A Deeply-Rooted Legacy

Digger Magazine, August 2008

As a gunnery mate aboard PT-490 during World War II, Ed Schultz survived shelling, strafing, kamikaze attacks, and a long, harrowing night in Surigao Strait. When he returned home from the service in 1946 he promised himself two things - he was through with killing, and he would do his best to make America a more beautiful place. The 87-year-old Aurora resident has fulfilled both of those vows. Continue reading A Deeply-Rooted Legacy…

Born of the Mother of Invention

Oregon Nursery Association - Digger Magazine, July 2008

In the years following World War II, the U. S. economy boomed. Two factors that fueled the surge - an expanding housing market and the development of an interstate highway system - proved especially important for Oregon nurserymen. Increased demand for ornamentals and shade trees, in combination with fast, cost-effective shipping, opened the door to national markets for the first time.

But change was required for those who wished to seize this opportunity. The technology that had sufficed during the 1930s and 1940s was no longer sufficient to keep Oregon growers competitive. Continue reading Born of the Mother of Invention…

Kids are a Precious Resource to Oil, Mining and Timber Industries

“Kids are a Precious Resource to Oil, Mining and Timber Industries” - Northwest Education Magazine, Winter 2003

One September day in 1969, U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson announced from Seattle that the first Earth Day would be celebrated come springtime. That same month, a thousand miles away in chilly Anchorage, the state of Alaska took historic bids from the world’s oil companies for the right to drill in Prudhoe Bay.

These two events radiated from their Northwest epicenter into a national furor that continues, 34 years later, between environmental activists and those who push for development of the nation’s natural resources. But a decade into the debate, during the litigious 1970s, many began to refine their approaches to the issue. On the part of the resource development industry—timber, mining, and oil companies—this meant investing considerably in creating educational programs to teach the public about natural resources and their beneficial uses in modern human life.

To view the entire story, go to http://www.nwrel.org/nwedu/09-02/natural.asp

Eruption of Mount St. Helens a Watershed Moment for Timber Industry

“Eruption of Mount St. Helens a Watershed Moment for Timber Industry” - Columbia River Reader, November 2005

Twenty-five years ago, the timber industry in Southwest Washington was on the cusp of change. But the eruption of Mount St. Helens brought that change forward in a rush that altered loggers’ lives forever.

Since 1980, some of those who made up the workforce of pre-eruption days have retired. Some have taken other jobs in the industry. Some have returned to school and retrained for new careers. Some have left the area. Time has softened the impact on local families and communities, but the trees and the men will never be replaced.

To view the entire story, go to http://www.crreader.com/front%20page%20story%20Nov%2005.html

The Potty Whisperer

“The Potty Whisperer” - The Daily News, February 2005

This fall, family hour in homes around the nation focused on discussions of politics and play-off baseball. At our house, the subject was poop.

I’m certain Miss Manners would not consider this an appropriate topic for dinner time conversation, but when you’re the grandparent of a 2-year-old on the cusp of being potty-trained, your world does not conform to the standard rules of etiquette.

To view the entire story, go to http://www.tdn.com/articles/2005/02/22/this_day/news01.txt

Now Hear This

“Now Hear This” - The Daily News, March 2006

Frustrated by her husband’s lack of responsiveness and his unwillingness to admit that he had a hearing problem, Diane Moskowitz opted for a creative solution. “One night, she asked me how I was going to know when she wanted to have sex if I didn’t have a hearing aid,” recalls Rick Seifert, a former Daily News reporter.

“I said, ‘Why would I need a hand grenade to know when you want to have sex?”

Shortly thereafter, Rick purchased a hearing aid. Unfortunately, not everyone takes action.

To view the entire story, go to http://www.4hearingloss.com/archives/2006/03/now_hear_this_2.html

Building for Boomers

“Building for Boomers” - The Daily News, October 2006

When the phone rings in Trey Davis’s office at Coldwell Banker-Flaskerud Realty in Longview, Washington, there’s a good chance a baby boomer will be on the other end.

“I’ve only been in the real estate business for two years,” said Davis, “but the number of my clients who are baby boomers has definitely increased. In most cases, they’re getting ready to retire or they have kids that are moving out of the house. They’re looking for a change.”

Born between 1946 and 1964, baby boomers total 82 million and represent nearly a quarter of the U.S. population. Because the 50-and-over crowd controls more than 40 percent of the nation’s disposable income, contractors and developers are increasingly focused on winning their business. And that means rethinking everything from floor plans to amenities to locations.

To view the entire story, go to http://primeedge.com/Asbuilt_news/Building_for_Boomers.htm