june2007
VERNONIA’S
reflecting the spirit of our community
volume1issue1
“We Will Because We Can”
weekend proves to be
an inspiration and success
By Scott Laird
A
large
group
of
energetic,
compassionate
and
committed
women took the city of Vernonia by
storm on the first weekend of June.
Under beautiful blue skies with sunny
weather, they hit the streets; literally,
riding bikes, and raising awareness
for a cause they all feel very strongly
about, cancer awareness.
The inaugural “We Will Because We Can” event was
held in Vernonia May 31- June 2. The multi- faceted
weekend, which centered on various bicycle rides,
was created by Carol Lundin and friends, as a way to
raise awareness about breast cancer, as a celebration
for all cancer survivors, and as support and healing for family and friends of cancer
survivors. The event was based at Cedar Ridge Retreat Center, and included work-
shops, entertainment, meals, and the bike rides.
The weekend was a fundraiser for The Cancer Community Renewal Project, a nation-
al non-profit dedicated to inspiring cancer survivors and their support groups through
physical activity and wellness programs within their communities. The idea is to
provide programs and services like access to regular exercise, yoga, and massage, on
inside
8 skills park
on a roll
the old
mill house
11 b&b
garden!
featuring
julie prohaska
13
rally!
citizens show
support
17
continued on page 06
Vernonia’s “First Friday” well-received
Vernonia’s very first “First Friday” artwalk was considered successful by all those
in attendance on Friday June 1st. About six downtown merchants took part in
the monthly celebration of the Arts that was being introduced in Vernonia for the
first time. The inaugural event was held from 6 to 8 pm, and featured art displays,
snacks, music, and extended shop hours by merchants.
The center of activity seemed to be the Community Learning Center, where
about 20-25 people were congregated and could be found viewing paintings
by local artists, Diane Caughlin, whose work was also on display across the
street at Etcetera. Also on display at the Learning Center was work by Albert
Gotz,who is the father of local resident Erika Paleck; and garden stepping
stones, created by the Ford Institute Leadership class, which are being sold
as a fund raiser for their class project (see related story on page ). “This was
great!”, said Jesse Jones, Director of the Learning Center. “There were so
many people here out for the first event.”
Other merchants who participated in the evening event were: Out on a Limb
and Buckleberry Cottage, who featured photography by Evangeline Doyle of
On Madison Studios; Sunday’s Best, featuring oil painting by Melny; Grey
Dawn Gallery, featuring work by Christopher Burkett; and Black Bear Coffee
shop, with Sally Harrison signing copies of her postcard book for children.
The event was organized by city Recorder Kate Conley who was inspired by
a similar event held in Grants Pass. The event was held to encourage resi-
dents and visitors to walk the downtown streets, socialize and share food,
shop in the local stores, and enjoy a variety of artistic styles and events.
The next “First Friday” event will be held on July 6th.