FEBRUARY2nd. Groundhog Day

7th Super Bowl XLIII

14th Chinese New Year-Year of the Tiger

Valentine’s Day

16th Mardi Gras (47 days to Easter

20th Toothpick patented 1872

23rd Nat. Dog Biscuit Appreciation day

27th International Polar Bear day

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TWO WORDS: “Food Inc.” If you haven’t seen this film do. It could possibly save your life or the life of your children and grandchildren. It is frightening but true and is the best argument I’ve seen for supporting local farmers. But more

importantly it is the best argument for us as a nation to strongly support freedom of speech in this country and to learn to understand who really should be the target of our frustrations over nutrition.We face the first generation of

Americans who probably won’t outlive their parents due to nutrition problems.What we eat, where it came from and who’s pushing it down our throats is a story that must be heard. Respectfully, Suzi

ROBERT SHIELDS wants to work with Mosier in fulfilling its goals. Like many of us here he sees Mosier’s potential for something unique, something profoundly innovative for a small community of our size.

I included his proposal in its entirety because I feel it is worth reading through. If you are part of Main Street Mosier, the Mosier Community School effort or Gorge Grown Food Network pay close attention. Robert has started a dialogue and MVN encourages responses, questions, etc. It might be helpful to check out his company and see what they might have to offer. . Much dialogue is needed around Mosier moving forward and Shields is interested in seeing how he can become a player in Mosier’s playground.

Dan Rasmussen has a plan for the community around science and the island known as Charlie’s Island (MVN removed the term “chicken” from the title as it was offensive to Charlie.) Read his extremely innovative idea. We are 22 pages long this month, lots going on but then that’s MOSIER for you.

I N D E P E N D E N T L Y C R E A T I V E

MOSIER valley news2 0 1 0 J A N U A R Y

the

DID SOMEONE SAY “FOOD?”

Master Recycler Classes: 2010

Do you want to: learn how to reduce waste?

Conserve natural resources?

Motivate others to change their habits?

Make a difference in your community?

You can get the formal training you need to do all this and more by becoming a Master Recycler...an opportunity from the TriCounty Hazardous Waste & Recycling Program serving Wasco, Shermanand Hood River counties. Similar to the OSU Extension Service's popular Master Gardener program, participants will attend a series of classes and field trips, and be required to volunteer at least 30"payback" hours in their communities. The mission of the Master Recycler program is to "bridge the gap between awareness and action by motivating people to reduce solid waste in homes and workplaces."

The classes are offered free of charge to residents of Wasco, Sherman and Hood River counties. The Master Recycler class is limited to 30 participants, with acceptance on a "first come first serve" basis.

The Spring 2010 Master Recycler class will be held Tuesday evenings during March and April at the Mosier Creek Terrace in Mosier. For more information, call Cindy Brown of the TriCounty program at541-506-2636 or visit www.tricountyrecycle.com and click on "Master Recycler". Applications are taken on-line.

Hello  by Robert Shields "Where there is a will, there is a way".  At some point in your recent history, a small group of dedicated individuals had this or a very similar thought and the result is the Mosier Community School. Of all the precious natural resources found in any geographic area nothing is more powerful, more pure, rarer and thus more valuable than the resource of the human spirit.  United in cause, this spirit can and indeed has been the instrumental force in driving systemic change throughout history.  However, change occurs whether or not we are ready or willing.  Sometimes this change occurs slowly but occasionally it occurs as a rapid transition. This is the point at which the community of Mosier finds itself today. The "vision" work and the community input and involvement over the last several years in developing a comprehensive plan to manifest this area not only as a stable and prosperous community but as an example of the "sustainable lifestyle" to others has placed you in the path of an opportunity to embrace progressive systemic change for the community of Mosier. This mailing list was created to

ü  Explain the particular details of this organically evolving community driven processü  Provide an opportunity for the widest range of interested parties to get and stay informedü  Inspire ideas, thoughts, and ultimately contributions to this process to ensure it is a "home grown" solution.

 A) Before elaborating on this opportunity it seems prudent that I take a moment to let you know who I am so you can better understand my personal and professional motives, agenda, and role in this campaign. This of course is something most people become curious about when someone offers to manifest a $500M fund described for infrastructure improvements into your community.  While the city’s Mayor and the school’s Principal have more detailed information on my credentials, suffice it to say I am a sustainable developer who has built a career on providing a catalyst element to ventures which manifest long term, high-profile, systemic change.  Here are some relevant sites of organizations where I played a key role in the strategic inception: 

                    www.solutions21st.com   www.sustainabletoday.org    www.c-s-v.com

 While many of my past efforts were in supporting roles, when I moved to Hood River this summer I looked for opportunities take a stand by making a positive impact on this community that, for the time being, is my home.  Around Christmas time I learned about the Mosier Community School and a few short weeks ago I was given the opportunity to speak before the school board about another organic and evolving process that puts within reach the needed funds to make improvements and expand the school as a vital aspect of a healthy community. The next day Dan Rasmussen contacted me to discuss my proposal and how it tied into this larger vision the community had been working on for the downtown revitalization, the gravel pit and the possibilities revolving around the concepts presented in the evolutionary process of the Mosier Institute.  Incidentally, these additional projects provided a solution to inherent challenges in securing funding for the school by creating an investment portfolio of projects known as the Common Unity Investment Act of 2010 or CUIA. B) This flowery concept is likely to change as it is hammered into a collection of four separate solid business plans, however, the following information is presented as points of consideration to guide the ensuing conversations.  

1) The overall goals of the CUIA are to:   

I.) Provide a framework through which the desires and interests of the city of Mosier as explained in their 2009 Goals and Guideline for the Mosier Community can be made manifest without burden to the tax payers and in a manner that ultimately leaves the community (primarily through city management) in direct control of the resources to secure a stable and prosperous future.

II.) Create a working model of a self-contained and self-sustaining micro-biosphere which is economically viable in the current free market system.  It serves as a template of principles that can be scaled and replicated in other geographic regions as a foundation for social and economic stability that will lead to further development of urban areas through intentional design with consideration to environmental carrying capacities. 

III.) Provide an educational model for a large portion of the US population on the exact definition of sustainability as a principle-centered approach to stability and prosperity.  Success will also serve as a beacon to the sustainable industry and to the sustainable movement in realizing their dreams of seeing the USA finally emerge as leaders of the fossil free world.

       2) The basic concept of the plan (and I cannot stress enough that this is just the beginning of the conversation and not the absolute end) is that tax credit codes allows a pass through of tax liability to a business interest (or collective thereof) which enable tax challenged organizations to reap commercial benefits for their green building and energy projects.  Furthermore $9 trillion dollars of private investment funds exist and are allocated to projects that mitigate the negative effects on the changing climate with the key to the door being a business plan.  I am offering the community of Mosier my time in drafting this plan using economic estimates (prices from comparable projects) to arrive within a 20% margin of total project costs and then to use that plan to seek and secure letters of interest from a selection of investment firms that are best matched to meet the community’s interests and goals. With this plan and letters, the community (at that point represented by a JV collective of local and corporate business interests) is then in a position to solicit a local bank to provide the bridge loan funding needed to span that 20% gap and giving the investors the confidence to loan to the JV the $500M with reasonable expectation of getting their money back in 10 years with a reasonable ROI (TBD by the community of Mosier).      3) This is all made possible because my professional goal in the Gorge is to establish a sustainable development firm to bring the resources of the "most sustainable city in the US" to the rest of the US where only pockets of sustainable awareness exists. After speaking to Dan, I am now looking to establish this firm in Mosier which makes it possible for us to "stay in the trenches" and to work closely with the community to manifest and manage this and hopefully other sustainable developments.  To simplify and reduce the number of pieces in a very complicated mechanism, and by using local resources and local labor, Real Smart Developments www.realsmartdevelopments.com develops the plan, attracts and secures the investors, and provides construction management services for all related improvement projects.  We are contracted through the JV who will, for the duration of the loan, lease the property from the existing owners for $1/yr and retain the tax incentives, cash incentives, avoided energy costs, and profits from excess generation.  This is the independent revenue stream that is used to pay off the loan. At the end of the life of the loan the JV will sell the

ownership of the improvements to the property owners for $1 and in dissolution writing off the whole expense.  This will leave the community in debt free ownership of infrastructure improvements and a portfolio of sustainable funding sources. 4) The specific improvements proposed in the CUIA pertain to building infrastructure in four key areas: 

I) Mosier Community School - Manifesting the ultimate vision for the school with a new community center 

II) Downtown Revitalization- Improvements to the sidewalks, lighting, sewage, fire, telecommunication systems, businesses and homes within the city limits. 

III) Mosier Clean Energy Portfolio- a collection of clean energy generation facilities nestled in the rolling hills. 

IV) The Mosier Institute of Sustainable Design- a combined image of industry and art; commerce and community, comfortably contained in the footprint of the existing gravel pit.  

  5) While the first three objectives are somewhat self evident, the current concepts for the Mosier Institute for Sustainable Design requires a bit more clarification.  The community of Mosier wants to retain its quaint little bay side community, but, at the same time, wants access to the cultural amenities and economic opportunities of a thriving metropolis.  So the question arises: where do you put a grocery store, a gymnasium, health clinic, additional retail space, commercial office space, an arts center, auditorium, and an aquatic center without transforming Mosier into Hood River, The Dalles, or Portland.  As is usually the case I believe the answer is literally "staring you in the face".  We are fortunate that many studies, reviews, conditional permit applications and court litigation have completed much of the costly land use studies for development of the gravel pit site. The ideas first put forth by Dan for the Mosier Institute to use the site offers the context of a solution by looking at how best to utilize the horizontal and vertical space available at the site. To achieve the desired visual effects it has been considered to "bury" the complex so that only the central monolithic dome would be visible and then with a profile below the cliff horizon.  The $450M budget allows for maximum utilization of this space and 1 -5 feet of fill is used to create the serene vestige of a rolling green landscape.  The complex itself will contain elements derived from the four primary foundations of a sustainable society, could manifest as the next evolution in the "Biosphere" series and provides an outlet for the resource of spirit you already possess. 

I.) Agricultural Infrastructure (earth).  Plants produce food, provide oxygen, clean the water, and purify the air

 II.) Social Infrastructure (air). Providing for the mental and social needs of a

community is just as critical as food, air, and water. 

III.) Commercial Infrastructure (water).  Commerce and the exchange of goods and services is vital to the growth and prosperity of a thriving community, especially one that exists in the context of a global economy. 

IV.) Closed Loop Industrial Infrastructure (fire). The planet is a closed loop biosphere and micro-scale community level manufacturing and processing facilities provide an industrial infrastructure to the community while keeping the negative environmental impacts within the absorption capacities of the local biological systems.

  6) Since you are probably curious to know why the effort is to promote, at one time, a collection of projects and not just one single project at a time, we must first understand a few things about corporate investments.  While collectively there are large sums of money for sustainable development projects, (http://www.incr.com/Page.aspx?pid=198) the median and most common range of investment funds run from $100M-$5B.  In these portfolios the firms are also only able and willing to work with a single investor group.  An upgrade and renovation of downtown Mosier, the improvements to the Mosier Community School, and the development of the cities renewable energy investment portfolio aggressively can only consume about $50M. The Common Unity Investment Act of 2010 is a portfolio of real estate improvements managed by the JV on behalf of the community, which create a scope of interest to socially and ecologically minded investors.  The immediate need of the school; the desires and direction the city is moving; the advancements of the Mosier Institute; and my interests in establishing a business and making a contribution to the community are all pieces of a puzzle, which has long been in development, and this proposal provide incentives to all parties to cooperate and create a stronger community.  These actions are part of the organically evolving process helping move the community toward a clearer vision of the future; and as Peter Drucker said "the only way to predict the future is to create it". C)  For all things there is a season, a time for all things and reason.  This whole concept is not something "I" want "You" to buy into but rather an invitation from a dedicated advocate to work together in applying the heart and muscle of the community plan onto the financial skeleton of this business plan in hopes of attracting some of the financial resources this community needs to manifest its collective sustainable dreams.  It is my personal offer to work with the community in building this business plan while I am working with a group of selected professionals to ensure that once the plan is complete their will be a team of qualified and experienced professionals to see it through to completion, and after I am gone.  The whole reason I believe this could work now for Mosier is the fact the school board and citizens like Dan have stepped up and committed to offering what support they can to advance this cause and indeed (if there is cause) to carry the torch once I am gone. As a result, come May 1st, there will be a completed draft of the Common Unity Energy Act of 2010 business plan or there won't.  As it was engineered, and like many things in life, what the community will get out of this experience is proportional to what they put into it.  Worse case scenario is if there is sufficient support and this particular model fails to attract the funds, then the experience will move you one step closer to finding the "light bulb" that does work and will shine on your path toward a more stable and prosperous future. D) While this monthly newsletter (with occasional special announcements) will serve to provide a basic understanding of the plan that I will present to the school on Monday in hopes of using a portion of the school for a weekly work session meeting from 6-9pm. This will be the community’s best opportunity to directly participate in the development of this plan. Other groups may discuss elements of this plan that pertain to their particular interests, but meeting will serve as the direct conduit for those interested in making a positive contribution to the effort.  If sufficient interest ensues regarding this time as unsuitable, I will make an effort to find an acceptable method of inclusion for other individual contributions.  As if on cue, some literature on a community building discussion format based on a time tested Native American approach appeared and will provide a beautiful harmony to the cords of our conversation. If you would like a copy of the eight-page summary of this technique feel free to ask. E) Regardless of whether or not the business plan moves forward I have already "poured the concrete" on another contribution I am looking to make in supporting the efforts of the community of Mosier.  This is in the form of the coordination and successful execution of the Gorge Healthy and Sustainable Lifestyles fair to be held at the Mosier Community School from 8-5 on Saturday and Sunday April 10,11. In 2008 I began the long process of building a framework for consumer education and empowerment that needed to occur in order for the emerging sustainable industry to grow. It finally manifest as the Alliance for Reason and Knowledge www.arkpdx.org.  Everywhere I have been, and in every place I intend to go, I will continue to found chapters of this organization as the means to share information and create a grassroots network at the local level to educate, empower, and enrich individuals in manifesting positive systemic changes in their own community, and globally as well, to unite a fractured sustainable movement in support of the mainstream adoption of the sustainable industry.

 The upcoming fair in Mosier provides consumers with the chance to learn about new and existing products and services from all over the NW and how to live more healthy and sustainable lifestyles in our homes, our businesses, and our communities.  Vendors from both the industry and community education sectors will be on hand to to educate and empower.  This will also bring in new commerce to the community and an opportunity to show the world what a determined people can do when united as exemplified by the Mosier Community School. In addition to the fair itself on the first night we are organizing the Green Gorge Pioneer award.  This is intended to honor a local advocate who has managed to manifest change. However the motive is to raise the bar and give others something to strive for in advancing the sustainable movement and/or industry.  On the second night we are organizing a fund raising dinner to create a seed fund for the Gorge Trillium Group.  Modeled after the Trillium Artisans of Portland www.trilliumartisans.org.  This model will produce economic opportunities for low income families and is intended to become established as its own 501(c)3 organization. While I cannot promise these efforts will result in the desired outcome I can promise that I am dedicated to the course and will work with obsessive determination over the next couple of months to make sure a bright pure light shines on your beautiful little community.  In your success is the key to my ability to go forth and replicate this model for other struggling communities in the US and throughout the world. Do you have questions, comments, or constructive criticisms?  I’m an easy person to find… 

BE THE CHANGE SincerelyRobert Shields541 436 4013 (o)503 875 5590 (c)

Did someone say “Change?”

Azure StandardMajestic Co-op Order Group

G-1 Delivery RouteMosier Oregon

A small group of Mosier residents have been ordering from Azure Standard for many years. We order once per month (usually the first week) and the orders are dropped off at Mosier Community School. We are looking for more people to order with us to help meet the minimum delivery amount of $550. Each individual must order $50 to have them package your order separately. For those who are not familiar with Azure Standard it is a supplier of healthy food established in 1987 in Dufur, OR. They have grown over the years and now supply health foods stores around the nation with healthy organic food. Ordering can be done by phone 541-467-2230, by fax 541-467-2210, by mail 79709 Dufur Valley Rd, Dufur, OR 97021 or on the web at www.azurestandard.com. All you have to do is contact them to set up an account and tell them you are part of Majestic Co-op in Mosier on the G-1 delivery route. Our drop point number is 12327 which you will need to set up your account. Tami Berthold is the drop point manager for the group and if you have any questions please call her at 541-478-3312.

We could still use a few more folks to order with our group as we are just making the minimum each month.

Wintry greetings and happy holidays from the 10-Speed staff!

We’d especially like to thank everyone that participated in our survey that went out at the beginning of December. We received lots of great feedback, encouragement and fabulous ideas for improvement. The most common negative comment was that service can sometimes be slow, so we’re making several changes we hope will help including: • Self-serve water so you can grab it yourself at anytime• The Commuter’s Cup which is available on the porch every day and is filled with our signature Kickstand coffee

prepared in French Presses. Just drop your change in the honesty jar, give a wave through the window and be on your way.

• And we also encourage folks in a hurry to call in orders 5 – 15 minutes before you plan to arrive so staff can have your drinks and food ready to go when you arrive. Our phone number is 478-2104. New copies of our menu you can take home are coming soon too.

We strive to be as quick as possible given the dynamics of our small shop in this small town and we ask for your patience and understanding as we try to increase our speed without losing our quality.

The other most common suggestion from our survey was a call for a community game night. Tuesday’s 6 – 9pm is the time, 10-Speed East is the place. Throughout December and Januray game nights have brought much laughter and camaraderie to the winter nights and we encourage you to come down and check it out. Bring your own game or join in and play one of the many games already at the shop. Beer, wine and food are available to warm your winter belly.

Newly available are Mosier t-shirts crafted by local artist Jan Byrkit. Currently in white with color options coming soon. Stop in soon to check ‘em out and try one on. These limited run beauties are sure to sell out fast. We also have new stainless steel travel mugs from our roastry for sale to keep your coffee hot and show your 10-Speed pride.

Also exciting news - our website is up and is a great place to find out what’s happening at 10-Speed East, sign up to receive email updates and watch how the site evolves. http://www.10speedeast.com

Even though our survey is officially over we always welcome and value customer feed back. We exist because you choose to spend your time and dollars locally. Thank you for your support through these winter months - we’re excited to continue serving you through the rest of 2010.

Here are some details. You only have to spend 15 minutes ONE of the 4 days of the event (or you can do all 4 days) to participate. GO TO THIS LINK FOR MORE DETAILS THEN GET OUT YOUR BINOCULARS AND START COUNTING RIGHT IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD. http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/get-involved

did someone say “birds?”

BACKYARD BIRD COUNTphotos by Suzi Conklin

The 13th ANNUAL GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT IS THIS MONTH.

FEBRUARY 13, 14, 15, 16 THE GREAT AMERICAN BACKYARD BIRD COUNT. YOU CAN PARTICIPATE.

Are you feeding birds? Then why not participate in the Great American Bird Count this month.

DAN’S DREAMFriends:!

I am writing to you as someone who has expressed an interest in the development of the Mosier Institute, and in the general development of Mosier, as an exemplary 21st century community. Much is going on in this respect and it is quite possible that I will shortly be bringing to your attention the next exciting step in this process. However, there is a more immediate need and possibility that has opened up and which requires a quick response in order to meet a narrow window of opportunity.

As you may know, I have indicated that the island most proximate to Mosier, variously known as Charley Island and 18 Mile Island, is of interest as an ancillary component of the Mosier Institute project. Its highly visible, pristine, and complex variable topography, as well as other features, render it as an ideal research and monitoring station for general observation of a wide range of variables affecting the environmental conditions and health of the entire Columbia Gorge region. The property is currently on the market for about $1.5 Million. This includes water and electricity and an extant structure of approximately 2000 square feet.

Mosier Community School is currently in the process of setting up a middle school that will open in existing facilities this fall. They are also working on a purpose built facility for this addition to their current K-6 offerings. Much discussion and work has already gone into this project. At the same time, many residents of the Gorge are investigating alternative educational possibilities. Additionally there are a host of organizations that have an interest in the aesthetic, ecological, and environmental dimensions of our paradisiacal little world here.It is my contention, and suggestion, that the island in question should be in public or private hands that would seek to develop this singular site as a dedicated educational station to be used by students and professionals in the context of curriculum, research, and dissemination of data relevant to studying and maintaining the integrity of the Gorge environment.

For example, if used as an ancillary component of Mosier Community School it would provide an ideal focus for sampling, mapping, staging, meetings, and so on. Using kayaks, inflatable, or other appropriate watercraft, students could easily reach the island from the Rock Creek launching area. The travel involved would provide a physical education curricular component. The value of Outward Bound, and other outdoor adventure schools, is well known as a powerful transformational tool in that critical period of adolescent development. This methodology is fully fleshed out in respect to risk, insurance, components, and other dimensions. In a area rife with expertise in water travel, availability of suitable watercraft and related paraphernalia such as clothing and so on, and a myriad of individuals with expertise in relevant areas, it is easily seen how our young charges could be initiated and evolve into fully developed members of the progressive and environmentally sensitive culture that exists here in the Gorge. They would become young scientists trained in multidisciplinary research and stewards of an environmental legacy. Moreover they would belong to something larger than themselves with sufficient rigor, and relevance, to promote safe passage through the many obstacles to young people by todayʼs complex world. The school community, although focused on the island, could be split into sections with groups alternating between land-based facilities, collecting data, island activities, and so on. Learning scientific sampling techniques, students would be engaged in a broad based contextual learning experience that samples a myriad of variables and then compiles those variables into an integrated database. They would learn mapping, statistical analysis, use of sophisticated informational technology tools, and acquire skills across a broad range of integrated disciplines far too long to list here. A feature of this selfsame process would be the enormous value of the information that is collected and then disseminated to concerned parties. The students would have ownership of a process that is real, relevant, and of clear value to the world beyond the school. Would students enjoy such an island school? Would their teachers be engaged and excited by such a classroom and curriculum? Would individuals with expertise in a wide range of area be interested in providing assistance to the program? Would environmental groups find such an educational process and opportunity relevant to their own work? Would foundations, public and private entities, and concerned individuals find such a course of instruction and environmental outreach to be within their context of support?

I invite you to do what you can to make this vision a reality. The Mosier Institute and the development of Mosier as an exemplary community, although not as chimerical as it might seem, is somewhat more of a long-term possibility. The possibility presented here is available now and is easily within the grasp of the group to which this document has been sent. Please enjoin me in the effort to make this a reality.

Respectfully Submitted,Dan Rasmussen.

Mosier Christmas Basket ProjectWith generous donations from the local community the Mosier Christmas Basket Project was able to fill food boxes for over 30 families in Mosier who applied for assistance this year. This was the biggest year for the project and people really rallied.

For volunteers the process was fun and a lot easier because of the number of people who showed up to pick out gifts, pick-up food from local grocers, organize the food into boxes, wrap presents and hand out or deliver the food to those in need.

Marilyn Shaw is the quiet, extremely well organized drive behind the effort and deserves a lot of credit. Her work is not over when the last box is distributed and begins well before Christmas. It is a labor of love and she has many loyal elves behind her.

EAT MORE OF YOUR FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Most of the fruits and vegetables we eat today contain shockingly fewer amounts of vitamins and minerals than they did in the 1950’s. This means we have to eat more and spend more money just to get equal amounts. For more information go to this link: This is a USDA based report.http://motherjones.com/photoessays/2009/08/veggie-slideshow

MOSIER’s OWN GORGE GROWN CHAPTERA group of Mosier-ites met over a meal this month to discuss food, where we get it, and what the future of food may bring. We decided to create a local chapter of the Gorge Grown Food Network, similar to those already formed in The Dalles and Stevenson.  All of these groups are becoming an integral part of GGFN’s mission to build an economically and environmentally sound regional food system that engages, educates and improves the health and well-being of our community. Gorge Grown (www.gorgegrown.com) is an established and active organization that runs a multitude of projects: a mobile farmers' market, supporting the local food bank, local food assessment, the 'Who's Your Farmer' guide, and more. They're creating a name for themselves on a national scale with their innovative ideas and grassroots support base. As one of our first projects in Mosier, we want to start a community garden within the Mosier city limits. We have some ideas already, and we're looking for more. More ideas, more people, more help, more you! Interested? We're making a list of people who want to participate, or simply be informed about our activity. Please contact SUZI suzi@wildflowerchefservices.com541 478-01117 or 541 490-1071See you in the garden or at the dinner table. MOSIER’S OWN GORGE GROWN

MOSIER FIRE VOLUNTEER NEWSOn January 9 and 10, 2010, Mosier Fire volunteers Ron Carroll and Chief Appleton attended a weekend class in Molalla -- “The Art of First Due”, presented by Dave Dodson of Response Solutions, LLC (http://www.readingsmoke.com).  Dave is internationally recognized for his class called “The Art of Reading Smoke”, which is a large component of the class Ron and I attended.  The gist of “reading smoke” is that through a few simple guidelines and lots of practice, it’s possible to know with a high degree of certainty three things about a structure fire from initial observations of the building exterior:  where in the structure the fire is hottest, how big the fire is, and what it’s about to do. The “First Due” class takes this knowledge one step further, shortening both the initial risk assessment process and the time it takes to develop tactics based on initial exterior observations of a structure fire (this is the first job of the first arriving, or “first due” fire engine). The amount of information in this class is staggering. I want to share with you what I think is the main “take-away”:  FROM THE MID-1990’S ONWARD, BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND THE CONTENTS OF BUILDINGS HAVE MADE FIREFIGHTING SIGNIFICANTLY MORE DIFFICULT AND DANGEROUS. Dave makes abundantly clear that where a typical home used to be able to withstand twenty or thirty minutes of fire before fire conditions and collapse potential made firefighting impossible, now, because of lightweight construction and synthetic, highly combustible contents, today’s house on fire will develop to the point of “no go” much more quickly.  The examples Dave showed us were pretty mind-blowing -- videos of house a0er house with just a few puffs of smoke showing, changing to a raging inferno with no possibility of interior survival in as little as twenty SECONDS. The biggest factor behind this rapid acceleration is the contents -- people now tend to own a lot more stuff, and much of it tends to be synthetics.  From a fire behavior standpoint, that means that a room-and-contents fire tends to act like an accelerated arson fire, as if someone poured gasoline.  This development accounts for much of an increase in dangerous flashover and backdra0 fire conditions, rapid combustion and expansion at very high temperature of unburnt fuels suspended in the smoke of an interior fire.  Despite fewer structure fires, these dangerous “smoke explosions” kill and hurt more firefighters than ever.  Lightweight construction then becomes an enormous problem because it is inherently unable to resist fire spread and disintegration of structural components, many of which are also synthetic and/or waste wood products bound with glue, which melts at low temperature.  In the fire service, we hear about insurers calling these “disposable buildings” -- make them so cheaply that it’s simpler to expect a total loss from fire and then rebuild.  That makes sense if you’re an insurance company, but it’s shear idiocy if your job is to be inside the building while fire works to collapse it. If we’re going to approve lightweight construction, we need to understand that common thinking behind average response time for fire crews has gone out the window.  Even if we’re able to get to

a reported structure fire in, say, five minutes, in today’s buildings that is likely too late to make a critical difference in the outcome, relative to what that same five minutes meant even ten years ago.  For Mosier, this means that the best response times we can ever hope for will more o0en not be good enough. One of the main lessons from this is that FIRE SPRINKLERS ARE MORE ESSENTIAL THAN ANYONE REALIZES.  Sprinklers are not meant to put out fires, and they are not meant as a substitute for the Fire Department.  Sprinklers ARE meant to buy time for you and your family to get out safely in the event of a fire.  The seven to ten minutes sprinklers are meant to gain for life/safety simply HAVE TO become a requirement for lightweight construction.  Mosier Fire is becoming committed to seeking an ordinance requiring sprinklers for all new construction. If you are building or considering building in the Mosier Fire District, PLEASE, PLEASE do yourself and your loved ones an enormous, life-giving favor and install an NFPA-rated interior fire sprinkler system, no matter how fire-proof you think the structure might be.  The cost of these systems is steadily coming down, especially for manufactured homes, in the neighborhood of one to two dollars per square foot.  That’s comparable to upgrading wall-to-wall carpet.  This upgrade can save lives.

ORIGINAL COURTHOUSEREGIONAL HISTORY FORUMSERIES FOR 2010 Programs begin at 1:30 p.m. in the upstairs courtroomof the 1859 courthouse, 410 West 2nd Place, The Dallesbehind the Chamber of Commerce / Visitors' Center Saturday, February 6Nine Lives:  the Little Courthouse that Refused to DieHistorian and long-time Original Courthouse board member Marilyn Ericksen delves into the fascinating history of our historic building.   It was built to serve the largest county in the brand new state of Oregon.  During its 151 years it has been recycled, abandoned, restored, threatened, preserved and moved five times.  Marilyn’s presentation tops off a year of sesquicentennial celebrations. Saturday, February 13Railroads NEAR Wasco CountyLocal railroad historian Jerry Tanquist offers a new installment in a series that began with historic and current lines in our present county.  This year he expands on that history by with photos and stories of railroads in counties that touch Wasco County:  Mt. Hood Railroad, SP&S to Goldendale, Condon Kinzua & Southern in Gilliam County, and Columbia Southern in Sherman County and on to Shaniko.Saturday, February 20Loving Gifford Pinchot Author and landscape architect Bibi Gaston takes us on an archeological dig through a cross section of family history.  Gifford Pinchot, namesake of the nearby National Forest, was her great-uncle.  Her grandmother Rosamond Pinchot was subject of Bibi’s 2008 book, The Loveliest Woman in America.  Pulling from letters she did not use in her book, Bibi shares some of the pieces she left on the cutting room floor and under the bed—what she calls the “dustbunnies of history.” Saturday, February 27Our Public Library:  100 Years of ‘Free and Equal Access’Librarian Barbara Telfer tells the story of a local landmark and institution.  There were private collections and subscription libraries in The Dalles prior to 1910, but that’s when The Dalles-Wasco County Public Library and the new Carnegie Library Building came into being, offering all citizens “free and equal access.” Coffee and cookies will be served. Become a member and help preserve history

Hood River Soil & Water Conservation District3007 Experiment Station Rd.Hood River, OR 97031541-386-4588Email: hrswcd@gorge.netOrder Your Native Plants Now! Every spring the Hood River SWCD hosts a native tree and shrub sale to promote planting native species and give local landowners a convenient and inexpensive way to obtain them. We offer a variety of native conifers, deciduous trees and shrubs. These bare-root seedlings are 1-2 years old and will be delivered to the HRSWCD in early April of 2010. Tree and shrub orders can be placed now by mail, e-mail or phone. The orders will be filled in the order in which they were received, so get your requests in early to ensure availability. Orders will be accepted until March 1, 2010. Purchases will be available for pick up on Friday and Saturday, the 2nd and 3rd of April, 2010. HRSWCD staff are available to answer your questions regardless of whether you make a purchase or not. Check out the District’s website at http://www.hoodriverswcd.org/ - www.hoodriverswcd.org for more information on plant descriptions, suggested groupings for various site conditions and wildlife usage. You can also download an order form on-line.During the 2009 plant sale, over 3,700 trees and shrubs were purchased by over 130 landowners. Nearly 800 trees and shrubs were donated to restore stream banks, prevent erosion and create wildlife habitat in the area. For 2010, we have some new species for you to try. Use the order form on page 6 of this newsletter, on the District’s website or stop by the office to make sure you get your order in early!

Tom Peachey is running for Judge in our district. Mosier Valley News interviewed him:

MVN: What made you want to be a judge?

Answer: Serving as a judge is the highest form of public service that an attorney can aspire to. I have spent over 31 years, my entire legal career, practicing in our district. My experience has been primarily as a litigator, having been involved in serious criminal cases and a broad range of civil disputes. I've tried cases in every county and in front of innumerable judges. I learned early on that judges can do the job either well or poorly. A poorly performing judge seriously lowers the esteem in which the justice system is held. My broad, diverse and lengthy experience has taught me what it takes to be a good judge, and I am prepared to bring those talents to the community at large.

MVN: What do you think makes a particularly effective judge?

Answer: The best judges are competent in their legal knowledge, impartial in their evaluation, reasonably expedient in their decision making, and ALWAYS good listeners. Nine years ago, I was appointed to serve as an arbitrator for our judicial district. Mandatory arbitration now resolves a substantial amount of the civil disputes that come before Oregon courts. I have considered well over 40 factual disputes in this capacity. In doing so, I applied the lessons that I have learned over these many years. I found that when both the parties and the attorneys were listened to contemplatively with respect, they could handle what invariably

for some of them was bad news. I also did my best to reach those decisions and inform the parties within a reasonable time frame, because I know that many times delayed justice is no justice at all.

MVN: What do you believe is the biggest strength and weakness in our judicial system today?

Answer: The biggest strengths in our judicial system include the orderly and civil manner in which disputes are resolved. The courts have also done an exceptional job at promoting alternative dispute resolution, which expedites the contested hearing process and affords the parties an often better option of reaching agreement with regards to their own dispute.

Some of the weaknesses include high costs involved in resolving disputes. Not unlike many other aspects of our society, those with the most resources tend to more often benefit from the system. While pro bono and legal aid programs help to minimize this deficiency, there still appear to be serious gaps in our system.

MVN: Do you believe more jails are the answer to our crime situation in this state? If so, go to the next questions. If not, then what is your view?

Answer: Jails are an important component of our criminal justice system. Jails, of course, are not the only answer. Many alternate disposition programs have been developed over the years, including conditional discharge, drug court, and diversion. When these programs achieve success, the results are remarkable. However, when individuals are unable to take advantage of these alternate disposition programs, and when their behaviors put the other members of our society at risk, incarceration needs to remain an option and we need to assure that there are adequate funds to support the institutions now in place.

MVN: What kind of law particularly interests you?

Answer: I spent the first 15 years of my practice predominantly involved in criminal and juvenile law. This is the basis of the bulk of cases that come before our circuit and appellate courts. This wealth of material makes this area of the law constantly changing and exciting. I also have a special interest in children, particularly as it relates to custody disputes. My 31 years practicing in that area have taught me invaluable lessons with regards to what judges can and cannot do to encourage parents embroiled in bitter personal disputes to set those matters aside and act in the best interests of their children.

MVN: By the Constitution of the United States, a person is innocent unless proven guilty, yet the system now encourages persons to plead guilty in order of avoid a jury trial. So a person who really feels they are not guilty takes a gamble by pleading so, going to trial and getting a larger sentence. How did this come about? Doesn't it fly in the face of the constitution?

Answer: Criminal proceedings in the State of Oregon are governed by the Constitution of the United States, the Oregon Constitution and statutes. In Oregon, the presumption of innocence is primarily statutory and is codified in ORS 10.095 (6) that provides:

"That in criminal cases a person is innocent of a crime or wrong until the prosecution proves otherwise, and guilt shall be established beyond reasonable doubt;"

There is no part of the constitutional or statutory scheme that encourages guilty pleas in criminal cases or stipulated settlements in civil cases. Consensual guilty pleas are oftentimes the product of uncertainties on behalf of both the prosecution and the defense. The result of a trial can often be something that neither of the parties expected. Therefore, guilty pleas give both sides the opportunity to avoid what might otherwise have been an adverse result. However, the court has an obligation to carefully analyze guilty pleas and query the parties and their attorneys on the propriety of that plea. I am the only candidate for this office with criminal prosecution and defense experience, and the thousands of cases that I have participated in will help me to assure the proper administration of justice with regards to those matters.

www.peacheyforjudge.com

One Hundred Years Ago In Mosier Glimpses of History from the Mosier Bulletin

Compiled by Doris Lewis Smith

Friday, February 4, 1910 It is reported that a furniture store will be put in here soon; also that an up-to-date hardware store, carrying all kinds of farming machinery and implements especially adapted to the use of fruit growers, will be started by a man who has had years of experience. He will also carry plumbers’ supplies and piping.

On Friday evening at 6:40 o’clock, the much-talked-of comet was plainly seen at Grand View right over Mt. Defiance. When first seen it was quite bright, but soon became much dimmer. The head appeared to be about 4 feet long and the tail about 50 feet long, the latter curving toward the north and throwing out a hazy though bright light.

Navigation on the Columbia from Portland to The Dalles was reopened last week, and the boats of the two lines are now making their regular runs.

Now that coasting is a thing of the past, the juvenile population of Mosier has caught the stilt fever.

Friday, February 11, 1910 The new real estate men, Messrs. Burggraf & Vogt, who will open an office in Mosier next week, have not waited to become established here before getting down to work. They already report a sale of Mosier land which they made last week, when they sold the Stevenson tract of 320 acres, situated about four miles south of town, to Ferguson & Reuter of The Dalles. The price was not made public. The Stevenson land is said to contain some of the best apple land in Mosier District, and, whatever the price paid, the new owners are fortunate buyers. They will have the land cleared and set to commercial orchards, and will probably subdivide it.

There is every indication of great activity in Mosier land this year. In fact, as home-seekers and investors begin to realize that they can buy more good land for less money right here in this wonderful apple district than in any section of Oregon, or the Pacific Northwest, they will flock in. Mosier is the Mecca for land buyers.

County Surveyor A. W. Mohr, of the Dalles, came down last Wednesday to do some surveying for J. N. Mosier and to run out a line on the proposed new road along the river between Mosier and The Dalles.

Friday, February 18, 1910 Don’t forget the Old Folks’ Concert and New England Dinner at Lamb’s Hall tonight. Only 25 cents for the whole “cheese”, and the money goes to maintain the street lights.

Born—In Mosier, on Wednesday, February 16th, to the wife of Ernest Evans, a daughter.

Reckon the ground hog was wise when he crawled back into his hole on Feb. 2nd. Apparently the backbone of Winter isn’t broken yet.

We understand that the Agideus ranch was sold for $12,000. This tract of 320 acres is located on Seven Mile. The purchasers were Devlin & Firebaugh of Portland.

Friday, February 25, 1910 At a meeting of the Commercial Club held recently, a number of subjects of importance were discussed, among them being the matter of better hotel accommodations for Mosier. It is the general belief, borne out by present indications, that the influx of home-seekers and investors into this section this year will tax the present accommodations far beyond their capacity, and it is imperative that provision be made at once for the proper handling of any and all who may come. Our one hotel has, until recently, been able to handle most of the traffic, although it has been necessary for the proprietor to enlarge his building within the past year, and now he is contemplating further improvements, made necessary by the increase in business.

The Old Folks’ Concert, given last Friday night in Lamb’s Hall, was largely attended, considering the very inclement weather….The price of the entertainment and supper together was only 25 cents, and it may be said that the affair was a success. The ladies realized a little over $16, which will be used in maintaining the street lights of Mosier.

Mosier population facts by Marc berry

I saw that the City of Mosier had a population back to 1970 in the Oregon Blue Book.  I wanted to know if the census data was available back to incorporation in 1914. PSU is the official population estimate place for Oregon.  I asked Mr. Rynerson if he had the data. Below is what he sent. City Hall of Mosier just received the official population estimate for the City of 485 at 7/1/09, still behind Maupin, which had a 490 estimate.> U.S. Census, 1920-2000Population of Mosier:> > 1920--259> 1930--192 > 1940--216> 1950--259> 1960--252 > 1970--217> 1980--340 “How many cats?”> 1990--244> 2000--410Charles Rynerson> Population Research Center> Portland State University-PRC

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Bluegrass Jam at Ten SpeedHey all of you music lovers and pickers....NEXT Sunday, at 10 Speed Coffee East, in Mosier, it is our 1st Sunday of the Month BluegrassJam......Starts at 4pm-7pm......Bring your favorite tunes, your voice, instrument, your mom, and your smile........Enjoy a coffee, a beer, delicious food..... ALWAYS A GREAT TIME !!!!!!!

2010 Gorge Music Series Upcoming Events...February 6: Vinca Quartet

February 10: The Bee Eaters

March 6: Aaron Meyer

April 30 - May 2: Columbia Gorge Fiddle Contest 

for photos and details go to:http://www.reservations@OakStreetHotel.com/ - www.reservations@OakStreetHotel.comGorge Music Series is on the right hand side of the web site page.For reservations go to:

mailto:reservations@oakstreethotel.com - reservations@oakstreethotel.com

Mosier Middle School (7th and 8th grades) Community ForumFriday, Feb 26th from 6-8:00 pmSupervision of children available!Refreshments!Share your concerns, imagination, ideas!Everyone is invited to a Community Forum and presentation of the site feasibility study for the new Mosier Middle School.  The feasibility study for adding 7th and 8th grades and building a new facility and community centers at Mosier Community School is still in progress.  Please join the conversation with the planning committee and architects at Mosier Elementary School Friday, February 26th, 2010, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM and share your ideas for this landmark project.  There will be light refreshments for Forum participants and extra adult supervision in the gym for Skate Night so that parents can attend.   

 

The annual Mosier Homecoming Celebration is coming up on April 3 with a theme of "Proud to be an American'.  The planning committee is asking for pictures of any and all military personnel with ties to Mosier to be part of a DVD presentation at the dinner.  As well as your pictures in uniform, we would like the following information:  branch of service, time served, rank, job and any other information you would like to provide.  It is our plan to make the pictures a permanent display at the Mosier Legion Hall..  Please  e mail your pictures to Addie Schwartz at:  roynaddie@earthlink.netorGlenna McCargar at:  gem@mosierwinet.com If you don't have access to a computer, you can send a copy of your picture via the postal service  to Doris Lewis at 1051 Hubbard Road, Yakima, WA 89809

As you might recall, Grace Bible Church (meeting in the Mosier 1st

Christian Church bldg.) is hosting a community-wide fellowship luncheonafter services (12:00) on the first Sunday of each month.

  NOTE:  We have a special feature for the upcoming Feb. 7 fellowshiponly.  "Garden of Grace" (a Southern Gospel music duo from Mosier) willperform their original music and some old favorites after the communityluncheon (12:45).  Everyone is welcome to join in the meal and music!

  Call if you have questions: 509.493.3011.

Mosier PlaygroupFor kids age 0 - 5 yearsFridays at 10:30am at 10 Speed Coffee House (in the back room)

Can I play?

Good River ScheduleAUTUMN + WINTER GOOD RIVEROPEN YEAR ROUND!!!!!!DINNER AT 5PM WED- SUNDAYSUNDAY BRUNCH 9AM TO 2PMCLOSED MONDAY AND TUESDAYTHIRSTY WOMAN PUB OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK AT 4PM

events at the Thirsty WomanTHIRSTY WOMANMONDAYNFL IN HD ON THE PLASMA TV!TUESDAYBEER BINGO PLAY FOR PRIZESWEDNESDAYKILL THE KEG ‐‐2 DOLLAR PINTS TIL THEY’RE GONETHURSDAYBURGER AND BEER NIGHT 5‐ 7PMANY BEER AND A BURGER FOR 10 BUCKS!FRIDAY LADIES NIGHT 5‐ 7PM1.OO OFF PINTS/ 2.00 OFF GLASS WINESATURDAYHAPPY HOUR FROM 5‐ 6PM1.00 OFF PINTS/ 1.00 OFF GLASS WINE/ 5.00 BURGERSUNDAY

MOSIER CLASSIFIEDSClassifieds: Please contact Mosier Valley News each month you want to have your classified ad published. Email to s1conk@gorge.net OR mail to Suzi Conklin, PO Box 228, Mosier, OR 97040

Need a hand with something?Home repairs?Weatherization?Help moving?Fix the door?Patch the wall?Shovel the snow?Give Vic a call. 541-993-4703

Jodi Seaborn is still teaching YOGA in Mosier. She can assist you at any level and has an intuitive sense of what works well for each of her students. No matter what level you are with yoga, Jodi can guide you through for strength, balance, relaxation and focus. For schedule and details go to http://www.yogasevamaya.comjodysea@gmail.comcell (541) 806-4733

Klindt’s Booksellers Hello, friends of Klindt’s Booksellers! We had a wonderful holiday season and will soon be blessed with brand new computers. This means there are some changes in our contact information. When you have a moment, please visit our new website at www.klindtsbooks.com.  In the future, online book orders and general store questions will get to us via our new email address info@klindtsbooks.com. Also, if you would like to be on our email list, please send an email to info@klindtsbooks.com. We look forward to hearing from you.~ Yours friends at Klindt’s Bookstore in The Dalles

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Christopher T. Haffner, P.E.licensed Professional Engineer specializing in structural Engineering

and also providing Architectural Engineering design services

P.0. Box 584Mosier, OR 97040

Phone & Fax: 541/478-3052chris@haff nerconsulting.com

www.haffnerconsulting.com

KrazyDawgKafe.com

Range Eggs 2.50 dz

Gourmet Dog Treats 1.00

M-F 9-5 Sat-Sun 2-5 PM

(unless the gate is closed)

1150 State Rd Mosier Oregon

541 980 2085

WHEW!! AND I ALWAYS THINK I’M NOT GOING TO HAVE ENOUGH FOR A NEWSLETTER. THANKS TO ALL WHO SENT IN ARTICLES, INFORMATION AND PHOTOS.MOSIER VALLEY NEWS IS A LABOR OF LOVE AND WE GLADLY ACCEPT DONATIONS SO THAT WE MAY PROVIDE HARD COPIES FOR THOSE WHO CANNOT DOWNLOAD THE NEWSLETTER. Send to: Suzi Conklin, PO Box 228, Mosier, OR 97040. Thanks to those who have donated.News, announcements etc. need to be in to s1conk@gorge.net or suzi@wildflowerchefservices.com three days or more before the first day of each month.

PDF files work best for images and make sure they are not attached to a larger document that they cannot be cut from.Articles are best kept to one page (48 lines 12pt. font single spaced.) but we don’t hold fast to any rule.

This is the longest issue that we’ve had and a lot to read. But the GREAT news is that there is so much news pertinent to Mosier. Send comments to me I will gladly print them but I do reserve the right not to print that which I feel may fuel unnecessary hard feelings in the community. Be reasonable, logical, rational but passion is acceptable as we are all passionate about our community.