Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Illinois Valley news. (Cave City, Oregon) 1937-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 18, 2004)
Illinois Valley News, Cave Junction, OR Wednesday, February 18, 2004 Page 9 Legion Auxiliary ready for Poppy Day COUGAR GIRLS ROMP - Illinois Valley swatted the Henley Hornets 65-45 on Friday night, Feb. 13 in Ken Mann Memorial Gym. The victory took I.V. to an 8-4 Skyline mark along with Phoenix and Lakeview. Kim Hamilton hit a season-high 27 points. Also for the Cougars, Serena Barry tallied 11 points, and 9 points came from I.V.’s Erika Riley. I.V. allowed the Hornets only nine boards in the offensive category. The Cougars were to face Hidden Valley (2-10) on Tuesday night, Feb. 17, in Murphy. White City VA ‘Dom’ to remain open “Veterans answered the call of duty, and served our nation well,” said U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith (R- Ore.). “The very least we can do is provide them with convenient access to quality health care.” That in mind, Smith joined Ron Wyden (D- Ore.) and Congressman Greg Walden (R-Ore.) in praise for the Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services (CARES) Com- mission decision to main- tain the veterans’ health- care facilities in White City, Ore. and Vancouver, Wash., but questioned its recommendation to close a medical center in Walla Walla, Wash. The recommendations were made as part of a re- port by the commission’s nationwide review of VA health facilities. “The commission’s recommendation for Van- couver and White City are welcome news to Oregon veterans who count on these VA health-care fa- cilities,” said Wyden. Maintaining the White City “Dom” preserves vet- erans’ access to the largest domiciliary in the VA medical system and pre- serves 400 associated jobs. The Dom provides general medicine and men- tal health care to more than 9,000 veterans in the Southwestern Oregon and Northern California region, focusing specifically on underserved populations such as the homeless, those who suffer from chronic mental illness, and the chemically dependent. Closure of the Walla Walla facility would force some veterans to travel long distances to receive medical treatment. While the commission recommended the closure of the Walla Walla facility, it noted the importance of maintaining outpatient care and ensuring that there are viable health-care alterna- tives for area veterans. The Vancouver VA medical center is a state- of-the-art facility that serves more than 13,000 veterans. This region has the longest waiting list in the nation for care and the largest percentage increase in patients served than any other region this year. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Prin- cipi’s decision on the com- mission’s report is due within a month. During our Feb. 4 meeting we were honored to have Dept. President Krisann Owens from North Bend, District President Ellie Buell and Roseburg Veterans Hospital Repre- sentative Ilene Kiser in attendance. The Junior girls, wear- ing their new vests, led the flag salute. Kiser invited us to at- tend a Salute to Veterans on Feb. 12 at the Roseburg V.A. Medical Center. There was a luncheon, and valentines given to the vet- erans. We sent 110 appre- ciation Valentines for them. 15 valentines were sent to Iraq through the “Dear Soldier Program.” Fifteen afghans and 15 lap robes were delivered to Portland V.A. Medical Center, and slippers were sent to The Dalles. It was noted that we need home- made scarves for veterans. Both the presidents mentioned the importance of keeping our member- ship up and how important it is to have the Junior pro- gram and the girls partici- pation in the meetings, as the young people are the ones who will someday continue with our veterans, children and youth, and Girl’s State programs, as well as scholarships and community projects. Thirty pairs of shoes and four jackets were de- livered to Lorna Byrne Middle School, and per- sonal hygiene items and a space heater were deliv- ered to Evergreen Elemen- tary School. The Auxiliary has spent in excess of $6,000 between the three schools so far this year. We are happy to hear that sixth graders at Lorna Byrne have 12 posters ready for our Poppy Poster Contest and the seventh and eighth grades are working on theirs. It was decided to have a May Day basket raffle this year with the money going to our Children and If you approach each new person you meet in a spirit of adventure, you will find yourself endlessly fascinated by the new channels of thought and experience and personality that you encounter. - Eleanor Roosevelt - Youth programs. The bas- ket will include cash for a “dinner for two,” wine (or sparkling cider), two glasses, Taylor’s sausage, cheese and crackers and a massage certificate. Tick- ets will be available from any Auxiliary member. The department is hav- ing a poppy corsage con- test. All entries need to be mailed to Tigard, Ore. by May 1. For more informa- tion, phone Laurel at 597- 2979. Our poppies are ready, and we’re prepared for May 24 to 31. 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