Page 20
The INDEPENDENT, July 2, 2009
Chalk Talk
Latex disposal
From page 11
What are the potential sources for that funding?
We have to and we will raise the money. The Oregon Solutions
Team is still working on our behalf to secure stimulus funds and
other funding resources to help construct new schools in Vernon-
ia. The Team has made arrangements with the Ford Family Foun-
dation to meet with a number of different philanthropic organiza-
tions to show them our new school concept when it is ready later
this summer.
On the grant front, we recently were notified of our eligibility for
a $100,000 energy grant which would help pay for some of the
green aspects of our new schools. We also applied for a $750,000
energy grant to provide more effective lighting options in the
school. These are the types of grant and stimulus funds the dis-
trict is seeking and will continue to seek. We also are working
closely with our legislators in Washington, D.C. on a bill that could
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provide even larger sums of money for schools that have been hit
by natural disasters.
To summarize, we are leaving no stone unturned in obtaining
the funding needed beyond the $13 million bond Vernonia voters
will be asked to consider November 3.
What happens if Vernonia doesn't raise enough money to
build a new school campus?
Nothing. We are living that scenario in our schools now.
For the past two years no teachers have left the district. Nor-
mally anywhere from five to ten teachers leave each year. The
current economy may have some impact on their decision to stay,
but there is no doubt in my mind that the greater reason is their
commitment to our students and their hopes for the future. They
have hope in the future of this community and a desire to be a part
of our new school, a school they are helping to design. They want
to see their dreams and ideas come to life.
If we don’t raise enough money to build new schools, and I’m
talking all of the money, not just passing the bond, then we, and
the governor, and our D.C. delegation, are in effect pronouncing a
death sentence on Vernonia.
Besides a safer location for our students, what other ben-
efits does a new school campus offer the residents of this
community?
As I mentioned earlier, I believe a new campus would have a
positive impact on Vernonia’s economy. As a community, we have
been in the national spotlight as a positive example of what can
be done when community members pull together after a disaster.
We can do the same for designing the kind of rural school build-
ings that will take Vernonia into the future, buildings that could be
used in various ways as a very real part of the community’s life
and livability.
We are working with different local agencies in the community
to develop ways to use the schools year round for the benefit of
the community. One example is the concept of a shared commu-
nity garden. The architects are looking at ways to incorporate a
greenhouse into the plans and have even mentioned the idea of
an orchard. These kinds of ideas would not only help provide for
the community, but would also be viable, real life learning experi-
ences for our students.
From page 8
fluorescent lamps and ballasts,
items containing mercury,
medical sharps, and small
arms ammunition. No contain-
ers larger than five gallons ac-
cepted.
Standard household gar-
bage and latex paints are not
accepted at HHW events. At
this time, the Transfer Station
does not accept radioactive
material at HHW collection
events or during regular opera-
tions.
Recycle. Electronic waste
(i.e. television, monitors, cell
phones, etc.), antifreeze, used
motor oil and automotive bat-
teries as well as glass, card-
board, plastics, and metals can
be recycled at the transfer sta-
tion anytime.
Pet safety tips
From page 9
The 4th of July is also a
good time to make sure that
your pet is wearing an ID collar
and is microchipped.
The Oregon Veterinary
Medical Association is a non-
profit organization of veterinar-
ians who are dedicated to help-
ing people give their animals a
high quality of life.
Just one block off scenic Nehalem River Hwy. (Oregon 47)
Boys & Girls Club benefited from party
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503-429-9410
If you heard a lot of laughing
and the sound of large splash-
es coming from the direction of
the city of Cornelius, on June
20, you were not imagining
things.
Citizens and Community
Leaders joined together in the
parking lot of Murphy’s Furni-
ture to have some good old-
fashioned fun in celebration of
the beginning of summer.
Hands down the #1 attrac-
tion was the newest addition to
this second annual Celebration
– The Celebrity Dunk Tank,
brainchild of the event coordi-
nator Mary Murphy. It’s hard to
say who was the biggest draw
– was it Mayor Bill Bash? City
Manager David Waffle – Cor-
nelius Police represented by
Sergeant Schmid or Comman-
der Jensen – Local Business
owners Tom Evans of Grande
Foods or Bascos’ Daniel Do-
minguez – Principal Martinez of
Echo Shaw Elementary – Cor-
nelius Fire, represented by Joel
Peterson or Robert Conrath –
Maria Aguilar of the Cornelius
Library or Free Orchards Ele-
mentary Kindergarten Teachers
Crystal Bayley or Amber Van-
zant. Whoever took the fall
most often, all should be com-
mended for their bravery
against the chilling depths of
the tank.
The light mist ended up be-
ing a bonus for those who ven-
tured to climb and conquer the
monster slide, giving it even
more speed with a bit of a
splashy ending.
The artistry demonstrated
on the beaming faces of wee
attendees, courtesy of The
Boys and Girls Club face paint-
ing, provided a fine substitute
for the absent sun.
Squeals of success emanat-
ed from the coin toss produced
by Friends of the Cornelius Li-
brary, as treasures were toted
away.
Appetites worked up by the
variety of activities were satis-
fied by the tasty feast of dogs
and chips prepared by the
Sports Look all volunteer crew
and courtesy of the generous
donation of all the food by
Grande Foods, plus the hun-
dreds of cupcakes that were
consumed by the many win-
ners of the ever-popular cake-
walk.
Though the weather wasn’t
idyllic, Murphy’s Furniture feels
the event was a great success
and thoroughly worth the in-
vestment of time and money.
Right now it is more important
than ever to appreciate family
and community and celebrate
the positive. Just one more way
to say “Thank You”, as well as
raise money for a very good
cause – the local Boys and
Girls Club.