what’s happening/letters to the editor
july
Events Calendar
2009
Vernonia Booster BBQ – 4th of July
The Vernonia Boosters will be serving up
hamburgers and hot dogs at the Snack Shack from
6-9:00 PM on the 4th of July. Come and support
them! This year the Boosters have helped both the
band and senior class go to Disneyland, gave four
$500 scholarships to seniors, helped fund the 4th
of July fireworks, and all little guy/gal sports are
under the Boosters. This just names a few of the
programs they support. Help the Boosters keep
supporting our kids and our community. Hope to
see you there!
4th of July Parade-
Vernonia Pride will be sponsoring the 4th of July
Parade this year. The parade will start at 7:30 from
Weed Avenue and disband on State Street. No
ATV’s will be allowed---all other entries will be
welcome.
Fall Soccer Sign Ups
July 9th and 23rd 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Vernonia
Public Library. For more info call Katie Poetter at
503-429-0700.
Art in the Woods Camp Returns
Art in the Woods Camp is coming up July 27 to 31
at the Scout Cabin in Vernonia. This year’s camp
will follow the theme of “150 years of Crafts, Arts,
and Music.” Campers will be using hand tools
to make crafts from the 1850’s, as well as doing
lots of singing, folk dancing, and learning to play
the recorder together. The week will come to a
grand finale with a Friday evening performance
for friends and the whole community to enjoy.
The cost is $75 with financial aid available. There
will also be teen classes in the afternoon, with the
choice of art, singing, drama, and chamber music.
The camp, which is sponsored by Hands on Art,
will give Vernonia students the opportunity to
learn from teachers who are outstanding artists
and musicians. Applications are available at the
Vernonia Library or by calling Carol Pelster at
503-429-0437.
Greenleaf Acting Company to
Perform During Jamboree
There will be something new added to this year’s
Jamboree entertainment offerings: The Greenleaf
Acting Company will be performing “Sherlock
Holmes” at 7:00 on Friday and 2:00 on Saturday
at the Grange. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for
children, students and seniors, with a family price
of $20. It will be an exciting adventure with the
famous detective!, directed by Alberta Hardy, who
has had leading roles in the Theater in the Grove
and the Shoestring Players productions, as well
as directing youth theater productions, including
very succesful plays by the Vernonia Homeschool
group.
Teen Dance During Jamboree
Teen Dance at Jamboree for the Zack Rumbolz
Memorial Scholarship. Saturday night August 8
in the school Cafeteria, from 8:30 - 11:00, for kids
age 13 - 20. $5 entry. Thank you!
Summer Qigong-
Qigong is an ancient Chinese exercise aimed at
maintaining agility, focus and strength. Qigong
literally translates into “life work”. These exercises
are intended to be practiced daily in order to
maintain proper health. All movements associated
with Qigong are gentle and strengthening all at the
same time! ANYONE can do Qigong!!! Embrace
the multiple benefits that practicing Qigong can
bring to you! Start your day with a calming
exercise at Hawkins Park. Tuesdays at 7:00 AM.
$5/class
Training for Non-profits Offered
Non-profit Board Member Basics seminar
presented by Carol Cheney of TACS, July 15,
4-8 PM at VCLC. No charge to local non-profit
volunteers; dinner included. RSVP by July 8; for
more information, call Tobie Finzel 503.705.2173.
ISE Looking for Host Families
International Student Exchange is looking for
families to host foreign exchange students in
Vernonia. There is currently a shortage for the
number of students who want to spend a year in
Vernonia. Traditional families, single parents,
retirees, as well as empty nesters can be hosts. It is
not necessary to have children living at home. Learn
about the traditions and culture of another country.
Enrich your community. Make “friends for life” in
another country. For more information call 1-888-
785-2695 or 1-509-398-0759. Placements need to
be made by July 15.
Readers lend their voices...
To The Editor:
This letter is in response to the June 04, 2009 Letter to the Editor
published in The Independent titled, “Does Vernonia Need Five Police
Officers?”
I know most people in this community understand the need for police
and appreciate the services we provide. But recently our department has
been the subject of criticism from a few sources, and I feel the need to
write a response.
Does little Vernonia need five cops? Well yes, in my opinion they
do! In fact, eight or nine would be best. I’m not sure the author of that
letter really understands the facts of what your police and the department
does and the types of things they are responsible for. I would like to take
this opportunity to explain some of the facts, and offer my opinion on a
few other issues.
In the late 90s there were as many as six paid Police Officers em-
ployed by the City of Vernonia. Those positions over the years have been
slowly whittled away to where they are now. All the added duties and
responsibilities now rest in the hands of only four.
The Police Officers often work alone with no hope for a rapid re-
sponse from outer agencies should one of them need emergency assistance.
With future cuts to the Columbia County Sheriffs Office the likelihood of
that rapid assistance will be even less available.
As stated in the published letter, these are different times. There are
indeed bad people out there, and dangerous drugs on the streets. There are
also many petty crimes committed, petty things that take a lot of time for
Police to deal with. Although, someone may think the issue is petty, some-
one else thought it serious enough to call for Police, requiring a response
and often times a written report. The author of the letter would lead you
to believe that he does not require police services, stating “I’ve never had
a problem I couldn’t personally resolve.” Actually, public records would
show that Vernonia Police have responded to his residence several times in
the past few years, including once last month for a disturbance.
In response to the people caught with illegal narcotics. The Verno-
nia Police Department is proud of all our drug arrests, big and small. In
each one of those, illegal narcotics taken off the street could have caused
serious physical injury or death if landed in the wrong hands. I don’t
believe anyone is portraying that any type of drug cartels are moving into
town, but we do have a problem that needs attention in this community.
In order to get those narcotics off the streets you have to have Police
Officers working the street. Not just police officers, but COPS. Officers
that will stop a car at 2:00 AM, alone and possibly out numbered. The
Vernonia Drug Coalition recently received a large government grant to
help work with youth and combat the drug issues within this community.
The most recent Healthy Teen Survey portrayed Vernonia as above the
state average on everything; teen drug use, teen pregnancy and violence in
the schools were all above the state average. Maybe that is why the depart-
ment is trying for a school resource officer, someone with resources and
trained to work with our youth, not a security guard.
What else do your Police Officers do? Investigate thefts and burglar-
ies. Respond to domestic disputes and disturbances (which are sometimes
violent), yet still responding alone most of the time. They also respond
to motor vehicle crashes. Deal with fights in bars. Child abuse, animal
abuse, underage drinking, criminal trespassing. It is my belief that most
Vernonians appreciate having an officer to respond when they encounter
these situations. What else? Vandalism, business and home alarms, patrol-
ling for speed enforcement. This is how we spend our time each month.
These are the same officers that are willing to work for lower pay
than they could receive in neighboring cities like Rainier and Clatskanie;
departments in communities of smaller populations than Vernonia. Both
FRIDAY OPEN AIR MARKET, EVERY FRIDAY THIS SUMMER, 5-7:30 PM,
VCLC Courtyard
VERNONIA PREVENTION COALITION MEETING, JULY 1, 9:00 AM
At the School District Board Room
4TH OF JULY IN VERNONIA-
FIRST FRIDAY AND OPEN AIR MARKET, 5:00- 7:30 PM-At the
Vernonia Community Learning Center. Open Air Market with fresh produce, crafts,
food, and other vendors. First Friday includes Floating Art Gallery, Jr. Salmon Auc-
tion at 7:00 PM, Cars As Art on display, and Live Music by Brian Ayotte from 5-8
PM.
PARADE- STARTS AT 7:30 on Weed Avenue, disbanding on State Street.
No ATV’s this year, all other entries are welcome.
FIREWORKS-At school grounds. Vernonia Boosters will serve hot dogs
and hamburgers.
ART IN THE WOODS CAMP, JULY 27 THROUGH JULY 31
At the Vernonia Scout Cabin. Campers will be using hand tools to make crafts from
the 1850’s, and singing, folk dancing, and learning to play the recorder together.
Grand finale Friday evening performance for friends and the whole community to
enjoy. Teen classes in the afternoon, with the choice of art, singing, drama, and cham-
ber music. Sponsored by Hands on Art.
TRAINING FOR NON-PROFITS, JULY 15, 4:00-8:00 PM
At the Vernonia Community Learning Center, presented by Carol Cheney of TACS.
VERNONIA FRIENDSHIP JAMBOREE AND LOGGING SHOW,
AUGUST 7-9
Confirmed Events include: Kids Fishing Derby, Parade, KUPL Concert, Teen Dance,
Greenleaf Acting Company Drama presentation, Lawnmower Races, Hands on Art
Show, Open Air Market and First Friday, Car Show, Motorcycle Show, Friends of the
Library Book Sale, Boosters BBQ, Ridge Riders Play Day, Logging Show, Sunday
Morning Worship Service
EVENTS AT STUB STEWART STATE PARK
JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAMS, SEVEN DAYS A WEEK AT 10:00
AM - At the Dairy Creek Amphitheater, Family campground programs will be held at
a variety of times Tuesdays – Saturdays.
STAR PARTY!-JULY 18, 2009, 9:30 PM - Join OMSI, Rose City As-
tronomers and Vancouver Sidewalk Astronomers as we gaze at moon and night sky
at Rooster Rock State Park and Stub Stewart State Park. From beginners to experts of
all ages, visitors will have the opportunity to view the stars and other objects through
a variety of telescopes. Viewing highlights include the moon, the planet Saturn, sev-
eral star clusters, and more! For possible weather cancellation, call (503) 797-4610 on
July 18 after 3:00 PM to get the latest information.
of which, employ a total of 6 including a records clerk/secretary. They
also have the luxury of nearby community departments to assist them if
needed.
I would also like to talk about my personal experience as a Vernonia
Police officer. I’m one of those “Outsiders” mentioned in the letter to the
editor. My family and I lived in Vernonia for a little over three years and
have been proud to serve this community. I moved a short distance away
about a year ago for several reasons.
During the time I lived here my family life has been disturbed,
including fights on my front porch, my children being threatened while at
the store and verbally abused at school. All because I am a police officer.
Frequently, while living here, I would find tires on my personal vehi-
cle flat. Other officers would have all their tires slashed, vehicles damaged,
houses damaged or their retired police dog poisoned. A previous officer
even had a substance put in his fuel tank that caused serious damage to his
vehicle. Incidentally, I haven’t had any problems since I moved. Officer’s
that still live in this community still do.
For my families safety and my peace of mind, I have chosen to relo-
cate. The Vernonia Police Department is not the only agency that employs
people that don’t live in the city; I know of many examples where this is
the case. As far as taking home a patrol vehicle, that rarely happens. On
the rare occasions when it does, it is to allow an officer to be placed “On
Call” so we can provide a 24-hour response instead of leaving the city
with no one available to respond. The City has to provide them with a
vehicle to respond in for liability reasons, also allowing the officer to ar-
rive much faster for that call for service.
Should citizens monitor their local police departments and expect
professional service? Yes, by all means. Do they have right to ask
questions and raise concerns? You bet! But if they are going to publicly
criticize us, at least have the facts straight and present a realistic argument.
The bottom line is, I have sat back and read all the recent attacks on
the Police Department for doing what we were all hired and trained to do.
Whether we live in town or not shouldn’t have any bearing on our ability
to do the job efficiently and effectively. It is my opinion that this com-
munity is under served with the number of Police officers it has. Everyone
should keep in mind that we are doing our best with what we have.
Michael Conner
President – Vernonia Police Association
To the Editor
Has anyone ever proposed saving for future school buildings?
We all know Vernonia is right now between a rock and a hard place
facing the replacement of ALL its school buildings but what about
the future? What if 1 - 2% of the school budget was set aside each
year for 50 years, invested wisely and made inaccessible for current
programs? In 50 years, when the buildings that will be built now are
worn out, there would be enough to build new ones without a panic
and a bond issue tax burden on our children and grandchildren. We
as private citizens are wise if we save for a known coming need
like retirement or our children’s higher education. Why should the
school district not be as wise? Or can we trust the school boards
of the future to leave the funds alone and let them grow for future
building needs? Maybe not and maybe that is a reason to not save
wisely.
Dick Martin
Vernonia
5
To the Editor
Recently in the two Vernonia papers, there has been a lot of
coverage of the Vernonia Police Department (VPD) and the use of a Taser
on Elliot S. Graf, 19, of Vernonia. Elliot was intoxicated and apprehended at
a party where minors were consuming alcohol and marijuana was present.
I doubt very much that the taser was deployed because Mr. Graf calmly put
his hands behind his back and complied with lawful orders from Police.
I have read articles that attack VPD, City Council members, and
the Interim-Chief Mike Kay; articles on Tasers, and a father’s concern for his
child. All of these articles have invoked certain questions to readers such as
myself that I would like to address.
For instance, why is Mike Kay Interim-Chief? Do we need
another police officer in Vernonia? Are City Council member decisions bias
by having friends with special interests? Was the use of a Taser on Elliot
Graf warranted? Finally why don’t citizens police themselves?
First, Mike Kay is Interim-Chief because when the candidates
within the department were assessed, he was the most qualified. He was the
only sergeant and had 11 years police experience. Currently, he does have
have college credits just not the required 90 college credits by DPSST which
recently inacted a “college rule”. He also has not attende the Department of
Public Safety Standards and Training “Middle Manager Course” which is 10
days long. a course required through DPSST to be a Chief. He could meet
these requirements and eventually become Chief through hard work, time
and the blessing of the City Administrator.
Secondly, does Vernonia need another officer? If the citizens
want twenty-four hour protection, seven days a week, that is one hundred
sixty eight hours. For the safety of the officers there would need to be at
minimum two officers on duty increasing the hours to two hundred thirty-
six hours. Divide this by four officers and that equates to five, twelve-hour
shifts and a partial. This doesn’t account for possible over time. Basic
hours, that create a workweek too grueling and long, to be safe. There is
an argument that our town shuts down after 10:00 PM and there is no need
for a fifth officer. This time line simply does not apply to crime. Thieves,
druggies, spouse abusers, and drunk drivers don’t punch in at 8:00 AM
and then out at 10:00 PM. Vernonia has recently had numerous arrests for
ecstasy, heroin, and multiple citations for crimes linked to alcohol. So if a
call comes in at 10:02 PM…. For let’s say a party. At this party people are
highly intoxicated and potentially on illegal substances that could make
them more aggressive or even violent. The way things are now, that call
would go to a single on-call Officer. That Officer has to drop whatever
he is doing, get geared up and go to the call alone. Once he gets there if
the situation is out of control, he would need a second Officer. With the
recent cuts to Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, his best bet would be an
OSP Trooper and who knows how far away they might be. These officers
uphold the law and protect the innocent. At some point we as a community
need to show our appreciation and gratitude for their selflessness. Maybe
continued on page 15
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