An extra Thanksgiving guest

Set a plate for your plumber this season if you pour gravy, cooking oil and turkey grease down the drain. Not only will you deal with a messy sewer backup, you'll pay around $150 an hour plus an extra holiday fee for your unexpected visitor.

To help combat the fat, Clean Water Services is offering a free "Freeze the Grease, Save the Drain Kit" to residents. Call (503) 681-3678 or email to get your kit including a pan scraper, lid and easy-to-follow instructions to:

1. Scrape grease and food scraps into a can.

2. Freeze it.

3. Toss it into the trash.

When fats, oils and grease are poured down the drain, they stick to the inside of pipes causing sewer overflows and expensive cleanup and repair in your home. As a double whammy, the untreated wastewater may flow into streets, neighborhood storm drains and ultimately the nearest river or stream, causing problems for surrounding communities and the environment.

Sand for your castle

Heavy, sustained rain strains the community's sanitary sewers and storm drainage systems. With our best efforts including leaf disposal opportunities and street sweeping, rising water may still occur. Sand and sandbags are available through Washington County. Call ahead to confirm hours of operation and supply.

Remember to bring your leaves, grass clippings and a can of food to our 16th Annual Leaf Disposal and Food Drive on November 22 and December 6 at Sunset and Aloha High Schools from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Beauty and the least work

There's still time to sign up for a FREE Naturescaping for Clean Rivers workshop. Learn about native plants, natural landscapes and water-friendly gardening practices.

• Naturescaping Basic Workshop
  Saturday, December 6
  9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
  Jackson Bottom Wetlands, Hillsboro
  Call (503) 797-1842 or email naturescaping@yahoo.com to register by December 2.