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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (July 1, 2009)
10 community july 2009 Patricia Ray is Vernonia’s “My Fair Lady” Patricia “Pat” Ray is Vernonia’s Princess for this year’s “My Fair Lady” competition. Ms. Ray will join the rest of the Court at the Columbia County Fair on Wednesday, July 15, for the crowning of the “My Fair Lady Queen. Pat Ray was five years old when her family moved to Vernonia in 1941. She graduated from Vernonia High School, was married in Vernonia, and raised five children who all graduated from Vernonia High School. She was employed with Commercial Bank of Oregon (which became US Bank) for thirty-seven years, working her way up to Branch Manager. She moved away for about 17 years between 1991 and 2008. “It’s been really great to be back,” said Ray. “Last night I was out in front of our house and someone drove by in a big red truck I didn’t recognize, and they yelled out the window ‘Hi Pat!, and I’m not sure who it was.’ That’s what is so great about a small town.” Ms. Ray is very involved in the Vernonia Senior Center, acting as the Treasurer. “It doesn’t matter what I get involved in, I’m always the one counting the money!” laughed Ray. “That’s what happens when you spend thirty-plus years as a banker. I always end up the treasurer of something!” She helps out around the Senior Center, in the thrift shop or the office. “If I see a need, I step in and help out,” says Ray. She can also be found singing with the Golden Oldies, the group of Seniors that entertains and leads sing-alongs every Wednesday. Ms. Ray is also a quilter, which she has been doing for the last fifteen years. She’s helping re-organize a group of quilters who meet at the Senior Center on Tuesdays. Ms. Ray has family still in the Vernonia area; including two sons, George and Patrick; and her daughter, Robin Murphy. Her first husband’s family came to Vernonia in 1888 and her great-granddaughter is a seventh generation Vernonian, although they currently live in Buxton. Patricia Ray is a true Vernonian, and this year’s My Fair Lady Princess. Birkenfeld Store and Café Grocer y and Liquor Store hours: Monday-Saturday 8am to 6pm and Sunday 9am to 5pm Café open daily f rom 9am - 4pm 11139 Highway 202 - Birkenfeld (503) 755-2722 Vernonia Bear Creek 10K/5K Run/Walk Event, Aug 15 th “If I can do a 5K, anyone can do a 5K!” – Maria Lemay Beginning and ending at Anderson Park, come How can you help? Volunteer at this event, and join in either a 5K Run/Walk encompassing a become a sponsor, enter the race as an individual or lap of Vernonia Lake or a 10K Run that heads south group, bring a friend, bring your dog, or come cheer along the Banks/Vernonia Linear Trail. Both routes on those who run or walk. Be there at the finish line! are flat and go through some tree-lined sections of Registration/packet pick up will begin at 7 the trail providing welcome shade and making them am on August 15 at Anderson Park , with the suitable for first time runners. events starting at 8:00 AM and 8:05 AM. Online This event is a fundraiser for the Vernonia Cares registration is encouraged at http://www.signmeup. Food Bank – an organization that has supported com/61797,or contact Maria Lemay, Race Director local families for the past 24 years. Local businesses at (503) 429 1069. that have already submitted sponsorship are Tuality It is our hope that this will be another memorable Community Hospital , Providence Medical group, community event. Thank you for supporting Wauna Federal. Credit Union, US Bank, Jazzercise, Vernonia Cares Food Bank in any way you can. Vernonia Dental. We thank you! Senior Center Activities For July 2009 Five Area Luncheon: Held in Rainier this month on July 27. Join seniors from throughout Columbia County for this monthly gathering hosted by a different community Senior Center each month. AARP Safe Driving Class: Anyone interested call Karen Miller, Senior Services at the Vernonia Senior Center 603-429-9112. Connie’s Fabulous Breakfasts: Fabulous breakfasts are available to the public on Fridays for a cost of only $3. The event happens at the Senior Center (446 Bridge Street) from 7:00 to 9:00 AM each Friday. Meal price includes a beverage, too. Enter through the side, parking lot door. What a deal! Week Day Lunches: The Vernonia Senior Center offers nutritious and tasty lunches each weekday for only $3. These are available to the public, not just Senior Citizens. (Mealtime is noon; late arrivals may not be served.) You can reserve your lunch by calling by 11:15 AM, or further in advance if possible, to assist the cooks as they prepare the day’s meals. Maple Bars available locally!: Connie King, the cook at the Senior Center, is making maple bars each day. The maple bars are available to the public, too, and only cost $1 each. Availability is subject to quantity on hand. You can assure yourself of a good supply by pre-ordering them directly from Connie by calling the Senior Center (503-429-3912) any week day, from 7:00 AM-3:00 PM. Please allow one day lead time for larger orders. The Center’s front door opens at 9:00, but the side parking lot door opens at 7:00. Ah, sweet treats! Thrift Store: Bargain prices can be found in Vernonia’s Senior Center in their Thrift Store. The retail store is open Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM. It is also open most Saturdays mornings from 9:00 to noon. The Thrift Store provides funds for he Senior Center’s facility and its many activities. Donations can also be dropped off during those same hours, and donated clothes need to be clean and in good condition so they are “sales ready”. Buy locally and support your local Senior Center. Membership Dues: Another way to support Vernonia’s Senior Center is to pay the $10 annual membership dues. Checks may be mailed or dropped off at the Senior Center. www.birkenfeldcountrystore.com Vernonia Seeking Reserve Police Officers Becoming a Reserve Police Officer is a challenging and rewarding way to serve your community and become a part of the exciting world of law enforcement. THE CITY OF VERNONIA IS LOOKING FOR INDIVIDUALS TO: • • • • Help in providing police services to the community Gain first hand knowledge and experience in the field Make a positive impact in our city Receive specialized law enforcement training Whether you are seeking a career in law enforcement, or simply want to take your interest in community activism to the next level, you can do something positive for yourself and your community. • • • • • • • • • MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment. Be a citizen of the United States or have applied for citizenship. Possess a high school diploma or G.E.D. certificate. Possess a valid Oregon Drivers License. Be in good physical condition as demonstrated by a physical agility test. Take a psychological examination and be found suitable for police work. Be of good moral character and pass a criminal record check. Have no felony convictions. Have no recent or extensive misdemeanor record. The Vernonia Police Department is also seeking Office Volunteers and is helping recruit for membership on the City Emergency Preparedness Committee. For more information about any of these opportunities contact the Vernonia Police Department at (503)429-7335