February 8, 2006

Falls City Notes / Dorothy Cassidy
Candles outshine complaints by far

Why is it so easy for us to complain? Right now I must admit I have been complaining about the rain. Do you have a favorite area of complaint? Most of us do. There is a famous saying that goes something like this: "Don't curse the darkness, light a candle". Did you catch that? Not a floodlight -- a candle.

We each have candles of influence, some larger than others. Parents can light a candle by getting involved in their children's schools. Business owners can light a candle with their finances and job opportunities. Churches have a great opportunity to hold out a candle of hope and love.

As individuals we have a variety of "candle" avenues, from civic involvement to just being a friend.
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I know that at times we focus on the negative activities of our young people, but there are so many positive things to be proud about -- and avenues where we can be of encouragement and help. This is a roundabout way of telling you about a way to show our support: Beth McPherson, senior class advisor and journalism teacher at Falls City, mentioned an area that needs our "candles."

The seniors will be raising funds for the annual drug-free class party/trip. As they graduate this spring we can show them we are proud of them. I am sure they would appreciate any amount we can contribute. To be involved, contact the high school at 503-787-3521. Thank you in advance!
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I's like to take this opportunity to express our thanks to the Itemizer-Observer. Several wonderful stories about Falls City have been in the newspaper recently; the staff there makes a real effort to include Falls City in their community coverage.

One story in particular mentioned upcoming features about senior projects, which I also mentioned that I would be watching.
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I have been hearing about Camp Tapawingo so I decided to take a trip up there. First I must say that the middle of winter, especially after all of the rain we,ve had, is not the best time to visit. You have to share the dirt and gravel road with the log trucks as you skirt along the bank of the Little Luckiamute River.

As I turned off the main road and took a driveway to the right, three deer greeted me. I got turned around and found the residence of Brad and Jane Schmidt, who are the camp directors and caretakers. The camp is approximately 160 acres of meadow and forested hills.

Many summer camps held there each year as well as year-around activities launched from the property. They had 7,000 "guest days" last year. Horse races? I want to see that!

The valley has quite a history, as those of you who have lived in the area already know. We'll visit some of those activities as spring comes along. Yes, spring will come, even though it doesn't look or feel like it right now.

Until next time - blessings on your house.