Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (April 6, 2006)
The INDEPENDENT, April 6, 2006 Page 13 Oregon Zoo has opportunities for adult and youth volunteers Do you enjoy interacting with people and animals? The Ore- gon Zoo has opportunities for youth and adult volunteers to work at least one three-and-a- half-hour shift per week from mid-May through Labor Day in the Winged Wonders butterfly exhibit as ZooAmbassadors. Orientations are scheduled on April 12, 19 and 22. ZooAmbassadors provide general animal and exhibit in- formation to visitors, while spending time with colorful but- terflies in the butterfly garden. April is also Grange Month, April 17 is the date to find out more All those interested in learn- ing more about the Community Grange are invited to a meeting on April 17, at 7:00 p.m. at the community Grange Hall on North St. in Vernonia. “The Vision for the Grange” is that the Grange in the 21st century will be a pre-eminent organization. It will commit to the develop- ment of the potential in fami- lies, youth and adults of all ages through dynamic pro- grams and experiences that educate, engage and enrich lives. The Grange will be noted for its commitment to the member- ship through its enabled lead- ership, its financial and organi- zational strength, and its ability to make differences in the lives of children, youth, families and individuals. The Grange will be a rele- vant, caring and involved part of the community in which its members are located. It will be well known and understood and considered a viable, in- volved and distinctive organi- zation. Members can expect in the organization a clear and im- pressive pathway to fellowship with leaders and citizens of the community. Meet and make new friends and have the op- portunity to lead and be led while serving the community. The Grange has been an ac- tive organization in Vernonia since 1902 and meets in a building that was constructed in 1907. If this interests you or you want to learn more, we hope to see you on April 17. mEGGa Easter Egg Hunt The mEGGa Easter Egg Hunt will be held April 15 at the Columbia County Fairgrounds from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. In the spirit of community, local organizations, businesses and public officials come together to create the day of fun for the kids of Columbia County. “This is the sixth year of the mEGGa Easter Egg Hunt and we continue to grow a little each year,” said Committee Chair Evelyn Hudson. “The process of cleaning, stuffing and organizing a hunt of 20,000 eggs is a year-round project. This has always been one of my favorite events be- cause, with the help of volun- teers and community dona- tions, the event is free to the public, there are not a lot of those left,” said Hudson. The siren from a Columbia River Fire & Rescue fire engine will blow promptly at 11:00 a.m. to officially start this year’s hunt. The ground is divided up by age groups and volunteers spend the morning spreading out the eggs in each area. Over 150 eggs are filled with golden egg tickets that kids bring in- side the pavilion to a designat- ed station and exchange for a special prize. In addition to the actual hunt, kids can enjoy the 4-H Petting Zoo that’s full of bun- nies, piglets, birds, chickens, calves, goats and more. Throughout the school sys- tem coloring contest sheets with detailed information on the mEGGa Easter Egg Hunt will be distributed. Kids can do the coloring contest at home and bring it to the fairgrounds on the 15th, or they can sit down in the pavilion and color on site. Other activities include the Veggie Tails movie – The East- er Carol , face painting, buggy rides, archery demonstration and pictures with the Easter Bunny. The Columbia County Rodeo Court is back again this year with pony rides. Anyone 15 or older can volun- teer on his or her own, while youths ages 10 through 14 can volunteer with a parent. The zoo is encouraging en- tire families to volunteer. “Last year several family members volunteered together,” com- mented Tony Vecchio, Oregon Zoo director. “It’s rare for chil- dren to be included in these op- portunities. It’s a unique way to create lasting family memo- ries.” The program is designed to extend knowledge about the importance of wildlife conserva- tion, while simultaneously bringing families together. Duties include talking to zoo visitors, ensuring the safety of the butterflies, and monitoring exhibit doors to prevent butter- flies from flying away. “I have seen huge changes in the demeanor and communi- cation skills of kids who volun- teer,” commented Paula Mc- Call, volunteer coordinator. “It’s a fun learning experience for everyone involved.” There are many benefits to volunteering. ZooAmbassadors will meet people who share similar interests and values; re- ceive free zoo admission and a complimentary train ride; have the opportunity to volunteer at zoo concerts; learn about how to attract local wildlife; and par- ticipate in training opportunities only available at the zoo. ZooAmbassadors are first required to attend one orienta- tion session. After attending this overview, those who choose to continue will receive 10 hours of training. Orienta- tions are offered on the follow- ing days: Thursday, April 13, 10:00 a.m. to noon Wednesday, April 19, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Saturday, April 22, 10:00 a.m. to noon For the session of your choice, call 503-220-2783 or e- mail communityvolunteer@ metro.dst.or.us. The Oregon Zoo has one of the largest zoo volunteer pro- grams in the country. More than 1,700 individuals volunteer more than 143,500 hours per year. MTC Works and Worksource Oregon Employment Department would like to thank the following businesses for making our 10 th Annual Columbia County Job & Career Fair a huge success: *Accelerated Learning System *AFLAC Armstrong World Industries, Inc. *Avamere @ St. Helens Best Western Oak Meadows Inn *Boise Cadillac Island Casino *Cambridge College Cardinal Services, Inc. Composites Unlimited *Costco *Everest College Express Personnel Farmers Insurance *Fred Meyer Gunderson, Inc. H&R Block Holland Burgerville *Home Depot *Madden Industrial Craftsmen *Meadow Park Care Center *Northwest Pipe Company *Oregon Air National Guard Oregon Army National Guard Oregon Department of Human Services Oregon State Extension Service Portland Habilitation Center Portland Police Bureau *Rose Valley Assisted Living Facility *Salon Allure Securitas Security Services Sherman Brothers Trucking *St. Helens Community Federal Credit Union *Stimson Lumber Company Ticor Title Tongue Point Job Corps Center US Army Recruiting Washington State Dept. of Corrections Wauna Federal Credit Union *West Coast Shoe Company (*Employers who provided door prizes for the event) Special thanks to: CRPUD for hanging the Job Fair banner Wild Current for catering the lunch Costco for providing dessert The 10 th Annual Columbia County Job & Career Fair was made possible in part with Community Development Grant funds.