vernonia’s
voice volunteerism
september
2007
05
Vernonia Lions Club – Not Just BBQ Sandwiches
By Scott Laird
Many people in Vernonia know the Lions Club as the guys who cook and
serve the BBQ Beef sandwiches during the Jamboree every year. But during
recent conversations with some members, I found out the Lions Club does so
much more.
“As needs come up, we get involved,” said former president George Tice.
“We are the service organization in Vernonia. We fill the bill for many things.”
The Lions hold various fundraisers through out the
year. “We raise money so we can give it away,”
said Tice. “All the money we raise goes back into
the community.”
Recently the Lions have helped Head Start at
Christmas with presents for the kids of books, and
helped send Middle School students to Washing-
ton DC. They are very active in supporting law
enforcement, sponsoring National Night Out, the
Drug Free Coalition, and supporting canine officer
Kruger with the purchase of a vest. The have of-
fered support to Vernonia Pride, Vernonia Cares,
Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and various churches in
the community.
A fundamental piece of the Lions work is their
sight and hearing programs. The Vernonia Lions
along with other Oregon Lions form the Lions Sight
and Hearing Foundation, which pays for surgery
for those in need. “The foundation enables small
communities to have access and get services they
would be unable to get on their own,” said local
member Randy Aultman. “We raise money and donate in to the program, and
in return get help for local citizens who qualify. Everything is paid for.” Hearing
aid and eyeglass help is also available through the local chapters.
“Our Lion’s Club was incorporated in 1946,” said Aultman. “Our last char-
ter member, Bill Horn, who spent his whole life in Vernonia, just passed away
this past year. Robert (Red) Curl, who joined in 1962, is now our longest stand-
Helping Hands Home Makeover -
Vernonia Style
By Scott Laird
The folks from Helping Hands are at it again. On August 18th the group
finished a home restoration with the help of sixteen volunteers who pitched
in and helped one of our own, giving Sue Jenkins’ home a face lift. Jenkin’s
home on Birch Street received a remod-
eled bathroom, new kitchen counters, new
paint, new laminate floors throughout, and
even some donated living room furniture.
“You can’t believe how gratifying it is
to be involved in something like this,” said
Lisa Edgar, who with her husband Ben or-
ganized the project. “It’s such a positive
feeling to be able to make this much of a
difference for someone’s family.”
Helping Hands is an organization that
comes together to help local families who
are in need with home improvement proj-
ects. Local contractors donate their time
to do the skilled work and volunteers pitch
in to do the manual labor.
Edgar noted one volunteer story in par-
ticular. Donna Raagas came up from Forest Grove to donate a sofa for the
living room, and stayed the whole day, helping with the restoration.
“We are looking for donations from the community, and more help with
the labor,” said Edgar. “Anyone who has construction materials, paint,
plumbing fixtures, home furnishings--anything that is in good shape--we can
use it. And of course, the more hands
we have the easier it is to complete the
project. We want everyone to share
in the feeling of accomplishment that
comes from helping out a fellow mem-
ber of the community.”
Jenkins, who recently lost her hus-
band, has one child, a granddaughter,
and her mother all living with her.
Helping Hands is planning another
home improvement project for Sep-
tember. Contact Lisa Edgar at (503)
429-7387 for more information.
ing member.”
There are currently about thirty members in Vernonia, and they are con-
stantly recruiting. They try to recruit younger members, who bring new energy
and enthusiasm, “The Lions used to be a professional men’s organization made
up of bankers and doctors. Now we actively recruit couples to join the group
and have a mix of professions among our members,” said Tice.
“We try to have fun while doing ser-
vice,” said Tice. “We always have food
drink and fellowship at our meetings.”
Another special service the Vernonia Lions
offer is the rental of the large white tent
that is used at most festivals. Groups in
the community had expressed the need
for cover during events and the Lions
stepped in and purchased a 45’ x30’ tent
that is available for rent, allowing groups
an opportunity to host events. “During
both the KUPL concert and Cycle Oregon
we set up and rented the tent for the beer
gardens. Both those groups made money
for their projects. It’s just another service
we are providing for the community,” said
Tice.
“The Lions want to help the com-
munity,” said Aultman. “It would be hard
to total up all the contributions the Lions
have made to Vernonia since 1946.”
The Lions Club would like to invite anyone interested in learning more about
the Lions and what they do to please come to a potluck on September 18th at
Anderson Park at 6:00PM. They will have a presentation on their organization
and what they do for the community. They are campaigning for new members
to help them continue their efforts.
Parks Committee
Seeks Secretary
The Vernonia City Parks Committee is seeking a secre-
tary to assist the committee in its work. This is a volun-
teer position that requires good note taking skills, access
to a computer and email.
The expected time commitment is minimal; the commit-
tee meets once a month on the third Wednesday evening
for about two to three hours, and then time is needed
to compile the minutes. This is a great opportunity to
get involved in city business and serve your community.
Could be good opportunity for a student.
If interested please contact Scott Laird at (503) 429-0520.
A Thank You
I would like to say, “Thank
you” to the Vernonia Jamboree
Committee for the honor of
Citizen of the Year. Vernonia
businessman Pete Brunsman said
it best many years ago. He had
it painted on his delivery truck.
“It’s a privilege and a pleasure
to live in Vernonia.” That is still
true today. Thanks for giving
me a wonderful memory.
-Shirlee Daughtry