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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 1, 2008)
vernonia’s voice welcome november 2008 03 VERNONIA’S from the editor.... Welcome to the November issue of Vernonia’s Voice! I grew up in Philadelphia, and have been a Philadelphia sports fan for...well, since I was born. My father had season tickets to the Eagles, and some of my fondest childhood memories are of spending Sundays with him: leaving church early to head to a home game on an autumn afternoon, stopping at the same hot dog vendor on our way into the stadium, and staying until the last play was over, because my Dad taught me a real fan never gives up on his team. I was there in Philadelphia in 1980, a teenager who reveled in the World Championship the Phillies won for us, and have waited twenty-five long agonizing years for another Philadelphia team to win it all. I have been to the Stanley Cup Finals with the Flyers -- when they lost in game seven, watched the Sixers lose in the NBA finals, watched the Eagles go down in defeat in two Super Bowls, and listened as Joe Carter broke Phillie fans’ hearts with a home run in the bottom of the ninth in 1993. But finally it’s over. The Phillies have won the World Series! What does all that mean to those of you here in Vernonia, who don’t give a lick about Philadelphia and its long-suffering fans? Well, it just shows the different ways a community can come together. Even from all the way over here in Oregon, I can still be part of a great moment in Philadelphia, celebrate my roots, and share it all with my mother and father, who are still fans themselves. Whether it’s around a championship run by a local sports franchise, or pulling together to recover from a flood, misery loves com- pany; but it’s also great when it all comes together, and we can share in our successes. Here in Vernonia, we have suffered through a long, tough year. But we have pulled together, and worked to get back in the game, never giving up on ourselves. *** *** *** *** So, with Halloween and the election over, that must mean Thanksgiving and the rest of the holidays are just around the corner. We all find ourselves in the middle of a difficult economic time, and many of us are probably looking for ways to tighten the belt just a bit and are planning on cutting back on holiday spending. As you plan your holiday shopping, please try to remember to support your local merchants here in Vernonia. Most local businesses have suffered through a tough year, with last year’s holiday season literally washed away by flood-waters, and I’m sure they could use your support this year. It’s been a tough year all around, so please make sure to check out what your local shops have to offer when making those holiday pur- chases. And don’t forget -- Holiday Bucks kicks off this year on November 21 -- your local Chamber of Commerce sponsored incentive to shop local. Another way to celebrate the holidays is to volunteer your time or donate to local charities. Sometimes we get caught up in the spirit of shopping and forget to remember those right here in our own community who could use a hand. Don’t forget Toy and Joy starts at the end of November. Toy and Joy is the local community outreach and volunteer efforts by our firefighters with the assistance from the Ambulance Association who go out and share the spirit of the holidays with all the kids here. And, of course, Vernonia Cares would like your help and support in helping their clients, making sure everyone has a nice holiday meal this year. November is the time when we are suppose to stop and remember all the things we are thankful for. As a rule, I try to re- member to be thankful every day-- for my health, for my family and friends, and for the opportunities that I have. But I do see value in stopping and reflecting on all that is positive in our lives, especially when there are so many troubling things facing our world today. This year, as I stop and reflect, I find I have many things for which to be thankful: Sunny October Days -- you have to appreciate the gorgeous fall weather we’ve had here in Vernonia. My wife and my dogs -- who teach me about humility, patience, caring and unconditional love, everyday. George Bush will not be our President much longer -- Yeah! Good Beer -- as Ben Franklin once said, “Beer is God’s way of telling us he wants us to be happy.” Lower gas prices -- we all needed a bit of a break from all the bad economic news. and “...the 0-2 pitch. Swing and a miss! Struck him out! The Philadelphia Phillies are the 2008 World Champions of Baseball!” -Scott Laird Publisher and Editor Publisher and Managing Editor Scott Laird News Editor Scott Laird (503) 367-0098 scott@vernoniasvoice.com Copy Editors Tobie Finzel Erika Paleck Dennis Nicks Alumni Editor Tammy Vanderzanden Contributors Charlie Alnut TL Berry Nancy Burch Brett Costley William Haack Jill Hult P.J. O’Leary Erika Paleck Burt Tschache Art Director/ Graphic Design Amy Shearer, On Madison Studio Photography Scott Laird Doren Lower Web Design/Mgmt Amy Shearer, On Madison Studio Want to advertise? Contact: ads@vernoniasvoice.com Have an article? Contact: news@vernoniasvoice.com P.O. Box 55 Vernonia, Oregon 97064 503-367-0098 Members of WFCU only. Qualified borrowers only. Rate shown as an Annual Percentage Rate is subject to change. Your rate may be different based upon your pre- existing credit performance. This rate applies only to an existing balance transferred from some other institution’s credit card. The regular APR will be assessed to the existing balance, new purchases, and new cash advances. If 30 days or more delinquent, balance transfer discount rate will be revoked and adjusted to the regular APR. ZIP STATE PHONE # SEND TO: Subscriptions, P.O. Box 55, Vernonia, OR 97064 1.800.773.3236 www.waunafcu.org Call your Member Service Agent at: Astoria Clatskanie St Helens Vernonia Warrenton 325.1044 728.4321 366.1334 429.8031 861.7526 CITY 6.99% APR* ADDRESS With Balance Transfer Rates As Low As NAME A card that shines as brightly as you do. Yes, sign me up for one year of Vernonia’s Voice! PLATINUM VISA Subscription Form Our Platinum VISA card is ready for you wherever, whenever you need it. Vernonia’s Voice is a monthly publication distributed the first of each month. Subscription rates are $25 for one year (twelve issues) Subscribe Today!
