The INDEPENDENT, June 21, 2007 See puppets at Vernonia Library “Goldie-dread-locks and the Three Jamaica Bears” by Ce- leste Rose, a marionette show, will be presented at the Vernonia Public Library on Tuesday, June 26, at 7:00 p.m. Rose is the director of the Oregon Fantasy Puppet The- atre and performs with her marionettes for Public Library Summer Reading Programs. The play is 45 minutes long and is entertaining for the whole family, with audience participation and songs to sing. Rose makes all of her own marionettes. They are eighteen inches high and made of papi- er maché and fabric. Each marionette has ten strings at- tached for movement. Local wins trophy in Rose Parade The Columbia County Fair and Rodeo Court was named the winner of their division at this year’s Portland Rose Festi- val Grand Floral Parade. The court, composed of Queen Ashley Ekstrom of Rainier, Princess Shalaina Joiner of Clatskanie, and Princess Mackenzie Carr of Vernonia, caught the judges’ eyes with their outfits featuring large pink embroidered roses. Two of the court mothers, Kacee Joiner and Barb Carr, created the flower arrangements which adorned the horses and the court. “The young ladies and their parents worked really hard to prepare for this parade,” court coordinator Jean McPherson said. “It is so nice to see their efforts pay off in such a big way. We were both honored and thrilled.” The court received a large revolving trophy, as well as a plaque and ribbons to keep. The Portland Rose Festival Pa- rade is the second largest floral parade in the United States and is televised both nationally and internationally. This is the third parade the court has won this year. They also received trophies at the Hillsboro St. Patrick’s Day Pa- rade and the St. John’s Pa- rade. The St. Paul Rodeo Court placed second at the Rose Parade and Clark County was placed third. See picture on page 24. Seniors set to serve spaghetti The Vernonia Senior Center will be serving a spaghetti din- ner on Friday, June 22, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. The cost if $5 per person and includes spaghetti, garlic bread, bever- age and sherbet. Funds raised will be dedicat- ed to the new building project and to help pay for upgrading kitchen equipment. Page 9 Bits & Bites By Jacqueline Ramsay M a y was fair- ly quiet. Mother’s Day and Memori- al Day. June is Gradua- tion Days (for grandparents – it’s preschool, Kindergarten, grade school, middle school, high school, college and on and on), then Father’s Day but when school is out Vacation Time starts, or does it? In Ver- nonia, the Lake was “spiffed” up for KUPL Day, June 16. It’s too bad our lake can’t be kept this way all year round for the locals to enjoy. A little grass cut- ting all year wouldn’t cost so much. Cycle Oregon will be around us for a weekend, June 23-24. Breakfast-Lunch in Mist. Spaghetti Dinner, music and dance (in the parking lot?) at Vernonia Senior Center. “Stub” Park will have music and food, so I understand. Oh yes, fire- works, too. (Don’t forget to de- worm and clip toenails of your pets and keep them inside when the fireworks start.) Recharge your cell phone, pickup extra film and batteries for cameras, put extra water bottles in the car. Stop – relax – think of other thoughts; like, how long will “your” family names be around. My father had one son, he had a son, who had only girls – the end. My husband and I have a son, he has a son (just graduated high school). The name Ram- say is on his shoulders. Small world, isn’t it? Also, I’m looking for some- one. I’d like to talk to the lady that mailed a package to “yarn for soxs” a couple months ago. If it’s you, please call me Tues- day or Thursday at Vernonia Cares, 503-429-1414. July is coming. The 4th is picnic and fireworks, then comes Vernonia Cares Bar-B- Q at the Senior Center on July 28. Relax – school starts in September – Labor Day – Thanksgiving and then Christ- mas and you can start all over again. I almost forgot. August 18 is the Bear Creek Run & Walk, 5 and 10K event. Oh, yes – How childish the reply on page 3 of the June 7th Independent . Now to business: Vernonia Cares is in need of some mus- cle power. If you have time to give two days a week for a wor- thy cause, come in and talk to Sandy or Rosie. It entails lifting, carrying, and stocking freight. One day at a time would help us carry out our mission to help those that need help. Also, remember July 31 is the last day for redeeming Saver Shields at Sentry Mar- ket. If you’ve got stray ones, “Care” can use them. Alt. Stage seeks Hurry to sign up for Bible School volunteers, etc. The Vernonia Christian Church invites the children of the community to join “Good News Clues – Searching for New Life in Jesus,” this year’s Vacation Bible School. Children will sing, watch skits, create crafts, learn about the church’s missions, enjoy snacks and games. Vacation Bible School will be held June 25 to 29 at 410 North Home of Northwest Microbrews,Wines, Sandwiches, Coffees, Smoothies & More ™ LLC 831 Bridge Street Vernonia, Oregon Open Daily 503-429-0214 Street, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Children going into Kinder- garten through the sixth grade are invited to come. For more information, call 503-429-0200, 503-429-1620 or 503-429- 6522. The Alternative Stage is looking for volunteers, bands, and concessionaires for the 2007 Jamboree show. To sign up or for more infor- mation, go to altstagevernon ia.org, or call Lowell at 503- 235-8996.