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About Illinois Valley news. (Cave City, Oregon) 1937-current | View Entire Issue (June 9, 2004)
Page 2 Illinois Valley News, Cave Junction, OR Wednesday, June 9, 2004 First time I actually met him, as I recall, was quite a few years ago, maybe 10, when he came to the front counter of this newspaper and inquired about the pos- sibility of a job. This was when the “Illinois Valley News” office was in the large building in front of the smaller quarters we now occupy. Oh, I had seen him around town at various loca- tions. And always had admired his classy attire. He wore Mark Twain-type suits. Or New Orleans-style suits and shirts. He liked distinctive vests and ties, nice shoes. Sometimes he wore hats. He enjoyed “dressing up;” you know, classy. A mark of his atti- tude about himself, I always thought. He was a sig- nificant, distinguished presence, simply by his attire. His given name was Anthony Francis Betchik. But in many circles, maybe going back to his early days in Takilma, he was known as “Charlie Two- Shoes.” Although I asked him about that appellation, somehow the explanation never seemed clear. It re- minded me of a Britisher explaining cricket. Anyway, as a consequence of his names, Senor Betchik was known among various of his acquaintances as either “Charlie” or “Tony.” As far as I know, no one called him Anthony. No matter what they called him, he had many friends. He had an engaging personality with a good, sometimes weird, sense of humor. I enjoyed that as- pect among others. I did hire him; first assigning him to cover a meeting, I believe. He did fine. Before I knew it, he was covering meetings, writing feature stories, taking photos, working in the darkroom, and helping with layout. He was a hard worker, and I en- joyed him. He did good work. Not too long after going to work at the “Noose,” his father took him and his brothers on a cross- country odyssey in a motorhome. “Charlie” filed sto- ries from the numerous locales they visited, and we managed to publish the newspaper during his absence. His stories were interesting; always with a somewhat unique angle. A while later, he contracted a severe case of hepa- titis that ruined his liver. Due to circumstances, he had to relocate from his beloved Illinois Valley haunts to the state of Washington to become a resident and ob- tain help through the University of Washington Medi- cal School. The help was a new liver, and it gave him an extended life, although he had to be cautious with his lifestyle. It was a tough situation, but he handled it with aplomb. I remember him telling me later about how much he appreciated the liver and how much he enjoyed living in Seattle. He also was immensely proud of his son and grandson, and was able during the past sev- eral years to be a grandpa with baby-sitting privileges. He loved it. Last time I saw Tony was during one of his visits here. He came to the newspaper office to say “Hello.” I was so pleased that I hugged him, and he seemed a little taken aback. At the time I told my wife, Jan, that Tony looked a bit peaked and that I had some concern about his condition. Long story short. Tony’s liver began failing not long ago, and he recently was hospitialized; not doing well. He died last week at 53, and the news saddened me. But I’m happy that his life here was extended for as long as it was; that he was able to experience more of living than he would have otherwise. A mutual friend wrote, “Charlie’s Verse,” and it’s offered here in his memory: Anthony Francis Betchik was finally able to loose the laces of his too tight two shoes; he wiggled his toes, freed his soles, and walked right off the planet. Stage left. (Totally Anonymous) Registration at gate …………..8 to 11 a.m. CJ Lions Club Breakfast …….8 to 11 a.m. Show & Shine …………………Noon to 4 p.m. CJ Lions Club Lunch ………..11:30 - until Raffle Drawings ………………Throughout the day Trophies & Awards …………..3 p.m. Closed Tuesday & Wednesday (Editor’s Note: Views and commentary expressed in let- ters to the editor are strictly those of the letter-writers. * * * Typed, double-spaced letters are acceptable for con- sideration. Handwritten letters that are double-spaced and highly legible also can be con- sidered for publication. Cards of thanks are not accepted as letters.) * * * Medic salute From Robert Cornett North Kerby On Friday, April 21 at approximately 1:40 p.m. American Medical Re- sponse in Cave Junction responded to a 911 call from 23101 Redwood Hwy. Because of the quick response and highly com- petent medical care I re- ceived, I am writing this letter. I also appreciate those from the I.V. Fire District who arrived at the same time to assist. I and my family are extremely grateful. Biscuit choices From Scott D. Conroy U.S. Forest Supervisor Medford The last two years have been an incredibly challenging and exciting time to be a steward of public lands - especially here in S.W. Oregon. We have had the eyes of the nation upon us. The nation supported us as the fire ravaged our forests and communities, and they watch us now as we wrestle with the choices that will determine the future of these lands and the people who live, work, and recreate in them. As Gifford Pinchot, the first chief of the U.S. Forest Service said, we seek to “provide the great- est good, for the greatest number, in the long run.” What I presented last week is my best effort to uphold this guiding principle. The lands and commu- nities affected by the Bis- cuit Fire are worthy of care and investment - this is the foundation of my decision. I see recovery that pro- vides opportunity for all - including those who seek solitude; clean, clear wa- ter; abundant wildlife and jobs. On Friday, June 4, I released the Final Environ- mental Impact Statement; in 30 days I will issue three Records of Decision. I have chosen Alternative 7 as my preferred alterna- tive because it invests in the land and balances eco- logical considerations and economic opportunities. Alternative 7 will pro- tect communities and habi- tat through a 300-mile net- work of Fuel Management Zones. Alternative 7 will re- forest 31,000 acres, which is about 7 percent of the project area. Alternative 7 will provide up to 6,900 jobs and enough wood to build 24,000 homes - all this by salvage of dead trees on just 4 percent of the project area - 19,400 acres for a total of 370 mil- lion board feet. Helicopters will be used to salvage dead trees to minimize effects and reduce temporary road construction. No new per- manent roads will be built. In fact, this alternative will decommission 10 miles of road, close 18, and stabilize 42 miles - all work that is very similar to that called for by some organizations. However, alternative 7 also has the potential to support up to 6,900 jobs and generate $240 million in income. Finally, it includes a research plan that studies ways to produce old- growth forests as part of fire recovery. During the last several months, our work with EPA, U.S. Fish and Wild- life Service, and NOAA- Fisheries and resulted in an analysis, and an alterna- tive, that improves on the Draft EIS. We have re- solved the concerns associ- ated with the draft, and are poised to go forward with a proposal that protects resources while investing in the future of the forest. After working with the governor and the congres- sional delegation, I am also proposing that 64,000 acres of lands adjacent to the Kalmiopsis Wilderness be considered for their ex- ceptional wilderness char- acter. There is a strong eco- logical and social need to take this action now. The lands I am suggesting for additional wilderness oc- cur in five distinct parcels, areas that range in size from 1,000 to 34,000 acres. I would like to con- clude with one last thought: we who sit here in the comfort and safety that America offers have a re- sponsibility that results from the abundance be- stowed upon us. A respon- sibility that Aldo Leopold frames so eloquently - “...when we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and re- spect.” I fervently hope that the balanced proposal I bring forth fosters the hal- ing of our forests and com- munities and that we in Southern Oregon show the nation that our discourse can be reasoned, fruitful and respectful. Library failures From George F. Long Grants Pass On the front page of the May 18 Grants Pass “Daily Courier” in an arti- cle about the failure of the library levy, Library Direc- tor Sue Luce commented that she had heard that the (Continued on page 3) HOLLAND LOOP MISHAP - Illinois Valley emergency personnel responded to a 7:50 a.m. crash on Friday, June 4. The driver, whose name was not available in time for this issue, told a deputy that the Sun blinded him near Fort Briggs in the 2900 block after he rounded a curve. (Photo by Shane Welsh) JCA transit grants a possibility Transportation pro- grams that serve senior citizens and people with disabilities may be eligible for grant funding. Funding may be used for capital purchases, op- erations or planning. Applications for transit grants are available from Josephine Community Ac- tion (JCA), 317 N.W. B St. in Grants Pass or contact Dawn Pike at (541) 474- 5441. Applications must be submitted no later than 5 p.m. Monday, June 14. *Treats stress *Work *Bereavement *Life changes *Decisions Stress starts in the mind, but can cause tight muscles, headaches and even illness. When massage relaxes muscles, the mind responds. The result: An unstressed you, better able to deal with what life brings.
