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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (March 6, 2014)
in other words/community 2014 Living On a Lake in the Country: History By Gayle Rich-Boxman How it has been re-birthed a few times. From land to railroads, to farmland, to If I could pick one word that a man-made lake to a thriving resort currently represents what I know about community, the ultimate dream of the my “niche”, Fishhawk Lake, it would be original developer. history. The history of the birth of Fishhawk Lake. The history of the homes I’ve had the pleasure of selling and re-selling. The history of the people who’ve lived here and the sense of community. The history of events, great fun ones and life changing emotional ones. The history of the seasons. The history of wildlife at Fishhawk Lake, who’ve come and gone. All of it circles in upon itself, is intertwined, as is my history, with being here. I’ve learned about the history I know the history of people before Fishhawk Lake even existed. who have been born or died here. A baby was delivered in the bathroom of a home I have for sale. There are those people who’ve died right here whose pets have gone on to become loved by someone else in this tight knit place called Fishhawk Lake. There’s a history of stories, lore, parties, craziness, and sisterhood and brotherhood. All of which are layered, one upon another in the years that fold over one by one. We have had shared storytelling; laughter and tears over those same stories. People come and people go, some reluctantly, some with signs pointing towards future goals that must be met. I represent homes as listings where I’m on my second or third owner who started out as my buyer, then became my seller. The Senior Center is Not Just for Seniors “And donating to the Senior Center is like banking at Wauna Credit Union-it goes back to the community. Not only is it funding the seniors, but my goal is to get more people using this store, so we can keep the prices really low. I want people to think of it as a resource, es- pecially when they are struggling. It’s a way for families to make ends meet.” The Thrift Store is open from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Monday through Fri- day and 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Satur- days. Harrison says to call her if you have donations after hours and she will come open the door for you; you can reach her at 503-429-8425. New cook Kru- ger has taken the long route to arrive in Ver- nonia. Born in Eng- land, she has lived in California, Arizona, Seattle and Rainier. She has worked in catering and most recently was honing Sheila Kruger is the new cook at the Senior Center. her skills for three bringing them back for sale cleaned up years as the cook at the Rainier Senior or with a new coat of paint. “I’m a huge Center. She has lived in Vernonia for the fan of Pintrest and I like to set things up last three years. so people can see the possibilities.” Kruger likes to cook from For the six volunteers who help scratch and tries to stay away from out in the store, Harrison has allowed canned and processed ingredients. She them to be innovative as well, encourag- says her specialties are her sauces and ing them to share their ideas, move items desserts and that she tries to make a around, use their organizational or other homemade dessert, like rice pudding, talents, and have fun. “I want them to bread pudding or fresh fruit crisps and feel like they can come in and really con- crumbles, three or four times a week. tribute,” says Harrison. “We have a great For Kruger, it’s all about com- bunch of volunteers who are dedicated, fort food - rib sticking food that will resourceful and hard working.” warm and fill you up. The day we visited Another change Harrison says she was cooking up some biscuits and she is considering is some kind of out- gravy; homemade hamburger gravy and door market in the summer time. She al- fresh baked biscuits. Her biscuits were ready has a Facebook page where she is flaky, buttery, salty, and delicious! posting items that are for sale, as well as Kruger is encouraging the gen- other information about activities at the eral public to stop by for lunch and try Senior Center. She also says they are red her down-home cooking. The cost for marking items after a month; those items a meal is just five dollars; if you’re over are 50% off. “It’s kind of like a treasure sixty it’s a suggested donation of four hunt,” says Harrison. dollars, but no seniors are turned away. Harrison is a big proponent of “If you want, you can come in and get donating and reusing items. “For me, it’s a home cooked, hot meal,” says Kruger. the most exciting part of thrift stores,” “We want people to know that this isn’t she says about seeing items reused. just for seniors; this is here for everyone tele. “I want this to be a place that feels happy and relaxed,” she says. “A place where people can feel comfortable and creative.” Harrison has enjoyed using her own creativity to display items in the store in a more imaginative way. She says she sometimes takes home broken items and fixes them or dresses up items, march6 9 The history of my niche continues as I have new neighbors to carry on the torch of this continually changing community. And I am blessed that this niche is a part of my own history as well. If this feels like the type of community you could live in, give me a call. Gayle Rich-Boxman, Realtor with Vernonia Realty. (503)755-2905. continued from front page in the community.” Kruger says some of her other crowd favorites are lasagna, roast chick- en, pot roast and meat loaf. Kruger says she can whip up a burger, grilled cheese or egg salad if what’s on the menu isn’t to your liking. Wednesday’s are usually a meat and potatoes dish. Lunch is served at noon and are also available to-go. If you don’t feel like cooking after work Kruger will make you up a dinner you can pick up in the afternoon and take home. She also makes maple bars every day and hopes to add scones and muffins. Kruger says to call ahead to order a quantity of maple bars for your next event, they are a dollar each or a dozen for ten dollars. As you can see, there is a lot happening at the Vernonia Senior Center that just about anyone can enjoy. And any money you spend goes towards a good cause. Register online: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VitalVernonia
