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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (April 20, 2006)
The INDEPENDENT, April 20, 2006 Lake interpretive signs back and better Bits & Bites By Jacqueline Ramsay Left to right; Larry Snethen (Old Sawmill Eatery), Dennis Nelson (Izaak Walton League), Josette Mitchell, Torin Tierney, Kim and Jim Tierney (Torin’s mother and father) stand in front of one of the new, improved interpretive signs at Vernonia Lake. This sign is the one Larry Snethen suggested go in front of the old Oregon-American Mill building. In January of 2005, Vernon- ian Torin Tierney, installed a 16 sign nature trail around Vernon- ia Lake and down Webb Way for his Eagle Scout Project. Within days, vandals began at- tempting to destroy the signs, especially along Webb Way. The community, many of whom assisted with installing or fund- ing the project, expressed out- rage. After four vandals were identified, Tierney offered to re- store the project with help. Tierney began soliciting money to build steel nature signs to replace the seven damaged wooden signs. He secured donations to help with the cost of materials from Sally Harrison’s Mayor’s Fund, the Izaak Walton League, and Lar- ry and Gail Snethen (Old Sawmill Snackshop). Last fall Tierney, Josette Mitchell, Pat Peets, and Jim Tierney worked on multiple weekends with local blacksmith Wes Constance to build eight new steel signs. The signs, which weigh over 100 pounds each, were installed by the Ver- nonia Public Works Depart- ment. Grey Dawn Gallery provid- ed some new UV protected plexiglass. As a result, Tierney was able to restore the remain- ing signs around the lake to their previous condition. As part of this project, Larry Snethen lobbied for a new sign, #17, to be added in front of the big concrete building. This sign explains that Vernonia Lake was the previous home of the Oregon-American Mill. The project funders and sign I know it’s Spring – the cal- endar says so. A late, c o o l breeze nipped all the flowering trees around town. The lake apple trees look like the moss has finally choked their hearts, or perhaps the rain drowned them. Ah, the lily pads are beginning to push up through the surface of the lake. There were eight boats out Wednesday with catch and re- lease or catch and keep. It was a peaceful scene. I enjoy the lake, now here’s the hook – what I don’t like is feeling put on to carry a garbage bag to pick up others’ trash. Bottle caps, snoose cans, hook wrap- per, etc. Please take it home with you. Help keep the lake edge like your front room when “company’s coming.” Please. Among other things I’ve been on a reading kick. I just builders joined together to christen the new signs on Sat- urday, April 15, at 4:00 p.m. Material costs for the new steel signs was approximately $100 each. Everyone is en- couraged to walk around the lake and enjoy the restored na- ture trail. Rainier Saturday Market ready for vendor sign-ups Rainier Chamber of Com- merce is sponsoring the sec- ond season of the Rainer Sat- urday Market. The family fun opens Satur- day, May 13, and continues through September 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. every Saturday. Shoppers can enjoy the fresh air by the river while surrounded by artistic works, textiles handcrafted items in- cluding wood crafts, jewelry, farm fresh produce. Vendors are welcome; con- tact Judith Taylor at 503-556- 0457 or judy@lampshade soft- ime.com. Now is the time for Camelot Care Center Skilled Nursing and Long Term Care Deficiency Free Survey 2005 Private and Semi-Private Suites Available Dedicated And Caring Staff 3900 Pacific Ave., Forest Grove • 503-359-0449 vendors to sign up to make this second year even better than last year. Page 9 For applications and infor- mation go to <rainier97048.org /mkthome.htm>. got around to reading Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. It makes you check your hang- ups. At present I’m into Shardik by Richard Adams, published in 1974, a very interesting story line, especially at Easter. Older books seem to have more depth to them. I was privileged to sit in on the final dress rehearsal for the Easter Cantata. If you missed one of the three performances, you missed the Easter mes- sage. As always, many hours given up by common folk paid off with a beautiful message. I’d suggest you mark next year’s calendar so you won’t miss it. It’s different every year but the message is clear: “He is risen.” Some folks say they read my scribble to laugh – others want to see what I’m yanging about because they agree with me. Why do I do it – for both reasons – just to keep the world on its axis. See you in May. Requested to spell banana, a little girl said, “I know how to spell banana but I never know when to stop.” (Charles Poore in the New York Times ) Sunday’s Best Women’s, Misses & Men’s Clothing Old Penney’s Building 884 Bridge St., Vernonia Opening April 29 (open Saturdays) Owner: Melny Moore Attention All Nonagenarians All Seniors 90 and over will be honored at the Vernonia Senior Center on Friday, April 21, 10:30 am to 1:00 pm Then Join us on Thursday, May 11 at 1:00 pm for the Senior Fashion Show. For info, call 429-3912.
