The INDEPENDENT, December 2, 2004 Letters, cont. From Page 3 would keep on rising. That sign means that some- one’s child may be saved from domestic violence. That sign means that a young father may be able to feed his starving children. That sign means that some- one’s teenager may get help in time to prevent their suicide. That sign means that a fam- ily who has lost it all may not have to sleep in their car. That sign means that some- one’s grandmother won’t freeze in their home this winter. That sign means that a mother may learn how to pro- vide for children. That sign means a commit- ment to our neighbors and a belief in the ability to make a difference. Every nickel, dime, or dollar given to United Way is leveraged within the communi- ty to make a significant differ- ence of more than just the amount donated. Every non- monetary donation like a ream of paper or school supplies, means more than its monetary value – it means someone cares. And when you donate your precious hours and volun- teer, you earn more back than imaginable. Personally, I feel honored to volunteer my time serving on the board of this awesome organization and would like to invite my neigh- bors to contact 503-556-3614 or log onto to learn how YOU can make a difference. And remember, if you give at work (especially if you com- mute out of Columbia County), be sure to make a note that you want to designate your contribution to United Way of Columbia County. Thank you for making Co- lumbia County such a special place to work and live. Cathi Callahan Clatskanie Board Member, United Way of Columbia County “Leadership Givers” greatly appreciated To the Editor: As we get under way with United Way campaigns throughout Columbia County, I would like to thank those “Leadership Givers” who pro- vided so much financial support to those in need this past year. Leadership Givers are those who contributed $500 or more to the United Way and are an increasing segment of our pop- ulation who have helped pro- vide the increasing support needed for our county. The 169 individual Leader- ship Givers donated 38.5 per- cent of the total contribution for 2004. This support has come at a most critical time while our county continues to rank among the highest in the coun- try with our unemployment rate. So again, thanks to all of you who continue to help our neigh- bors in need with your gener- ous contributions! Jim Lepin Board Member Columbia County United Way Page 17 Holiday lights at Fairgrounds The Columbia County Fair- grounds will be lit up again this year for the holiday season. The donation of additional lights and Christmas trees from local businesses are helping to continue the expansion of the lighted décor that has been displayed at the Fairgrounds for the past several years. The display will feature San- ta’s Workshop, with elves building toys and getting ready for Santa’s deliveries on Christ- mas Eve. The display will open the day after Thanksgiving and close December 23. The open hours will be 6-9:00 p.m. on November 26, 27, 28 and De- cember 4, 5, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23. The Columbia County Fair- grounds is located at 58892 Saulser Rd in St. Helens. Professional Directory Terry P. Tobin, O.D. Doctor of Optometry M APLE S TREET C LINIC , P.C. Providence Medical Group “Medical Care for the Entire Family” Family and Community Medicine Taking New Patients 510 Bridge Street, Vernonia, Oregon 97064 503-357-2136 FAMILY VISION CARE Mon-Fri, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm • Sat 10:30 am-12:00 noon GLASSES - CONTACT LENSES 1825 M APLE S TREET • F OREST G ROVE For Appointment Phone: 503-429-7008 Wednesdays 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Most insurance accepted. Call for information. 622 Bridge Street, Vernonia VALLEY VETERINARY CLINIC Large & Small Animals 9 am-5:30 pm, Every Thursday 58376 Nehalem Hwy. S. Vernonia Call for Appointment: 1-503-556-3084 26072 Hwy. 30, Rainier Massage Therapy Swedish • Deep Tissue • Reflexology • Relaxation Relief for stress, chronic pain, soft tissue injury, whiplash. Medical Referrals Accepted • Insurance Billed HOLIDAY GIFT CERTIFICATES Marie Krahn, LMT 503-429-5180 L ICENSED & C ERTIFIED • L ICENSE N O . 5495 Massage by Missy Swedish • Shiatsu • Reflexology • Relaxation Injury Management • Deep Tissue • Prenatal Gift Certificates Available 503-970-2891 • 503-429-4961 902 Bridge Street, Vernonia • Lic. #5218 Please remember… 20 mph in School Zones at All Times, not just when children are present. 503-429-9191 Phyllis Gilmore, M.D. Judith Hargis, P.A.C. COLUMBIA COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH Outpatient Alcohol & Drug Services INDIVIDUAL – COUPLE – FAMILY – GROUP Driving Under the Influence Program • ODL Monitoring Call for App’t. 503-429-1053 Vernonia Dental Dr. Christopher M. Scheuerman, DMD Accepting New Patients Mon. thru Thurs. • 8:00 am - 5:00 p.m. For Appointment Call (503) 429-0880 622 Bridge Street, Vernonia OR 97064