Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Illinois Valley news. (Cave City, Oregon) 1937-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 3, 2004)
Page 2 Illinois Valley News, Cave Junction, OR Wednesday, November 3, 2004 Our lives have returned to “normal” after a three- day visit from granddaughter Natalie, 2+, and her su- per-duper parents, Matt and Vicki. So our two shy-of-strangers indoor cats have come out from hiding. “Rocky” the raging Pomera- nian has settled down after feeling afflicted by Nata- lie’s affection. “Bingo” liked the attention and was quite gentle with her because of his herding instincts. Our doors are open again, as under Natalie’s Rules all open doors must be closed. Various knick- knacks and other loose items, including shoes, have been put back where we normally keep them, as under Natalie’s Rules anything not nailed down or under lock-and-key is fair game for relocation. In fact, she opened my dresser drawer and re- moved my change container, dumping it quite nicely on the floor. We had a good time together picking up all the coins and keys. Seriously, I got a kick out of it. And the dogs’ water dish no longer has dog food floating around in it, a homey touch devised by “Nat.” We now have several videos memorized after watching them repeatedly with our active little darling from Carlsbad in San Diego County. These include “E.T.” and “Thomas and the Magic Railroad.” We had a great time with our guests, especially “Nat,” sometimes called “The Natalope.” And speak- ing of loping, I was honored to be invited to run with her up and down our hallway several times on several different occasions (pant-pant). She’d say, “Let’s run?” And, of course I’d reply, “Sure, let’s go.” And off we’d go, racing from the living room to our home office and back again. Then she’d say, “Again?” And off we’d run again. And again. And again. Besides having the stamina of well, a 2-year-old, she is one smart cookie. She converses quite well on a variety of topics, although sometimes I have to check with mom or dad for interpretation. She enjoyed the children’s tour at Oregon Caves National Monument. She kept saying, “I’m in a cave!” Then, because she was so happy, she began singing her favorite “Barney” song. Very cool. My wife, Jan, is still Nanna, but I’m now Pop-Pop after being PaPa until this visit. All the Crayons in my Crayola locomotive are na- ked now, as Natalie doesn't believe they should have wrappers. Bare colors are best. She also thoroughly broke in our couch, leaping like a champion from couch to hassock and back again. And again. She never seems to exhaust her energy, which makes it a trifle tough at bedtime because she wants to stay on the move, but we know it’s time to rest. (We’re not the least bit tired, it’s strictly for her benefit). My “Eeyore” stuffed replica got a workout, but he’s all better now. And so are Jan and I. We miss them a lot, but know we’ll see them again. Excuse me now, I’m going to run up and down the hall and look for naked Crayons. Pain - Stress - Injuries Deep massage - CranioSacral Therapy Monday - Friday by appointment Senior Discounts - Gift Discounts Illinois Valley News (Editor’s Note: Views and commentary, including state- ments made as fact, are strictly those of the letter-writers.) * * * Typed, double-spaced letters written solely to this newspaper are considered for publication. Hand-written let- ters that are double-spaced and legible also can be consid- ered. Cards of thanks are not accepted as letters. * * * Veterans Day 2004 From Tina Haemmerlein O’Brien (Editor’s Note: The writer is public relations chairman for Glenn Mor- rison Unit 70 American Legion Auxiliary in Cave Junction.) In 1921 an unknown World War I U.S. soldier was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. This site, on a hillside overlook- ing the Potomac River and Washington, D.C., became the focal point of rever- ence for USA veterans. Similar ceremonies occurred earlier in England and France, where an Un- known Soldier was buried in each nation’s highest place of honor: Westmin- ster Abbey and the Arc de Triomphe. These memorial ges- tures all took place on Nov. 11, giving universal recognition to the cele- brated ending of WWI fighting at 11 a.m. Nov. 11, 1918 -- the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. The day became known as Armistice Day. Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of WWI. But in 1954, after WWII had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the nation’s history; after U.S. forces had fought aggression in Korea; the 83rd Congress, at the urging of veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking “Armistice” and inserting “Veterans.” With approval of this legislation, Nov. 11 be- came a day to honor U.S. veterans of all wars. On Oct. 8, 1954, Presi- dent Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming Nov. 11 as Veterans Day. The procla- mation read in part, “On that day, let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our An Independent Weekly Newspaper Co-owned and published by Robert R. (Bob) and Jan Rodriguez Bob Rodriguez, Editor El Jefe 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. POLICY ON “HERE, THERE & EVERYWHERE,” DISPLAY & CLAS- SIFIED ADS & NOTICES: All submissions must be hand delivered, faxed or e-mailed to us for publication. Submissions must be re- submitted each week if the item is to run for more than one week. 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 ‘Let’s start healing’ From Joe Armstrong O’Brien Now that the insanity and overheated rhetoric of the lead-up to the election are gratefully lessened, the possibility of a contested result seems a plausible scenario. I think that it is impor- tant for us to start healing. The mood of the country has gotten really mean. It seems that we focus so much more energy on the things that, seemingly di- vide us, than the vast ma- jority we share. If we step back for some perspective, I think that it would be instructive to follow the money mon- soon. Other than the ap- palling level of negativity, spite and disregard for any degree of civility or truth, this election was largely about money. Think about this elec- tion’s campaigns (at the presidential level alone) having spent more than a half-billion dollars. The corruption of the electoral process at the level is mak- ing a sham of our democ- racy. How can we hope to export democracy to the world when our example of it is becoming so dys- functional? Wealth in and of itself is not a bad thing. The wealth that I refer to is a big part of the picture that emerges when you look at how this is more of a class war than the seeming arti- ficially huge rift between the so-called right and left. All they need from most of us is our vote to keep them in power; our continued consumer spending; and our compla- cency about being manipu- lated. We get our informa- tion from sound-bites. We get distracted by hot- button issues that play to passions and promote divi- sion. At the time we were attacked we were told not to sacrifice anything ex- cept for some little-used freedoms that we probably wouldn’t miss anyway. Just go on spending your consumer dollars or the terrorists win. The rhetoric is like Orwellian double-speak: repeated often enough, black is white, lies are truth, war is peace, hate is love. What I mainly want to offer as a relative new- comer to the valley, which I dearly love, is that at a local level, as neighbors and fellow humans, we can unite to become more pro- ductive, content and happy people. We can support each other with tolerance, un- derstanding and apprecia- tion of our similarities and differences. When the dominant messages coming from our national leaders promote fear, distrust and outright hatred, we -- as the ones who are affected most negatively -- must come together and reject the politics of hate and fear, and find something better. *Confidential business consultation-free of charge *Now offering counseling in Illinois Valley *Affordable business-related training *Comprehensive business library 214 SW 4th Street, Grants Pass - 1-800-411-6508 Ext. 7494 Phone today - let us help you succeed Community Christian Academy Christmas Bazaar Gifts - Books - White Elephants - Baked Goods Saturday, Nov. 6, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. New Classes Offered at Deborah Dawson’s Center for Artfull Being Beginning Drawing for Adults Basic drawing for those who have always wanted to learn but were afraid. Non-critical approach in a calm and serene environment. Thursday mornings 10 to 11, November 18 through December 9. Cost for 4, one-hour classes is $50 Supplies are pencils, eraser and drawing tablet. Advanced Drawing for Adults This class is for those who want to improve their drawing skills and produce finished works. We will study technique and composition. Tuesday mornings 10 to noon, November 16 through December 7. Cost for 4, two-hour classes is $80. 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 67, No. 33 Staff: Kacy Clement, Becky Loudon, Michelle Binker, & Shane Welsh. Paladin Business Services - Kina Perez Member: Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association heritage of freedom.” It would be good to say, “Thank you,” to a vet- eran this Veterans Day: Thursday, Nov. 11. And wear a poppy to show re- membrance, or wear a flag pin to show pride in the United States of America. We need to show sup- port to the brave men and women who have served our country in the past, our present and the future. Inner Art of Women - Self Exploration At Farmers®, we understand that insurance is about getting you back where you belong should the unexpected happen. That’s why we specialize in providing Auto, Home and Life insurance policies based on your needs. Call me today to find out how you can save money by covering your insurance needs through Farmers. This workshop will focus on inner and outer self- image. We’ll explore our light and shadow side using a variety of media in a safe and non-critical environment. Saturday, November 13, 1 to 6 p.m. Sliding scale $20 to $50 for 5-hour workshop. Sign-up at Blue Moon Café or Studio 203 above Blue Moon. Phone 596-2023. Private Lessons and Gift certificates for the holidays are available at $20 per hour. November Art Walk: Deborah Dawson will show her newest work at Blue Moon Café.