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THE DAILY ASTORIAN • FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 2018
Community steps up for kids through Wishing Tree
By SUE CODY
For The Daily Astorian
When a child opens a gift
on Christmas, she might not
know that the whole commu-
nity came together to bring
her some cheer. Around 300
children were served by the
Astoria Knappa Wishing Tree
Program this year.
Almost everyone has
seen the little yellow bells
on trees in banks and busi-
nesses around Astoria and
Knappa. Each bell represents
a child in need of a gift for
the holiday season. Volun-
teers, led by Denise Cleve-
land, work behind the scenes
for program.
Request forms go home
with children from school and
are available at Clatsop Com-
munity Action (CCA) and
Department of Human Ser-
vices in early November. It is
a need-based program, Cleve-
land says. Before Thanksgiv-
ing, the trees go up, so peo-
ple can take advantage of the
Black Friday sales.
Changes
Until last year, the entire
county was served with food
baskets and the Wishing
Tree Program at the Clatsop
Sue Cody
Denise Cleveland poses with gifts for children at the Clatsop County Fairgrounds. She
took the helm of the Astoria Knappa Wishing Tree Program last year.
County Fairgrounds, but it got
to be too much. Organizers
decided to divide the county
by ZIP codes. Because of that,
Seaside and Warrenton now
have their own programs.
Organizations were over-
whelmed by the work involved
in filling food baskets and dis-
continued that service. Food
is now available at the CCA
Regional Food Bank, where
people can choose their own
ingredients, including many
fresh and frozen vegetables.
For 26 years Barb Roberts
ran the whole county-wide
program and when she retired,
Cybersecurity workshops to be
held Tuesday at Clatsop College
By EDWARD STRATTON
The Daily Astorian
The Clatsop Commu-
nity College Small Business
Development Center is hosting
cybersecurity workshops Tues-
day in Seaside and Astoria.
Skip Newberry, president
and CEO of the Technology
Association of Oregon, will
moderate a discussion with
Lewis Howell, founder and
CEO of Hueya, Inc., a social
media and digital security
company; and Leslie Golden,
who has worked in technol-
ogy for nearly 20 years as a
computer information security
officer. The panel will include
audience participation.
They will cover the latest
The Astoria chapter of
the American Association of
University Women Astoria
hosts Erik Thorsen and Andy
Davis at 7 p.m. Wednesday in
the Flag Room of the Asto-
ria Library, 450 10th St., for
a presentation on why the
passage of health care Bal-
lot Measure 101 is important
to Clatsop County. A question
and answer period follows,
and brochures are available.
Following the bell
Volunteers gather the
request forms and create a bell
for each child, listing his or her
age, gender, request, clothes
and shoe sizes. Requests range
nity is involved. Lots of busi-
nesses and organizations con-
tribute and volunteer. Twenty
people from Rotary brought
gifts. Businesses combined
to sponsor 65 kids.” Others
sponsor entire families. This
year, 75 to 80 percent of the
bells were returned in time for
delivery Dec. 19. “That is a
great return,” says Cleveland.
There are plenty of dona-
tions to supplement areas
that might be a little sparse.
Because of the generosity of
the community, all the fami-
lies will have something for
the holidays.
On pickup day, bikes line
one wall and donations from
a clothes drive by the Asto-
ria School District classified
union line tables with coats,
hats, gloves, etc. The gifts are
hidden in black plastic garbage
bags and Air National Guards-
men line up with shopping
carts to assist people outside.
“This is an awesome tra-
dition,” Guardsman Wayne
Doyle says.
After many, many hours
of volunteer work, Fick says,
“This is very gratifying. This
is the payoff.”
“It’s nice to put a smile on
someone’s face just by giving
a gift,” says Cleveland.
RELIGION BRIEFS
Pacific Unitarian Universalist
threats and vulnerabilities tar-
geting small businesses, mit-
igating risks, remedial mea-
sures, free resources for small
businesses and initiatives in
Oregon to develop a more
informed workforce and safe-
guard small businesses against
cyber threats.
The Seaside workshop is
from is from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
in the college’s South County
Center at 1455 N. Roosevelt
Drive. The Astoria workshop
will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
in Towler Hall Room 310 on
the main campus at 1651 Lex-
ington Ave.
The cost is $20.00. To reg-
ister, visit https://tinyurl.com/
ydavmcsj, email sbdc@clat-
sopcc.edu or call 503-338-2402.
AAUW hosts presentation about
health care Measure 101
The Daily Astorian
Cleveland offered to step in to
keep the Wishing Tree going.
from something as simple as a
blanket, to a high-flying drone.
Shannon Ross chose a cou-
ple of bells off the tree at the
North Coast Fred Meyer. She
has a teenage son and says, “I
always try to pick an older girl
and a boy. Everyone seems to
choose the little kids.”
She likes the idea of strang-
ers being able to help oth-
ers. “It nice to teach kids to
be generous and for kids to
have access to fun stuff at
Christmas.”
Unwrapped gifts are left
under the Wishing Tree, where
volunteers pick up the pack-
ages and deliver them to the
fairgrounds.
Geri Fick and Kathy Sasso,
along with others, have orga-
nized tables so each child has
a number that corresponds to
the Wishing Bell. Gifts are
grouped by family. When the
bell is returned to the fair-
grounds, volunteers can set
gifts on the assigned tables.
This year, Sasso created a
database, so when someone
walked in with baby clothes,
she easily found the families
who had a child the right age
for the gifts.
“This is a good team,” says
Fick. “It is nice to have one
chief, but the whole commu-
information, call Seann Valen at 503-717-
5485, email axcess49@gmail.com or go to
eckankar.org
The Pacific Unitarian Universalist Fel-
lowship holds a service at 11 a.m. Sun-
day at the Performing Arts Center, 588
16th St. The program is “Stories of Jus-
tice.” Members of the fellowship are read-
ing the stories. Religious education for the
children is available each week following
the “Moment with the Children” near the
beginning of the service.
For information, call 503-325-5225,
email pacuuf@gmail.com, or go to www.
pacuuf.org
ILWACO, Washington — The Lower
Columbia Quakers, also known as the
Religious Society of Friends, meets at 3
p.m. Sunday in the Ilwaco Community
Center, 158 First Ave. N. All are wel-
come to visit and participate. For infor-
mation, go to lowercolumbiaquakers.
org
Common Ground Interspiritual
Cannon Beach Community
A Celebration of Spirit, sponsored by
Common Ground Interspiritual Fellow-
ship, meets from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Sun-
day in the Wesley Room at the Astoria First
United Methodist Church, 1076 Franklin
Ave. Use the 11th Street building entrance.
This morning gathering is not defined by
any particular belief system, and is intended
for the “spiritual but not religious,” as well
as those who draw from more than one faith
tradition. For information, go to cgifellow-
ship.org
CANNON BEACH — Cannon
Beach Community Church, 132 E.
Washington St., holds an Evensong ser-
vice at 6 p.m. the first and third Sunday
of the month. All are welcome.
Evensong features Wes Warhmund
(guitar, flute and clarinet) and meditative
songs, Psalms, readings, candlelight and
time for quiet reflection.
For information, call the church at
503-436-1222.
Religious Society of Friends
St. Catherine Episcopal
The public is welcome.
Thorsen is the CEO of
Columbia Memorial Hospital
and has worked in health care
for more than 25 years, with 15
at CMH.
Davis is a data analyst for
Greater Oregon Behavioral
Health Inc., which provides
services to Oregon Health Plan
(OHP) Medicaid clients in
Clatsop County and through-
out rural Oregon.
For more information, con-
tact Sara Meyer at 503-325-7969.
Community HU sing
SEASIDE — A Seaside Community
Eckankar HU Sing takes place at 3 p.m.
Sunday at the Seaside Public Library, 1131
Broadway. Regardless of one’s beliefs or
religion, anyone can sing HU (pronounced
hue), an ancient name for God; it is for the
spiritual upliftment of those who come, and
is not directed to any other purpose. For
Church of Christ
The Church of Christ, 692 12th St.,
hosts Ken Tipps as its guest speaker at
the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service. His topic
is “Why Did Christ Come to Earth?”
based on Isiah 51:10. All are welcome
For information, call 503-791-3235.
First Presbyterian
Crossroads Community
NEHALEM — St. Catherine Episco-
pal Church, 36335 U.S. Highway 101 in
Nehalem, holds a Labyrinth walk from 3 to
5 p.m. Sunday, and the first Sunday of every
month. All are welcome. For information,
go to saintcatherineoregoncoast.org
to legalize abortion. Speakers include
Students for Life Regional Director
Nichole Bentz, Archbishop Alexan-
der Sample, and Oratory winner Karli
Olson.
A van has been donated by Sun-
dial Travel, and it will leave from the
Columbia Memorial Hospital rear park-
ing lot at 11 a.m. The cost is $15 per
person for a sack lunch (indicate any
dietary restrictions), water, and gas.
The van returns at approximately 7 p.m.
Checks need to be given to the St. Mary,
Star of the Sea parish secretary, Amy
Russell, who can be reached at 503-325-
3671. For questions, or to sign up, call
Kathleen Hudson at 503-861-2802.
SVENSEN — Crossroads Commu-
nity Church, a Friends Fellowship, at
40618 Old Highway 30, is holding a Free
Family Film Friday at 6:45 p.m. Friday.
Come enjoy a film and fellowship. This
event is always held the second Friday of
the month. All are welcome. For infor-
mation, call Shawn Leonard, pastor, at
503-949-5033.
Roe v. Wade Memorial
and March
The annual Roe v. Wade Memorial
and March is held at 2:30 p.m. Jan. 14
at Pioneer Square Courthouse Square in
Portland to commemorate the 45th anni-
versary of the Supreme Court decision
The First Presbyterian Church of
Astoria, 1103 Grand Ave., meets Sun-
day at 10 a.m., and features a commu-
nion service. Rev. Bill Van Nostran’s
sermon topic is “What Now?”
Guided meditation is offered every
Thursday night in the Marcotte Room,
led by Sumedha Murdock. Those new to
meditation have an instructional session
at 6:30 p.m.; meditation begins at 7 p.m.
Fellowship Hall is the site of the
“Second Saturdays Market” from 10
a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 13. Arts, crafts and
specialty food are being offered. There is
no cost to attend.
For information, call 503-325-1702,
email pastorbill@fpcastoria.org or go to
fpcastoria.org
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
4-H — Looking for 4-H leaders.
For information, call Sandra Carl-
son at the Oregon State University
Extension at 503-325-8573.
American Red Cross — Needs
registration volunteers (donor am-
bassadors) in Clatsop County to
provide customer service and en-
hance the blood donor experience.
For information, call Angela Basurt-
to at 503-528-5430.
Astoria Column — 1 Coxcomb
Drive. Volunteers needed to wel-
come visitors, provide information
and answer questions about the As-
toria Column and the city of Astoria.
For information, call the Friends of
the Astoria Column Visitor Center at
503-325-2963.
Astoria Riverfront Trolley As-
sociation — 111 W. Marine Drive.
Needs conductors/motormen to
operate trolley and narrate points
of interest. One or more three-hour
shifts per month. For information,
call the 503-325-6311.
Astoria Veteran Van Drivers
— Volunteer drivers needed for the
Disabled American Veterans van for
one or more trips per month. The
van leaves Astoria at 7 a.m. for the
Portland Veterans Administration
Hospital and returns in the early af-
ternoon. To volunteer, contact Dick
Lang, Astoria DAV van coordina-
tor, at 503-298-8757 or dicklang@
charter.net. Drivers receive free
breakfast and lunch vouchers for
the hospital canteen on every trip.
Volunteer
Pick
of the
Week
Caring Adults Developing
Youth (CADY) Mentoring Program
— 800 Exchange St., second floor.
Needs mentors for youths ages 10
to 17 at risk of school failure. Time
commitment: one year, about eight
hours per month. For information,
contact Laura Parker at 503-325-
8601 or lparker@co.clatsop.or.us
Clatsop Care Center — Volun-
teers needed daily for all three meals
to provide one-on-one assistance to
dining dependent residents. Volun-
teers must participate in a 16-hour
training program. For information,
contact Mandy Brenchley at 503-
325-0313, ext. 209.
Dignity coupled with
serenity and innate grandeur.
Never says no to a cuddle.
It’s a perfect time for
a new beginning!
(More on http://Petfinder.com/ )
C LATSOP C OUNTY A NIMAL S HELTER
1315 SE 19 th Street, Warrenton • 861 - PETS
Noon to 4pm, Tues-Sat
CAN & BOTTLE DRIVE
1 P.M.- 3 P.M. • SUNDAY, JANUARY 7 TH
AT ASTORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Ch ec
k th e L a b e
l
!
Senior American
Short-Hair Male
www.dogsncats.org
Cannon Beach Academy
— 3781 S. Hemlock St., Cannon
Beach. Volunteers needed for
breakfast or lunch preparation and
cleanup, reading groups, math
groups, lunch/recess duty and
housekeeping. Shifts are 1.25
hours or longer. For information,
call 503-298-5245.
Clatsop Community Action
Regional Food Bank — Volunteers
needed to help hand out fruits and
vegetables at the weekly produce
pantries for two hours on Thursdays,
from April to October, in Seaside and
Warrenton. Warehouse attendants
are needed for food packing or pro-
cessing, picking orders for agencies,
light janitorial and housekeeping,
or lawn and grounds maintenance.
Three to four-hour shifts are avail-
able Monday through Friday. To vol-
unteer, call 503-861-3663.
Columbia River Maritime Mu-
seum — 1792 Marine Drive. Vol-
unteer opportunities for those with
an interest in maritime history. For
information, call the volunteer coor-
dinator weekdays at 503-325-2323.
Columbia Senior Diners —
1111 Exchange St., Astoria Senior
Center. Volunteers needed week-
days to serve tables and for kitchen
help. To volunteer, call 503-325-
9693.
Community Emergency Re-
sponse Team — CERT volunteers
needed for community events and
disaster response with local police,
fire and emergency medical service
agencies. Training includes fire
safety, first aid, traffic and crowd
control, communications, damage
survey, disaster planning and civic
events within city limits. For infor-
mation, contact CERT coordinator
Kenny Hansen at khansen@as-
toria.or.us or leave a voicemail at
503-325-4411.
Astoria Band Boosters
Toby
Sponsored
By
Astoria Warming Center —
1076 Franklin Ave. Winter overnight
emergency shelter for homeless
persons needs volunteers for three-
hour shifts from evening through the
night to help with welcoming guests,
serving dinner, cleaning the kitchen,
monitoring the sleeping area over-
night, and closing the shelter in the
morning. Volunteers also needed
for weekly litter patrols in the neigh-
borhood. To volunteer, email astori-
awarmingcenter@gmail.com
P LEASE , NO EARLY DROP - OFFS
Items must have the 10 cent, OR redemption label
in order to benefit the band programs
The Band Boosters are the primary source of
funds to keep Astoria’s school band programs
functioning. Please help by dropping off your
empties or making a donation.
Call (503) 791-8134
or email i_want_to_help@astoriabands.org
for more information.
EMERALD HEIGHTS
APARTMENTS
503-325-8221
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APARTMENTS
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