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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (April 7, 2018)
4 A ❘ SATURDAY EDITION ❘ APRIL 7, 2018 Siuslaw News P.O. Box 10 Florence, OR 97439 NED HICKSON , EDITOR Opinion Wilbur Ternyik’s legacy is of constant relevance I n the early ’90s, when my husband, Gene, and I were first dating, we made plans to attend a large antique show in Portland. Gene asked if I’d mind if we met up with a friend of his who was also going and who collected Native American memorabilia. “Maybe if we follow him around, we can pick up some pointers,” he said. We met in the parking lot early in the morning. Introductions were brief, as Wilbur was anxious to get started. He was wearing what I later learned was his sig- nature attire, a beautifully fringed and weathered Cree jacket worth more than my sports car. His wife, Joyce, walked quickly beside him and Gene and I trailed along behind for the next several hours, watching sea- soned dealers greet him with respect and deference as they unearthed prized arti- facts from behind their booths. This was the serious stuff that didn’t get put out on display for the public. A Navajo rug, a Hopi hat, a pair of beaded moccasions — Wilbur would examine each item carefully, say a few appreciative words, nod his approval and move on. This scene was repeated throughout the day, without a single purchase made. “Who is this guy?” I asked Gene. “Wilbur...?” he paused. “Well, I’m not sure where to start.” A year or so later, when Gene and I married and I relocated to Florence, Wilbur and Joyce were the first of my husband’s friends to warmly welcome me. “I like your new wife,” he said to Gene. “You should keep her.” And in 1998, when I opened Mon Ami, they quickly became regulars for lunch, often returning again in the afternoon for coffee and dessert. Wilbur was quick to let me know he wasn’t allowed to order anything by himself. No, he was on a tight leash and Joyce was in charge. Of everything. Just ask her. “Wilbur,” I’d say. “What are you hun- gry for today?” “I don’t know,” he’d shake his head. “You’ll have to check with my wife.” By this time, I knew a little of the backstory and that Wilbur Ternyik was kind of a big deal. I knew he’d been the mayor, more than once, and that he used a tomahawk for a gavel. I knew he’d served A Remembrance B Y C INDY B RENT W OBBE as a port commissioner and a city coun- cilor, that he was close friends with important people like Senator Mark Hatfield and Governor Tom McCall. My husband had spoken often of Wilbur’s contributions to the City of Florence and the Port of Siuslaw, of his wisdom and foresight and leadership, and his distinguished service in WWII. But the Wilbur I knew, and have known for the last 20 years, wouldn’t order a piece of carrot cake unless his wife said he could — because Joyce really was in charge, and that’s just how he liked it. In reality, their marriage and devotion to each other was the love story all movies aspire to tell. Over the next few weeks, as word of his passing makes its way throughout the state of Oregon and beyond, there will be many who will speak and write in reference and defer- ence to Wilbur’s iconic and legendary life. You can Google his name and spend the next several hours reading about him. It’s all true. Throughout his adult life, and most cer- tainly while in his prime, he was a power- ful and respected presence and a man who got things done. Even into his late 80s, after he’d “retired” from active public service, he stayed involved and informed about current and local issues. He felt the entrance at Highways 101 and 126 was underwhelming and some- what uncomplementary of Florence. So he decided to tackle the landscaping all along the intersection in front of True Value. Arolf Salo donated all of the plants in memory of his late wife, Shirley, and Wilbur and Joyce provided the design and the labor. They continued to maintain it, weeding the beds and trimming the bush- es in the afternoons and evenings, until they could no longer physically do so. The last few years of his life were chal- lenging for Wilbur. He was plagued by debilitating headaches and the pain was often difficult for him to manage. He suf- fered from PTSD and experienced re- occuring nightmares of horrifying memo- ries from WWII. It seemed to get worse as time went on. More recently, there were tell-tale signs of demen- tia and conversations would often focus on the past. There were moments when he didn't think anyone remembered him, who he was or what he’d done. And yet, he was still very much Wilbur. Still wanting to be relevant and informed, still wanting to contribute — and still wanting to matter. But he was fading, and the window of opportunity to give him one last hurrah — one last public recognition while he could truly appreciate and revel in it — was quickly closing. His “good days” were becoming fewer and fewer. In May of 2016, the Chamber of Commerce named him the Grand Marshall of the Rhododendron Festival and Grand Floral Parade. My husband drove a friend’s vintage Mustang while Wilbur sat in the passenger seat, wearing his signature fringed buckskin jacket and waving his tomahawk to and fro. Joyce and I hunkered down in the back seat and watched as the crowds along the highway cheered and waved and called out “Thank you, Wilbur! Thank you, Mr. Ternyik!” They knew him, and they remembered. It was a definitely one of his “good days.” About that same time, writer Catherine Rourke wanted to write a feature article on Wilbur as part of Siuslaw News’ “Extraordinary People” series and asked if I could facilitate an interview. Joyce and I chatted about it, neither of us sure it was a good idea. But on another good day, we all met down at Bridgeport Market for what turned out to be Wilbur’s final Q&A for publication. He wandered a bit during the interview, and we all tried to help fill in the blanks, but at the final question it was all Wilbur, true to form, straight to the point. “Tell me, Wilbur,” asked Catherine. “What advice can you offer younger gen- erations about the evils of war? If you could leave us just one little kernel of truth and wisdom about your experience in battle, what would it be?” Wilbur sighed, smiled and then thoughtfully answered, “I don’t recom- mend it.” LETTERS N ATIONAL SALES TAX The national Constitution envisioned financially supporting the federal admin- istration primarily with import tariffs and user fees. Citizens have the right to sell to the American market; it’s a privilege for a foreigner, thus licensable, regulatable and taxable. Any tax upon a business is passed through to its consumers. Taxing foreign providers makes their goods and services cost more, compared to those not taxed. The presumed loss of business can be a punishment to that provider. Congress delegated their taxing authority to the executive branch regard- ing tariffs. China has been growing its domestic and global markets where a blip in busi- ness to one nation has little impact. It could be considered desirable giving pause to their massive business expan- sions. Tax avoidance is a global past time with items that once came directly now taking a detour. The heavy bureaucratic hand of regu- lations and taxation remains the greatest expense imposed on domestic business; it’s why we now import most of our goods and services. The foreign vs. domestic price differ- ence is not easily erased by the new tar- iffs. To add insult, foreign materials used here to produce product means domestic finished goods also increase in price, remaining non-competitive. The national Constitution envisioned import and excise taxes uniformly applied. Its a national sales tax on imported materials and goods with some protection of domestic industry. It becomes a punishment when applied to specific products from specific nations — but the new tariffs don’t harm China while definitely harming Americans. Essentially, it is just a great excuse for additional taxes from Americans. — Keith Stanton Florence V IOLENT ACTIONS CAN ’ T BE CONDONED As a supporter of the aerial spray ban, I do not condone violent threats leveled against county commissioners. I abhor violence of any type. And in my heart and mind, I believe — and many others agree — that spraying toxic herbicides from helicopters is a particularly heinous type of violence. Since we know that the county com- missioners also don’t condone violent behavior, why are they not acting to stop the violent actions against Lane County residents and the environment by indus- trial timber companies? —Marge Holman Eugene K ENT FOR POSITIVE CHANGE It’s been a long time since my husband and I have been so enthusiastic about a local political candidate. Her name is Nora Kent, and she’s running for West Lane County Commissioner. I’ve known Nora for over 35 years and can testify to her intelligence, com- petence and ability to make change hap- pen. As an instructor and administrator of LCC’s Adult Basic Education Dept. in Florence, I feel she has an intimate knowledge of our county’s resources. She lives in rural Lane County though, not in Florence, so she knows both worlds firsthand. Her priorities are creating living wage jobs, implementing the state’s Clean Energy Jobs Bill, increasing tourism (especially agritourism), building afford- able housing, opening access to health- care and protecting our forests and water- ways. She listens and she cares. She’s a team player with vision and energy. I encourage those living in West Lane County to join me in voting for Nora Kent. —Mary Moffat Walton ❘ 541-902-3520 ❘ NHICKSON @ THESIUSLAWNEWS . COM The First Amendment C ongress shall make no law respecting an estab- lishment of religion or prohibiting the free exer- cise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. USPS# 497-660 Copyright 2017 © Siuslaw News Published every Wednesday and Saturday at 148 Maple St. in Florence, Lane County, Oregon. A member of the National Newspaper Association and Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association. Periodicals postage paid at Florence, Ore. Postmaster, send address changes to: Siuslaw News, P.O. Box 10, Florence, OR 97439; phone 541-997-3441; fax 541-997-7979. All press releases may be sent to PressReleases@TheSiuslawNews.com. Publisher, ext. 318 Editor, ext. 313 Consulting Editor 831-761-7353 Email: echalhoub@register-pajaronian.com Marketing Director, ext. 326 Office Supervisor, ext. 312 Production Supervisor Press Manager Jenna Bartlett Ned Hickson Erik Chalhoub Susan Gutierrez Cathy Dietz Ron Annis Jeremy Gentry DEADLINES: Wednesday Issue—General news, Monday noon; Budgets, four days prior to publication; Regular classified ads, Monday 1 p.m.; Display ads, Monday noon; Boxed and display classified ads, Friday 5 p.m. Saturday Issue—General news, Thursday noon; Budgets, two days prior to publication; Regular classifiedad,sThursday 1 p.m.; Display ads, Thursday noon; Boxed and display classified ads, Wednesday 5 p.m. Soundings, Tuesday 5 p.m. NEWSPAPER SUBSCRIPTION RATES: In Lane County — 1-year subscription, $76; 6-month in-county, $52; 10-weeks subscription, $23; Out of Lane County — 1-year subscription,$99; 6-month out-of-county, $65; 10-weeks subscription, $29; Out of State — 1- year subscription, $125; E-Edition Online Only (Anywhere) — 1-year subscription, $71. Mail subscription includes E-Edition. Website and E-Edition: TheSiuslawNews.com L ETTERS TO THE P OLICY E DITOR The Siuslaw News welcomes letters to the editor as part of a community discussion of issues on the local, state and national level. Emailed letters are preferred. Handwritten or typed letters must be signed. All letters need to include full name, address and phone number; only name and city will be printed. Letters should be limited to about 300 words. Letters are subject to editing for length, grammar and clarity. Publication of any letter is not guaranteed and depends on space available and the volume of letters received. Letters that are anonymous, libelous, argumen- tative, sarcastic or contain accusations that are unsourced or documented will not be published. Letters containing poetry or from outside the Siuslaw News readership area will only be pub- lished at the discretion of the editor. P OLITICAL /E LECTION L ETTERS : Election-related letters must address pertinent or timely issues of interest to our readers at-large. Letters must 1) Not be a part of letter-writing campaigns on behalf of (or by) candidates; 2) Ensure any information about a candidate is accu- rate, fair and not from second-hand knowledge or hearsay; and 3) explain the reasons to support candidates based on personal experience and per- spective rather than partisanship and campaign- style rhetoric. Candidates themselves may not use the letters to the editor column to outline their views and plat- forms or to ask for votes; this constitutes paid polit- ical advertising. As with all letters and advertising content, the newspaper, at the sole discretion of the publisher, general manager and editor, reserves the right to reject any letter that doesn’t follow the above crite- ria. Send letters to: nhickson@thesiuslawnews.com WHERE TO WRITE E ASTER EGG HUNT The grass was damp, but the sun was shining bright for the 2018 annual Florence Community Easter Egg Hunt, hosted by the Siuslaw High School Interact Club and sponsored by the Rotary Club of Florence. Hundreds of hardy youngsters were rewarded with nearly 4,000 colorful Easter eggs filled with treats and prizes to put in their baskets, bags and boxes. The Siuslaw High School Interact Club, in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Florence, want to thank Grocery Outlet, Wind Drift Gallery, Siuslaw News, KCST Radio, and the Florence Rotary Club for their support of this annual community event. Without them, it would not be possible. We also thank the Florence Police Department, Siuslaw Valley and Rescue Fire and the Easter Bunny for joining us this year. Our area youth continually benefit from these and other generous business- es, organizations and individuals who support Florence. In addition, thank you to the commu- nity for supporting our efforts by attend- ing this event. See you next Easter! —SHS Interact Club, Katie Prosser and Jenna Bartlett, Rotary Advisers, SHS Interact Pres. Donald Trump The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington, D.C. 20500 Comments: 202-456-1111 Switchboard: 202-456-1414 FAX: 202-456-2461 TTY/TDD Comments: 202-456-6213 www.whitehouse.gov Gov. Kate Brown 160 State Capitol 900 Court St. Salem, Ore. 97301-4047 Governor’s Citizens’ Rep. Message Line: 503-378-4582 www.oregon.gov/gov U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden 221 Dirksen Senate Office Bldg Washington, DC 20510 202-224-5244 541-431-0229 www.wyden.senate.gov U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley 313 Hart Senate Office Bldg Washington, DC 20510 202-224-3753/FAX: 202- 228-3997 541-465-6750 www.merkley.senate.gov U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio ( 4 th Dist.) 2134 Rayburn HOB Washington, DC 20515 202-225-6416 541-269-2609 541-465-6732 www.defazio.house.gov State Sen. Arnie Roblan ( Dist. 5 ) 900 Court St. NE - S-417 Salem, OR 97301 503-986-1705 FAX: 503-986-1080 Email: Sen.ArnieRoblan@ oregonlegislature.gov State Rep. Caddy McKeown ( Dist. 9 ) 900 Court St. NE Salem, OR 97301 503-986-1409 Email: rep.caddymckeown @state.or.us West Lane County Commissioner Jay Bozievich 125 E. Eighth St. Eugene, OR 97401 541-682-4203 FAX: 541-682-4616 Email: Jay.Bozievich@ co.lane.or.us
