vernonia’s
voice
community
june
2007
Beginning the Skills Park
First official Work Day at the site is scheduled for
Saturday June 30th at 9am. If interested in taking
part and helping build Vernonia’s newest attrac-
tion, please contact Donna Webb at the Chamber
of Commerce 429-6081
Skills Park Work Day Schedule
Thursday 6/14 6pm
Thursday 6/28 6pm
Saturday 6/30 9am**
Thursday 7/12 6pm
Saturday 7/14 9am
Thursday 7/26 6pm
Saturday 7/28 9am
09
FAQ’s cont.
understood that it would be grant funded. It is an unfortunate error to consider
grant money to be “free”. Obtaining a grant is only the tip of the iceberg. Man-
aging the grant and delivering on the promised outcomes is where the real work
lies. As outlined above, these grants were for construction, but not for opera-
tions. It appears to have been assumed that the operation of the Learning Center
would easily follow once it was built. As a result, the Learning Center never had
a realistic operating plan and budget. The 2008 City Budget calls for $22,500 in
support from the city. Under other circumstances such spending would not seem
so dire. For example, the city budget calls for $78,000 in support of the Library.
The Learning Center and city staff are working to create a feasible operating plan
and matching self-sufficient budget. This is a daunting task. There are no identi-
cal learning centers elsewhere to copy. One thing is certain, self-sufficiency will
involve maximizing the use of the facility by as many Vernonians as possible. To
meet this goal, the VCLC and the city staff have drawn the community into the
process. The VCLC board and staff believe that full-scale use of the facility is
necessary in making the VCLC self-sufficient.
Finally, mistakes have been made. When public money is being spent, an issue
can turn hot and divisive, quickly. The lack of timely public discussion of the
inter fund loans and cost overruns related to the Learning Center have fueled this
controversy.
**Official groundbreaking
At the end of the day, the facts are simple. The city is obliged to operate the
center for four more years, at-or-near current service levels. The alternative is to
repay $650,000 of state money. Finding the most self-sufficient level of services
at the VCLC is essential. Income from user fees, operating grants and tuition must
be balanced against the cost of delivering those services to turn a profit, or at least
minimize any drain on city resources.
Family owned & operated
for 38 years
Finally, change creates apprehension, as results aren’t often immediately notice-
able. Historically, change is controversial in any community. One of the goals
and hopes of the Community Learning Center is to work with and include as
many people from the community as possible.
Hardware & Lumber
The VCLC received a $35,000 Ford Family Foundation grant for
improvements to the building including acoustic paneling, blinds,
new media equipment, furniture and more! A big thanks to The
Ford Family Foundation for your coninued financial support to
the community of Vernonia. This grant will contribute to a higher
quality learning environment for those who depend on the learning
atmosphere of the center for their self-development. These up-
grades will be in place by Fall term, 2007.
Appliances
Computer Colormatch Paint
Lawn & Garden Care
Sporting Goods
Automotive Service Bay
R R Motor Company
Full Tire Service
annoying the upper nehalem valley since 1982
Towing, Auto repair
Buy, Sell, & Trade.
429-6364
Monday thru Saturday
9am to 6pm
429.9797
9am to 5pm
monday to friday
This summer at
Cedar Ridge...
Shimshai Concert & BBQ Dinner
Saturday, July 7, gates open at 5pm
Larry Steele Basketball Camp
Girls Camps 7/8-7/13 & 7/22-7/27
Boys Camps 7/15-7/20 & 7/29-8/3
Co-ed Shooting Camp 8/26-8/30
Day Campers $260
(503) 429-2801
events@VisitCedarRidge.com
www.VisitCedarRidge.com
www.LarrySteeleBasketball.com
www.ExplorogaYoga.com
WORLD
FAMOUS
Youth Yoga Camp
Ages 8-14, Overnight
8/26-8/30 $275
Swim Lessons
Five 45-minute classes $35
Contact Dana Hyde
503.429.9351
bike sales
parts & service
accessories
skateboards
B
arlow’s
ikes &
oards
832 madison avenue, vernonia
wed. to sat. 10-6 sun. 11-4
info@barlowbikes.com st. helens 503-397-4900
503-429-0762