December 28, 2005

Falls City Notes / Dorothy Cassidy

The cold weather and the snow and ice took me by surprise. I haven't watched the weather news lately. It made me thankful for a warm house and brought an awareness of the needs of those around me.

It is easy this time of year to be a little selfish. I happen to be blessed with a close family, but there are many who do not have that privilege. It is a great time to extend our definition of what family is. Do you know someone who needs a "family?"
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Along those lines, I want to thank all of you who participated in the Giving Tree at the post office. There are some children in our community who would like to thank you also. There are many others who have chosen to give in other programs and even on a personal level in your own neighborhood.

Sometimes all it takes is an act of true kindness to give someone a little hope for the future. People do not need more "do-gooders," just more people who want to do good. Thank you to all of you.
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The fire hall/community center building is going to be beautiful! It is great to watch the progress each week. The brickwork on the front is very nice. It will be a building everyone can be proud of.
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I love the natural wood siding and the beautiful decks on the house close to the market that is being remodeled. Very nice!
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"1,000 acres of ODF sanctioned free-ride nirvana in a lush forest setting. Stunted single-track, drops, jumps, tacky dirt and sweet turns. The first managed trail network of its kind in Oregon. Ride on! You can start with Basic Training and move on to Bonsai, Deuces Only, Sickter Gnar, Granny's Kitchen or the GK Slalom."

Sound like a foreign language? It did to me. Actually it is a well-known and respected course for extreme bicyclists. According to Nick Asay, a Falls City teacher and participant, there are people coming to experience this course from as far away as Canada.

You can get more details, maps and directions if you stop by and talk to Felix Rodriguez at the Santiam Bicycle shop on Washington Street in Dallas. It is amazing to find what we have in our own backyard!
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This morning, I woke to the sound of rain and to the peaceful sound of a frog singing his song outside my bedroom window. I end this year with the sadness of the loss of my wonderful husband, but also with a very grateful heart for all of my friends and families who have loved me through it all.

As we look to the new year ahead, let us have hope for ourselves and a willingness to bring a little hope to someone else. Until next time, blessings on your home.