West Linn Refuse and Recycling Cancels Event

October 7, 2020

West Linn Refuse and Recycling
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, West Linn Refuse & Recycling (WLRR) has made the decision to cancel their fall drop-off event. They are, however still providing their  free bulky waste cleanup program to West Linn customers. While many haulers in Oregon have temporarily discontinued bulky item pickups altogether, WLRR has continued to offer this service by keeping their drivers safe with masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, and maintaining physical distancing. Each customer gets one free bulky waste pick up per year. For details on the program click here or call WLRR at 503-557-3900 to schedule your free pick up.

Safe and Spooky Halloween Ideas
Since many traditional Halloween activities can be high risk for spreading viruses, parents will be looking for safe, but still spooky, ways to create a fun and memorable holiday. The OHA is recommending that Oregonians avoid traditional trick-or-treating or trunk-or-treat activities this Halloween. Children may be disappointed, but there are still lots of fun ways to celebrate. Consider involving your children in the planning to add to their enthusiasm for the holiday.
Here are some ideas of ways to celebrate safely:

• Host an online costume contest with friends and family both near and far away. (Governor Kate Brown is hosting one on her Facebook page using #SpookySafeOregon. Make sure you include a face covering!)
• Watch a scary Halloween movie online.
• Carve pumpkins with members of your household.
• Have a neighborhood jack-o-lantern contest.
• Tour neighborhood yard and home displays with household members.
• Decorate your house, apartment, or living space.
• Make your own Halloween candy or caramel apples.
• Have a Halloween scavenger hunt in or around your home.

Remember that the safest activities include celebrating with members of your own household. If you gather with people outside your own household, you can decrease the risk by being outside, maintaining at least six feet of distance, and wearing a mask.

U-Pick Pumpkin Patches and COVID-19
One of the joys of living in Oregon is getting to visit local farms and pumpkin patches for Halloween activities. You may be wondering if these activities are safe this year. Here are some tips for staying safe at the pumpkin patch this autumn.

• Stay home if you're sick or come into contact with someone who's sick.
• Wear a mask if you can't stay physically distant.
• Avoid crowded activities.
• Look for activities that you can do without being too close to others. Some farms may offer hayrides for one household at a time or a corn maze with large aisles that are clearly marked for one-way traffic.