What happens when you live too far from a library? How do you read books during summer vacation? How do you practice all those reading skills you learned in school? How do you build a library within your home? While these questions could not be answered in the past, a solution has now been found thanks to TTSD Books on Wheels.

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We’ve heard it our whole lives: exercise is highly beneficial for our bodies and minds. Consciously, most people know that they should be engaging in physical activities on a regular basis. Unfortunately, the reality is a high majority of Americans live sedentary lifestyles even though consistent exercise is one of the least expensive ways of improving one’s health. Full article

I’d like to begin this month’s letter by thanking the community of Tualatin for the warm welcome that I’ve experienced over the last couple months. When past publisher Jonathan Crane gave me the opportunity to take on the publisher role, my biggest worry was that our advertisers and contributors would take this change as an opportunity to end their relationship with the newspaper. To the contrary, the response has been amazingly welcoming and I’m grateful for that response. A lot has been happening in Tualatin, and this issue is jam-packed with great articles. One of the most exciting stories has been news that Tualatin has been selected as one of the eight finalists in the America’s Best Communities (ABC) contest. You can read more about the Tualatin ABC Teams efforts on page 3. Along with the $100,000 awarded to each of the finalists comes an opportunity to bring another $3 million to the city. If you’re interested in hearing Mayor Ogden’s pitch to the judges, we’ve shared it on our Facebook page. Several readers have called or emailed to inquire about Jessi Thorne, the young mother facing serious health problems in the form of a brain cyst. I was able to speak to Jessi’s mom, Terri, and I’m happy to report that after a few delays, she has undergone surgery, and it sounds like it was a complete success. Initial tests have shown the growth to be non-malignant, but she still has a long road to recovery ahead of her. We’re hoping she’ll be well enough for an update next month. In other news, Memorial Day is right around the corner. On page 15, regular contributor Dale Potts (who also organizes and emcees Tualatin’s Memorial Day Observance at the Winona Cemetery) writes about his visit to the National WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C. There, you’ll find details on Tualatin’s Memorial Day Observance and picnic which follows. Sounds like an appropriate way to spend the day. On page 11, Loyce Martinazzi writes more about the Winona Cemetery and it’s origins. On a slightly less positive note, as I talk to some of our small businesses, I’m reminded that running a business can be a challenge. These are the people that live, work and play in our communities and are an important part of the local economy. Aside from allowing Tualatin Life to be a viable entity, studies show the economic impact of dollars spent with locally-owned businesses has more than twice the impact of those spent with the national chains. Let’s keep the local economy healthy and support these businesses. Michael Antonelli – Publisher 503-692-9215

“Spread the Love” is the mantra for Tualatin resident Jim Serrill who lives those words in everything he does. But it could have been another story for this professional tree trimmer whose life has been riddled with family tragedies and cancer. After realizing anger and negative attitudes could be turned to positive good, Jim now recommends being prepared and meeting personal challenges head on. In the process, he inspires others to do the same.

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When Tualatin Police Chief Kent Barker retires at the end of June, our city will lose more than a Chief, but rather an extraordinary community member who has integrated our police force with our community in a way very few Chiefs do.

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Celebrations were erupting in communities across the country last month as Tualatin and seven other cities were named as finalists in the America’s Best Communities (ABC) competition, sponsored by Frontier Communications. Each of these communities will receive $100,000 to begin bringing their Community Revitalization Plans to life.

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Congratulations Tualatin, for being chosen as one of the best eight communities in America. And thanks to the great foresighted leaders that are shaping our Tualatin citizens’ lives even today.

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On my last visit to our nation’s capital, in Spring, 2004, I was fortunate to visit the newly completed national World War 11 Memorial. It wasn’t my specific destination but It was hard to miss when walking on the National Mall; an amphitheater with triumphal arches on the Southern and Northern ends and 56 pillars in a semicircle surrounding a plaza and fountain. It is in a beautiful sitting, with the Washington Monument on one side and the Lincoln Memorial stretched out beyond the reflecting pool.

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The grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for the new segment of the Tualatin River Greenway on April 9th was a fun day for family, friends and partners on the project. The event brought many people to the trail for the first time, creating a stronger sense of place.

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Each spring, communities across America celebrate the volunteers – individuals, businesses, and organizations – who give their time, talents and resources to help those in need. Tualatin is one of those lucky communities with a wealth of good samaritans who seem to have an insatiable spirit for giving back. These are the people that help make our fine city a great place to live, work and play.

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