Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Illinois Valley news. (Cave City, Oregon) 1937-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 22, 2004)
Page 2 Illinois Valley News, Cave Junction, OR Wednesday, December 22, 2004 Seems as though some Christmas memories en- dure longer than others. I was thinking about that a couple of days ago, while picking up broken Christ- mas tree ornaments courtesy of our cat, “Bubba,” when it dawned on me that this coming Christmas Eve marks the day five years ago when I brought Jan home from Providence Portland Hospital the day after her mastectomy surgery. Her physician was a truly skilled Chinese surgical oncologist with a sense of humor. How we ended up with him in Portland is a story all by itself, so it’ll have to wait. Anyway, prior to the surgery he told us that if Jan had a mastectomy she’d have to stay in the hospital 24 hours afterward, but if she underwent a lumpectomy it would only be 23 1/2 hours. Of course, the days preceding the surgery were a bit of a strain. We stayed with friends in Newberg, and commuted from there for the early morning (and I mean early morning) lab tests and all that. I only got lost one foggy morning when I missed an off-ramp and ended up in a part of Downtown Portland where the first 12 people I asked had never heard of the hos- pital we sought. Fortunately a friendly trash man was able to give us terrific directions, and we were only a few minutes late that a.m. The hospital was crowded that holiday week. The lobby and coffee shop were jammed. I don’t like hos- pitals, but I’m glad they exist: It’s just that there are so many hurting people that it hurts to see them and their loved ones. Especially during the Yule season. Well, Jan underwent the surgery Dec. 23. I waited in the lobby with two friends, both Quaker pastors, who buoyed me up and helped me stay relatively calm. When I was buzzed (with one of those elec- tronic dealies that some restaurants use now) that I could go see the doctor after the surgery, he was typi- cally confident, telling me that he “cleaned out” the bad stuff and that it was all good. I went to see Jan, and it was so pleasing to see her awake, although she was in some pain. I was grateful nonetheless. I stayed until early evening, then drove back amid world-class traffic to Newberg and slept for about 12 hours straight before returning the next morning. It was strange that Dec. 24 because the hospital then was nearly deserted. The coffee shop was closed; there were no people in the lobby. It was a bit spooky. The doctor eventually (as doctors can “eventuate” so well) released her. We left the hospital around noon, I think, and began the Interstate 5 trip home. You never know how rough and bumpy a road is, even I-5, until you have someone in the passenger seat who is 24 hours out of surgery. But we made it back home, and it was indeed Christmas Eve. It was the best Christmas gift I could think of, having my loving wife home safe. Now it’s been five years without a recurrence of the cancer, and she’s still safe. We are both grateful. Although there were some wrinkles the next day (and that’s yet another story), Christmas songs and hymns touched us in ways they never had before. The term, “Merry Christmas” and the phrase “tears of joy” took on new dimensions. Five years ago, and the memories of that trip and time are as though they were yesterday. So I say, God is good: “Joy to the World!” Whatever God's dream about man may be, it seems certain it cannot come true unless man cooperates. - Stella Terrill Mann - (Editor’s Note: Views and commentary, including state- ments made as fact, are strictly those of the letter-writers.) * * * Typed, double-spaced let- ters written solely to this news- paper are considered for publi- cation. Hand-written letters that are double-spaced and legible also can be considered. Cards of thanks are not accepted as letters. * * * Angry Angel From Linda Butler Harvest Kitchen coordina- tor Cave Junction A couple of weeks ago a very kind lady, in the “Illinois Valley News” Let- ters to the Editor called those of us who work at Harvest Kitchen, “Angels.” I am now one “Angry Angel,” because, as I unloaded food, both donated and purchased for the Kitchen at St. Matthias Episcopal Church on Mon- day, Dec. 13, someone jumped into and stole my car with my purse and a briefcase I use for Harvest Kitchen purposes. There were cash and check donations as well as all records of donations, etc. for the year in that briefcase. This thief, or thieves, stole not only from me, but also from those in need here in the valley. I ask that anyone who sees a tan 1997 “Jimmy,” license plate WJT 108, or finds a green briefcase and/ or a black purse, to immedi- ately contact the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office at 474-5123 or the confidential tip line at 474-5160. Rock billboard From Jack Heald HOVA (Hwy. One-99 Visi- tor Association) Cave Junction Because there will not be a Christmas Parade this year, the coral-colored sign-boards on the rock bill- board on the Select Market parking lot in Cave Junction will be removed and stored for the winter. They will be reinstalled in the spring. Civic organizations are reminded that the sign- boards (both sides) will be available again in the spring and summer months for use in posting advertisements and dates of coming events. Organizations include Blackberry Festival, Shining Stars, I.V. Lions Club, Cave Junction Lions Club, Barter Faire, Dome School and I.V. Chamber of Commerce. Others will be welcome to work with us. ‘Bill of Goods’ From Kristine Strohl Cave Junction Haven’t we been sold a bill of goods by this admini- stration? Remember, our con- gressional representatives were pressed to sign the Patriot Act without reading it, or be considered unpatri- otic. There was a Medicare Reform Bill, which only spurred retirees to buy mil- lions of dollars of worthless discount cards, but made millions for special con- tributors to the Bush cam- paign. Then we had the Clear Skies Initiative that was anything but clear, but lifted pollution bans against en- ergy companies and saved them millions. Let’s not ever forget our pre-emptive attack against Iraq, WMDs and “Mission accomplished,” a war that is far from over and has cost nearly 1,300 American lives, but made Halliburton millions. And there was “No Child Left Behind,” which has left some behind be- cause it was not fully funded. Now, we are being sold another goodie with tremen- dous spin: Social Security needs to be privatized be- cause it is insolvent. Hmmm. Surely it isn’t a push by Wall Street to con- trol our retirements and make billions on our ac- counts? How much money did they contribute to Bush/ Cheney? Remember, there are no guarantees investing in the stock market. But you are guaranteed to grow old. We need to be informed and not be sold a bunch of lies because Social Security is solvent for another 30 years, and then only small adjustments will be needed to ensure its perpetuity. Those who want to can phone Sens. Smith (608- 9102) and Wyden (858- 5122) and tell them they want to keep Social Security for themselves and their children. Pregnancy Center view From Vaughn T. Slavin Cave Junction I sat down the morning of Friday, Dec. 17 and pe- rused Letters to the Editor in “Illinois Valley News.” The first one I read was a very uplifting and positive letter from Crystal Griffin. It was nice to read something that wasn’t trashing another person’s viewpoint or per- sonal belief. In stark contrast to her letter was the diatribe by Geraldine Davidson that followed. As I read the letter I thought, “This lady is trashing the pregnancy cen- ter big time. Why?” As I continued through the letter, I came to realize that she was lashing out in frustra- tion. The pregnancy center (Continued on page 3) Give the gift of touch GIFT CERTIFI CATES 1 hour se ssion - $40 1/2 hour - $25 Senior Discount Available See holiday gift certificate on page C5 What could be sweeter this holiday season ? 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. 40 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 and out-of-state - $28 POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to P.O. Box 1370, Cave Junction, OR. 97523 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. Frontier High-Speed Internet at our lowest price of the season... Are annual cable rate increases making you bitter? Are they going up again in January? ONLY Get Frontier’s BEST High-Speed Internet deal of the season. You’ll get access to everything you’ll need this holiday season—right at your fingertips. Share your pictures, search for recipes, play games with family and friends. $ 29 95 Now how sweet is that? FOR A MONTH ONE FULL YEAR! HURRY! OFFER GOOD THROUGH DECEMBER 31st ONLY. Call 1-866-900-9932 today. For speed, security and value, nothing beats Frontier High-Speed Internet. © 2004 Citizens Communications Company. Offer limited to residential high-speed Internet customers, expires 12/31/04, and cannot be combined with any other offer. For offer, 12-month term commitment is required. If service is not maintained 12 months, your account will be charged the full value of the offer plus applicable taxes and surcharges. You must choose FrontierNet as your ISP to qualify for this FrontierNet promotional pricing. Service subject to availability, technical line qualification, and Frontier’s Acceptable Use Policy. Installation options vary and charges may apply. Maximum speeds vary. Applicable taxes and surcharges will be billed. Some restrictions and other charges may apply.
