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Corbett Oregon is located between the Sandy River and Crown Point on the Columbia River Historic Highway. We are at the mouth of the beautiful Columbia River Gorge twenty miles east of Portland on the way to Hood River.

It is the goal of the web site to encourage participation and community by providing a local online hub for Corbett. Please don’t hesitate to contact the web site if you have any questions, comments or suggestions!

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The Only Parade & Fireworks Show In East County

Vendors & Sponsorship Opportunities for The 4th of July Corbett Fun Fest. 
The planning is in full swing for the 4th of July Corbett Fun Fest. This year there will be great opportunities for your group or business to advertise to thousands of people who enjoy the full day in Corbett packed with family fun and something for everyone.

The volunteers have been planning this years events with the traditional parade, down home games sponsored by the Girl Scouts, vendor booths, Corbett Children’s Theater talent show, spelling bee, music and fireworks show. So if you enjoy this event and would like to promote your business to a very large number of people this is your opportunity. Contact us now!

For All Information Or If Would You Like To Volunteer?
Look to the 4th of July Corbett Fun Fest website
www.CorbettFunFest.com

Vendor Contact:
website vendors@corbettfunfest.com
Email preferred –call, leave message 971-219-5843 (Kathy Johnson)

Vendor Price List:
Craft / Commercial (non-food) – $75
Corbett Craft/Commercial – Corbett Resident -$25
(Corbett school district boundaries & Corbett Charter Families)
Non profit information/sales or game booths (non-food) – $25
Non profit Corbett based Group -  Information/sales or game
booths (non-food) – no charge
Food Vendor  – $350
Corbett Non-profit food vendor  -  $25 + 10% of receipts with a cap of $350

Sponsorships
John Leamy  503-704-7653 or Lisa Noreen at 503-318-9731
sponsorships@corbettfunfest.com

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Drew and his family could use our help!

In the winter of 2009 Andrew Elwood was first diagnosed with Stage 3c Melanoma from a routine pediatrician check-up. Now on his sixth diagnosis ( with 8 additional scattered Stage 4 Melonama cranial tumors occupying all lobes of the brain ) they are too many for radiation treatment and he is undergoing chemotherapy treatment making him gravely ill.  Andrew’s mom passed away from pancreatic cancer when he was younger so he is now living with his aunt and uncle in Corbett. He is suffering ( among the many side effects ) from neurological symptoms that endanger his safety, so Drew’s uncle has left work to care for him full time. Please select here for Drew’s full story.

Prayers, financial support, gift cards, private messages or emails for specific donation needs, a friendly email/card of support/love , and sharing this page far and wide … Anything you can think of to help ease their burden during this trying time would be so appreciated.

Please consider making a donation to help Drew and his family meet their financial obligations and help them afford treatments that have become necessary to battle the side effect of this chemo, but that are not covered by insurance. Thank you for your love, support, and generosity. I am certain even the smallest contribution or generosity would bring truly infinite appreciation and gratitude.

…

Donate to help

Select here to make a donation to Drew’s PayPal acct.

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Mail a donation

You can mail a donation for Drew care of the
OnPoint Credit Union to the below address:

Andrew Elwood Fund
Account number: 10764405
c/o OnPoint Credit Union
PO Box 3750
Portland, OR 97208

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To fill you in…

In the winter of 2009 Andrew Elwood was first diagnosed with Stage 3c Melanoma from a routine pediatrician check-up and a simple skin biopsy of an irregular skin deformation (mole). He underwent a Biopsy surgery @ OHSU on the right upper bicep and a sentinel axillary lymphadenectomy (removal of first two lymph nodes under arm). This was followed by a 7 week course of Alpha Interferon Type 2-B Intravenous Chemotherapy @ Legacy Mt Hood Medical which forced his cancer into remission. He reluctantly attended Senior Prom while still recovering from the Chemotherapy and was even named Prom King much to his surprise (it is said he may have collapsed into his date’s arms in shock).

Andrew graduated from Corbett High School in 2010 and continued on down to Oregon State University to begin pursuit of a degree in Mechanical Engineering while performing in AFROTC to become an officer in the USAF. He had hopes of becoming an Air Combat Controller. During winter 2010, his Freshman Year at OSU, his next cancer reoccurrence was a second diagnosis of Stage 3b Melanoma. He was forced to withdraw for the term and return Home to receive another Biopsy surgery at OHSU on the right under arm and several treatments of focused Alpha Particle radiation at Legacy MT Hood Medical .After a short recovery Andrew returned back down to OSU for Spring Term. Having been medically disqualified from AFROTC Andrew changed to pursuit success in OSU’s German Partnership ATLANTIS Dual-Major Program in Mechanical Engineering/Material Science (w/ German Language minor). He continued pursuit of this through the rest of the 2011 freshman year. During the 2011 summer Andrew moved home to Corbett and trained and worked as a catering cook at McMenamins Edgefield.

The beginning of the 2011 sophomore year and fall term came and it was back down to OSU to continue schooling. Unfortunately in December, after declining health over the previous months and an ER trip after an potentially fatal incident one night while at work, Andrew found himself the next day in the ICU of OHSU with a third diagnosis of cancer. The cancer had progressed to Stage 4 Metastatic Melanoma. This meant it had gained the ability, through access to the Lymphatic stream or Bloodstream, to spread throughout the body. A tumor was found on the rear right lower section of the Occipital Lobe of Andrew’s Brain. It had bled causing him to lose significant primary visual cognitive functions, with swelling causing significant secondary symptoms such as extreme cranial pain. With severe risk of further growth, bleeding, and the loss of eyesight he underwent an Occipital Craniotomy (invasive surgery to remove the tumor). After an outstanding 2 days in the ICU and only 4 additional days inpatient Andrew was released home to Corbett where he moved back in with his Aunt and Uncle Scott & Sarah Pitts. He withdrew from college in order to allow recovery and treatment. Andrew received Radiotherapy (treatment of one high-dose gamma radiation “knife” to double the assurance the tumor had been treated)

Six weeks went by and Andrew just enjoy leisure and relaxation until one day after driving home from Portland and experiencing partial loss of eyesight, severe cranial pain, and facial numbness Andrew had experienced a stroke and fell to the ground his living room. Luckily he had already called on a sixth sense and extended family arrived and rushed him to the Legacy Mt Hood ER where after initial tests he was transferred to OHSU ICU later that night. Doctors soon told of the next reoccurrence, a fifth diagnosis, this time with 5 additional brain tumors of Stage 4 Melanoma. Two located in the Parietal Lobe, two located in the Frontal Lobe, and one located the Cerebellum, nestled close to the spinal column. The primary concern was for the largest of them, the tumor located in the Cerebellum. Further bleeding of this tumor was likely to cause permanent and severe damage, but removal of tumor require a surgery that had lower than a 15% chance of survival. If the tumor bled Andrew could lose any part of himself, but removing it had the likely chance of taking his life. At this point we can all make our own assertions as to what whether it be our faith in something higher or simply luck/chance, and remain respectful of the diversity amongst us all, but the bleeding stopped miraculously/luckily/by chance stopped. The surgery was not necessary. Andrew Was removed from the ICU after some time in observation and eventually all 5 tumors where treated with Radiotherapy in the same as the initial Occipital Diagnosis.

Andrew returned home to Corbett, where over the past few months he has been recovering appreciating every day, everything and everyone he has the luxury of living for. Since December he has experienced what many don’t in years, seen change in himself he never imagined, and gain a perspective on life he believes few truly grasp. When you walk hand-in-hand with death only then does he believe one can truly appreciate the deepest, purest, most beautiful, gifts this life has to offer.” We are the sum of our experiences.” ” For every negative a situation holds, there is always at least one positive, and more often than not many.” “There is purpose in everything”. These are all morals and aspects, beliefs and pillars that Andrew holds and lives by. But we digress.

A little over 8 weeks after the 5th diagnosis of cancer, Andrew met with multiple doctors over that time. Treatments were discussed and reviewed. Procedure followed until one day the board of doctors of Andrew’s OHSU cancer team ( Neurology, Oncology, Radiology, etc), met and collaborated, and decided that the best option for the future (considering all tests where clear and all cancer “treated”at this point) that observation, not further treatment (despite the request of Andrew himself) was the next recommended step. Andrew did not agree with that, and at that moment Andrew took the initiative and lead in his future and his fight to survive this disease. He pushed his doctor’s to be preemptive and go through with all options available. They met again to establish what option to take next. By this time Easter was here. Andrew was enjoying Easter Sunday with family when he had to be rushed to the ER after a sudden influx of severe cranial pain. Andrew was transferred from Legacy Mt Hood Medical to OHSU for tests. His doctors determined this as another reoccurrence and gave him the sixth diagnosis of 8 additional scattered Stage 4 Melonama cranial tumors occupying all lobes of the brain. The tumors are currently small, but too many for radiation treatment.

Therefore Andrew has started an oral Chemotherapy call Zelboraf that he takes twice a day at home. This treatment is making him extremely and severely ill with sometimes up to 15-20 simultaneous symptoms (Link to website detailing Zelboraf for those inquiring: http://www.zelboraf.com. Andrew has developed additional symptoms not listed or expected from his body’s reaction to this Chemotherapy. Some of this is due to the shear amount of secondary “maintenance” or “balancing” drugs required to try and suppress or ease the severe effects of the Chemotherapy. The drug is a figurative roller coaster ride with extremes at both sides. A peak could leave him feeling better than usual but in these times symptoms such as extreme mania which seem harmless could leave him sleep deprived for days because he feels so good. The troughs see extreme physical and neurological pains and even the chance of the drug causing more or newer skin cancers. The risk and struggle is great, but it is a necessary evil to fight for the gift of life.

Due to a severe risk to his constant safety Andrew’s uncle has left work to care for him full time. This leaves Drew’s aunt to work full time in an attempt to support the family and all their needs through this one year battle. During this one year treatment on Zelboraf there are plans to supplement his fight with two additional Chemotherapy treatments pending the effectiveness of each respective drug. If the Zelboraf sees positive result in the next months Andrew will start the Intravenous Chemotherapy Proleukin [IL-2] (Link to website detailing for those inquiring: http://www.proleukin.com/mm/Metastatic-Melanoma.aspx), an in-hospital ICU administered three week treatment. After that there are plans to supplement treatment with the Intravenous Chemotherapy Yervoy (Link to website detailing for those inquiring: http://www.yervoy.com), which is taken in a chemo ward every 3 weeks for 4 months. As you can see this young man of only 20 is doing everything he can, even when it means facing misery and pain, to take any opportunity to fight for his life. Hope is something that should never fade, nomater how dark the day;

There is always hope, Always.

Prayers, financial support, gift cards, private messages or emails for specific donation needs, a friendly email/card of support/love , and sharing this page far and wide … Anything you can think of to help ease their burden during this trying time would be so appreciated. Please consider making a donation to help Drew and his family meet their financial obligations and help them afford treatments that have become necessary to battle the side effect of this chemo, but that are not covered by insurance. Thank you for your love, support, and generosity. I am certain even the smallest contribution or generosity would bring truly infinite appreciation and gratitude.
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR for the 14th Annual Art Festival
May 19-20, 2012 at the Corbett Grade School

The Corbett Education Foundation will host its 14th annual Columbia Gorge Art Festival the third weekend in May 19-20, 2012.  We invite everyone to stop by and take in the art, food, and entertainment.  Artists and Craftspeople offer all types of items from paintings to sculptures, soaps to jewelry – and much more.  We still have room for a few more Artists and Craftspeople, so give us a call or email if you are interested in being part of our fine event.

Download the pdf here with all the information and events for the weekend!

More details here!

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All you care to eat pancake breakfast ( ham and eggs as well as juice and coffee ) on Saturday June 2nd, 2012 – from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM at the Corbett Fire Hall. [ Directions here. ]

$6 for adults and $3 for kids 10 and under. 

All proceeds fund the Ferd Riehl Scholarship. ( This scholarship provides funding to Corbett Graduates who have served our community and those who are pursuing Fire Science & Medical training. )

Pancake breakfast, hot rods and old cars, door prizes, fire truck rides and balloons for the kids, meet Sparky the firedog, and subject to availability there will be a life flight helicopter with tours and demos.

Select here to download a printable version of our flier!

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The seniors lunch for area residents 55 & up is every Monday. ( 11:00-1:00 p.m., the doors are open to Senior residents – over 55 years of age).

During this time, Seniors enjoy the opportunity to shop at Helping Hands, have donuts, coffee and socialization with their neighbors followed by a hot lunch. Between 11:30 and noon community announcements/news are usually given by Michelle Smith and Arnold DuFresne. 

Anyone with news to share is also encouraged.  If you are just there for the lunch and not shopping there is no charge for the meal, but shopping is $10. Otherwise a $2 donation is appreciated.

* Community Resource Officer Deputy Joe ‘Rocky’ Graziano with Multnomah County Sheriffs office frequently drops in and also shares things to be aware of.  Lunch is served at noon.

* The 4th Monday of the month is pot luck, those unable to cook are encouraged to bring vanilla ice cream.

Select here for more information about the Columbia Grange and to get in touch!

Some Great Photos to Share!

* Photo Collages courtesy of Michelle Abramson. Thank you Michelle!

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“Forever in our hearts and prayers Woody Davis – ALS” And so says the plastic bracelets being sold to raise funds for the breathing machine Woody Davis will soon need.

Woody Davis ALS Bands Fundraiser

As the flier says at Big Bear’s Market, a minimum donation of $1 for each bracelet is helping to raise funds for Woody. After insurance the breathing machine will still cost $900. Please stop in and make a donation and spread the word. We can raise this Corbett!

Donations can be sent care of Woody Davis to
36250 SE Gordon Creek Road Corbett, OR 97019

If you missed the story on Woody Davis that was on CBS News, please select here to watch it from our web site and see some of the wonderful responses folks have posted since it aired.

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Phil Dufresne has retired from running the Fun Festival. We are at a CRITICAL cross road right now and we need to decide as a community how important it is to us. Is it important enough to help make it happen or are we going to let it die? That is exactly where we are right now; there are ONLY 2 choices.

Please select here for the pdf and flier for all details! 

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Last year we saw a record number of disasters across the United States and around the world. We live in a Subduction Zone just like northern Japan. Subduction zone earthquakes are the strongest earthquakes there are, ranging from 9.0 to 10.0 and they happen every 300 to 500 years in this area. It’s been over 300 years and it’s not a matter of if, but when.

True, it may or may not happen in our lifetime. What does happen here are winter storms with power outages, wildfires, landslides, etc. Wouldn’t you feel better if we, as a community were prepared? We live in an incredible community were neighbors know each other and help each other and we are more prepared than most because we are rural and have to be more self sufficient. Even that won’t be enough when a large disaster strikes.

We will be holding a 2 day CERT class (Community Emergency Response Team) March 3rd and 10th , two 10 hour days, at Mt. Hood Community College. (In Corbett it is known as NERT (Neighborhood instead of Community).

What is CERT?
CERT training focuses on increasing the level of SAFETY for those who will be stepping forward to assist after a disaster.
CERT promotes a partnership between emergency services and the community members they serve. Emergency personnel train citizens in the community (that’s you!), who are then integrated into emergency response for their area.

Basic emergency response skills taught during CERT training enable CERT members to help themselves, their families and their neighbors, thereby improving their ability to survive until additional assistance arrives.
In the wake of a disaster, emergency personnel and their resources may be overwhelmed by the response needs in our community. The goal of the CERT program is to help neighborhoods and communities respond safely to and to recover from a disaster. This training is designed not to encourage response but to give those who would respond – the tools and knowledge of how to do so safely. Disasters are long term events that can take months or years to recover from – CERT is just one course that is available to help prepare citizens.

I have attached a flyer for the class in March, please forward this to anyone you know that lives in the Multnomah or Clackamas County area. This class is a cooperative effort between Corbett NERT, Boring, Estacada, Hoodland and Sandy Fire Districts, they are FREE and they are open to anyone who wants to attend.

Please don’t hesitate to call, text or email if you have any questions. Let’s get prepared!

Carnetta Boyd, Program Coordinator & Trainer
Corbett NERT (Neighborhood Emergency Response Team)
Disaster and Emergency Preparedness, Training and Response!
PO Box 391
Corbett, Oregon 97019-0391
(503) 880-7658 Cell
CorbettNERT@gmail.com

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The Citizen Patrol is a trained group of volunteers organized to increase the safety and livability in the Columbia River Gorge.

They walk and drive their neighborhood streets, parks, schools and businesses to report problems and to deter crime.  They may be seen assisting a deputy with traffic control or assisting at a community event.  They wear identifiable clothing and a photo ID card issued by the Sheriff’s Office. Members have successfully passed background checks and a screening process with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. They take an active role in assisting law enforcement by patrolling areas with a partner and focusing on locations with known problems.  One of their primary missions is to deter vehicle break-ins at popular tourist destinations, in parking lots and at trailheads.  Many of the members are also N.E.R.T. (Neighborhood Emergency Response Team) members that have been trained in disaster preparedness and emergency response.  The team generally meets for training three times per year.  The Multnomah Falls Lodge, the Springdale Job Corps and the Corbett Fire Department have all graciously hosted some of our training meetings.

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A Citizen Patrol is a great way to meet like-minded people, contribute to your community, and get some exercise too!

If you’re interested in joining, please contact the county volunteer coordinator at 503-988-3390 or via email at: volunteer.services@mcso.us or you can begin the application process here.

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The Corbett Community Resource Officer, Deputy Joe Graziano, is the liaison officer for the Citizen Patrol.

If you’d like to request Citizen Patrol assistance for your community event or if you’d like to make a tax deductible donation for our equipment and training please contact Deputy Graziano. You may call him for additional information prior to beginning the application process.  He may be reached via voicemail at 503-251-2502 or email at joseph.graziano@mcso.us.

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For Active Members

You can select this link and then scroll down to “MCSO VIC” at the bottom of the page to enter Volgistics for your monthly hours.

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A few photos