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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (April 16, 2015)
6 city news april16 2015 On The Shelves By Shannon Romtvedt For several years, the Friends of the Vernonia Library and the Library Board have hosted Oregon Humanities Conversation Project programs at the library. Oregon Humanities is an independent, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities and a partner of the Oregon Cultural Trust. Through the Conversation Project, Oregon Humanities offers free programs that engage community members in thoughtful, challenging conversations about ideas critical to our daily lives and our state’s future. Past program topics hosted at the Vernonia Library have in- cluded: reading in the digital age, economy and population growth, censorship, minorities in Oregon, and the connection between food and citizenship. While some pro- grams touch on controversial issues, the presenter is not there to preach one side of an argument but to open up discussion and engage partici- pants with the topic. This year, the library will be hosting two Conversation Projects. Details of each program are listed below. Light refreshments will be served at both programs, provided by the Friends of the Vernonia Li- brary. Please join in the conversa- tion! Power of Play: Promoting Health and Creativity Tuesday, April 21, 6:30 pm Presenters: Jonathan Blasher, execu- tive director of Playworks, and Tara Doherty, program director at Play- works. Playworks is a Portland-based national nonprofit that transforms schools by providing play and physi- cal activity at recess and throughout the school day. Program Summary: In our age of inactivity and frequent screen time, what are our kids learning from us about how to be healthy adults? Research shows that play and physi- cal activity can have positive effects on children’s health, well-being, and education; they also boost health and creativity in adults. What is the value of play? Please note: this ses- sion will include interactive play for all levels of ability. Guns and America: Exploring the Second Amendment Wednesday, May 20, 6:30 pm Presenter: Pancho Savery, professor of English, humanities, and American studies at Reed College. Program Summary: The Second Amendment guarantees Americans the freedom to own guns. Why wasn’t this freedom incorporated into the First Amendment, along with freedom of the press, speech, religion, and right of assembly? What special circumstances made the freedom to own guns important enough to merit its own amend- ment? Upcoming Programs Writers’ Group – New! Thursday, April 16, 6:00 pm Every 3 rd Thursday of the month, 6 – 7:30 pm. Opportunity for writers with all levels of experience to get together, write, and get feedback. Movie Night Thursday, April 30, 6 pm PG-13 Call or visit the library for movie titles. Relax at the library with pop- corn and a new movie. Preschool Storytime Fridays, 10:30 – 11:15 am Baby and Toddler Time Mondays, 10:30 – 11:00 am Book Discussion Group Last Monday of every month, 5:30 pm Selection for April 27: Burial Rites by Hannah Kent New & Recommended Titles Fiction Black River by S.M. Hulse At the Water’s Edge by Sara Gruen The Pocket Wife by Susan Crawford Non-Fiction Homegrown: Illustrated Bites from Your Garden to Your Table by Heather Hardison Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy: Four Women Undercover in the Civil War by Karen Abbott Teens Bone: The Complete Cartoon Epic in One Volume by Jeff Smith I Was Here by Gayle Forman Graceling by Kristin Cashore Kids Lumberjanes Vol.1 by Noelle Steven- son Big Nate series by Lincoln Peirce Little Kids The Rooster Struts by Richard Scarry Art & Max by David Wiesner Did You Know? Summertime is a great time to visit the library! The Vernonia Library offers a Summer Reading program every year for children, Pre-K through Grade 6. Prize draw- ings and incentives for reading, story and craft programs, performers, and more. This year’s program runs June 15 – July 30. A full schedule of programs will be available by the 1 st of June. The Summer Reading Program is funded by the Ready to Read Grant and the Friends of the Vernonia Library. Hours & Contact Info Mon, Wed, Fri 10 am – 5 pm Tues & Thurs 1 pm – 7pm Sat 10 am – 4 pm Closed Sundays Phone: (503) 429-1818 E-mail: library@vernonia-or.gov City Council Discusses Marijuana Dispensaries DM an Route 26 Diner $1.00 off Prime Rib Dinner 503- 324-0985 47700 NW Sunset Hwy, Banks . Dr ri h C continued on page 7 D Vernonia Dental he was absolutely opposed to the sale of marijuana in the city of Vernonia in any way. Mayor Randy Parrow said that although he didn’t like the idea of marijuana being sold legally in Vernonia, the people voted to le- galize it and he represents the people. There were several key components to the City Council discussion. City Administrator Gian Paolo Mammone and attorney Cleaveland provided Council with a report that explained the issues and provided a listing of what other cities in Oregon are doing about the issue. The City Council’s general position follow- ing the discussion was that they wanted to wait for the state and OLCC to finalize all guidelines and rules be- fore the City spent time and money on the issue. HB 3460 which regulates medical marijuana in Oregon says dispensaries must be 1000 feet from schools and can’t be in residential zones. Measure 91 e rm Drive Thru Espresso & More felt the need to discuss how they might move forward. Their conversation lasted about an hour and included Ruben Cleaveland, their legal advisor, on the phone to give them advice. Oregon citizens approved Measure 91 and rec- reational use of marijuana becomes legal July 1st, 2015 which means a citizen can legally possess marijuana, smoke it in private settings, and even grow a few plants for personal use. The OLCC will not begin taking ap- plications for retail sales establishments until January of 2016 and is still discussing the details of how they intend to regulate grow operations as well as retail es- tablishments. Councilor Kim Tierney said she sees the ben- efits of medical marijuana and since the people voted to approve legalizing recreational use, she didn’t see why the City should oppose that. Councilor Jill Hult said she agreed with Tierney. Councilor Mike Seager said s he p to r M . S e ch u 622 Bridge Street Vernonia, OR 97064 phone (503) 429-0880 -- fax (503) 429-0881 For fast cash! 010412 At their April 6, 2015 City Council meeting, the City Council held a lengthy and comprehensive dis- cussion about how they might regulate already legal medical marijuana dispensaries as well as recreational retail establishments that will become legal in the next calendar year. One year ago the Vernonia City Council placed a one year moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries as a precautionary move since the state was getting ready to vote on Measure 91 which would legalize the recreational use of marijuana in Oregon. Numerous other cities around the state took similar ac- tion to protect themselves against the unknown rami- fications a yes vote might have for the state and local governments. The City also voted to tax recreational marijuana if it did become legal. The city moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries is set to expire on May 1st and Council 2245 Baseline St., Cornelius (Across from Fred Meyer) 503-530-8119 State Licensed PB-0388 Open everyday at 9 a.m.