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About Illinois Valley news. (Cave City, Oregon) 1937-current | View Entire Issue (April 2, 2003)
Page 2 (Editor Bob’s Note: This is the last column that I’ll write about this time of my life. Meanwhile, the psycho- logical implications of my returning to this theme peri- odically will be examined by a qualified counselor.) I’ve never seen one, but have always thought that if one existed, I’d buy a T-shirt that read, “I survived 18 hours on a Greyhound bus.” Yeah, I still remember those almost non- stop runs from San Diego to El Paso, Texas. Every summer my mom and I, and later my younger brother, would go to her hometown to visit her sisters, other relatives and friends. Usually we were gone for at least three weeks. Although it was mostly a fun time, despite the in- tense, dry heat (in El Paso), I especially enjoyed the trip aboard a glass and aluminum, streamlined-looking, blue- and-silver, hell-bent for leather, air-conditioned Greyhound bus that wouldn’t stop for anything. These trips were so long ago that long-haul buses were- n’t yet equipped with rest rooms. So we were forced to use the gruesome facilities at the dubious rest stops. I acciden- tally discovered during one trip that the bus drivers almost always slipped out a side door of the bus terminals and went to the closest greasy spoon. With good reason, unless you like high-priced, green-tinged sandwiches. Not all the stops were that bad, but many were. Occa- sionally we’d get a driver who somehow was able to stop at restaurants that were pretty decent. Decent meaning clean, well-lighted and with food that you weren’t afraid to put in your mouth. Our trips always began in late afternoon from the Broad- way terminal in San Diego, a veritable zoo of all sorts of people. After climbing out of San Diego County, we’d even- tually roar through Plaster City out in the middle of no- where, eventually reaching El Centro, our first rest stop. The driver also urged us to remember our bus number and how long the stop would be. Nothing stopped our momentum, as we rolled on, high above the cars and pickup trucks, and at about the same level as the semi-trucks pulling their trailers. We’d stop in Yuma, Ariz., home of the Yuma Territorial Prison; and our diesel exhaust fumes would leave their scent in towns in- cluding Gila Bend, Tucson, Wilcox, Lordsburg and Deming. And somewhere around 9, 10 or 11 a.m. of the day after we left San Diego, we’d maneuver into El Paso, and make our way to Grandma Vicky’s stately brick house sitting high above N. El Paso Street. On these trips I usually managed to get the seat immedi- ately to the right, rear-side of the driver so that I had an amazing view through the huge windshield. I thoroughly enjoyed those rides, rolling through the deserts, passing eve- rybody going the speed limit, seeing new sights in strange cities, some of them small and with more cockroach resi- dents than humans. The passing scenery fascinated me. Especially the dry simplicity of the deserts, and the lights and shadows in black-and-white, and garish blues, reds and greens. Houses and stores of many architectural types; people of many ar- chitectural types; early morning people and late-night peo- ple. The utility poles flashed by as we sped forward, and we sometimes encountered desert storms that would cover the windshield with momentous sheets of water, and spectacular light shows from above. Once, just before dawn, we came upon a rolled-over car. There were two families in that one car, and it looked as though at least one person was dead. Our driver stopped and told the people that he couldn’t stay, but would get help at the next town. But after driving only a few miles, we saw a sheriff’s deputy and an ambulance already responding to the wreck. Sometimes at rural stops we’d pick up cowboys carrying their saddles, or Mexican women with their bolsas. They were interesting people. When not sleeping, sometimes across both seats if I was lucky, I’d usually trade comic books with the Sailors riding the bus, and sometimes strike up conversations with fellow passengers. I thought that some were weird, but they proba- bly thought that I was an odd kid. On those trips I was an adventurer, an explorer, a man of the world. Kinda’ miss that. Illinois Valley News, Cave Junction, OR Wednesday, April 2, 2003 (Editor’s Note: Views and commentary expressed in letters to the editor are strictly those of the letter- writers. * * * Typed, double-spaced letters are acceptable for consideration. Hand- written letters that are double-spaced and highly legible also can be con- sidered for publication. Cards of thanks are not accepted as letters.) * * * ‘Please understand’ From Terry Cain Selma Please be clear: Those of us opposed to war, and its at- tendant attitudes and atrocities before and after, do not turn our backs on the men and women in the armed services - we want them safe and back home. It is the U.S. government and its woefully misguided choices that we do not sup- port. No war is worth the wrath of the world, or the lives of its inhabitants. And when dissent is disavowed, polarization arises - fostering further destruction. ‘Thorn in flowers’ From Ann Reser Cave Junction The other day I had some time to kill so I started a walk- ing tour of our small town. I automatically homed in on Bebe’s to let my eyes feast on all the incredible art found in that little store. As I walked I viewed the new benches and trash receptacles -- such a great addition to the town. Within the proximity of the trash can I picked up dis- carded trash left by some un- caring individuals. I hope oth- ers will do the same. As I progressed up the street, I again was delighted by all the rock planters and sculptures that are popping up along the business section -- such a unifying feature. We do owe Sandy Kaminsky and his helpers a wheelbarrow full of appreciation for all their crea- tive work. One of the newest addi- tions is a seating area at the Dairy Queen. I was tempted to buy a soft serve, seat myself in this spot and watch the world go by while enjoying a treat. As I worked my way south, I noticed little daffodils in the tree wells waving their yellow heads at the cars. They could have been shouting, “Hey, look at me!” Since these flowers are not “native plants” you know they were planted by loving hands for all to enjoy. The Illinois Valley Garden Club has contributed so many hours and drops of sweat to add the beauty of flowers to our town. The “Welcome” structure at the south end of town was built with many hours of do- nated labor and materials. This all happened because so many good people are proud of this town and want all who enter to know it. And then I read that some- one wants to put a sex shop in the heart of our town. I don’t think so. I would hope that this idea is opposed in every civil, peaceful and legal way possible. What a blight. What a thorn in the beautiful spirit of the good people of our community. It should not be allowed. allow minors in their store and do not display the merchan- dise in the window, why would anyone have objec- tions? The surest way to run a business out of town is if there are no customers. It also seems to me that there has been a bigger “stink” raised than there was when a “head shop” moved into the downtown area. This defies logic. Or maybe, only my kind of logic. In this day and age, when more than a few churches are accepting, if not embracing homosexuality as an accept- able lifestyle, why such a fuss over an adult “toy” store, for adults only? It seems to me that there are far greater dangers out there, such as drugs of all kinds and their related crimes. I, myself, have never heard anyone say, or use as their defense, that they needed to rob, steal, kill, to get money to buy lotions, magazines, “toys” or anything else Motley might have for sale. PRESCRIPTION FAIR - Three Prescription Help Fairs were held recently in Cave Junction, Grants Pass and Central Point to help Oregonians learn about opportunities for re- ceiving free and reduced priced medications through phar- maceutical companies. The fairs were sponsored by Sen. Jason Atkinson, Reps. Gordon Anderson and Dennis Richardson. Atkinson, along with Southern Oregon Federal Credit Union (SOFCU) spearheaded the organization of the event. (Photo courtesy of SOFCU) ‘Rights and responsibilities’ From Steven Coley Cave Junction The time for all the poli- ticking and demonstrating, all the “ayes” and “nays,” all the “this is or is not rights,” is past. Now it is not our politics that is over there. Now it is our fathers, mothers, sisters and brothers doing the best they can to carry out the or- ders given them by our leader; and elected by, possibly, the majority of us. If you do not agree with the politics that got us there, when this is over, write your senator, congressmen, and president and let them know. Better yet, vote them out of office. Yes, in America we have that right. Due largely to our readiness to defend it worldwide. Right now, our only re- sponsibility, as part of the greatest nation in the world, is to support our fathers, moth- ers, sisters, and brothers. To say, “We are proud of you and are thankful for you. We wish you Godspeed, and a quick and safe return.” As for me, I wish them a speedy and total victory. I thank them for being ready to help to keep this the greatest nation and the greatest place to live in the entire world. To our United States and Allied armed forces, I and the major- ity of the free world, support them and thank them with all of our hearts and souls. In closing, I wonder how many of the people “politically” opposed to this war, voted in the last election. 5 Star Mobile PC Service Free Pickup & Delivery!* No Fix/No Charge! Senior & New Customer Discounts! Member of Grants Pass/Josephine County Chamber of Commerce 541-956-9688 Grants Pass, OR *in Josephine County MANSFIELD R. CLEARY Attorney at Law General Practice in Illinois Valley since 1980 Practice includes but not limited to: Bankruptcy - Eliminate financial problems Living trusts - Avoid probate Estate planning - Wills, power of attorney Domestic relations Auto accident - Personal Injury Criminal - DUII Real Estate contracts - Foreclosure 592-2195 200 W. Lister (Continued on page 3) Siskiyou Community Health Center 30th Year Anniversary Open House Siskiyou Community Health Center in Cave Junction is having an Open House celebrating our 30th year and introducing Lucinda Kolo, M.D. Please come join us and meet Dr. Kolo, the staff, and some of our board members. We look forward to seeing you. ‘Why the fuss?’ All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make, the better. - Ralph Waldo Emerson - From A.R. Vandolay Cave Junction I am writing in response to the article in the March 19 edition of “Illinois Valley News.” I have a couple of thoughts I want to pass on. My first point is that if Motley and his partner stay true to their word and do not We will have the latest information on our new clinic building planned on the north end of town. Date: Friday, April 11 Time: 4 to 7 p.m. Location: 319 Caves Hwy. Cave Junction, OR