vernonia’s
voice
community
june
2007
Your questions answered...
Why was the learning center built, and what are
our contractual agreements?
Twenty years ago, thoughtful members of this rural
community envisioned a center for learning and
technology that would enable the citizens of Vernonia
to better themselves through education and/or gain
skills for new jobs. City managers and administra-
tors worked for years, in a sort of tag team style to
acquire funding for this center through state and/or
federal grants. In 2003-4, momentum picked up with
one $150,000 grant. This rather large amount was
enough to win over the state, and in 2005, an addi-
tional grant, a block grant, was awarded in the amount
of $500,000. The funds were restricted to building a
learning center, replete with classrooms and a com-
puter lab and required that the city maintain the opera-
tions of the building for five years, running programs
that were identified in the grant such as computer
classes, community education and the like. The
City of Vernonia signed a contract with the Oregon
Economic and Community Development Department,
and the Community Incentive Fund, the two granting
agencies promising to build and run a learning center
for five years.
Why wasn’t an existing building used?
Originally, an existing building was planned to be
used but was found by engineers to be structurally
unfit for the purposes of a learning center. Because
of the high cost of remodeling the building, a deci-
sion was made that a new building would better suit
the project, and be an asset to both potential users of
the building and to the community of Vernonia as a
whole.
Why were there cost overruns?
There are a few reasons for this. A portion of the
original grant money went into pre-construction costs
for the existing building. This resulted in a reduction
in funds available for construction. There were prob-
lems in the management of both grants, resulting from
C
L
it’s the center
to build
your community.
Services the VCLC provides
a lack of communication, organization and oversight. When
a project has management problems, it becomes more costly.
Construction projects often cost more than original estimates
due to unexpected situations.
Why is it not run by volunteers?
Since the Learning Center takes in revenue and operates like
a business, a skilled director is essential to planning, oversight
and accountability. The first years of a project of this type
are critical in establishing a sound foundation. This requires
the attention of a dedicated director who can analyze the cost
benefits of the programs while giving attention to the budget
and operations when it is needed. An enterprise like our com-
munity learning center needs someone to develop programs,
make connections in the community, recruit volunteers and
instructors, fund raise, and manage day to day operations.
While it is ideal that volunteers operate the center, it is unreal-
istic to expect them to work full time, without pay, to operate a
venture such as a community learning center.
What does the learning center do and why does Vernonia
need it?
The learning center has been open since September of 2006
and has provided educational programs in the form of credit
and non-credit classes through Portland Community College.
Community education for all ages takes place year-round
with classes such as self-defense, photography, and theater for
children. The center provides meeting space for all types of
groups and has a full service computer lab open to the public.
It provides excellent volunteer opportunities and partners with
groups and businesses in Vernonia to create innovative pro-
grams that match the needs and desires of Vernonia citizens.
The learning center has provided three Vernonia citizens with
jobs and many others with additional income from teaching
classes. The Vernonia Community Learning Center brings
service, opportunity, hope, education and jobs to a rural com-
munity that is in need of these things.
Why then, is the learning center so controversial?
The learning center is controversial because the general public
summer
schedule
Kidz Camp
Ages 8-12
10-noon, Mondays and Wednesdays
July 9-August 22
Join the fun with a new theme each week...crafts,
science, theatre,book making, cooking, exploring
Vernonia and more.
$12 per session or $120 for 6 weeks. Scholarships
available.
Vernonia's Past and Future on Film
6:30-9:30 Mondays
June 18-August 6
This class will use films, discussions and readings to
examine the history and future of Vernonia.
$60 or $8 drop in
Computers Made Simple
6:30-8 Tuesdays
June 19 -July 17
This popular course is ideal for those who have a
computer, but lack the skills to navigate it. Learn
everything from what your desktop is to how to attach a
file and much more.
$10 per class
Summer Nutrition
6:30-8 Tuesdays
June 19 & 26
Continue or join this thought provoking class replete
with field trips, in-class cooking demos and invaluable
information.
$10 drop in
Sunrise Nature Photography
June 22-June 24
Class will meet on June 22 at 7pm and receive an
itinerary for the weekend.
$25, bring your own camera
continued on page 09
Offering assistance with walk–in help for...
Writing affidavits
Writing resumes & cover letters
Proctoring for student testing
Finding employment
Finding daycare
Hiring teachers from the area
Telephone and internet use
Quiet area for studying
Young adults seeking college counseling, GED,
jobs, hope
Holding a diverse array of events and classes,
sensitive to the entire community’s needs.. .
VHS PSAT testing
Computer classes
A meeting of Columbia County Sheriffs
Free meeting space for civic groups such as
Vernonia Pride
Self Defense Class (filled to capacity!)
GED study course
Geographical Information Systems course
Knee Deep in Salmon Meet the Artists viewing
Financial seminar
Hunter Safety
OSHA classes
PCC credit classes Writing 115, Writing 121 and more
Art classes
Other Accomplishments...
Courtyard Project/Ford Institute Leadership Program
class
GED class/volunteer teacher Wolfgang Forge
has joined us
Landowner Coop Class/VHS partnership
Experience Works-hired two senior citizens part-time
Management Training Corporation-hiring one youth
for summer employment
Business Class Grant-USDA
Nutrition Class/Sentry Partnership/Recipe of the Week
Gallery VCLC
If you would like to volunteer, teach a class, take a class,
or get more information about the Vernonia Community
Learning Center (VCLC), please call 503-429-1030. The
VCLC is located at 939 Bridge Street, Vernonia.
Vernonia Craft Fair
June 23, noon - 5 pm
Come check out local crafts for view and for sale. Still
seeking crafters/vendors. $5 a table, call to register.
Items must be handmade.
How and Why to Juggle
June 23, Hawkins Park
Time TBA
Back by popular demand, Kid Justice will enlighten you
and you will surprise yourself. Juggling supplies
included. $10
Business Planning for Small Business
August/September 2007
Time/Date TBA
Professional business counseling and expert assistance
with creating a business plan. Send brief statement or
call–limited space! Taught by PCC Small Business
Development Center Associate $50
Portrait Drawing
6:30-8 pm $60
6 weeks starting July 10
Taught by local artist, Diane Coughlin. Check out her
web site at www.therookerycaws.com
local education
FAQ’s about the VCLC
Computer lab is open to the public 12-3,
Mon-Thurs, and some Saturdays. Pease call for times
and dates. You may call ahead to reserve, first come,
first serve. $1 an hour
GED Study Course
Mondays from 4-6 pm $50
Health Insurance Informational session
July 23rd for Healthnet 10am - noon,
Medicare 1-2. Free
Please call with interest about the
following courses. They are notyet
scheduled but we are looking for interest...
Automatic Drawing
Group Guitar
Hip Hop
Criminal Justice
Belly Dancing
Cartooning
*this ad generously sponsored by Genny and Dale Fisher, Erika Paleck, and photosolutions
07
vernonia
community learning center
939 bridge street
vernonia, 97064
503.429.1030
vclc@vernonia-or.gov