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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (May 8, 2012)
in other words By Lynn Berry In my earlier years, out of college, goal-oriented, and living in large suburbia and cities, tax and work deadlines determined the seasons for me. The hustle and bustle of meaningless self-created “critical” tasks kept me from experiencing the modest, but essential, moments that create genuine awareness and growth. Now a mom, living in a small town, school schedules unexpectedly seem to define the seasons. In the fall, for example, one can’t help but to notice the local stores stocked with bright colored school supplies, and the once-vacant summer crosswalks are filled with fresh batches of school children bursting through the crisp air, heading toward their futures. In the spring, the scattering of graduation announcements begin to arrive in the mail, and the sun begins to warm the sidewalks as school children now gingerly walk towards the end of the school year, dreaming of summer. In the poem below, written by renown poet Linda Pastan, a nostalgic moment in the lives of one class of high school students is used to explore the transitions of life that we all take as we age, for better or worse, as we become what our experiences and decisions have produced—our own unique self. 25th High School Reunion We come to hear the endings of all the stories in our anthology of false starts: how the girl who seemed a as hard as nails was hammered into shape; how the athletes ran out of races; how under the skin our skulls rise to the surface like rocks in the bed of a drying stream. Look! We have all turned into ourselves. ------Linda Pastan Wauna FCU’s 45 th Annual Meeting continued from page 17 milestones during the year, including the Silver LEED Certification presented to the green-built Scappoose Branch and important decisions which helped the Credit Union perform well despite the challenges of the economy. Hansen also recognized outgoing board members Ed Serra and Milton Parham, in addition to informing the membership that he had chosen to retire from the board after serving three years. Results from the annual election by the membership included the reelection of incumbents Erlene Darby, Clatskanie (1-year term) and Debbie Huffman, Astoria (3-year term), plus the election of Julie Gassner, Astoria (3-year term), Bill DeJager, Clatskanie (2-year term), and Philip Lager, Warren (3-year term) to the board. At a later meeting of the Board of Directors, George Dunkel, Scappoose, was selected Chair, Erlene Darby, 1st Vice Chair, Lester Kahr, 2nd Vice Chair, Don McDaniel, Finance Officer, and Debbie Huffman, Secretary. Additional members of the Board of Directors include Paul Lewicki, Astoria. At the conclusion of the business meeting numerous prizes were awarded to the attending membership, including a $500 cash grand prize to Colleen Scherer of Scappoose. Wauna Federal Credit Union is headquartered in Clatskanie, Oregon, has total assets exceeding $140 Million and serves over 15,000 members. Branches are located in Astoria, Clatskanie, St Helens, Scappoose, Vernonia, and Warrenton, Oregon. Anyone that resides, is employed, attends school or worships, or is a business or qualifying organization in Clatsop or Columbia Counties, Oregon, or Pacific County, Washington, or is related to a current member, is eligible for membership with Wauna FCU. For more information please call toll-free 800-773-3236 or visit our Web site at waunafcu.org. - Phone (503) 429.2617 Kitchen Countertops Fax (503) 429.0941 Fireplace & Furniture ABSOLUTE@AGALIS.NET Tubs & Vanities www.absolutemarbleandgraniteinc.net may8 2012 19 ---Writer’s Idea: In the poem above, what do you suppose is meant by “in our anthology / of false starts” (3,4)? Write how this idea could relate to your high school class. ---Writer’s Tip: Interpret what is meant by the lines, “how under the skin / our skulls rise / to the surface / like rocks in the bed / of a drying stream” (10-14). Create a similar analogy into your writing. We all inspire and learn from one another. ---Please send your original submissions to, (or if you would like a copy of any of the published poems) InkwellVernonia@gmail. com or by mail: PO Box 333 Vernonia, OR 97064. Please include your name and contact information. Write--Express-- Expand. Lynn Berry holds an M.A. in English, specializing in feminist literature and literary criticism. She has spent several years teaching Literature, Composition, Poetry, Creative Writing, and Critical Thinking at various school districts and colleges, and occasionally provides writing workshops. VERNONIA’S BIGGEST LOSER 2012 Tuesday nights at 6:00PM Need sotje beginning May 8th tjotivation, $25 and a 12-week accountability & committjent. encouragetjent? Vernonia’s Biggest Loser is back! Vernonia Christian Church 410 North Street Need tjore info find us on Facebook or contact Trish Maldonado 503-866-7362