vernonia’s
voice community
Little Green “Smart Car”
By Scott Laird
I’m sure you’ve noticed the interesting little car parked downtown or
traveling the streets of Vernonia. It’s bright green and, well…I won’t say
that it’s hard to miss, because it can be, it’s just so little! But when you do
see it, you definitely take notice and remember it. “What is it?” you may
have asked yourself -- it’s the Smart Car.
The Smart Car, popular in over 36 countries worldwide for the last
10 years has arrived in Vernonia. Penny Hill purchased hers once they
were made available in the United States for the first time in 2006.
“There’s not anything I don’t like about it,” said Penny. “It’s so easy to
park. It’s comfortable. It’s fun to drive. You never feel like you’re in a little
car.”
The Smart Car is built by Mercedes-Benz and is very safe and eco-
nomical. It has a three-
cylinder engine, anti lock
brakes and a Tri-
don safety cell
that reinforces
the frame. The
vehicle can
reach
top
speeds
of
ninety
miles
per hour. It
also
averages
forty miles
per gallon,
and in these
days of $3
a gallon
for
gas,
that’s pret-
ty handy.
It even has
eight cubic
feet of storage
space – big enough to hold a set of golf
clubs or even skis with
the passenger seat folded down.
“It’s funny,” said Penny, “all the kids know what it is, but the adults
don’t.” “The kids say ‘That’s a Smart Car’. The adults just want to smile,
point and make fun of it until they hear more about it.”
The Smart Car passes all the same crash tests as a Mercedes Benz,
has removable panels that allow the owner to change the color of the
vehicle in about 45 minutes, and comes in a convertible model.
So next time you’re filling up your big gas guzzler and Penny zooms
by, don’t just think, “What the heck is that?” think, “That sure is smart!”
“Over 25 years of experience”
Basic Auto Repair
specializing in brakes & light auto repair
503-429-0280
oil change special
$19.95*
“Got Brakes?”
*most cars & trucks--
up to 5 qts.
*Transmission Service
*Rotor & Drum machine on site
*Full line of Car Ports--
[starting at $895 installed]
Monday through Friday 9am to 3 pm
saturday & sunday by appointment
62481 Nehalem Hwy 47 North (next to the old spar tree)
The Clever Cricket
New, used & handmade items
for children and their families
503-429-5049
www.theclevercricket.net
theclevercricket@verizon.net
728 Madison Avenue
Vernonia, Oregon,97064
open Wed. to Sat., Noon to 6pm
october
2007
23
Welcome to the world...
A wonderful gift, so precious and sweet,
our hearts are full, our lives
complete.
With love and joy we intro-
duce...
Hallie Louise Fetch
Born August 18th, 2007
7 pounds, 7 ounces, 19 1/2”
long
Proud Parents: Curtis Fetch
and Stacy Lennen
Grandparents: Mike and Ron-
da Lennen of Vernonia, Mike
and Kathi Fetch of Vernonia,
and Doug and Lydia Zimmer-
man of Carlton.
Great Grandparents: Ronald and Alice Smith of Vernonia, Bill and Darlene Wilcoxen of
Vernonia, Ron & Bev Fetch of Willamina, Richard and Carole Almeida of McMinnville,
and Bob and Ann Zaren of Newport, WA.
And numerous Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.
Hallie and her parents make their home in McMinnville.
Emma Elizabeth Scheuerman
Born September 21, 2007, 5:02 am
6 pounds, 15 ounces, 19 1/2” long
To parents Christopher and Erin and
proud big brothers William, Jared,
and Seth. Baby is healthy, happy,
and doing great!