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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 16, 2010)
The INDEPENDENT, September 16, 2010 Author Nel Rand coming to Vernonia Author Nel Rand will be at the Vernonia Library on Mon- day, September 27, at 5:30 p.m. to discuss her latest book, The Burning Jacket. The Burning Jacket is the story of 11-year-old Raynie who lives with her mother, Mol- ly, in Anaheim, California, watching over her rescued desert tortoise, Erma Geddon. Raynie’s goal is to save endan- gered species, particularly rep- tiles, from environmental threats. Molly, recently divorced from Raynie’s father, owns a bakery but dreams of being a success- ful visual artist. Granny Tooley, Molly’s mother and Raynie’s grandmother, lives as a squat- ter in the forest of the Southern Oregon coast range, running from childhood demons and determined to stay “off the grid.” The story tells how they come through individual and joint trials and become closer as a result. Rand’s first novel, Mississip- pi Flyway, was an award-win- ning finalist in the 2007 Fore- word Magazine Book of the Year Award. The Vernonia Public Library Book Discussion Group and the Friends of the Library invite you to join them at this discus- sion. It is not necessary to read the book before the presenta- tion. The outlook for refresh- ments after the program is hopeful. Zoo free on Senior (citizen) Safari day If you yearn for high adven- ture but high prices are keeping you home, the Oregon Zoo may have just the ticket. Any- one 65 or over (along with one companion) can visit for free during the zoo’s annual Senior Safari, Tuesday, September 21, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. “The zoo is pleased to offer this event to our accomplished older citizens,” said Kim Smith, zoo director. “The zoo is a great place to learn and appreciate wildlife. By offering this free day, we hope to provide an en- joyable day that also brings our visitors nose to nose with a lion or cheetah!” Senior Safari, sponsored by Providence Health Plan, pro- vides a day of activities and en- tertainment planned with those 65 and over in mind. In the morning, safari-goers can fortify themselves with complimentary coffee and doughnuts (while supplies last). Throughout the day, seniors See Senior on page 20 Services for disabled to be topic Three free informational panel discussions on services available to persons with dis- abilities will be held in October in Columbia County. Individuals, parents, teach- ers, caregivers, and profes- sionals are invited to attend to discuss employment services, advocacy, support, safety in the home and community, health care, and other community re- sources. The meetings will be held from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.; • Oct. 5, at Vernonia Middle School cafeteria, 249 Bridge St. • Oct. 12, at Columbia Com- munity Mental Health’s Com- munity Room, 58646 McNulty Way, St. Helens. • Oct. 26, at the Clatskanie District Office, 555 SW Bryant. The forums are presented by the Advisory Council for Co- lumbia Developmental Disabili- ty Program, along with other social service providers. 50 Years Ago This Month The September 25, 1986, is- sue of The Independent includ- ed the following news story on the front page: A joint meeting of the Ver- nonia City Council and Plan- ning Commission on Septem- ber 3 resulted in agreement on the content of a home occupa- tions ordinance, as well as clar- ification of definitions, and some changes in the city’s ordi- nance regulating fences. When the changes are adopted, the height limitation for a front fence will be in- creased from three to four feet if the fencing material provides a “clear vision” such as chain link. Fences or hedges which obstruct view will remain at the 3’ height limitation. The defini- tion of “front fence” was clari- fied as being from the front edge of the structure to the lot line on the street of address. Bits & Bites By Jacqueline Ramsay Ahhh…you folks that live off the beaten path in among the timber just don’t realize what you have. Anyhow, I didn’t really ei- ther until I moved to the concrete jungle a year ago. Last Wednesday while coming back to your haven in the woods, I watched the blue sky and snow white clouds; noted the fields of corn turning from green to a beautiful straw color, the berry fields heavy with their fruit. A soft rain was falling, then we drove through a fog bank for a couple of miles, then suddenly sunshine and a soft breeze. Turning off the Sunset Corridor onto the road to “The Lit- tle Town Lost in the Woods”, I marveled at the change in the weeds, shrubs, bushes, and trees. Dark greens, browns, yellows, oranges, and reds. Sun breaking through the branches and bathing the road with light in the shadows. Turning the corner into town, I had a relaxing, soothing feeling. A step back in time away from the rush, rush, rush of life outside of the woods. Oh, I’m not saying the little town doesn’t have its drawbacks but once you leave it for good…it’s sure nice to come back to visit the folks you left behind. But now – the Bite. The Senior Center is the town gathering place?? Yes. Folks keep the Center going for the folds to gather; shop, listen to the Golden Oldies, have a good meal, catch up on possibly news that might benefit all of us. They try to have things going on to enlight- en your days. But, do you show them respect with silence when we sing God Bless America, have someone say Grace over our meal, or be silent and listen to reports or their welcome to you??? Is it too much to ask of you just one day a week? Note: This is a growing concern of mine. The chatter never stops from Noon through till the meal is over. If you were up front and no one listened to you – how would you feel? Have a nice day. I’ll see you on Wednesdays. Make The Rain Work For You! Regulation of garage sales was discussed, with a consen- Please see page 20 Hosted by the Columbia Soil & Water Conservation District FR EE! Location: Cabin in the Park Hawkins Park 901 Park Drive, Vernonia, OR 97064 When: Thursday September 23, 2010 6PM – 8PM G OOD F OOD G OOD F RIENDS G OOD T IMES 831 Bridge St. Vernonia, OR 503-429-0214 Page 9 Learn About: • Who The Columbia SWCD is and how we can help you. • Rainwater Collection – Presented by Clair Klock from The Clackamas SWCD • Mud Management – Presented by Tyler Joki from The Columbia SWCD Beverages and snacks will be provided For any questions please contact us at 503-397-4555