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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (March 17, 2016)
6 community march17 2016 Manufacturing Research Center in Columbia County continued from front page IBEW 48. Collectively, efforts to create a local AMRC will facilitate the long- term goal of developing an “Oregon Manufacturing Innovation District” in which stakeholders share costs and pool resources and attract potential new partners. Long term, project partners anticipate this leading to high-value manufacturing companies and their supply chains co-locating, resulting in significant impact to and vitality for Oregon’s economy. “This project presents an exciting opportunity for Boeing and other industry partners,” said Mike Starr, general manager, Boeing Oregon, which employs more than 1,650 staff who oversee complex machining and building of gear systems and flight controls. “The potential coalition could create the means to provide highly trained workers for the region’s metals industry, a field whose workforce is shrinking due to retirement. Several partners are coming together to problem-solve at the same time they’re creating opportunity for students and industry through training, research and development. It’s a fantastic approach, and we’re very supportive of it.” Boeing has experience creating successful AMRCs with willing partners. Its first was in 2001 in Sheffield, England, in collaboration with the University of Sheffield. Together, the partners transformed a 400-acre empty lot in a depressed region of the country into a renowned manufacturing center that today employs 2,000 engineers and apprentices, assists 500 manufacturing companies with training and innovation, and has had a $1 billion impact on the economy. Since then, numerous centers worldwide have been successfully replicated from this model. The goal is to produce a similar outcome in Oregon supported by a variety of partners. “Launching a successful AMRC in Columbia County will be the catalyst for advances in manufacturing technology that will significantly benefit manufacturers throughout our region,” said State Senator Betsy Johnson who represents Senate District 16, which includes Columbia County. “It also becomes a magnet to attract other manufacturing entities to our state. That’s an incredible value proposition,” she said. This reaction echoes the sentiment of those representing skilled workers in metals industries here in Oregon. “The Machinists Union is a strong supporter of this endeavor, one we believe will advance our trade and positively accelerate the scope of Oregon’s workforce,” said Noel Willet, ADBR, IAM District W24. “Creating apprenticeship and training programs is key to attracting new business and family wage jobs.” The role of research and development is critically important to this venture. To remain competitive, companies need to transition technology we’re educating and training for jobs and hire qualified personnel. Those being in an industry that offers growth and trained in association with research opportunity,” said PCC President Kelley. enter the workforce with both current, “The Advanced Manufacturing Research pertinent skills and an awareness of Center model has a proven track record, advances being made in the field. and it’s exciting to think of how much Local universities – OSU, PSU Oregon stands to benefit by creating one and OIT – will be instrumental in this here,” she said. effort, leading collaborative research and development that Vernonia’s Voice is published bolsters economic growth and twice each month on the 1st and deepens relationships with 3rd Thursday. Our next issue metals-related industries as it will be out April 7. pertains to enhanced technology. “I visited England in late January and saw for myself the AMRC operations at the University of Sheffield,” said Chris Maples, president of OIT. “This kind of model offers huge potential for research, innovation and business development once replicated here in Oregon. It’s phenomenal, really, to think of what the future might hold.” Next steps for PCC and collaborating partners include nurturing workforce development relationships with local metals manufacturers and developing curricula for industry-supported apprenticeships. “A center like this enables us to bring together experienced teams who lend capital investment, equipment and expertise, and funnel that support to benefit students Anonymous Donor in Support of Vernonia’s Voice On The Shelves By Shannon Romtvedt The library has an array of special events coming up. Some for children and families, and some for adults. We kicked off March with our annual Dr. Seuss event on Tuesday, March 1. We had 65 people come to the library to listen to The Cat in the Hat read his story: The Cat in the Hat. Kids were buzzing around the library afterward on a scavenger hunt, making crafts, and eating a fantastic birthday cake. Thank you so much to all our volunteers and a special thank you to Kaitlyn Eyrrick and Rachel Langmaid. Speaking of volunteers, the library is always looking for them! We will specifically be recruiting for our busy summer season. Volunteers help with programs, crafts, check in, shelving, booksales, displays, and outdoor grounds maintenance. We currently have several teen volunteers helping us out at the library, gaining community service credit for school. Ask at the library if you are interested in volunteering and we will get you an application. At the end of February, the library had two volunteer run grounds maintenance projects: pruning, weeding, trimming, and spreading compost. Thank you to our team of volunteers for your hard work and to CiCi Bell for helping staff coordinate the projects. The courtyard is beautiful. March 1 was not only a busy day at the library, it was also the first day of our new out of town patron rate. The library fee for patrons living outside the city limits is now $25 per year (reduced from $40 per year). If you have been interested in getting a library card, now is the time! The fee was reduced to encourage more membership and participation in the library. So please help us pass on the word. If you live in the city limits, the library card is pre-paid through your taxes. So there is no charge to join the library. We are always happy to welcome new members. Baby and Toddler Time Upcoming Events at the Library Fridays, 10:30 – 11:15 am Stories and a craft/activity for children up to age 5. St. Patty’s Day Craft Mondays, 10:30 – 11:15 am Songs, short stories, toys, and bubbles for 0 – 3. Older siblings welcome. Preschool Storytime Thursday, March 17, 4 pm Come by the library before the annual St. Patty’s Day parade and make something green to wear! For kids and families, grades K – 5 (younger and older siblings welcome). Book Discussion Group Spring Break Board Game Fun Tuesday, March 22, 1:30 – 2:30 pm Play a familiar board game or challenge yourself to learn a new one. Games available will be best suited to children grades 2 – 6. Susan enjoys reading biographies of famous people, fiction with interesting characters, and magazines. Susan is currently re-reading the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling and loves the 6 classic Jane Austen novels. Family Movie Night Did You Know? Thursday, March 24, 6 pm Come to the library and enjoy a new movie and free popcorn. Call or visit the library for movie titles (503) 429-1818. Thursday, April 7, 6 – 7 pm Performance of Baba Yaga and The Little Mailman of Bayberry Lane. For all ages. Every summer the library has a Summer Reading program for kids. The Summer Reading program runs mid-June through the beginning of August. Prize drawings throughout the summer and a free book for participants who complete the program. All for reading! We also have several performers and craft activities. Look forward to Charlie Brown (the Juggler) in June and Reptile Man in July! Ongoing Programs Hours & Contact Info Readers Theater with Young at Heart Writers’ Group No meeting March 17, resumes April 21 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. Last Monday of every month, 5:30 pm Selection for March 28: The Memoir of Jake Weedsong by Timothy Schell Staff Picks: Some of Susan’s Favorites 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
