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About Illinois Valley news. (Cave City, Oregon) 1937-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 9, 2017)
YOUR HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER SINCE 1937 Illinois Valley News Wednesday, August 9, 2017, 1 Section, Volume LXXX No. 20 $1.00 Published weekly for the residents of the Illinois Valley IVFD to the rescue! RR - 5 weed ban coming Jason McMillen IVN Contributing Writer (Photo by Ned Booth, IVFD Media Dept, for the Illinois Valley News) Firefighter Austin Elesky uses a chainsaw to vent the roof during a structure fire early Wednesday, August 2. IVFD and AMR resopnded to the 100 block of S. Sawyer Ave. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation. I.V. Wellness Resources, caring for the Valley’s seniors “ A lot of seniors who have health problems are stuck in their homes and they don’t get out much and they feel really lonely which contributes to their health declining even more,” Laura Mancuso, program coordinator Jason McMillen IVN Contributing Writer In a rural community, it’s sometimes difficult for the elderly and disabled to find the resources they need to survive outside of institutionalized care. Illinois Valley Wellness Resources (IVWR), a nonprofit organization that seeks to assist this group of citizens stay in their homes for long as safely possible, has been busily stepping up the scope of their services over the last six months following the results of a survey that investigated their needs. Laura Mancuso, program coordinator for IVWR, is spearheading the effort by creating a list of workers that seniors can depend upon for pre-screened help around their property. With an extensive background in health education, caregiving and social work plus a degree in community health promotion, the IVWR Board of Directors thought Mancuso to be a prime candidate for the position which she assumed in January 2017. The idea for the list was sparked six months ago when IVWR found out, via the aforementioned survey, that a great many of the seniors and disabled in the area were in need of transportation, yard workers, handymen and firewood suppliers but were afraid to call for help because of the fear that they might get taken advantage of. To quell this fear, anyone who wishes to be added to the resource list must pass a background check, have several references and be interviewed, in person, by Mancuso. After potential workers are properly vetted they will enjoy a boost to their customer base and the seniors and disabled of the Illinois Valley can be confident that their dignity and property will be respected. The list so far is primarily made up of caregivers, handy men, housekeepers and yard workers. Illinois Valley residents with the equipment and ability to collect, cut, stack and transport firewood are still needed, and also help with transportation is sorely needed. IVWR can also help connect the elderly and disabled to other health and social services that they need, and also provide home safety evaluations, senior companions and wellness checks. The Caring Caller program, a newcomer added onto IVWR’s list of referential services, aims to introduce seniors and disabled community members to one another so that they can check-in intermittently or perhaps even form a friendship. “A lot of seniors who have health problems are stuck in their homes and they don’t get out much and they feel really lonely which contributes to their health declining even more,” Mancuso said. Although the Caring Caller program is still in its infancy, and looking for volunteers, it has thus far met with some success as the first two seniors who volunteered have laid the groundwork for a lasting friendship. Another service that’s currently being investigated by IVWR is an internet based mobile grocery service which could bring food and other necessities straight to the doorstep of those in need. Those without internet access, or the know-how to use it, would be able to call a staff member and they, in turn, could place the order for them. If you are interested in a mobile grocery service or any other service already provided by IVWR or you would like to have your services added to the IVWR resource list, you can contact Mancuso at 541- 592-9781 or email ivwellnessresources@gmail.com. You can also view their Facebook page at Facebook.com/ivwellnessresources. As of July 19, 2017, Order No. 2017-034, which aims to start the process of regulating, and perhaps prohibiting, Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) cannabis production in Rural Residential (RR) zones, was signed by the county commissioners. The order was justified by the board because 63.85 percent of voters in May, responding to measure 17-81’s advisory question, voted in favor of banning cannabis production in RR zones. In summary, and when combined with changes to cannabis law made at the state level, a great many—or possibly even the majority—of current OLCC and OMMP (Oregon Medical Marijuana Program) operations could be effectively shut down or greatly reduced in size. The 173 operations who have completed LUCS (Land Use Compatibility Statement) applications, regarding the cultivation of cannabis on RR land, but have not completed their application with the OLCC, will receive notice that the county is considering regulations that could result in the prohibition of their operation. The current 86 farms on RR land that have been fully approved by both the county and the OLCC will also be advised that the county is considering a prohibition which may impact their operation. SEE MARIJUANA ON A-3 I.V. Rocks! By Laura Mancuso IVN Staff Bringing our community together with “joy through painting and finding the rocks that others have painted and posted” is the focus of the Facebook page IV Rocks, said IV Rocks administrator Roman Mercado when explaining what IV Rocks is all about. IV Rocks was founded in October 2016 by the staff and volunteers at Illinois Valley Head Start and Pam White, Tina Jones and Mercado are the administrators of the Facebook page. Mercado who is involved in volunteering at Head Start and is a former parent was asked to take the lead on the project. His goal was to “get the community involved by promoting creativity and to engage more family quality time.” IV Rocks works by families in the community painting the front side of rocks in a creative way and then painting “IV Rocks” on the backside. The painters then hide the rocks within the Illinois Valley for others to find. Once a rock is found, they can keep it or rehide it. If able, participants take a photograph of the rock and/or themselves and post it on the Facebook page with a message. “In our IV Rocks Facebook page you can find pictures of our community painting, hiding and finding rocks. It’s exciting to see!” said Mercado. “It makes people smile, creates a positive image in our great community,” said Diane Chirrick, Healthy U volunteer who participates in IV Rocks. Participants paint rocks with a variety of designs and colors; anything from rainbows, dragonflies, hearts and flowers to tigers, fish, cars or poetry. “It promotes going outside to find the rocks to paint – painting them – then deciding where to leave them for others to find,” explained Jones, a teacher at Head Start. SEE ROCKS ON A-12 2017 Josephine County Fair is right around the corner: Read about it on A-5 (Courtesy photo for the Illinois Valley News)
