Seasonal

After what seemed like an endless, hot summer, we’re all breathing a sigh of relief as temperatures are finally dropping—winter is just around the corner!

Fall’s here, and your comfortable, safe home awaits

By Stephanie Swanson, Enhabit.org

Before the cold sets in for good, fall is the perfect time to take some easy steps to make your home cozier, healthier and safe for this winter and beyond.

Watch your windows. Did you know your windows can help keep your home warm in the winter? Take advantage of the winter sun’s heat by opening south-facing curtains, drapes and blinds during the day, and then closing window coverings at night to keep the heat in. If you don’t have blinds or shades, consider installing them to reduce heat loss (they’ll also help keep your house cool next summer).

Lower the dial and get cozy. Keep your home 10 to 15 degrees cooler when you are not at home, and lower the temperature slightly at night to save energy. Nothing’s cozier than bundling up with blankets on a winter night!

Breathe easy. Many homes trap allergens and pollutants which affect indoor air quality and can seriously impact the whole family. Checking for radon and installing a carbon monoxide detector are two simple steps that will help everyone breathe more easily.

Get prepared. Back to school is a great time to take stock of emergency preparedness plans and supplies. It’s also a good time to ensure your home is prepared for what may come. Seismic “hardening” of your home helps keep your home secured during severe storms, high winds and earthquakes. It’s also a necessary first step if you’re looking to get earthquake insurance.

For more information about how to improve the comfort, health and safety of your home, visit Enhabit.org/neighborhood and take a quick online quiz, or if you’re ready – schedule a free in-home visit with an Enhabit-certified contractor. Our qualified contractors and easy financing are available for a variety of home upgrades including energy efficiency improvements, radon mitigation, seismic retrofits and solar energy installations.

Absolutely A Must See! When: Thu Oct 01, 2015 8:30AM-5PM Where: Beacon Rock and Rodney Falls Meet at: Gresham City Hall 1333 NW Eastman Pwy Gresham, OR Get Map!

Beacon Rock State Park is the site of two popular trails just off Highway 14 on the Washington side of the Columbia River. The first is an approximately two-mile round-trip stair-climb to the top of Beacon Rock. This familiar landmark in the Gorge is an 848-foot-high block of basalt that has great views of the Columbia river along the many switchbacks of the trail all the way to the top. The second is just across the highway on the Hamilton Mountain trail and is approximately 2.5-mile round-trip to Rodney Falls, which is a hike through a second-growth Douglas fir forest to a couple of picturesque falls. Bring a snack, water and lunch to eat along the trail. While comfortable walking shoes are appropriate for Beacon Rock, hiking boots are recommended for the Rodney Falls trail.

• Round-trip travel: 80 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate/difficult
• Elevation gain: Beacon Rock - 300 feet; Rodney Falls - 600 feet
• Suggested donation per hiker: $8

The parking for this hike requires a $10 Washington Discover Pass. The Bridge of the Gods toll is $2 each way, so in addition to the $8 rider donation, these extra expenses will be shared among the number of riders per car.

More Info
Contact Karen or Bob Holman at 503-661-7010.

Farm Fresh Produce! When: Friday May 29-Oct 30 3PM-7PM Where: Plaza del Sol 18535 S.E. Stark St Gresham OR Get map!

The Rockwood Farmers Market is a community-focused market featuring fresh produce from local farms in a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere. WIC, SNAP and Farm Direct coupons are accepted. Use your EBT funds at the market and we'll match the first $5 so you have even more money to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables to bring home! The Market is a collaboration of Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon’s Interfaith Food & Farms Partnership and the Rockwood Co-op.

Visit the Rockwood Farmers Market website or Facebook page.

Saturdays May thru October! When: Every Saturday, 8:30AM-2PM Where: NW Miller & Third St Historic Downtown Gresham, OR Get Map!

Fresh & Local
Shoppers will find all-natural meats and cheeses, fresh-picked produce, nursery stock and fresh-cut flowers, hand-crafted jewelry, soaps, artwork, and much more. Live music and food are always part of the market.

Located on Northwest Miller Avenue between Second and Third Street 8:30AM to 2PM each Saturday now through Oct. 25.

Autumn Night Sky MHCC Planetarium website

Autumnal Astronomical Adventures When: Tue Oct 06, 2015 Show Times: 6PM, 7:15PM Where: Mt Hood Community College Planetarium Sky Theater 26000 SE Stark St Gresham, OR Get Map!

Admission $5. MHCC students $2.
The Sky Theater is wheelchair accessible.

Autumnal Astronomical Adventures
Join us for a tour of the night sky where you'll whiz through universe from the comfort of your seat! 2 shows starting at 6:00PM, 7:15PM.

The Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) Planetarium invites you enjoy another year of great public shows using their state-of-the-art digital star projection system.

Each show is presented under a realistic representation of the night sky, featuring the latest galactic, stellar and planetary images. Visitors are encouraged to ask questions during each program. Children are welcome to attend.

Farm Fresh Produce! Only 4 Weekends Left!" When: Friday May 29-Oct 30 3PM-7PM Where: Plaza del Sol 18535 S.E. Stark St Gresham OR Get map!

The Rockwood Farmers Market is a community-focused market featuring fresh produce from local farms in a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere. WIC, SNAP and Farm Direct coupons are accepted. Use your EBT funds at the market and we'll match the first $5 so you have even more money to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables to bring home! The Market is a collaboration of Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon’s Interfaith Food & Farms Partnership and the Rockwood Co-op.

Visit the Rockwood Farmers Market website or Facebook page.

Saturdays May thru October! Only 4 Weekends Left! When: Every Saturday, 8:30AM-2PM Where: NW Miller & Third St Historic Downtown Gresham, OR Get Map!

Fresh & Local
Shoppers will find all-natural meats and cheeses, fresh-picked produce, nursery stock and fresh-cut flowers, hand-crafted jewelry, soaps, artwork, and much more. Live music and food are always part of the market.

Located on Northwest Miller Avenue between Second and Third Street 8:30AM to 2PM each Saturday now through Oct. 31.

Farm Fresh Produce! Only 3 Weekends Left!" When: Friday May 29-Oct 30 3PM-7PM Where: Plaza del Sol 18535 S.E. Stark St Gresham OR Get map!

The Rockwood Farmers Market is a community-focused market featuring fresh produce from local farms in a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere. WIC, SNAP and Farm Direct coupons are accepted. Use your EBT funds at the market and we'll match the first $5 so you have even more money to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables to bring home! The Market is a collaboration of Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon’s Interfaith Food & Farms Partnership and the Rockwood Co-op.

Visit the Rockwood Farmers Market website or Facebook page.

Saturdays May thru October! Only 3 Weekends Left! When: Every Saturday, 8:30AM-2PM Where: NW Miller & Third St Historic Downtown Gresham, OR Get Map!

Fresh & Local
Shoppers will find all-natural meats and cheeses, fresh-picked produce, nursery stock and fresh-cut flowers, hand-crafted jewelry, soaps, artwork, and much more. Live music and food are always part of the market.

Located on Northwest Miller Avenue between Second and Third Street 8:30AM to 2PM each Saturday now through Oct. 31.

Experience Fall's Color When: Thu Oct 01, 2015 10AM-5PM Where: Stone Creek Golf Course Beavercreek, OR Meet at: Gresham City Hall 1333 NW Eastman Pwy Gresham, OR Get Map!

This three-mile walk is a favorite for people in the Beavercreek area. The bark-chip path circles the Stone Creek Golf Club south of Oregon City and begins near the Pro Shop. Within minutes you are in wetlands that lead to a cool forest accompanied by soothing sounds of running water from Stone Creek. There are some hills as we pass beautiful homes along the way. Wear sturdy walking shoes and bring a snack and water. After the walk we'll have lunch at Bugatti's in Oregon City.

• Round-trip travel: 48 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation gain: 150 feet
• Suggested donation per hiker: $6

More Info
Contact Ruth Cummings at 503-926-4840 or cummings0465@frontier.com.