Betta Fish Project Teaches Students About Life Cycle School District

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: Sharon@Bernals.com
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
vernoniarlty@agalis.net
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. Possible extra building site.
Near the community of Natal.
$125,000
934 Bridge St: In Downtown
Vernonia. Formerly a
restaurant/lounge with banquet
facilities. Established location on
the main street (Hwy 47) through
Vernonia. Many possibilies at this
great location. Priced to sell plus
contract terms.
$139,000
Timber Rd: Private retreat
with majestic trees,
lush foliage and rambling river.
Over 4 ½ acres of wooded
splendor offer years of
recreational fun for you and your
family. Take your time out here.
Just listed $54,500
85914 Northrup Ck Rd :
Think country! West of
Birkenfeld, over 12 ½ acre
wooded building site w/barn,
silos, and storage buildings.
Spring fed water source and
septic installed.
$169,900
1299 E Alder: Totally move in
ready. This rambling ranch w/
4 bdrms, 2 baths plus a 2 car
garage all on a large lot, it is NOT a
fixer. Kitchen has oak cabinets,
handy island & pantry. FR w/view
of private back yard & new deck.
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
scott@vernoniasvoice.com
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: scott@vernoniasvoice.com
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 library@vernonia-or.gov.
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: scott@vernoniasvoice.com 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 logsafeinc@yahoo.com, or
Darlene Wilcoxen at 503-728-2050 or
darlenew41@gamil.com. 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: info@columbiahumane.org
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
kavila@kaptanskraft.com
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
MorrisonRemodeling@hughes.net
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: chip.bubl@oregonstate.edu
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: stevecal2001@yahoo.com
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: CREATURES@FRONTIER.COM
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
lowelljmitchell@gmail.com
buyer and seller of musical instruments
(503) 475-3563 Cell
http://www.wolfgangthegundoctor.com/
Wolfgang@WolfgangTheGunDoctor.com
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
bill@rangelights.com
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: DWallace_KLS@msn.com
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
cccmnd@yahoo.com
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
ABSOLUTE@AGALIS.NET
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!
Debit/Credit now accepted
5x10 $39
10x10 $69
10x20 $99
RV Storage $149
Outside storage available
Totally fenced and gated
Padlocks Available
Authorized
U-Haul Dealer
Boxes and Supplies Available
We can make your reservation
Pick up here or anywhere
58605 Nehalem Hwy South • P.O. Box 292
Vernonia, Oregon 97064
(503) 429-7867
10-6 Tue-Sat
12-4 Sun
TOO BUSY?
Call your LOCAL bookkeeper
R
Y
OLL
A
P
PLUS LLC
Edi Sheldon 503-429-1819
edisheldon@gmail.com
Licensed tax consultant • Full service payroll
Personal & small business bookkeeping • QuickBooks assistance
CORPS, S-CORPS, LLC, Partnerships • Personal one-on-one service
LTC #29629 - Oregon licensed tax consultant
RTRP #P00448199 - designated as a registered tax return preparer by the Internal Revenue Service
The IRS does not endorse any particular individual tax return preparer. 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: skidprogram_tim@yahoo.com
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: ads@vernoniasvoice.com
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: Fuitenrosehoyt@aol.com
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. MountainWaterPh@yahoo.com
Treharne Firewood Service - Fir cut, split
and delivered - $170/ cord, local. Jerry
SERVICES
To place an ad call: 503-367-0098
email: scott@vernoniasvoice.com
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 valerie@cpfoodbank.org
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.
vernonia_machine@vernonia.com
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
kccrowder@gmail.com
General
Contractor
• Excavation • Demolition
• Septic Systems • Site Prep
• Trenching • Utilities • Ponds
• Flagger certification classes
503.429.4849
cell 503.369.4694
j.shapesconstruction@gmail.com
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
mtoldcoot@comcast.net
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: allen@europa.com
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: ads@vernoniasvoice.com
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