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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 17, 2009)
The INDEPENDENT, December 17, 2009 United Way asks for help reaching goal The United Way of Columbia County is appealing to the com- munity for help in staving off a major shortfall for its 2009 cam- paign, which ends soon. “We are a long way from where we need to be, and time is running out,” said Kathye Beck, United Way executive di- rector. “We are so grateful to the people and businesses who have given so far – they are be- ing as generous as they can,” she said. “Now we are appeal- ing to those who haven’t given yet to make a contribution be- fore the end of the year.” To date, the campaign has raised $175,037 but the goal for 2009 is $302,010. Beck is hopeful that an additional $58,000 will come in from ef- forts that are currently under- way in workplaces throughout the county and from national corporate campaigns that are not processed locally. Howev- er, even if those projections are realized, they will boost the campaign only to 77% percent of goal, leaving the United Way with a shortfall of about $68,538. “What that means to our No TVs, etc. to landfills in 2010 As of January 1, 2010, Ore- gonians can no longer dispose of computers, monitors and TVs in the landfill. Unwanted, non-working or damaged com- puters, monitors and TVs must be recycled instead. Electronic waste is the fastest growing waste stream in the United States. Recycling electronics is important be- cause electronics contain valu- able precious metals like cop- per, gold and aluminum that can be recycled and used in new products. In addition, these electronics contain haz- ardous and toxic heavy metals such as lead, mercury and cad- mium. Even small amounts of these metals can be dangerous if released into the air, soil and/or water. In 2007 alone, Americans generated about 232 million used computers, monitors and TVs for disposal or recycling. An estimated 235 million additional TVs, comput- ers and monitors are stored in our basements, closets and garages. Through the new Oregon E- Cycles Program, anyone can take seven or fewer computers, monitors and TVs at one time to one of the more than 200 Oregon E-Cycles collection sites for free recycling. House- holds, small businesses and small non-profits with 10 or fewer employees may recycle more than seven items at a time. Locally, the Columbia County Transfer Station ac- cepts these items for recycling free of charge. Anyone needing additional information on the landfill ban or recycling locations can visit the DEQ’s website www.ore gonecycles.org or contact Roy Weedman, Columbia County Solid Waste Coordinator at 503-397-7263 or roy.weed man@co.columbia.or.us Welcome Additions and D’Lisa Watts, and Tony and Marla Paden, all of Ver- nonia. Great-grandparents include Robert Mac and Deanie Watts of Vernonia, John and Elda Saunders of Cornelius, and Dee Butler of Salem. JoLee Joyce Graham JoLee Joyce Graham was born November 8, 2009, the first child born to Travis and Amanda Graham of Vernonia. She weighed 6 pounds, 14 ounces and was 20-1/2 inches long. Grandparents are Robert community is that help may not be available at a time when help is needed the most,” said Sherie Mason, United Way Board President. All funds raised by the United Way of Columbia County remain in our local community to provide grants to critical human service programs delivered by its 22 Community Partners. Pro- grams that have a real impact on local people’s lives will lose vital funding, and the recipient organizations, most of which are already stretched to the lim- it with their own fundraising ef- forts, urgently need United Way dollars. Residents and businesses may donate directly to United Way of Columbia County, PO Box 538, Rainier, OR 97048. If you work out of county and par- ticipate in an employee giving campaign, your donation must be designated to United Way of Columbia County or it will go to the United Way where you work. Donor forms are avail- able online at www.unitedway ofcolumbiacounty.org or you may give with a credit card by calling the United Way office at 503-556-3614. All donations are tax-deductible. Page 9 Senior News Members of the Vernonia Senior Center held their annual meeting and election of officers last Friday, naming George Gans to lead center activities as president in 2010. Joining George on the executive board will be Vice-President Carl Holsey, Secretary Sandy Welch and Treasurer Patricia Ray. Joining this active group is easy. If you are 55 years-old, or above, you’re eligible for membership, and dues are only $15.00 per year, per person. Don’t know anyone at the Senior Center? It’s easy to get acquainted while enjoying a nutritious hot lunch, and the meal that is served at 12 noon on weekdays is freshly prepared each day. The suggested donation is $3.00 for people 60 and over, and $4.00 per meal to those who are under 60. In addition, breakfast is served each Friday from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m., for only $3.50. (Last Friday was blueberry pancakes and those of us who missed it are kicking ourselves.) You may also enjoy freshly made maple bars at $1.00 each every day. If you would like maple bars for a meeting or other event, just call a day in advance to place your order. The Thrift Shop is open weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Bargain prices are always featured and Christmas items are on sale at half price! The Golden Oldies band, which usually entertains a full house at noon on Wednesdays, will be taking the day off on December 23rd. The Center will be closed on December 24, 25, and January 1, 2010, but don’t miss the special dinner on Christmas day. It’s not a senior activity but it will be at the Senior Center. Read about it on Page 1 of The Independent. Foot care will continue to be available next year at $15.00 per person, provided by Marilyn Albro, R.N. Call her at 503-429-0406 to make an appointment. We will give you a run down of regularly scheduled activities for 2010 in the next issue. Vernonia Senior Center: 503-429-3912. Former Vernonian gets jail term for arson Theresa Norton (Brunk), previously of Vernonia, was convicted September 28 in Ida- ho of Insurance Fraud, Con- spiracy and Arson. She was sentenced December 7 to the custody of the Idaho State Board of Corrections for from one-and-a-half to five years, according to the Clearwater County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO). Norton was also ordered to pay court costs. A restitution hearing is scheduled for Febru- ary 8, 2010. Norton was arrested April 16, for deliberately setting fire to her home in Pierce, ID, on April 7, causing approximately $40,000 in damage and losses. The criminal complaint stated that she was trying to time the arson to cause suspicion to fall on her husband, Darrell Norton. Jason Stacy of Kooskia, ID, Norton’s co-conspirator, was convicted of Arson III and sen- tenced to two years withheld judgment, 60 days in Clearwa- ter County jail, and two years of supervised probation. The 4th annual FREE Christmas Dinner Everyone is Invited!! Turkey, Ham, All the Trimmings, Plus Dessert and Beverage. December 25, 1-4 p.m. Vernonia Senior Center Gratuities not accepted Provided by Friends of Vernonia