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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 16, 2004)
The INDEPENDENT, September 16, 2004 Swifts put on show in N.W. Portland Join Willapa Hills Audubon Society on September 18 to see one of the largest gather- ings of swifts in America, as they arrive in cloud-like forma- tions over Chapman School, delight crowds of on-lookers, and finally dive into the chim- ney for the night. This is the second year WHAS will visit Chapman School in Portland to experi- ence the fall gathering of Vaux’s swifts that roost in the school’s old chimney. Those attending with WHAS may meet in Longview at 5:30 p.m. WHAS will provide a map to Chapman School. You’re welcome to bring your whole family, chairs and blankets for sitting, binoculars, even a pic- nic dinner if you’d like. Portland Audubon “Swift Watch” volunteers will be there to provide information about the amazing birds and their roost in Chapman’s old chim- ney. Call Susan, 360-423-9679, or Linda, 503-556-9379, to sign up and to get details on car- pooling and where to meet. SOLV’s Beach Cleanup Sept. 18 Saturday, September 18 marks the date for the 21st an- nual Great Oregon Fall Beach Cleanup. The event will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. along the entire Oregon coast. Volunteers may check in at one of 42 meeting sites, pick up a litter bag, and head down to the beach to help improve the coast for wildlife and winter visitors. Coordinators suggest volunteers bring gloves, wear sturdy shoes, and be safe while having a good time! Groups of 20 or more are asked to regis- ter in advance by calling the appropriate Zone Captain. Visit the web site at <www.solv.org> or call 800-333-SOLV for a list of Registration Sites and Zone Captains. New this fall is SOLV’s “Ex- press Check-In.” Volunteers can save time by filling out the Volunteer Registration and Waiver form before the event. The form should be printed and signed, then turned in at the beach to the SOLV representa- tive at the registration table. In- structions and forms can be found on the web site. Last fall, more than 4,400 volunteers removed 22 tons of trash from Oregon’s beaches. Many interesting items were found including a hot water heater, a kitchen sink, a fire- place grate, and five sleeping bags. The first statewide beach cleanup in the nation was held in Oregon in 1984. Since then, twice annual beach cleanups have continued and over the years, 149,000 volunteers have removed 879 tons of trash from Oregon’s coastline. Beach cleanups have spread to every state in the Union and more than 100 countries around the world. “This is a great opportunity for Oregonians and visitors alike to take an active part in preserving and enhancing this great state’s public beaches,” says Executive Director Jack McGowan. Organizers want volunteers to have a fun and safe experi- ence. Everyone should take safety precautions while on the beach. Don’t turn your back on the ocean. Watch for sneaker waves. Don’t play on or around logs. Be aware of incoming tides. Along with SOLV, the cleanup is coordinated by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, and the local coastal haulers, plus the many sponsors who support the event. www.agalis.net By Jacqueline Ramsay First off, I do not just run the streets to f i n d some- thing to g r i p e about – But, when is the highway crew coming back to join all of Ver- nonia’s side streets to the high- way?? How about the “what is it” at the light on Bridge and Rose? How do you safely turn right onto Bridge – 4–5–6–7. Also – since cars have to watch out for kids in a school zone (who, by the way, should have been taught in the first grade, walk to the corner or crosswalk, stop, look left, look right, step off the curb, and walk across the street), how about mandatory in school, les- sons by police to teach children where and how to ride their bi- cycles on streets made for cars and trucks? They zip from street to side walk – jump curbs – when two are together they zig the center of the street, split one on each side and then stop in your lane and look at you like your car does not belong on their street. Hello, chief. Lovely weather, isn’t it? Re- ally. Do you have your rain gut- ters cleaned out? I don’t. Got your windows washed on the outside? Me, neither. Put in your fall flowers? Who, me? It is time to start cutting back or tying off some of our summer plants but the days are too warm for yard work. Right? What’s happenin’ at V. Cares? At present – they are Upcoming at Chef, Christopher Cole is now preparing his gourmet specialties on Friday as well as Saturday Nights. Do your taste buds a favor and don’t miss either night! Sept. 24th Smoked Chicken Orchietta Sept. 25th Prime Rib then Dance to the Music of The Bats from 9-12:30 No cover For information call 503-429-2701 Bits & Bites The Junction UNLIMITED 56K INTERNET R ESTAURANT AND E3620 cw B AR Page 9 503-755-0900 11126 Hwy 202 Birkenfeld, OR 97016 down until October 5. But check these dates – Oct 1, there will be a chicken Bar-B-Q at the Senior Center parking lot; for those that don’t eat chicken, there will be hamburg- ers, trimmings included. Pro- ceeds to V. Cares. Oct 2, Salmon Bento at Salmon Fest and the Lions will again have the kraut and sausage. Pro- ceeds to V. Cares, also. They are both sponsored by other folks in town. Come join the fun food fests and help us help our folks. Also, note this, please. Ver- nonia Cares is served by Unit- ed Way of Columbia County. If you work in the Portland metro area and are giving money to United Way Columbia – Willamette, none of the money is coming into our county. You can, however, designate your donation to “United Way of Co- lumbia County” or any non- profit organization in Columbia County. One more Bite – First day of school, in the 20 mph zone, sweet boy riding one of those il- legal mini bikes in the street in front of Washington Grade School in front of kids and par- ents – who’s in charge of who? Gee – Since started this col- umn they filled in the corner of Rose and Bridge and under- stand from a friend who asked a worker – maybe by mid Octo- ber our streets will connect with the highway. Yes, I will change my phone message – before the snow flies – Ho, Ho, I hope. Question: What’s the black bear on the lamp post on the West end of town doing? Historic Vernonia, Oregon Salmon Festival 2004 Saturday October 2nd FAMILY FUN FOR ALL • Salmon Vewing and Education • Intimate Wine Tasting • Hayrides • Silent and Oral Auctions • Scarecrow Creation • Fine Art Contests and Exhibits • Pumpkin Carving • Live Music