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:
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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.
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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
