Those That Survived The Hillsboro Fire Need Your Help

You all know about the fire, at least we hope you do.  The Weil Department Store and a portion of the Weil Arcade were burned to the ground by a monstrous person.  A person who has admitted to this act and others around our fair city.  For most of you, this will maybe not hit that close to home, but for those who live and work in historic Hillsboro, this has been very tough.

Funds are being raised to help some, not all, of those affected businesses.  You can contribute to that fund which is in the good hands of the Hillsboro Community Foundation.  Your chance to donate to that effort is easy to do, right here online from the safety of your home.

I have mentioned that we have our offices downtown at 222 East Main Street.  We share the building with The Artful Garden, the Candy Basket, Dirk Knudsen Real Estate (Me), and RiversEdge Insurance.  Our building and the two building to the East including LeStuff Antique Mall, Oaxaca Restaurant, Canos Jewelers, Catherine Bede Gallery, and others, are walled off by chainlink and a wall of plywood.  Main Street is closed and will be for some time.  Unlike those that lost their businesses, we are able to stay open.  On the downside, very few customers are coming out and we are still here in the fire zone.   The block between 2nd & 3rd and Main is hit hardest.

Other things to know:

• The Jensen Law Firm is closed due to smoke and water damage. Call their phone #.
• The Hillsboro Pharmacy is closed due to smoke and water damage. They have a pop-up spot for prescriptions and Vaccines at 2nd and Washington.  Address to follow.
• The Venetian is closed for a week or two due to Smoke Damage. Should reopen by the 20th.
• Lucia Isabel Collection– Dress shop- New pop-up location at New Years’ event this Saturday, January 8th, 2022 1 pm-8 pm at 115 SE 2nd Ave Hillsboro OR 97123.
• Weichert Realty – Closed but working offsite
• Impact Jiu Jitsu- Closed- 
• Crystal Heart on Main – More info to follow.
• LaHaies– Open
• Piccolo Mondo Toys– Open
• Bennett Urban Farm Store – Open
• Colours Art– Open
• Thai House– Open
• Arcade 2084 – Open
• Kove Yoga – Open
• Gimre’s Shoes– Open

HERE ARE THE BUSINESSES BEHIND THE WALL AND HOW TO REACH THEM- They Are Open

Free parking in the old US Bank lot for the next couple of weeks so do not be shy!  For the rest of the businesses upfront on Main Street you can reach them via sidewalk. 

GET OUT AND SHOP AND HELP THESE FOLKS OUT!

The fire destroyed a building and damaged some others.  But this was Hillsboro’s front door.  This was 102 years of Weil family history, and it has left a gaping hole in our town, our Main Street, and our hearts.  Buildings can be rebuilt, businesses can re-open, and hearts can be fixed.  But for a while, it is ok to be hurt and to let what has happened settle.  This teaches us and reminds us that time, life, and our own lives are fleeting. The impermanence is put in our face to see when this sort of thing happens.  Look Up, take pause, and enjoy your lives. That is after all the essence of it.

Here is a memorial tribute I made using footage I happened to have of the Weil’s building and our beautiful downtown.  This may make you sad- but remember how many years we enjoyed that building and the businesses that were able to thrive there.