Troutlake.org site closing

Pat Arnold, 395-2233

greenpastures@gorge.net

Maxine Bulick, 395-2101

Maxine@gorge.net

Sarah Burr Arnold, 395-2669

sba_352@gorge.net

We are very sorry to report the closing of Trout Lake.org, the community Web site that was created and run by Dave Wampler for the past 15(!) years. Dave has moved on to a life other than sitting in front of a computer screen (go Dave!) leaving the community in serious need. As with many things in life ya don't miss em 'til they're gone. TroutLake.org was an incredible asset to all Trout Lake organizations, it was super to be able to tell folks to get information, directions, applications, maps and anything else related to our community, by going to the Web site. Will someone, or group of someones, or an organization step up to fill this void? HELP! We really need you!! With all the talent in this community I know a solution will be found and I'm looking forward to seeing the "new" Trout Lake Web site.

Well, here we are, off to a new year, with lots of rain and melting snow. Most of the time when I look out my window at the Bear Creek bed that runs next to my house, I think of it as just an ugly ditch. This time of year when there's about a foot of water running in it I'm reminded of the times before we had that creek bed, when the water was running through my yard and sometimes through my house, and I'm very thankful for that ditch/creek bed.

Cabin Fever events are going along smoothly with the Friday night Soup Contest and Community dinner a big success, not to mention the movie entertainment. First place in the Veggie Soup went to Ardith Thompson, second place to Kris Kendell. For the Meat Soup, first place went to Neilly Kendell, age 8, and Second Place went to Lyn Wooldridge. Saturday's Hearty Healthy Lunch was also delicious, and both events were well attended (if you say food in Trout Lake, that gets our attention!) The results of the Ski Race: Emily Paxson was first in the women's division, and Mark Thomas of Hood River took first in the men's; Justin Peck, age 9, was the youngest skier with a time of 59 minutes.

I have had my share of animal adventures in life, but I recently heard a story that I just have to pass on. We all know that squirrels are great collectors and have caches of food everywhere, well that's OK most of the time. But when the little devils get into your storage locker and into your winter boots, that's going a bit too far. My friend dug out her winter boots and sweaters and found that Mr. Squirrel had made a nest out of the sleeve of her Alpaca sweater. To make matters worse, he had hauled in a boot full of food and stored it in there too. OK, now you've crossed the line, Mr. Squirrel, we're out for revenge. After asking for advice from several folks that are "in the know" my friend purchased a 'sticky' trap that's intended for rodents, set the trap left the scene of the crime and waited. An hour later the trap was gone, with evidence that it had been dragged out the door. We have visions of a squirrel in the woods with a large sticky mass of dirt, needles, leaves, etc. stuck to his foot, and all of his fellow squirrels laughing at him. Serves ya right fella, that was her favorite sweater!!

The Presbyterian Church began its "Third Tuesday" suppers for 2011 on Jan. 18 at 6 p.m., with speaker Kirk Thomas.

Mark your March calendar for Dogs of the Gorge Spay-ghetti Feed on March 12 from 4 to 7 p.m. in Goldendale at the Senior Center. All proceeds go to helping with spaying and neutering, medicine, food, microchipping and adopting dogs in Klickitat County. Join fellow neighbors for an evening of good food and support a good cause. For more info call Denise Stearns 509-250-4086.

A reminder to all Grange members that your 2011 dues are due. Grange is a diverse grass roots organization, community service and projects designed to improve our communities are deep in the heart of the local Grange. Our Grange building was recently updated with the addition of insulation in the ceiling and the floors, making the building more comfortable for all seasons. The building is used on a regular basis for many activities, from dance lessons to weddings, and the commercial kitchen can be rented as well. Rents are reasonable, ranging from an hourly rate of $10 to $125 for the day. Monthly maintenance costs for the building run $860. Your dues are put to good use, right here in your community.

Don't forget, Trout Lake Newswriters are still looking for someone to write this column once a month. Call any one of us -- our names and numbers are at the top of this column -- to volunteer and we will welcome you with open arms!

It's a new year with new beginnings. It's great to start with a clean slate and new energy. I have made one resolution: exercise more. If I can keep that promise to myself, I will consider it a successful year.

Maxine Bulick, newswriter