The surprising connection between Wilsonville, Ireland and horses

Friday, January 27th, 2012, 3:30pm

The surprising connection between Wilsonville, Ireland and horses

WILSONVILLE, Ore. -- On the surface, the City of Wilsonville, Ireland and horses may seem to have little, if anything, in common with each other.

To most, Wilsonville is a sleepy, bedroom community of Portland. Ireland is a country famous for a potato famine, leprechauns and its lush green terrain. Horses? Well, they're horses.

But the three share a unique characteristic -- the Wilsonville Chamber of Commerce. Chambers in communities across the United States will often put together trips for a limited number of people. Wilsonville's is a little different, however. Since Clackamas County, which encompasses Wilsonville, is a hotbed of equestrian-related businesses, and Ireland is a hotspot for equestrian-related activities, putting on an equestrian-themed trip to the Emerald Isle seemed like a natural fit. The Chamber put on its first trip in September of 2011 and has a few spots remaining for its upcoming 2012 trip to northern Ireland.

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Get rid of all your old papers safely at paper shred event

Submitted by KATU Communities Staff

Thursday, January 26th, 2012, 4:14pm

Get rid of all your old papers safely at paper shred event

Make your way out to The Wilsonville, an assisted living and memory care facility in Wilsonville, from 9 a.m. to noon Jan. 28 to safely dispose of your important documents.

The Wilsonville is at 7600 SW Vlahos Drive in Wilsonville.

For more information, call 503-582-9414.

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State urges folks to secure their hazardous materials

Submitted by KATU Communities Staff

Tuesday, January 24th, 2012, 4:26pm

State urges folks to secure their hazardous materials

It's not something you normally think about when it's raining hard and there's a threat of flooding but state officials want to remind folks about how important it is to secure hazardous materials so they don't make it into our waterways. Here's some information the Oregon State Fire Marshal and DEQ sent out:

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City sets record $128 million in building activity

Submitted by The City of Wilsonville

Tuesday, January 24th, 2012, 8:00am

The City of Wilsonville experienced a record-setting year in terms of construction activity in 2011. In spite of the slow economy, the City issued building permits for a greater value of construction than in any prior year — more than $128 million in building valuation, or double the average year.

By comparison, Wilsonville has averaged roughly $64 million per year over the prior 12 years. Before 2011, the highest single year was 2001, with a total construction valuation of nearly $127 million. At that time, construction activity included major public works projects—the City’s water treatment plant and the State’s Coffee Creek Correctional Facility — which makes this past year even more amazing given the level of private-sector investment during a recessionary economy.

“I think that these kinds of statistics show that Wilsonville is business friendly and striking the right balance between sustainability and unrestrained growth,” said Mayor Tim Knapp.

A break-out of building-permit values shows:

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Chip Kelly's staying? Free chips and queso for everyone!

Submitted by KATU Communities Staff

Monday, January 23rd, 2012, 5:34pm

Chip Kelly's staying? Free chips and queso for everyone!

Head to any Qdoba Mexican Grill for this awesome deal in honor of Chip Kelly staying right here in Oregon (where a lot of folks think he belongs - we're just sayin'). Here are the details straight from Qdoba:

Locally owned and operated Qdoba Mexican Grill is celebrating Chip Kelly turning down the coaching job for NFL team Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Now that’s loyalty! To show appreciation to Kelly and loyal fans, Qdoba is offering “Chips and Queso for Chip Kelly” deal.

Here’s the deal: Visit any Qdoba Mexican Grill in Oregon and SW Washington, now through tomorrow, Jan. 24, to receive FREE chips and queso with the purchase of any large drink. Customers need to mention "Thank you, Chip" at the register to take advantage of the giveaway.
As sponsors of the Oregon Ducks, it’s a small price to pay to keep the man who has led the Oregon Ducks to Pac-10/12 titles the last three years in Eugene.

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City of Wilsonville recognized for outstanding performance of water system

Submitted by The City of Wilsonville

Monday, January 23rd, 2012, 8:05am

The City of Wilsonville community water system has been selected as an “Outstanding Performer” based on a Water System Survey conducted by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Drinking Water Program in November 2011. The survey is designed to evaluate the total water system in terms of supplying safe drinking water to the public.

“Being an outstanding performer allows the city to reduce our water system survey frequency from every three years to every five years,” said Public Works Director Delora Kerber. “Our reviewer noted that Wilsonville’s water system facilities are well operated and maintained by a knowledgeable and competent staff.”

The water system survey is an on-site review of a system’s sources. These include treatment, storage facilities, distribution system, operation and maintenance procedures, monitoring, and management, for the purpose of evaluating the system’s capability of providing safe water to the public.

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Community Services Director Peggy Watters to retire after 14 years with City

Submitted by The City of Wilsonville

Thursday, January 19th, 2012, 8:00am

Community Services Director Peggy Watters to retire after 14 years with City

After 14 years employment with the City of Wilsonville, including the past 13 years serving as Community Services Director, Peggy Watters announced her retirement today effective April 30, 2012.

Leading the City’s Community Services Department since 1999, Watters has overseen the growth and development of Wilsonville’s community center, senior programs and parks and recreation activities. Some accomplishments that Watters is most proud of are the positive partnerships, the Community Center’s growth, and advancements in programs and services that support the increasingly diverse and numerous needs of the community.

City Manager Bryan Cosgrove said, “Peggy has been an incredible asset to the community of Wilsonville, capably leading the City’s community center, senior programs and parks programs. Peggy has brought unwavering dedication and constant vitality to the senior activities and recreational programs offered by the community center for our residents.”

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