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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 1, 2008)
vernonia’s voice in other words december 2008 Another Round: More Words of Wisdom About Beer By Scott Laird “I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts, and beer.” -Abraham Lincoln Holiday Ale Fest: Oh Come All Ye Beer Drinkers-- The 13th annual Holiday Ale Festival will take place December 3 through 7 at Pioneer Courthouse Square! This will be the first year that I will attend this one-- and the names alone have visions of stouts and porters and ales danc- ing in my head! Firestone Walker’s Velvet Merkin Stout, Lompoc’s Brewdolph, Golden Valley’s Oaken Bomb, Collaborator Hallucinator, Pyramid’s Snow Cap’n & Tennille, Track Town’s Oak Rum Stout, and Off the Rail Brewing’s Blizzard of Ozz. Most of these are rare beers and cannot be found outside the event, so this is a great opportunity to try something special. In addition to beer tasting, the festival also features on-site food, event merchandise, complimentary root beer for designated drivers, mead sampling, and seasonal background music. For more info and a complete list of what they will be pouring, go to: www.holidayale.com. You Should Try This-- Here are a few Stouts and Porters I’ve come across this season that I think are worth a try: Moylan’s, out of Novato, California, has two Stouts-- Dragons Dry Irish Stout was rich and chocolaty, with a beautiful thick head and a smooth finish. Their Ryan Sullivan’s Imperial Stout, at 10% ABV (Alcohol By Volume) packed a really strong finish, but nice chocolate and espresso flavors. Silver Moon Brewing Company from Bend, Oregon, has a Snakebite Porter, which was malty and robust with a slightly bitter finish, and Bridgeport Brewing has released their Raven Mad Imperial Porter, which at 7.8 ABV was big and bold and very flavorful-- and comes with a pair of 3D glasses so you can fully enjoy their label depicting everyone’s favorite scene from Hitchcock’s “The Birds.” Ho, Ho, Ho to you too! “I Want My Snowplow!”-- I have been having a hard time finding one of my seasonal favorites, Widmer Bothers’ Snowplow Stout. In fact, I haven’t found it anywhere yet this year. Its release has been one of the highlights of the holidays for me over the last few years, but instead, it has been replaced at most outlets with Brrr, a hoppy ale, that at 7.2 ABV is a nice winter warmer but... well it isn’t the Snowplow-- and that’s all I need to know. I feel like a kid that’s just been told that the Santa you go to see every year, and who is the real Santa (not just a helper who dresses up because Santa can’t be everywhere), and who knows all kinds of personal information about you, like where you live, what kind of cookies you put out for him each year, and what kind of work your Dad does-- so he must be the real Santa-- is actually a woman, who is a family friend, and that there isn’t really a Santa Claus-- it’s just a lie we’ve made up all these years! Ouch-- that was a little revealing. But I still want my Snowplow! The Blue House Is Moving!- Not to fear Vernonians- they are moving to downtown Ver- nonia right o n Bridge Street, and will be setting up as a full Brewery and Restaurant. Hurry out and try the Holiday Ale that Brett brewed up before they close on December 21st for reloca- tion. Look for them to re-open early next year, probably sometime in February. A Brewpub in downtown Vernonia! Maybe there is a Santa Claus after all! Happy Holidays and Safe New Year to all. See you next time for Another Round 19 Stargazer By Esther Arce The Sun in the sign of Sagittarius brings on the quest for a deeper understanding of the way things are, how we got here, and how, if needed, to make change. The Saturn, Uranus op- position that’s been rocking our world for the last few months will continue making its pres- ence known throughout the month of December. Out with the old and in with the new. Or is it out with the new, back with the old? Then again, perhaps the answer is somewhere in the middle. Difficulties can arise throughout the second and third week of the month when the Sun enters into the picture. Even the most light-hearted spirit can be dampened and feel chal- lenged to remain positive. Tensions and tempers can rise as Mars, the planet of war, energy and impulse rushes in. This is not the time to try to force your way through. If you do, you will be met by resistance. Discipline, patience, balanced enthusiasm and intelligent dialogue is needed to move beyond the old way of doing things. Emotional balance is most beneficial in times of opposition and it’s the best way to ensure a successful outcome. It’s no use being in a hurry as we’re going to continue experiencing sudden growth spurts as well as sudden decreases. This is a great time to learn about the benefits of meditation. You can reach Esther Arce at info@EstherArce.com, 503.703.0904, or visit www.EstherArce.com Aries Your passion can burst forward now, but make sure to keep it light and fun. Gradual progress is long-lasting and it gives us time to adjust and allow the necessary changes to take place. Be less impulsive and more thoughtful in your actions and in dealings with others, and gracefully allow yourself to be helped. Libra There’s a need to move away from the old and familiar into new and unknown territory. Fear is the greatest barrier to moving forward, but the familiar must be left behind for new possibilities. Have the courage in your convictions and stick to your decisions. In that way you gain the independence you once envied in others. Taurus Don’t concern yourself with the form things take. Instead, stay open and pay attention to the meaning. A rich, full life is about much more than what hap- pens to us along the way. As a result of much effort and discipline, this can be a time of advancement. There is still more work required, but progress will be made. By being sincere, gentle and honest you will clear the way for good to happen. Scorpio It’s important to nourish your body and pamper your- self, but it’s even more important to nourish your mind with things that benefit you and help you grow. Be careful of criticism and judgment, even of your- self, as you may not have the whole or correct an- swer. Strong emotions, crankiness and irritability are signs that something is out of line. Instead of reacting ask how you can see the situation differently. Gemini You may find that you have to go back to what you thought you’d already finished. There’s still more for you to learn and the timing couldn’t better. Each of us learns at our own pace so allow for mistakes. It may be necessary to simplify your life and clear your schedule. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to ask for help and be open to accept- ing it. This is a time for projects that require self discipline and focus. Sagittarius Life is offering you an opportunity to let go of some old habits or a complete way of life. There’s a need to be more thoughtful and cautious, taking into account the bigger picture. Impulsive acts with no forward planning will be risky. Resistance creates and/or pro- longs misfortune. By replacing fear and doubt with quiet acceptance you begin to gently open the way. Cancer You are a gracious host whose concern for others shows in the way you express your feelings. If fear and doubt alter your peace of mind it’s a sign that you’re giving more than you should. We all have limits and it’s important for you to know yours. Don’t worry; it’s not necessary to be rude or hurt- ful. You can always say ‘no’ with a smile. Leo Your child-like enthusiasm can be a breath of fresh air and it’s exactly what’s needed now. Lose yourself in creative projects. Instead of buying all your gifts for the holidays this year, why not make a few? Find pleasure in the things you cre- ate and don’t worry if they’re not perfect since it’s supposed to be the thought that counts. If you love what you do it shows and others will love it too. Virgo You’re being challenged to rise above yourself. It can be easy to blame others or circumstances for where you are now, but if you really want to know what’s going on, turn inward and quiet your mind for a while. It’s in the silence that we hear the answer. If you don’t know how to start, ask and you will be shown the way. Your intelligence and strength are enough to meet the test. Capricorn Don’t take yourself or life too seriously. Everything changes. Everything is temporary. Remember you make it easier on yourself just by letting go. You’re a natural born leader but you’ll be more successful if you let things unfold naturally and in their own time. This is a time of observation and learning. Your mind and life are ready to expand so take a class or learn about something that really interests you. Aquarius It can be easy to find joy in simple things. Look for the blessings in your normal, everyday life and give thanks for them no matter how small or challenging they may appear. As you do this you’ll find yourself feeling uplifted and ready to take on whatever life has to offer. Part of your purpose is to help society ad- vance in some way, and your frame of mind dictates whether you are helpful or hurtful. Pisces This is a time for maturing. Somewhere in your life, and you know where that is, you need to grow up and change your perspective. In this way you make bet- ter choices for yourself and for those you care about. Through determination, effort and spiritual guidance you can change anything in your life. The more dif- ficult and challenging it is, the better. Remember to be patient with yourself as you, like all the rest of us, continue to learn. ue rm an DM D Vernonia Dental Classes start January 5! Dr . ri h C s er h top M ch S . e 622 Bridge Street Vernonia, OR 97064 phone (503) 429-0880 -- fax (503) 429-0881