in other words
Senior Stars: Ruth Mae Bell, Part 2
By Jerri Cropp
When Dale and Ruth’s children
were old enough to enter the scouting
program, Dale became a Boy Scout
Master for his son’s troop and Ruth
became a Girl Scout Leader for her
daughter’s troop. When the girl scouts
reached Senior Scout age the troop
members went three different ways so
neither Dale or Ruth continued in the
program. In appreciation for her service,
Ruth was given the American Flag that
had been given to her troop and had
flown over the Capitol in Washington
D.C.
Ruth loved animals and raised
English Bull Dogs. Milord Sour Muggs
(with a face only a mother could love)
was the first of many English Bull dogs
that she raised. Among them two other
special dogs, Sir Robert Stumble Bum
and Speaker of the House, who ended up
as a noisy, spoiled champion. Go figure.
Tragedy struck Dale and Ruth’s
family in 1962 when their only daughter
died at the age of 17 after swimming in
a pool. They never did determine what
the cause of death was but they kept their
faith in God and enjoyed the family Ruth
had recently found.
Dale and Ruth became HAM
Radio Operators, WD6GYS and
KA6QQS respectively.
Ruth was
plagued with chronic bronchitis and so
other radio operators jokingly called
her Quack, Quack, Squeak. A very
memorable time with the radio operators
was being part of a special radio group
K6OX for the first Space Shuttle Flight
from Edwards Air Force Base. The group
made a total of 3500 contacts all over
the world. It was extremely interesting
to hear where the contacts were coming
from – even one from Russia.
Dale and Ruth were both
members of the Moose Lodge in
Lancaster, CA. Ruth was a 25 year
member of the Women of the Moose
and she still has her cap and gown
from when she received her college of
Regents Degree in 1989. She had kept
up her membership until four years ago.
The Bell family ended up
moving to Palmdale, CA when Dale got
a job with Lockheed and they lived there
until 1987. Dale had retired in 1980 and
he and Ruth bought property in a canyon
15 miles from Tehachapi. In 1989 they
moved to the canyon and Ruth spent her
WOEC Current: News and Notes From the Co-op
By Sarah Rossi
Please help us plan for your future energy needs by
participating in the upcoming residential energy use survey.
During the first two weeks of January, some of you, as
members of West Oregon Electric Cooperative will receive a
survey in the mail asking about the specifics of your electricity
use. This survey is part of an ongoing effort to help us plan
for your future energy needs. If the survey shows up in your
mail, please take a few minutes to fill it out and mail it back
before the 15 th of February. Your timely input will help with
decisions regarding power supply and conservation efforts
coordinated both at the cooperative level and at the wholesale
power supply level. West Oregon Electric in partnership
with PNGC power needs this important information to make
Creature Comforts
By Michal Smith
Welcome to 2013! First off, an
official summary of the “paper” puppy
and kitten sale holiday fundraiser to
benefit Bailey’s Pantry: IT WAS A
HUGE SUCCESS! The goal was to raise
$350 and we raised $285! If we assign a
monetary value to all the donated food
items from customers and local folk, the
total would equate to roughly--$350!!
So we’ll claim success! Creatures will
continually be working to keep food on
the shelves for pets at Vernonia Cares
Food Bank throughout the year so look
for more fun ways to take part in the
coming months.
Out with old and in with the
new--batch of fleas that is. Yes, I’ve
heard from numerous pet owners
recently attesting to the wicked return
of these little parasites AND what they
informed decisions.
Only a small random number of our residential
members are receiving this survey. This makes your response
very important to us. Your responses are held in the strictest
confidence; you will not be identified in any way. Once
the data from all the returned surveys is tallied up we will
report back on what we learn, probably in the spring of 2013.
Please don’t hesitate to give us a call at the WOEC office,
503-429-3021 or 1-800-777-1276, or get in touch via email
memberservice@westoregon.org if you have any questions or
concerns.
Remember by completing this survey you are helping
in West Oregon Electric Cooperative’s goal to ensure a stable
supply of electricity at the lowest rates possible for all our
members.
can leave behind in pets intestinal tract
– worms. I’ve written much about
these issues (fleas and worms) in past
Vernonia Voice issues so will not be
redundant here, however, you should
know if you see fleas, worms or suspect
that your pet has one or both of these,
Creatures carries products in the store
that will eliminate the nasties!
New in the industry are all
natural flea sprays with natural oils
being the active ingredients such as
clove, peppermint and cinnamon. Sentry
Natural Defense has recently come out
with topical squeeze on flea treatments
using these same oils!
Of note: we also carry puppy
and kitten vaccines as well as the
DHLPP boosters. Rabies, Leukemia,
and Bordatella vaccines all need to be
given by a vet. Also new in the store
are the Easy Walk harnesses. These are
most advantageous for owners of large
breed dogs or strong pullers. The unique
feature of these is that the leash attaches
in the front, rather than on the top of the
back. This redirects the forward motion
which in turn is more comfortable for
the dog and owner. Sally, a local Great
Dane, wears an Easy Walk harness. Her
owner reports that Sally is a much easier
dog to handle on the daily walks when
she wears her Easy Walk...come check
them out!
Creatures pet store is open Mon-
Fri 10-6; Sat 10-5; Sun 12-4 or call at
503-429-PETS(7387).
january8
2013
5
time landscaping, a dream she had for
many years. Dale passed away in 1991
after many years of poor health. Ruth
took care of him in their home during his
battle with prostate cancer.
Ruth spent another ten years at
her home in Tehachapi spending her
time for worthwhile causes like being an
instructor for the 55 Alive Elder Driving
Program going from place to place.
She later became an Assistant State
Coordinator for this program. She also
volunteered for the State Share Program
which is much like the Oregon Food
Bank. During this same period of time,
Ruth was a volunteer for Hospice putting
her experience to good use helping the
terminally ill and their families. She
continued working and volunteering for
55 Alive and Hospice programs for 7
and 9 years respectively. One of Ruth’s
memorable hospice patients was named
Jack who had been stationed on Kodiak
Island, AK during WWII and he showed
her many photos and told stories about
the island. Ruth had always hoped to
visit Kodiak Island one day but so far
that is only been wishful thinking and a
pleasant dream.
Ruth’s son Glenn, his wife
Miin and their son James now live in
Fremont, CA and visit her each year
continued on page 12
Vernonia City
Council Meetings
and Closures
City Council Meetings are
scheduled for 7 PM:
Tuesday, January 22
Monday, February 4
Tuesday, February 19
City Closures are scheduled for:
Monday, January 21
Monday, February 18
Dates and times subject to change
due to conflicts of schedules
Vernonia’s Voice
is changing publication dates!
Starting in February we will publish twice each month on
the 1st and 3rd Thursday.
Our next issues will be January 22, February 7 & 21.
For fast
cash!
010412
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