Makani Power topic of technology series July 27 On Tuesday, July 27, the Gorge Technology Alliance will host a presentation on the latest developments in harnessing wind power by Corwin Hardham, PhD and CEO of Makani Power.      The event begins at 7 p.m. at Erin Glenn Winery in The Mint, 710 E. Second St. in The Dalles). The Gorge Tech Alliance received a Google grant to support its Leading Edge of Technology speakers series, making this event free for everyone to attend.     Clean, abundant energy is the key to maintaining our quality of life while preserving our natural environment. This requires enormous amounts of energy from renewable resources which is proving to be one of the most fascinating engineering challenges of our time.     Makani Power is developing a game-changing solu... 07/26/2010

Oregon's first-in-the-nation environmental plan for recycling paint started on Wednesday, July 1, affecting retailers and customers across the state.  The PaintCare "product stewardship" plan makes paint manufacturers more financially responsible for managing products at the end of their useful life, rather than relying on local governments to manage waste disposal programs.  The paint recycling program was passed by the Legislature in 2009.   Customers purchasing paint will pay a surcharge or "recovery fee" ranging from 75 cents on gallon of paint to $1.60 for more than one gallon up to 5 gallons.  This fee, as well as funding from paint manufacturers, will pay for a statewide system to collect paint for recycling.  Good quality latex paint will be remixed for retail sale through the M... 07/22/2010

The 6th Annual Mid-Columbia Association of Realtors (MCAR) Annual Fundraiser was once again a big success.  This year the event for  Habitat For Humanity consisted entirely of a Silent Auction.  Almost $6000 was raised to facilitate Habitat's ongoing projects in the Gorge and all funds raised stay in the Gorge. Last year's proceeds contributed to a septic system for the 17th house built in The Dalles area. Approximately $40,000 has been raised for Gorge area Habitat projects in the 6 years that MCAR has been holding the fundraiser. The event was again held at Columbia River Properties/Auction Sales at 1400 Hwy 197 in The Dalles in conjunction with the Fort Dalles Rodeo Kickoff Party. Last year, The Fort Dalles Rodeo Association and Columbia River Properties generously offered MCAR their... 07/19/2010

It was 107 degrees last Thursday when the new Roundabout at the Eastern Gateway to The Dalles, Oregon was dedicated.  I was there as an Ambassador for The Dalles Chamber of Commerce.  U.S. Senator Ron Wyden and Congressman Greg Walden were on hand as well as local and state officials involved in the planning and construction of the project.  (You'll notice I'm a little late with this post, The Dalles Chronicle's story came out last Friday(!) but we've been busy working on the annual MCAR fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity that was held on Tuesday - more on that in my next blog).  Back to the Roundabout...the current project has been in the works about 10 years but traffic entering The Dalles from Exit 85 (or the "Boat Basin exit") had always found the area confusing and sometimes conge... 07/18/2010

  Friday, July 9 Civic Auditorium July 9 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Ball: 7:30 p.m. Heroes Welcome Veterans Celebration The Dalles Civic Auditorium323 East Fourth Street (541) 298-8533 www.thedallescivic.org The Civic, built in 1921, was dedicated as a tribute to our war veterans.  DAYTIME 10 a.m. - 3 p.m: Street closure, display of antique military vehicles, weapons and military memorabilia, climbing wall, food, music, vintage USO footage. Veteran’s information will be available. Attendees and visitors will be able to purchase food served by the VFW, American Legion and ladies auxiliary. VETERANS BALL: 7:30 p.m. - Brown Roofing Company presents a "Heroes Welcome"; FREE event. There will be a Warriors Medal presentation to past and present veterans at 6 p.m. Dance to the music of the Gorge Jazz ... 07/07/2010

It was mid afternoon, just after the lunchtime rush and before the 4PM performance of local musician Victor Johnson when we stopped by Clock Tower Ales on Sunday.  We were looking for a late lunch and decided to try one of the beer samplers along with our Caesar Salad and Grilled Roast Beef and Brie sandwich.  Clock Tower Ales specializes in craft beers and you can sample 6 beers of your choice for $8.00.  Choices range from Pilsner, IPAs and Blue Paw Ale to Hazel Nut Brown Nectar, Tree Hugger Porter, Guinness and many others.  There are also wine and cider selections as well as non alcoholic beverages.  The food menu is light pub fare featuring pizzas, salads, soups and "starters" such as dips and chips, hummus and a meat and cheese plate.  Clock Tower Ales opened earlier this year and... 06/30/2010

The Mid Columbia Association of Realtors (MCAR) will hold its 5th annual fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity in conjunction with other local events this year, creating a full week of activities during Fort Dalles Days Pro Rodeo in The Dalles, Oregon. The Silent Auction Fundraiser will once again be held as part of the Rodeo Kickoff Party at Auction Sales at 1400 Hwy 197, The Dalles, Oregon, on Tuesday July 13, 2010 from 6:00 to 8:00pm. There are a wide range of events planned for the combined celebrations this year. See Fort Dalles Days Rough and Wild for a Schedule of Events from block parties and fast draw competitions to food and fundraisers and of course the Rodeo! So visit The Dalles July 8-18, 2010 as the formerly separate events of  Historic The Dalles Days, Jammin' July and the ... 06/27/2010

Below are homes that we helped sell in the last few months Congratulations to all the buyers and sellers we feel so fortunate to meet and assist new friends every day.  4413 Chenowith, The Dalles Oregon Closed Price $50,005   722 E 13th, The Dalles Oregon Closed Price $89,900 Congratulations Vincent   1508 E 12th, The Dalles Oregon Closed Price $107,000 Congratulations Dimirtios   908 W 9th, The Dalles Oregon Closed Price $120,000 Congratulations Amanda &Philip   3316 W 13th, The Dalles Oregon Closed Price $125,000 Congratulations Wendell   520 W 10th, The Dalles Oregon Closed Price $126,000 Congratulations Kim   1904 E 12th, The Dalles Oregon Closed Price $148,900 Congratulations Brandon & Amber 1516 Oregon $150,000 Congratulations Mike   2110 W 15th, The Dalles Oregon Closed Price $17... 06/09/2010

This weekend marked the re-opening of the Sunshine Mill in The Dalles, Oregon in its new incarnation as the Sunshine Mill and Artisan Plaza.  The old Sunshine Mill towers over the Eastern gateway to The Dalles. Wheat was milled on the property for 130 years.  Originally a four story wooden structure powered by steam, the mill burned around the turn of the 20th century. A new mill was constructed on the site, this one over 125 feet tall and powered by the White River Dam in Tygh Valley. The gravity flour mill equipment still exists in the buildings, powered by electric motors designed by Thomas Edison but the mill had been inactive for many years. The idea for the Sunshine Mill and Aritsan Plaza has long been the dream (and brainchild) of James Martin, local entrepreneur and winemaker fo... 05/31/2010

  The Dalles OR Real Estate, Foreclosures in The Dalles area Are you looking to buy a foreclosure in The Dalles, OR? A bargain may be had if you are able to do work yourself, or have money available to get the work done. Do proceed with caution as some of these homes have been vacant for quite some time.  How to begin to look for a foreclosure in The Dalles, OR? First you can search foreclosure listings yourself. Currently in the Columbia River Gorge area there are 34 foreclosures listed on our multiple listing services. 18 of these foreclosures are sale pending and in the last 6 months there have been 32 BankOwned properties that have closed. They range in price from $31,900 to $520,000. Some foreclosures are not only listed on a multiple listing service, they are also listed as an onl... 05/12/2010

TREE TOP CLASSIC DISC GOLF TOURNAMENT Northern Wasco County Park & Recreation District Office:(541)296‐9533 Date: Saturday May 8, 2010 7 A M ‐ 8 : 3 0 A M E A R L Y R E G I S T R A T I O N 9 A M ‐ 1 1 A M Q U A L I F Y I N G R O U N D 1 P M ‐ 2 P M P L A Y O F F S On‐site registration is May 8 from 7 to 8:30 a.m. There will be a qualifying round of play from 9 to 11 a.m. A nine‐hole play‐off round is from 1 to 2 p.m., featuring the top four contestants from each division. Awards will be given in each category in a ceremony commencing at 3 p.m. Lunch will be available to purchase on site from 11‐1pm provided by Dave Lutgens, Class Act Catering and Cafe. The tourney will take place on the popular, 18‐hole "Tree Top Disc Golf Course" located at Sorosis Park 300 E. Scenic Drive, The Dalles... 05/05/2010

On Saturday May 8th,   "Save Taylor Lake" clean up project starting at 8am-2pm. This project is sponsored by both C.I.T.O/Geocaching and the Oregon SOLV Organization. Kase Construction, and Wasco County Conservation District are local sponsors that will provide equipment to haul the trash out. Wasco County Landfill is also a sponsor who donated a place for the trash to go. Everyone is banding together for Taylor Lake, a family friendly natural gathering area which can be used for fishing, hiking, biking, or for a simple family picnic.  Please call Stephanie at 541-296-2231 today to volunteer. 05/05/2010

Event Schedule:Thursday, May 1311:00 - 13:00 -- Rally Fan Appreciation, Pioneer Courthouse Square Show, Downtown Portland Friday, May 1418:00 - 20:45 -- Fan Spectacular , Portland International Raceway - Competition Stages Saturday, May 1510:00 - 12:00 -- Parc Expose, Shop n' Kart, The Dalles11:00 -- First Car starts Day Two, Shop n' Kart, The Dalles12:00 - 16:00 -- Competition Stages, Hood River16:00 - 20:00 -- Competition Stages, Dufur19:30 -- First Car Finishes Day Two, Main St., Dufur20:00 - 22:00 -- Rally Street Party & BBQ, Main St., Dufur Sunday, May 1610:00 - 11:00 -- Parc Expose, Main St., Dufur11:00 -- First Car starts Day Three, Main St., Dufur09:00 - 15:30 -- Competition Stages, Dufur16:00 -- First Car Finishes Event, Main St., Dufur Rally Headquarters: Shilo Inn-The Dalles.... 05/05/2010

http://www.ci.the-dalles.or.us/newsite/sites/default/files/imported/EastGatewayProject/RoundaboutBrochre.pdf 04/28/2010

5/8/2010 Save Taylor Lake Project Clean Up Time: 8:00 AM-2:00 PMSite Address: Corner of River Trail Way and Entrance of Taylor Lake RoadDirections: From I-84 turn off on Exit 82. Turn North on River Road, follow this road for less than 1/2 mile and Turn Left of River Trail Way. Follow River Trail Way 1/4 mile and park your vehicle in the open lot on the right side of the road.Meeting Location: Follow River Trail Way 1/4 mile and park your vehicle in the open lot on the right side of the road. 8 AM on the corner of River Trail Way and the entrance of Taylor Lake Road.Coordinator: Stephanie WuorenmaContact Email:marketing@thedalleschamber.comContact Phone Number: 541-296-2231 x Project Activities: On Saturday May 8th, The Dalles Young Professionals are hosting a Save Taylor Lake clean up... 04/16/2010

Last Weekend, April 9-11, was Passport Weekend for Wineries in the Columbia Gorge.  Sponsored by Columbia Gorge Winegrowers, Passport To A World of Wine In 40 Miles featured Open House/Tastings at 21 wineries and Full Sail Brewing Company. Craig and I loaded up our friends Lee and Melinda and a picnic lunch and headed across the Columbia River into Washington to taste some local wines.  Our first stop was Jacob Williams Winery on Hwy 14 in Lyle.  According to their Passport page, they produce "small quantities of hand crafted, ultra premium wines featuring grapes from the best Cabernet, Syrah, Merlot and Zinfandel vineyards".  We decided to purchase a bottle of their great Reserve Syrah. Heading further West we stopped in at Domaine Pouillon on a country road North of Lyle.  We've enjoy... 04/16/2010

I posted this last Easter and thought I would do it again! Pulpit Rock has got to be the strangest piece of real estate in The Dalles, Oregon - and it is perfect for Easter!  It is located at the intersection of what is now East 12th and Court Streets in The Dalles, Oregon.  In 1838, Methodist ministers founded the Wascopam Methodist Mission at the location, near what would later become Fort Dalles. According to various sources, the site was chosen because it overlooked a spring where Native Americans came to water their horses and the rock was used to preach to the local tribes during the 1830s and 1840s. One of the founders of the Mission, Reverend Jason Lee travelled frequently between Oregon and the East Coast, speaking about the importance of the Oregon Terriorty.  His passion is s... 04/02/2010

I had lunch at The Anzac Tea Parlour on St. Patricks Day.  The Anzac Tea Parlour in The Dalles, Oregon is a unique eatery with a great Haitian story, more on that a little later.  It was a full house the day I was there, with several groups of women enjoying items such as Sun-Dried Tomato Quiche, Aussie Meat Pie and Katoomba, a tea-sized sampler of several offerings.  All items are baked fresh daily in their own commercial kitchen. At Anzac you choose your own tea cup and then your tea!  There are hundreds of choices:  black, flavored, chai (I LOVED the eggnog chai during the holidays), green, herbal (caffeine free), red, white and "Just For Kids". Bev Eagy, owner, started the tea parlour in 2004.   Bev had lived in Sydney, Austrialia for 20 years.  After returning to the U.S. she began... 03/29/2010

Thought all the 100% loans had disappeared?  They haven't!  Ready to buy a home but not sure you will qualify due to lack of a down payment?  A USDA Rural Development Mortgage may be the solution for you!  The USDA Rural Development loan is a 100%, NO DOWN PAYMENT, NO Monthly Mortgage Insurance loan - and it's NOT just for First Time Home Buyers. USDA Rural Development has partnered with local lenders to help them extend 100% financing to rural individuals and families. The major benefits to the USDA Rural Development loan are:It is a 100% mortgage that is government guaranteed with the loan-to-value based on the APPRAISED value. There is no down payment and no minimum contribution required.Assistance options, such as gift funds, grants and seller concessions are allowed. No mortgage in... 02/26/2010

Geocaching is gaining popularity in the Columbia Gorge, just what IS it?  Geocaching is an outdoor activity in which the participants use a Global Positioning System (GPS) device to hide and seek containers (called "geocaches" or "caches") anywhere in the world. It is enjoyed by people from all age groups with a sense of adventure.  A typical cache is a waterproof container (such as tupperware) containing a logbook and often items for trading, usually toys or trinkets of little value. In keeping with caching etiquette, if you take something from the cache, you should leave something in return. For most, the fun is the thrill of the search and the discovery of a place that they have never been - sometimes in your own neighborhood. The Dalles currently has 12 geocaches known as The Dalles... 02/16/2010