08
'T & ïce comm unoty
may
2008
Proud to be Vemoniabs Biggest Losers Dr. Gilmore To Receive Public
By Scott Laird
These folks are losers, and they arenbt afraid to admit it. Trish Maldonado, Shel­
ley Cota and Karen Davis are responsible for bringing together this group of
losers- losers of weight that is.
“We were looking for a way to provide support and encouragement for people who
were trying to lose weight,” said Cota recently. “And we wanted to provide a place
to gather and share ideas right here in Vemonia. We didnbt want to have to travel out
of town to a Weight Watchers group or something like that, so we started our own
group.” The group is just finishing its fourth term, or first year, of meeting.
Herebs how it works. The group starts tracking weight loss every three months.
It costs $25 for new members, $20 if you are a continuing member. The group
meets every week on Mondaybs at 5:30 PM for a weigh -in, then to discuss how
members are doing with goals, to share tips for success and to offer encourage­
ment and advice. At the end of three months the top two “losers”, the people that
have lost the highest percentage of weight, are declared the winners and split the
money pool 60%-40%.
“I am excited that this has been so successful,” said Maldonado, herself a biggest
loser each of the three previous terms. “Ibve always finished second,” said Mal­
donado. Maldonado has used the camaraderie and accountability of the group
to lose a total of almost eighty pounds with losses of around 10-12 %. “We had
about twenty participants the first time and almost thirty this last time.”
Maldonado has started talking with local business owners to acquire additional
prize donations to encourage even more participation. “ I have pledges of a teeth
whitening from Vernonia Dental, a cut and style from Spiralz Salon, a month of
Jazzercise classes and eight personal training sessions from Penny Costley, and
a one month gym membership from Terrybs Gym. I am really pleased that we are
getting so much support for what we are all doing.”
The group is open to both men and women. A new term is beginning on May
12th. “Our weekly meetings are short and sweet,” said Maldonado. “We know
people have lots of commitments, so we try not to take up too much time. I re­
ally think the support that being part of a group offers helps people. I think a
little competition helps some people, and I know that having someone you can
call on when you need help makes a difference.”
•ffyowwoubdlike to participate in Vemonia’s Biggest Losers or want more informa­
tion, call Trish Maldonado at 503-429-60J2, or email her at trishmaldy@aol.com
Service Award
Dr. Phyllis Gilmore from the Vemonia Providence Clinic will receive a Public
Service award from the Oregon Fire Service on May 16th for her work during
the flood in December 2007.
Bill Goodwin, Division Chief at Columbia River Fire and Rescue, nominated
Dr. Gilmore for the award. “I was so impressed by how caring and concerned
Dr. Gilmore was for the citizens of this community. She just kept saying, ‘These
are my people, we have to take care of them.b I was just so impressed with her
compassion and dedication,” said Goodwin.
Dr. Gilmore and her husband have been invited to attend the annual ceremony
which will be held at the Portland Expo Center.
Local Pampered Chef Helps
Vernonia Schools
By Scott Laird
For about four years Lee Ann Krause has been a consultant for The Pam­
pered Chef, direct sellers of kitchen tools. Since the Flood of 2007 in Vemonia,
Krause has used her business to help raise funds for the Vernonia Boosters.
“This has helped keep me sane,” said Krause. “I bm so tickled that Ibve been
able to help in some way.”
Krause, a Nike employee in her other life, has been using her Nike benefits
to augment her donations. “Nike matches up to $5,000 of donations to charitable
causes each year for each employee,” said Krause. “I am taking full advantage
of that benefit by donating my commission to help our community and getting
my donation doubled by Nike.”
Krause has donated three sets of BBQ equipment she has received as bo­
nuses as well as over $3,000 in cash.
“This has helped me stay busy during this very difficult time,” said Krause.
“I believe giving is at the core of every person,” said Krause. “I believe in
giving back and paying forward.”
You can help Lee Ann Krausebs efforts by making a purchase from The Pam­
pered Chef at www.pamperedchef.biz/leeannkrause. Click on “Order Products”,
and enter “Vemonia” as Host.
Ypu can contact Krause at wakandlak@yahoo.com or call her at
503-816-9810.
CAN YOU FILL THESE BOOTS?
in
Nehalem :
Jeff/
Times
Even without
vncreasing the
Budget!
www.dickersoii4sheriff.com
/Deputies assigned to
districts and involved
in problem solving
/Shifts before 10 a.m.
and after 10 p.m.
Call Chief Paul Epler
for more onfo on FREE traonong
503 . 429.8252
/B etter trained deputies
who are evaluated on
their performance
These are changes that cm be made right
now, without increasing the budget one dollar.
Under my leadership, the sheriff’s office
will become more responsive and helpful to
the citizens we serve. We will build a new
agency devoted to public service, and
proficient in our performance.