Page 2 Illinois Valley News, Cave Junction, OR Wednesday, November 10, 2004 Several topics floated to the surface for this issue: photography, bad grammar, and strange happenings. It was a photo finish, but photography won. The other topics descended back into the mire, and could resurface for another issue. For as long as I can recall, which goes back to my prekindergarten days, I’ve been interested in photog- raphy. As a young child I took photos with my dad’s black box Kodak, most of which were only a tiny bit blurry. But as I took them at our extended family’s gatherings, where the beverage of choice was beer, the family members themselves were blurry. Reviewing a daily newspaper was a habit for me from an early age. First, of course, I only looked at the photos, but began reading the print even before I accomplished “See Dick,” “See Jane.” Apparently the technique of newspaper photography sank in. Al- though some might disagree. Once I took a photo of myself with my Kodak Starflash, holding the thing at arm’s length. It turned out less than desirable, being a trifle unfocused. And unfortunately it shows all too clearly my then-buck teeth, pimply face and greased-down pompadour. Ah, the good old days. A few years later, I laid on our front lawn with my camera and had my best friend, Billy, hold our dog, “Taco,” on the next yard. I wanted to get a shot of the dog running at me. However, “Taco” was poquito loco and ran smack into the camera, handily smashing it into my face. I got a cut on my nose and a sore eye- ball. The photo did not turn out well either. Another time I tried my hand at war photography in the backyard, using my plastic army. My cousin, Ed, threw dirt for effect, and I had a small fire going as well for smoke. Those photos didn’t turn out well either, but I had fun trying, although emerged a bit dusty and smelling of smoke. Through the years I’ve photographed a wide range of people, happenings, accidents, fire and events. Some were not meant to be seen, I’m sure. For exam- ple, the night of the Downtown Cave Junction Hal- loween riots, I had a new camera, and used the wrong setting. So none of the shots turned out. The first year here, I photographed a firefighter emerging from a house carrying a baby who had died of smoke inhalation. That shot didn’t turn out either. Sometimes, I think, there’s a reason for such oc- currences. And now, our photo devices have changed, which means I have even more chances to mess up. Nearly all our photos now are taken with digital cameras. I still prefer using a “film camera,” but then, I resisted computers for years, just as I was reluctant to move into the digital age. That’s it for this week. Another photo finish. Pain - Stress - Injuries Deep massage - CranioSacral Therapy Monday - Friday by appointment Senior Discounts - Gift Discounts (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. * * * ‘Sierra Club complaint’ From C. Combs Cave Junction I’m so happy the elec- tion is over. I have never been a supporter of the Sierra Club and what it has be- come. How they had the nerve to call me at least twice a day for more than a week, I’ll never know. Just a computer- generated call, to be sure, but so many times? Shows just how the organization is at loose ends; no man- agement and no direction. Yes, I did vote, long before the phone calls started interrupting the peace and tranquility of my home. This should not be tol- erated for any reason, as exit polls have not been proven correct and true. ‘Pregnancy Center encouraging’ From Mary Lefner Cave Junction As director of Preg- nancy Center of the Illinois Valley, I want to empha- size that one aspect we thrive on is encourage- ment. When every day is a spiritual battle, uplifting words make all the differ- ence in the world. A key verse for us is Hebrews 3:13, where we are called to “encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called ‘Today,’ so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitful- ness of sin.” Encouragement does a lot for all of us. Just as the verse says, it can keep us from hardening our hearts and missing God’s best for us. That’s what we try to do each day. Some days we see the victories; some days we We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are. - Anias Nin - 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 67, No. 34 Staff: Kacy Clement, Becky Loudon, Michelle Binker, & Shane Welsh. Paladin Business Services - Kina Perez 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. 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 Prime Rib Saturday night River Valley BAGEL JUNCTION brought to you by Little Shop of BAGELS 202 N. Redwood Hwy. Open Tues. - Fri. 7 - 3 Sat. 8 - 3 415-0072 Light Breakfast & Lunch Specialties Organic Bagels and other Goodies Baked Fresh Daily don’t, yet we know victory will come ultimately. We encourage each client who walks through our doors. He or she may be facing an unplanned pregnancy; the challenges of parenthood; trying to sort through relationship issues; suffering from post- abortion pain; or striving to remain abstinent until marriage, in a society that doesn’t necessarily pro- mote marriage any more. Some of our clients come in just to talk. They know that the Father’s love and a caring peer coun- selor can always be found. During the next few months, the pregnancy center is going to be work- ing toward increased visi- bility in Illinois Valley. We want people to think of us first when they begin to wonder if they’re pregnant. So often, the first words a person hears when facing a crisis makes all the difference. And we want to be there. We are seeking sup- port for our outreach ef- forts. We are located at 481 S. Junction Ave., and our mailing address is P.O. Box 993 in Cave Junction. Our telephone number is 592-6058. ‘Christmas Basket Toy Give-Away’ From Celia Siemer Cave Junction It’s that time of year when we must again ask for support of the Christ- mas Basket Toy Give- Away. Last year, donations helped more than 500 families in Illinois Valley. Each year we help the chil- dren of Illinois Valley have something special under their tree on Christ- mas morning. Contributions to the program will help hun- dreds of children have a joyful holiday. We help families with Christmas dinner, thanks to the Jose- phine County Christmas Basket food donations, as well as toys. All donations are used for the program. Volun- teers run it, and every dol- lar or toy goes directly to our Illinois Valley commu- nity. We have no operating costs or overhead; every- thing associated with the program is donated to the I.V. community from the community. Tax-deductible dona- tions will support the chil- dren of our valley who desperately need help. Many I.V. families simply cannot afford to provide a little gift to their children at Christmas. We want children to play, eat and be merry as all children should. We are striving harder than ever to provide the spirit of giving to all in need. Our toy project will encourage family time, outdoor activities and read- ing as part of the program gifts. We are buying and asking for donations to encourage these values. We are striving to pro- vide each child with a book, an outdoor toy, and a game the family can play together. We can be reached at 592-4149, Ext. 232. We also need volun- teers to help organize food and toys for the day they are distributed to Illinois Valley residents in need. Toys also can be left at our office at 535 E. River St., or we can pick them up if notified. 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