Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (April 1, 2008)
04 vernonia’s voice what’s happening april 2008 Readers lend their voices… Events Calendar To the Editors of Vernonia’s Voice and The Citizens Of Vernonia: In response to the first paragraph of “a letter from the editor….”, March 2008 issue, of the “apparent lack of information getting out from officials to the public” and, “Talk to any city leader and I believe they will agree that both the City and FEMA could have done a better job disseminating information related to flood recovery these first few months”. WHAT?? To print this is a disservice to your local elected officials, city employees and to FEMA. I have been a City Councilor for almost eight years and there has been one recurring theme “lack of information.” The City is required to, and does, post notice of all public hearings and meetings. The City also disseminates information via the water bills. If you weren’t aware of the meetings taking place by The City and by FEMA in these last few months you must have been living elsewhere. All you had to do was drive through town! There were a-frames, there were signs, there were notices plastered on practically every business…what more do you want, what more can the City and FEMA do? I don’t know how many meetings I have been involved in over the past sixteen years after coming back home (Vernonia), whether it be The Booster Club, The Festivals Committees or The City, but the one thing that is painfully obvious is the lack of attendance and involvement by the citizens at these meetings. The only time the majority of citizens get involved is when there is an issue or perceived issue of some type. Could you imagine what our community would be like if every citizen was involved and volunteered for just two hours a week! Could you imagine what our community could do with the valuable knowledge and skills each of us possess! It’s time to be responsible and accountable! I can’t agree more that government must be responsible and accountable to its citizens. However, citizens must also be responsible and accountable to themselves. The City does not have the resources to go door to door, nor can The City force you to be involved with the public process. You owe it to yourself to seek the information and knowledge it takes to be in control of your own future and destiny and to be committed to your community and your fellow man. Obviously if you “Talk to any City Leader” you’ll see that they don’t all agree that “The City and FEMA could have done a better job disseminating information.” As a disclaimer, these are only my views; I did not consult with fellow councilors or any other public officials. Respectfully, Randy Parrow City Councilor HOW TO SEND LETTERS TO THE EDITORS Vernonia’s Voice wel- comes and requests your thoughts, opinions, and ideas. Please in- clude your name, address, and phone number; limit your letters to 300 words or less. Vernonia’s Voice reserves the right to edit, omit, re- spond, or ask for a response to letters submitted. We will print letters, space permitting. Deadline is the 15th of the month. Email to: news@ vernoniasvoice.com or mail to: Letters, PO Box 55, Vernonia 97064. First Friday’s of Vernonia - April 4, 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.: “Flood Stories” at the Library 7:30 p.m.: The first presentations of “Heidi” and “The Ugly Duck- ling” at the Vernonia Grange, presented by home school students of the Vernonia Area. “Heidi” and “The Ugly Duckling” - April 5, 2:30 p.m. A matinee performance by home school students of the Vernonia Area. Chamber of Commerce Meeting - April 9, 12 p.m. Where: New Hong Kong restaurant in Vernonia Ladies Night - April 10, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. At Buckleberry Cottage & Out on a Limb St. Mary’s Rumage Sale - April 17-19 “Down By The Riverside Cleanup” - April 19, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Join the Upper Nehalem Watershed Council for an Earth Day wa- tershed flood cleanup. Meet at the Vernonia High School. parking lot. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy footwear and gloves. Snacks will be provided. Vernonia Senior Center’s Grand Opening - April 28, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Come join in on the music, fun and food. Lunch will be served at noon. $3.00 under 60, $3.00 donation for seniors 60 and over. First Friday’s of Vernonia - May 2, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Watch for postings of special events for the May First Friday, in- cluding the “Open Air Market”. Vernonia Open Air Market - May 2, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Join your friends and neighbors in the Vernonia Community Learn- ing Center Courtyard for fresh produce, crafts, homemade gifts, snacks and more! Interested in being a vendor? Contact Scott Laird at 503-367-0098. Interested in performing music? Contact Jesse Jones at 503-989-7244. “Down By The Riverside Cleanup” - May 10, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Join the Upper Nehalem Watershed Council on Make Vernonia Shine Day for a watershed flood cleanup. Meet at the Vernonia High School. parking lot. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy footwear and gloves. Snacks will be provided. “Down By The Riverside Cleanup” - May 17, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Join the Upper Nehalem Watershed Council and SOLV Down by the Riverside for a watershed flood cleanup. Meet at the Vernonia High School parking lot. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy footwear and gloves. Snacks will be provided. Annual Blood Drive for the Red Cross - June 14, 10 a.m. -3 p.m. At Spencer Park in conjunction with Baseball fund raiser. Visit www.vernoniasvoice.com/events for more info and pictures. Subscribe Today! Subscription Form Vernonia’s Voice is a monthly publication distributed the first of each month. Subscription rates are $25 for one year (twelve issues) Yes, sign me up for one year of Vernonia’s Voice! NAME PHONE # ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP SEND TO: Subscriptions, P.O. Box 55, Vernonia, OR 97064
