If you want to keep the present look of Rhododendron in mind, it would be a good idea to take some mental snapshots soon.

The effort has been dubbed “Rhody Rising,” and the plan was hatched at a Rhododendron Community Planning Organization (CPO) meeting in October last year. In the New Year, it has fled the nest.

“The idea is to make the Mountain community of Rhododendron a safer, more
economically vibrant, and a more appealing community to stop, shop and
stay,” CPO President Steve Graeper wrote in an email. “I think Rhododendron
can once again return to the vibrant community it once was. As a matter of
fact, I believe we can be even better.”

The ambitious goals of the project include: a sign to identify Rhododendron
and welcome visitors; sidewalks on both sides of Hwy. 26; pedestrian safety
islands; street lighting; bike paths; and parks and paths leading to the Zigzag
River and on the north side of the “Swinging Bridge.”

At a subsequent CPO meeting in November, Mark Seder, of Seder Architecture
and Urban Design, made a presentation that included artist renderings of the
type of redesign that was possible. (See graphic this page)
“Our work in 57 Oregon cities has ranged from some of our most rural, and
even isolated, to downtown Portland,” Seder said. “Rhododendron is a
tremendous opportunity to realize positive, community supported
improvements and further establishment as a thriving town center.”

In the October meeting a vote was taken by the membership unanimously
supporting the effort to revitalize Rhododendron. The wing flap drew the
attention of some members of the business community.

“As a business owner, I’m really interested in the beautification of our area,”
said Brigette Romeo, owner of the Still Creek Inn in Rhody. “It needs some
love to get it blooming again. It is going to take all property owners, business
owners, and local residents to come together and create a new vision.”

Rick Applegate, proprietor of Mt. Hood Roasters in Rhody, noted that there
has been more investment in Rhododendron in the last couple years than in
the previous couple of decades.

“With Mercury Development, Ski Bowl, Mountainology, Al Forno Ferruza and
Mt. Hood Rec recently purchasing properties and developing businesses, I see
Rhododendron on the verge of an economic renaissance,” Applegate said. “Mt.
Hood Roasters invested in Rhododendron 10 years ago. It has been a struggle
because Rhody is so undervalued by some business leaders. This will not be
the case in five years thanks to the hard work of our local CPO, and investors
that have recognized Rhododendron’s potential.

“I see a much more cohesive business community in Rhododendron that will
be focused on ensuring this community has the resources it needs.”

Investment is key, as the CPO has reached out to the community for financial
support as well as brought aboard a grant writer.

“In order for us to be eligible for any grant funding, which will help finance
this effort, we need to show potential grant funders that we, as a community,
are supportive of this effort,” Graeper said.

Early indications are positive. Seder’s initial invoice was for $2,596.63, but the
architect made an in-kind donation of $1,300 making the CPO responsible for
the other $1,300. As of Jan. 22, the CPO had already raised $3,880.

Others who wish to donate can mail checks to Rhododendron CPO, PO Box 33,
Rhododendron 97049, and indicate the funds are for “Rhody Rising.”

Donations are tax deductible as the CPO is a 501(c)3 and the ID number is
93-1286631.

At the January CPO meeting, the motion to continue with the Rhody Rising
dream passed unanimously.

With the support of the majority of the community, Rhody has wings.