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