January 04, 2006

Falls City Notes / Dorothy Cassidy
It's time to look forward

I know we say the same thing each year at this time, "Where did this last year go? It went so fast!"

I think it is great that Christmas comes at the close of the year and it gets us to think about our priorities and helping others. Then, New Year's comes on its heels to give us a nudge in the right direction.

Let's break our routines and try something new this year. It might give us a whole new perspective on life.
--
During all of the heavy rain and subsequent flooding of streams last Friday, I went to check on the falls. I was in awe of the size and force of the Luckiamute as it spilled over the varying levels of rock. I am sure it is "old hat" to those of you who have lived here for years, but this newcomer was impressed!

It is interesting to think about all of the activities and changes that have occurred around those falls through the years. I have seen many interesting pictures depicting some of them. The photos of the dam were especially intriguing.
--
If you would like to learn more about Falls City, its past and present, you should check out the web page (story, Page A1). Rick Zunck has done a wonderful job creating and maintaining this site. I saw some interesting pieces of information as well as pictures of local points of interest.

One thing that really fascinated me was one of the newspapers. The Falls City News said 1915 was the town's "best year." At that time there were 15 sawmills in the area employing hundreds of men. There was a hydroelectric power plant. Falls City was even on the list as a nominee for the capitol of Oregon.

As good as the "old days" were, I know many people are working hard to make the future even better.
--
One of those forward-looking groups is the Falls City Garden Club. Its next meeting will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26 in the fellowship room of the Mountain Gospel Fellowship. Daryll Combs of Daryll's Nursery in Dallas will talk about landscape design from a nurseryman's point of view.
--
It is good to think about the past to give us a point from which to anchor. It is also important to look to the future which challenges us to move ahead -- to make not just Falls City but the larger community a better place for us and our children to live.

Until next time, blessings on your house.