8
in other words
november13
2012
Natural Path to Health: Fighting Up Stream
By Dr. Carol McIntyre
It was mid-October and the
children and I were standing on the
bridge overlooking Rock creek watching
the salmon work their way upstream. As
we stood there, I observed their journey.
I was impressed to see how hard they
work to achieve their goal. The creek
was still quite low and their bodies were
being scraped across the rocks as they
propelled themselves forward. They
moved changing position repeatedly,
sometimes flopping over on their side,
trying to increase the depth of the water
they had to swim through in an attempt
to achieve their goal quicker.
W
e
watched them for some time; about 15
minutes or so. They only moved about
one foot… maybe two. As I stood there
watching, I noticed that there was one
group of 3 salmon together and 1 salmon
all alone. There was also a skeleton of
one resting to the side of a large rock.
So much energy. So motivated to reach
their destination. A relentless drive to
succeed, regardless of the treacherous
course.
It reminded me of our own lives.
Of how we struggle to achieve even the
most seemingly minor goal, only to meet
unexpected obstacles along the way. I
have many patients who put forth great
amounts of effort to achieve optimal
health. Some of them have friends and
family to support them. Some of them do
it on their own.
Even being able to take the time
to watch the salmon move up river was
such a blessing for me. Life is hectic,
chaotic and overwhelming at times.
Most all of my patients come into the
office feeling this way and leaving
with a better sense of focus and clarity.
They can refocus on their goal and stay
connected to the bigger picture.
Find your path. Make a plan.
Know what works for you. Decide
whether you work better with a group of
people or on your own. Choose realistic
goals. Know that each step is one closer
to making it there. Work hard. Rest.
Breathe. Be proud of yourself for your
accomplishments~ no matter how small
they may seem. You are worth it.
I hope you all were able to take
the time to watch the salmon move
up river this year. It was particularly
difficult for them because of the lack
of rain. The rivers and creeks were low
and the salmon had to work especially
hard to achieve their goal. Sometimes,
that’s how it is. Life is difficult one day
and enjoyably relaxing the next. Stay
focused. Rejuvenate yourself through
your focus. Remember your goal.
Beginning in January I will be
teaching Qigong again at the Vernonia
Community Grange. Classes will be on
Mondays from 7:30 AM-8:30 AM(ish).
Qigong is a wonderful practice which I
refer to as “active meditation”. Any of
you who are familiar with TaiChi will
find some similarities in Qigong. It is a
wonderful exercise for people of all ages
and I will hope to see a variety of people
joining in. More to come on that topic…
Happy Holidays~ Be Thankful
for all you have and all you are. Be Well~
recently I learned of a wonderful cause
of the fur and paw sort right here in our
own backyard so to speak – it’s Bailey’s
Pantry. Baily’s Pantry is in essence a liv-
ing tribute to Bailey, who was a golden
retriever/lab, now in heaven and once
owned by Vernonia’s Carol Davis. Bai-
ley was such a special dog in her life
that after his passing she was inspired to
honor his memory by creating an exten-
sion of the Vernonia Cares Food Bank
that exists to provide quality pet food
to families in need. Without the pantry,
many needy families would likely share
their “people food” with their pet(s) in
order to feed them too. I’m quite thrilled
to announce that Creatures LLC will
be an active partner with Bailey’s Pan-
try and will work to help stock the pet
food shelves with quality cat and dog
food through regular fundraising drives
throughout the year that will be fun
and get the whole community and fam-
ily involved. Especially now and as
we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving
with our families, (furry and not) I want
to ask you to remember the pets in need
in our area and donate to Bailey’s Pan-
try either directly to the Vernonia Cares
Food Bank/Bailey’s Pantry or through
Creatures pet store. Beginning this
month, Creatures is asking you to buy
a paper puppy or kitten for only $1.00.
Your name (or name of your choice)
will be written on the animal you choose
and we’ll display those on our windows
throughout the holiday season. Really,
what pet store is a real pet store with-
out puppies and kittens in the windows?
Our collective goal will be to raise (at
least) $350 by December 31 to present to
Bailey’s Pantry to buy quality cat food-
which I’m told is the current need. At
the end of the puppy and kitten sale all
the names will be put into a kennel and
several will be drawn to win prizes do-
nated from the community businesses.
The smallest amount can make a big dif-
ference and I thank you in advance. See
you at the pet store Tues-Fri 10-6 and
Sat 10-5, 503-429-PETS (7387). 998
Bridge Street.
Creature Comforts ~ Supporting a Good Cause
By Michal Smith
Creatures Pet Store is finally
moved in and unpacked in the new lo-
cation across from City Hall! So what
next? A party of course!
We’re hosting a Grand Re-Open-
ing Celebration on Saturday, November
24th from 9:00 AM-7:00 PM. We will
have special sales on select items, door
prizes, goodies and much more!! We sin-
cerely hope you all can come and cel-
ebrate with us and check out our new
location! We are soooo thankful for all
the local support both through the physi-
cal move and through Vernonia’s loyal
patronage. We can’t wait to give back so
please mark your calendars!
Speaking of being thankful, just
Vernonia Cares Food Bank
PO Box 126, 627 Adams Avenue
Vernonia, OR 97064-0126
November/December 2012
fear Friends,
People are preparing for the holidays. However, this year, many people will not be
able to celebrate because they are faced with serious economic problems. Some have lost
jobs, others cannot find employment. Some are restricted by a budget which cannot cover
their basic living expenses. There are those in our community who have lost their homes.
Grocery budgets are depleted. It's hard to believe that people in America go to bed hungry,
but it is true. Food pantries like Vernonia Cares provide emergency groceries to help out. As
the weather blows colder, the need for nutritious food grows higher.
For twenty-seven years Vernonia Cares Food Bank seeks to help alleviate hunger
and it's root causes in the Vernonia area. Thirty-three percent of our clients are children:
senior citizens compromise another twelve percent. We assist an average of 400 people per
month. We depend upon donations of food and money to supply groceries and to keep our
doors open for those who need us the most. The United Way of Columbia County provides
about one-third of our budget, with volunteers lending support through fundraisers to help
meet the other two-thirds of our expenses. We receive no government financial support.
Would you consider a donation to assist us? We are aware that the current
economy has stressed everyone's budget. A gift of any amount helps us. Please complete
the information slip below, and return it to us with your donations. We appreciate
donations to our general fund which keeps our pantry open year round. A second option is
to designate your gift towards a special holiday food box. It contains the basic groceries for
a Christmas meal, including a turkey. Or your gifts may be given in honor of or in memory
of those you designate. Their names will be added to the Caring Tree which will be on
display in the window of the Vernonia Community Learning Center during the month of
fecember 2012. If you want a tax-deductible receipt it will be provided, if you designate
that request on the slip. Your generous contribution will allow us to continue to be your
hands extended to the hungry who reside in and around Vernonia.
Thankfully,
Sandy Welch, firector
Enclosed is my donation to Vernonia Cares Food Bank. (Please print clearly)
My Name
Street
City, State and Zip
Please Choose One:
fesignate this gift towards the General Fund, or
The Holiday Box Fund (estimated cost is $30)
Given in memory of
Given in honor of
Please send acknowledgement to (name and address)
I would like a tax deductible receipt mailed to me.
Vernonia Cares Food Bank
PO Box 126
627 Adams Avenue
Vernonia, OR 97064-0126
phone:
503-429-1414
email:
directorsandy@yahoo.com
EIN# 93-0901900
Vernonia’s Voice is published
twice each month on the 2nd and
4th Tuesday. Look for our next
issue November 27th.
Lost
Horse
Please help us find our
White Arabian Mare that has
been missing since 7-30-12.
She was last seen trotting
North on NW Hahn Rd off
NW Davidson Rd. She
had a gray & burgundy fly
mask on. She is 23 years
old, measures 14 hands tall. Her mane falls on the right side. She has melanomas or tumors
around her anus. She has a scar on her head.
The attached picture is an example of how she looked in her younger days. She is a
little sway backed now. She would probably be easy to catch with grain unless she is really
scared. Her name is Gidget or “Baby Girl”. She has health issues and will need special care
through the winter.
We are offering a REWARD for information that leads to finding this horse Alive or
Dead. If you have seen her or know someone who has, please call Chuck @ 503-781-5541
or Patty @503-709-4329.
GET PREPARED FOR WINTER
• chains • antifreeze • winter tires mounted & balanced
• wipers • generators • kerosene • flashlights • boots
• batteries • lamp oil • gas cans • candles • propane
Family owned & operated
for over 40 years
834 Bridge St., Vernonia
(503) 429-6364