Local briefs for Dec. 2

By Calvin Hall

The Gresham Outlook, Dec 1, 2009, Updated Dec 1, 2009

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Fairview to host holiday tree-lighting ceremony

The city of Fairview will celebrate with the traditional lighting of the community Christmas tree from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, in Fairview Community Park on Northeast Village Street.

The actual countdown to the lighting will take place at 5 p.m.

There are a number of activities leading up to that, including musical performances by children and adult groups from the East County area, holiday arts and crafts activities for children, free photo opportunities with Santa Claus and free carriage rides around Fairview streets.

With help from some local schoolchildren, Mayor Mike Weatherby will press the button to light the towering tree. The city would like to thank Historic Kirchem Farm in Oregon City for donating this year’s tree.

Highway committee meeting Dec. 10

The advisory committee of the Historic Columbia River Highway will meet from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, in the Fairview Community Center, 300 Harrison St.

The committee confers with the Oregon Department of Transportation on preservation and other issues on the historic roadway, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.

The December meeting will include an update on the trail connection between John B. Yeon State Trailhead at Warrendale and Moffett Creek, an overview of a planned Hood River interchange, improvements to Latourell Wayside and a study of abandoned sections of the road between Wyeth and Hood River.

Earlyrisers sponsor giving tree

The Gresham Earlyrisers Kiwanis Club is sponsoring a giving tree to benefit East County children through Snow-CAP Community Charities.

Stop by Another Round Restaurant at Gresham Golf Course, 2155 N.E. Division St., to pick up a tag from the tree. Return a new, unwrapped gift to the restaurant by Thursday, Dec. 17. Call 503-666-1215 or 503-465-0630 for more information.

Harlow House puts on holiday celebration

The Harlow House in Troutdale will celebrate Christmas with steaming cups of wassail, homemade cookies and a visit from Santa Claus from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, in the front parlor.

Admission is free to the annual event, which features decorations throughout the 1900 home, but donations to fund Troutdale Historical Society activities are always welcome.

The Harlow House is at 726 E. Historic Columbia River Highway, Troutdale, the second house on the right, just past Troutdale City Hall.