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About Illinois Valley news. (Cave City, Oregon) 1937-current | View Entire Issue (June 8, 2005)
Page 2 Illinois Valley News, Cave Junction, OR Wednesday, June 8, 2005 Like many men -- probably most -- I have trouble with clothing. Not with wearing it per se, but with (a.) wanting to buy new stuff, (b.) wearing “comfortable” trousers and shirts, mean- ing that they’re worn and out of style, but not really worn out except for being faded and slightly threadbare, and (c.) wearing color and pattern combinations that cause people to gag, and birds to crash into windows. Some 20 years ago, I was going to a three-day conference in Bend, which meant that I would have to wear different threads each day. Jan, my loving, observant, and extremely fashion-and-color knowledgeable wife, took pity on those who would attend the same conference. She not only helped me pack, but compiled a list of which items to wear together, day- by-day. It helped immensely. I heard no birds smashing into windows, and no one became physically ill. And I looked sharp. Which reminds me of the story of the woman who gave her husband a blue tie and a green tie for his birthday. He thanked her, went to a mirror, and put on the blue tie. She looked at him and said, “You don’t like the green one?” For some reason, buried deep within the psyche of men everywhere, we abhor trying on new clothes, especially in stores. In fact, I recall the same syndrome when I was knee-high to a bow-legged Chow. Going to a department store to slip into new shirts and pants was as much fun as those old-style inocu- lation clinics that used to be held at public schools. Besides, sometimes the pins in the stiff, new duds stuck me. They hurt more than the inoculations. I’ve been lucky though, having Jan to advise me on what clothes to purchase and wear. However, she has a kindly, yet critical eye, and will advise me (“And where do you think you’re going dressed like that!?”) if I attempt to leave the house draped in bizarre combinations that could cause a public panic. I’m grateful. Many years ago, when I started a new job, she managed to get me into a men’s store (probably with threats) and obtain some new suits, separate trousers and sports jackets. New shirts and ties too. Those were the days when suits came with two pairs of pants. Boy, it was hot wearing them. Anyway, my attire was superb; it attracted many compli- ments. In fact, at a press cocktail party, where the fashion editor of a major newspaper was a guest, he was miffed because my attire got all the attention. My color combinations were excellent; my tie was perfect; my cuff-links just right. And it was all because of my wife’s skill, and eye for color and style. Can’t say much for her choice in husbands, but … Every so often, she is forced to take a deep breath, and weed my closet to get rid of stuff that really should have seen the inside of a trash can months earlier. I can’t seem to throw away clothes. What’s wrong with a few rips, tears and tatters? And I have a hang-up about wearing my “good clothes” because I’m “saving them.” What I’m saving them for is not yet known, so periodically they actually get worn (by me) for no particular reason. It might be because I think there’s a deep- rooted thought that if I don’t, my wife will notice that I’m only wearing “comfortable” (old and worn) togs. Then she’ll want to take me shopping for new stuff. Yikes! I’m still afraid of those pins, you know. Well, that’s it for this week. I need to move along. But first, I’d better check with Jan. Hey, does this yellow-and-black striped shirt with a torn pocket go with these turquoise-colored pants that bag at the knees? 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 68, No. 12 Staff: Kacy Clement, Michelle Binker, Becky Loudon, Bryan Harley, Nina Holm Consulting. Advertising Design Consultant: Wonder Dog Graphics 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. Generally, one letter per person per month at publish- ers’ discretion. Letters are used at the discretion of the publishers. Unpublished letters are neither acknowledged nor returned. A prepaid charge may be levied if a letter is inordinately long in the publishers’ opinion. POLICY ON “HERE, THERE & EVERYWHERE,” DISPLAY & CLASSIFIED ADS & NOTICES: All submissions must be hand delivered, faxed or e-mailed to us for publica- tion. Submissions must be resubmitted weekly if the item is to run 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 (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. * * * ‘Missed opportunity’ From ‘Dad, Mom, Jamie & Nicole’ Cave Junction Among the new teach- ers at Illinois Valley High School is one who we feel isn’t the best. This teacher doesn’t let anybody make up their work or get extra credit for addi- tional work. We know that our son and brother wasn’t the best student, as he is the kind who would take it easy at the beginning, and then make it up toward the end. He was really trying hard to pass this teacher’s class,; he still had two week left in her class to make up the 2 percent he needed to graduate, and the teacher was unwilling to help him graduate. The teacher was more concerned about teaching him a lesson about facing his responsibilities. We met with the teacher to discuss Virgil’s situation. The teacher flat out refused to help him, saying that “He needs to be a man and face his responsibilities.’ Virgil is 17, and we don’t believe he is a man yet. He is still a teen-ager, and he will make mistakes, as he’s only human. We were hoping the principal would help us in our situa- tion because she has the authority to override the new teacher’s decision to not give any extra credit so Virgil could graduate with his class. All his other teachers believe in giving extra credit to help the students pass. It was really upsetting to know that the principal wasn’t going to step in to see Virgil graduate with his class over 2 percent. He is signed up with the Navy for six years. His re- cruiter was really hoping to see him graduate with his class, and that is when he will become a man. This letter will not change the situation because graduation was held Tues- day, June 7. So we all missed the opportunity to see our son and brother graduate with the Class of 2005. We just want to let eve- ryone know about the teacher not willing to help students pass the class that all need to take to graduate, because the teacher is more concerned about sticking to their word and not giving extra credit to the students who need it. The teacher said doing it for one would mean having to do it for all the kids. Our family is really hurt. We all missed a big moment in the life of our son and brother. Thank God that he did not give up. We are very proud of him. (Editor’s Note: A fee was paid for the preceding letter). Illinois Valley Grange From Crystal Griffin Cave Junction I wonder how many people know about the Illi- nois Valley Grange. It has been in the valley since 1907 -- that is 98 years. Many may not know that the grange is a commu- nity service organization. Some 200 people are given food each month. The equestrians, 4-H, and Girl Scout groups have their meetings at the grange hall without charge. On second and third Sundays the grange has a fund-raising breakfast. My husband and I are members, and have eaten many Sun- day morning breakfasts, sometimes bringing our children and their families. The meal is delicious, and served by some of the grange’s volunteers. They are very friendly and kind. The grange also has bingo fund-raisers. You get better odds than the lottery. People should consider coming to the breakfasts and for bingo. It is a worthwhile organization. For informa- tion people may phone Ken Phillips at 592-4478. Medicare drug help From Mark McClellan, administrator, The Cen- ters for Medicare & Medi- caid Services (CMS) Seattle CMS is in the process of implementing Medicare prescription drug coverage. All Medicare benefici- aries -- no matter how they get their health care today, or whether they have exist- ing drug coverage -- will be eligible for drug coverage under a Medicare prescrip- tion drug plan. These plans will cover brand name and generic drugs. And, very importantly, there will be extra help for those in need, which is why I am writing this message. We are committed to making sure that everyone who qualifies for that extra help gets it. Almost eight million people will auto- matically qualify for extra help. People with Medicare and Medicaid, people in a Medicare Savings Program, and those who receive Sup- plemental Security Income will receive a letter from Medicare telling them they will receive the extra help automatically so they do not have to apply. The notices may be viewed at cms.hhs.gov/ medicarereform/lir.asp. Those who receive this letter should be assured that this sands of community out- reach events during the next six months to let people know about this important and significant extra assis- tance for drug coverage. We need assistance in spreading the word about the extra help, which will be available to help those in need pay for the new and comprehensive Medicare prescription drug coverage. means they will have con- tinuous prescription drug coverage with small out-of- pocket costs. Additionally, there is extra help for people who do not automatically qualify, but who do have limited income and resources. The Social Security Administra- tion (SSA) is working with CMS to help these people apply for this extra help, and obtain pre-qualified for this assistance before the enroll- ment period for the prescrip- tion drug coverage plans begins in the fall. Social Security will mail letters and applications to nearly 19 million people beginning through August. We encourage everyone to fill out this application so they can get the extra help from Medicare to pay for their prescription drug cov- erage. This letter can be viewed at ssa.gov/ o r g a n i z a t i o n s / medicareoutreach2/ on the Web. Select “Application for Help with Medicare Pre- scription Drug Plan Costs.” We’re committed to making sure that everyone who qualifies for extra help gets it. Medicare and Social Security will conduct thou- Medical marijuana From ‘Bear’ Marston Cave Junction The Supreme Court did it: I heard this morning, June 6, that the court decided it is OK for federal cops to arrest medical marijuana users. I assume that the Su- preme Court has never heard of overcrowded prisons. I recommend that if you are arrested for growing or smoking, refuse to pay any fines. Do the time. Crowd the system. (Editor’s Note: Following the ruling, the Oregon Dept. of Human Services is tempo- rarily halting issuance of medical marijuana registra- tion cards. DHS will continue to process applications, but no cards will be issued until the Oregon Dept. of Justice pro- vides further direction.) at Pottsville Saturday, June 18, 9 to 5 Sunday, June 19, 9 to 4 Parade of Power Charlie West Valley Country Band Food Booths - Wagon Rides Tractor Pulls at 2:30 Skills of Yesteryear events & exhibits 1929, 5 HP Sattley Flea Market both days For information phone (541) 479-2981 2-Day Event at Jubilee Park Pavilion Friday, June 24: 50-50 Poker Run at 11 a.m. (open to all vehicles). Lunch available from 11 to 4. BBQ tri-tip or Chicken Dinner, 5:30 to 7. Sock Hop & Rock to Live Music, 7 to 11 ($5 at the door) Saturday, June 25: Antique & Classic Car Show, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., awards at 3. Come early for All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast, 7 to 11. Lunch served noon to 4 Guide Paws 4-H Demonstrations, Oregon Lions Mobile Health Screening Unit (free for all ages), Face Painting, Local Artisan Booths, Raffles & 50-50 Drawings, Live DJ playing 50’s, 60’s, 70’s Sock Rock Advance tickets available for Friday BBQ Dinner & Dance available at The Book Exchange, Tender Treasures & Home Valley Bank. For more information phone 592-3689 or 592-6442
