATM.

The City's website also has the Mayor's comments on the lawsuit and a summary of audience responses during the meeting.

Do you want to weigh in on City services and property tax support?  Let us know at info@forestgrove-or.gov.

The City flags will be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Friday, February 3, 2012, in honor of retired volunteer fire fighter William “Bill” Sauber.  Bill was one of the 14 charter members who formed the Forest Grove Fire Department Gales Creek Fire Brigade in 1972 and was a volunteer fire fighter for the Gales Creek Station for 18½ years.  Bill’s memorial service will be held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church at 10:30 am on Friday, February 3.

Additional facts:

• 80% of all death to children in a motor vehicle accident could be prevented by properly securing the safety harnesses and seatbelts. (James Madison University)
• As many as 17,000 people could be saved every year by wearing a seatbelt. (James Madison University)
• Of the 32,598 passengers killed in 2002 as the result of an automobile crash, almost 60% were not wearing seatbelts. (Naval Safety Center)

ADULT BELT LAW:  Oregon law requires that all motor vehicle operators and passengers be properly secured with safety belt or safety harness; unless all safety belt-equipped seating positions are occupied by other persons.  This applies to passenger cars, pick up trucks, motor homes, and fee-based people transport carrying fifteen or fewer person.  Limited exemptions are allowed under ORS 811.215.  Vehicle owners are required to maintain belt systems in working order.

For more information, contact Captain Mike Herb at 503.793.1954 or mherb@forestgrove-or.gov.

2012 kicks off with the theme "Sweet Words: Authors and Chocolate" featuring Jean Auel, Mark Mathabane, Robin Cody and nearly 20 authors and writers. Several local wineries and chocolate of various types will be available.   See the poster for details and locations.

What is known as the permanent tax rate does not generate sufficient property tax funds to support those services.  As a result, voters in the City have supported what is called an local option levy to provide additional funds.  The program will also discuss the current rate for the option levy and what we anticipate the need will be in the future.

You may also wonder why your property tax bills increase each year even though the market value of your house is in decline.  This question will also be answered at the ATM.

People are also wondering about lawsuit against the City.  The Mayor will discuss what is happening with the suit and how it would affect City services. 

This all sounds like the ATM will be all talk.  It won’t.  There will be plenty of opportunities for attendees to ask questions, offer their opinions and find out what others are thinking.  So we hope to see you there.

The Annual Town Hall Meeting will be held on Saturday, January 28th.  It will be at the Community Auditorium, 1915 Main Street in Forest Grove.  Doors will open at 8:30 a.m. and the program will begin at 9:00 a.m. 

Recognizing the importance of small business and new entrepreneurial start-ups, Forest Grove will be hosting a no-cost “Growing Your Small Business” forum on Wednesday, February 1 from 8AM -11:30AM at the Forest Grove Community Auditorium at 1915 Main Street.

The forum will offer attendees the opportunity to learn what resources exist out of the US Small Business Administration (SBA), State of Oregon Business Development, area banks and other local small business service providers. The event will also provide the opportunity for questions and answers and to network. The agenda will focus on business programs and resources in three areas: access to capital, contracting opportunities with government and business counseling.

“This is a great occasion for business owners and prospective business owners to gain information on strategic business growth and start-up business initiation,” said Jeffrey King, Forest Grove Economic Development Manager.  

Businesses and entrepreneurs from the western Washington County area including Cornelius, Banks, Gaston, Gales Creek, North Plains and Hillsboro are encouraged to attend.

This Growing Your Small Business Forum is sponsored by the City of Forest Grove, Forest Grove Chamber of Commerce, and the Forest Grove Economic Development Commission, and in coordination with the Portland District Office of the US Small Business Administration.  Registration begins at 8 am.  Coffee and pastries will be provided courtesy of 1910 Main - An American Bistro.  For more information, call 503.992.3293,  email at jking@forestgrove-or.gov or www.forestgrove-or.gov.  

Forum Flyer  and Spanish Version  Flyer 

The firefighters will be practicing for Stair Climb which consists of 69 flights (1,311 stairs) - not an easy task in full gear, a mask and an air pack. The Scott Firefighter Stair Climb is an annual event that is one of the largest firefighter competitions in the world.  Every year firefighters from all over the world come together in Seattle for the grueling climb up the Columbia Center, all to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to help aid in the fight against blood cancers.

While the firefighters practice climbing, the public is invited to come out and cheer them on and leave donations in the fire helmets.  Anyone is invited to come, even if you are not a member of The Edge Gym.

The event details are as follows: 

Where: The Edge Gym located at 16365 NW Twin Oaks Drive, Beaverton, OR 97006

Date: Saturday, January 28, 2012

Time: 9am – 12pm

For more information about the fundraiser or the Stair Climb, you may contact Dave Doornink at ddoornink@forestgrove-or.gov or 503-313-5965. 

Original artwork accepted between Tuesday, January 3, 2012, and Wednesday, February 29, 2012, at the Forest Grove City Library and other Washington County Libraries.  Click here for a full list of rules and an entry form.  Forms can also be picked up at the library.

Awards

Prizes will be awarded for First Place, Second Place and Honorable Mention.

First Prize: Powell's Books gift card valued at $150

Second Prize: $50 gift certificate for Art Media retail store

Honorable Mention: $25 gift certificate for Art Media retail store

All Forest Grove City Library submissions will be displayed in the library after the contest.

Monday evenings, beginning January 9, the Library will offer a new program called Read to the Dogs!

This innovative program pairs young readers with trained dog-and-handler teams. The program helps children develop their reading skills by offering them a relaxed, non-judgmental environment in which to practice reading aloud. In this program, only the dogs may make corrections… and they never offer to.

Reading aloud to dogs: 

• Increases enthusiasm for reading 
• Develops reading skills 
• Teaches children how to interact with animals 
• Promotes confidence

Children register for half-hour sessions at their participating neighborhood library. During the session, the child chooses books from the library shelves and then reads aloud to the dog in a nook of the library. The dog’s handler encourages the child to interact with the dog and may offer reading assistance if the child requests it. At the end of each session, children receive a certificate that will list all the books they read to their animal partner.

Research has also demonstrated that gently petting and talking to animals reduces stress and lowers blood pressure in humans. A well trained, friendly pet can instill a sense of calm, comfort and safety. The dog-and-handler teams are certified Delta Society Pet Partners Teams sponsored by DoveLewis.

Advance registration required!  Sign up at the Service Desk in the Children's Area. Questions? Contact Linda Taylor (503) 992-3327.

In addition to the relevant and useful curriculum and speakers presented each month, the forum offers an opportunity to network with fellow rental property owners and managers. Another benefit of attending is having all of your questions answered by attorney, Jeffrey Bennett, who specializes in rental issues.

You will also learn how to work with your local police department. Officers are on hand for each session with suggestions to keep your properties crime free.  January 11th will feature information on civil process presented by Officer Lee Blevins. For more information, go to Police: Crime Prevention or call Officer Teresa Kohl at 503-992-3108.

City of Forest Grove Public Works crews have used their ingenuity in preparing for winter weather.  Crews have built

In previous years, City crews would spread sand and gravel for traction on icy streets and would spend hours cleaning up the sand and gravel and disposing it after icy conditions had subsided.  Using this machine is more effective and will save time and money as well as create a more sustainable community. 

For more local weather-related emergency information, please see Emergency Preparedness.

Our aerobics classes range from vigorous shallow water offerings to deep water workouts and senior classes, which are held in the “warm” therapy/activity pool.  We also have numerous arthritis classes that focus on overall fitness and range of motion.  In cooperation with PCC, we are able to offer Tai Chi water classes.

The Aquatic Center will be open regular schedule hours the week of December 19 – 24 and the week of December 26 – 31.  The pool will be closed on December 25 and January 1 for the Christmas and New Year’s Holidays.  Additionally, a public swim will be held Monday through Friday from 1 to 3 pm during these two weeks while the schools are on winter break.  See the ad in this week’s News Times or the Interim Winter Schedule for a 2-for-1 swim coupon valid for any one-time paid public or fitness swim and bring a friend!

For more information stop by the Aquatic Center at 2300 Sunset Drive and pick up a schedule, look for us online at www.forestgrove-or.gov or contact us at 503.992.3238.

Forest Grove United Church of Christ hosts a community-based effort to provide safe space overnight for those without homes when outside temperatures drop below 32F for three nights in a row.  The severe weather shelter operates from 7 pm to 7 am and provides dinner and breakfast.  Since the shelter opened in 2007, they have provided protection from the elements for 91 nights with 507 bed stays.  This is the only SWS in Western Washington County where the homeless can get out of the weather overnight.  In addition to overnight shelter, the SWS also provides blankets, tarps, socks and hygiene items to provide comfort outside of the shelter hours.

In these economic times, there are a lot of under-funded organizations that provide such crucial services to our community, and this is a wonderful way to share the holiday cheer.  Last year, the City raffle contributed $1,129 to the Family Resource Center for students experiencing homelessness and prior to that contributed $1,038 to Public Safety Chaplaincy and in previous years over $700 to the Toys n’ Joy Drive and over $800 to the Oregon Food Bank. 

City employees enjoyed sharing the spirit of the season with food and conversation at the buffet and bringing a toy for the Fire Department’s Toy Drive, as well as cheerfully competing for the raffle prizes.  In addition to each department’s basket donation, other prizes were donated by individual employees, City vendors and Mayor Peter Truax.  For more information about the Severe Weather Shelter, go to http://www.fgucc.org/ or call 503.357.9121. 

When firefighters arrived at the facility, which is just 2 blocks from their Fire Station, they found that a 33 year old man was operating a straight line rip saw when a piece of wood approximately 1 inch wide by 1/4 inch thick by 2 feet long had come out of his machine and struck him in the front of his lower abdomen.  Paramedics reported that though the man was in extreme pain he was conscious and talking to them, but that it was apparent that the piece of wood had actually broken off inside his body and was close to puncturing through his back.

Due to the severity of the man's injuries, Paramedics quickly requested that a Lifeflight helicopter come to the scene to transport the injured man to a Portland Trauma Center. Lifeflight landed at the nearby Forest Grove School District Office (located at 18th Avenue and A Street), briefly interrupting a physical education class from the Forest Grove Community School that had been using the ball field where the helicopter would end up landing. An ambulance from Metro West brought the injured worker to the waiting Lifeflight helicopter where he was taken to the Trauma Center at Legacy Emmanuel Hospital in Portland for further treatment of his injuries.

Woodfold Manufacturing is a long standing business in downtown Forest Grove, with a history dating back over fifty (50) years, they produce custom made wood folding and accordion doors out of their facility which is located at 1811 18th Avenue.

# # # #

Raw video of the Lifeflight helicopter working on this incident is also on our Youtube Channel which can be found here:

http://www.youtube.com/user/ForestGroveFire?feature=guide

Contact Info: PIO David Nemeyer 503.828.7330

“Motorists will be seeing increased enforcement efforts by Oregon police agencies during the holidays,” said Linda Fisher-Lewis, ODOT’s Impaired Driving Program manager.  Over the past decade, more than 2,000 individuals were killed and over 10,000 people were injured by drinking and drugged drivers in Oregon. The financial cost of those losses is more than $9 billion, but that’s minimal compared to the pain of losing a loved one in such a tragic way.
 
December is Oregon’s peak month for crashes. If you are planning to host or attend a holiday get-together this season, here are a few safety tips:

• Have designated drivers. Plan to have sober drivers at your party who can help get folks home safely. Volunteer to be a sober driver at someone else’s party.
• Plan to stay overnight.  Make pre-arrangements to stay overnight at your friend’s home or a hotel room where you won’t have to drive if you have been drinking.
• Plan ahead to get keys. Prepare a basket or bowl where all of your guests can leave their keys, and you are the only person who can retrieve the keys. This way, you can talk with your guests before they leave about the best options for them.
• Be ready with a cab fare fund. Having available cash to pay cab fare for your guests if they need it reduces the stress on you. If you can’t afford to pay for it yourself, ask your guests to pitch in a few bucks on your invitation.
• Keep a phone number for a cab company handy. Print the name of a local cab company on your invitation and ask your guests to program it into their mobile phones.
• Purchase non-alcoholic beverages. Always have soft drinks, juices and other non-alcoholic beverages available for those guests who are driving or choose not to drink.

For tips on helping young people avoid dangerous situations involving drugs, drinking and driving, or to learn about other programs aimed at reducing impaired driving, visithttp://www.nhtsa.gov/Impaired. Watch the ODOT-producedvideo on the consequences of driving impaired in Oregon (www.youtube.com/oregondot).

Officers responded to 2527 17th Avenue at 12:43 pm on November 27 to conduct a welfare check for a subject that had not been seen in several days. The person initiating the call had advised that a 63 year old male who lived at the address had not been seen or heard from for several days.  The officers were unable to make contact at the residence, subsequently forced entry, and located the subject in the residence deceased.

Further investigation and results of the autopsy revealed Raymond L. Faulk, 63, died from homicidal violence.  Forest Grove Police Department detectives, along with detectives from the Washington County Major Crimes Team are investigating the case.

This is the second homicide in Forest Grove in two weeks. There is no connection between the two cases.  

Early estimates place the total loss of property and contents at well over 1.5 million dollars.  The fire went to three alarms bringing in over 60 firefighters from all over Washington County on November 23, 2011.  Crews remained on scene until mid- afternoon on the day of the fire, extinguishing hot spots and salvaging items from the building for the owners.  At one point heavy equipment from the Public Works Departments of the Cities of Forest Grove and Cornelius were called in to remove part of the collapsed dining room area so fire crews could safely get to the heavy burning area around the kitchen.  One Forest Grove firefighter was injured during the fire, suffering exhaustion-type injuries.  He was transported to a local hospital where he was treated and released. 

At this point the Primetime Sports Bar is considered a total loss and the fire has displaced approximately 50 employees.  A relief fund has been established at the Forest Grove Branch of the Columbia Community Bank for the restaurant's staff, as well as a number of local fundraisers being organized.  Over the weekend the Forest Grove Firefighter's Association and the Cornelius Firefighter's Association, non-profit groups made up of volunteer and union firefighters to support community projects, pledged $1,000 from each association to support the relief fund as the holidays approach.  

The Light & Power Department offices are currently without phone service and computers until further notice.  The equipment needs to be relocated from the wet environment before staff can ascertain how much damage has been done to the server and how long until repairs can be made.

The Light & Power phones have been switched to "Out of Office" mode so callers will be connected to a voicemail system and asked to leave a message.  Power outages should be reported to City Hall at 503.992.3221 during the business day or to 503.412.2444 after business hours.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this unforeseen incident.

Forest Grove Library Foundation and Periscope Books and Tutoring

Present

LIBRARY LOVERS' BOOK BASH
Book Sale and Poetry Reading

Tuesday, December 6
6 to 8 PM
Periscope Books and Tutoring
1920 Pacific Avenue

6 to 7 PM -- Book Sale
20% of the profit will be donated to the
Forest Grove Library Foundation

7 to 8 PM -- Poetry Reading
Suggested Donation $10
Refreshments and Wine Available

Eat, Drink, Shop and Listen to Local Poets

Proceeds from the event will go toward purchasing improvements for the Children's and the Spanish Language sections of the library including new furniture, artwork, signage and other amenities.  For more information on the Forest Grove Library Foundation and "The Story Unfolds" Campaign, go to www.fglf.org.

Stay away from flood areas.  Never try and drive through water over the roadway, even a few inches of water can float your car or flood your engine.  Flood waters can carry debris, hide holes and deep spots, and can contain chemicals or sewage so keep out of flood waters and especially watch out for kids near flooded areas.  You can also help prevent local street flooding by removing leaves and debris from storm drains near your home so that the water can flow quickly and easily into the city’s storm water removal system and not flood streets and intersections.  Public agencies in Washington County typically have free sand and sandbags available during a major flooding event.  However, during localized flooding incidents, you may wish to contact the specific agency to ensure availability.  Click here for listing.

Forest Grove is Tree City USA, and our beautiful green skyline can become a hazard during a winter wind storm.  If you have large trees near your home, be watchful for suddenly snapping branches or tree trunks and always stay away from any downed power lines if you come across them.  Power outages are pretty rare in Forest Grove, but if the wind does pick up and power gets knocked out you can report an outage during normal business hours by calling the Light and Power Department directly at 503.992.3250 or after hours at 503.412.2444. 

Related Link:  How to Fill a Sandbag

Firefighters had to use smaller brush vehicles to drive on the walking paths to access the fire. Using two brush rigs, it took only ten minutes to extinguish the fire. Damage was contained to the structure itself (which was destroyed) and did not spread to the surrounding wildlife area. Firefighters remained on scene for approximately an hour extinguishing hot spots.

The estimated loss is unknown at this time. Fire investigators spent several hours investigating the cause of the fire. Investigators have not determined the cause, but at this time it is considered suspicious. Forest Grove Fire & Rescue is working with Forest Grove Police Department on the investigation.

We ask that if you saw anyone or anything in the area of the Fernhill Wetlands between 6 am and 7 am Friday morning, to please call one of the following numbers:

Forest Grove Fire & Rescue - 503-992-3240
Forest Grove Police Department - 503-992-3260
Washington County Non-Emergency - 503-629-0111 (use after business hours)

FGF&R was assisted on scene by Cornelius Fire Department and Forest Grove Police.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

A Whole Day of Family Fun with over 17 Activities beginning at 8:30 am:

• Breakfast with Santa
• Artisans Holiday Market
• Holiday Concert by Westside Singers
• Holiday Card Making/Elf Workshop
• Art Projects for the Kids
• Wagon Rides/Carolers
• Visit and Photos with Santa
• Gingerbread House Contest
• Coloring Contest
• Warm Drinks and Sweet Treats
• Gift Certificates Available at over 30 downtown merchants to ease holiday shopping.
• Toy and Food Drives / Giving Tree
• Holiday Light Parade at 5:00 p.m.

Click here to watch scenes from last year’s parade. 

See complete listing with details at www.fgcityclub.com

TRADITIONS CONTINUE MAKING FOREST GROVE THE PLACE TO BE FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

The two vehicles had impacted head-on with moderate to heavy damage to both vehicles with air bag deployment.  Fire crews had to use heavy extrication equipment to remove the driver of each vehicle.  Life flight transport was desired but not available due to heavy fog. Both drivers were transported by ground and entered into the trauma system at Oregon Health Sciences University with serious injuries.  The highway was closed in both directions by the Oregon Department of Transportation until after 9 pm.

Officer Maslen was taken off the call and the crash which was ultimately investigated by the Washington County Sheriff's Office.   The officer is off-duty to spend time with family and our thoughts and prayers go out for a quick recovery.

Detectives are actively working to locate the suspect(s) involved and are receiving assistance from members of the Washington County Major Crimes Team.  Several other agencies including the Cornelius Police Department and Washington County Sheriff’s Office are assisting officers who are still on scene. 

There is no suspect information available at this time.  The name of victim will not be released until the family is notified.  More information will be released as is becomes available.

Retired Chaplain Wally Johnston will be speaking briefly at the dedication ceremony for the World Trade Center Memorial, showing a DVD from the National 9/11 Memorial Committee, and afterwards doing a book signing of his newly published book, “Sent to Serve: The Chaplains of 9/11,” which tells the story of the chaplains who volunteered in New York City.  A retired law enforcement chaplain, counselor and educator, Johnston joined chaplains from throughout the nation to comfort, counsel and assist police officers, firefighters, medics, other first responders and their families at Ground Zero.  Chaplains met with personnel, worked in the morgue, provided incident relief, attended funerals, provided crisis counseling and helped families cope.

The memorial, unveiled during the Public Safety Open House in October, is a section of steel I-Beam from one of the World Trade Center Towers that fell in New York City on September 11, 2001.  It is roughly 3 feet long and weighs 140 poinds and shows the damage and scars from the experience.  The City of Forest Grove Fire Department applied over a year ago to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to receive a relic that had been salvaged from that day to display for our citizens. 

There will also be a Boy Scout Honor Guard and proclamation by Mayor Truax at the event as well as refreshments and displays.

The festivities begin on Friday evening, December 2, with special wine tastings at the Friendly Vine and Urban Decanter.  A full slate of events fill the day on Saturday, December 3, beginning at 8:30 am with a Breakfast with Santa at Grendel’s Restaurant and continuing into the evening with the Holiday Light Parade beginning at 5 pm, a special buffet, music and the Theatre in the Grove production of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory at 8 pm.  First Wednesday events on December 7 from 5 to 8 pm will continue the holiday celebration with an appearance by Santa at Connie’s Corner Café, wine tasting, retailer specials and a holiday storefront decorating contest.

The Artisans Holiday Market will feature over 20 vendors featuring a variety of different holiday gift ideas that have been handcrafted or repurposed by talented local artisans. The market will run from 10 am to 4 pm on December 3 at the Holbrook Masonic Hall at 2019 Main Street. There will also be several options to make charitable donations. The concert by the Westside Singers at the United Church of Christ at 3 pm will be a fundraiser for the Habitat for Humanity while 1910 Main American Bistro will host a giving tree for the Forest Grove Family Resource Center. There will also be collection boxes at several places downtown for the Forest Grove Firefighters Annual Toy Drive and for food donations for the Oregon Food Bank.  Favorite returning events to the Holiday in the Grove include photos with Santa at Barnes and Noble University Bookstore, the Elf Workshop at Valley Art, the Gingerbread House Contest sponsored by Pacific Insurance Partners and displayed at the News Times and the Coloring Book Contest sponsored by Bank of the West.  Both contests will offer prizes.

The evening will be capped off with Annual Holiday Light Parade sponsored by FG Light & Power and City Club of Forest Grove. The parade will begin at 5 pm on Main Street and feature dozens of floats, marchers and vehicles decorated in holiday lights.  Santa Claus will appear at the end, waving to viewers of all ages.  Visit  http://www.forestgrove-or.gov/visitors/events.html to see video from previous parades.

For more information, posters and brochures will be available at various locations, or call 503-413-9017 or visit the City Club website at www.fgcityclub.org.  For parade registration and information, contact Rick at 503-318-6317. 

Though area radio and TV outlets were prepared to receive the alert – and, in fact, nearly all TV stations had prepared customized on-air graphics for the 30-second test­ – it appears crucial gate-keeping equipment designed to relay the test to broadcast partners failed. Engineers are investigating that failure. Click here for more information on FEMA’s national-level reaction to the test: http://blog.fema.gov/2011/11/emergency-alert-system-has-been-tested.html.

It’s important to note the EAS has never been tested on this level but it is tested regularly and successfully on the local level during weekly and monthly tests. The purpose of this nationwide test – as communicated by federal officials – was to learn whether the legacy equipment could be counted on to deliver an emergency message from the President to all TV and radio outlets across the U.S. on short notice. Already planned at the federal level is a multi-year EAS modernization project.

Here at the local level, the Portland Bureau of Emergency Management (PBEM) and its regional partners rely on several ways to communicate emergency information to the public, including through social media, Flash Alert News and our local community notification system which generates email, text and phone messages to populations affected by emergencies. As always, we encourage residents to register for these notifications at www.PublicAlerts.org.  Completely separate and unrelated to today’s national EAS test, we are planning a test of this community notification system in the near future.

The wayfinder kiosk signs are located at the corner of Main Street and Pacific Avenue covering the downtown; near the barber pole parking lot off Main Street covering the Lincoln Park and Pacific University Athletic facilities; at 19th and Main for the Clark Historic District; and another at Fernhill Wetlands off Hwy 47. The kiosk signs all contain the new branded pinot grape logo. The kiosk signs are made of tough fused laminate graphic panels that allow for vibrant color images while being weather resistant and shatter proof.  “These attractive signs are an excellent opportunity to show visitors all that we have to offer,” said Mayor Truax. “And a good example of community input from our Wayfinders Committee that shaped the project from inception to completion,” he added.

Earlier in the year, ten (10) wayfinder directional signs were installed to better connect key districts and points of interests. The wayfinding project was in response in part to a report prepared by a national tourism consultant that stated that ODOT highway signage made it easy to leave the City but difficult to find the downtown core and other key areas within the community.

The wayfinding sign project was funded from a grant from the Washington County Visitors Association (WCVA), private donations from Pacific University and Fernhill Wetlands Council and City funds.  The wayfinder signs were constructed by Miracle Signs of Forest Grove and designed by Inhouse Graphics of Salem, Oregon. The kiosk wayfinder signs were built by Aardvark Imaging.

National Memory Screening Day (NMSD) is an annual initiative of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) that emphasizes the importance of proper detection and treatment of memory problems, as well as educates the public about successful aging and resources. Sites nationwide will offer screenings on NMSD.

AFA’s National Memory Screening Day provides free, confidential memory screenings to individuals concerned about memory problems or who want to check their memory now and for future comparisons. Screenings will be held on November 15 at Forest Grove Beehive, 2122 Hawthorne Street, Forest Grove, from 9 am to 4 pm.

Qualified healthcare professionals administer the face-to-face memory screening, which takes five to ten minutes and consists of questions and/or tasks designed to test memory, language skills and other intellectual functions.

A memory screening is not used to diagnose any particular illness and does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.  However, it is an important first step toward finding out the cause of memory problems. Individuals with a below-normal score or those with normal scores but who still have concerns should follow up with a qualified healthcare professional.

Some memory problems can be readily treated, such as those caused by vitamin deficiencies or thyroid problems. Other memory problems might result from causes that are not currently reversible, such as Alzheimer’s disease.  Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease enables individuals to obtain medical treatment and social services and make legal and financial decisions that can improve quality of life.

Attendees will be offered information about memory screenings, Alzheimer’s disease, successful aging and resources.  For more information, please visit www.nationalmemoryscreening.org or call Liz at 503.648.9565.

When the test occurs, please do not call 9-1-1. The public will hear a message lasting up to three and a half minutes indicating that "This is a test." The audio message will be the same for radio, television and cable. Click here on this link for more information -http://www.fema.gov/emergency/ipaws/eas_info.shtm.

The national-level EAS is a public alert and warning system that enables the President of the United States to address the American public during extreme emergencies. Similar to local EAS tests that are conducted frequently, the national test will broadcast to all television and radio stations throughout the country.

This event serves as a reminder that everyone in the Portland area should visit www.PublicAlerts.org and sign up to receive emergency notifications on their landline phones, cell phones and email addresses. If a significant emergency event occurs, emergency response personnel will notify homes and businesses at risk with information and actions that may be needed to protect life safety.

Please contact Philip Bransford, Communications Officer, Washington County, at
(503) 846-8685 philip_bransford@co.washington.or.us for more information or questions.

Firefighters began accepting applications from families for help on Tuesday, November 1.  Applications can be found online at the fire department's Facebook and Twitter pages or at the link below.  They can also be picked up at the fire station located at 1919 Ash Street and can be turned in there.  Applications for assistance are due December 16.

Donation bins will hit the streets November 21 but donations of new toys can be made at any time at the Forest Grove Fire Station.  From December 16 through December 23, firefighters will load up gift baskets, making the toys and gifts available for families to pick up during business hours.

For more information about the Firefighters Annual Toy Drive, contact Dave Nemeyer at 503.992.3177 or dnemeyer@forestgrove-or.gov. 

Application for Assistance

Crane Point Industrial, LLC, is a distributor of nails, nail guns and related products.  They purchased a formerly vacant 15,532 square foot industrial building.  The downtown businesses include Creative Enterprises, a dance studio on Main Street; Periscope Books and Tutoring on Pacific Ave, a seller of fine used books and tutoring in several disciplines; and MGM Laser Works, a custom laser engraver.  “The City has worked hard to provide an attractive business environment by working to reduce costs, create incentives and respond quickly to requests for assistance,” stated Jeff King, City Economic Development Manager. 

Several of the companies were aided by the City Business Incentive Program. This program waives or reduces costs for business licenses, building permits and sign permits for businesses moving into vacant buildings. The incentives are available until mid-2012. 

King is hopeful there will more good news in the future. Forest Grove is a finalist as a possible location for two industrial companies and is currently working with a broker on two more small businesses considering opening in the downtown.

The City recognizes that the regional economy continues to struggle and is working on an option to allow for financing transportation system development charges and will be announcing some additional initiatives to encourage entrepreneurial startups and small business growth in Forest Grove.  For more information, contact Jeff King at 503.992.3293 or jking@forestgrove-or.gov.  

Artisans in the Grove, the newest addition to Forest Grove's First Wednesday events, is excited to announce that they will be holding the 1st Annual Artisans Holiday Market on November 2nd and December 3rd.  'Tis the season for holiday bazaars and this new one in Forest Grove is expected to be big!  Over 20 vendors will feature a variety of different holiday gift ideas that have been handcrafted or repurposed by talented local artisans.  The Artisans Holiday Market will be held at Holbrook Lodge, 2019 Main Street. 

Holiday Food Collection Location for Oregon Food Bank: 

• Phoenix Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine – 2004 Main Street, Will add 1 item for every 3 donated to collection bin located in Main Floor Hallway!
• Periscope Books & Tutoring – 1920 Pacific Avenue
• Corner Antiques & Collectibles – 2019 Pacific Avenue

Loaves & Fishes Center is accepting donations of dog and cat food for delivery to shut in pet owners during the winter months.  Collection bin at 2004 Main Street 1st floor hallway!  Click on the link below to see participating merchants, sponsors, and locations of wine tasting as well as more information on upcoming First Wednesdays.

City Club of Forest Grove and the First Wednesday Planning Committee “Give Thanks” to all who have made this event so successful over the years!  Support our local merchants this holiday season for all your holiday shopping and family fun!

November First Wednesday  

Waste Management's partnership with the City of Forest Grove includes sponsoring two community-wide clean up events -- one in the spring and one in the fall.  We hope you will join us to help make our community a cleaner and better place to call home.

SPECIAL CURBSIDE COLLECTION: 
Monday - Friday, November 7 - 11, 2011

Forest Grove residents with current WM accounts may set out up to six (6) extra bags of garbage on their regular collection day, at no extra charge.   Bags must be 32-gallons or smaller.  

Items should follow the normal guidelines:

• NO construction materials, sod, concrete, asphalt, bricks, rocks, dirt, or building materials.
• NO hazardous waste; no wet kitchen waste.
• Bags should be tied securely so contents do not spill. 

The bags will be picked up by a separate truck so it may not coincide with the pickup of the roller carts.

BULKY ITEMS DISPOSAL / TIRES: Saturday, November 12
Forest Grove Transfer Station, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Forest Grove residents may bring up to 3 bulky items to the WM Transfer Station, free of charge.  Couches, mattresses, appliances, etc., will all be accepted.  Appliances cannot contain Freon or other coolants.  All refrigerants must be removed and have attached certificate of evacuation from a Certified Technician showing refrigerant has been removed per DEQ regulations.  WM will also accept 4 tires per customer.  Proof of Forest Grove residency is required.  Any questions about the community cleanup, please contact Waste Management at 503-249-8078.

Sorry, NO televisions, computers, or hot tubs will be accepted. Oregon E-Cycles provides free recycling of computers, monitors and TVs.  Find sites at www.oregonecycles.org. 

Special Thanks to Waste Management for providing this public service clean-up event.

'Tis the season for holiday bazaars and this new one in Forest Grove is expected to be big! With over 20 vendors featuring a variety of different holiday gift ideas that have been handcrafted or repurposed by talented local artisans, this new market is expected to be a highlight of Forest Grove holiday activities and a huge success to be repeated every year.

The November 2nd Holiday Market will run in conjunction with City Club of Forest Grove’s November First Wednesday from 4–8 p.m. and the December 3rd event will be during Forest Grove’s Holiday in the Grove, held on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Both Holiday Markets will be located in the Forest Grove Masonic Hall building at 2019 Main Street in downtown Forest Grove.

Artisans in the Grove is a group of local artists and crafters that came about from several conversations around a kitchen table, and subsequent interactions with members of the community highlighting the interest and need for an affordable, regularly-occurring market to display and sell their artisan goods and services. They represent vendors seeking an affordable market for their high quality handcrafted or repurposed arts, crafts, textiles and demonstrations. As an affiliate of the City Club of Forest Grove, they join in the mission to improve the vitality of the downtown Forest Grove area and help with the operation of City Club’s events.

After a successful first summer market season ended, it was suggested that the Artisans group organize a holiday bazaar in conjunction with Holiday in the Grove, a seasonal event put on by City Club and thus the idea of a Holiday Market was born.

The primary objectives of Artisans in the Grove include:

·         Providing a low-cost opportunity for local artists to share their talents with the community through arts, crafts, textiles, pottery, etc. Demonstration space is also available for artisans and businesses that offer classes and/or performance services in the arts.

·         Promoting the sales of these goods and services for smaller scale vendors (home crafters etc.), as well as established artists and businesses in the Forest Grove and surrounding areas.

·         Complimenting the mission of the weekly Forest Grove Farmer's Market which must maintain strict guidelines for the participation of crafters/artists in order to comply with certification produce and agricultural regulations.

·         Encouraging increased foot-traffic and business in the downtown area of Forest Grove, contributing to the economic vitality of the city.

If you would like more information about Artisans in the Grove and/or how to join them, please contact or Wynter Kaiser(503) 975-4107, Rachel DuPont(971) 533-4284 or emailartisansfg@gmail.com.

The October 8th presentation was intended to provide information about sustainability so that they could participate more effectively at the SWOT exercise.  Several persons mentioned they attended the presentation to obtain information on specific sustainability practices and came away with much more.  The presentation started with mentioning the reasons why we are concerned about sustainability.  Not only are there the usual reasons of climate change and limited natural resources, but other reasons.  Did you know that the City’s Vision Statement promotes sustainability?  In addition, equity, inclusionary and economic reasons also encourage sustainability.  These last three items are part of the roots of sustainability along with physical.  The key concept to sustainability is to understand the sustainability cycle between action (i.e. doing something) and capacity (i.e. the ability to do something).  In considering this cycle, we must be mindful of human, financial and resource regeneration rates (i.e. the ability to replenish resources being used to perform an action).

The presentation then touched on the Melbourne Principles.  These are ten concepts developed in 2003 by the United Nations Environment Programme.  They were developed specifically for cities to consider.  Next, the differences between “being green” and sustainability were presented.  Then we reviewed various definitions of sustainability and suggested a possible definition for the community.  The session concluded with a review of various general sustainability approaches and efforts in the region.  Such general approaches reviewed include Natural Step, LEED for Neighborhoods and Eco-Districts among other approaches.  Next, Dale Feik discussed his experience with installing solar panels and Doug Martin presented Pacific University’s efforts.  The presentation then touched on other efforts including United Church of Christ’s sustainability statement, City of Forest Grove’s efforts, City of Portland, State and Metro efforts involving Greenhouse Gas reduction and the City of Corvallis. 

Information handed out at the October 8th presentation can be found on the City's website under Community Development: Sustainability.  If you have any further questions, please contact Jon Holan at 503.992.3224 or email at jholan@forestgrove-or.gov.  We hope to see you at the SWOT exercise on October 22nd.

Last April, Americans turned in 376,593 pounds—188 tons—of prescription drugs at nearly 5,400 sites operated by the DEA and more than 3,000 state and local law enforcement partners. 

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue.  Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.  Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.

Four days after the first Take-Back event in September 2010, Congress passed the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010, which amends the Controlled Substances Act to allow an “ultimate user” of controlled substance medications to dispose of them by delivering them to entities authorized by the Attorney General to accept them.  The Act also allows the Attorney General to authorize long term care facilities to dispose of their residents’ controlled substances in certain instances.  DEA has begun drafting regulations to implement the Act, a process that can take as long as 24 months.  Until new regulations are in place, local law enforcement agencies like the Forest Grove Police Department and the DEA will continue to hold prescription drug take-back events every few months. 

For more information, phone 503.992.3314.

For scheduling purposes, the City is sectioned off and assigned an area number.  There are six areas, or sections, used to identify locations throughout the City. Crews will begin picking up leaves in one area, such as area 1 for example, spending approximately 3 to 4 days to encompass the entire area, and then move right into area 2 and continue through all six areas, until they cover the entire City. The pickup crew is on a very tight schedule and will make one complete pass per area before moving to the next area. Crews will return to each area about a month later for the next scheduled pick up date for a total of three pickups.  If you miss the pick up in your area, please do not put the leaves in the street until the next scheduled put out date.  Leaves put out right after a pick up will remain in the street creating safety and flooding issues for nearly a month until the pickup crew returns after the next put out date.  

The City asks residents to please rake leaves approximately two feet from the curb and away from parked cars.  This will allow rainwater to run freely to the storm drains and prevent the drains from being clogged with leaves.  Make sure only leaves are piled in the street.  Grass clippings and other yard debris will not be picked up.  Please follow the schedule as closely as possible by making every effort to put the leaves out on your assigned day so they don’t remain in the street any longer than necessary posing a danger to traffic and pedestrians.  Remember, crews make one complete pass through the City before returning to your area.  Please do not blow leaves into the middle of the street.  Leaves blown into the street are spread too thin and too wide to be picked up by the vacuum.  Do not put leaves in bags.  City Crews will not pick up bagged leaves.

The City would like to remind residents that the street leaf pick up program is intended for leaves that fall from the trees in the street right-of-way.  The pick up program is not intended for leaves that fall from trees in private yards and backyards.  Residents are provided a green roller cart from Waste Management for yard leaves and clippings that is picked up on a weekly basis.   

The City wishes to acknowledge the Public Works Department for their 26 years of commitment to the leaf pick up program.  The City also wishes to thank citizens for their efforts in keeping storm drains unplugged and for their support and participation in the curbside yard debris program.  Residents were mailed the leaf pick up schedule with their October utility bills.  If you did not receive a schedule or have any questions, please call the Public Works Department at 503-992-3258.

This damage caused the electric substation at the corner of Thatcher Road and Gales Creek Highway to disconnect power affecting approximately 3,000 customers.  City of Forest Grove crews were able to sectionalize the damaged area and had most everyone back in service within approximately 90 minutes.  The remaining customers were put back in service at approximately 2:30 AM. 

After service had been restored to City customers, the crews went to work on replacing the damaged pole and reconnecting wires.  David Hill Road was closed for over ten hours until crews were able to clear the road.  We regret any inconvenience this may have caused.

The Forest Grove Library Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides support to the Forest Grove City Library through the procurement of private funds. Established in 2000, the Foundation helps to provide an atmosphere of excellence for the library by enhancing the facility and adding to the variety and quality of services and programs offered.

Philanthropy created the library in Forest Grove. In the early 20th Century, Adeline Rogers, having grown up in Vermont and traveling extensively in Europe, Hong Kong and Mexico, settled in Forest Grove. In 1909, she donated property to the City which became a reading room open to the public — a place to foster culture and life-long learning. The Rogers City Library remained at 21st and College Way until 1978, when the City built a new library on Pacific Avenue between Ash and Birch streets.

The public/private partnership continued in 1998 with the passage by voters of a $2.2 million bond measure to expand the facility. In 2000, community leaders and library supporters formed the Forest Grove Library Foundation. The first goal of the Foundation was to fund the remodel of the original portion of the building to coordinate its use better with the newer portion. That $1.3 million fundraising goal was reached in 2006 as the community joined the Foundation to “Help Write the Next Chapter.”

Now the Foundation is engaged in a project to raise $250,000 for furniture, art and signage as “The Story Unfolds” in their second campaign.  The Foundation has applied and received grants from Juan Young Trust for $5,000 and Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) for $10,000. The OCF commitment is a matching grant that will be received only when all fundraising is complete.  Information about the Library Foundation and their current campaign can be found at www.fglf.org.

Please join the Library Foundation with Books and Buns as “The Story Unfolds”.

Cress has worked in county and regional agencies for over 30 years and holds a Master Degree in Public Administration from Portland State University. Cress comes to Forest Grove from the Port of Longview where he has worked the last 16 years.  He brings a strong background in utility and property development as well as industrial recruitment which he will utilize to promote the interests of Forest Grove.  He replaces the previous Director, Janet Lonneker, who moved to San Diego last July.

City Manager Michael Sykes said he is excited about the experience and energy Cress will bring to the City.  “His experience in property development and industrial recruitment will be valuable to our efforts to market Forest Grove to new industry,” said Sykes.  “Cress pretty much developed every vacant industrial property in the Longview Port District and we think he will be a valuable part of our economic development team in Forest Grove as well.  In addition, Cress has the leadership skills and experience we were looking for to effectively manage the internal and external operations of Forest Grove Light & Power,” added Sykes.  “Cress is a very thoughtful and positive person and he will be a great addition to the City of Forest Grove family,” concluded Sykes.  Cress began his new position on Monday, October 3, 2011.

The City of Forest Grove invites you to become involved with sustainability efforts in community.  An informational session was held Saturday, October 8th.  We discussed what sustainability is and reviewed various efforts locally and within the region.  The information presented and distributed at this meeting is available for review on the City's website under Community Development: Sustainability.

Another meeting will be held on Saturday, October 22nd.  It will be an opportunity for the community to meet to develop future efforts to promote sustainability in the community.  This will be done through a SWOT analysis.  In short, SWOT is the abbreviation of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats.  It is a method to develop strategies where an identified outcome has been identified.  It is used in businesses, government and non-profits. 

The meeting will begin at 9:30 am in the Community Auditorium, 1915 Main Street, Forest Grove.

Please contact Jon Holan at the Community Development Department for further information.  His phone number is (503) 992-3224 and email address is jholan@forestgrove-or.gov.

The library is partnering with Pacific University to bring Oregon's Poet Laureate, Paulann Petersen, to Forest Grove on Tuesday, October 4. Ms. Petersen will be working with classes at Pacific in the afternoon and then will be at the library for a reception at 6:00 pm, hosted by the Friends of the Library. She will do a reading of her works followed by a Question and Answer and book signing session at 7:00 pm at the Community Auditorium.  Paulann Petersen has five full-length books of poetry: The Wild Awake, Blood-Silk, A Bride of Narrow Escape, Kindle, and The Voluptuary, published by Lost Horse Press in 2010.  Ms. Petersen is a former Stegner fellow at Stanford University and the recipient of the Holbrook Award from Oregon Literary Art.  Her work has been selected for the web site Poetry Daily and for Poetry in Motion, which puts poems on buses and light rail cars in the Portland metropolitan area.  For more details on the Poet Laureate, see her website at http://www.paulann.net/index.php.

Author Molly Gloss will be a special guest at the October 12 meeting of the Library Book Group which has chosen Gloss’s The Hearts of Horses as their October selection!  Molly Gloss is a fourth-generation Oregonian who lives in Portland.  The Hearts of Horses, published in 2007, is the novel of a young woman breaking horses for several ranchers in Eastern Oregon in the winter of 1917.  Gloss’s novel The Jump-Off Creek was a finalist for the PEN/Faulkner Award for American Fiction, and a winner of both the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Award and the Oregon Book Award. In 1996 Molly was a recipient of a Whiting Writers Award.  The Dazzle of Day was named a New York Times Notable Book and was awarded the PEN Center West Fiction Prize.  Wild Life won the James Tiptree Jr. Award and was chosen as the 2002 selection for "If All Seattle Read the Same Book."  See more about Molly Gloss on her website at http://www.mollygloss.com/.

The book group meets the second Wednesday of each month at 7 PM at the library.  If you would like to join in the discussions, please reserve a copy of the book(s) through the library’s online catalog or visit the Reference Desk (503) 992-3337 fgl-reference@wccls.org.

Forest Grove and Cornelius Firefighters were called to the scene of a semi truck rolled over on NW Martin Road around 2:00 pm this afternoon. When crews arrived on scene a passing motorist was inside the cab of the crashed semi holding the unconscious truck driver up and preventing further injury. Crews had to use ladders to access the cab of the vehicle and remove the driver who was transported to the trauma center at Legacy Emmanuel Hospital in Portland for treatment.

The semi truck had no signs visible to initially identify it’s cargo but a Forest Grove Police Officer crawled into the cab of the truck to find identification papers that indicated that the semi-truck was pulling a trailer that was full of a chemical called magnesium hydroxide at the time of the accident.  Firefighters evaluated the trailer and found that though it was damaged it was not leaking and after consulting with the regional hazardous materials response team determined that there was no threat to the public or the environment. There was however a small diesel fuel spill from the fuel tanks of the semi that firefighters cleaned up on scene and also made a small dam in the ditch to prevent diesel from getting into the rest of the road drainage system. NW Martin Road was closed for approximately two hours while crews worked to remove the injured driver and right the flipped over semi truck and trailer.

This increase is necessary because the costs to Forest Grove to buy electricity will increase October 1.  Forest Grove Light and Power buys most of the City’s electricity from the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA).  BPA is increasing its wholesale rate to Forest Grove by approximately 10.1% as of October 1, 2011.  Electricity purchases comprise about half of the expenditures of the Light and Power Department so BPA’s increase translates to a 5.25% increase to Forest Grove rate payers.

Forest Grove customers should remember that their monthly bill is a combination of utility services – water, sewer, surface water management and electricity.  On October 1, the electrical rate portion of the bill will increase by 5.25%.  However, depending upon electrical usage and the billing cycle, rate payers may not notice this change until their November bills.

It is important to note that all BPA customers throughout the northwest will need to absorb the BPA increase as well.  We want to assure all of our residents that we will continue to strive to keep Forest Grove Light and Power rates the best power deal in Washington County.  The City of Forest Grove Light and Power has a long history of providing outstanding power service to our community at one of the lowest rates in the northwest. We believe maintaining our lower rate is important to our residents and businesses alike, especially during these tough economic times.  However, sometimes there are pass-through costs the City must absorb that require rate increases in order to cover our cost.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call Light & Power Department at 503.992.3250 or check the City’s website at www.forestgrove-or.gov.

The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) is nearing completion to the upgrades to their electric switching station on Oak Street that they have been working on all summer.  To put the station back into service, they will need to deenergize the 115,000 volt transmission line that feeds it, and pick it back up from a different direction.  This momentary open and close will be the cause of the loss of service to two of our three electric substations that feed the City. 

This will happen in two stages with the first occurring on Friday, September 23, between the hours of 4:00 and 5:00 am.  Once again the loss of service should only be around thirty seconds.  This outage will affect mostly customers on the east side of town. 

The second outage will happen on Sunday, September 25, at approximately 3:00 am.  This outage will affect customers mostly on the west and north sections of town.

Please be assured that the City of Forest Grove and BPA regret the inconvenience this will cause to our customers.  If there are any questions, please contact Keith Hormann, Light & Power Operations Superintendent, at 503-992-3252.

On September 18, 2011, at approximately 2:40 am, Forest Grove Police detectives arrested Cody James Ward, 18, of Forest Grove in the shooting death of 15-year old, Trenton Joseph Lester.  Ward was lodged at the Washington County Jail and charged with Criminal Negligent Homicide. 

Police are not yet releasing the name of the juvenile female who was injured in the incident and has since been released from the hospital.  This is still an active investigation.  Detectives are still trying to determine the relationship between the three subjects and learning details surrounding the shooting. 

Trenton was a student with Forest Grove School District as well as the suspect, Cody Ward.  The school district is being notified and counselors will be made available for students needing to talk about this event.

Ward will be arraigned Monday, September 19, at 3:00 pm.  A grand jury will convene in the next several days to hear further details in the case.

The class will be held Saturday, October 1, 2011, from 11 am to 1:30 pm at the Neil Armstrong Middle School, 1777 Mountain View Lane, in Forest Grove.  Class registration fee is $25 or $22 for students and includes free chopsticks. 

The class instructor, Ms. Kazuko Ikeda, will demonstrate and share all her secrets using traditional Japanese ingredients needed to make two popular Japanese-style rice bowl dishes:  1) Donburi, a Japanese rice bowl dish topped with meats and/or vegetables; and 2) Oyakodon, a Japanese rice bowl topped with meats and/or vegetables and egg.  Both dishes are very delicious.  At the end of class, participants will enjoy eating and sharing their Japanese-style creations.  The participants will also learn more about international culture and the relationship Forest Grove has with its Sister City, Nyuzen, Japan.

To register, contact the Forest Grove Chamber of Commerce at 503.357.3006, info@fgchamber.org, or stop by the office at 2417 Pacific Avenue between 9 am and 5 pm, Monday through Friday.  Class registration fee must be paid at the time of registration and is non-refundable.  $12 is tax deductible.  Class size is limited so please register as soon as possible.

To learn more about the Japanese Cooking Class or about the Sister Cities Committee, please email Sandy Garcia at graysandrapearl@gmail.com.

Mr. Browning’s arrests caps a fourteen-month investigation that came to the attention of the Forest Grove Police Department from Adult Protection Services in July of 2010.  The collaborative investigation included consultation and assistance from the Attorney General’s Office, Oregon Department of Justice, Adult Protection Services, and investigators from the Oregon State Bar.   

Forest Grove Police Detectives additionally arrested the secretary of Mr. Browning’s law firm, Amy Moore, on charges of Identity Theft and Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card.  Ms. Moore’s alleged criminal activity came to light during the investigation of Mr. Browning and stems from the use of a credit card from a deceased client of Browning’s law firm.  Forest Grove Police Detectives began investigating a series of financial transactions that occurred in June and July of 2010, approximately one year after the client/victim had died.

Both Browning and Moore turned themselves in to detectives at the Washington County Jail this date.  Their arraignment will be on September 20, 2011 at 08:30 am. 

David Hill Road Extension
This project will construct a three-lane section of roadway extending David Hill Road approximately 700 feet east of Brook Street through existing wetlands.  Further extension of the road to Highway 47 is anticipated to be completed by future development.  The connection will include bike lanes and sidewalks to match existing sections of the roadway along with mitigation for impacts to the wetlands.  

Scholls Ferry/River Road Roundabout
And if you go the back way into Washington Square, beware of the project constructed a roundabout at the intersection of Scholls Ferry Road and River Road.

The existing intersection is made up of two county roads that serve commercial vehicles, as well as rural and commuter traffic. The intersection is stop-controlled on two of the three legs creating confusion, periodic long delays during peak hours and safety issues.

During the early planning stages of this project, engineers considered multiple alternatives to improve the safety and efficiency of this intersection. The options included multiple traffic signal configurations and a roundabout. Our studies determined that a roundabout would require less maintenance over time, reduce traffic congestion, and improve safety. 

The roundabout designed for Scholls Ferry Road at River Road will be similar to the Verboort Roundabouts on Cornelius-Schefflin Road and Verboort Road.

Roundabouts have proven to be a safer alternative for particular intersections and have been strongly encouraged by Citizen Advisory Committees. For more information and a video about the advantages of roundabouts and how motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians maneuver around them, check out our Driving Roundabouts page.

Project Contact

The free monthly forums also offer an opportunity to obtain clarification and better insight into Oregon Landlord/Tenant Laws. The 90 minute session always offers advice and problem solving suggestions by Jeffrey S. Bennett, a Portland area attorney and recognized expert regarding rental property issues. Another benefit of the forum is the ability for attendees to network with other rental property owners and managers in the area who often share common concerns and questions.

Plan to attend the next monthly forum when the planned topic is “critical incident responses and what to expect when the “SWAT” team shows up at your property.” Learn firsthand about the Washington County “Tactical Negotiation Team” (TNT). You won’t want to miss out.

The location for the September 7^th forum is the Beaverton City Library located at 12375 SW 5^th Street in Beaverton.  For more information please call 503.992.3108.

The outage was due to a 7000 volt underground line that failed at the corner of Buxton Street and Ballad Way at approximately 8:14 pm on Wednesday, August 31st.  This faulted cable relayed the circuit breaker at the substation at the corner of Gales Creek Road and Thatcher Road which in turn deenergized the customers west of the substation.  The extended length of the outage and the repeated testing was due to the difficulty in locating the source of trouble.  We regret the inconvenience this caused to our customers.  This Ballad Towne subdivision where the cable faulted is scheduled for cable replacement on the upcoming maintenance schedule. 

Click here for more information on what to do if a power outage happens.

Vulnerable Road User Law
The Bicycle Transportation Alliance helped pass SB 415 to improve police officers' ability to enforce the existing Vulnerable Road User law.  The new law allows officers to note that the offense "appears to have" contributed to the serious physical injury or death of a vulnerable user, rather than requiring officers to conclude the cause of serious physical injury or death.  Where careless driving causes the serious injury or death of a vulnerable user, there are enhanced penalties requiring the driver at fault to complete a traffic class and perform 100 to 200 hours of community service.  If they fail to do so, they face a $12,500 fine and a suspension of driving privileges.

Oregon Crosswalk Law
The Willamette Pedestrian Coalition helped pass SB 424, which clarifies and strengthens Oregon's crosswalk law.  Specifically, the legislation states that a person is crossing the street "when any part or extension" of the individual's body, wheelchair, cane, crutch, bicycle or leashed animal enters the roadway.  Failure to stop and remain stopped for a pedestrian in a crosswalk is a Class B traffic infraction and carries a $360 fine.

Community-Determined Speed Limits
The Portland Bureau of Transportation helped pass HB 3150, which makes it easier for Oregon communities to lower speed limits on their streets.  This means neighborhood greenways can reduce the speed limit to 20 mph.  Bicyclists and pedestrians gain a powerful ally and tool in creating safe bike facilities.  Speeding fines vary depending on how many miles per hour over the posted speed limit

Bicycle Transportation Alliance

Willamette Pedestrian Coalition

Portland Bureau of Transportation

Drive Less. Save More.

A new, comprehensive Washington County bike map is helping cyclists chart their own courses along trails throughout the area. From well-traveled roads to firmly packed paths through the forest, the map provides information about a variety of terrain for cyclists of all abilities.

Published by the Washington County Visitors Association, with input from local organizations, such as the Bicycle Transportation Coalition, the map outlines urban and rural bike routes (and road suitability). Color-coded trails alert cyclists which trails are most suitable, such as those that are closed to motor-vehicle traffic, or those that are less suitable, such as city streets with high traffic volume.

The map also includes suggested stops--farm stands, museums, wineries and campgrounds, for example--as well as bike shops, transit centers and other points of interests.

The Washington County Bike Map is available free of charge. To obtain a complimentary copy,* contact:

Washington County Visitors Association
11000 SW Stratus St., Ste. 170
Beaverton, OR 97008
(503) 644-5555 / (800) 537-3149
info@wcva.org 
http://www.visitwashingtoncountyoregon.com/BikeMap/

*Businesses in Washington County and bicycle-related organizations throughout the Portland Metro area may receive multiple copies for distribution.

DID YOU KNOW:

1. 80% of all death to children in a motor vehicle accident could be prevented by properly securing the safety harnesses and seatbelts. (James Madison University)
2. As many as 17,000 people could be saved every year by wearing a seatbelt. (James Madison University)

ADULT BELT LAW: Oregon law requires that all motor vehicle operators and passengers be properly secured with a safety belt or safety harness, unless all safety-belt equipped seating positions are occupied by other persons. This applies to passenger cars, pick up trucks, motorhomes, and fee-based people transport carrying fifteen or fewer persons. Limited exemptions are allowed under ORS 811.215.  Vehicle owners are required to maintain belt systems in working order.

Questions regarding seatbelts may be directed to Forest Grove Police at 503.992.3260.

Ryley was a 2010 graduate from Forest Grove High School and a former Cadet Firefighter with Forest Grove Fire & Rescue.  The Fire Department and employees of the City of Forest Grove salute Ryley for his service to our country and our thoughts and prayers are with Ryley's friends and family.

Summer Reading Wrap-Up:
Kids and Teens:  Turn in your reading records now through August 31 and choose your free award book.
Adults:  Final Grand Prize Drawing on August 31 at closing.

Other Ongoing Library Programs:
Book Group:  2nd Wednesday of every month, 7 p.m.  Open to the public.  New members always welcome.
Open Computer Lab:  Every Friday, 10 to 11 a.m.  No registration necessary.  Get answers to your basic computer questions or extra help with e-mail, Word, or a job application.
Writing Workshop:  2nd Saturday of every month, 10:30 a.m. to Noon.  Creative writing for young people and adults, tailored to your interests with Writers in the Grove.
Open Mic:  4th Saturday of every month, 2 to 4 p.m.  Bring a short piece of your own writing to read aloud to a supportive, enthusiastic audience.

More information about these or other programs can be found at www.fglibrary.plinkit.org.

• Bonnie and “B” Street intersection
• Hawthorne Street between 22nd and 23rd Avenues
• Mountain View Lane between 19th Avenue and Beaver Way.

Bonnie and “B” Street:  Work on drainage improvements at the intersection of Bonnie and "B" Street will begin the week of August 15th and last approximately two weeks.  At times during construction it will be necessary to detour traffic around this intersection.  The City and contractor will work closely together to limit inconveniences. 

Hawthorne Street between 22nd and 23rd Avenues:  The closure is scheduled for Tuesday, August 16, with a re-open date of Friday, August 19, in the evening.  Our anticipated construction schedule is as follows: 

• Tuesday, August 16 – remove asphalt at crossing
• Wednesday, August 17 & Thursday, August 18 - remove and replace the crossing
• Friday, August 19 - repave the crossing area

Mountain View Lane between 19th Avenue and Beaver Way:  The closure is scheduled for Monday, August 29, with a re-open date of Wednesday, August 31.  Our anticipated construction schedule is as follows:

• Monday, August 29 – remove asphalt at crossing
• Tuesday, August 30 - remove and replace the crossing
• Wednesday, August 31 - repave the crossing area

The City of Forest Grove and Portland & Western Railroad will be improving two railroad crossings here in Forest Grove as joint projects. The crossing on Mountain View Lane will be re-constructed with a concrete highway style crossing similar to the one on Quince Street while the crossing on Hawthorne Street will be repaved with asphalt after reconstruction of the rail, ties, and ballast rock. The City is responsible for all the paving work while P&W has agreed to complete improvements to the rail crossing.

Any questions on these projects or other street concerns may be directed to the Engineering Office at 503.992.3228.  More information can be found on the City’s website at Public Works Streets or Engineering Project Status pages.

The day of the 2011 NNO started early with trucks rolling in loaded with supplies.  Rotary tents and canopies went up like a circus big top under the expertise of Pete Van Dyke. He led the morning crew and slugged it out with heavy bags of fittings, 12’ poles, and giant canvases.

Crime Prevention booths, coordinated by Helen Matzke, and Entertainment booths and displays guided by Marcey Ranes, fell into place like a perfect stack of dominos as the west lawn of Pacific University filled up with groups like WCCCA, MADD, Neighborhood Watch, Domestic Violence volunteers, Pacific University Security, The Forestry Center, and many others – all focused on Crime Prevention and Safety – began setting up their booths.  

By 5:30 pm two amazing, local bands - Rudefish and Painted Gray - were warming up as families settled on the shaded green lawns with their hot dogs and cake. Hundreds of free meals were prepared and served by Pete Van Dyke and our Chamber of Commerce Director, Teri Koerner, who worked all aspects of fine dining with hot dogs! Dessert, in the form of 18 divine sheet cakes, was delivered and served by Robin and Leonard of Design in Time.

The lines kept growing for Detective Matt Smith’s creative balloon critters. Little ones munched on popcorn donated by Gratterie’s and popped by City Councilor Camille Miller. Fluffy pink cotton candy from Carolyn’s Expresso and Joe’s Ice Cream wound up on smiling faces.

Light and Power’s safety-minded staff lifted children high into the air for bucket rides on the big trucks.  Tots jumped and slid on the big, colorful castle and slide while others danced through the sprinklers from the Fire truck. Many families were busy solving their clues for the scavenger hunt and our smiling Chief Aleshire gave them the final winning sticker.

Sergeant Kevin Ellingsburg, under the direction and command of Captain Aaron Ashbaugh, worked tirelessly and efficiently from dawn to dark moving his men and equipment where they were needed. The police demos for taser, handcuffing, and the simulated DUII stop went off seamlessly under Sgt. Ellingsburg and Detective Sgt. Herbs’ direction. The large crowd of spectators was captivated and attentive.  

Shiny new bikes donated by the Police Association were presented to the raffle winners with all raffle proceeds going back into the NNO fund. Drawings for gifts donated by Sake One and Aaron Ashbaugh were drawn for the volunteers but everyone was a winner this evening.

This is the true heart of a small American City - its people.  Good people like those of Forest Grove. This wonderful, all free event to promote safety and crime prevention in our City of Forest Grove is the reward and gift to over 1800 folks who attended. 

Pictures will be posted soon!

The investigation of internet child pornography requires specialized technological equipment, software and training.  Funds raised through 2011 Forest Grove Uncorked will allow the Forest Grove Police Department to purchase the equipment needed to effectively investigate and prosecute internet child pornography cases and other sexual crimes against children involving the internet.

Child pornography traded over the internet is a growing problem. There are estimated to be more than one million pornographic images of children on the Internet, with 200 new images posted daily. It has been reported that a single child pornography site receives a million hits in a month.

Local police play a major role in detecting and preventing Internet child pornography offenses. One study found that 56 percent of arrests for Internet child pornography crimes originated from local law enforcement agencies.  In fact, in the most recent investigation conducted by the Forest Grove Police Department with assistance from the Interagency Child Exploitation Prevention Team, or INTERCEPT, detectives seized computer discs and hard drives found to contain over 1600 images and videos depicting known child pornography from a suspect in Forest Grove.  The suspect is currently facing felony charges in federal court.

Come enjoy a wine, food, and microbrew experience and contribute to the betterment of your community at the same time.  More information and advance tickets for Forest Grove Uncorked! are available at The Friendly Vine, 2004 Main Street, or online at http://www.fgcityclub.com/2011/pages/uc.html.

If you live in an area marked in red, you will find a schedule on your door prior to the commencement of work.  If you plan to use your vehicle, please park outside the project boundaries as indicated on the schedule.  In neighborhoods where many of the streets are to be sealed, only a few streets will be done each day to allow reasonable access to the neighborhood.  The sealer cures quickly, usually within several hours in direct sun, and traffic will be allowed back on the street on the same day. 

Please remember that if you wish to use your car it will need to be moved to a location outside of the project limits prior to 7:00 a.m. on the scheduled date.  Sealers do not clean up easily.  It will stick to your shoes, clothes, car, carpet, etc., if walked or driven on.  Vehicles parked on the project streets will be SUBJECT TO TOWING to areas outside of the project limits.

Questions?  Please feel free to call us at (503) 992-3122.  Thank you for your patience and cooperation.   2011 Seal Coat Map

About the Process…For residents unfamiliar with the process, asphalt sealers are an environmentally friendly mixture of asphalt emulsion, water and tire rubber additives.  This “quick set, slow cure” process is a recipe for success, because it extends the life of roadways in an economical way that causes the least amount of inconvenience to homeowners and the traveling public while work is taking place.

Many neighborhood streets in the City have been treated with Slurry Seal applications.  The Public Works Department has added a relatively new Asphalt Sealer (Rubber Modified Asphalt Emulsion) to its tool box of preventative maintenance techniques and will be applying it this summer.  This product will not take the place of Slurry Seal, but is another tool that is better suited and cost effective on the streets scheduled to be sealed this summer.

Long Life Solutions…After nearly 10 years of experience with pavement resurfacing materials, the City Engineering and Maintenance Departments have found Seal Coats to be an effective long-term solution.  Although the average life of a road is 18 years, it starts showing signs of distress and deterioration much earlier.  After about ten years, potholes and unsightly marks start appearing.  Add to that, the sun’s rays beating down on pavement during our hot summer months that bakes the road surface causing even more drying and cracking and the effects of our seasonal rains that can leak into the road base, causing premature road failures.  When Seal Coats are properly applied and re-applied in approximately three- to seven-year cycles, the life of City streets can be extended greatly.

Economic Solution…Through the preventative maintenance program, taxpayer dollars are saved in both the short and the long term.  And by giving renewed life to neighborhood streets with surface seal treatments, the costly expense of removing and replacing streets in disrepair is considerably reduced.

Hassle-Free Solutions…Seal Coats set quickly, causing only minimal inconvenience to neighborhood residents.  Materials applied in the morning allow use of the road the same day.

2011 Seal Coat Map

The budget for FY 2011-12 continues to fine tune operations in order to live within existing resources. The budget doesn’t include the addition of any new positions in any department.  However, there are limited staff reductions and staff reassignments in the administrative departments of the General Fund that have enabled the City to balance the budget while trying to maintain all critical services.  Demands for services are increasing and the current staff is working hard to meet those demands.  In order to help staff provide excellent service, City Hall and the Engineering offices, and the phones service, will not open to the public until 9:00 a.m.  Staff still report at 8:00 a.m. using this one hour per day of uninterrupted work time to complete necessary functions more efficiently, allow time for staff training, and allow staff to absorb additional duties from staff reassignments.  Customer service to the public is important to the City, and we believe this change will enable staff to continue to be responsive to the public.

NEW HOURS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC:
City Hall and Engineering Offices
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday through Friday
Effective August 1, 2011

The FY 2011-12 budget aims to meet the priority needs of the Community, while living within existing resources.  City staff and the Budget Committee have been reviewing the long-term budget forecasts and what the City can do to prepare for the budgetary deficits projected to face the City in the future.  Maintaining the current level of services without additional sources of revenue will become increasingly difficult.  One key to maintaining future services is the renewal of the City’s Local Option Levy which expires on June 30, 2013.  Renewal of the levy at the current rate will not reduce projected budget deficits but it will keep the deficits from getting significantly larger.

The FY 2011-12 Budget is available on the City’s website on the Finance Department’s page under City Hall.  Questions regarding the budget or services may be directed to the City Manager’s Office at 503.992.3234.

In July of 2009, the City went live with Utility Billing on-line.  A transaction fee of $1.25 was charged, in order to keep the website secure.  The City Council has decided to absorb this fee for customers, so after July 1, 2011, paying your account using Utility Billing on-line will be free.

However, if you choose, you may contact the utility office at 503.992.3221, and they will process the online payment for you.  There will be a $3.00 Convenience Fee for Telephone Payment Execution charged at the time the payment is processed when the utility office processes the payment on your behalf.

To use the online service, first go to Forest Grove’s home page at www.forestgrove-or.gov.  Once there, click the “I Want To” button on the right, and a drop down menu will appear.  From the drop down menu, select “Pay for,” and then “Utility Bill Online.”

The first time you use this site, you will need to create a user and attach your utility account to your user.  It may be handy to have your most recent utility bill available because you will need information from it to set up your account.  Another hint is to have your e-mail account open, because once you create a user, a password will be e-mailed to you.

Information about your utility account that you will be able to review includes the current amount due, any past due amounts, two years electric and water consumption history, and up to 10 years of historical transaction information.  You may also choose to pay the amount due with your VISA or MasterCard.  Using the internet, you can pay a part of your bill if you like, but you cannot pay more than you owe.

For more information, please go to our web site, at www.forestgrove-or.gov  or contact the Utility Office at 503.992.3221.

"Legal fireworks may be purchased only from Oregon permitted fireworks retailers and stands," advises Interim State Fire Marshal Jim Walker. "And regulations limit where those fireworks may be used. For example, fireworks are prohibited on all Oregon beaches, in parks, and campgrounds."

Oregon law bans possession, use or sale of fireworks that fly, explode or travel more than six feet on the ground or 12 inches into the air. Fireworks commonly called bottle rockets, Roman Candles, and firecrackers are ILLEGAL in Oregon.

Under City of Forest Grove regulations, officials may seize illegal fireworks and fine offenders up to $1,000 per violation. Those who misuse fireworks or allow fireworks to cause damage are liable and may be required to pay fire suppression costs or other damage. Parents are also liable for fireworks damage caused by their children.  Fire and police personnel will be teaming up for enforcement against illegal fireworks in the City over the holiday weekend.

There were 117 reported fireworks-related fires in Oregon during 2010, resulting in more than $1.6 million in property damage. Over the past five years from 2006 through 2010 there were 1,057 reported fireworks-related fires in Oregon resulting in one death, 62 civilian injuries, and more than $4.7 million in property damage.

The Fire Marshal encourages everyone to use the four B’s of safe fireworks use: 

• Be Prepared before lighting fireworks: keep water available by using a garden hose or bucket. 
• Be Safe when lighting fireworks: keep children and pets away from fireworks.
• Be Responsible after lighting fireworks: never relight a dud. Wait 15 to 20 minutes then soak in a bucket of water before disposal.
• Be Aware: use only legal fireworks and use them only in legal places.

Keep It Legal, Keep It Safe!

One of the major goals of the Forest Grove Public Arts Commission is to improve access to the arts for the children for Forest Grove. Funds raised through the Main Course will allow for mini-grants to support youth art programs. “Our programs provide exposure to the arts at no cost to the public. Writing, painting, theater, music, dance are examples how the PAC can enhance the artistic life of children,” said Kathleen Leatham, chair of the Public Arts Commission. “Artistic exposures and hands-on experiences are vital to the social development of children into adults. The arts and cultural life also help children better express themselves in other areas,” she added.

The Main Course Forest Grove hosts this annual celebration with a focus on local and fresh ingredients. The entrée from 1910 Main Bistro will feature Carlton Farms grilled pork tenderloin with Epler Farms blueberry sauce and farmers market vegetables. Bistro Stecchino will serve fresh tapenade and crostini for appetizers and flourless chocolate cake with fresh Oregon berries and sweet crème for dessert. Grendels English Pub will present local L-bar-T buffalo pasties; handmade falafel with tahini and freshly made hummus from Izgara Middle Eastern Cuisine, and freshly made salad rolls from Pac Thai. Urban Decanter will also serve a range of appetizers.

Like the dinner, local high quality wineries will be featured. The tasting will be a casual affair allowing participants to talk with winery staff, including some winemakers and owners. Participating wineries includes Apolloni, Montinore Estate, Purple Cow, David Hill Vineyards, Plum Hill, Provincial Vineyards, Zimri Cellars, Tualatin Estates, Abbey Creek, Kramer Vineyards, Helvetia and Sake One.

Guests have a choice of tickets. Wine tasting, appetizers and a glass begins at 5:30 pm and costs $30 or $75 for dinner, tasting and appetizers and a glass. Dinner seating is limited to 200. The Main Course is a non-profit event coordinated through The Forest Grove Foundation. Tickets may be purchased at Urban Decanter, 2030 Main Street, 503-359-7678, the Forest Grove Chamber of Commerce, 2417 Pacific Avenue, 503-357-3006, or through the web at www.maincoursedinner.com

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The Forest Grove Police Department is attempting to locate a suspicious male who offered candy to two young girls and made statements to them of a sexual nature. The subject approached the girls at a garage sale. When the mother became aware of the conversation she told the subject to leave, and then notified the police.

The subject matches the description of an "unwanted" at a local business which occurred on June 10th. During that incident the subject was making bizarre comments to a 15 year old male employee.

While no crime was committed the behavior is very concerning, and the Forest Grove Police Department would like the public to be aware of the incident.

Description:  White male, approximately 52 years old, medium build, wearing a black and grey bandana, black vest, blue shirt, blue jeans and carrying a black bag. The suspect was riding a "low-rider" style bicycle. The subject goes by the name "Sage."

Anyone with information on this subject is asked to contact the Forest Grove Police Department at 503 992-3260.

Work with children and teach them a simple craft, such as how to make a paper frog. Training provided. Opportunities are about two hours on Tuesday, July 26, and Thursday, July 28.

This Summer Reading program helps kids exercise their creativity, and it’s a great way for volunteers to learn, give back to the community, and add volunteer experience to a resume. 

Call or email Kari at (503) 992-3302 or karim@wccls.org to apply or for more information.

Volunteers past the teen years are also encouraged to apply.

The primary objectives of Artisans in the Grove include:

• Providing a low-cost opportunity for local artists (crafts, music, textiles, performers...you name it) to share their talents with the community.
• Complimenting the mission of the Forest Grove Farmer's Market held every Wednesday throughout the summer season.
• Promoting increased foot-traffic and business in the downtown area of Forest Grove contributing to the economic vitality of our City.

They hope to promote SALES of these items for smaller scale vendors (home crafters etc.) as well as established artists in our area. They also want to offer DEMONSTRATION space for businesses that offer classes and/or performance services in the arts.

Forest Grove First Wednesdays are organized by the City Club, which has generously offered to make booth space available to Artisans in the Grove. Interested artists may rent a 10'x10' space for only $10 or share booth space for as little as $4. In the shared space, wares will be combined with other artisans to create a unique assortment of arts and crafts in a boutique-style area called the "Sampler's Veranda." Participants of the Sampler's Veranda DO NOT have to stay at the booth, if they do not wish, making it great for people with limited time to drop off items and have Artisans in the Grove sell for them.

For more information about us or if you are interested in joining Artisans in the Grove at the next First Wednesday, please email artisansfg@gmail.com  or call Rachel DuPont (971) 533-4284 or Wynter Kaiser (503) 975-4107.

Artisans in the Grove are very excited to get to know local artists better and share their common appreciation for creativity expressed through arts and crafts!  Let's Keep Arts and Crafts in the Grove.

• Poster – Dessa Myatt, Harvey Clarke Elementary, age 9.
• Essay – Braden Hofeling, Neil Armstrong Middle School, age 13.
• Video/PowerPoint – Alea Eason, home schooled, age 14 (soon to be 15).

Each winner receives a $50.00 cash prize from the City of Forest Grove and was recognized in front of the City Council at its meeting on Monday, June 13, 2011. The entries will be submitted to the state level where they will compete against other city winners for the chance of winning a laptop computer.  The winners at the state level will be announced during the Oregon Mayors Association Conference being held August 4 - 6 in Madras, Oregon.

“If I Were Mayor” 2011 Student Contest is sponsored by the Oregon Mayors Association. The contest ran from April 1 through May 31 and was advertised through the utility bill insert, City ad in the News Times, City website, City facebook, and City Scene Update. The information was also sent to the school district for distribution.

Dessa just finished 4th grade and is very friendly and outgoing. She loves to sing and dance and is currently enrolled at FG Dance Arts. Click here to see Dessa's poster.

Braden just finished 7th grade and is very studious and loves to read books. He was a winner in this year’s “Proud to be an American” essay contest sponsored by the Elks. Braden wants to be a marine biologist or scientist when he grows up. Click here to read Braden's essay.

Alea is very creative and interested in fashion design. She has been taking art classes for three years and has competed in the duck stamp competition receiving 2nd place twice and 3rd place once. Her video can be watched below.

IF I WERE MAYOR by Alea Eason

{vimeo}24944811{/vimeo}

However, at 5:55 AM a squirrel made contact with an energized 12,000 volt line at the corner of Sky Lane and Vista Drive causing an unplanned power outage to approximately 700 customers.  The customers affected were in an area west of Thatcher on the north and south side of Gales Creek Road and south of David Hill Road.  We are sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused you and we are doing everything we can to prevent it in the future although at times it may be beyond our control.

Questions regarding this outage or reporting an outage may be directed to the Light & Power Department, at 503.992.3250 or after hours at 503.412.2444. 

The mission of Special Olympics Oregon is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community. Special Olympics Oregon serves close to 7,000 participants throughout the state.

• Curious where your water comes from?
• Want to know what you’re paying for every month when you pay your water bill?
• Have an opinion about the City of Forest Grove water rates?

Forest Grove citizens are invited to drop in at a

Water Rates Open House

Thursday, June 2, 2011

3:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Community Auditorium, 1915 Main Street

The Open House will explain the necessary infrastructure and costs that bring drinking water to your home or business and why water rates are projected to increase in the near future.  Staff will be on hand to answer your questions and take your comments.

Additional information can be found at www.forestgrove-or.gov/WaterRates or you may call 503.992.3228. 

City Manager Michael Sykes said that one of the City’s key economic development goals has been to promote tourism opportunities. Yet visitors complained that poor directional signs made it difficult to find their way around the community.

“Most of our signage directed travelers to McMinnville, the coast, or out of town,” Sykes said. “That isn’t exactly a good way of trying to encourage tourists to stop in Forest Grove.”

The signs were funded by a Washington County Visitors Association grant and designed and developed by a committee which included several City employees as well as Mary Jo Morelli, of the City Club; Lois Hornberger, from Pacific University;  Pat Truax, of Public Arts Commission; and Teri Koerner, of the Forest Grove Chamber of Commerce.

Sykes commended the committee for its hard work and noted that more is on the way:  Over the next couple of months, he said, the City will be placing information kiosks around the community.  One kiosk will be located downtown and another will be placed by the Lincoln Park athletic complex.  A kiosk will also be located at the corner of 18th Avenue and Main Street to identify the Historic Districts and a final kiosk will be located near Fern Hill Wetlands.  Sykes said the kiosks will help local residents and tourists learn more about existing businesses and other local attractions.

"The signs are part of a broader effort at boosting tourism and sustaining local businesses," Sykes said.  He noted that one of the reasons the City Council authorized moving the Farmers Market to Main Street a few years ago was to help draw locals and tourists into the heart of our community.  And, he added, the Main Course, a celebration of local wine and food, scheduled for July 9, is another event aimed at encouraging more folks to shop and dine downtown. 

May 19, 2011 | 7:00 pm 
Old College Hall on the Pacific University Campus
Forest Grove, OR  97116
(Near the corner of Pacific Avenue & College Way)
Admission:  FREE!

FHFG will be featuring a special narrated presentation this year at its annual membership meeting. The program will detail the tragic maritime disaster based on the eye witness account of a previous Forest Grove resident who survived it.

But that's not all! FHFG has received permission from Pacific University to hold the presentation in the oldest building west of the Mississippi still used for educational purposes: Old College Hall, built in 1850. The meeting and presentation will be held in the chapel, but the upstairs museum will be open, and the docents will be available for answering questions.

FHFG hopes you’ll stop by - whether you're interested in becoming a member, finding out more about our organization, or just interested in history, feel free to bring your family and friends – the more, the merrier!

Clean running water, effective storm drains and sewers, sturdy roads and bridges, safe building codes – these are the foundations on which we build our communities. Working together with business and citizens, public works employees plan, build, operate and maintain our country's vital infrastructure.

Instituted as a public education campaign by the American Public Works Association in 1960, National Public Works Week calls attention to the importance of public works in community life. Throughout this week, activities are taking place across the country to celebrate the dedication and commitment of public works professionals.

The public is invited to a family-friendly Public Works Fair at Washington Square on May 14 and 15 supported by Washington County, Clean Water Services, the Joint Water Commission, the Oregon Department of Transportation, and the Oregon Chapter of the American Public Works Association.

Activities for kids include:

• Spin the "Wheel of Safety," answer a traffic question and win a prize
• Become a "River Ranger" by learning about the Tualatin River watershed
• Enjoy the "A-B-C's of Green Engineering" and the "P.W. Paws" comic books
• Design a "Clean Water" magnet
• Reduce waste and care for the environment with the "Kids Stuff" activity book
• Look both ways and cross the street safely at the traffic signal crosswalk display

And for the grownup kids:

• Take the "Canines for Clean Water" pledge
• "Go Native" with native plants
• Get a free "Freeze the Grease, Save the Drain" kit
• Learn where to recycle tvs, monitors, and computers for free
• "Tip Your Lid" with recycling education and waste reduction tips
• Find out how to report street light outages
• Learn about career opportunities in public works

And for the kids and grownup kids:

• Learn more about parks in Washington County

And much more! Kids can win prizes and take home fun educational materials. Grownups will find brochures and handouts, and well-informed public works staff who can answer their questions.

NPWW 2011 Poster 

The committee believes that increased local sales will improve the economic health of the City and will lead to a greater variety of businesses that want to locate in Forest Grove.  The committee seeks input from the community and from local retailers on how to formulate and implement the Buy Local Program.

The committee encourages Forest Grove residents and retailers to help guide the planning of this campaign by filling out short surveys designed to collect information about the needs and opportunities within the community. One survey is designed for local residents and consumers, it can be found at:https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/consumers_forestgrovebuylocal

Another survey is designed for local business owners, it can be found at:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/business_forestgrovebuylocal

Alternatively, printed copies of the surveys will be available at the Forest Grove Library, City Hall, the Chamber of Commerce, the offices of Adelante Mujeres, BJ's Coffee, and at the Forest Grove Farmers Market.  Results will be tabulated at the end of June.

"We hope to have many returned surveys," says committee member Kati Mayfield.  "We want to put together a buy local program that will entice shoppers and produce great results for local businesses."

For more information about the program or the work of the Forest Grove Buy Local Committee, please contact Kati Mayfield by phone at 503.992.0078 ext. 301, or email at kmayfield@adelantemujeres.org.  Surveys will be accepted through June.

For the most part, these islands enjoy all the services presently provided by the City.  By annexing these properties into the City, these residents would have a full voice on City matters.  Currently, there are 24 islands remaining within the growth boundary totaling about 75 acres.  When the growth boundary was established some thirty years ago, it was envisioned that these areas would someday become part of the City.

City planning staff will be available to answer questions and provide you with more information during a community open house on Saturday, May 14, 2011.  The open house will be held at the Community Auditorium, 1915 Main Street, and will begin at 9 AM.  Please drop in if you own an "island" property or if you would like to learn more about the annexation process.

The City Council also wants to hear from citizens about the "island" annexation idea.  An opportunity for comment will be on the Council's May 23rd meeting agenda.  City Council meetings start at 7:00 PM and are held at the Community Auditorium, 1915 Main Street.  For more information,  please contact the Community Development Department at 503.992.3227.

You'll learn:

• Why double-hung windows are constructed the way they are
• How to get double-hung windows unstuck after they have been painted shut
• How to repair window glazing
• How to replace broken ropes and weights
• How to take double-hung windows apart, repair them, and put them back together
• How to save energy by weatherizing and installing wooden storm windows
• And more!

Our expert present is Geoffrey Halsey, co-owner of East Portland Sash & Carpentry, who has graciously volunteered his time to share his knowledge and experience. 

Sack lunches are encouraged.  Coffee/tea and pastries will be served in the morning.  Seats are limited, so please email holly.tsur@gmail.com to reserve your spot(s).

SPECIAL CURBSIDE COLLECTION: 
Monday - Friday, April 30 - May 4, 2012

Forest Grove residents with current WM accounts may set out up to six (6) extra bags of garbage on their regular collection day, at no extra charge.   Bags must be 32-gallons or smaller.  

Items should follow the normal guidelines:

The bags will be picked up by a separate truck so it may not coincide with the pickup of the roller carts.

BULKY WASTE DISPOSAL / TIRES: Saturday, May 5
Forest Grove Transfer Station, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Forest Grove residents may bring up to 3 bulky items to the WM Transfer Station, free of charge.  Couches, mattresses, appliances, etc., will all be accepted.  Appliances cannot contain Freon or other coolants.  All refrigerants must be removed and have attached certificate of evacuation from a Certified Technician showing refrigerant has been removed per DEQ regulations.  WM will also accept 4 tires per customer.  Proof of Forest Grove residency is required.  No charge for bulky items or tires.  Mixed loads of waste will be charged according to fee schedule.

Sorry, NO televisions, computers, or hot tubs will be accepted. Oregon E-Cycles provides free recycling of computers, monitors and TVs.  Find sites at www.oregonecycles.org. 

Any questions about the community cleanup, please contact Waste Management at 503-249-8078.

SHREDDING EVENT:  Saturday, May 5
Council & Ash Street parking lot, 9 am to 1 pm

The City will be offering FREE shredding services for citizens.  Experts agree shredding is the best way to dispose of sensitive data so the City is partnering with Metro to bring this opportunity to residents.  This onsite service will be restricted to personal documents and a reasonable amount per City resident (equivalent to 2 or 3 banker boxes).  Contact the Administrative Services Department at 503-992-3234 for more information. 

Special Thanks to Waste Management for providing this public service clean-up event and to Metro Regional Government for providing matching grant funds for the shredding event.

Language would be added to both Ordinances to define Tourist-Oriented Businesses.  These types of businesses (such as museums, historic sites, bed-and-breakfast inns or restaurants) meeting certain requirements could benefit from having a sign placed along either Pacific Avenue or 19th Avenue. Each tourist-oriented business would have to be located a minimum of two blocks north of Pacific Avenue or south of 19th Avenue to be eligible.  Each business would be allowed one such off-premise sign within the public right-of-way. The area of the sign and its placement would be regulated by the City's Public Works Director.

Language would also be added to both Ordinances to allow and regulate the use of temporary signs such as real estate open house signs.  Each event would be allowed up to two off-premise signs in the public right-of-way.  They would be permitted over a weekend from Friday noon until the following Sunday at 6 pm.

The schedule for public hearings to adopt the two ordinances is as follows:

• May - public review and comment 
• June 13 - City Council public hearing and ordinance adoption
• July - Planning Commission public hearing to amend development sign code.
  

Both ordinances are available below or contact the Community Development Department to request a copy. The phone number is 503.992.3227. 

City staff is available to meet with interested parties to discuss these proposals.  Please contact:
Jon Holan, 503.992.3224, jholan@forestgrove-or.gov  or
James Reitz, 503.992.3233, jreitz@forestgrove-or.gov.  

Comments may also be sent to the City Forest Grove Community Development Department, PO Box 326, Forest Grove, Oregon 97116-0326.

Proposed Sign Code Amendments 

Proposed Right-of-Way Use Amendments  

Arbor Day started in 1872 with the planting of over one million trees in Nebraska.  Through the dedication of community volunteers and property owners Forest Grove has been recognized as a Tree City USA for over 20 years the Arbor Day Foundation.  As chair of the Community Forestry Commission, Mindy Laird-Garcia would like to invite you to continue the commitment to our urban forest and attend Forest Grove’s Arbor Day celebration.    

This year the Arbor Day celebration will take place at Lincoln Park beginning at 9:00 AM on Saturday, April 30th.  The celebration will include a tree planting workshop sponsored by the Community Forestry Commission.  The workshop will be conducted by local arborist and Commission member David D. Hunter. 

During the tree planting workshop you’ll hear about proper tree planting methods.  Commission members will also answer questions such as how deep  should I plant a tree, how often should a tree be watered and should I remove the burlap covering the root ball before planting?  There’s no cost for attending this informative workshop. 

The Community Forestry Commission is a group of volunteers appointed by the Forest Grove City Council. The group’s mission is to protect the urban forest through preservation of trees and planting new trees throughout the community.  The Commission also oversees the city’s Register of Significant Trees and would like to thank those of you who placed your trees on the Register.  For those of you that don’t have trees on the register, CFC would like to encourage you to nominate your trees.   Placing your trees on the Register will help ensure their preservation now and in the future.  Trees benefit us in many ways.  Aside from their aesthetic value, trees cool homes during the summer months, slow the rate of storm water runoff and absorb carbon dioxide which is a known contributor to climate change. 

Forest Grove is a special place with a strong commitment to tree preservation.   In fact, the name of our city comes from the stately grove of oak trees still standing on the campus of Pacific University.   Help us honor our heritage of tree care by celebrating Arbor Day 2011 at Lincoln Park.

From 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., crafts and activities will be offered for children up to age 14. Every child who visits during that time will receive a free paperback book of their choice. The Mid-City Breakers break-dancing troupe will perform from 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Refreshments and door prizes will follow the performance.

The event is funded by contributions from The Friends of the Library, a nonprofit volunteer organization, and All Together Now.  Bilingual staff and volunteers will be on hand to assist visitors in both English and Spanish. Members of Adelante Chicas, from Forest Grove High School, will be providing much of the volunteer support.

Children’s Day/ Book Day (Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros) is observed nationally on or around April 30th.  In 1997, a literacy initiative was introduced through a collaboration involving schools, libraries and community organizations. Teachers and librarians across the country joined together to celebrate childhood and bilingual literacy using the traditional Latin American celebration “El Día del Niño” (April 30th) as the vehicle to highlight the importance of honoring children and promoting bilingual literacy. REFORMA (The National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish speaking) and the National Association of Bilingual Education (NABE) also joined the effort to assist in promoting this initiative as an annual event.

This will be the sixth year Forest Grove City Library has participated. The Library is located at 2114 Pacific Avenue in Forest Grove.  Questions about this event can be directed to librarian, Linda Stiles Taylor, at (503) 992-3247. 

The prestigious Growth Award honors environmental improvement and higher levels of tree care in Tree City USA communities.  The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service. 

Forest Grove has met the four standards to become a Tree City USA community. Tree City USA communities must have a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program with annual expenditures of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. 

"Communities that are honored with a Tree City USA designation and a Growth Award make a strong commitment to planting and caring for trees, and we applaud their efforts," said John Rosenow, chief executive and founder of the Arbor Day Foundation. "We also commend a community's elected officials, volunteers and its citizens for providing needed care for its trees. They recognize that trees provide numerous environmental, economical and health benefits for the community every day."

The proclamation was read by Mayor Truax at the City Council Meeting on April 11, 2011, and the award was presented by Gail Shaloum of Oregon Community Trees to Mindy Laird-Garcia, Community Forestry Commission (CFC) Chair.  The CFC will be holding a free tree planting workshop on Saturday, April 30th, to celebrate Arbor Day 2011.  The workshop will be held at Lincoln Park at 9:00 am.  Learn the correct way to plant trees from local experts.  For more information about the workshop, contact Forest Grove Community Development Department at 503.992.3227.

More information about Tree City USA can be found at www.arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.

About the Arbor Day Foundation: The Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit, environmental and education organization of more than one million members, with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. More information on the Foundation and its programs can be found at www.arborday.org.

Mayor Peter Truax and the Forest Grove City Council urge all students and all community members of all ages to participate in the special Earth Day events planned throughout the month of April.

On April 22, 1970, twenty million Americans, led by students, look to the streets in protest of the rampant pollution throughout the country.  Together, these men and women gave birth to the modern environmental movement.  As a result, the U. S. government responded by establishing U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and passing the first generation of environmental protections including Clean Air and Water Acts and the Endangered Species Act.  Today, the global community now faces extraordinary challenges, such as environmental degradation, climate change, food and water shortages, and global health issues.  Earth Day is the perfect platform for elected officials and students to re-ignite the environmental concerns of the nation, teach new audiences about climate and clean energy, and address environment concerns.  In celebration of Earth Day's 41st Anniversary, Pacific University student leaders and peers are organizing events that will unite their campus around individual acts of green and alter their community's perception of the environment for a more sustainable future.

The Forest Grove City Council hereby pledges this Earth Day, April 22, 2011, to support environmental initiatives in our city and to encourage others to undertake similar actions.  Mayor Truax signed a proclamation at the City Council meeting on April 11.

For more information about the Earth Week events at Pacific University, please visit Pacific University Sustainability Committee event calendar www.pacificu.edu/sustainability.  All events are free and open to the community.

The Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS) hosts the 7th Annual Hearing Voices Storytelling Festival April 10 – 16. The festival features four professional storytellers: Gene Tagaban (Bellingham, WA), Jeff Gere (Honolulu, HI), Kelly Hoffman (Portland, OR) and Ken Iverson (Milwaukie, OR).

The festival performances are designed for the enjoyment of adults and children ages 6 and up, unless otherwise noted. The week-long storytelling extravaganza features thirteen storytelling performances at the WCCLS member libraries, the Glenn & Viola Walters Cultural Arts Center in Hillsboro and the Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club in North Plains.

The Forest Grove City Library will host Ken Iverson on Tuesday, April 12, at 7 pm as he presents "Doesn't Everybody Think They Can Fly?", a lively evening of folktales and original stories. Audience participation and un-restrained laughter will ensue as we discover that 'truth' can be funnier than fiction.  More information on the week-long events at other cooperative libraries can be found at www.wccls.org/voices.

The WCCLS festival is supported in part by grants from the Regional Arts and Culture Council, the Beaverton Library Foundation and each of the local Friends of the Library representing WCCLS member libraries, with additional in-kind services provided by Pamplin MediaGroup, Courtyard by Marriott, ProGraphics Services, Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club, Glenn and Viola Walters Cultural Arts Center and Tazo Tea.

On Saturday, April 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Forest Grove Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the citizens of Forest Grove another opportunity to prevent drug abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. Bring your medications for disposal to the Forest Grove Police Department located at 2102 Pacific Avenue. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

This year long term care facilities within Forest Grove will also be able to turn in unwanted medications, however they are asked to make arrangements in advance by calling 503 992-3314.

Thermometers, needles, intravenous solutions, liquids, inhalers, and medical waste of any type will not be accepted. Illicit substances, such as marijuana or methamphetamine, are also not a part of this initiative.  

Last September, Americans turned in 242,000 pounds—121 tons—of prescription drugs at nearly 4,100 sites operated by the DEA and more than 3,000 state and local law enforcement partners.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.

Four days after last fall’s event, Congress passed the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010, which amends the Controlled Substances Act to allow an “ultimate user” of controlled substance medications to dispose of them by delivering them to entities authorized by the Attorney General to accept them. The Act also allows the Attorney General to authorize long term care facilities to dispose of their residents’ controlled substances in certain instances. DEA has begun drafting regulations to implement the Act, a process that can take as long as 24 months.

If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact the Forest Grove Police Department at 503.992.3260. 

Affected residential structures include hotels, motels, apartments, dormitories, fraternities, sororities, one- and two-family dwellings, townhouses, and residential care/assisted living facilities. Remodeled residences are defined as those requiring a building permit. April 1st is also the effective date requiring home sellers of one- and two-family dwellings, manufactured dwellings, or multifamily housing units containing a carbon monoxide source to have one or more properly functioning CO alarms before conveying fee title or transferring possession of a dwelling. Landlords also must provide properly functioning CO alarms for all rental dwelling units with or within a structure containing a carbon monoxide source.

So what does this all mean? Basically, if you have a home that meets the state's criteria described above, that also has a carbon monoxide source (anything with an open flame such as natural gas or propane appliances, wood burning stoves or fireplaces, fuel oil furnaces, etc.) then you need to protect your home with a carbon monoxide alarm. Believe it or not, a carbon monoxide alarm is a totally different type of alarm device than the smoke alarm that you should already have in your home. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, invisible gas created when fuels burn incompletely. It cannot be detected by the common stand alone smoke alarm and the big reason that a carbon monoxide alarm is now required is because often times people do not know that they are exposed to the poisonous gas until it is too late. Common stand alone smoke alarms detect smoke either by detecting the ions in the smoke molecules (ionization type smoke alarms) or by sensing that the visible products of smoke are present (photo electric type smoke alarms); neither of these types of systems has the ability to "sniff" the air for the dangerous carbon monoxide that could be present in your home.

Okay, so if after reading this you have now determined that you need a carbon monoxide alarm, the next question is “where do you put it?” Like smoke alarms they need to be in places where you live. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for placement, but generally speaking a carbon monoxide alarm should be:

• On each level of the home where there are bedrooms
• In each bedroom or within 15 feet outside of each bedroom
• Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for exact placement.

For more information check out the State Fire Marshal Website for facts and installation tips.

Statewide winners will receive additional recognition:  ▪Press releases sent to local communities;▪Acknowledgment in the OMA quarterly newsletter;▪Acknowledgment in the League of Oregon Cities monthly magazine, Local Focus.

A Jacob’s Ladder, more technically known as a high-voltage traveling arc, is a portable device that creates a visible rising arc of electricity between two wires when high voltage is applied.  Most people have probably only seen a Jacob's Ladder in movies about mad scientists!  Thanks to Kevin’s new Jacob’s Ladder,  Mr. Sheppard’s class got to safely see a real electric arc close up, and learned what can happen if people or objects get too close to a live power line.  The Light & Power Department is grateful to Kevin for his hard work, and excited to use the new Jacob's Ladder on future classroom visits.

The Light and Power Department provides free safety education using a model "Electric City" to demonstrate the hazards found around electric wires.  This is a portable unit that can be brought to a classroom or group meeting.  In addition, an interactive CD-ROM called Power Bandit, that teaches about conserving energy and electrical hazards, is available while supplies last.  Call 503.992.3252 for more information.

The program is designed to help both new and existing businesses. The incentives include a full waiver of the Business License Fee including first time application fees, site plan review fees up to $2,000, sign permit review fees up to $1,000, and building permit fees up to $5,000. In addition, water system development charges can be financed by the City. The business incentive program will run from April 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012.

“Offering this program provides multiple benefits to the Forest Grove community” said Mayor Peter Truax. “Some of the up-front financial burdens are reduced for these business owners, vacant space is occupied, and jobs are created for our residents.”

The Business Incentive Program can be packaged with two other local incentive programs, the Business Energy Conservation Program and the Enterprise Zone Program. The Business Energy Conservation Program can provide a cash rebate for conservation improvements while the Enterprise Zone Program can offer eligible companies a 100% exemption of property taxes up to 5 years on new investments.  City staff can also offer information on provisions of the 2010 Small Business Jobs and the 2010 Tax Relief Act.  These Federal acts offer various types of tax relief, deductions and credits as well as enhanced Small Business Administration (SBA) and community bank lending.

“The Business Incentive Program is another example of how business-friendly Forest Grove is,” said Jeffrey King, Economic Development Coordinator.  City staff from the Economic Development Department is available to answer questions or meet with business owners.  Information and program applications are available at City Hall.  Please visit http://www.forestgrove-or.gov/city-hall/incentives.html or contact Jeff King in the Economic Development Department at 503-992-3293 or jking@forestgrove-or.gov

Business Incentive Program Application and Agreement

Located north of downtown Forest Grove, the residential Walker Naylor Historic District illustrates the impact of important events, trends, and institutions that affected the development of the town from the construction of the first house in 1858 through 1959. The area was initially settled by the town’s professionals and businessmen who constructed Victorian homes on large semi-rural lots. By the early-twentieth century a regional boom fueled by demand for agricultural and forest products resulted in a burgeoning downtown and increasing enrollments at Pacific University. During this time lots in Walker Naylor were subdivided to meet growing demand for housing and buildings in the Bungalow and Period Revival Cottage styles were constructed. After WWII, lots continued to be divided over the next several decades as homes were constructed in the Ranch and WWII Period Cottage styles among others. By 1959 the neighborhood had been largely built out and few residences were constructed after this period.

Commemorating our historical and architectural heritage is important to Forest Grove, and Naylor-Walker is the third National Register Historic District (the first, the Clark District, was designated in 2002 and the second, Painter's Woods, in 2009). The new district was established through the efforts of Forest Grove’s Historic Landmarks Board working together with historic preservation consultant Kimberli Fitzgerald, who researched and prepared the detailed application.

More information on the historic districts in Forest Grove may be found at Historic Landmarks Board.  

Questions regarding Forest Grove's Historic Districts may be directed to James Reitz, Community Development Planner at jreitz@forestgrove-or.gov  or 503.992.3233.

As part of First Wednesday on April 6, City Club is hosting an umbrella decorating contest for all ages.  All entries are due by 5:45 pm at Connie’s Corner Café, 2001 Main Street, but can be dropped off any time prior to that.  Judging begins at 6:30 p.m.  Entry forms are available at Connie's Corner Cafe.  See poster for more details.

Join us.

On April 16, 2011, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., the City of Forest Grove is partnering with SOLV to host volunteer service projects at Thatcher Park and Forest Glen Park. Light refreshments will be provided.

Pull harmful invasive species such as ivy, holly, and Himalayan blackberry. You’ll protect native trees, help restore habitat for native wildlife, and improve park trails for City residents.

To request additional information or to register to volunteer, please visit www.solv.org, call SOLV at 503.844.9571, or call Kari Middleton at (503) 992.3302. Volunteers should be at least twelve years old.

Come hear the stories of our panelists: governor and author, Barbara Roberts; wine industry pioneer, environmental advocate and author, Susan Sokol Blosser; and Dr. Perla Rodriguez, principal of Cornelius Elementary School.   After presentations by the panelists, there will be an open discussion with audience members about the changing roles of women.

This FREE event is part of the Forest Grove Conversations Series and is sponsored by the Friends of Forest Grove City Library and  Pacific University’s McCall Center.  Past topics in the series have included community discussions about immigration, ethnicity in Oregon, and the Holocaust. 

Call the Forest Grove Library at 503-992-3247 for more information.

The David Hill Urban Reserve consists of approximately 317 acres, in the foothills of David Hill, at the northwest corner of Forest Grove and extends along the northwestern edge of the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) northeast and southwest of David Hill Road. The northeastern edge of this area extends to Thatcher Road and the southwestern boundary extends to Gales Greek Road. In February 2010, the City of Forest Grove, Washington County, and Metro designated this area as an urban reserve – an area best suited to accommodate future growth in Forest Grove over the next 50 years.

The concept plan will serve as a non-binding guide for the future development of the David Hill Urban Reserve. While incorporating community values, the concept plan must meet local, regional, and state land use goals. The concept plan will display the general locations of various land uses, critical infrastructure, and sensitive areas requiring conservation. A concept plan does not mandate development. Rather, it establishes a framework for how development should occur if landowners decide to develop their land.

The Community Workshop is one of a series of public involvement events meant to gather community input and capture community values and vision – which will then be used to inform criteria for developing and selecting concept plan alternatives. Attend this workshop to learn more about the concept plan process and to share your values and priorities for the David Hill Urban Reserve.

About Vista Planning

Vista Planning is a group of six graduate students in the Master of Urban and Regional Planning program at Portland State University. In January 2011, the City of Forest Grove approached Vista Planning to develop a concept plan for the David Hill Urban Reserve. For more information, contact Vista Planning at engage@davidhillconceptplan.com or contact Jon Holan, Community Development Director for the City of Forest Grove, at 503.992.3224.

Read more...

The conservation funds are flexible and can be used for existing operations, start-ups moving into older buildings and new construction. Over a period of 18 months, ten companies have either completed or will complete projects. The companies range from industrial manufacturing to commercial service. The projects will result in $286,435 in incentive payments to these companies and an additional annual energy bill saving of $74,000. Energy usage will be reduced by 1.9 million kilowatt hours annually, supporting Forest Grove’s green and sustainability goals. Examples of industrial projects include refrigeration improvements for New Seasons Foods and Ajinomoto Frozen Foods, lighting upgrades at Usher Industries and compressor improvements at Old Trapper. Commercial projects such as lighting upgrades were completed for Bistro Stecchino and Hot Spot Spa while 21st Street Laundromat installed energy efficient clothes washers. “ The City of Forest Grove was an important partner in a major refrigeration system upgrade for cold storage warehouses. The collaboration with the City was essential to the success of the project. The benefits included achievement of maximum energy efficiency as well as significant financial incentives,” said Mark Frandsen, owner of Grove Properties LLC. Eligible systems include lighting upgrades, 50HP variable drive motors, compressors, refrigeration, air receivers and certain energy efficient appliances.

Over a two-year period ending September 30, 2011, over $1 million is being targeted for energy conservation. Funding for the program along with oversight is provided by Bonneville Power Administration. The Energy Conservation Program is expected to be renewed for 2011-2012. The first step in the process is a free energy audit. To find out if your building or business is qualified, contact Richard Matzke at Light and Power (503) 992-3254 or Jeff King at Economic Development (503) 992-3293.

Mayor Peter Truax is encouraging high school and college students to apply to serve as a student advisor on various City of Forest Grove boards, committees, and commissions. Whether you are interested in economic development, library programs, historical preservation, tree preservation, parks and recreational activities, public safety or citizen involvement, the City of Forest Grove has opportunities for you to volunteer your time and talents. Each board is unique in its size, meeting schedule, and specific function; however, the overall mission is the same: to make Forest Grove, "A Place Where Families and Business Thrive".

By serving as a student advisor on a board, committee, or commission, students get the opportunity to share their views and ideas on a variety of community-related issues firsthand with the Mayor and City Council and other City representatives.

Students will receive an excellent opportunity to make a positive impact in Forest Grove by getting involved in various City programs and participating in diverse, high-profile community projects and events. More importantly, we hope students will learn and appreciate the importance of civic responsibility and involvement.

To be eligible, students must reside in the City and must be currently enrolled in high school or being homeschooled at sophomore, junior or senior level and college students must attend an accredited college. Students must commit to approximately two to three hours per month for meetings and activities. Students may serve a one-year term or longer.  Enrollment is limited; students will be interviewed by the City Council and be selected based on their application questions, interview, and willingness to serve.

For more information or to request an application, please call the City Recorder’s Office at 503.992.3235. Applications can also be downloaded from the Volunteer Opportunities on the City's website. The deadline to submit a completed application is Tuesday, March 1, 2011. Completed applications can also be dropped off or mailed to: City of Forest Grove, City Recorder, 1924 Council Street, PO Box 326, Forest Grove, OR 97116.

This program began when members of the club became concerned over the number of citizens observed walking during the hours of darkness, and who were not easily visible to drivers. As a public service they obtained funds to supply free safety vests for use by citizens of Forest Grove.

The vests may be obtained by any citizen of Forest Grove, at no cost, by contacting a Community Service Officer at 503 992-3108. The vests are meant only for pedestrians or bicyclists who wish to improve their safety by being more visible to traffic.