02
vernonia’s
voice
june
welcome
2007
a letter from the editor....
Are we wearing rose-colored glasses, or do we simply see things differently? Ev-
eryone sees life and the world through their own glasses, or filters. And with any
writing, there will always be a certain slant... yes, bias -- and this is likely ours...
My partner Scott Laird and I, and our very talented art director/designer, Rebecca
Jensen Wright, are of the same mind-set – to produce a paper that reflects our com-
munity. We want you to see yourself, your children, your businesses in the paper
– and hence our name, Vernonia’s Voice.
We see Vernonia as a warm community, and a great place to live – full of hope and
desire for a brighter future for our youth and residents. Here you walk down the
street and people call your name, or wave to you as you ride by on your bicycle.
People watch out for their neighbors, and their youth, because at one time or
another, we all need assistance, guidance – a friend, or a shoulder to cry on. And,
with any small community, there is also an increased sense of accountability, since
people know you... and often by name.
Through the interviews for our first edition, Scott and I have met many residents
and business people who are stellar examples of hope, faith and vision. And, in
editing the articles for our first issue of Vernonia’s Voice, I saw a strong theme, of
people who are influencers, who have a desire to give back to their community...
who want to see Vernonia thrive.
Which begs the question, who is watching you? Who are you influencing? Who
are you mentoring? I can tell you who my community mentors were growing up in
Vernonia... my 2nd grade teacher, Mrs. Hunteman the most nurturing teacher you
could ever have; my best-friend’s moms and dads – Rod and Sandy McLean and
Ken and Penny Smejkal for their warmth, humor, cooking skills and style; Gordon
Crowston, VHS/everything... let’s face it, who didn’t he mentor!; Sam Hearing for
always making you feel welcome in his store and his wife Alvilda Hearing for her
innate ability to make students feel special and to make learning fun. We all have
the opportunity daily, to impact other’s lives. It can be as simple as how you con-
sistently greet your neighbors or your customers, or how you recover from a lapse
in judgment.
Recently I heard that “journalism is like learning in public.” So now friends and
community, we are exposed. While we are not novices at writing, communications,
or design – this is our first paper. We will be looking to members in the community
for stories, interviews, and sponsorship. We hope the community will embrace our
“voice,” and will be generous in support of this new effort.
Cheers to our history, current events, and bright future!
Evangeline Doyle
VERNONIA’S
Publisher and Managing Editor
Evangeline Doyle and Scott Laird
Art Director/Graphic Design
Rebecca Wright, fligh design
News Editor
Scott Laird
Web Design/Management
Amy Shearer, On Madison Studio
Vernonia Schools’ Editor
Taking applications June 15 thru August 15
Alumni Editor
Tammy Vanderzanden
Copy Editor
Evangeline Doyle
Summer in Vernonia means backyard cookouts, swimming at Dewey
Pool, lazy days of fishing, little league baseball, camping, hiking, biking,
and of course – all kinds of fun events and festivals. Well, another sum-
mer season is about to begin, and to help you prepare we are present-
ing a short preview of some of the events coming to town and what to
expect. Get out your calendar, mark down these dates so you don’t miss
out on the fun!
June 16
2nd Annual Catching With KUPL Father’s Day Weekend Fishing
Derby & FREE CONCERT!
The second annual “Catching With KUPL Father’s Day Weekend Fishing Derby”
will take place June 16 at Vernonia Lake. Registration is $10 for each person
fishing. There will be a full day of fishing, prizes, and food. In the evening,
there’s a beer garden at Hawkins Park and a FREE concert featuring Jennifer
Lynn, Jessie Cain and rising country star Jake Owens. And for the grand finale,
a fireworks display.
Bring your fishing license and Dad, or a special buddy, and make a wonder-
ful Father’s Day memory when you catch the BIG ONE. The lake will be well
stocked, including something special this year, the famous Kamloops Rainbow
Trout from Mr. Drew Hanson’s Island Springs Hatchery.
Prizes will include (10) Fifty Dollar Bi-Mart Gift cards, (1) Five Hundred Dollar
Bi-Mart Gift Card and (1) 2006 Polaris Predator 50 ATV from Colombia River
Honda Suzuki.
June 22 & 23
Cycle Oregon’s Weekend Ride
The last time Cycle Oregon came to Vernonia in 2005, we treated them with
such hospitality, that they’re coming back again. And once again, Vernonia has
a great event planned. The theme of the visit is “Backyard Treasures,” and Ver-
nonian’s will be doing all they can to show off our “hidden jewel” of a community.
Cycle Oregon folks will begin arriving on Friday June 22, and will enjoy dinner
and local entertainment at Hawkins Park. Saturday the riders head out on a
number of local rides, returning to Vernonia in the early afternoon.
There will again be main stage entertainment at Hawkins Park with local talent
all day Saturday, then Portland Bluegrass sensations, Jackstraw at night. There
will also be food, and a beer and wine garden. Other event highlights during
the day include: A riding demo by the Ridge Riders and guided horse rides for
guests at Anderson Park, a Chocolate Walk sponsored by downtown merchants,
with all types of chocolate to sample and purchase; a virtual scavenger hunt,
using digital photos to “capture” items on the list, paddle boat rental on the Mill
Pond, Mill site tours of the new Bicycle Skills Park site, and a short Cycle Parade
through downtown, with prizes for the best decorated, best costume and most
unusual cycle! Local residents are invited to participate in any or all parts of this
weekend event.
Cycle Oregon makes large financial contributions to the communities they visit
each summer. In addition to the donations made to the many community groups
who are helping host this year’s event, Cycle Oregon also awarded Vernonia a
grant for $10,000 to help build the new Bicycle Skills Park.
Co-publisher and editor of Vernonia’s Voice
Home & Entertainment Editor
Evangeline Doyle
It’s Summertime in Vernonia!
Contributors
Jill Hult
Heather Lewis
Deborah Steffen
(See your name here!)
Photographers
Evangeline Doyle
Chad Doyle
If you’re interested in submitting an article for Vernonia’s Voice
Contact us: news@vernoniasvoice.com
Our special thanks go out to the Vernonia Community, friends and fam-
ily, and the folks at Oregon Litho Print for their incredible support!
To subscribe go to: vernoniasvoice.com
or mail request to PO Box 55
Vernonia, OR 97064
July 6
First Friday
Don’t miss First Friday, a chance to get out and mingle with neighbors and
friends. For this monthly event, downtown merchants are open late and are
featuring local artists and musicians. Food, wine and good fun await you down-
town!
August 3-5
Vernonia Friendship Jamboree
Once again Vernonia rolls out the red carpet for alumni, friends, and neighbors
during the first weekend in August for the 51st annual Vernonia Friendship
Jamboree. This year’s event takes place August 3-5 and features the car and
motorcycle show, live music, food vendors, beer garden, the parade on Saturday
morning and fireworks display Saturday night. The Logging Show takes place
Sunday, and the Black Powder Rendezvous goes all weekend long. Also new
to this year’s event will be a fishing derby on Friday, and a horse show Sunday
morning. Come join in the fun!
Summer’s End...
October 6
Vernonia Salmon Festival
And of course we always end every summer season with our newest Festival,
the Fall harvest celebration we call Salmon Festival. This year marks the 5th
year for Salmon Fest which will be held October 6, at Hawkins Park. This year
will again be highlighted by the second “Knee Deep In Salmon” fish auction.
Other planned events include: pumpkin and scarecrow decorating, hayrides,
children’s fishing, food vendors, wine tasting, and of course lots of artistic ven-
dors and craftspeople.