22
november
vernonia’s
voice in other words
2007
Voices In My Head:
Safety Matters
Does Anybody Miss Saver Shields? I hope many of you were able to watch the television program “Crystal
By Chief Mathew Workman
By P.J. O’Leary
Does anybody miss Saver Shields? The introduction of Sentry’s new
high-tech register equipment (which does everything but say “Put the
Oreos back, Beach Ball Butt”) has resulted in the phase-out of the old
Saver Shield system. I’m guessing that the check-out people don’t
miss them too much. I know I have cringed as I’ve handed over a
saliva-soaked Saver Shield page prepared at the very last second. Of
course the employees were always too polite to use rubber gloves or
tongs as they accepted the sheet, but I’m sure it wasn’t their favorite
part of the job. But even though it was a disgusting experience for
everyone involved, it was worth it for the free eggs. There was until
recently an entire generation of Vernonians who were unaware that
everyone else in America actually pays for their eggs.
Darkness” on Tuesday evening October 9. It was a tremendous documen-
tary about the continued effects that Methamphetamines have on our soci-
ety and families. If you weren’t able to see the program, the Vernonia Police
Department has ordered a copy of the DVD and will be teaming up with the
Community Drug-Free Coalition to show the documentary again. The VPD
also has a copy of “Crystal Misery,” a documentary produced in Washing-
ton County using subjects and events involving Meth from the local area.
We will be presenting this film as well in the near future. Meth labs are not
as prevalent anymore, but the effects of Meth use are worse than ever. If
you need information on the effects of Meth or would like a list of Meth
resources for Columbia County, there are resource lists at the front window
of the station and a “Meth Resources” link on the VPD website at http://
vpd.vernonia-or.gov
Since the beginning of summer, the City of Vernonia has seen an increase in
the amount of Criminal Mischief/Vandalism incidents. The incidents range
from the painting of graffiti in bathrooms and on the Rock Creek Bridge to
the damaging of picnic tables, breaking of flower baskets, and damaging the
new bicycle skills park being constructed on the old mill property. When
I look at these vandalism incidents, I look beyond the tangible monetary
costs of the damage. I look at the effect on the victim(s), the effect on the
community, and the overall picture that this activity paints of the City of
Vernonia. Prospective businesses, residents, and visitors do not want to in-
vest in or even go to a community that has crime issues, even comparatively
My editor mentioned that since this is the November issue I might want small issues like vandalism. An act of vandalism can be perpetrated for
to offer some heart-warming salute to Thanksgiving. OK, here goes. many reasons including: revenge, boredom, accident caused by reckless be-
havior, or even a strong anti-social mindset. Regardless of the cause, people
It seems there was this fellow who had a particularly foul-mouthed do not want to live in a community where their hard-earned money is spent
parrot. The parrot cursed at every opportunity, and this behavior so repairing their property or publicly-owned property.
agitated the man that he finally presented the bird with an ultimatum.
“If you curse one more time your punishment will be ten minutes in the Criminal Mischief is covered under ORS 164.345 (3rd Degree); 354 (2nd
freezer,” the man said. Predictably, the parrot responded with some Degree); 365 (1st Degree). 3rd Degree states: intent to cause substantial
disrespectful cussing and was immediately tossed into the icebox. inconvenience…person tampers or interferes with property of another;
Ten minutes later the parrot was removed, shivering uncontrollably Class C Misdemeanor. 2nd Degree states: intentionally or recklessly dam-
and obviously chastened. “I promise I’ll never swear again,” said the ages property of another in amount exceeding $100; Class A Misdemeanor.
1st Degree states: damages or destroys property of another in excess of
parrot. “I’m happy to hear that,” said the man. “I just have one ques-
$750, or by means of explosive, or by starting a fire in an institution, or is
tion,” said the parrot. “What did the turkey do?”
a livestock animal defined by statute, or property of public utility, railroad,
transport facility, medical facility; Class C Felony. If convicted of any of
(*Special thanks to my daughter Madeline for the E-Hatchery.com line.
the Criminal Mischief statutes you can face a fine, jail time, fees, and resti-
I don’t know where she gets her peculiar sense of humor.)
tution to the victim(s). Consecutive acts of could also be viewed as cumula-
tive damage putting several small damages over the $750 threshold making
it a Felony. Being convicted of a Felony will follow someone the rest of
their lives and put many restrictions on them. Something to think about
next time before spraying that paint, breaking that window, or tearing up
that construction site.
Come to think of it, I bet the chickens don’t miss Saver Shields much
either. “I’m working my pin feathers off here trying to make quota,”
they’d say. “I’m knocking these eggs out like Red Man wads at a
NASCAR race, and I still can’t keep up. I even have my profile regis-
tered on E-Hatchery.com, trying to find dates to keep this egg laying
enterprise in the black. I’m killing myself here, and Vernonia Sentry is
giving eggs away? That’s it, I’m done. Call Frank Perdue and tell him
he’s got a whole fryer looking for a home.”
Corn is for Horses
and Cows, not Dogs
By Lisa Edgar
If you have any information on any acts of vandalism in the Vernonia area,
please call the police department with the information. You can remain
anonymous if you so choose. Vernonia Pride is offering a reward for any
information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the party(s) respon-
sible for the graffiti damage on and under the Rock Creek Bridge by Shay
Park as well as the damage to the hanging flower baskets around Jamboree.
You can call the Vernonia Police Department at 503-429-7335 to provide
information on any crime or to access the numerous resources provided by
Your dog’s overall health depends on being fed a good quality food. the department. You can also email me at chief@vernonia-or.gov.
The quality of food you feed your dog can greatly affect his health
from keeping his internal organs functioning properly to his coat be-
ing shiny and soft. Behavioral problems such as hyperactivity, list-
lessness, short attention span and the ability to learn can also be af-
fected by your dog’s diet. Many common health problems are directly The Vernonia Community Learning Center Gallery is seeking exhibition-
ready original art, photography and sculpture for display and possible sale.
related to what grade of food you feed.
Did you know that your dog does not digest corn, yet it is one of the
first ingredients in many top named pet foods? Not only do they not
digest it, it is one of the leading causes of skin irritations and allergies.
So why do food manufacturers use it? It’s cheap!!! (Maybe they will
reconsider with the prices going up lately.) Dogs are carnivores, have
one stomach, do not chew their cud (mine sometimes doesn’t chew
at all), and are not able to withstand much roughage.
Community Gallery Seeks Artists
Rules to use in purchasing dog food:
1. Read the label!
2. Corn should not be an ingredient including corn gluten
3. Meat should be at least one of the first ingredients listed
4. Accept NO “By-Products” including meat by-products, beef and
bone-meal
The first three ingredients make up 75% of the product in the bag.
Many labels show corn as a first ingredient and corn gluten as a third
ingredient. If you think you are saving money buying inexpensive
foods, consider the issues caused from that food and the amount of
the vet bill due to the food. Overall it is much better for you and your
dog to buy quality first.
Also seeking people with a strong interest in Art to serve as jurors for the se-
lection process. Selection process will take place on November 30. Entries
should be received at the Learning Center no later than November 27.
Submission criteria available at the Learning Center between the hours of
9:00 AM and 4:00 PM, or by e-mailing the Learning Center: vclc@ver-
nonia.or.gov. Newcomers to gallery exhibition encouraged.
Vernonia Community Learning Center
939 Bridge Street
Vernonia, OR 97064
(503) 429-1030