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Illinois Valley News, Cave Junction, Ore. Wednesday, March 21, 2018
Guest Opinoin: by Anita Savio
Wow! This past weekend I had the
chance to participate in a great American
institution - meeting with like-minded citizens
to agree on our party’s political platform.
The occasion was the Oregon Democratic
Party Platform Convention in Salem, and the
purpose of the convention was to come to
agreement on the platform planks and a list of
legislative action items. (The planks are the
“what;” the legislative action items are the
“how.”) The proceedings were pure democracy
in action.
The first thing that impressed me was
how the proceedings followed strict rules of
order: We had motions, proposed amendments
to motions, proposed amendments to an
amendment, pro and con discussion on each
motion or amendment, motions to call the
question and votes on those motions, voice
votes, standing votes when the voice vote was
close, and votes tabulated by county when the
standing vote was close. We even voted on
motions to suspend the rules on motions.
Whew! The strict rules-governed
procedures were a little overwhelming at first,
but after a while I could see how they ensured
a democratic decision process.
Among the most rewarding parts of the
experience for me, personally, were the several
times I had the opportunity -- and found the
courage -- to stand up at the microphone
and present my own point of view! I was
particularly proud when one of my personal
amendments was adopted by the Criminal
Justice work group.
But if I have to choose the very best part,
it was this: After I stood up to argue against the
wording of a particular motion, the convention
chair encouraged several of us, representing
the pro and con sides, to huddle together to see
if we could arrive at consensus. We huddled,
we listened, we respected ... and found that
consensus. Our solution was subsequently
validated by the resounding “aye” votes of the
convention delegates.
Did I agree with every decision made at
the convention? No. There were some majority
decisions where I was in the minority. But
that’s not the point. The point is the wonderful
and empowering democratic (with a small “d”)
process that made me so proud and happy to
be an American!
Tour season opens at Oregon Caves
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’ encour-
ages 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 letters. Letters are used at the
discretion of the publisher.
***
(Editor’s Note: Views and com-
mentary, including statements
made as fact are strictly those
of the letter writers.)
Reader not a friend
of Democrats
This is in response to
the Illinois Valley Democrats
- they will do anything to
destroy Donald Trump.
They will fight him anyway
possible to stop him from
making America great again.
This is about all they care
about. They can beg all they
want for votes, people aren’t
stupid.
John Hubbard
Cave Junction
A new season of cave tours begins Saturday, March 24, 2018. During early
spring, tours are available Thursday through Monday only, from 10:00 a.m. to
4:00 p.m.. No tours offered Tuesday and Wednesday until after May 3. Tours are
available first come, first served, and by reservation. Reservations are available
at www.recreation.gov. Spring Break is traditionally very busy, call ahead for
current wait times.
Cave tours last 90 minutes and have a limit of 15 people each. For their
safety, children must be at least 42-inches tall to take a tour. If you plan to visit
early in the spring be aware that bad weather may cause road closures or tour
cancellations; be prepared for ice and snow on roads and trails leading to the
cave. Call ahead for current conditions
Bat populations at the cave are threatened by the spread of “white-nose
syndrome,” a fungus that is devastating bat populations. The Monument is
trying to protect its bat population and needs your help. If you have any items
that have been worn or used in any other cave or mine please leave those items
at home.
Year round, visitors should be prepared for the caves’ cool, year round 44
degree temperatures. Bring warm clothing, even during the summer months.
The cave is lit – flashlights are not needed. Cameras with flash units are
permitted, although there are restrictions in bat roosting areas.
Cave tours will continue through Nov. 4, 2018. Tours are available on a
first-come, first-served basis and by reservation. Reservations are recommended
during the busy season. The Discovery Tour fee is $10 for adults and $7 for
youth ages 15 and under. The Monument accepts the Interagency Senior Pass
and Access Pass for a half price tour admission. Tour fees help to fund guides
and projects that improve Monument facilities and visitor services, such as
restoration of the historic Chateau.
Minimal food services are available by the Natural History Association
through early May. The Historic Chateau will open with food, lodging, and gift
shop services on May 3. For reservations, visit www.recreation.gov. For more
information about cave tours, call 541-592-2100 or visit www.nps.gov/orca. For
information about dining, lodging and reservations at the Chateau, call 541-592-
3400.
~Letter of Thanks~
Obituaries
Robert (Bob) Eckert
passed away peacefully Feb. 24,
2018. He was born in New York
State, the youngest of 12 children,
in 1928. When he was 17 he joined
the Navy, and spent four years as a
clerk, while also driving the ship’s
captain to various meetings.
After service, he met and mar-
ried the love of his life, Florence
Stone. She had three children from
a previous marriage, who welcomed
him as their new dad. Bob and Flor-
ence had many happy years togeth-
er. They enjoyed boating, traveling
to exotic places, they loved getting
together with family for evenings of
comraderie, playing games, and es-
pecially poker games.
The family moved from New
York to Santa Barbara California
in 1958, where Bob took a job as
a plumber. He worked there many
years, and upon retirement, he and
Flo decided to move to Oregon
to be closer to their family. They
shared many years together in
Grants Pass and Cave Junction
before Florence passed away in
1999.
Bob will be missed by
his children, grandchildren and
many good friends. His family
will celebrate and honor his life
at a get together this summer.
We would like to thank the I.V. News (Dan the paper man Mancuso)
for the wonderful article on Carl. Also a huge THANKS to American
Legion Post 70. Masonic Lodge # 18 and Easter Star for everything.
And Slyvianne Irons for playing for me. Also the love and support of
the city and our friends and family from all over. For a while the only
thing holding us up was love and prayers. They still are but we’ll get
better at it. We’re a strong community and we appreciate the support.
Thank God for everyone. God bless you all.
The Jacobson/Korrell family
Betty, Carla, David, Jacob and Harpo.
I llINoIs V alley F uNeral D Irectors
www.since1928Hull.com
541-592-4110
Save the date
March 21
IVHS girls’ varsity softball game at
home versus Butte Falls High School at 3 and
5 p.m.
the hikes and online reservations: https://
TableRockHikes2018.eventbrite.com. For in-
formation, contact the Medford District BLM
at 541.618.2200, M-F, 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
March 23
April 1
IVHS boys’ varsity baseball game at
home versus Glendale High School at 3 and
5 p.m.
IVHS girls’ varsity softball game at
home versus Glendale High School at 3 and
5 p.m.
Please join Illinois Valley Baptist Church
on Easter Sunday, April 1, for the first service
in our new building! 329 Caves Highway in
CJ at 10:30 am.
March 24
Saturday, March 24, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Up-
per Table Rock
Catch a Rainbow! Celebrate spring
break with Molly Allen, BLM Environmental
Education Specialist, on a general informa-
tion hike to the top of the Rock that’s suitable
for the whole family. It’s a wonderful intro-
duction to wildflower identification, ethno-
botany, geology, wildlife, ecology, and cul-
tural history at the Upper Table Rock.
Meet at the trailhead at 9 a.m. for the
2.5–4.5 mile round trip hike up 800 feet along
a moderate grade trail. Dress for the weath-
er and terrain; bring water and snacks since
hikes to the top may last 3-5 hours. Restrooms
are available only at the trailhead; there is no
drinking water. To help protect this special
place, no dogs or vehicles are allowed on the
trail.
The hike is free but reservations are re-
quired as space is limited. Information about
Illinois
Valley
News
Published weekly by
I.V. News LLC
Daniel J. Mancuso, Publisher
April 8
Democracy at Risk 2: Real News, Fake
News & Freedom of the Press, A nonparti-
san panel and community dialogue. Sunday,
April 8, from 3 -5 p.m. at the Kerby Belt
Building. Free admission and refresh-
ments. Informed citizens are the lifeblood
of democracy. But how do we figure out
what information is truthful, and which
news sources are reliable? For questions call
541-761-4746 or email IllinoisValleyIndivis-
ible@gmail.com.
Continuing
*Evergreen Elementary school is look-
ing for SMART (Start Making A Reader To-
day) volunteers. The program will run Tues-
days through Thursdays and volunteers are
asked to come to Evergreen around 11:30
a.m. and will be out at 12:45 p.m. To learn
more about the SMART program you can call
541-734-5628 or visit the website at www.
getSMARToregon.org.
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
Since 1937 periodicals postage
paid at Cave Junction, OR 97523
P.O. Box 1370 USPS 258-820
SUBSCRIPTION RATES
One year in Josephine
County - $35
One year in Jackson and
Douglas counties - $36
One year in all other
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Illinois Valley News does not refund subscriptions.
Remainder of subscription will be donated to the
charity of your choice.
*The I.V. Senior Thrift Store: Join the
crew and make new friends. You don’t need
to be a senior citizen to volunteer at the store.
Call us at 541-592-6630. Open Monday – Sat-
urday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Illinois Valley Democrats meet the 2nd
Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. to
12 p.m. at the I.V. Family Coalition, 535 E.
River St. in Cave Junction. Join with like-
minded people for camaraderie and to plan
actions in support of the Democratic agenda.
Call Anita 541-592-3073 to confirm meeting
days. Check us out on FB!
Public Health Clinic- Location: I.V.
Family Coalition, 535, E. River St., CJ, 1st
Thursday of every Month services offered STI
Testing/Treatment, Women’s Health Exams
(Annuals/Problem Visits), Birth Control (All
Methods Available), Pregnancy Testing, Pre-
pregnancy counseling. 3rd Thursday of every
Month: STI testing/treatment, birth control
counseling (methods limited), Pregnancy
Testing, Immunizations. Call 541-474-5329
for an appointment, and make sure to tell the
receptionist to schedule you in CJ. Walk-ins
welcome! Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
*The Sheriff’s Office Substation in
Cave Junction is now open on Mondays,
Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 10 to 2. Volunteers
are still needed to staff additional days.Ap-
plications are available at the substation or on
line at http://www.co.josephine.or.us/Files/
News - Dan Mancuso
dan@illinois-valley-news.com
Editor -Laura Mancuso
laura@illinois-valley-news.com
Classified Ads -Laura Mancuso
laura@illinois-valley-news.com
Circulation - Laura Mancuso
laura@illinois-valley-news.com
Advertising / Composition -
Dan Mancuso
dan@illinois-valley-news.com
Mailroom - Millie Watkins
Volunteer%20Application.Mar%202014.pdf.
*Cave Junction Patrol, LLC is looking
for volunteers. CJ Patrol is a private citizen
volunteer organization dedicated to effective-
ly addressing heretofore-unchecked property
crime in our city and neighborhoods. The pri-
mary mission of CJ Patrol is to prevent, in-
terrupt, report and decrease property crime in
the city of Cave Junction. Call 541-592-9665
or visit cjpatrol.org.
*Committee Meeting STATE OF JEF-
FERSON Josephine County 1st Thursday of
each month at 5:30 p.m. Black Forest Restau-
rant, Grants Pass and 3rd Thursday of each
month at 6 p.m., Wild River Pizza in Cave
Junction.
* Illinois Valley Indivisible, a grassroots
community dedicated to the nonviolent de-
fense of our democratic system and basic hu-
man rights, meets the 2nd and 4th Mondays
of each month from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. at the I.V.
Family Coalition, 535 E. River Street in Cave
Junction. More info at www.facebook.com/
I.V. Indivisible.
*Your public library has activities hap-
pening every week! Storytime reader, Mela-
nie, has crafts and stories for kids of all ages
Saturdays from 12-1:30 p.m. For more infor-
mation contact Roberta Lee at 541-592-4770.
IV Branch, Josephine Community Libraries,
209 W Palmer St, CJ
DEADLINES:
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POLICY ON LETTERS:
‘Illinois Valley News’ encour-
ages letters to the editor pro-
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-
tion of the publisher.