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Illinois Valley News, Cave Junction, Ore. Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2014
A moment with Mary: By Mary Halvorsen
A month into 2014, it is time to
revisit the New Year’s resolutions. As
is usually the case, getting into better
shape was at the forefront. My sis-
ter in Iowa vowed to “…learn a little
French and have more fun,” and now
one of her daily walks is taken with a
friend from grade school. It always
ends in a booth at Old Chicago Pizza
making a selection from the, “...huge
line-up of world class, craft beers.”
Recently, I arrived for the first in
a series of indoor cycling classes, an-
ticipating an hour of leisurely pedal-
ing. Fourteen black, stationary bikes
sat lined in a glass- enclosed space,
with two floor fans blowing across
the length. Like my sister, more fun
in the coming year is a goal, but this
was not looking like it would meet
that criteria. Joining the dozen oth-
ers who sat pedaling silently, alarm
began to creep in when a young,
dark-haired woman in black yoga
pants, and a green tank top walked in,
flipped a switch inside a wood cabi-
net, and filled the room with loud,
thumping music.
Arms dangling at her sides,
wheels accelerating with each pass-
ing second, she began calling out
commands like, “Quarter turn!”
“Stand up!” and “Hover!” In unison,
we turned our tension knobs, ped-
aled while standing tall, then, while
bent over the handlebars. Sweat be-
gan to form as we were ordered from
the sitting position, “Back up!” then
into, “Crouch,” and we cycled, arms
stretched, backs flat, rears raised.
She yelled encouragement, that “This
is the one that will get your butt look-
ing good!” and I thought, “Honey,
that ship sailed ten years ago.”
Perspiration had formed into
droplets when she directed, “Mop
up.” I blotted my face with a stiff
paper towel, continuing to pedal,
and tried to remember to, “breathe
in through the nose and out through
the mouth.” John F. Kennedy once
mused, “Nothing compares to the
simple pleasure of a bike ride,” but
it’s doubtful this was the scenario he
had envisioned.
The instructor next inquired how
New Year’s Eve had gone, assuming-
ly to the group at large, but looking
up, found her gaze directed at me, sit-
ting as if she were on a favorite chair,
pedaling fast. “How about you?” she
queried. “I bet you partied!” It was
unclear whether she was condescend-
ing to the oldest woman in the group,
trying to establish camaraderie with
the young crowd in dark spandex,
or attempting to make a connection.
At that point the sole focus had be-
come my rear end, and how it felt on
the rock-hard slice of seat that was
shaped like, and held the same con-
sistency as a deer skull. I could only
grimace and nod in reply, living for
the moment it would go numb.
On the cover of Mayo Clinic’s,
“Fitness for Life”, an older woman
runs a road, elbows bent, hands fisted,
and shows a similarly forced smile. It
is all teeth, as if when it formed, her
lips got stuck. Who smiles when they
are running? The author of “Cycling
Past 50” offers, “Nothing says more
about attitude than outward signs of
happiness. The problem is we don’t
always feel like smiling.” He goes on
to urge, “Fake it till you make it...”
Charles Schultz’s observation makes
more sense: “Life is like a ten speed
bicycle. Most of us have gears we
never use.”
Sometimes it takes gathering
with others to reach a common goal.
I’m not sure why the other twelve ar-
rive twice weekly, to assimilate rid-
ing up and down hills for an hour. I
am hoping it will lead to fun, to a trip
on a real bike, without tiring in the
first ten minutes.
Like my sister, her walk with
her friend, and their beer at its fin-
ish, it is good to do something ben-
eficial, that is also enjoyable. Life is
about finding balance. Though bik-
ing feels a little hard now, it should
get easier with time. Mark Twain
once reminisced, “It was the tenth
day of May-1884-that I confessed to
age by mounting spectacles for the
first time, and in the same hour I re-
newed my youth to outward appear-
ance, by mounting a bicycle for the
first time…”
There will be a glide down the
driveway eventually, cool air rush-
ing by, the road and sky all around.
Focus will be on what lies ahead, not
what is behind. Gripping the rubber
coated handle bars and leaning in, I
will go as far as I can.
Letters to the Editor
Illinois Valley News welcomes Letters to the
Editor.
Please e-mail them to
dan@illinois-valley-news.com
POLICY ON LETTERS:
‘Illinois Valley News’ encourages letters to the
editor provided they are legible and not libelous
or scurrilous. All letters must be signed, including
name, address and telephone number. The latter
need not be published, but will be used to verify
authenticity. The “News” reserves the right to edit
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publisher.
***
(Editor’s Note: Views and commentary, includ-
ing statements made as fact are strictly those of
the letter writers)]\
Keith Heck Has A Message for
Concerned CJ Residents: “I
Wasn’t Listening”
My name is Dale Matthews and I am the
editor of the non-profit website BadCounty.
com.
On Monday, January 27th, I was the only
citizen to attend the Quarterly Meeting of the
Board of Commissioners at the County Build-
ing in Cave Junction. I would like to share the
transcript of an interaction between myself and
the Commissioners.
Dale Matthews: “I have a question for the
county part.”
Cherryl Walker: “What’s your question,
Mr. Matthews?”
Matthews: “Some people are saying that
they, uh, that they weren’t going to come to-
night because, um, because you don’t listen
to their county problems. And that, if you do,
you’re not going to do anything about it. So,
can you tell us, tell them, tell me, um, what’s
your response to that? What do you want them
to know?”
Walker: “Well, I don’t know who some
people are, so if they have a question for us, I’d
prefer that they either e-mailed or called.”
As I look around the empty room I think to
myself, she’s never going to find out who “the
people” are if no one comes to these meetings.
Matthews: “Right, but do you have any
feeling about this? About the fact that people
would say that they don’t think that you listen
and that you don’t do anything?”
Before she answers I’m thinking, no one
came to your meeting. What does that tell you?
Simon Hare: (Unintelligible)
Walker: “I don’t know who you’re refer-
ring to.”
Matthews: “Well, let’s suppose I said
that. How about referring to me?”
Hare: “Well, we listen to you on a weekly
basis.”
Matthews: “Fine. So do you listen at these
meetings? And do you do anything about it? Or
consider doing anything about it?”
Walker: “Absolutely.”
Matthews: “Absolutely, does that go for
all three of you? Mr. Heck, do you listen and,
and think about doing things that people bring
to you here?”
I asked Mr. Heck a softball question,
thinking that his answer might persuade more
people to attend these meetings if they knew
they would be heard and taken seriously. And
what was his reply?
Keith Heck: “Oh. You talkin’ to me?”
Matthews: “I am sir.”
Heck: “I wasn’t listening.”
Dale Matthews,
Editor, www.Badcounty.com
Grants Pass Ore.
and violent crime tax payers would not endorse
raising taxes. Police and sheriff dept. consider
traffic, alcohol and drug control the highest pri-
ority (big money makers) revenue source. Theft
and the violence it leads to a (low priority rev-
enue source) but a big vote getter.
Therefore, politicians and law enforce-
ment do not want theft or violent crime rates to
go down or away. Real crime is only a revenue
source if the fear of it inspires tax payers to vote
for new taxes.
No matter how much we raise taxes and
fully fund police and sheriff’s dept. under this
tyrannical system. Theft and violent crime will
remain a low priority and be allowed to increase
(it’s good for business).
More taxes, laws, rules, regulations, codes,
ordinances, permits, fees, fines, insurance, law-
yers and prisons just mean more corruption.
The system is broken (corrupt) throwing more
money at the problem will not fix it!
Control is power and power corrupts ab-
solutely!
Mark Wichers
Cave Junction
Throwing more money at the
problem will not fix it
Law enforcement is a business it is not
about Justice, it’s about money! Without theft
Obituaries
Obituary
Richard “Ricky” Arthur Wil-
liam Kratochvil, 68 passed away on
January 18, 2014 at 12:41 p.m. Ricky
was born on November 20, 1945 in
Redhill, England. Ricky spent most
of his youth in Battle Creek , Michi-
gan. After serving in the U.S. Army,
Ricky pursued his love of art. Paint-
ing, sculpting, wood carving, jewelry
making, welding, and tinkering were
just a few of his passions. He settled
in Topanga, CA in 1969 where he met
the love of his life, Teri Renteria, in
1979. Ricky and Teri moved to Or-
egon in 1994, calling Takilma home.
Ricky’s sculptures can be enjoyed by
all who drive on Takilma Road; the
life-sized Buffalo and Giraffe can’t
be missed. Ricky is survived by his
true love and life partner, Teri; half
sister Diane; half brother Roger and
countless friends that will miss him
dearly. He was preceded in death by
his mother Irene; father Richard and
his stepfather Edward. Ricky’s life
will be celebrated in the spring at
the home he and Teri are building in
Takilma. TBA
Charles J. Vile “Charlie” passed
over on Jan. 20 2014, following along
battle with cancer. Charlie passed
away peacefully in his sleep at home.
Charlie is survived by his two sisters,
and one brother. His life partner and
mother of his children Laurel. Three
son’s Luey, Buffalo and Canyon. Two
daughters Music and Cinnamon. Sev-
eral grand children and many other
family and friends.
Charlie and his dog “ Side Kick”
loved riding the rails in his younger
years. Charles was a master mechanic
and expert farmer and gardener.
Some of Charles’ happiest years
were the years he and Laurel lived on
Bill Hasselbecks farm in Drain Ore.
Raising his children and living the
good life.
Charles enjoyed drinking beer
and pretty women. He dabbled in the
commodities Market with his good
friend R.T. Allen.
Charlie may not have been
known for it but he sure taught all
of us a thing or two about true grace.
Charlie never complained once about
his pain or this predicament. Only
that we was not able to contribute as
much as he wished he could.
Charles J. Vile was a man among
men, humble, magic and eloquent. In
my eyes, Charlie was some tomato.
In our hears he will never die. We
love ya! Thanks for touching us all
with your ever loving grace. Thou art
gone, but not forgotten. God be with
you my friend.
A Celebration of life for Char-
lie will be at Matthias Episcopal
Church, Saturday, Feb. 15 from 1 to
4 p.m.
Donations for help with buriel
can be made at Washington Federal
under the name of Laurel Glenn.
Charles J. Vile
I llInoIs V alley F uneral D Irectors
www.since1928Hull.com
Save The Date
Feb.6 & 7
Lorna Byrne Middle School will
hold drop-in Parent / Teacher Confer-
ences in our Cafeteria on Thursday,
Feb. 6 from 4 to 6 p.m. and Friday,
Feb. 7 from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Please attend to obtain your student’s
progress report and discuss your
child’s academic progress.
Any
questions, phone LBMS at 541-592-
2163 .
Feb. 8, 9, 15
I.V. Little League will be hold-
ing registrations on: Feb. 8, 9, 15 at
the Illinois Valley Golf Course. Orig-
inal birth certificate and three proofs
of residency are required. Proofs must
be dated between Feb. 1 of 2013 to
Feb. 1 of 2014. For more info. Con-
Illinois
Valley
News
Published weekly by
W.H. Alltheway, LLC
Daniel J. Mancuso, Publisher
tact Jenna Larkin at 541-592-9899
Feb. 9
The Freedom from Pesticides
Alliance is hosting a Valentine’s Tea
Party Sunday February 9th 3- 5 p.m.
@ the Kerby Belt Building 24353
Redwood Highway, Kerby. Join us
for a Volunteer Valentine’s Tea Party.
An opportunity to thank our current
volunteers. Enjoy holiday treats,
share plans for the campaign and find
areas where you may wish to join our
efforts.
Teas, Coffee, and Fabulous
Treats! We seek our right to say NO
to pesticides. www.FreedomfromPes-
ticidesAlliance.org P.O Box 376 Sel-
ma, Oregon 97538 541 -512-5051
POSTMASTER: Please send
address changes to P.O. Box 1370,
Cave Junction OR 97523
Illinois Valley News is published at
221 S. Redwood Hwy.,
Cave Junction, OR 97523
Telephone (541) 592-2541
FAX (541) 592-4330
Since 1937 periodicals postage
paid at Cave Junction OR 97523
P.O. Box 1370 USPS 258-820
Feb. 12
GMO Free Josephine County
presents KING CORN, the 4th film
in its series about food issues and
genetically modified crops. The free
screening will take place at the Illi-
nois Valley branch library at 6 p.m.
on Wednesday, February 12.
KING CORN is a documentary
about two friends, one acre of corn,
and the subsidized crop that drives
our fast food nation.
Feb. 13
Did you ever have a hippie
dream? A book signing party will be
on Feb. 13th, from 4-6 p.m. at the of-
fice of the Illinois Valley News, 221
S. Redwood Hwy. Suite C, Author
Kindi Fahrnkopf be autographing her
first edition copy of the paperback
SUBSCRIPTION RATES
One year in Josephine
County - $30.50
One year in Jackson and
Douglas counties - $32.50
One year in all other
Oregon counties and
out-of-state - $39.00
Illinois Valley News does not refund subscriptions.
Remainder of subscription will be donated to the
charity of your choice.
541-592-4110
book Takilma Tales: The Hippie His-
tory of Takilma, Oregon a vivid, ex-
citing and informative history of the
little-known community of Takilma.
Feb. 17
Precious Dirt and the Freedom from
Pesticides Alliance invite you to par-
ticipate in Community Rights Con-
versations, a new group discussion
series on topics. Related to our com-
mon goal of elevating local commu-
nity rights over corporate “rights”.
6:00-6:30 p.m. ~ Social – Coffee/
Tea & Goodies 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. ~
“Who Decides? Our Communities or
Big Corporations?” www.Precious-
Dirt.org 541-597-4809
Feb. 22
Tired of Winter? Join us for
“LOVE BOAT – A
Caribbean
Cruise!” 5 – 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb.
22, at Selma Community Center! 5
p.m: Silent Auction, No-Host Bar &
Rumba Lesson. 6 p.m: Dinner Ca-
tered by The Vine Restaurant, Dance
to Oregon Little Big Band Duo &
Live Auction. Formal or Resort Wear
Please! $25 person, $40 couple. Tick-
ets: Evergreen Federal Bank, C.J. or
G.P. main branch. No ticket sales af-
ter Feb. 14! Special Thanks to Deer
Creek Vineyards, Evergreen Federal
Bank, Wild River Brewing & Pizza.
Fund-raiser for Illinois River Valley
Arts Council’s public benefit pro-
grams. www.irvac.com 541-592-
4444.
News - Dan Mancuso
dan@illinois-valley-news.com
Circulation - Kimberly Potter
office@illinois-valley-news.com
Advertising / Composition
Dan Mancuso
dan@illinois-valley-news.com
Mailroom - Millie Watkins
Office Manager-Laura Mancuso
office@illinois-valley-news.com
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vided they are legible and not
libelous or scurrilous. All let-
ters must be signed, including
name, 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.
Letters are used at the discre-
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