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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 27, 2012)
4 community bulletin board/letters to the editor november27 2012 Oregon Clean Indoor Air Act Still in Effect Upcoming Events Now that the weather has turned rainy, smokers might be less likely to stand away from buildings when using tobacco products, but Ashley Swanson, tobacco prevention coordinator for the Public Health Foundation, wants to remind everyone that the Oregon Clean Indoor Act is still in effect, and complaints from the public will be investigated. “Oregon’s Clean Indoor Air Act, which went into effect in January 2009, is a celebration of clean air,” said Swanson. But there are always some who don’t know or who forget or who don’t think clean indoor air is important. In Columbia County 28 businesses have been reported through citizen complaints for violations since 2009. Problems are usually resolved easily with educational materials. “Generally employers are required to provide employees a smoke-free workplace,” said Swanson. That includes keeping smoke from drifting in doors, windows and ventilation systems by keeping smokers ten feet away. It is pretty straightforward, said Swanson. “The only exceptions are certified smoke shops, cigar bars and hotel rooms that are specifically for smokers.” Complaints begin the enforcement process. The public reports possible violations of the law by completing an online complaint form from the Oregon Health Authority website or by calling 1-866-621-6107. When a complaint is received, the wheels are in motion to investigate, provide education about the law, visit the business to assess compliance and over time, possibly levy a fine for continued violations. Fines can reach a maximum of $4,000 in a 30-day period. More information is available online by searching Oregon’s Smokefree Workplace Law. The Oregon quit line is available to anyone interested in quitting, call 1 - 8 0 0 - Q U I T- N O W ( 1 - 8 0 0 - 7 8 4 - 8 6 6 9 ) ; Spanish: 1-877-2NO- new school with decorations FUME (1-877-266- and would like your help. 3863); Website www. Bring an ornament and for quitnow.net/oregon/ VHS Senior Class Fundraisers Quilt Raffle Nov 30- Dec 21 a $1.00 donation, you can Starting December 3 hang your decoration in the Vernonia School teachers and hallways and help brighten staff will Deck the Halls at the the school for the holidays! Christmas Ornaments rd Readers Lend Their Voices... To the Editor- We would like to extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to all those who helped us when our property on Timber Road was flooded on Monday, November 19. Thank you to the Vernonia, County and State law enforcement agencies, the Vernonia Rural Fire Protection District, the Vernonia Ridge Riders, the Free Wheelers Club and all our friends. Randy and Bonnie Sage Vernonia HOW TO SEND LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Vernonia’s Voice welcomes and requests your thoughts, opinions and ideas. Please include your name, address and phone number, limit your letters to 300 words or less. Vernonia’s Voice reserves the right to edit, omit, respond or ask for a response to letters submitted. We will print letters space permitting. Deadline is the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month. Email: scott@vernonias- voice.com or mail to: Letters, PO Box 55, Vernonia, OR 97064. Vernonia Connects invites you to join your neighbors in a series of discussions designed to create change within the community and engage citizens through frank and open dialog. Business and Economic Development Dec 11 at 7 PM & 4 Dec 15 at 2 PM will feature conversations about: • Health Care • Parks & Open Spaces • Development of a Retirement Center or Assisted Living All events will be held in the Vernonia Schools Library Dessert will be served 1 Community Livability October 8 at 7 PM & October 13 at 2 PM 2 Youth and Education October 22 at 7 PM & October 27 at 2 PM 3 Community Development Novemer 10 at 2 PM & November 12 at 7 PM d! ete Compl Vernonia Connects aims to strengthen community vitality by building communication, connectivity and collaboration among local leaders, organizations and community members. Find us on Facebook. The Spirit of Christmas in Vernonia, December 1, 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM Something for everyone! Lighted Parade, Live Nativity Scene, Victorian Carolers, Cookie Baking Contest, Chili Cook-off, Storytelling, Home Decorating Contest, Tree Lighting, Spaghetti Feed, Vernonia Ballet’s Carnival of the Animals, Santa and Mrs. Claus, Fruitcake Fling and more! Weather Spotter Training, December 5, 7:00-8:30 PM at the Vernonia Community Learning Center, 939 Bridge St. The National Weather Service welcomes volunteers with an interest in severe weather spotting to take the Skywarn Weather Spotter training. The training is free and open to the general public. Please register for this class at VernoniaSpotter.DoAttend.com or 503-366-3934. Christmas in the Country Bazaar, December 8, 10-5; December 9, 11-4 at the Vernonia Schools Commons. Handmade holiday items and much more. Contact Corrie Smith at vernoniabazaar@aol.com or 503-429-1052 or see their Facebook page. Harlem Crowns Basketball, December 8, 7 PM at the VHS gym. Comedy in motion! Advanced tickets available at the Sentry Market. This is a fundraiser for the 2013 Prom.