Betta Fish Project Teaches Students About Life Cycle School District
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april18 2013 VERNONIA’S volume7 issue8 www.vernoniasvoice.com Betta Fish Project Teaches Students About Life Cycle By Scott Laird Vernonia High School students have been learning about science and the natural world through a unique, hands-on project initiated by teacher Jean Riley. Students in Riley’s classes have been raising, mating and observing betta fish for the past few years and have learned quite a bit about genetics, the life cycle, and basic fish care. Riley teaches Biology, Physical Science, and Natural Resources. The project began two years ago, when Riley rescued a dying fish from a pet store. He lacked color and had lost his fins. Riley brought him into her classroom and set up an aquarium, telling her students she didn’t expect the fish to survive, but at least its passing could be more peaceful. She says she used the rescued fish to help teach the students about their own connection to animals. “Many young people don’t know very much about animals—that they might have feelings, or anything like that,” explains Riley. “Any time you can get them to connect, it is good.” Betta fish are a large genus of small, often colorful, freshwater ray-finned fish from Thailand. The males are very showy and beautifully colored. Mature females can also be very pretty. Surprisingly, instead of dying, the fish made a comeback and regained his color and health. He became the class mascot. The students named him “Fishé” and Riley started teaching them about the life cycle of the betta fish, comparing it to the salmon they had al- ready learned about. Riley says her students asked her if they could get Fishé a girlfriend and try to breed them. Initially, Riley refused, stating that money and time were both lacking. When a small Class Grant became available, however, Riley applied; the funds would be used to try a small breeding experiment in her classroom. “It was a chance to teach the students about different kinds of fish, and for the students to form a positive bond with the fish, which is good for any young person,” says Riley. Riley says she was surprised when she was awarded the grant, and purchased several addi- inside 6 8 11 14 18 summer meals program camp 18 logger’s memorial old mill house inn vhs sports vrfpd free reflecting the spirit of our community tional aquariums, to hold the multitude of babies that could result from a successful project. Riley got a small batch of females and Fishé really took to one of them, which the students named Peach. But, unfortunately, the fertilized eggs didn’t hatch. After several attempts at breeding Fishé and Peach, Riley and her students decided to continue the project, but locate a new breeding male and female, retiring Fishé and Peach from the program. Blue-green Amari was the chosen female. The students discussed genetics and colors and decided on the type of male they wanted to use to continue their project. After voting between a number of males temporarily donated by students for the project, they chose Romeo, a red and clear fish with baby-blue markings. Romeo and Amari were successfully mated, and several hundred live babies hatched last May. Riley and her students now have seven aquarium tanks of fish. Several teachers in the school have adopted males to use in their classrooms, and many of the fish were adopted locally. Several batches have been sold to pet stores in the greater Portland area, which has helped offset some of the food costs. The mature males continued on page 14 School District Cuts Four Days Vernonia Schools Superintendent Ken Cox announced the need to cut four days from the current school year because of a budget shortage. The announcement came at the April 11, 2013 Vernonia School Board Meeting. Cox requested that the Board take immediate action and cut May 10, May 17, June 6 and June 7 from the current calendar. The move would affect all school district employees and reduce their salaries by four days. The Board approved the move unanimously. Cox cited lessthan-expected revenues and increased costs for the budget shortfall. He noted that the lower revenues were due to a lower than anticipated student count this year, donations that were lower than expected, and credit from the ESD that was used for additional services, as well as several other unexpected reductions. Cox explained that, among the increased costs, were the addition of staff for special education and shop classes and higher negotiated salaries, expected savings in utilities that did not materialize, higher insurance premiums at the new building, and additional moving expenses. Cox explained that during the preparation of the budget for this year the district faced a number of unknowns. “In order to save jobs we budgeted too close to the wire,” said Cox. Cox reported that the current projected ending fund balance shows a $35,265 deficit. By cutting four days this year Cox expects savings of $89,840, leaving an ending fund balance of $54,575 to start the next school year. Cox was not optimistic when he talked about the upcoming budget for the 2013-14 school year. Cox said he expects a large increase in PERS contributions the district needs to make as well as less funding from the state due to cuts. “There will be significant impacts on the budget next year,” said Cox. “With our student count continuing to drop, we will have a challenge and we will not be able to maintain the current staffing levels that we have at this point.” Cox suggested that the first cut would be for the Superintendent to be reduced to a half-time position next year. VRFPD Board of Directors Candidate Interviews On May 21, 2013 Oregonians will vote for several local positions in a general election. Most positions up for election in Vernonia have candidates that are running unopposed. The Vernonia Rural Fire Protection District has two open positions. Luke Ellis and Mike Demeter are running against each other for Position 5 ; Ben Davis is running unopposed for Position 1 . Vernonia’s Voice sat down with each of these three candidates for interviews to help give our readers some insight into their views and perspective on the position they are running for. Tell us a little about your background and personal life. What is your fire experience and what are your qualifications for this position? Ben Davis: I joined the VRFPD in 1999 right out of high school; our family had just moved to Vernonia and I thought it was a good way to become a part of the community and meet new people. I went on to PCC and got my Associates Degree in Fire Science and followed that up by getting my National Registry Paramedic. During that four or five year period I continued volunteering with Vernonia and progressed from Firefighter to Lieutenant to Deputy Chief and eventually served for two years as Training Officer. I worked full time during that time frame as a Paramedic in Washington County for Metro West Ambulance and in 2005 was hired full time as a Paramedic/ Firefighter at Columbia River Fire and Rescue. With them I am now an acting Lieutenent, filling in as company officer when someone is away, and have been continuing to progress with my leadership, experience, and education. I have also continued my education and am pursuing, part- time, my Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Administration through Eastern Oregon University. I am currently a Firefighter with VRFPD, having stepped down from the Deputy Chief and Training Officer positions because of the large time commitment needed to fill those roles appropriately. Throughout the time I’ve been involved with VRFPD and with Columbia River I have served at different levels, including with the Vernonia Volunteer Association. I have some experience with Public Meeting Law. My degree in Fire Science and my continuing education give me a solid background in operations. I married Christie Brown Davis in 2007; we met through VRFPD. continued on page 3 2 april18 2013 I can show you any listing you would like to see. Just call me at 503.819.7924 and I can help you with all your real estate needs. New on the Market 1001 4th Avenue $174,900 3 bedroom/2 full baths! Great woodwork, newer paint & heat pump. RMLS# 13108249 www.1001on4th.com New Construction Sharon A. Bernal Real Estate Broker Cell: (503) 819.7924 Email: [email protected] JohnLScott.com/SharonBernal John L. Scott Market Center RMLS# 13130392 $208,900 1966 Nickerson Avenue, off Knott Street 3 bd/2 bath. Hardwood floors, granite counter tops, gas furnace & water heater. www.1966Nickerson.com l Sa 855 NE 25th Avenue Hillsboro, OR 97124 859 Bridge Street Vernonia, OR 97064 e n Pe ng di 1668 Rose Avenue 11126 Highway 202 RMLS# 13016273 $89,900 Start your country business here! www.11126Hwy202.com l Sa e nd Pe g in l Sa e nd Pe g in 892 2nd Avenue 318 Arkansas Ave. Vernonia Realty & Insurance Center 953 Bridge Street,Vernonia, OR, 97064 Office 503.429.6203 Cell 503.780.3466 [email protected] Ken & Helen Bateman, Brokers Properties Available Now! 981 Fairway Ln: To Each His Own! With 7 bdrms, 2 bath, mud room, office/den & heated detached shop, everyone has a room of their own. Sitting on a .46 acre lot w/towering trees, room for a garden and in a quiet newer neighborhood you can’t ask for more. $189,000. 67478 Nehalem Hwy N: Country pure and simple. Over 2 acres with 3 bdrm, 2 bath dble-wide, w/ lg deck. Outbuildings, fenced yard w/ fruit trees, Nehalem River frontage & two tax lots. 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New paint in & out. $199,500 community april18 2013 VRFPD Board of Directors Candidate Interviews continued from front page Christie is also a Paramedic who works for Metro West and teaches at PCC. We have a son, little Ben who is 21 months old. Luke Ellis: I grew up in Vernonia and lived here for twenty-nine years. I graduated from high school here and then got my culinary degree from Western Culinary Institute. When I was a junior in high school I was part of the Fire Science program we had here and then joined the department during my senior year in 2002, so I have been a firefighter here for over eleven years. I recently helped start the Pancake Breakfast, I’ve been an Officer-in-Training, and I’ve grown with the department and helped it move forward. I would bring the perspective of the volunteers to the Board. I have a different point of view than a lot of the Board members currently have. I am more for the volunteers and for better Public Relations and communicating with the public. I want to make sure the volunteers are taken care of. I also know we can’t lose sight of the business side and make sure that things get done and paid. I am married to Torie, who has also been a volunteer Firefighter for eight years. We have three children: Joseph, 6, Jordynn, 3 and Joshwa, 2. Our children are sixth generation Vernonians. Mike Demeter: My wife Marci and I moved here in 1989 so this will be our twenty-fourth year in Vernonia. People in the community may know who Marci and I are, we’re the people with the large Irish Wolfhounds; we try to march in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade every year. When we first moved out here we were destitute, to put it mildly, and so we used a lot of the services that were available. Over the years as things have improved for us we have managed to start giving things back to the community. I joined the Fire Department a little over five years ago, right after the flood when we had lost so many of our firefighters who had to move away or quit. I worked with the department for a little over four years; I resigned in January because my work situation changed and I was no longer able to meet the time and training requirements. I work for Intel, I’m a staff security engineer there and I travel the world working with very diverse groups of people. I work in multi-cultural, diverse groups, trying to find consensus, trying to work getting things done. We always tell people, “Don’t come to the table with a problem, come to the table with a solution.” I think people need to do their homework and bring solutions so you can move forward. ing me from volunteering. I didn’t want to resign but it was getting harder and harder for me to maintain the 135 hours of minimum training each year. It was very frustrating for me to not be able to go out on calls, so this is a way for me Why are you running for the VRFPD to still be involved with the Fire Department because I really miss it. Board of Directors? I want to do this for myself and Ben Davis: The Board of Directors is something I have been interested in for a for the community. I joined the Fire Dewhile because it’s a position where I feel partment to give back to the community. I can still serve the community. Right I had to leave because my job required now I feel this is the best way for me to it, so I wanted something that I could serve the department and the community do even if I’m away—I can do the readwith not as much of a time commitment. ing and the work when I’m away and I also have a lot of interest because it has with Board meetings just once a month to do with the administration side of the I can contribute. I have access to lots district; to this point I have mostly been of research tools and capabilities. I have involved in day-to-day operations and written grants for VRFPD in the past, I am really taking more interest in the this would give me more time and a strategic planning, long term goals and chance to help in that way. administration of fire districts, not just the responding aspect. That is the direc- As a Board member, what would you tion I am wanting to go and still be able hope to accomplish? What are your to serve the community. goals? Luke Ellis: I think the best step for me Ben Davis: A Board members role is now to move further is to join the Board to set policy, make sure the budget is and implement changes. balanced properly and that the public’s I see things falling through the funds are spent correctly. I think, at cracks on the Board. I want to see it run times we have had Board members who like a business. If you don’t run it like a have maybe tried to get a little too inbusiness it will go under. volved in operations, which is not their I have been on the department position. My goal as a Board member is and have seen what has gone on in the to help with the long term direction that past and been here as we worked through Chief Smith and the volunteers want to the hard times and tried to rebuild it. I go. The Board needs to work as a team want the community to know that we to find ways to promote and reach those are here for them, not just because we long term goals. We have a good group have to be there. I want the commu- of volunteers and we have a good Chief nity to know what we do and somehow and as a Board member I hope we can give more ownership to the community. help them accomplish their goals within We’re a small community and a small the confines of the budget and the law. department. If you pull the community My goals include helping with the strain more I think we will go further and tegic planning and direction. people will respect more what we do and Personally, over the years I have understand what we do and support what seen a need in the training aspect-it’s we are trying to do. why I filled that role for several years. Mike Demeter: We have lived here I personally think the department, in the for both of the floods. I know how de- future, may need at least a part-time, pressed the economy is here. I know for paid position created—someone who a fact that the Fire Department has lots can dedicate time to do that training for of needs, lots of things that are breaking us. It is a job that requires a big commiton a regular basis and it costs them tons ment and isn’t something Chief Smith of money to fix. The problem is that we necessarily has time to do. There are a can’t go to the community and ask them lot of small departments around the state for more money, because they are al- that have a paid Chief and a part-time ready cash strapped with the water rates, training officer to make the organization the electric rates, our tax rates and the run well, I think that is a good goal for work base-there is no work here. So it’s the district. going to take people who can go out and There are also long term issues look for other means to resolve it. with apparatus that needs to be replaced My job with Intel and the and some issues with the station facility amount of travel that I do was prohibit- that may need to be changed in the fu- Publisher and Managing Editor Scott Laird 503-367-0098 [email protected] Contributors Savannah Brown Chip Bubl Tobie Finzel Bill Haack Jack Phillips Gayle Rich-Boxman Sonia Spackman Brooke VanMeter Brad Witt Photography Scott Laird Gayle Rich-Boxman Want to advertise? Have an article? Contact: [email protected] One year subscriptions (24 issues) $35 Vernonia’s Voice is published on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month. Vernonia’s Voice, LLC PO Box 55 Vernonia, OR 97064 503-367-0098 www.VernoniasVoice.com ture. Those are long term things that I think, between the Board of Directors, the Chief and the volunteers, we can all get on the same page and really move forward with a good strategic plan. Luke Ellis: I think we need to figure out how we can get a second paid person at the station full time, so we have someone there five days a week, from 9 to 5. We also need to do something to update the rigs. Maybe going out and getting some grants or eventually to push for a bond, but figuring out how to get some new rigs. There are four rigs that honestly need to be replaced. I think we need goals for the department, in the sense that the Board Taco Tuesday “STILL BIKER FRIENDLY” from opening until 9 PM 3 hardshell or 1 softshell $4.25 LIVE MUSIC Prime Rib every second Saturday 5-9 PM Karaoke Bob Prohaska’s 70th Starts at 6 PM April 27 Live Music - Nashville recording artist Ted Boursaw 7-11 PM Check our Facebook page for daily specials and upcoming events 756 Bridge Street, Vernonia 503-429-5841 continued on page 20 Happy Hour Mon-Fri 4-7 Lady’s Night Wed 5-12 Cedar Side Inn every Friday 9 PM-close 3 • Specialty hamburgers • Draft beer & mixed drinks • Pool tables & satelite TV • Special live music events • Free Wi-fi Sun - Thurs 11 AM - Midnight • 733 Bridge St, Vernonia April 27 Dixie Wrecked May 4 Stepchild May 11 Third Member Now Beer & Kegs to go Fri - Sat 11 AM - 2:30 AM • 503-429-9999 4 community bulletin board/letters to the editor april18 2013 Joy Creek Nursery 18th Annual Columbia County Offers Classes Spring Garden Fair Joy Creek believes their classes are a good way for gardeners of all Tomato Sale levels to improve their knowledge of plants and their gardening skills. The classes also offer an opportunity for gardeners to meet others who share a similar passion. Joy Creek hopes they give confidence to the beginner and inspiration to the long-time gardener. Saturday April 27, 2013 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Certified Master Gardeners offer 5,000 tomatoes in more than 30 varieties for only $1.50 per plant, tomato and general gardening information, raffle tickets, hourly prizes and displays. Dozens of local vendors offering garden related products. Please carpool. Location: St. Helens High School 2375 Gable Rd, St Helens, OR 97051 Contact: Wes Bevans Phone: 503-543-3725 1:00 Sunday, April 21 - free Vegetables in Containers - with Rose Marie Nichols-McGee 1:00 Sunday, April 28 - free Potted: Planting Containers for Sun & Shade - with Robert Hyland Visit their website for a full listing of classes offered. http://joycreek.com/education.htm 20300 NW Watson Road, Scappoose, OR 97056 (503) 543-7474 Readers Lend Their Voices... To the Oregon State Senate Judiciary Committee, Concerning the Anti-Gun Bills Aimed at Law-Abiding Citizens currently being considered, these bills attempt to create a “solution” to a nonexistent problem and instead create a new class of criminals amongst otherwise law-abiding citizens. Please do not place any additional requirements on a group of people who have already gone out of their way to abide by the law to exercise a constitutional right. Concealed Handgun licensed (CHL) holders are not a threat to any Oregonian. Crime rates are reduced in states with CHL holders. Existing law is enough, prosecute those who break the law not those who have already taken overt steps not to break the law. Secondly, though I am for commercial sales and gun shows requiring background checks, I am opposed to any additional changes to regulations of private sales. If you where to look at existing state and federal law there is already necessary statutes to address and regulate potentially adverse behavior. Again, do not waist taxpayer time trying to find people who may break the law in a group who classically is not, make those who break the law do the time for the laws they break. Enforce, don’t punish. I am a gun owner and I vote! Joel R. Glass Father, Hunter, Shooter Vernonia, OR To the Editor, I read with interest your story on the American Legion Building in Vernonia. From an early age I hung around that building. It was only a couple of blocks from my home. I would go there to watch boxing and wrestling which were regular events at the American Legion Building. And dances were held there almost every Saturday night. During World War II, the Army had several people (five to seven is my guess and that is just a guess) stationed at the building as they manned a station (radar? radio?) in the hills near Vernonia. They slept upstairs in the second floor area over the kitchen and front door area. They had a Jeep vehicle at their disposal and I hung around for a chance to ride in that Jeep. I would further guess that they ate at a local Vernonia Restaurant but they might very well have done their own cooking upstairs in their “Legion Barracks.” I worked at the Pal Shop ice cream parlor just up the street from the American Legion Building and when off duty those Army fellows spent a lot of time there. Between the two World Wars I and II the American Legion Building in Vernonia was a busy place when open for some event. On Armistice Day (back then, always November 11) was a big day at the Legion. Nov. 11, 1918, the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month was when the official ending of World War I took 2013 Vernonia Lake Trout Stocking by Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife April 8 April 29 3,000 Rainbow 2,500 Rainbow Stocking dates subject to change without notice Library Conversation Explores Unheeded Warnings On April 20, 2013, at 4:00 PM the Vernonia Public Library presents “Slow Learners: Two Hundred Years of Unheeded Warnings,” a free conversation with Oregon State University professor emeritus Richard Clinton. This program is hosted by Friends of the Vernonia Public Library and Vernonia Library Board and sponsored by Oregon Humanities. Cogent, compelling warnings about exponential population growth, misplaced faith in technology to solve our problems, that greed and envy are treacherous underpinnings for an economic system – have been ignored for more than two centuries. These warnings have come from some of the best minds of their times and have often been endorsed by other respected scientists and thinkers, yet their influence on public policy and individual behavior has been negligible. Clinton is professor emeritus of political science at Oregon State University, where he currently teaches place. And every November 11, at 11:00 AM, the Legion members, seemingly led by Cass Bergerson, would put up eleven sticks of dynamite on sticks of lath, separated in the field north side of the Legion Building. Cass would begin with a blow torch and light the fuses to the dynamite, one at a time. Thus there would be 11 sticks of dynamite going off within a very short time of each other, commemorating the day and time. I’m sure they had other festivities going on in the building for the members. Then, in the afternoon the Legion members would assemble with rifles and march through Vernonia. All had military rifles, webbing belts, Legion caps. And there seemed to be a lot of them. I can still see them in my mind. And the dances at the Legion Building on Saturday nights? A wood stove on the south side middle. Made out of oil drums, one above the other. Silver in color. Bench seat along south and north sides of building. Men on the south side, women on the north side. Musical groups were usually Red O’Brien’s group from Vernonia (Red, his stepsons Dick and Don Renfro, Harold Fowler, Mrs. Borton and Larry Brady singing) and sometimes “Arky and His Jolly Cowboys” (they were out of Portland were on the radio). Music would begin and men would rush across floor to ask their lady of choice for a dance. At intermission, the ladies of the Legion would provide a meal (for a fee) from the kitchen. At Intermission there was a lot of rushing out to the parked cars to imbibe in stronger drink than the coffee provided inside the building. Occasionally there would be a fight. The mood was usually quite lively after intermission. Bob New Brush Prairie, WA To the Editor, As one who has been regularly involved as an educator and volunteer in efforts to improve the quality of life in the Rainier area since 1970, I applaud the Rainier City Council’s recent decision to in the Honors College. Clinton was twice a Senior Fulbright Scholarfacilitator in Peru and has been the Hanna Distinguished Chair in Latin American Politics at Rollins College in Florida. He is the author of three books and dozens of journal articles, book chapters, and essays; the editor or co-editor of three volumes; and, most recently, the co-author of Environmental Politics and Policy: A Comparative Approach (McGraw Hill, 2002). Through the Conversation Project, Oregon Humanities offers free programs that engage community members in thoughtful, challenging conversations about ideas critical to our daily lives and our state’s future. For more information about this free community discussion, please contact the Vernonia Public Library at 503429-1818 or [email protected]. O. Hm. Oregon Humanities oppose the expansion (rezoning) of the Port Westward industrial land for a coal terminal that would entail massive rail shipments through Rainier. The Council correctly foresees that the quality of life and the economic conditions in Rainier will be adversely affected by the Port’s extreme expansion plans. Rainier’s situation is such that a moderate use of the existing railroad infrastructure for a limited number of short train passages per day, is the only appropriate choice for city and county (and port) planners. Unit trains of coal and/or petroleum, each comprised of 125 or more cars and measuring oneand-a-third miles long, will not allow the city to function effectively and safely without millions of dollars being spent for redesigning and rebuilding city and rail infrastructure, resulting in the uprooting and removal of dozens of businesses, families and city services. Since the Port of St. Helens board and some of our County officials seem determined to roll over our town without even conducting a decent economic impact study in their frantic efforts to join the coal-and-oil export craze, it is heartening that our city leaders have the courage to insist that Rainier must not be “collateral damage” from this wholly misguided and foolish enterprise. Darrel Whipple Rainier, OR HOW TO SEND LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Vernonia’s Voice welcomes and requests your thoughts, opinions and ideas. Please include your name, address and phone number, limit your letters to 300 words or less. Vernonia’s Voice reserves the right to edit, omit, respond or ask for a response to letters submitted. We will print letters space permitting. Deadline is the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month. Email: [email protected] or mail to: Letters, PO Box 55, Vernonia, OR 97064. city news At the April 15, 2013 City Council Meeting: Council Approves ACU’s-Council approved Ordinance 891, amending Title 9 of the City Code, and allowing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s) to be developed in areas of the City zoned Residential, General Residential and Low Density Residential. City To Hold Open Space HearingsThe City of Vernonia will conduct a series of Public Hearings to develop a plan for long tern use of lands acquired through FEMA acquisition projects in neighborhoods throughout the City. FEMA requires that no insurable improvements be created on these sites but allows the City discretion on community use, including parking, orchards and gardens, parks and other uses to be developed. The meeting will Vernonia City News... be held at the VCLC from 10 AM to 12 Noon on Saturday June 8 for properties WEST of Rock Creek; on Saturday June 15 for properties between Rock Creek and the Green Bridge; and on Saturday June 22 for properties EAST of the Nehalem River and the Green Bridge. Council Approves Name for WetlandAt the request of the Parks Committee, Council approved the suggested name for the wetlands area at the O-A Mill Site. “Old Mill Marsh” is the name the Vernonia High School Leadership Class presented to the Parks Committee after they held a contest at the school. The Parks Committee and City Council both approved this name. Citizen Discusses Medical MarijuanaResident Ron Buffum spoke during Topics from the Floor and informed Council of his hope to open a Medical City Administrator Report By Bill Haack the WWTP project. WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT PROJECT BIOSOLIDS PLAN City staff completed the Biosolids Sampling protocol on April 3, 2013; and the samples were delivered to a testing lab in Tigard. The testing process requires about 45 days to conduct a review process, and then an additional week to develop a report. Otak is in the process of calculating the volume of biosolids to be removed. Otak is developing a scope of work to use in hiring a firm to dredge and dewater the biosolids. WWTP PROJECT UPDATE The City provided information on the WWTP project at the Vernonia School District April 17, 2013 Town Hall meeting. Handouts were available on the elements of the project, the project schedule, and the budget and financing plans now under review. WWTP COST ESTIMATE The Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) facility improvements project cost estimate is unchanged, with total project cost established within a $5.25 to $6.0 million range. Otak provided the State with an engineer’s estimate for the Biosolids removal and Flume Improvement projects of $800,000 and $305,000 respectively. This is a minor reduction in the estimate that we used to date (- $45,000). The new construction hyporheic discharge WWTP facility improvements are estimated at $4.5 million. There are various other construction management, materials testing, and project administration costs that need to be firmed up. WWTP FINANCING PLAN The PWC did not recommend pursuing refinancing the USDA RUS bonds using Wedbush Securities due to their requirement that the funds would need a 1.25 Debt Coverage Ratio and that would require a significant short-term increase in rates to achieve. The City Administrator is now looking at three options for financing the wastewater treatment plant facility improvements: (1) continue to use the existing DEQ loan and expand it by amendment in an amount as needed – term 20 years at 2.93% interest; (2) close the existing DEQ loan after using about $1.2 million to complete biosolids and flume improvements, and pursue a new DEQ loan for the WWTP new construction project, both loans would be 20 year term, the respective interest rates would be 2.93% and <2.0%; and (3) close the existing DEQ loan after using about $1.2 million to complete biosolids and flume improvements, and secure a new USDA loan to fund at least the WWTP new construction and refinance the old USDA debt, 40 year term at <2.75%. We will also assess whether the DEQ debt created to date can be refinanced. Options #1 and #2 are the most likely outcomes of our pursuit of additional capital to complete OTHER PUBLIC WORKS ACTIVITY SEWER RATE STUDIES FCS Group is working on a preliminary sewer rate study document to share with the Public Works Committee. FCS Group will attend a joint PWC meeting with Council on 4-23-13. BROWNFIELD ASSESSMENT GRANT PBS Engineering and Environmental consultants Heidi Yantz and Jerry Orlando met with PBS on Saturday April 13, 2013 to develop eligibility criteria and to begin the process of site priorities. PARKS DEPARTMENT PARK HOSTS A Park Host transferred from Vernonia Lake to Airport Park. The Park Host at Anderson Park is doing well as park use ramps up. GENERAL CITY ADMINISTRATION CEMETARY CARETAKERS HOUSE The City contacted a local real estate broker to provide a comparison evaluation to establish a market price for the facility. The real estate professional shared that land has lost significant value since the 2008 economic slide. His whole house assessment was that the house had value to a potential seller as a rental or a fixer upper. In our discussion he felt that the property could be sold as is and leave to the investor how that may want to modify the parcel for future development. The City Administrator walked the property and inspected the house and outbuilding – there are significant repairs needed. The City will seek a home inspector to conduct a physical system inventory and establish a repair schedule. The Building Department will not be able to conduct the analysis of the Marijuana Resource Center in Vernonia. Buffum explained that his center would help patients find medical marijuana growers plus provide informational classes and provide supplies. Council took no action. Council Authorizes Amendment to Parks and Rec Exchange-Council authorized City Administrator Bill Haack to negotiated an amendment to the land exchange agreement for the property where the Rose Avenue Project is to be developed. The agreement is with Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. Developers of the Rose Avenue Project are proposing to use additional land owned by the State of Oregon which is located south of the property already designated for the project. In exchange for the property the state is asking that Vernonia develop a parking area for horse trailers. Council house. POTENTIAL BUILDING CONDEMNATION The City was able to contact the asset manager that represents the owner of the Park Drive vacant house. They sent a contractor out to board up a broken window, but declined to board up the house. We are contacting them again to assess their ability to demolish the deck in the front of the house that is dry rotted and a potential hazard to park users. After discussing condemnation options with our legal team it is clear that this tool is not well suited for our goal at this site. CDBG GRANT No. 06021 MONITORING VISIT IFA Project Coordinator Melanie Olson conducted an onsite project monitoring April 11, 2013. She met with the City Finance Administrator, and the CDBG Grant Administrator, Community Action Team. This is a typical part of the pre-closeout grant functions of the CDBG program. COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS CITY THANKS YOUTH GROUP City Information and Updates Available by Email Citizens who wish to receive meeting information and updates can request to be placed on an email list at City Hall. Please contact Joann Glass at joann@ vernonia-or.gov and asked to be placed on the “Citizen Notification List.” april18 2013 5 authorized Haack to negotiate the exchange, and suggested the parking area be developed near Vernonia Lake. Council Authorizes Amendment to Contract-Council authorized an amendment to a contract with Tetra Tech Engineering and Architecture Services for services they provided for final design of the Waste Water Treatment plant. Council Discusses Transportation District-Council held a brief discussion about the need for Columbia County to create a Transportation District in order to provide adequate and stable funding for public transportation. Councilor Kim Tierney suggested that Council express support for this idea and was asked to draft letters stating this. FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES The City Recorder coordinated with Kim Gorman, Director of Children, Youth, & Family Ministries. Christ United Methodist Church to organize a mixed denomination youth groups community services project on April 6-7-8, 2013. You may have seen a few dozen young adults and their leaders working at the Shay Park flower beds, open space lots along Bear Creek, at the Vernonia Historical Museum, and at the city limits. Weeding, trash collection, some pruning and the planting of bulbs. The group stayed at the Vernonia School District campus. The group provided everything. We are very thankful for their support. continued on page 6 Vernonia City Council Meetings and Closures City Council Meetings are scheduled for 7 PM: Monday, May 6 Monday, May 20 City Closures are scheduled for: Memorial Day Monday, May 27 Dates and times subject to change due to conflicts of schedules 6 city news april18 2013 Vernonia Summer Meals Program: New Sponsor, Same Servers and Site Police Blotter April 1-15, 2013 • April 4, 2013 - Arrest and transport to the Columbia County Jail for Violation of “Pre-Trial Release Agreement”. • April 5, 2013 - Arrest and transport to Columbia County Jail on a Felony Arrest Warrant. • April 5, 2013 - Report of a found children’s saddle. Owner has been identified and property will be returned. • April 5, 2013 - Report of a possible “Probation Violation”. Case forwarded to Parole and Probation for review. • April 9, 2013 - Report taken on an “Animal Dispatch” in the 1100 Block of Weed Ave. • April 19, 2013 - Arrest for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants. • April 12, 2103 - Arrest on a Warrant in the 15000 Block of Keasey Road. • April 12, 2013 Arrest on a Warrant in the 1300 Block of Bridge St. • April 15, 2013 Report of a Stolen Vehicle in the 400 Block of Louisiana Ave. The vehicle is described as a 1988 Toyota Pickup with extra cab bearing Oregon License Plate Number 508BSU. Ongoing Investigation. A total of (8) Traffic Citations have been issued between 04/01/2013 & 04/15/2013. Further details of the Traffic Violation will be posted on the End of Month Blotter and on the Vernonia Police Department Website at http://vpd.vernonia-or.gov/ Last year the Vernonia Summer Meals Program (VSMP) learned that Oregon has the highest Food Insecurity Rate in the nation. In Oregon, over 200,000 kids depend on free and reduced lunch during the school year; during the summer, only 19,000 of them actually have access to free and reduced meals offered by summer meal programs. That means approximately 181,000 students go hungry on a daily basis during the summer break. To fight this epidemic, the Vernonia Summer Meal Program will again offer free lunches to youth between 1-18yrs and low cost lunches to adults. The program is possible due to the school district having a 51% free and reduced lunch population. “Often, families don’t believe they qualify. I encourage everyone to apply every year regardless of income because our kids lose out if we don’t,” stated DeAnna Pearl, VSMP Partner. In the summer of 2011, the Vernonia Summer Meals Pilot Project volunteers prepared and served 4,473 meals. On average, 100 kids were fed a day. One essential partnership for the VSMP in 2011 and 2012 was with the St. Helens School District who acted as a sponsor while the Vernonia Schools were in the process of building and moving into the new school facility. The VSMP is extremely grateful to St. Helens School District for their help; without them the VSMP would not have been possible the past two years. Now that VSD 47J is officially moved, ther eis a wonderful new development in the program – Vernonia School District 47J has become the Sponsor of the VSMP! There are a couple changes to the program for 2013: the VSMP will not be providing breakfast – only lunch. The program will be closed the 3rd, 4th and 5th of July for Independence Day. Since the bulk of the program participants live on the west side of O-A Hill, the VSMP has again partnered with the Vernonia Community Church, 967 State St., to accommodate the meal site. Everyone is welcome regardless of income. The VSMP does ask that all youth under the age of 10 must be with an older sibling, parent or care provider as stated in ORS 163.545. Meals will be served Monday – Friday, June 17th – July 2nd, July 8th – August 16th from 11:30-1:00pm For more information or to volunteeer contact Nicholas Welch, Vernonia Summer Meals Volunteer Coordinator at 503-748-9193. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. City Administrator Report New Schedule as of April 1, 2013 Nehalem Valley Fixed Route Mon, Wed, Fri Leaves Vernonia 6:15am & 4:30pm Dial-a-ride Service Available Tue & Thr for 5 hours per day 503-366-0159 Please visit the website for fare schedule http://www.columbiacountyrider.com continued from page 5 C O L U M B I A COUNTY CITIZENS TRANSIT ADVISORY COMMITTEE The City contacted CCCTAC to get information on their scope of work to make an informational presentation to Public Hearing Notice When: City Council Meeting, Monday, May 6, 2013 Where: Vernonia City Hall Council Chambers Why: Wastewater System Improvements Final Design Phase 2 project #P06021 of whom at least 54% are low or moderate income. City of Vernonia is completing a City of Vernonia Wastewater System Improvements Final Design Phase 2 project, Grant Number P06021, funded with Community Development Block Grant funds from the Oregon Business Development Department. The location of the project is: the City of Vernonia. It is estimated that this project will benefit at least 1921 persons The purpose of the hearing is for the City Council to obtain citizens views about the project and to take comments about the local government’s performance. Written comments are also welcome and must be received by Friday, May 3, 2013 at Vernonia City Hall, 1001 Bridge Street, Vernonia, OR 97064. Both oral and written comments will be reviewed by the City Council. FOR SALE A public hearing will be held by the City Council at 7:00 p.m. on May 6th, 2013 at 1001 Bridge Street, Vernonia, OR 97064. The location of the hearing is accessible to the disabled. Please let Joann Glass at 503.429.5291 know if you need any special accommodations to attend or participate in the hearing. More information about the Oregon Community Development Block Grant program and the project is available for public review at Vernonia City Hall, 1001 Bridge Street, Vernonia, OR 97064 during regular office hours. Advance notice is requested. The City of Vernonia is an Equal Opportunity Provider One heck of a deal! • New Refrigerator Cost $2200 Must sell due to health problems $495 • New metal cutting bandsaw Cost $3000 Asking $2000 Call Wes 503-429-0564 Cell 503-860-9593 Please no calls after 10 pm City Council in the future. 2013. The City Administrator participated at the NW Health Foundation kick off capital campaign for the Vernonia Health Center component of the project – we made a presentation to the Meyer Memorial Trust and The Ford Family Foundation. The City Administrator met with Larry McKinley, ODOT Area 1 Regional Manager to discuss traffic planning and coordination with ODOT. COLUMBIA COUNTY UNMET NEEDS COMMITTEE Members of the Columbia County Unmet Needs Committee conducted their (potentially) last meeting on April 4, 2013. The following items were discussed: financial statements, project status, program closeout, removal of FEMA trailers, relocation of staff, reduced staff hours and final disbursement of all discretionary funds through Columbia County. TUALATIN VALLEY SCENIC BIKEWAY PROJECT The City awaits the outcome of the OPRD bikeway advisory meeting as a part of the commission hearing on May 8, 2013. A copy of the draft plan is found at the following URL: http://www. yourwaytoplay.com/TourismPartners/Scenic-Bikeway. City staff discussed trail way signage with the Washington County Visitors Association. ROSE AVENUE PROJECT Scott Edwards Architects and Community Action Team in partnership with the Vernonia Area Senior Center, Vernonia Cares Food bank, and Vernonia Health Center Board plan to meet with City Council on May 6, at the Grange! Saturday April 27 9am-3pm If you have items to donate to the sale, please bring them between 6 & 9 pm on Fri, April 26. All proceeds go to improvements to the Vernonia Grange building. 375 North Street The Good Old Days By Tobie Finzel Museum News If you passed by the museum on April 6th, you would have seen a dozen or so young people hard at work moving and removing plants, pulling weeds, edging flower beds, and tearing out the wooden sidewalk in front of the museum so that a new concrete walk can be put in. The museum was delighted to have several of the Sierra Service Project volunteers help us get on top of what had seemed like an overwhelming task. We thank Pat Stacklie for her part in bringing this program to Vernonia. Stop by and see our newly framed photographs of Vernona Cherrington, for whom the town was named, and her granddaughter who visited here in 1992. We also have lovely new frames on two Malmsten family portraits, all thanks to a grant from Mark and Helen Greathouse and the fine work done by Grey Dawn Gallery and Archive Photo Restoration. Early Day Telephone Service It’s hard to imagine a time when home telephones were rare and calling a friend required the help of a telephone operator. Without an operator connecting a caller to his or her desired desti- history/area news 2013 nation, there could be no completed telephone call. Although Cad and Dow Keasey had set up a telephone line between Pittsburg and St. Helens in 1902 and a few direct telephone lines between members of some Vernonia families were in use in the early 1900s, it wasn’t until 1922 that the Nehalem Telephone Company was established and an office built. A two bedroom apartment at the back of the office housed the chief operator so that she could oversee daily operations and be present in case a problem arose. There was also a cot behind the telephone switchboard for the night operator who was permitted to nap between the infrequent nighttime calls. Even by the 1940s, not every home had a telephone. Marvin Turner (VHS 1945), whose mother was Chief Operator of what was by then the West Coast Telephone Company, wrote a brief reminiscence about those days. According to Marv, if a long distance call came in for someone without a phone, the operator usually knew someone nearby who could be asked to take a message or ask the person to come to the telephone office to receive or place the call. The operators knew nearly everybody in town, so if a long distance call came in for someone who was away from his or her home or office phone, the opera- 010412 For fast cash! erating dairy farm, (c) anyone who is employed or an owner of a milk processing plant or distributor, (d) or any person employed in a dairy related industry. (e) A member or former member of 4-H or FFA that raised or showed a dairy project. A successful candidate must be willing to represent Columbia County at the State Dairy Princess Ambassador contest in January 2014, travel throughout the county and state April thru September promoting healthy nutrition, which includes Dairy products and awareness about the Dairy industry. Training for these activities is provided to candidates by the Oregon Dairy Women. Questions or qualified candidates can be directed to Diane Larson at (503) 2245 Baseline St., Cornelius (Across from Fred Meyer) 503-530-8119 State Licensed PB-0388 Open everyday at 9 a.m. BaselinePawn_1x3_010412.indd 7 tors would track the person down. This happened frequently with the people at the mill office who often had to be away from their desks. The Oregon-American Lumber Mill staff was so appreciative of the extra service that they always presented the operators with flowers and candy at Christmas time. By the 1950s, direct distance dialing became the standard, and the Vernonia office was closed with operations moving to Forest Grove. The telephone office was torn down and replaced with the concrete building which houses the automated central telephone switch that serves the Upper Nehalem Valley today. Wednesday, April 18: Went up to Vernonia 6.30 A.M. and returned 9.30 with my sheep shearing machine. Done several little jobs during the day. Pretty fair day, rained just a little. From Virgil Powell’s Diary Virgil Powell was a long-time resident who had a farm in the Upper Nehalem Valley between Natal and Pittsburg. Each year from 1906 until 1955, he kept a regular diary of his activities. Here are a few excerpts from April 1917: The Vernonia Pioneer Museum is located at E. 511 Bridge Street and is open from 1 to 4 pm on Saturdays and Sundays (excluding holidays) all year. From June through mid-September, the museum is also open on Fridays from 1 – 4 pm. There is no charge for admission but donations are always welcome. Become a member of the museum for an annual $5 fee to receive the periodic newsletter, and if you are a Facebook user, check out the new Vernonia Pioneer Museum page created by Bill Langmaid. The museum volunteers are always pleased to enlist additional volunteers to help hold the museum open and assist in other ways. Please stop by and let one of the volunteers know of your interest in helping out. Wednesday, April 4: Fixed the telephone line over the river first thing in morning. Done several little jobs during the day. Fair day rained just a very little. Thursday, April 12: Went up to Pittsburg to look after the sheep first thing in morning. Built a chicken brooder. Rained a little all day. Opportunity for County Dairy Princess Columbia County chapter of the Dairy Women’s Association is now accepting applications for candidates for County Dairy Princess Ambassador. To enter, a girl must be at least sixteen and a high school Junior, but not over 23 years of age as of June 1, 2013. Candidates must be a resident of Oregon at least one year prior to the contest, unless they are currently a full-time student in a college outside of Oregon. She must be single, never married, nor pregnant or have a child; and if not living at home, must NOT be co-habiting with anyone. Candidates must also qualify in ONE of these areas: (a) lived or worked on a dairy farm or facility at some time; (b) be the daughter of anyone employed on an op- april18 312-6130 by Friday, April 12, 2013. Donations toward a scholarship for outgoing Dairy Princess Ambassador, Mikela Heimuller, are now being accepted. Anyone can contribute a tax free scholarship donation for Mikela. Contact Diane Larson at (503)312-6130 by May 1, 2013. Columbia County Dairy Women vend at local events and festivals to raise funds in support of scholarship awards now available to ANY graduating high school senior from Columbia County. An essay about a Dairy related topic is required. Scholarship applications may be picked up at any high school in the County or contact Diane Larson at (503) 312-6130. Applications are due by May 1, 2013. Saturday, April 21: Mr. Gessell and I left 6.10 A.M. and got to St. Helens 11.10. Bids opened on St. Helens – Pittsburg road improvement 2 P.M. We left St. Helens 4.10 P.M. and got over to the dance in Vernonia 10 P.M. Left dance 2 A.M. and got home 3.45. Very good day. May 21, 2013 Election Candidates Candidates for the May 21, 2013 election have filed. For Vernonia School Board Director there are four seats up for elections. Incumbents have filed and are running unopposed for three positions: Jim Krahn for Position 1, Ernie Smith for Position 4 and Cari Levenseller for Position 5. There is no candidate filed for Director 6. For the Vernonia Rural Fire Protection District Board of Directors, Ben Davis is running for Position 1, and Luke Ellis and Michael Demeter have both filed to run for Position 5. For the Mist-Birkenfeld Rural Fire Protection District Board of Directors, all candidates are running unopposed: Joan Marie Jones for Position 2, William C. Dejager for Position 3 and Patricia Wright for Position 4. There is no candidate filed for Position 5. For the Columbia 9-11 Communications District Board of Directors there are four candidates filed for three positions. Connie Budge of Rainier is running for Zone 2, Henry B. Heimuller of St. Helens is running for Zone 3 and Tyler Miller and Robert Anderson, both of Scappoose are running for Zone 5. Vernonia’s Voice is published on the 1st and 3rd Thursday. Our next issue will be May 2. Need body work? At Meyer’s Auto Body we’ll take your order and give you great service. Meyer’s Auto Body 493 Bridge Street, Vernonia 503-429-0248 VERNONIA E C I V SER PAIR & RE Warranty on all parts and labor Now offering 2 and 4 wheel alignments 58605 NEHALEM HWY. S. Next to Storage, Too 503/429/7972 8 area news april18 2013 Camp 18 Logger’s Memorial Dedication and Exhibition The Camp 18 logging Museum is pleased to announce its annual Camp 18 Logger’s Memorial Dedication and Logging Exhibition to be held on Saturday, May 18, 2013. The event is a celebration of the logging industry, past and present, and is a fun filled day with many logging skills competitions. Local loggers will compete in the Logging Exhibition as purchases,please contact Danielle Cook at 503-308-3250. Team registration for the exhibition begins at 9:00 AM and the events will begin at approximately 11:00 AM. Events include tree climbing, choker setting, splicing, double bucking and hook tender race. Local logging companies are encouraged to participate in the Logger Exhibition. well as local high school forestry teams, including Vernonia High School. Admission is free, so round up your family, friend sand neighbors and head out to the Camp 18 Logging Museum at milepost 18 on Highway 26 in Elsie, Oregon. The Logger’s Memorial Dedication will begin at 10:00 AM. The deadline for purchasing plaques for this year’s dedication was April 8, 2013. For information regarding plaque Volunteers are needed and donations greatly appreciated. For more information or to volunteere contact mark Standley at 503-4340148 or [email protected], or Darlene Wilcoxen at 503-728-2050 or [email protected]. There will be food for sale as well as hats, license plate frames, T-shirts and sweatshirts. Cedar carvings have been donated and will be auctioned as a fundraiser for the Logger’s memorial. Columbia Humane Society Featured Pet "June Bug" If a regal older dog is what your looking for then look no more, June Bug is your girl! This sweet girl came to the shelter as a stray, so we don't have a definite history on her. We think she is maybe 5-6 years old. She gets along with other dogs as long as they aren't too active. A home with a young dog probably wouldn't be best. She can be a little shy and reserved when you first meet her, but don't let that put you off. She is a sweetheart once she gets to know you. Her adoption fee of $165 includes her spay, all vaccines, de-wormer/flea treatment, an ID microchip, free vet check, leash and collar and an adoption packet. Come see June Bug today! Phone: 503-397-4353 2084 Oregon Street, St. Helens, OR 97051 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.columbiahumane.org Salem Report By State Representative Brad Witt public universities to adopt Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices and Thursday, April establishes the Interagency Integrated 4th, marked Pest Management Coordinating one of the Committee. This is analogous to the first times this Federal program and practices that were session that there established in 2002. was extended Traditional pest management debate on the focuses on regular timed applications of House floor. chemicals to control pests, which tends to The discussion be inefficient and poses possible public revolved around health/safety concerns. IPM is more HB 2870A, which would allow counties likely to focus on finding the cause(s) of to impose their own tax on cigarette the pest problem and using mechanical and tobacco sales. Not earthshaking, and natural pest removal with smarter, you might say, but it is a departure from more efficient pesticide use. Proponents previous policy that reserved that right to of this bill stated that IPM is the best the state. So, what has changed? balance of environmental, financial, As you know, most counties in and health concerns, in that it improves this state are struggling to make ends environmental quality and health by meet. We have witnessed countless removing harmful chemicals and is less furlough days, which in turn have resulted expensive than the methods that are in shrinking services and increasing fees currently being utilized. in order to just maintain basic programs. Bills of Interest… A couple of Oregon’s counties have HB 2654: Prohibits employer from even discontinued public safety and jail compelling employee or applicant to services, and at least one is on the brink provide access to personal social media of bankruptcy. account. HB 2870A would allow a county “to HB 3159: Directs OR Transportation impose a tax upon the sale or use of Commission to set maximum rates for tobacco products at a rate not to exceed towing when tower tows vehicle without the rate imposed by the state.” Out of the consent of owner. funds collected, 40% must be dedicated HB 3397: Provides that certain uses of to the funding of public health programs Native American mascots are not acts of and services, for tobacco use prevention discrimination. and cessation, and mental health and HB 2749: Requires school district addiction services and programs. I boards to allow certain medications to be think we can agree that these are all kept in student’s classroom if requested good objectives, but a good number of by parent or guardian. Representatives felt that the taxation of HB 2384: Authorizes civil forfeiture these products should remain with the of motor vehicle if person is convicted state. After extended debate, the bill of driving during license suspension passed on a squeaker vote, 31-29, and I or revocation. did support the bill. HB 3000: Requires public school This week in House Agriculture students seven years or younger who are and Natural Resources we heard HB beginning educational program to have 3364, which requires state agencies and vision screening. Banks Library Plant, Book and Art Sale The Friends of the Banks Public Library are gearing up for their Annual Plant, Book and Art Sale. The sale will include local crafts and garden art, in addition to a broad selection of plants and used books. The sale will be held at Schlegel Hall in Sunset Park on Friday, May 10 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM and Saturday, May 11 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM This sale is a perfect opportunity for Vernonia Veterinary Clinic Small and Large Animals Now Open Mon, Wed & Saturday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Call for Appointments (503) 429-1612 Or 24 hr. Emergency Number (503) 397-6470 700 Weed Ave. Vernonia, OR last minute Mother’s Day shopping. Plants are coming from local nurseries and gardeners, and will include vegetable starts, annuals, perennials, planters, herbs and trees. The Friends always strive to have some unusual varieties available. All are offered at reasonable prices, and the Friends receive a portion of all sales. Books for all levels of readers will be offered for sale as well as some videos and other materials. Items for sale will include private donations as well as withdrawn library materials. If you wish to donate plants or books for the sale, please contact the Banks Public Library at (503) 324-1382. New to the sale this year is the ability to pay with a credit card! The Plant, Book and Art sale is a major fundraising activity for the Friends of the Banks Public Library. The Friends’ funds are used by the library to purchase bestsellers and current titles, CDs, DVDs, equipment and programs for the library throughout the year. The Friends fund a weekly Story Time for preschool children, a summer reading program for early readers through teens, and provide books for the Banks Community Auction. in other words april18 Better Parenting: Help For Parents With Spoiled Kids-Part 2 By Sonia Spackman MA, MFT In Part I, “Spoiled Kids Now – Unhappy Adults Later” we reviewed the hidden cost of spoiling our kids and the toll it takes on a child’s self-worth and emotional development. Dr. Harvey Karp,MD, creator of The Happiest Toddler on the Block DVD and book says that the overall pattern is more important than any given moment. “Do it right 80% of the time and you will end up with a really good kid.” So search your heart about the following Do’s and Don’ts of parenting today. DON’T make your child the center of the world. Making your child’s wishes a top priority teaches your child that the world owes him. This could prevent your child from learning to consider other people’s needs and wants. DO Ask yourself these questions: “Am I doing this to meet my own need to be the perfect parent?” Or “Am I attempting to be in control of my child’s happiness?” DO Help young children understand give and take. DON’T ignore your child’s positive behavior. Parents may not notice when children behave well. If we don’t let them know when we are pleased, we miss an opportunity to motivate them to behave positively. DO Catch them being good. Whether it is a toddler or a teen, point out accomplishments describing what you see without giving it a value or praise. “I noticed that you stacked your blocks.” “I noticed you are home on time, thank you.” This will reinforce positive behaviors. DON’T accidentally reward bad behavior. If we notice our kids when they whine and cry, we send them the message that tantrums and tears are the best way to get our attention. Worse yet, when we give in, it proves this will get them what they want, which is not how life works. DO Teach your children to take NO for an answer. DO Practice saying: “You have had enough for now.” Whether it is food, video games, TV, playtime, shopping etc., Explain that you understand that they are disappointed or upset, however, tears, tantrums or disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated. DON’T fail to put clear limits on your child’s behavior. If we don’t set and enforce guidelines for good behavior, we are likely to raise a child who is rude, uncooperative, and disrespectful. DO Teach your kids how to take responsibility for their behavior, and guide them on how to fix problems they create. DO Teach your kids to make good choices just because it’s the right thing to do. DON’T neglect home rules. While some parents fail to set rules, others set “wishy-washy” rules. If we don’t enforce a few good rules regularly we give our kids the message that the rules don’t matter. DO Write out clear rules and decide consequences for breaking the rules. Consequences can range from losing privileges to taking a belonging for a time. DO Explain why it is a special situation Lions Club Spam & Egg Drive News From P.E.O. if you decide to bend a rule every now and then. DON’T let your kids ignore taking responsibility for bad behavior. Refusing to make our kids responsible when they do or say something wrong sends the message that they are never wrong. This teaches our kids to blame others whenever problems arise. DO Teach them respect for people and property. Insist that your kids figure out how they will make amends or replace something they broke or damaged purposely, or accidentally. DON’T act like a spoiled child yourself. How we act in our marriage and in our family has an influence on our kids. If we nag and complain they learn from our behavior. If we gossip or go on facebook and rant - our kids learn to bully or be fearful of those who do. DO Show respect and consideration toward your spouse, your family and others and your kids are likely to follow your lead. DON’T swoop in and do things for kids that they are able to do themselves. When we do, our kids can feel inadequate, insecure or develop a pattern of learned helplessness. DO Allow your child to struggle. If your child is going through a tough time, be careful, it may not be necessary for you to run in and rescue. It is very important that kids learn at a young age how to cope with stressful situations. DO Show them the pros and cons in making decisions. Teach them to make decisions that are age-appropriate. DON’T ignore chores. Teach your kids to do chores and expect they be done the right way in a timely manner. On Saturday, April 6th the Vernonia Lions Club held its 2nd Annual Spam & Egg Drive at the Vernonia Sentry Market to help the Vernonia Cares Food Bank. Vernonia Cares traditionally receives most of its donations in November and December. Working together, the Lions Club is trying to promote giving throughout the year. The Lions Club makes cash donations as needed, but are working to get the “giving” message out to the rest of the community. The Vernonia Cares Food Bank is in need of canned protein items, including tuna, ham, and SPAM. Several of the Lions Club members love Spam and have collected labels and memorabilia. It’s been a great fit. With cash donations received, the Food Bank purchases eggs from Sentry Market. Next year the Lions are planning a Spam cooking demonstration. Thanks to Vernonia for all your support. 2013 9 DO Have your children help you create a rewards chart or an agreement for rewards or privileges for chores done properly. This will help kids develop responsible patterns in sports, school, college and careers in their future. DON’T think that it is ever too late to start over. Examine the things you need to stop doing, do better and start doing for your kids to finish well. DO “Tell your child the truth as Psychologist Ruth Peters, PhD., author of the child discipline manual, Laying Down the Law, suggests. Say, “I have blown it as a parent and explain why there will be some changes.” Less nagging and more action are better. We want to believe we did our best to prepare our kids as we send them out in the world as adults. You parents with young children still have time. Experts say that three of the most important gifts parents can give their kids growing up are to help them understand: The self-confidence they acquire when they understand how to manage their own emotions and happiness. The satisfaction they get when they are able to give to others and contribute in the community. The independence they gain when they learn to earn what they want. In closing, We do our best, God does the rest. Resources: Sherry Rauh, David J. Bredehoft, Ph.D., Harvey Karp, MD, Ruth A. Peters, Ph.D. Silkscreen printing Printing while you wait for small orders Vinyl lettering and heat transfers Teams, groups, special events Hoodies, dress shirts, aprons & more No order too large or too small No set-up fees 711 Bridge Street, Vernonia (503) 433-4278 [email protected] P.E.O. members have been getting ready for spring with their annual Spring Bulb Sale, which is now completed. The bulb orders are on their way, and the local chapter wishes to thank the community for their support. Proceeds from the sale will be used for college scholarships. New officers were recently elected and installed at P.E.O. . They are: President: Ilene Grady Vice-President Coni Hodgson Recording Secretary Mary Tolonen Treasurer Tobie Finzel Chaplain Katie Poetter Corresponding Secretary Audeen Wagner Guard Patty Buchanan Two new members were welcomed into the local chapter this spring: Roxana Sherman-Heath has lived in Vernonia since 1972, and is in her 17th year working at Vernonia High School as a teaching assistant. Molly Mollett was raised in Portland and moved to Vernonia in 2009 to establish a small horse ranch, a labor of love. She is a retired teacher and social worker. P.E.O. welcomes these two enthusiastic, energetic new members. Their interests and backgrounds blend well with P.E.O.’s goal of supporting women in meeting their educational needs. • Kitchen & Bathroom Remodels • Finish Carpentry • Ceramic Tile Work • Custom Home Construction • Additions • Commercial Tenant Improvements Jim Morrison, Jr. General Contractor CCB# 112057 Ph: (503) 429-0154 [email protected] Vernonia, OR 97064 • Licensed • Bonded • Insured 10 in other words april18 2013 Diggin’ in the Dirt: Improving Clay Soils By Chip Bubl Oregon State University Extension Service - Columbia County Master Gardener Spring Fair coming soon Columbia County Master Gardeners Spring Garden Fair at St. Helens High School Commons, 2375 Gable Rd, St Helens, OR 97051, on April 27 from 9:00AM – 3:00 PM. Certified Master Gardeners offer 5,000 tomatoes in more than 30 varieties for only $1.50 per plant, tomato and general gardening information, raffle tickets, hourly prizes and displays. Dozens of local vendors will be offering other plants and garden related products. Please carpool. Improving clay soils Most of Columbia County soils have significant amounts of clay. While these soils can be quite fertile, they also drain slowly. The list of vegetables, fruit trees, and landscape plants that can tolerate poor drainage is small indeed. Heavy soils can be improved by installing drain tiles (actually rolls of corrugated black perforated tubing) that discharge water to a lower ditch. These can be complex to install and are usually buried three feet or more in the soil. It is possible to improve soil drainage by adding organic matter. One application will help but if continued each year for a number of years, it can make a big difference. When you combine that by creating berms or raised beds, you can dramatically improve the root environment for your plants. So how much organic matter should you add each year and what type of organic matter should it be? Generally, adding two inches of organic matter each year and working it into the top 6-10 inches of soil will start improving soil texture and drainage. But the type of organic matter can have a big impact on the immediate performance of vegetables and annual flowers. Fresh sawdust, wood, chips, or shavings will start composting once they are added to soil. The organisms that do the heavy lifting in the compost process (i.e. fungi, bacteria, teensy insects, etc.) will start capturing the free soil nitrogen in their bodies as their numbers explode. Your plant roots just can’t compete with them. So you have one of two choices: either only use compost that is already fully composted (by that I mean that you can’t see any distinguishable plant parts and it all smells sweet) or add extra nitrogen to both feed your plants and your very hungry fungi. So how much nitrogen should you add to feed both your plants and the composting crew? I normally recommend that the vegetable garden have about 3 pounds of actual nitrogen per 1000 square feet for the vegetables alone. So if you are applying wellcomposted organic matter, that is all the nitrogen you need. But if you are adding lots of uncomposted or partly composted material, you will need about 5-6 pounds of actual nitrogen/1000 sq. feet. When you read a fertilizer bag, the first number is the nitrogen number and it is a percentage of actual nitrogen in the bag (whether it is an organic or conventional fertilizer). So a 7-10 -10 fertilizer would have 7% N and 10% of both phosphorus and potassium. To get the right amount of N (let’s say 6 pounds of actual N/1000) you would need to add about 85 pounds of the fertilizer per 1000 feet to keep everyone happy. The calculation goes: 6/.07 = 85. Blood meal is basically about 12% N so you would need 6/.12 = 50 pounds to get the same amount of nitrogen. Nitrogen short vegetables generally have greenish yellow leaves (as compared to deep green) and are not as vigorous as well-fertilized plants. Other garden topics Don’t plant more garden than you can take care of. A 1,000 square foot garden after initial tillage and planting will require about two hours of care of each week. Early weeding is especially important. This does not count harvesting and replanting. Start small and grow as your skills grow. Consider painting the trunks of young trees with white latex paint to protect them from sunburn in the summer and freeze injury in the winter. Both problems often show up on the southwest side of the trees but paint the whole trunk. Keep vegetation mowed tight around new trees to reduce the damage from field mice (more properly called “voles”). Vole numbers have been very high throughout the Willamette Valley and Columbia County the last 5-6 years. Your cat can only eat so many. Slugs will be showing up in droves soon. (FYI: a group of snails is called a “rout”, nothing for slugs, yet. Here is your chance. Suggestions welcome.) Treat with baits. Iron phosphate baits like “Sluggo” and others are safest around pets. Keep your garlic weeded this time of year and fertilize it now during this period of rapid growth. Remember to remove the flower stalks that appear in May so that you get bigger bulbs. Don’t apply either insecticides or fungicides to fruit trees during the flowering period. The Extension Service offers its programs and materials equally to all people. Free newsletter The Oregon State University Extension office in Columbia County publishes a monthly newsletter on gardening and farming topics (called County Living) written/edited by yours truly. All you need to do is ask for it and it will be mailed to you. Call 503 3973462 to be put on the list. Alternatively, you can find it on the web at http://extension.oregonstate.edu/ columbia/ and click on newsletters. Contact information for the Extension office Oregon State University Extension Service – Columbia County 505 N. Columbia River Highway (across from the Legacy clinic) St. Helens, OR 97051 503 397-3462 Email: [email protected] Sierra Service Students Back at Work in Vernonia 291 A Street call Kim Lovable service at a reasonable price • Bathing • Haircuts • Nail Clipping • Nail Polishing • Specialty Shampoos About sixty students and ten adults were in Vernonia during the weekend of April 6-7 working on several projects to help the community. The students were part of the Sierra Service Project and were all high school and middle school aged. They came from all over the western United States to spend their spring break doing service work. A handful of local Vernonia school students and citizens joined the Sierra Service students as well. The students worked at the Vernonia Pioneer Museum where they did landscaping work, planted trees at the new Vernonia Schools campus, cleaned bricks from the old high school that will be used to build pathways in the Community Garden, painted at the American Legion Hall, cleaned up some City owned properties and did yard work for several senior citizens. The students camped out for the weekend in the Vernonia Schools Campus where they were able to use the showers and the kitchen. Sierra Service Project is an independent, interdenominational Christian 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization affiliated with the United Methodist Church. They provide life-changing experiences for youth of all denominations through acts of service. FOR TOWING EMERGENCIES IN AND AROUND THE VERNONIA AREA START RIGHT. START HERE.SM Police and County personnel are required to use a rotation of available providers, UNLESS YOU SPECIFICALLY ASK for a service by name. REQUEST TOWING SERVICE FROM Time to get your MOWERS tuned up Oil Change • Sharpen Blades Filters • Cables • Pull Ropes We pick up & deliver! Family owned & operated for over 40 years 834 Bridge St., Vernonia (503) 429-6364 Shop Hours: Mon - Fri 9:00 - 6:00 Terry’s Gym JOIN THE TEAM! 503-901-1705 16720 Noakes Rd. Vernonia in other words april18 Visitors From Around the World at the Old Mill House Inn By Brooke VanMeter Nearly six years have passed and we are still opening our Bed and Breakfast doors to guests from near and far. We get some of the same inquiries asked over and over about our special home based business. So, we thought we would write an article to answer the most commonly asked questions. Why did you want to run and Bed and Breakfast? Well I think the seed was planted when I was growing up and my parents hosted visiting missionaries from church in our home. I found those guests and their lives interesting as a kid and it apparently left a lasting impression. So after David and I got married we started doing the same thing. When people from church needed a home to stay in or a home cooked meal we would volunteer. Sometimes we would even leave our home on vacation to people ministering in our town and let them live there during their stay. We believe that the Lord provided us with all things and that our material possessions are to be used to bless others and to glorify Him. Does it scare you to have strangers stay in your house? Well I suppose the first step is if you have to believe in the best in humanity. If you look suspiciously at people and wonder if they are ax murders or stalking your house to rob you then mmmm…..this isn’t the business for you. My Dad instilled in us to look for, and at, the best in people and you will find it, a good life lesson and also good for me as a Bed and Breakfast owner. Now, I have had some strange things happen and unique people stay, but 99% of the time we have had really nice and interesting people visit. People from all walks of life, farmers, teachers, a former nun, lawyers, NASA scientists, commercial pilots, entrepreneurs, Hollywood sound mixers and producers are just a few of occupations of those who have stayed with us. You find that people are people no matter where in the world they come from or what they do for a living. What do you serve for breakfast? We always serve a hot breakfast. Now I have this thing about not serving the same thing twice during your visit with us. Not a problem when guests stay a couple of days but we have had guests stay up to two weeks and there are thousands of recipes for eggs but really when it comes down to it there are maybe less than a dozen ways to fix them, you are just combining the ingredients a bit differently. So, I try to keep things “mixed” up each morning. I also I have “dish addiction” so your breakfast will not be served on the same set of dishes during your stay. I’m pretty sure a lot of guests don’t notice this little detail but it keeps things “fresh” for me to create a new and bit different table setting each morning. Hey I still have that little girl deep inside me playing “tea party” and this is one of the ways she emerges! Steve Calhoun BUY WITH KNOWLEDGE 11 Lastly, when we opened back in 2007 we had many people ask “why” would you want to run a Bed and Breakfast in Vernonia, “who is going to stay there?” Well many of you are to thank for sending guests to our Inn and for that we are so very thankful. We would like to especially thank Mike and Georgeanna Seager for continuing to send us so many guests from their aviation business. Because of all of you, it turns out the world is coming to our lil’ logging town. We have entertained guests from Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Honduras, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, England, Switzerland, Israel, as well as all over the U.S.A. In fact, we have each guest place a pin on a map of the United States to show where everyone has traveled from to stay here in Vernonia. The beauty of owning a business such as ours is every guest brings their own experiences and adventures with them and so in a sense we have had a world tour right from our breakfast table. We start our day traveling through the lives of others and give back not only a hot country breakfast but a bit of Vernonia hospitality for our guests to add to their story. Hopefully they take with them warm memories that they will share and that will bring them back to our little town nestled in the woods! The Old Mill House Inn is located at 487 Arkansas Ave., Vernonia, OR 97064. They can be reached at 503-429-0952. Top 10% for 11 years Real Estate Broker (503) 429-4300 825 Bridge Street 2013 Cell: (503) 706-2882 Email: [email protected] SELL WITH CONFIDENCE Featured Home 55512 SW Horner, Gaston $45,000 3 Bdrm home. Wood heat. Bring your hammer for this fixer. Located on TWO tax Lots. Sold "As Is". 21046 Scappoose/Vernonia Hwy $265,000 Country Home. 13.64 Acres. Bring the horse - Good pasture. 3 bedroom, 2 bath, library and 4-Bay shop. A serene setting. 1050 Riverside Dr., Vernonia $142,500 Charming and spacious home by the river! Expansive outdoor entertaining areas on nearly an acre. Enjoy your own piece of riverside viewing and fishing! Lovely 2 level, 3 bdrm home. Oversized double garage. High ceiling with skylights, chandelier and ceiling fan. Oak through out - Cabinets, doors, & wainscoting cedar walls provide cozy warmth. Walk-in pantry and gas appliances. Expansive covered patio to keep you dry. Tool shed for extra storage space! Short walk to Vernonia Lake. 1142 Columbia St. $85,000 175 North Street $110,000 DOLL HOUSE CUTE! Remodeled 3 bdrm bungalow, complete w/ white picket fence. Newer roof, cozy gas stove. Affordable home clean & bright. Why rent? You could own! 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath, spacious kitchen with garage/shop. 14x20 covered porch for entertaining. 700 Adams Avenue 18621 Oblack Lane $129,900 Many possibilities! - 5060 sq.ft. Wooden beams, divided rooms. Pristine Rock Creek frontage. Bring your imagination! $199,000 Cozy cabin-4.02 acres with Nehalem River frontage (did not flood). Sweeping views, extensive cedar walls & cozy wood stove. Recent remodel, newer roof & septic, landscaped. Mellinger Rd. $549,000 32.92 Acres - 45 pristine lots of approximately 1/2 acre each. Preliminary approved Nehalem View planned development within city limits. A place to build your future! Spencer Street, Vernonia $80,000 TWO adjoining, buildable tax lots. 11,551 SF. and 8,542 SF. Surveyed and ready to build or place Mfg home. All services available. Great location with Vernonia Lake nearby. 12 in other words april18 2013 Living on a Lake in the Country: A Formula For Serenity By Gayle Rich-Boxman Discovering a secret haven for serenity that no one else really knows about takes some doing. Sometimes it’s found by divine intervention, sometimes by diligent research. Finding this place that’s still open, quiet and not overrun with humans is hard to come by, let alone accessible and reasonably priced in a resort vacation community. This formula for serenity is found in a place called Fishhawk Lake, a private lake community nestled in the coastal range of Oregon, hidden away from every part of urban living. Poems have been written about this lake. People play piano, harp and guitar while visiting here. A local writer had a heron die in his arms and his life was forever changed because of it. People live long and thrive here. Neighbors really know each other. It’s like a throwback to the 50’s, when things were simpler, families spent quality time together and the true essence of community was alive and well. That’s what it’s still like at Fishhawk Lake. People wave at each other, regardless of whether they know you or not. You’ll see folks taking walks around the lake who will stop and chat with someone gardening or puttering around their yard. Everything moves at a slower pace. People will just pop in to say hello. There is a feeling of camaraderie. Whether it’s a spontaneous dinner, card game, or getting a group together to hike in the woods, it’s all a welcome part of living on this lake in the country. It is a destination to share with your immediate family to create a lifetime of memories and place a deep foundation of consideration for Mother Earth and Mother Nature early in a child’s life that they will treasure forever. There is such a deep quiet, that you can step outside and literally hear NOTHING. But it can awaken all of your senses to your surroundings that city living can’t offer. I went on an early morning walk one day and counted nine different birdcalls. You can hear the liquid sounds of a fish jumping in the first daylight hours as well as at twilight. The nights can be so dark that you will often have the pleasure of seeing shooting stars regularly. Hearing the repetitive hoot of a late night owl coming through your open window or the crunching sounds of an otter enjoying his fresh catch of fish under your dock is a common part of lake life. Elk and deer cross your path regularly Sick or Cranky Firearm? I Can Help! Clean, Lube, Safety Checks & Repair All Work Fully Guaranteed Lowell J. Mitchell The Gun Doctor WELLER & SON’S CREATURES PHONE: 503-429-PETS (7387) FAX: 503-429-5027 E-MAIL: [email protected] WWW.CREATURESPETSHOP.COM If you’re in the market to purchase real estate at Fishhawk Lake contact Gayle Rich-Boxman at 503-7552905. Vernonia’s Voice is published twice each month on the 1st and 3rd Thursday. Look for our next issue May 2. Grey Dawn Gallery Guitars & Vocal Entertainment, Production Lessons & Bookings 879 Bridge St. (503) 429-2787 Photography - Bronze Pottery - Custom Framing (503) 789-3835 (503) 235-8996 www.loweljmitchell.com [email protected] buyer and seller of musical instruments (503) 475-3563 Cell http://www.wolfgangthegundoctor.com/ [email protected] MON-FRI 10:00AM-6:00PM SAT 10:00AM-5:00PM SUN 12:00PM-4:00PM morning in your own slice of paradise. From the glassy mirrored surfaces of the placid morning waters to the watercolor sunsets, you will find that this place quells your spirit. So, put your feet up, sit a spell and enjoy the crisp clean coastal air, take a deep breath, embrace being in the moment and let your senses soar! Jewelry - Glasswork NRA Certified, ORE Concealed Carry Permit instructor 998 BRIDGE STREET VERNONIA, OR 97064 throughout the seasons. Hearing the prehistoric sound of a great blue heron squawking as it takes flight over the lake or watching a bald eagle stand still in the lake waters while hunting for fish offer great photo opportunities. It is an escape, a retreat from the hectic world, a soulsurrendering safe place to let go of the world’s angst and indulge in all of the joys that nature offers. One of the nicest qualities of quiet lake living is that you won’t hear the buzz of motorboats. Because Fishhawk Lake is also our water source, we welcome kayaking, canoeing, pedal boats, rowboats and electric powered pontoons only. You get the pleasure of gliding along the water while enjoying the sounds that a lake like this offers— the trickle of water dripping from a paddle, the laughter of someone across the lake, the splash of people playing at the water’s edge or swimming over by the clubhouse. One of the best moments is to see someone gracefully slipping across the top of the water in the breaking dawn, rowing gently by as if the lake belonged completely to them. These are magical moments that some people go their whole lives never experiencing. We have these simple pleasures presented to us every day at Fishhawk Lake. Just take your cup of coffee and step out onto your back deck to watch the mist rise over the lake and take in the peace of a STEVE HM: 503-429-3400 CELL: 503-313-9006 SELF LOADER LONG LOGGER CUSTOM LOGGING 1984 mist drive, po box 321 vernonia, or 97064 www.greydawngallery.com Featuring the finest in northwest art 503.429.7408 DENNIS HM: 503-429-2810 CELL: 503-313-9044 1264 G ST. VERNONIA, OR 97064 O.P.L. CERTIFIED O.P.L.H. CERTIFIED ROAD BUILDNIG LAND CLEARING EXCAVATION 59229 Nehalem Hwy. South www.spiralzsalon.com Vernonia Computer Services Computer problems? We can help. MIKE PIHL LOGGING CO., INC Specializing in Private Timber Free Estimates 503-429-1470 cell 503.789.1268 fax 503.429.0252 Hardware testing, repair, replacement Mac – Windows – Linux Software install/upgrade Virus/spyware removal Custom systems built Housecalls Available Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat 10-6 and by appointment Bill Langmaid (971) 998-3705 [email protected] community Steampunk Comes To Vernonia If you were at Vernonia Lake on Saturday March 23 you might have noticed a gathering of people dressed in unusual costumes and makeup, using odd props and taking photographs. The group was a collaboration of photographers, models, make-up artists and costume designers who were visiting Vernonia for the day, dressing up in neo-Victorian Steampunk outfits and taking photos. Steampunk is a sub-genre of science fiction. It creates fantasy worlds inspired by the industrialization of 19th century and often features steam powered machinery, fashion, culture, architecture and art from that era. Steampunk blends technology, fictional machines and inventions to create literature, video and film, art, and clothing and fashion. The outfits and props were most notable at the photo shoot in Vernonia. Steampunk fashion is wide ranging and has no set guidelines. It combines modern styles influenced by the Victorian era. The models in Vernonia were seen wearing interesting combinations of gowns, corsets, petticoats, bustles, boots, suits with vests, coats, top hats and military-inspired garments. The outfits were accented with accessories that included goggles, parasols, walking sticks, firearms, binoculars, and breathing apparatus, The group visiting Vernonia rented the large concrete building next to the lake, known as the Chip Shed or Fuel House, to use as a setting for their gathering. About thirty photographers and models teamed up and wandered the site looking for concrete blocks and structures to climb on and use as backdrops. The day provided and opportunity for everyone involved to network, build portfolios, and have some fun. Vernonia Lake House Vacation Rental april18 13 2013 Girl Scout Camp Vernonia Girl Scouts of all ages attended their annual retreat this year at Camp Mountaindale with the help of family and community support through the purchase of potted tulips. The girls would like to say “Thank you!” to everyone who purchased Girl Scout cookies and to Vernonia Sentry for allowing us to stay warm and dry while selling right here in our hometown! The proceeds raised from the sales of cookies will be used by the girls to fund an outing that is “girl-led”, support the overall organization as well as to finance scholarships for those who cannot afford membership fees. Several troops will be using cookie funds to participate in the Doernbecher Dash 5K walk. We thank you for helping to support our youth organization that’s building strong girl leaders! House for Rent THANK to everyone who made the 4th Annual YOU Vernonia Sportsman’s Banquet financially possible Vernonia Sportsman’s Banquet Sponsors: For Rent: 1780 sq.ft, 5 bdrm, 3 bath home on 1 acre. Entertainer’s kitchen, gas fireplace, quiet street, beautiful partially timbered lot with a great open play space. Recently remodeled, 2 decks, hardwood floors & carpet. $1200 per month, $500 Security deposit. Available April 20th Call Brian or Vici at 503-429-0327 721 Madison Avenue, Vernonia (503) 429-5018 Owned and Operated by Don & Kim Wallace DON WALLACE, PLS Professional Land Surveying 1224 E. Alder St. Vernonia, OR 97064 Phone: 503-429-6115 FAX: 1-866-297-1402 Email: [email protected] Serving breakfast, lunch & dinner Ice cream - cones, shakes & sundaes Daily Specials Family owned and operated for over 40 years. CORPORATE MEMBER 721 Madison Avenue, Vernonia (503) 429-5018 ra th Health Se l Pa r lo ca tio ces vi Mariolino’s Pizza & Grill ne w Na tu Cute & comfy cottage right on Vernonia Lake. Sleeps 6. $75 per night/$450 per week Views! Adjacent to linear trail-bring your bike. Gas BBQ available. Fenced yard and pet friendly with a $15 deposit. TV w/ DVD (no Dish Service) http://www.flipkey.com/p514350/ or Call Brian or Vici at 503-429-0327 Curl Transportation Rainbow River Lodge Miller Truck Salvage Archers Afield Royal Moore Auto Dennis Taxidermy Dr. Carol McIntyre Naturopathic & Chinese Medicine 503.429.3928 [email protected] naturalpathhealthservices.com 758 Weed Avenue Vernonia, OR, 97064 n! 14 schools april18 2013 VHS Spring Sports Report Track and Field- The Loggers are about half-way through the season, and have participated in 5 meets, 3 of them big invitationals with much larger schools from Oregon and Washington. Head coach Byron Brown and assisant coach Teresa Williams have been able to evaluate their talent and how best to take advantage of their strengths. “I think we have a very good team with several outstanding athletes and many more very good athletes that have shown improvement so far,” said Brown. Nathan Fleck, Samantha Lindauer, Meghan Sullivan, Lane Sullivan, and Maina Martin are outstanding athletes who would be successful in any Kitchen looking more like an office? At this rate, you might want both. Home Equity Line of Credit 1.99 % Get a great rate on a Home Equity Line of Credit. program. Fleck is either first or second in the NW league in the 200, 400, 800 and 1500 and has the fastest time in the state in the 800. Lindauer is currently 2nd in league in the 1500, 3K and triple jump, and 3rd in the 800. Meghan Sullivan is 2nd in the 100 and 200 and long jump. Dezi Roberts is 2nd in high jump. All should qualify for the state meet at Hayward Field in Eugene in late May. All four of the Logger relay teams are also on track to qualify for the state meet. Drew Cheney has shown tremendous improvement in the 3K, beating his previous best by nearly a minute in St. Helens on Saturday, April 13th. Devon Shay and Dan Rice have made the team deeper and stronger in the 400 and 800. Jacob Medearis has shown great improvement in the 1500 with a 4:52 performance at Knappa on Thursday April 11th. The girls team is on track for a great performance at the District state qualifying meet at Portland Christian May 17th and 18th. “This may be the best overall girls team Vernonia has ever had,” says Brown. Brown thinks the boys team has the same potential. “Everything we do from here on out is to be in a position at district to qualify as many athletes as we can for state,” say Brown. “Last year we had one of the best track teams ever at Vernonia and it will be difficult to top it, but who knows, maybe we can. It’s been a very exciting year so far and the best is yet to come.” There’s never been a better time to make those home improvements you’ve been thinking about. U.S. Bank is offering a Home Equity Line of Credit at a great rate with no closing costs. Not to mention potential tax advantages, great service and convenient branch locations. Start adding value to your home today. APR* Introductory Rate for 6 Months Rate available as of 02/22/13 Rates are subject to change Rates As Low As 3.99 % APR* Variable Rate after Introductory Period branch usbank.com/lowrate Vernonia Branch 905 Bridge Street 503-429-6271 800.209.BANK (2265) *1.99% Introductory Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is available on Equiline Home Equity Lines of Credit with a U.S. Bank Package and a 70% or 80% loan-to-value (LTV) or less, depending upon the market. The introductory interest rate will be fixed at 1.99% during the six month introductory period. A higher introductory rate will apply for a credit limit of $15,000 to $24,999 and an LTV above 80%. After the six month introductory period: the APR is variable and is based upon an index plus a margin. The APR will vary with Prime Rate (the index) as published in the Wall Street Journal. As of February 1, 2013, the variable rate for home equity lines of credit ranged from 3.99% APR to 8.99% APR. Higher rates will apply for a credit limit below $99,999, an LTV above 80%, a low credit score and/or not having a US Bank Package relationship. The rate will not vary above 25% APR, or applicable state law, or below 1.99% APR. An annual fee of up to $90 may apply after the first year. Offer is subject to normal credit qualifications. Rates are subject to change. Property insurance is required. Consult your tax advisor regarding the deductibility of interest. Other restrictions may apply. Home Equity Loans and Lines of Credit are offered through U.S. Bank National Association ND. © 2013 U.S. Bank. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Softball- The Lady Loggers have 2-4 league record and a 5-7 record overall so far this season. Coach Randy Shockey and his team are in fourth place in special District 1, and were looking towards an important three game series against Knappa on April 16th and 19th. Shockey says the girls have Large fenced play areas and home style dorms. Special “Tiny Dog Dorm”. We’re different! 100% of profits go to IndigoRescue.org - saving the lives of homeless and abandoned animals. Competitive rates. No extra charges. No strict check-out times. (503) 429-0806 Airport Rd, Vernonia www.IndigoRanch.org L.L. Stub Stewart State Park is your source for outdoor recreation and supplies need to be kept separately from each other, but the females can stay in groups called “sororities.” “ M y primary goal for starting this whole thing was an attempt to increase student’s respect for other living things on this planet, through knowledge and interaction,” says Riley. “Respect for living things is important to me—and should be important to the students as well, as we are all co-residents of Earth.” Riley says caring for this large Absolute Marble & Granite QUALITY FABRICATION & INSTALLATION Items now available for purchase at the Registration Station! MARBLE GRANITE TRAVERTINE • Full variety of discs for disc golf $3.00-$29.00 • Disc golf bags & disc drying towels $8.00-$15.00 • Visors $15.00 • Bicycle helmets $10.00 FREE ESTIMATES Questions? Call 503-324-0606 x 226 Kitchen Countertops Fireplace & Furniture Tubs & Vanities continued on page 17 Betta Fish Project continued from front page CAGE FREE DOG BOARDING IN VERNONIA Dedicated to your dog’s comfort, safety and fun! been hitting the ball well and noted the bat of freshman Sara Smith who hit a home run against Nestucca. Samantha Wallace also had a home run and has been leading the team in hitting. Kenzie Anderson also added a home run. Shockey has been pleased with the development of his starting freshmen battery of pitcher Kassidy Fetch and catcher Sara Smith. “They are getting better and better every week,” says Shockey. “That is one of our real bright spots for now and for the future.” Defense has been a struggle at times and Shockey points to the teams tendency to make several mistakes in the field and give up one big inning. “Our defense has been letting us down, that has been our big problem this year,” says Shockey. “When we don’t make errors, as we did in our 8-5 win against Gaston on April 5th, we can play with anybody. We have just been beating ourselves.” Shockey did note that the Lady Loggers pulled off a triple play against Gaston, something Shockey says is extremely rare in high school softball. Shockey says he is pleased to see his team continuing to improve as the season progresses. “We’re a young team and some of them are still learning all CCB#159794 Phone 503-429-2617 [email protected] www.absolutemarbleinc.com number of fish requires quite a bit of work, and she does not plan on breeding any fish again anytime soon. But her students are continuing to enjoy observing their fish, learning from them and caring for them. schools Vernonia School Board Report At the April 11, 2013 Vernonia School Board Meeting: Board Accepts Resignation-The Board accepted the resignation of teacher Kari Hansen. Hansen had been an instructor for thirty years in the district. Superintendent Ken Cox, along with the entire Board, thanked Hansen for her many years of dedicated service to the district and the students. Board Cuts Days for Calendar-Due to budget shortfalls, Superintendent Ken Cox requested, and the Board approved, a reduction of four days from the school calendar this year. (See full story on front page.) SHaW to Hold Open House- Spencer Health and Wellness, School Based Health Center will hold an Open House on April 23, 2103 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. There will be refreshments, special guests and a ceremony at 1:00 PM. The public is invited. Board Approves Calendar-The Board approved an instructional calendar for next school year which includes 165 days for students and 180 days for teachers. Special Education Report-James Brookins gave an annual Special Education report to the Board. Brookins discussed the specialized services the district receives from the NWRESD. He also reported on the continuing increase in the district of Life Skills and Behavioral caseloads. Brookins reported that the district will have seven students from the Sped program graduating this year, but will have seven students incoming into kindergarten that have been identified for the program next year. Brookins reported that the District did not meet Mathematics and Reading standards for students with disabilities in 2011-12, but that the Improvement Plan the district submitted was accepted without revision. Brookins also reported that the District was 100% compliant for System Performance Review and Improvement and all work has been completed through 2014. Teacher Kathleen Jackson reported on the Learning Resource Service program at the high school level. Jackson reported that several students are studying for their GED and that one passed all requirements and received their diploma. The district had ninety-nine students in the program this school year, or 17% of the student population. Superintendent Cox told the audience that the District receives $11,000 (instead of the april18 2013 usual $6,000) for each student identified as special needs, but only up to 11% of the population. School Board member Bill Langmaid noted that the Vernonia School District has families moving into the district to take advantage of the “... phenomenal program we present. So we are attracting a higher cost population as a result.” Langmaid suggested lobbying the state legislature to remove the 11% cap on smaller districts. Brookins noted that students identified with special needs is increasing in general. School Board Chair Jim Krahn thanked Brookins and his program for all their work. “We appreciate what you do very much,” said Krahn. Girls Scouts Explain Projects-Girls Scouts Lauren Ely and Jessica Butcher told the School Board they were planning to initiate a project on April 13th to remove weeds along Missouri Avenue and the entrance to the new school campus. Girl Scouts Megan Ely and Mackenzie Willard told the School Board that Troop 40485 was initiating a recycling program in the School Commons and would use the money they collect to assist a fresh water project in a third world country. Student Reports-Middle School leadership students Hope Cutright, Lauren Glass, and Megan Rice updated the School Board on activities from their school including what they are studying in certain classes, art projects, a 6th grade garden project and the VMS track team. They also informed the Board that students are preparing for their Washington D.C. Trip and that the Leadership class is involved in numerous activities. Board Approves Student SurveyBoard member Bill Langmaid made a presentation on behalf of the Vital Vernonia Indicator Project and presented a short student survey that students will be asked to complete this spring that will gather baseline data for the project. The five question survey asks students about volunteerism, school pride, plans beyond high school and current job opportunities. The Board approved the survey. Board Approves Resolution-The Board approved Resolution 1213-06 to join and support a state-wide “Strong Schools, Strong State” campaign to prioritize education in state investments through adequate and stable funding, preventing further program cuts and staff reductions and starting on a path to achieve Oregon’s 40-40-20 goal. Run for the Arts Students at the Vernonia Schools participated in “Run for the Arts” on April 11, 2013, running laps to raise money for arts programs in their school. The program provides funding for art focused assemblies and artistin-residence programs, exposing Vernonia students to cultural diversity programing not found in the community. In the past the program had helped fund programs that included drum making, basket weaving and other music and craft programming. Vernonia School District Volunteer of the Month March 2013 Nayan Fleenor Nayan Fleenor was a teacher in the Vernonia School District for over thirty years. Now she is an incredible volunteer who commutes from Portland to help the children of Vernonia. She reads with students, helps them with other subjects, goes on field trips, helps with Run for the Arts, runs a station at Salmon Watch and so many other things. She is also in charge of the District’s donated supplies. Nayan is an incredible asset with all that she does for the youth and teachers in the district. She is a great example of what volunteerism is all about! 15 Spencer Health and Wellness School Based Health Center is open to patients on Tuesdays and Fridays from 7:30 AM - 1:30 PM 16 schools april18 2013 Class of 2013: “Getting Ready to Graduate” By Savannah Brown to even think about graduation. This year’s track season is jam-packed full of At this point in the year, seniors meets, as is softball, baseball, golf, and flock to the high school library. Whether it OHSET (equestrian team) are humming is to begin working on local scholarships, along also. However, all of this busyness finish homework assignments, or just will crescendo with graduation day. And to find a corner for peace and quiet, then.... the day after: we’ll all wake up and we are all working hard… or in some no longer be comfortably in high school. cases, hardly working. For most seniors, Once the dust settles, we’re left with our days are spent teasing teachers and “the big question mark”…what now? counting down the days until graduation. The class of 2013 is stepping When we reflect on four very short years, into an economy nearly rivaling the it’s amazing how far we’ve all grown. great depression of the 1930’s. However, From awkward freshmen trying to fit- we have no New Deal Era entry-level in and find our way between temporary job opportunities. As if waking from buildings and new friends, to making a bad dream, our Social Studies and the first stamp on a new school and our Economics lectures, once just abstract last imprint on high school life before ideas are becoming personal reality. being set loose on the outside world. The ongoing recession impacts our In these busy, remaining handful of future plans, like whether some of us school days, the hallways are abuzz with choose to take out $50,000-$100,000+ spring fever, activities and excitement. in student loan debt gambling on careers Between scholarships, sports, and that may or may not ever pay back the planning for prom, I’ve had little time educational investment. For others, it may be considering a different path. On a recent NPR program, a guest author discussed the idea that young people today must carefully consider whether or not a traditional education path is economically feasible. He went on to mention that we must consider what alternative education paths are available such as internships, apprenticeships and on-the-job training. High school graduates of past generations knew they could make a decent living with a blue-collar job, buy a house and feed a family. Those who decided to go on to college and obtain a degree could go start undecided, pursue a liberal arts degree and choose a major at a later time. This is not the case today. Skyrocketing tuitions, increased competition from those displaced from layoffs, and out-of-state applications for the state schools makes college entrance more difficult every day. All of which makes us seniors very Homeless Youth Eligible for Assistance Under No Child Left Behind (NCLB), Title X: homeless children and youth are minors who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. It includes children and youth who: • Are sharing the housing of other persons due to a loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason; • Are living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations; • Are living in emergency or transitional shelters; • Are abandoned in hospitals; or • Are awaiting foster care placement; • Have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings; • Are living in cars, parks, public places, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; and • Migrant children and youth (as defined under NCLB Title IC-Migrant Education) who qualify as homeless for the purposes of this subtitle because the children are living in the circumstance Recycle Your Paint! Do you know what to do with leftover cans of paint? With PaintCare, recycling unwanted paint is simple and convenient. Just bring it to your local drop-off site and we’ll take it from there. Thanks to our local drop-off sites, it’s easy to recycle our paint! VERNONIA HARDWARE AND SUPPLY 1026 Bridge St. Vernonia, OR Mon–Thurs 9–6, Fri–Sat 9–7 Sun 12–5 stressed out. Sometimes we just need to step back and take a deep breath. Education is an investment in oneself. An education doesn’t stop at a high school or college degree. It should be a lifelong exploration of inquiry. A yearning to better yourself and development of a curious, engaged mind to a changing and complex world. As I walk through the doors of Vernonia Schools, I am grateful for the education and preparation for life I’ve been given by the faculty here as a foundation to write (and live) the next chapter… In the meantime--We’re all in this together. Savannah Brown is a senior at Vernonia High School and an intern with Vernonia’s Voice. She plans to attend Portland Community College next fall. described above. Youth who qualify may be eligible for assistance. If you feel you qualify or if you know of a family/student that may, please contact Nate Underwood, District Homeless Liaison at 503-429-1333. Assistance may include: • School supplies and school clothes • Hygiene supplies • Fees (SAT, ACT, college applications, credit recovery, etc.) • Emergency assistance to attend school • Transportation • One time emergency expenses that will result in student being able to attend and participate in school (immunizations, glasses,), and/or other urgent matters • Other Kid’s Bike Safety Fair at Vernonia Schools On Saturday, May 4th at the Vernonia Schools parking area there will be a Kid’s Bike Safety Fair, from 10 - 1. The NW Bicycle Safety Council is helping Vernonia Grade School, the Vernonia Police Department and the Lions Club put the fair on. The NW Bicycle Safety Council is an all-volunteer charity who work to help educate youth and adults in local communities about general topics on cycling, with emphasis on bicycle safety. Every child who attends the Safety Fair and needs a new helmet will receive one FREE of charge. Vernonia Alumni Vernonia’s new K-12 school is now open and is quite impressive, however the athletic fields and facilities are not yet complete. As Vernonia Alumni, we need to step up to the plate and help finish the job. We ask you to join your fellow Alumni by contributing to this important cause. A “SPORTS INITIATIVE” fund through the Vernonia Education Foundation (VEF) has been established. At the October 19 Homecoming football game a check was presented to the VEF for $3500 which we have collected so far. Please join us and show your support for the students and staff of the Vernonia School District and the entire Vernonia community. You may send your tax deductible donation to: The Vernonia Education Foundation 1201 Texas Avenue Vernonia, OR 97064 www.paintcare.org Some sites have limited capacity, so please call ahead to check with your local drop-off site if you have more than 5 gallons. Be sure to designate your check “Sports Initiative” or “Alumni” Or you can donate on line at: www.vernoniak12.or.us Click on the “Sports Initiative” Donate Button schools april18 2013 VHS Spring Sports Report continued from page 14 the aspects of the game,” says Shockey. stronger,” says Miller. Miller noted that, “I think by the end of the season we are in a 14-2 win over Faith Bible on April 9, going to be a pretty good team.” the Loggers played a very solid defense game and only made one mistake. Baseball- The Loggers were currently Miller says multiple defense mistakes in fifth place in Special District 1 in in one inning have been a downfall in Division 2A as they headed into a three several league losses, so he is pleased to game series against league leading see the improvement. Miller noted the Knappa on April 16th and 19th. The play of Ethan Johnston, who has filled in Loggers league record is 3-5 and overall at catcher due to injuries as a bright spot record is 4-5. for the team. Coach Aaron Miller says Offensively Cutright and pitching continues to be a strength this Jennings have been the most consistent year with Austin Cutright, Tim Jennings Loggers at the plate. Both have been and Bo Clark making up the starting hitting the ball solidly, putting the ball rotation; Ron Maldonado and Adonis in play and not striking out. Against Hopkins and Jake Titus have provided Faith Bible Cutright had four RBI’s on relief. 3 hits, including two very long doubles. Defensively Miller is still trying Jennings is hitting for high average to fill some gaps and decide on a starting and is a strong baserunner. Clark has lineup. Miller says he has a good core been battling a thumb injury; Miller group of returning players with a lot of hopes he will be able to contribute more varsity experience, beyond that he has a consistently when he is completely lot of players new to varsity high school healed. Miller also noted the offense baseball, including several foreign of Johnston who has been making exchange students who have never solid contact and Maldonado who has played before. “We have players who contributed some clutch hits. Ryan are competing for positions and getting Roberts added a grand slam in a 20-10 loss against Gaston and has been doing a good job of putting the ball in play. Miller says he is pleased that his team has continued to fight back in several games when they were behind and have not given up. “They continue to play hard and make games competitive.” well and are very enthusiastic. Brookins also has Gabe Roberts, a middle school player, who is practicing with the team. The team has two assistant coaches this season: Marv Long who has been with the program for eighteen years and a new volunteer, Laura Blacker who played women’s Golf- Coach James Brookins has five collegiate golf at Bowdoin College in golfers this season, two with some team Maine and is working primarily with experience, and three who are new to Baska. golfing. The team had competed in two Brookins says his players are matches this season at Quail Valley, enjoying the social aspect of competitive including a match on April 10th and one golf and like the opportunity to meet scheduled for April 17th. The Loggers players from other schools. “Some of will host a league meet at the Vernonia these new kids who have played other Golf Club on April 24th at 11:00 AM. sports like football and baseball are used Matt Bringman and Austin to trying to beat the other guy,” says Ragsdale are the two returning players. Brookins. “They told me, ‘Hey, golf is Ragsdale finished in the middle of the kind of friendly!’ While they’re still pack after shooting 105 for 18 holes at trying to score better than the other guy, the teams first match. Brookins says they can still cheer and appreciate it both are where he expects them to be this when they make a good shot. You want early in the season and both have been to beat the course, but if the other guy improving with each week. is having a better day than you then you Jerrid Whitton, Justin Ragsdale can congratulate him. It’s a good game and Alexis Baska are the new golfers this in that regard.” season. All three have been progressing Spencer Health and Wellness to Host Open House Spencer Health and Wellness, Vernonia’s School-Based Health Center, will host an open house for the public 9:00 AM-2:00 PM on Tuesday, April 23, at the new Vernonia Schools building. The clinic space will be open for view. Student guides and staff will be on hand to answer questions and conduct tours. Area dignitaries have been invited to the opening ceremony event at 1:00 PM in the Commons. Sherrie Ford, program manager for the Public Health Foundation’s School-Based Health Centers, said that since the January “soft” opening of the Spencer Health and Wellness (SHaW) the staff has been overwhelmed with student patients. “We’ve seen everything from sports physicals to immunizations, to sore throats and follow-up on chronic conditions such as asthma,” said Ford. The clinic funding allows it to be open Tuesdays and Fridays from 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Funds come from the Oregon Health Authority through the Public Health Foundation. Tara Roberts is the Family Nurse Practitioner on staff with support from medical assistants Monica Rea and Laura Meyer. Ford said that the clinic will bill insurance, and insured patients can request SHaW to be their primary care 17 provider. No students will be turned away because of an inability to pay. “We hope the community will take this opportunity to visit the center, meet the staff and get answers to any questions they have,” said Ford. She added that anyone with interest in serving on the clinic oversight committee can contact her at 503-3974651, ext 2021. Vernonia’s Voice is published twice each month on the 1st and 3rd Thursday. Our next issue will be May 2. Need more room? See us for the lowest prices GUARANTEED! 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For more information on tax return preparers, go to www.IRS.gov. 18 vernonia rural fire protection district april18 2013 Vernonia Rural Fire Protection District Upcoming Events The display will be held at the former Logger field starting at dusk. Pancake Feed Fourth of July The VRFPD would like to inform the community that The VRFPD is busy collecting donations to ensure a we will be postponing our annual pancake breakfast due to spectacular 4th of July Firework extravaganza. Collection cans have been set up in local businesses across town. Our goal is to training and scheduling conflicts. The district would like to be try to collect $5000 by the 15th of June. There will be the tradi- able to provide this event later in the year if possible. We look tional parade earlier in the day as well. We cordially invite you forward to the opportunity to get together with the members of and your family and friends to join us for the festivities. You our humble town and be able to spend some quality time tomay also make a donation by stopping by the Fire Department. gether. SKID Program On May 2nd, 2013 the Vernonia School will be holding its annual Stopping Kid Intoxicated Driving (S.K.I.D) program. This is traditionally held prior to the senior prom to help ensure that our students come home safely. Tragically every year numerous young people are injured or killed in drunk driving accidents. It is our hope, in conjunction with the Vernonia School District, as well as the Mist/Birkenfeld Fire Department, to help our students understand the very real dangers that exist when engaging in these risky behaviors. We invite you to join us in this activity and help support the efforts of the S.K.I.D. team. S.K.I.D. plans to use the remnants of a vehicle that was destroyed due to driving while intoxicated. It is important that the students understand that while dying is a horrific outcome, the survivors of these accidents sometimes pay with their life in a different way. Some of these survivors may be crippled for life. This could be anywhere from having their legs pinned and never being able to walk, dance, or drive a car again to sustaining a head injury requiring them to have personal assistance in everything they do (eat, dress, bathe, talk, write, etc.) for the rest of their lives. We all have been taught not to drive while under the influence, but sometimes that message is not clearly understood. Too many people assume that driving while intoxicated means that a person is so drunk that they don’t even know their own name and can’t stand up. The reality is that the signs may be more subtle that you’ve had too much to drink. Here are some signs that we would like you to watch out for: Acting silly when they typically do not Inability to follow a conversation clearly Angrier than typical More emotional than typical Safety Tips Violent behavior Stumbling Slurred speech Defensiveness Argumentative Overly friendly Have two ways out Practice staying low to the ground when escaping. The real hope is that our students are aware that it is against the law for them to consume any amount of alcohol. It is also against the law for anyone to provide them with alcohol. A ticket or an arrest is probably the minimal consequence that you will suffer. Please listen when the S.K.I.D team shares with you the stories of the survivors who have to live with the fact that they were responsible for taking the lives of their friends, or of innocent strangers. Remember that some of those friends will survive with devastating and permanent injuries on the shoulders of the drivers’ bad judgment. These consequences never go away. We hope our students have a safe and spectacular senior prom! Please feel free to ask anyone involved in this presentation for more information on how to have a safe night. We advise you along with your family to strategize a workable plan in the event that you find yourself in a difficult situation before the night of this event. For more information, please contact: Stopping Kid Intoxicated Driving Program PO Box 3058 Hillsboro, OR 97123 ph: 971-285-5110 alt: 503-504-4585 email to: [email protected] Feel all doors before opening them. If a door is hot, get out another way. Learn to stop, drop to the ground, roll if clothes catch fire. From www.firesafetytips.com Generous Donation As some of you may be aware, the VRFPD has a number of new recruits going through fire academy. They are expected to wrap up their training the first week of June, after which, these fine young men and women will be able to apply their newly acquired skills here in our community. One of the challenges of training a new recruit is assuring that they have access to materials needed to provide them with realistic sce- narios. Our very own Mike Pihl was generous enough to donate a truck full of logs to the fire training center in St. Helens. The recruits were delighted to get their hands on the equipment they would be using and start practicing their cutting skills. We would like to thank Mike for his thoughtfulness in contributing to us. Fun facts about one of our members This month: Chief Dean Smith Favorite Ice Cream flavor: First Car: Favorite Movie: Favorite Color: Favorite Dessert: First Pet: What would you do if you won the Lottery: Favorite outdoor activity: Vanilla Bean Dodge Colt The Matrix Green Cheesecake German shepherd/collie mix Find ways to creatively spend the money Self sustainability Calls responded to March 1st –April 1st, 2013 Accident, potential accident (46) Dispatched and cancelled en route (61) Emergency medical service (EMS) incident (32) Medical assist (31) Natural vegetation fire (14) Public service assist (55) Unauthorized burning (56) Unintentional system/detector operation (no fire) (74) TOTAL 1 2 14 17 1 5 1 2 43 in other words april18 2013 The Sounding Board: Annual Audit By Jack Phillips Before I go further, I want to comment on the audit just conducted. It Another West Oregon Electric was done by the firm of Kenneth Kuhns Cooperative procedural “Annual Audit.” & Company of Salem. The Company Each year, an audit is conducted was one of three firms considered which assures us round pegs go in round by the Board after last year’s Annual holes and square pegs in square holes. Membership Meeting. I was present at These audits are not critically analytical. the Board meeting when the decision They reveal little else, other than, each was made and voted on. At that time, year, income and expenses are accounted Mr. VanNatta revealed his daughter for by proper, acceptable accounting was a CPA at that firm and he made a procedures. statement, for everyone to hear, as a In today’s world of business, joke, that he did not care if anyone it is a kind of annual blessing. Of objected to the fact presented, Kenneth course, proper accounting procedures Kuhns & Company was the company to are followed! What a procedural audit be chosen and that was that! It was a does not do, is go into the nitty gritty careless remark. Yes, there was laughter, of business decisions, allocations, especially by Mr. VanNatta. He did not assignments, contract awards, travel recuse his Chairmanship for the vote. and the “why?” of how funds are spent. More importantly, his joke created a That is not within the cost or scope, of cloud of disregard and arrogance. Mr. a procedural audit. An Administrative VanNatta has been at WOEC for over 20 Audit does that, an entirely different years and is Chairman of the Board. His kind of process, and just as necessary, in remark was not appropriate, or fair, to given instances, as the procedural audit WOEC members, other members of the we are discussing. Board, management or Kenneth Kuhns & Company. It definitely taints the audit just conducted. Membership action and leadership needs to be taken. By law, co-op members have the right of access to WOEC’s records. Transparency should be a matter of fact. To date, that has not been our experience. We need, therefore, to inspect the records. This includes attorneys, CPA’s and advisors representing us. If we discover improvements can be made and costs effectively lowered, good. If we discover electrical rates are going to remain high, then we should take further action and seriously consider restructuring or dissolving WOEC. I know the mantra presented by management, “nobody wants us.” However, if rates go through the roof and WOEC goes under, there may be no other choice. PGE is less expensive. Columbia River PUD is less expensive. Every bordering utility is less expensive. For example, members in Chapman have to pay our rates when just a few hundred feet away, Columbia River PUD lines Bridge Street Bits HOME AND GARDEN SALE is coming to the Vernonia Senior Center on May 31st and June 1st, 9 am - 5 pm. This year there will be antique furniture and other furniture as well. Garden art, herbs, veggie plants, flowering plants and Rosy’s homemade cookies. For information to reserve a spot to sell your home and/or garden wares, please contact President Jack Harvey at 503-0528-4904 or stop in at the center. This is a fundraiser for the Vernonia Senior Center. Join in the fun... buying, selling, or both! MEDICARE QUESTIONS will be answered by Michelle Moore here at the center on Wednesday, April 24th from 9 am - 1 pm. On the docket is information about help with co-pays for hospital stays and deductibles, life insurance questions and health reform changes that take effect January 1, 2014. SUPERIOR FOOT CARE, LLC by Marilyn Albro, RN is a service we provide here that you will be glad you took advantage of. Call Marilyn at 503-429-0406 for an appointment and fees. Your feet will love you for it! UTILITY COSTS seem to be rising on a regular basis. There are a few things you can do and a few places to get some help. Community Action Team does have a limited water fund available that can help with half of your water bill, up to $100. Call to find out if you qualify. Melissa Stewart at Energy Assistance 503-366-6599 or Karen, local Vernonia, 503-429-0273. This is for seniors and non-seniors alike. In the meantime: 1) Use low-flow shower heads. Community Action Team has some available for free to anyone who needs one. 2) Water heaters should be set no higher than Vernonia Senior Center 120 degrees; dishwashers set to 140 degrees unless you don’t have a booster heater in your dishwasher. 3) Use the correct size water heater or switch to a tank-less water heater. This can save you 10-15% on your electric bill. ICE CREAM will be served here Wednesday, April 24th compliments of Wauna FCU. Hope to see you for lunch. Monday, April 29th join us for a FREE ride to a local senior center for the 5 Area Luncheon. This is a great opportunity to meet and enjoy a meal with other seniors from our four other centers, Clatskanie, Rainier, St. Helens and Scappoose. SEE YOU HERE for lunch each day, no age limit and for our reinstated breakfast on Fridays 7:30 - 9:00 am. SENIOR SIGN OFF: Old timers well remember when a family that couldn’t afford to buy a car... didn’t. 446 Bridge Street 19 on the other side of an administrative / political boundary are much lower. Every utility surrounding our territory, charges less. How do they do that? They have long right-of-ways, trees, storms, outages, rising costs and past maintenance problems too. And that brings to mind another, possible challenge: the City of Vernonia can withdraw from WOEC and form its own Municipal Utility. What happens if they do? We need to take action ahead of potential crisis. As a membership group, we are seeking individuals to join us, or wanting our endorsement in order to become Directors on the WOEC Board. This will take time, effort and money, so we will be having bake sales, garage sales, and the like. Located way out? We will travel. We encourage anyone interested, to contact us. Jack Phillips 503 429-8089 jphillips5295@ gmail.com; Sally Harrison 503 4298425; Nick Galaday 503 429-8910; Our Blog: utilitymembershippowerof1. blogspot.com Have a boat to sell? Planning a Garage Sale? Do you have a service to offer? A job opening? Advertise in Vernonia’s Voice classified ad section. For only $5 a month get your ad in the hands of thousands of readers twice a month! phone: 503-367-0098 email: [email protected] The Constitution Party The Constitution Party of Columbia County meets on the 3rd Monday each month at 7:00 PM at the Columbia River PUD, 64001 Columbia River Hwy., Deer Island, OR. Current political updates and more. Vernonia’s Voice is published twice each month on the 1st and 3rd Thursday. Our next issue will be May 2. Church Directory (in alphabetical order) Assembly of God Sunday School: 9:45 AM Morning Worship: 11:00 AM Sunday Evening Prayer: 6:00 PM Wayne Marr, Pastor 662 Jefferson Avenue 503-429-0373 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Sunday Schedule: Sacrament Meeting: 10:00 AM Sunday School & Primary: 11:20 AM Relief Society, Priesthood and Young Women: 12:10 PM Marc Farmer, Branch President 1350 E. Knott Street 503-429-7151 Covenant Church Vernonia Sunday School: 9:45 AM Worship Service: 11:00 AM Wednesday Prayer Meeting: 7:00 PM John D, Murray, Pastor 359 “A” Street 503-860-3860 Nehalem Valley Bible Church Sunday School: 9:45 AM Worship Service: 10:45 AM Wed. Ladies Bible Study: 10:00 AM Wednesday Service: 7:00 PM Sat. Men’s Prayer Meeting: 6:30 AM Gary Taylor, Pastor Grant & North Streets 503-429-5378 Pioneer Baptist Fellowship Sunday School: 9:30 AM Worship Service: 11:00 AM www.pbfalive.com John Cahill, Pastor 939 Bridge Street 503-429-1161 St. Mary’s Catholic Church Wednesday Religious Education: 3:154:30 PM Sunday Mass: 12:00 PM Rev. Luan Tran, Administrator 960 Missouri Avenue 503-429-8841 Vernonia Christian Church Sunday School: 9:45 AM Worship Service in Youth & Family Center: 11:00 AM www.VernoniaChristianChurch.org Sam Hough, Pastor 410 North Street 503-429-6522 Grace Family Fellowship Sunday School: 9:00 AM Worship Service: 10:30 AM Wednesday Prayer: 6:15 PM Greg Justice, Interim Pastor 957 State Avenue 503-429-6790 Vernonia Foursquare Church Sunday Worship Service: 10:30 AM Children’s Sunday School Carl Pense, Pastor 850 Madison Avenue 503-429-1103 Vernonia Seventh-day Adventist Church Sabbath (Saturday) Services Sabbath School: 9:30 AM Worship Service: 11:00 AM www.VernoniaSDAC.org Larry Gibson, Pastor 2nd Ave. and Nehalem St. 503-429-8301 20 announcements/classified ads april18 2013 Welcome to the VRFPD Board of Directors World... Candidate Interviews continued from page 3 Eleanor Lynn Kintz Announcing the arrival of Eleanor (Elly) Lynn Kintz, born February 22nd, 2013 to parents, Jonathan and Jessica Kintz. Both Jonathan and Jessica are 2006 graduates of Vernonia High School and are currently residing in Corvallis, Oregon. Proud Grandparents are Greg and Beth Kintz, and Keith and Kelly Shaw, all of Vernonia. is just finally now starting to give long term goals-where they see the department heading. There is a group of us that have pushing and asking for that from the Board for years. Wanting to know where they see us in three years, in five years, in ten years. We need to have those goals set so we have something to work towards and mold our department to make it better and better serve the community. Mike Demeter: As I’ve already said, finding a way to fund our Fire Department and get them the things they need without having to go to the community to get it. Because the stuff they are most in need of is way beyond what the community can afford to put out. couple rough years with the flood, Chief Epler leaving, with volunteers having to leave because of how they were affected by the flood, and bringing on and training a whole new group of volunteers. We have brought on and trained a new group of officers, started our Explorer Program and a Logistics Program—these are really good things we have been able to put in place over the last five years. Now we are at the point where we can start looking out five, ten and fifteen years instead of focusing on what we need to do to get through the next two years. Like I said before, I think there are some issues with aging apparatus, which almost every department in the state is facing with budget cutbacks. I think we need to explore creative ways What are some things that you think to fund that. I think the issues with the are going well for the VRFPD? station need to be addressed; we have What do you think might need to be really pushed the limits of what we can do there and we are really doing a lot changed? Ben Davis: I think we have a good with what we have, but I really see some group of dedicated volunteers. I think changes that need to happen with that we have a good sense of community station so we can expand in some ways in Vernonia. We have a good Chief in that would really benefit the community. Dean Smith who is moving forward with And as I mentioned before the addition his education and his experience while of a part-time training officer to really balancing all the different areas where keep an eye on meeting all the requirehe needs to commit time. I think we are ments as well as move forward with our moving in a good direction. We had a current volunteers and exceed the miniServing since 1953 Fuiten, Rose & Hoyt Funeral Home & Crematory Third Generation Family Owned & Operated Jeffrey and Kathryn Hoyt, Gregory and Rachel Hoyt, Samantha Humphrey, Ross Mathews, Peni Flores Attendant: Ray Pelster Anonymous Donor in Support of Vernonia’s Voice Jeffrey & Kathryn Hoyt 2308 Pacific Ave., Forest Grove 503-357-2161 741 Madison Ave., Vernonia 503-429-6611 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.fuitenrosehoyt.com Serving since 1873 Forest Grove Memorial Chapel 2308 Pacific Ave., Forest Grove 503-357-3126 Serving all cemeteries for marker sales and installation Classified Ad Rates $5/month Rideshare/Carpool Ads FREE FOR RENT For Rent 2 bedroom duplex with attached garage, small covered deck and small side yard, non fenced, located on high ground. Includes all electric appliances, electric wall heat and washer/dryer hookup. $650/mo rent, $650 security dep & $100 NR cleaning fee. No pets. Avail May 5th. 503 913 3043 Commercial Building For Rent, “Clever Cricket” Building, 728 Madison Ave. in Vernonia. Available after May 15. Call Gordon for information, 503-318-5347 Long Term RV Space for rent. 503-7930921 3 Bdrm, 2.5 Bath Home on quiet cul-de-sac. 1600 sq.ft., newer home, large bedrooms, all upstairs. Nice deck and backyard. No smoking/pets. Minimum 6 month lease. $1200/ mo. with $1000 dep. Available 3/4/13. Contact Cody 503-747-8225. Duplex for Rent - 1 bdrm, 1 bath. Woodstove, dishwasher, disposal, w/d, RV parking. No pets. Sewer/water included. $650/ mo. 503-241-8020 mum requirements. Luke Ellis: I’m glad they finally decided to make Dean Smith the Chief. When they first made Dean Deputy Chief we asked the Board for guidance-where do you see us in three years, where do you see us in five years. They didn’t know. We wanted a Chief. We wanted to know what their plan was. I’m tired of the Board not giving a clear or direct answer to the Volunteer Association. Having been a volunteer for so long I think I can speak for the volunteers and the public. There needs to be more guidance. We need a second full time person to act as Training Officer. We need more structure. We need more communication. Mike Demeter: I think one of the best things is that they finally have someone, Dean Smith, as Chief. I have watched the Department go from basically falling apart to where it is today. It is a very well-run department that, instead of going from month to month wondering how we are going to get things done, now we are at a point where, month to month we have things done and we can look forward, instead of having to look backwards. The number of volunteers is great! It is so great to see so many people step out and be part of it. They are probably some of the best trained volunteers around. They put in a ton of time. We need to get them what they need to do their job and protect the community. I’m sure people have seen some of the older engines we have; they are over twenty-five years old. It’s actually a very dangerous situations. We are asking these folks to go out and put their lives on the line to protect our property and protect our Granite Markers & Monuments families. We really need to give them the best equipment we can. That’s one 971-344-3110 place they are really hurting. There are some things about the Privately Owned 15 Years way the public perceives the depart100% Guaranteed Quality ment; things have gotten better in the All Cemeteries Accepted last few years. I think the public perOrder proof at no charge online ception of the Fire Department needs to be raised so they understand what these folks are doing for them. www.angelmemorialsheadstones.com Angel Memorials Headstones CLASSIFIED ADS FOR RENT For Rent--3 studios available, 409 Rose Ave, $400 rent $400 deposit. Call Tim 503396-3371. Self Storage - Fine, insulated storage units in Clatskanie. 20 sizes, on site managers John & Kris Lillich. Visa/MC/AmEx accepted. 503-728-2051 FOR SALE Building Lots, Vernonia. Four buildable single-family lots, side-by-side, in beautiful 8-lot cul-de-sac subdivision. Four homes already built and sold. All utilities in place, owner will carry with $1,000 down. Prices starting at $49,900. Location: Rose Hedge Court. Call Ken or Carol for more information, 503-648-1951 or cell 503-781-7322. Mountain Water Offering alkaline or acidic ph ionized water. For info and water contact Dawn and Erica 429-0544 or 971-409-8362. Like us on FB, join the Waterclub. [email protected] Treharne Firewood Service - Fir cut, split and delivered - $170/ cord, local. Jerry SERVICES To place an ad call: 503-367-0098 email: [email protected] Budge 503-429-1811 Wesley’s Appliance Repair - Affordable w/ experience. vernonia_machine@vernonia. com 503-429-0564 ABC For Life Training Center-- CPRAED, First Aid, Basic Life Support, NRA Handgun Safety, Concealed Handgun Permit Class OR, FL, AZ, ME, NH, VA, CT. Onsite or off-site. Individual or group. www. abcforlife.net, 503-709-1878. Guitar Lessons all styles, taught by a professional with 30 years experience. $25/hr. John 503-235-8996 or 503-789-3835 Photo Restoration Cracks, Fading, Enlargements, Copies, Story Collages. Terry St.Pierre 503-980-3289 Automotive Air Conditioning Service 503-429-0564 Safety Course Classes - Required for the Oregon Concealed Handgun License-fulfills application requirements. Also personalized firearms proficiency training classes available. Small classes ensure individual atten- SERVICES tion. Local and flexible scheduling. Please call 503-429-7342 for details. WANTED Do you have local produce/honey/flower/ meat/herbs/CSA, a locally-sourced food product, or a few extra eggs you want to sell? Get included for FREE in the 2013 Local Food Guide. Contact Columbia Pacific Food Bank (503) 397-9708 or [email protected] I Buy Guitars, amps and other musical instruments. Call John 503-235-8996 or 503789-3835 VA C AT I O N R E N TA L S KONA, HAWAII Paradise Villa condo located on the 18th fairway of the Kona Country Club with sweeping ocean views and beautiful sunsets. 3 bdrms, 2 bath. 503369-2638 or go to our website at www.konacondo.info for more information, pictures, availability & cost. april18 2013 Check out our new Website! Your source for Vernonia information http://www.vernoniasvoice.com Current News Upcoming Events Vernonia Weather VHS Sports Scores Announcements Business Listing Polls and more.... Community Calendar VERNONIA’S reflecting the spirit of our community 21 22 area businesses april18 2013 Wesley’s Repair Automotive Air Conditioning & Appliances Swedish massage Trigger Point Aromatherapy Deep Tissue Reflexology Myofacial Reiki Affordable rates with experience All work and parts guaranteed 503-429-0564 17269 Sheely Creek Rd. [email protected] Valley Veterinary Clinic 503-556-3084 Over 25 years of experience! Call for an appointment (503) 429-5180 1984 mist drive, po box 321 vernonia, oregon, 97064 MIKE PIHL LOGGING CO., INC No appointment necessary Thurdays 10am to 5pm Walk-ins only LARGE OR SMALL WE DO THEM ALL Specializing in Private Timber Free Estimates 58376 Nehalem Hwy. South, Vernonia 503-429-1470 cell 503.789.1268 shop 503.429.1473 fax 503.429.0252 Lonnie J. Perry General Contractor Specializing in Smaller Properties, Farms & Ranches Terry P. Tobin, O.D. • Rototiller • Land Leveler • Stump Grinder • Trencher • Loader Bucket • Pole Holes Doctor Of Optometry Family Vision Care Pricing is fair & reasonable Letʼs work together Glasses & Contact Lenses 503-429-3040 CCB# 199587 Most Insurance Accepted STEVE HEMEON–YOU CALL, WE HAUL Quality Loam Bark Dust Pit Run Crushed Rock PHONE (503) 646-6166 Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm Office Location: 660 NW Murray Rd, Portland, OR 97229 (Across from Home Depot) Mist, OR 503.755.2767 Robert J Watts Construction, Inc 1313 Cherry Street Vernonia, OR 97064 503-429-0297 503-807-6213 [email protected] General Contractor • Excavation • Demolition • Septic Systems • Site Prep • Trenching • Utilities • Ponds • Flagger certification classes 503.429.4849 cell 503.369.4694 [email protected] phone 503-429-5504 cell 503-475-5442 CCB#16 68 15 COOTERVILLE CITY HALL ANTIQUES, COLLECTIBLES & JUNK This is NOT a museum, this stuff ’s for sale! appointments 800-244-4870 direct line 503-429-0622 BUY • SELL • TRADE 46740 NW Sunset Hwy Manning, OR 97125 Phone: 503.781.5541 [email protected] cootervillecityhall.com Mon & Wed 1:00-5:00 PM Tue 2:30-6:30 PM Investments • Exchanges • Acquisitions • Sales • Timber • Consulting 952 Bridge Street • Vernonia, OR 97064 Email: [email protected] 510 Bridge Street Subscription Form Gretchen’s saddlery Vernonia’s Voice is published and distributed twice each month on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday. Subscription rates are $35 for one year (24 issues). Mail to: PO Box 55, Vernonia, OR 97064 Name Address City Phone Custom Saddles & Leather Goods Free Estimates & Consultation All Types of Crafting & Repairs Superior Quality Gauranteed Gretchen Johnston ~ Maker 503.928.1722 State 715 Bridge Street, Vernonia OR 97064 Zip This is a gift subscription. Send renewal information to: Name Address City State Zip Phone reach thousands of potential customers advertise here! email us: [email protected] call us: 503.367.0098 community april18 The Scuttlebutt - News From Around Our Town Swedes in Vernonia-If you were passing through Vernonia on the morning of Friday, April 12 you may have witnessed a large group of people standing around a handful of white passenger vans at the Bridge Street Mini Mart taking photographs of a loaded log truck parked across the street. It turns out the group were all from Sweden and were visiting the area as the guests of Oregon Cutting Systems, also known as Blount International, a world leader in the manufacturer of chainsaw chains, guide bars, and other forestry accessories. The Swedes were all dealers and distributors of Oregon products; the trip to the U.S. was an incentive Oregon Cutting Systems offered their reps over there. For many in the group it was their first visit to the U.S. They spent the morning in the Vernonia area with Frank Chandler, owner of C&C Logging, who hosted the group at his timber harvesting operation. The group stopped on their way to Camp 18 for lunch and recorded their visit with a photo at one of Vernonia’s landmarks, Shay Park. Their tour guide during their visit: Vernonia’s most famous logger, Mike Pihl, who happened to be at the Mini Mart and asked if he could go with them to the Bighorn Logging since 1981 Contract Logging 503-324-2422 Free Estimates Timber Purchases Timber Management Oregon Professional Logger certified since 1996 cutting site they were visiting. He’s on the far right of the photo, in the back row. Lordy, Lordy Look Who’s Forty... or something like that-Barb Carr celebrated her April 16th milestone birthday a little early with friends and family at the Vernonia Scout Cabin on April 13th with a BBQ lunch and poppy seed birthday cake. Barb’s dearest friend Carrie Cook traveled up from Coquille, OR and regaled the guests with stories from the past when she and Barb were young Coos County Rodeo Princesses chasing cowboys. Fun and tequila were had by all. Happy Birthday Barb! Barb Carr celebrated with friends and family at the Scout Cabin. Sportsman Banquet-The fourth annual Vernonia Sportsman’s Banquet was held on Friday April 5th at the Vernonia Christian Church. All 350 tickets sold out and guests enjoyed the traditional BBQ dinner serveded by Cousin Kenny. Organizer Chad Hewitt said the message delivered by guest speaker Chad Shearer, star of Shoot Straight TV, was well received and that folks told Hewitt it was the best Sportsman’s Banquet so far. Vernonia Marathon-On April 13, 2013 over 400 runners from all over the U.S. descended on Vernonia for the Vernonia Marathon and Half Marathon, organized by the Oregon Road Runners Club. The race began at Cedar Ridge Conference Center and proceeded down the BanksVernonia Linear Trail. The big news this year was Vernonia High School senior Nathan Fleck who was running his first marathon; against 103 other finishers Fleck placed 4th overall with a time of 3:05:26 and took 1st place in the Men’s Under 20 age group. Jennifer Draeger of Vernonia finished 40th overall with a time of 4:00:30 and finished 2nd in the Woman’s 30-34 age group. In the Half Marathon, competing against 333 runners, Derek Handegard of Vernonia finished 8th overall with a time of 1:34:30 and took 1st in the Men’s 40-44 age group. Other notable Vernonia finishers were Sam Potter with a time of 1:46:01, Don Shulte with a time of 1:57:28, and Kellie Murray with a time of 2:00:31. 2013 23 Other Vernonia finishers were Rebecca Scotto, Maria Lemay, Kellie Shulte and Jeana Gump. Nathan Fleck finished 4th in the Vernonia Marathon. 24 april18 2013 Congratulations to Vernonia Subway, Gold Medal winner in March’s Customer Service Olympics! Competition included all of Oregon and SW Washington! Mon - Fri 6am-9pm 791 Bridge Street, Vernonia Ph (503) 429-0147 PLU #8663 Selected $199 25 oz. Reg. $899 effective 4-17-13 through 4-30-13 or while supplies last (Limit 2) PLU #8666 24 ct. effective 4-17-13 through 4-30-13 or while supplies last (Limit 2) PLU #8667 PLU #8668 WESTERN FAMILY Selected Selected Apple Juice Blends Gain Deterent $599 Chef Boyardee 5/$5 2/$3 Reg. $879 Reg. $199 phone 503.429.3811 fax 503.429.3152 2/$5 Reg. $299 Reg. $199 effective 4-17-13 through 4-30-13 or while supplies last (Limit 5) Selected Top Ramen Cases Sandwich Cookies .99¢ 15 oz. PLU #8665 WESTERN FAMILY Hunt’s Snack Packs effective 4-17-13 through 4-30-13 or while supplies last (Limit 4) Fx (503) 429-0148 PLU #8664 Assorted 4 pk. Sun 7am-8pm Sat 7am-9pm 50 oz. Reg. $315 effective 4-17-13 through 4-30-13 or while supplies last (Limit 2) 735 Jefferson Avenue Vernonia, OR 97064 64 oz. effective 4-17-13 through 4-30-13 or while supplies last (Limit 2) OPEN 8am to 9pm DAILY WE ACCEPT: OREGON TRAIL, WIC & ALL MAJOR CREDIT & DEBIT CARDS
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