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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 4, 2008)
The INDEPENDENT, December 4, 2008 Learn how to be a Master Gardener Home gardeners in Colum- bia County with a thirst for more gardening knowledge, and a willingness to pass that knowledge on to others, can still join the Oregon State Uni- versity Extension Service Mas- ter Gardener program. The Master Gardener pro- gram is designed to teach vol- unteers how to make better use of their gardening resources and abilities. They, in turn, teach others. Volunteers are given training in soil manage- ment, vegetable gardening techniques, landscape mainte- nance, pest control, and many other aspects of gardening. Then during the gardening sea- son, these new Master Gar- deners help to teach others to do a better job of growing and caring for plants, fighting off pests, and making our commu- nities a better place to live. Illusionist set to perform Dec. 18 Illusionist Kevin Puckett will perform as part of the Vernonia First Baptist Church Christmas program on December 18, at 7:00 p.m. at the church. Puckett, from Aloha, has performed on three continents and across the U.S. His show combines special effects, hu- mor, audience participation, skill and an inspirational mes- sage. “What a treat! I get to cele- brate Christmas with wonderful people and share a stage with my buddy Geoff Perry. He is an incredible musician,” said Puckett explaining his excite- ment about this show. The program will also in- clude singing Christmas carols, dessert, and fellowship. Free Christmas dinner planned The annual Christmas Din- ner, sponsored by Friends of Vernonia and Bill James and family, will be hosted at the Vernonia Senior Center on De- cember 25, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Turkey and ham with all the trimming, plus a dessert and a beverage will be served to those in need as well as any- one wishing to share a Christ- mas meal. There is no charge and gratuities are discouraged. Classes are held once a week for eleven consecutive weeks in St. Helens. Classes will be held on Mondays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. begin- ning in January. The first class will be on Monday, January 5. There is a fee of $50 for refer- ence materials. For more information about the program and how to enroll, contact the Columbia County Extension office, located at 505 N. Columbia River Highway in St. Helens, or call 503-397- 3462. Bits & Bites By Jacqueline Ramsay I und- erstand the type of folk that think it’s O.K. to sneak around in the dark or over-crowded busy parking lots to help themselves to others property – plain and simple, you’re a thief. But, what Help sell trees to help children Murphy’s Furniture is look- ing for volunteers to work the annual Christmas tree lot bene- fiting the Boys and Girls club. Douglas, Grand and Noble Firs will be sold, starting at $20. 100 percent of the proceeds go to the Inukai Family Boys and Girls Club in Hillsboro. This Club serves Washington Coun- ty youth, ages 6 thru 18. The Christmas tree lot will be open 7 days a week, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., in the parking lot of Murphy’s furniture in Cor- nelius on TV hwy. The tree lot Page 9 will run November 29 through December 14. Volunteers are needed to work three-hour shifts Friday thru Sunday. Youth groups, civic clubs, key clubs, families and individuals are encouraged to volunteer. Call Murphy’s Furniture at 503- 640-1124 or email Murphy. Fur- niture@verizon.net. Last year over 400 trees were sold and the goal for this year is to sell even more! Even if you can work only one shift, your participation will make a difference! Alley Auto Wrecking ✮ ✮ Gasoline 503-429-7581 Most parts under warranty Open Tuesday-Saturday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Closed Sunday and Monday 54372 Nehalem Hwy South, Vernonia, OR 97064 6 miles south of town on Hwy 47 Buying unwanted vehicles with clear title VERNONIA INN Enjoy a quiet weekend with us. FULL SIZE, IN ROOM HOT TUBS Queen Beds • Private Bath • Separate Entrance Cable TV • Phones • Handicapped Access • Commercial Rates FOR RESERVATIONS CALL 1-800-354-9494 / 503-429-4006 Gift Certificates Available 900 MADISON AVE., VERNONIA, OR 97064 Just one block off scenic Nehalem River Hwy. (Oregon 47) are you when you prowl a string of cars at Vernonia Lake in bright afternoon sun and leave the doors open wide to let everyone know you’ve been snooping? How come you did- n’t take my dog’s water bowl? O.K. so now everyone lock up your cars – there is a thief in town. Thrill of thrills – to see the seven white swans at the lake, lazing in the sun. They may have just dropped in for a rest but what a thrill to my soul. Several other type of fowl have been passing through also. Oh yes, I thought Shadow was tracking mice through the rush- es but she spooked out a nutria the day before Thanksgiving. First one of those I’ve seen this year. Turkey day has come and gone – I’m stuffed and lazy. I really won’t need to eat till Christmas. (Cook, I mean.) I do hope the school band made themselves proud, marching in the Parade. They need to have the chance to compete with others to really enjoy what they are learning. Remember – especially this time of year – smile, give a helping hand. If not money, then a helping hand by taking someone out of town just for a look at the world from a differ- ent view. Remember Vernonia Cares – Cares for you.