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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 7, 2008)
The INDEPENDENT, August 7, 2008 Page 3 Letters Kids Fishing Derby was fun for all ages To the Editor: This year’s Jamboree Kids Fish Derby went off well, every- body seems happy with the one hour fishing time. A special thanks to The In- dependent paper, who has been a sponsor for years. Thanks to True Value and Vernonia Hardware for dona- tions of fishing tackle. Thanks to Bill Yeo for auctioning off items that were left over after the kids got their Derby prizes. We also had a drawing for prizes, the kids enjoyed that. We had 44 youths fishing this year and had a lot of fun. We had quite a few youths from out of town, but the number of local youths was down for Ike Says… From page 2 to pry a two-ton rock out of the road with a screwdriver. The chapter was inventive, though, and soon they found the lever to move that rock – Channel 2 News and Pat Wilkins. All it took was a couple of minutes on the news exposing what was going on and the DEQ was on the phone saying they would take care of the problem, please no more news media! I can say that the Nehalem Val- ley Chapter definitely saved a lot of fishery resources in the Nehalem River and a lot of that credit should go to Ralph Berg- erson and the other charter members who formed our chapter. We are living in an interest- ing time right now, a time that I predict will bring many changes. We are being forced to be conservationists of fossil fuels. While the increases in the price of fuel are indeed painful, it is what will drive the change that will ensure our futures. Whether we will be driving vehi- cles powered by hydrogen, wa- ter, compressed air, compres- sed natural gas, sunlight or something else to be discov- ered is yet to be seen. Let us choose wisely the path for the future. Izaak Walton League, Nehalem Valley Chapter meets monthly on the 3rd Thursday at 7:00 p.m. Call 503-428-7193 for location. some reason. A big thanks to those who helped measure and count the fish and pick the winners; Bob Scoggens, Jack Lindsley, Mar- vin Long, DeDe Webb, Donna Webb, Dale Webb, Mario Leonetti, Dennis Nelson and Rebecca McGaugh. Don Webb Fish Derby Helper The Nehalem Valley Chapter of the Izaak Walton League Too many fail to stand while flag passes by To the Editor: Small town American – the backbone of our country – the town with the “Can Do” spirit – the town that went through two 100-year floods in just a little over a decade, neighbor help- ing neighbor, stranger helping stranger, a shining example of Americans for our children and grandchildren; patriots one and all. I watched Saturday during the Jamboree parade as thou- sands lined the streets, towns- people plus visitors, many of who were the wonderful volun- teers who assisted during our time of need. Lining up an hour before it started, waiting in an- ticipation for the renowned Ver- nonia Jamboree Parade. And then finally, it started – Yea! Here they come, first Chief Workman in his Police vehicle and then the Boy Scouts and the Honor Guard and then SHOCK!!! – Only a handful of those lining the streets stood and put their hands over their hearts as the ‘Colors’ passed by. Granted, a number of you may be disenchanted with the current administration and the direction the country is going, but that is still our flag and the symbol of what this great coun- try means and a reminder of all who fought for our freedom. A suggestion for future pa- rades, maybe the Chief could have the National Anthem or other patriotic songs (America the Beautiful, God Bless Amer- ica, etc.) playing through his bullhorn or whatever sound system they can rig up, to sort of remind the spectators to start the parade with PRIDE. Don Biancone Vernonia Scout Cabin needs more board members To the Editor: I watched the flood of ‘96 and the last one in ‘07. and I feel there is only one word for all of the volunteers who helped: Hero Heroes helped rebuild the Vernonia Scout Cabin after the ‘96 flood, and heroes are need- ed again, but not to rebuild. The beautiful Scout Cabin we all enjoy needs commitment and involvement, so this call is being sent out for heroes who would like to join the current board members for this non- profit organization. We need help. For more information, please call 503-429-8403 or 503-429- 7193. Isabelle McDaniel Vernonia Board members are needed for CCWRC To the Editor: Try to imagine, just for a mo- ment…you are 32 years old and you have two young chil- dren. The three of you have the clothes on your back, a worn teddy bear, a treasured toy truck and $28.00 in your purse. You have a split lip, a black eye that is swollen closed, and sev- eral bruised ribs. You’re on the run from the person that has physically and emotionally abused you for several years. You are frightened to be run- ning and to be so alone, but you are even more terrified that the next time you will die. And you know all too well that there will be a next time. You have no close family that can or will help you. They’ve always looked the other way, after all, they don’t want to interfere in other peo- ple’s business. What now? What will you do? Where will you go with your $28.00? Policy on Letters The INDEPENDENT will not publish letters that include per- sonal attacks on private citizens. Because of space limitations, preference will be given to brief letters, 300 words or less. All letters must be signed and include a verifiable address or phone number. Well…we’re just imagining, right? Most of us, thankfully, will never be in this position. But, unfortunately, this scenario is just one of many and it’s not just a big city issue. The Co- lumbia County Women’s Re- source Center (CCWRC) exists to provide safety and shelter for survivors of domestic violence and/or sexual abuse, as well as counseling and the skills devel- opment to help them to become strong and self-sufficient. The staff at CCWRC is small, but dedicated and hard- working. There are many ama- zing volunteers who give of their time and energy to help at the shelter and office as well as helping at the Starting Over Store, a resale shop which is an arm of CCWRC. CCWRC is seeking volun- teers to serve on the Board of Directors. The Board is looking for members with financial ex- perience, fundraising experi- ence or experience with non- profit boards. If you would like more information about being a board member please call Pam Powell, Board Chair at 503- 936-6848. We would like to thank all of you who have supported our fund raising events, who have given donations of money, goods, and time, and those who have lifted us with your good thoughts and prayers. The reality is that each year there are more victims who need our help and fewer fund- ing sources to support that need. Times are hard for many families right now and we know that there are many worthy causes out there. If you are able to give a donation, we would ask that you remember the Columbia County Women’s Resource Center. We appreci- ate and thank you for any amount, large or small. For more information about CCWRC and its commitment to our local communities, log onto www.noexcuse4abuse.com. Linda Liefeld Volunteer Board Member St. Helens Immigrants have not caused our recession To the Editor: It’s no secret that many of us are hurting – feeling the pain of rising fuel costs, soaring inter- est rates, maxed-out debt, falling home values, and threat- ening unemployment. Please see page 22 Where to Find Them U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (Democrat-OR) 1220 SW 3rd Avenue, Suite 585 Portland OR 97232 Phone: 503-326-7525 230 Dirksen Senate Office Bldg., Washington, D.C. 20510 Phone: 202-224-5244 Website: http://wyden.senate. gov U.S. Senator Gordon Smith (Republican-OR) One World Trade Center 121 SW Salmon St., Suite 1250 Portland, OR 97204 Phone: 503-326-3386 Fax: 503-326-2900 404 Russell Senate Ofc. Bldg. Washington, D.C. 20510 Phone: 202-224-3753 Website: http://gsmith.senate. gov U.S. Representative David Wu (Democrat-01) 620 SW Main, Suite 606 Portland, OR 97205 Phone: 503-326-2901 Fax: 503-326-5066 2338 Rayburn Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: 202-225-0855 Fax: 202-225-9497 Website: http://house.gov/wu Senator Betsy Johnson (Democrat-16) PO Box R, Scappoose, OR 97056 Phone: 503-543-4046 900 Court St. NE, S-314 Salem, OR 97301 Phone: 503-986-1716 E-mail: sen.betsyjohnson@ state.or.us Website: http//www.leg.state.or. us/johnson Representative Brad Witt (Democrat-31) 21740 Lindberg Road, Clatskanie, OR 97016 Phone: 503-728-4664 900 Court St. NE, H-277 Salem, OR 97301 Phone: 503-986-1431 E-mail: rep.bradwitt@state.or.us Website: http//www.leg.state.or. us/witt Representative Deborah Boone (Democrat-32) PO Box 926 Cannon Beach, OR 97110 Phone: 503-717-9182 900 Court St. NE, H-375 Salem, OR 97301 Phone: 503-986-1432 E-mail: rep.deborahboone@ state.or.us Website: http//www.leg.state.or. us/boone
