All the platitudes in the world cannot begin to express how great it was to have multiple governmental agencies, and multiple representatives from multiple villages come together to help one another during this recent weather emergency. This cooperative effort is thanks in part to the formation of the Mt. Hood Corridor Wild Fire Partnership and the great working relationships formed during the past year by numerous agencies here on the mountain.

On behalf of the Rhododendron Water Association, (just one of many water providers that had to announce a Boil Water notice because of the freezing weather) and a member of the Wildfire Partnership, I’d like to express my sincerest gratitude to the following:

Oregon Department of Human Services
Clackamas County Office of Disaster Management
Hoodland Fire
Mt. Hood Lions Club
The numerous volunteers from multiple HOA’s and CPO’s who spent countless hours volunteering at the Emergency Resource Center.
And a huge shout out to PGE

Once Clackamas County became aware of the dire circumstances many of the water systems and residents were experiencing up here on the mountain, the Office of Disaster Management jumped in and started the process with the state to mitigate the effects of this weather emergency.

With the wonderful cooperation of the Mt. Hood Lion’s Club, the county set-up an Emergency Resource Center to meet the needs of our many community residents who had no water, power, cell service, or internet, and those who were unable to travel due to blocked roads and downed power lines. The Resource Center, staffed by caring volunteers, was a great example of how working together and forming partnerships can work wonders for the entire community.

Sure, there were glitches and things that could have gone better, but this was a great learning experience, so we all can do better when, not if, the next emergency hits our Villages.