The INDEPENDENT, June 18, 2009
If thunder roars, OSU Extensions to teach canning
go indoors
Have you thought about register for classes, call 503-
Each year in the United
States, more than 400 people
are struck by lightning. On av-
erage, between 55 and 60 peo-
ple are killed; hundreds of oth-
ers suffer permanent neurolog-
ical disabilities. Most of these
tragedies can be avoided with
a few simple precautions.
When thunderstorms threaten,
get to a safe place. Lightning
safety is an inconvenience that
can save your life.
The National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA) collects information on
weather-related deaths to learn
how
to
prevent
these
tragedies. Many lightning vic-
tims say they were “caught”
outside in the storm and could-
n’t get to a safe place. With
proper
planning,
these
tragedies could be prevented.
Other victims waited too
long before seeking shelter. By
heading to a safe place 5 to 10
minutes sooner, they could
have avoided being struck by
lightning.
Some people were struck
because they went back out-
See Lighting, page 18
learning to can fruits, vegeta-
bles, jams, jellies or fish or
game this summer? Are you an
experienced canner who would
like an update on the latest
USDA
recommendations?
Then plan to attend one or
more of the canning classes of-
fered by the Columbia County
Extension Service. Classes will
be held at the First Lutheran
Church, 360 Wyeth St., St. He-
lens (on the corner of N. 4th St.
and Wyeth St.). Each class will
cost $15.00. Participants will
get hands-on instruction on
canning and food safety prac-
tices. Class size is limited. Pre-
registration and pre-payment of
class fees are required.
• Tuesday, June 30, 10:00
a.m. to Noon – Canning Jams
and Jellies,
• Tuesday, July 21, 10:00
a.m. to Noon – Canning Fruits
and Fillings,
• Tuesday, August 11, 10:00
a.m. to 1:00 p.m. – Canning
Meats, Fish and Vegetables,
• Tuesday, August 25, 10:00
a.m. to Noon – Canning Toma-
toes and Salsa.
For more information and to
397-3462 or visit the OSU Ex-
tension Service office at 505 N.
Columbia River Highway, St.
Helens.
WOU announces
local graduate
Western Oregon University
has announced that Vernonian
Katherine Traylor has earned a
Bachelor’s degree.
Ridge Riders set
gaming nights
The Vernonia Ridge Riders
plan to hold Gaming Practice
nights each Thursday through
summer. The practices will run
from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., at the
arena in Anderson Park, with a
$5 fee to go towards better
footings for the arena.
Help the arena and get in
some practice each Thursday
night.
Page 9
Bits & Bites
By Jacqueline Ramsay
Where are you when the phone rings?
One foot in the shower or tub? Mouth full of
toothpaste? One leg in your undies? Or, sit-
ting at rest? Maybe you’re dredging your
chicken for dinner? How about a hands-
free speaker system phone for your whole
house? Just a thought.
Well, possibly you have heard rumors of
the author of Bits & Bites, so I’m here to
give you the facts from the horse’s mouth.
Yes, I’m moving out of Vernonia. I’m aiming for August 1. What’s
to happen to Bits & Bites? Who knows? Maybe I’ll be allowed to
continue, possibly once a month, a life of a small town gal gone
city?? Yes, Shadow and I will miss the Lake and all of its quiet,
peaceful ambiance.
Falling back on the weather when the mind is awash with oth-
er things is a cop-out but you have to agree in the past two
weeks we’ve had a taste of Spring, Summer, Autumn and Fall,
plus Winter.
Another question. You save your spare change for what? A
new outfit, a trip to somewhere? Good. Suddenly you find your
house too cool. Hmmm, turn up the heat – nothing happens to
warm the air. Wait a couple of days – call Gadget. Answer – the
main gas feed switch is Kaput – EEEK – gone is your special
fund. Enjoy your Summer.
P.S. Now the fluorescent lighting in the kitchen has gone
bonkers. Yippie, I’m packing up, going to leave it all ship shape for
someone else to enjoy. Oh, yeah…
50 Years Ago This Month
The June 4, 1959, issue of
the Vernonia Eagle included
the following news story on the
front page:
With the beginning of the 100-
day Centennial Exposition only a
few days away, Chief of Police A.
D. Lolley reminds Vernonia driv-
ers to treat out-of-state visitors
with courtesy this summer.
Chief Lolley said that local res-
idents should remember that many
people unfamiliar with Oregon
streets and highways will be in the
state this summer.
“Our local drivers should be
ready to assist them in every way
possible to make their visit here
pleasant. This could include giv-
ing directions to out-of-state driv-
ers when they appear undecided
about which street or highway
they should take, but most impor-
tant it should include remaining
patient if you happen to be behind
an out-of-state car that appears un-
decided about where it wants to
go.”
It should go without saying that
patience and courtesy in these sit-
uations also might prevent some
accidents this summer. Drivers
also should bear in mind that driv-
ers from other states might not
know all of Oregon’s traffic laws.
Oregon’s right-of-way law, speed
law, turning law and some others
differ from those laws in other
states, he said.
“Let’s remember,” he added,
“that we should be just as courte-
ous to visitors on our streets and
highways as we will be in our
businesses.”
Another news story on the
front page of the same issue:
With the arrival of the June 1
deadline for nomination of queen
candidates, ten ladies, all descen-
dants of valley pioneers, were in
the running for centennial queen to
reign over the Vernonia Friendship
Jamboree in July.
Candidates and their sponsors
are as follows: Mrs. Antone
(Louise) Smejkal, Timber Route
Extension Unit; Mrs. Martin
(Nevada) Rainwater, and Mrs.
Frank (Pauline) Schmidlin, Ver-
nonia Grange; Mrs. T. F. (Hilda)
Keasey, Neighbors of Woodcraft;
Mrs. Robert (Alice) Lindsay,
Pythian Sisters; Mrs. Vester (He-
len) Christensen, Eastern Star;
Mrs. Robert (Irene) Spencer, Past
Chiefs Club; Mrs. Harve (Marie)
Christensen, Mist-Nehalem Exten-
sion Unit; Mrs. Wm. (Janet)
Bridgers, PEO; and Mrs. A. E.
(Ella) Wood, Mt. Heart Rebekah
Lodge.
Boosters give to 4th fireworks
Vernonia Boosters recently
presented a check for $1,000
to Tom Ramsey to help pay for
the 4th of July fireworks.
Current Booster officers are
President Chet Lee, Vice-Pres-
ident Herb Huson, Treasurer
Tim Jennings, and Secretary
Debby Lee.
Boosters meet on the sec-
ond Wednesday of each month
in the Washington Grade
School Library at 7:00 p.m. For
questions about Booster club
or its activities, call 503-429-
8016.
Booster President Chet Lee presenting $1,000 to Tom Ram-
sey for the 4th of July fireworks.
State Farm ®
Providing Insurance and Financial Services
Home Office, Bloomington, Illinois 61710
Bunny Girt, Agent
1229 N. Adair
PO Box 543
Cornelius, OR 97113-0543
Bus 503-357-3131 Fax 503-357-9667
bunny.girt.b71g@statefarm.com