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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 27, 2011)
welcome from the editor During the holiday season we often hear and talk about how it is “bet- ter to give than to receive.” We try to instill this mind set in our kids, and our- selves—that it’s about the giving, not the receiving. This is also the time of year when we try to remember to be grateful and gracious for what we do receive. As much as we like to talk about and em- phasize the giving—come on, we all like to receive things too! Yes, sometimes it is better to give than to receive. But sometimes it’s really nice to receive something that you can really appreciate and value. And receive gratefully and with grace. As I look back and reflect on this past year and think about giving and receiving, I am reminded that our com- munity has been the recipient of some wonderful “gifts” recently. At the end of each year, we read lots of Top Ten Lists—the top movies, books, CD’s, Sports moments, etc. from the past year. Here is a list of what I would consider the top ten gifts the com- munity of Vernonia has received this past year, not in any particular order. 1. Gifts from the Gov—Last December, then Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski was our guest of honor at the ground breaking for the new Vernonia school campus. At that ceremony Kulongoski announced a $3.8 million ODOT grant for street improvements near the school project. In April Vernonia received its second visit from an Oregon Gover- nor—this time John Kitzhaber praised Vernonia’s efforts to rebuild, and also helped plant trees. The Executive Or- der that Kulongoski put in place in 2010 continues to be referenced as rebuilding efforts and projects seek state assistance. Oregon’s Governors have been a good friend to Vernonia, and never seem to ar- rive empty handed. 2. Everyone likes cash—In January of 2011, FEMA paid the Vernonia School District $11.2 million to buy out the cur- rent school site, paving the way for con- struction of the new school campus. This took a huge bite out of the overall funds that would be needed for the construc- tion project. Other donations towards the school project have continued to roll in, including funding from Georgia- Pacific, Solar World, P&C Construction, and many others that have helped the project move forward. We have been extremely fortunate that so many com- panies and individuals have stepped for- ward to help make this project a reality for our community; their gifts have been gratefully received and put to good use. 3. Our Mayor—In January, new Verno- nia Mayor Josette Mitchell took office. Mitchell takes her (volunteer) job very seriously and is organized, efficient, knowledgeable and capable. Vernoni- an’s can go to sleep at night knowing the i’s are being dotted ant the t’s crossed at City Hall. 4. The VPC—The Vernonia Prevention Coalition and Director DeAnna Pearl have become a vital cog in this commu- nity, bringing funding resources and or- ganizing capacity to untold projects. The VPC has been a catalyst in creating sys- temic and cultural change in our schools and our community and has tackled drug and alcohol abuse, bullying, hunger, and homelessness, just to name a few of their target issues. The VPC has helped facili- tate collaborations between groups and has been a gift that just keeps giving. 5. Summer Meals-- One of the collabo- rations the VPC helped organize this year was the Summer Meals Program, which organized breakfast and lunch as well as activities for children in our community this past summer when there were no school lunches. Hundreds of children, and adults, were fed healthy and nutritious meals each day, while groups, including schools, churches and civic groups who had never worked together, formed partnerships. Food makes a wonderful gift! 6. Haack is Back—Bill Haack was hired as the permanent City Administra- tor in September and this community is lucky to have him here. Haack brings a comprehensive understanding of how large projects come together and has the ability to juggle many projects at once without losing focus. He brings profes- sional skills that this community will sorely need over the next few years. He took this job, under difficult circum- stances, and for less compensation then he could have received elsewhere. He cares about Vernonia and the people he works with here. 7. Police Officers—After spending many months this past year with only two police officers available for duty, the City has hired two additional officers. The force now includes long time officer Mike Conner, who is the Interim Chief and Officer Shawn Carnahan, as well as new hire Brent Thompson, a home- grown recruit and graduate of Vernonia High School. Thompson and the other new hire, Matt Brady need to complete training academy, but Vernonians will hopefully begin to see more local offi- cers on our streets in the upcoming year. 8. The WOEC Headquarters—As members of West Oregon Electric Co- operative, this beautiful new building belongs to all of us. Built with the log- ging heritage of this community in mind, the WOEC headquarters makes quite an impression as you enter town from the south. It will be here for a long time and sets a standard for how redevelopment in this community hopefully takes place in the future. 9. Grange Revival—The historic Ver- nonia Grange has seen new life this year, with a facelift inside and some new ac- tivities taking place. This community building was the scene of several fam- ily friendly community dances and the Grange sponsored a photography contest that received some great entries. Look for more activities as the Grange contin- ues to grow as a community gathering spot. 10. Miss Rodeo America—What a great way to finish the year! All Verno- nians can be proud of Mackenzie Carr and her accomplishments over the last few years. Mackenzie is a smart and talented young woman who seems to ex- cel at everything she does. So it really was no surprise when this VHS won the 2012 Miss Rodeo America Pageant this past month. Mackenzie works extreme- ly hard and she sets a great example for all of us. As she travels the country this next year as a spokesperson for the sport of rodeo, we can all revel in the thought that when Mackenzie Carr is introduced as Miss Rodeo America, she is from our little town of Vernonia. Bonus—Vernonia School Campus and New Spencer Park—Construction of the new school campus is moving for- ward and is projected to be completed in June. This new facility will be a wonderful gift to our children and to the community for many, many years. The design plans for the New Spencer Park, which will be sited on the current school campus after the buildings are removed, are almost complete. This new park, located in the heart of town, will be a showpiece for our communi- ty—a place for locals and visitors to gather to relax and play. The design process has been a great example of collaboration between user groups and the park will be a testament to how this community can work together to re- build itself. As we head into a new year, Vernonia has many gifts for which to be thankful for, and much to look for- ward to. december27 2011 3 Publisher and Managing Editor Scott Laird 503-367-0098 scott@vernoniasvoice.com Contributors Chip Bubl Mackenzie Carr Nathanael McCroskey-Izzett Karen Miller Photography Yaraslava Denysenko Randal Harvey Scott Laird Want to advertise? Have an article? Contact: scott@vernoniasvoice.com One year subscriptions (24 issues) $35 Vernonia’s Voice is published on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. Vernonia’s Voice, LLC PO Box 55 Vernonia, OR 97064 503-367-0098 www.VernoniasVoice.com Thank you to all our loyal read- ers and supporters. We wish you all the best in the coming year! 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