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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 3, 2006)
The INDEPENDENT, August 3, 2006 Page 3 Letters Youth involvement in parades is positive To the Editor: Regarding Safety Restric- tions for Parade participants: To Robb Wilson and the Jamboree Committee. What a disappointment to see an entire list of restrictions due to ‘liability and safety con- cerns’ (read that as fear of a lawsuit). Perhaps a balance would be restricting the free- wheeling along Vernonia streets that occurs on Quads, motorcycles, etc. before and af- ter the parade? The parade route itself ap- pears to be well-supervised and monitored by spectators and participants alike. My 10- year-old son was thrilled to idle along in his go-cart at the 4th of July parade, completely under my supervision. Part of what makes these parades unique and fun is the variety of con- veyances and their riders who participate. I have a feeling that this slip- pery slope will continue, as there are unlimited ways that someone can slip, fall, get hit by flying candy, or have some kind of accident that insurance may not cover. Soon the pa- rade will be nothing but a few politicians in sedans looking to their next election (read that as no one will come). Sincerely, Steven A. Loders Vernonia Editors Note: Since last issue, we have received information that there may be some exceptions to the new parade rule. For more in- formation, contact Robb Wilson at 503-429-7731. Choose your favorite decorated salmon To the Editor: SALMON VIEWING DOWN- TOWN Come Hook your favorite salmon on August 10. Come vote by viewing fish at: Buckleberry Cottage/Out on a Limb – “Hot Sun in the Sum- mertime – cool stuff at Ladies Night”; True Value Hardware; Vernonia Hardware; The Inde- pendent; Vernonia Veterinary; Ally’s This and That and Lollys Dollys; Black Bear Coffee Shop – 1 free big cookie with sand- wich purchase; Sew Simple – special TBA; Grey Dawn Gallery – Jeff Patterson ceram- ic promotion; Spiralz; The Clever Cricket; Diane’s Vin- tage Rose – 10 percent off mer- chandise; Sunday’s Best – 10 percent off merchandise; Etcetera – 10 percent off mer- chandise. Pick up ballots at Black Bear Coffee between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. DJ music at Black Bear during the same hours, also, come on down. All fish can be viewed whether business is open or Between the Bookends By Sarah Vandehey, Library Assistant Banks Public Library The Washington Coun- ty Libraries Summer Reading Program is draw- ing to a close and it’s time to start turning in your completed reading re- cords! This year’s theme is “Claws, Paws, Scales and Tales.” Please turn in your reading record by Au- gust 31st. The following prizes await those who have met their goals: a paperback book, a coupon for a non-caf- feinated drink at Starbucks. For $3.00, readers who’ve reached their goal may also purchase a bracelet good for free rides at Oaks Park Amuse- ment Park. This bracelet may be used only on August 16th, at the “End of the Summer Reading Party.” If you want to attend this event, be sure to turn in your reading record by August 16th! We have had great turnout at the summer reading programs. Kids and parents alike laughed along with BJ the clown’s antics, and were amazed by the juggling skill and humor of Rhys Thomas. Reptile Man, Richard Ritchey’s entertaining and informative presentation, fea- tured turtles, snakes and other reptiles. Under- standably, some parents chose to step out of the room when the boa constrictor was brought out. Congratulations to all those who have won prizes during the summer reading weekly draw- ings! We’d like to thank the Friends of the Library who have provided funds for these prizes. An- other big thank you goes out to our volunteers who have helped with the programs! There will be no preschool story time in Au- gust. This program, hosted by Miss Cathy, will resume Wednesday September 6th at 10:15 am. The theme for that day is ‘Summer Fun.’ Stop by and check out these new titles: Pegasus Descending by James Lee Burke. In this novel, Detective Dave Robicheaux meets the distraught daughter of his former buddy. Set in southern Louisiana, this novel promises twists and intrigue from start to finish. Dead Watch by John Sanderford. In this thriller, Lincoln Bowe a former U.S. senator is missing and Jacob Winter, an Army Intelligence veteran, is assigned the case. Has the senator been kidnapped or worse? The White House warns Winter that there will be havoc if Bowe is not located quickly. Cherokee Rose: A Place to Call Home by Al and Joanna Lacy. Set in 1838, this novel tells the story of the forced relocation of Cherokees living in North Carolina to Indian Territory. Along the Trail of Tears, 18-year-old, Cherokee Rose be- friends a lieutenant and romance begins. Oregon Wine Country by John Doerper. If you like to visit and support local wineries, this guide is for you. Published by Fodors, this information- al book includes colorful pictures, maps and con- tact information for vintners in the Willamette, Umpqua and Rogue River valleys. Banks Public Library: 111 Market Street. Hours: Tues., Wed., Thurs., 12 - 7:00 p.m.; Fri. and Sat. 12 - 5:00 p.m. Preschool Story Time: Will resume Sept. 6 on Wednesdays at 10:15 a.m. Phone: (503 ) 324-1382 for information (503) 846-3245 to renew material Internet: <www.WILInet.wccls.lib.or.us.> Browse library resources, reserve or renew materials online. Call for information. not. Some of the businesses will be staying open for this event and running specials as listed above. Fun for the family. Thanks from the Vernonia Salmon Festival Committee, in conjunction with the Knee Deep in Salmon Art Auction. Paula Hanson Shirlee Daughtry Knee Deep in Salmon Art Auction Vernonia Score card for vandals at Vernonia cemetery To the Editor: As usual, the ones that need to read this, probably won’t. They are most likely too busy planning their next evil deed. So…what did your havoc up at the Vernonia cemetery ac- complish? Let’s see: 1) A few laughs with your friends? Most likely. 2) Collecting a few extra bucks on a dare? Conceivable. 3) Upsetting family mem- bers of the interned? Undoubt- edly. 4) Prompting a letter to the editor? Now, that’s evident. If you’re counting on your fingers all these accomplish- ments you can add this one (you and all others who seem to think you will never be made accountable for your acts of im- mature crime and skulldug- gery): 5) Your names added to life’s Hall of Shame. WOW! Oh, and here’s some advice straight from me to you: Better put that bet money away for your future…accountability, that is. Some day, I’m sure, you will have to pay for your ac- tions. Karen Miller Vernonia Public $$ should not be used for political bias Editor’s Note: Copies of the follow- ing letter were sent for publication to all newspapers in Columbia County. Ms Ronda Courtney Fair Manager Columbia County Fair Dear Ms Courtney: I write this letter to make a very strenuous objection to us- ing public tax money in the op- eration of the Columbia County Fair to promote the campaign of the “appointed” State Sena- tor of our district, Betsy John- son. It is not only morally wrong in the heat of the cam- paign season to promote one candidate and not give equal time to all other candidates, but it is also likely against the law. Wednesday during the opening ceremonies the first case occurred. Elected offi- cials and candidates for office were present and introduced. Some were introduced in a proper way, but Brad Witt and Ron Saxton were introduced by name only, and nothing was said about them being candi- dates or for what office. Then on behalf of our “appointed” State Senator Betsy Johnson, there was a lengthy apology of why she was absent and her itinerary for the rest of the Fair was relayed. Other candidates who were absent were not even mentioned, and their itin- eraries for the Fair were not re- layed. The second case involved the rodeo Friday night. In a publicity stunt our “appointed” State Senator Johnson was in- vited to promote a Fair project. In introducing her, the rodeo announcer touted her accom- plishments in the State Legisla- ture and how good she was for our district. Her Republican opponent was not offered any publicity of any kind or opportu- nity to speak even though he was present at the Fair, and was actually harassed for sim- ply greeting people, an act guaranteed by both the state and federal governments. I would feel much better about these “incidents” if I thought they were honest mis- takes. However, they appear to be a preplanned pattern and a blatant violation of the use of public funds in political cam- paigns. I would hope that the same tactics are not being planned for the rest of the Fair. Sincerely, Fred Yauney, Chair Columbia County Republican Central Committee Pet shop will remain open for business To the Editor: In regards to “Creatures” Pet Shop. Yes, our business and Please see page 27
