vernonia’s
voice welcome
june
2009
from the editor....
VERNONIA’S
With this issue, Vernonia’s Voice begins our third year-- or in publication terms, Volume 3. If we were Battlestar Galactica, we could call this Sea-
son 3.0. If we were Rome, we could just call it III. And if we were a summer blockbuster movie, we might call it VV3. But we’re not, we’re just
Vernonia’s Voice, and we’re still here. However you look at it, we’ve survived two full years, and are still around to tell the tale. We’ve weathered
the Flood of December 2007, the winter storms of 2008, major changes in personnel, and a few of the other roadblocks that new small businesses
encounter. It’s been fun and challenging, but most of all, it’s been rewarding telling the positive stories about what is happening here.
I was recently in Portland and picked a up a new free publication called Portland Upside. Their tag line is “Positive People, Positive Stories,
Positively Affecting Portland!” Looks like an idea that is catching on.
As we enter year three, covering the events and happening here in Vernonia and the surrounding areas, I can’t help but think about what an excit-
ing time this is in our community. Things are happening, changes may be coming quickly, and new possibilities are emerging every day. Big
decisions are being made, and the landscape of this community is being reshaped. It’s an exciting time to be in Vernonia.
With all the daily responsibilities each of us face each and everyday, sometimes it’s difficult to pay attention and stay involved in what is happening
outside of our own families’ lives, our jobs, and our homes. Everyday life is often an uphill struggle to keep up, running from one chore to the next.
Maybe, every once in awhile, we are able to sneak in a little time for something fun for ourselves that we enjoy-- a walk or bike ride on the linear
trail, an afternoon of fishing, coffee or a beer and conversation with a friend. But for the most part, we are all very busy. But it’s also important to
remember that this is a critical time for this community, a crucial time when major decisions are being made about our future and about this place
we call home. I encourage all of us to stay involved in some way, to pay attention to what is happening, to participate in the decisions that are being
made. On December 3, 2007, everything changed. We all have a chance to help shape and mold this community into what we want it to be for
ourselves and for our children and future generations. Right now is an important time to pay attention and to get engaged in what’s happening.
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Vernonia’s Voice continues to add new contributors month after month. It seems every month someone new from the community steps forward
with an idea, or I see someone and think, “They should be writing a monthly column.” Over this past year, we have added many new names to
our roster of regular contributors. Seth Lenaerts, living here in Vernonia for a year on an internship with the city, asked if he could write a monthly
column about planning issues he’s working on, or things he’s interested in. Ben Fousek, who is developing a GIS system for the city, asked if he
could write something monthly about that new system. Sonia Spackman asked if she could share her knowledge of parenting issues through our
pages. Heather Lewis has provided insights into health and wellness. Burt Tschache has been informing us about computer security. Brandy
Fosdick has been giving us a look at life in Vernonia from a student’s point of view. Erica Paleck has been writing regularly about art, beauty,
knowledge and understanding. And Necia Dewitt has been visiting with some of our favorite senior citizens and sharing their life stories with us.
I also don’t want to forget some local writers and citizens who every so often have something to say and go ahead and send it our way, including
Miles Wickstrom, who likes to look at the world from outside the box and Jill Hult, who covers just about anything that sounds interesting to
her-- both of whom are featured in this month’s edition. All are people in our community, with specialized knowledge or a unique point of view,
who have taken time to share their thoughts with Vernonia’s Voice and with you.
This month, we welcome Mackenzie Carr, as she saddles up and reports on her travels on the NPRA Rodeo circuit. We also welcome news from
the Vernonia Grange from Andy Nebergall. Look for their columns in this, and future editions.
Two years and counting. It definitely is an exciting time to be in Vernonia!
Scott Laird
Publisher and Editor
Publisher and Managing Editor
Scott Laird
(503) 367-0098
scott@vernoniasvoice.com
News Editor
Scott Laird
Copy Editor
Dennis Nicks
Photography
Scott Laird
Doren Lower
Web Design/Mgmt
Amy Shearer, On Madison Studio
Contributors
Amy Barton
Nancy Burch
Mackenzie Carr
Janelle Thomas-
Cedergreen
Necia DeWitt
Brandy Fosdick
Ben Fousek
Sally Harrison
Kevin Hudson
Jill Hult
P.J. O’Leary
Seth Lenaerts
Heather Lewis
Andy Nebergall
Erika Paleck
Sonia Spackman
Burt Tschache
Miles Wickstrom
Art Director/Graphic Design
Amy Shearer, On Madison Studio
Want to advertise?
ads@vernoniasvoice.com
Have an article?
news@vernoniasvoice.com
P.O. Box 55
Vernonia, Oregon 97064
503-367-0098
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Kellie Elliott is our Mortgage Manager.
Her primary focus is on mortgage
lending however her experience includes
consumer and commercial lending.
Each branch offers courteous,
professional loan officers that provide
information to guide members through
the mortgage loan process. During your
consultation your loan officer can get
your paperwork started, an important step in becoming a
homeowner.
Mortgage Loan Options Include:
Mortgage Purchase Loans, First Mortgage Equity Refinance
Loans, Home Equity Loans, Home Equity Lines of Credit
(HELOC), Manufactured Home Loans
Visit our website or make an appointment with your local loan
officer to discuss your mortgage loan options and decide which
is best for you. Mention this ad for $100 off closing costs on
your first mortgage purchase or refinance today!
Astoria
325.1044
03
1.800.773.3236
www.waunafcu.org
Call your Member Service Agent at:
Clatskanie
St Helens
Vernonia
728.4321
366.1334
429.8031
Warrenton
861.7526
* Members of WFCU and qualified borrowers only. Exclusions and/or restrictions may apply.
Closing costs are determined by the type of loan, the amount of loan and by third party charges for
various services and are added to the loan balance to be paid by the borrower, which may change the
APR. Fees and other costs are added to the end of the loan and can incur finance charges. WFCU is
federally insured by NCUA and is an equal housing lender.