Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 5, 2013)
6 city news september5 2013 On the Shelves: What’s Happening at the Vernonia Library By Jennifer Moloney Throughout the country, most children are starting a new academic year. Teachers are sending out their lists of required readings, and parents are beginning to gather books. In some cases, classics like “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” “The Catcher in the Rye,” and “To Kill a Mocking Bird,” may not be included in curriculum or available in the school library due to challenges made by parents or administrators. Since 1990, the American Library Association’s (ALA) Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) has recorded more than 10,000 book challenges, including 513 in 2008. A challenge is a formal, written complaint requesting a book be removed from library shelves or school curriculum. About three out of four of all challenges are to material in schools or school libraries, and one in four are to material in public libraries. OIF estimates that less than one-quarter of challenges are reported and recorded. It is thanks to the commitment of librarians, teachers, parents, and students that most challenges are unsuccessful and reading materials like “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” “Slaughterhouse Five,” the Harry Potter series, and Phyllis Reynolds Naylor’s Alice series, remain available. The most challenged and/ or restricted reading materials have been books for children. However, challenges are not simply an expression of a point of view; on the contrary, they are an attempt to remove materials from public use, thereby restricting the access of others. Even if the motivation to ban or challenge a book is well intentioned, the outcome is detrimental. Censorship denies our freedom as individuals to choose and think for ourselves. For children, decisions about what books to City Administrator Report continued from page 5 shared with Parks Committee in September 2013. COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS ROSE AVENUE PROJECT The City has been contacted by our new CDBG representative – Loren Schultz, who is the new representative for Columbia County taking over from Melanie Olson. Olson will meet with City staff on September 15, 2013, to set in motion the City’s potential application for CDBG funds for a facility on the Rose Avenue project site. This is a formal meeting that is a part of the procedural method of introducing a project to state staff. The City is informed that the Vernonia Health Center Board received word that their application to The Ford Family Foundation was approved at $250,000, their request to the Collins Foundation was funded at $100,000, and they are in negotiation with Providence Foundation to access about $190.000. DON’T MISS THE 11th ANNUAL... Sat. October 5th, 2013 10 AM - 6 PM at Hawkins Park GREAT FOOD TROUT POND SCARECROW STUFFING MUSIC PUMPKIN CARVING CRAFTSMEN VENDORS read should be made by the people who know them best—their parents! In support of the right to choose books freely for ourselves, the ALA and Vernonia Public Library are sponsoring Banned Books Week September 22 - 28, an annual celebration of our right to access books without censorship. This year’s observance commemorates the most basic freedom in a democratic society—the freedom to read freely— and encourages us not to take this freedom for granted. Since its inception in 1982, Banned Books Week has reminded us that while not every book is intended for every reader, each of us has the right to decide for ourselves what to read, listen to or view. Vernonia Public Library and thousands of libraries and bookstores across the country will celebrate the freedom to read by participating in special events, exhibits, and read-outs that showcase books that have been banned or threatened. The Vernonia Public Library will be hosting the following activities: Adult book discussion September 23 rd 5:30 PM and movie night September 26 th 6:30 PM The American Booksellers Association, the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression; the ALA; the American Society of Journalists and Authors; the Association of American Publishers; and the National Association of College Stores sponsor Banned Books Week. The Library of Congress Center for the Book endorses the observance. American libraries are the cornerstones of our democracy. Libraries are for everyone, everywhere. Because libraries provide free access to a world of information, they bring opportunity to all people. Now, more than ever, celebrate the freedom to read at your library! Read an old favorite or a new banned book this week. Kay Files Civil Action Lawsuit A Civil Action Lawsuit has been filed in United States District Court in the District of Oregon by plaintiff Michael Kay, naming Vernonia City Administrator William Haack, Vernonia Police Chief Michael Conner, the City of Vernonia, and others as defendants. Summons to appear have been served and were received by the City of Vernonia on August 27, 2013. The Presiding Judge is listed as the Honorable Paul Papek The additional defendants named are Theresa King, an investigator for the Oregon Department of Professional Standards and Training (DPSST); Dian Rubanoff, an attorney hired by the City of Vernonia to investigate Kay, former Vernonia Police Chief Matthew Workman, and Columbia County Justice of the Peace Wallace Thompson. continued on page 15 Vernonia Police Blotter - Aug. 13-31, 2013 Arrests/Criminal Citations August 13, 2013 – Report of Theft of (Prescription Medication) in the 1100 Block of Heather Ln. August 13, 2013 – Report of Theft of ( 1 Chain Saw, 2 Saw Bars, and a saw chain) in the 1100 Block of Louisiana Ave. The items were valued at $1389.00 dollars. August 13, 2013 - Police responded to Stub Stewart State park to assist another agency with a Domestic Violence Call. August 14, 2013 – Police located a juvenile whom was out after curfew on 1st Ave. Juvenile was release to his parent and report forwarded to the Columbia County Juvenile Department. August 14, 2013 – Arrest on an outstanding Warrant on Hwy 47 near Lone Pine Rd. August 18, 2013 – Police received a report of a found skateboard on Weed Ave. near Fairway Ln. Item will be stored at the Police Department to be claimed. August 22, 2013 – Issued a citation and released on an outstanding arrest Warrant. August 22, 2013 – Police responded to a report of a Domestic in the 400 Block of Rose Ave. August 23, 2013 – Police Responded to a report of a Domestic in the 500 Block of East Bridge St. Citation issued for Harassment and Disorderly Conduct. August 23, 2013 – Police responded to a 3-Vehilce Crash on Bridge St. near Riverside Dr. There was no apparent injuries noted. The investigation led to a citation being issued Driving While Suspended. August 24, 2013 – Police responded to a report of a Hit and Run with property damage on Mist Dr. at N. Mist Drive. Suspect was located and a report will be forwarded to the Columbia County District Attorney’s Office for review. August 28, 2013 – Arrest on a Parole and Probation Detainer on Hwy 47 near N. Mist Dr. August 28, 2013 – Report taken for Disorderly Conduct in the 900 Block of Madison Ave. August 29, 2013 – Police responded to a Domestic in the 1400 Block of Louisiana Ave. Arrest for Domestic Violence Assault IV and other charges. Other Citations: August 17, 2013 –Issued a citation for Violation of Speed Limit (42mph in a posted 25mph zone). August 18, 2013 – Issued a citation for Violation of Speed Limit (41mph in a posted 25mph speed zone) August 27, 2013 –Issued a citation for Violation of the Basic Rule 75mph in a posted 55mph zone). August 31, 2013 –Issued a citation for Driving Uninsured. August 31, 2013 –Issued a citation for Violation of the Basic Rule (73mph in a posted 55mph speed zone). For the complete Police Blotter go to: http://vpd.vernonia-or.gov/