TVF&R: Celebrate Fourth of July Safely

Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue (TVF&R) wants to encourage Newberg residents to celebrate the Fourth of July Holiday safely by exercising caution with fireworks.

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Oregon law bans fireworks that fly, explode, or travel on the ground more than six feet, according to a release from TVF&R. The organization is encouraging residents to purchase fireworks only at licensed Oregon firework stands.

Law enforcement agencies enforce criminal laws related to the use of illegal fireworks in Oregon. Under Oregon law, officers can seize illegal fireworks and issue criminal citations, including reckless burning, criminal mischief, reckless endangerment, and more with fines up to $500 per violation. People can also be held civilly liable for damages resulting from improper use of any fireworks — legal or illegal.

According to the National Safety Council, fireworks start an average of 19,000 fires each year, and sparklers account for more than 25% of emergency room visits for firework injuries.

“Just because some fireworks are legal, doesn’t mean they’re 100 percent safe,” TVF&R wrote in a release. “This includes sparklers. They can reach temperatures of 1,200 degrees — wood burns at 575 degrees, while glass melts at 900 degrees, according to the National Fire Protection Association.”

  • Only adults should light or handle fireworks. Supervise children at all times.
  • Use fireworks outdoors on a paved surface, away from buildings, vehicles, and vegetation. 
  • Never try to re-light a “dud.” Never point or throw fireworks at people, pets, or buildings.
  • Never alter fireworks or make your own. 
  • Have a hose nearby in case of fire and place “spent” fireworks in a metal bucket with water.
  • Store fireworks, matches, and lighters out of the reach of children.

Individuals needing to report a fire or medical emergency should call 911; individuals wishing to report a nuisance or concern about illegal fireworks should do so via the non-emergency number, 503-629-0111. These situations will be logged, passed on to local law enforcement, and responded to as resources allow.

Sealionne Wines Launches Seasonal Tasting Room

Startup wine maker Sealionne Wines is opening a seasonal, outdoor tasting pavilion at West Wind Vineyard in the Ribbon Ridge AVA.

“We’ve poured our love for adventure, fine wine, and the great outdoors into every detail, ” said Piper Underbrink, winemaker and co-owner. “From Ben’s custom furniture lovingly built by hand, to new varietals of wines I have been eager to release, every element reflects our passion. We want our visitors to feel the same excitement and joy that we do, every time they step onto our vineyard property.”

Sealionne's outdoor tasting pavilion. Photo: Sealionne Wines.
Sealionne Wines’s outdoor tasting pavilion. Photo: Sealionne Wines.

The outdoor tasting pavilion features a covered area with benches, fireplaces, and an airstream trailer. Sealionne also invites visitors to embark on a self-guided hike around the vineyard followed by the tasting session, according to a press release.

The seasonal tasting room is at 19500 NE Ribbon Ridge Road in Newberg and charges $20 per person for a tasting. The pavilion is dog and kid friendly, and offers picnic meals for $40 per person. Visit Sealionne’s Tock page for reservations. Learn more about Sealionne Wines at its website.

Tunes on Tuesday Seeking Volunteers

Interested in supporting one of Newberg’s most popular summer events? Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce, Taste Newberg, and the Newberg Downtown Coalition are seeking volunteers to help operate the annual Tunes on Tuesday event.

This year, Tunes on Tuesday is hosting five events throughout the summer:

Volunteers help set up and welcome neighbors to the weekly event, monitor and assist during the event, and work clean up and tear down after the event. Shifts are from 3:30 – 6 p.m. and 6 – 9 p.m.

Sign up to volunteers at the Tunes on Tuesday Signup Genius page.

Don Loving Recognized as Honorary CPRD Board of Directors Member

During the June 27 Chehalem Park and Recreation Department (CPRD) Board of Directors Meeting, passed a resolutions designating longtime former board member Don Loving as an Honorary Board Member for Life.

Don Loving (left) is presented with an honorary board member resolution by CPRD Board of Directors President Matt Smith alongside other CPRD Directors Gayle Bizeau, Jason Fields, and Jim McMaster. Photo: CPRD

“WHEREAS, We all know that Don has been an integral part of the community as a father, leader, elected official, and volunteer,” the resolution stated; “by order of the Chehalem Park and Recreation District Board of Directors that on this special day, Don Loving is recognized as a friend and teammate to the Chehalem Park and Recreation District, that Don be made an honorary member of the Board of Directors for the remainder of his life.”

The distinction has only been awarded to a small number of longtime board members, according to a release from CPRD.

Loving served on the CPRD Board for 32 consecutive years, beginning with his election in 1991. According to CPRD, his long history with the organization included coaching youth sports and participating in basketball and softball leagues. He was also instrumental in the creation and development of the Chehalem Glenn Golf Course.

Honorary Board Members are entitled to attend meetings and participate in Board discussions, but are not eligible to vote, the release clarified.

Newberg Rotary Awards $49,000 in Scholarships to Local Area High Schoolers

In June, Newberg Rotary Club awarded 23 area high school seniors with scholarships to help ease the burden of higher education.

“Basically, Rotary gives out scholarships to students who have the potential to change their community, if not world—no pressure,” said Rotary Club member Laura Horani.

Rotary Club raised scholarship funds through its annual auction. Each application was read by members of the Rotary Club’s scholarship committee, scored, and those scores were averaged to choose the winners.

Scholarship award amounts varied from $1,000 to $3,000 with the average scholarship amount totaling $1,870. Of the 23 winners, 18 are from Newberg High School, two are from St. Paul High School, two are from Newberg Catalyst Alternative High School, and one from Dayton High School.

Learn more about Rotary Club International’s commitment to education.

Golf Course Clubhouse Citizen’s Advisory Committee Members Appointed, Seeking More

According to a press release from Chehalem Parks and Recreation District, CPRD Board of Directors appointed Jeff Dillon, Joe Fischer, Robert Kulman, Dennis Lewis, Tom Sheridan, Robert Travers to the new Chehalem Glenn Golf Course Clubhouse Citizens’ Advisory Committee during their meeting on June 27.

The Board also agreed to reopen the application window in an effort to bring the committee to an odd number.

The deadline for applications is August 16. The Board will appoint any additional members at the August 22 meeting.

Application forms and details about the committee can be found on the CPRD website.

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