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About Illinois Valley news. (Cave City, Oregon) 1937-current | View Entire Issue (May 7, 2003)
Page 2 Illinois Valley News, Cave Junction, OR Wednesday, May 7, 2003 Adventure Race sign-ups stressed Although Sunday, May 11 is designated as a time to honor people who collect moths, I think that it would be more appropriate to talk about my mom. She’s 92, you know, and I thank God that I inherited her sense of humor. My dad, who died at 88 some 15 months ago, was a good guy in lots of ways. But he had a gnat-size (maybe moth-size) sense of humor. There were times when people would tell him a joke, and he’d sort of grin, with the look that says, “I don’t get it, but I’ll smile to be polite and save face.” Then maybe 30 minutes or so later (or never), he’d suddenly “get it” and laugh. Somewhat. So my sense of humor didn’t go over well with dear dad. Once I switched all the drawers in the kitchen, and got yelled at for that. No laugh later either. Another time I squirted him with a plastic, fake camera he thought was real. He posed for a snapshot, and got really hot when I squirted him. Fortunately, my mom was there to stand up to him. And as she is several inches taller than he, it worked out well. For me. This week I’m taking a quick trip to San Diego County to visit my mom, who lives in Oceanside at an assisted- living palace … er, place. I remember her taking care of me in my childhood illnesses; baking chocolate chip cookies on cold days; laughing at my jokes; attending my school func- tions. She stood by me in all sorts of circumstances, and I know now that I am blessed by that. My mom was always there for me. And she still is. She’ll be surprised when she reads this because I haven’t told her that I’m coming for a visit. Jan is staying home this trip to take care of our menag- erie. And get a break from El Jefe. Besides my mom celebrating moth-er’s day, although she prefers butterflies to moths, I’ll get to see our daughter, Vicki, who’ll be celebrating her first mom’s day as one. And our daughter-in-law in Washington state, Christy, will mark the same milestone. We’ll be in touch with her too. To all children, I say, honor mom. Whether she collects moths or not. In the issue of April 30: *Information on page 8, under the headline, “Family, I.V. mourn loss,” stated incorrectly that a pickup truck driven by Dus- tin F. Culver, 13, is owned by his parents. The pickup truck is not owned by them; they do not own such a vehicle. “Illinois Valley News” regrets the error. *In addition, on the same page in the same story as noted above, the following was stated, “Investigation of the situation also involves the boy’s driving the pickup, apparently without his parent’s knowledge.” Culver’s mother, S. Culver, wrote: “He had permission to stay at another person’s house for the evening. We were not the adult supervisor at that residence for the night. “Dustin is not the child that took the vehicle,” his mother wrote. “Illinois Valley News” regrets the error. *In an April 30 story about a forest project at Lorna Byrne Middle School, Allison Cleveland was identified as male. Follow- ing publication, Cleveland asked to be referred to as female. Illinois Valley News An Independent Weekly Newspaper Co-owned and published by Robert R. (Bob) and Jan Rodriguez Bob Rodriguez, Editor El Jefe Entered as second class matter June 11, 1937 at Post Office as Official Newspaper for Josephine County and Josephine County Three Rivers School District, published at 321 S. Redwood Hwy., Cave Junction, OR 97523 Periodicals postage paid at Cave Junction, OR 97523 Post Office Box 1370 USPS 258-820 Telephone (541) 592-2541, FAX (541) 592-4330 Volume 66, No. 7 Staff: Cindy Newton, Britt Fairchild, Chris Robertson, Sharon Silva & Becky Loudon Member: Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association DEADLINES: News, Classified & Display Ads, Announcements & Letters 3 P.M. FRIDAY (Classified ads & uncomplicated display ads can be accepted until Noon, Monday with an additional charge.) POLICY ON LETTERS: ‘Illinois Valley News’ welcomes letters to the editor provided they are of general interest, in good taste, legible and not libelous. All letters must be signed, using complete name, and contain the writer’s address and telephone number. The latter need not be published, but will be used to verify authenticity. The ‘News’ reserves the right to edit letters. One letter per person per month. Letters are used at the discretion of the publisher. Unpublished letters are neither acknowledged nor returned. A prepaid charge may be levied if a letter is inordinately long in the editor's opinion. SUBSCRIPTION RATES One year in Josephine County - $20.80 One year in Jackson and Douglas Counties - $24.40 One year in all other Oregon counties and out-of-state -$28 POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to P.O. Box 1370, Cave Junction, OR. 97523 (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.) * * * ‘Bring them home’ From Charlene Hall Cave Junction As a widowed sweetheart from the Vietnam War, I think each and every man and woman, who lays down his or her life, in the line of duty, and for God and country, should be hailed, along with the ones who lost their lives for the cause. I support our “troops” in every way, according to the good, the “greater good” of all mankind. Still I cannot forget how the word “support” was used in the ‘60s. What I am asking is: If there is anyone out there who still remembers the slo- gan: “Support Our GI’s. Bring Them Home Now.” Red Cross aides From Christine Carter Cave Junction Did you know that the American Red Cross is made of up volunteers from local areas to assist people not only in times of major disasters, but for the smaller personal ones as well? Volunteers are trained to attend to the needs of people who have lost the use of their homes due to fire, flood, wind damage, etc., even if such damage occurs to individuals on a small scale. Those volunteers will see that any family displaced by any kind of disaster has a place to sleep, food to eat, and clothing. They will also assist the family to get back on its feet and to return to its normal life as soon as possible. Many probably are un- aware that scientists are pre- dicting a major earthquake (possibly as high as 9.0 mag- nitude) in Southern Oregon soon. In fact, they’re saying we are overdue. Let’s hope they’re wrong, but just sup- pose something of the sort should happen. There’s a good possibility that Illinois Valley will be cut off from outside assistance for several days. The Red Cross has supplies available in the valley for just such a disaster. However, there are currently no Red Cross volunteers liv- ing in the valley qualified to set up shelters. Therefore, there could be a major delay before help can arrive -- a delay in which thousands of confused, home- less individuals would be without food, water or shelter. The Red Cross needs vol- unteers from our area to serve the residents of this valley on a daily basis. If there are enough people interested in volunteering, the Red Cross will conduct classes in Illinois Valley. Look around at your friends and family in the area. Wouldn’t you like to be able to help them in their time of need? Do you read articles in this paper about people losing their homes and wonder what you can do? Now you know you can help. Phone Bill Blakely at the Grants Pass Office of the Red Cross (471-7822) and let him know you are interested in volunteering. People do make a difference. By BRITT FAIRCHILD Staff Writer Bryan Thompson hopes the second time’s a charm for Illinois Valley’s Wilderness Adventure Challenge. Only three teams partici- pated in the race around this time last year, joining their mountain biking, running, paddling, and other athletic skills in an attempt toward collective victory. “The goal is to make the race as unique as possible,” said Thompson, a 1996 Illi- nois Valley High School graduate and event organizer. Thompson also is a 2000 graduate of George Fox Uni- versity in Newberg. In addi- tion, as a member of the active Army National Guard he served for nine months in Bosnia. An avid athlete himself, Thompson came up with the idea for a team adventure race as a way to combine the thrill and surge in popularity of ex- treme sports with the varying, natural terrains of the valley. “I think it’s a beautiful area,” he said. Not to mention that the race is an opportunity to bring together a variety of people who share a passion, and have them work together toward a common goal. The event on Saturday, May 31 is hosted by Cross Quest Expeditions, an extreme sports ministry from the area. “(It’s) a practical way of sharing the love of Jesus Christ,” Thompson said. As race director, Thomp- son has spent the better part of the year obtaining permits, and insurance. Plus establish- ing logistically challenging mountain biking, trail running, paddling and map and com- pass orienteering, as well as some “mystery” courses. “It’s supposed to be tough,” he said. “It’s really an accomplishment to get through it.” Similar to last year, the race will last approximately five hours. While strenuous, the chal- lenge is tame compared to other extreme sport activities, Thompson noted. Some such races, he said, can last up to several days. “This is a good one to get your feet wet,” he added. “It’s a good initiation.” Thompson wouldn’t re- veal details about the courses this year, only that they will be in and around Lake Selmac in Selma. “That way people can’t train for it,” Thompson said. “The element of surprise is key.” Thompson encouraged those not planning on racing to come as spectators. He’s also trying to book several bands to play at the event. He noted that from the beginning, the valley commu- nity has shown much support for his efforts. “That’s what is making it possible,” he said. There is still time to sign up for the Wilderness Adven- ture Challenge. To participate, a racing team must include at least one man and one woman and consist of four people. The race is primarily for adults, although Thompson said a 16-year-old would be allowed to compete with pa- rental consent. Teams must provide mountain bikes, compasses and non-motorized watercraft. There is a 40 team limit. Volunteers are also needed to help during the race, Thompson said. There is a $200 per team entry fee for each member’s insurance, lunch, raffle ticket and T-shirt. For more infor- mation or to register as a vol- unteer, phone 592-3329. Meidinger Concrete Construction Serving the Valley since 1974 Licensed - Bonded - Insured Specializing in all types of Concrete and Masonry New - Foundations - Walks - Drives - Patios Mobile Home Runners and Foundations Bridges and Abutments - Slabs - Large or Small Exposed Aggregate - Retaining Walls and Basements Stamped & Colored Concrete Phone 592-4485 Mike Meidinger License #93173 Invites you to the FREE 2003 Home Show * Builder Olympics & Spring Tour of Homes Friday through Sunday May 9, 10 and 11 Josephine County Fairgrounds *Home Building and Remodeling Products & Services *More than 100 Vendor Booths *Food & Entertainment *Children’s Activities *Educational Seminars & Demonstrations Not enough room in your garage? Need more storage space? Why not support your area high school shop programs by bidding On an 8’x8’ storage shed at the Builders Olympics, Saturday, May 10? Maps will be available at the Home Builders Booth at the Home Show and by contacting the Home Builders office at (541) 479-1311 is open Saturdays: 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Hours: Mondays - Saturdays 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For more information phone (800) 922-1025
