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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 20, 2011)
The INDEPENDENT, January 20, 2011 National cohousing trend in Oregon by Chris Thomas, Oregon News Service For Oregonians over age 55, cohousing might be just the an- swer to living independently but having the support of neighbors and friends. A Portland development is one of five in the country to re- ceive awards from the National Association of Home Builders and AARP, as good living op- tions for people as they age. Daybreak Cohousing, 2525 N. Killingsworth St., is credited as being on the cutting edge of a trend toward smaller homes, and neighbors who share com- mon spaces if they wish, like big dining areas, gardens and workshops. Some cohousing develop- ments are designed only for seniors, but others are open to all ages. Daybreak's architect, Grace Kim of Seattle, believes people over age 55 will make or break the cohousing trend, "The boomers are here, and they're very proactive about taking care of themselves. And I think cohousing will be some- thing that is very attractive to them for a lot different reasons - about self-destiny, about be- ing able to develop themselves, about gathering their friends around them - so that they know how they're going to be supported in their later years." Kim says cohousing is a way to have privacy but also be part of a community that is commit- ted to getting along and being good neighbors. Daybreak's residents have come from as far away as Ohio, Illinois and Arizona to be part of the co- housing trend. Jerry Cohen, state director of AARP Oregon, says safety is a big concern as people age and want to remain in their own homes - but so is the desire to stay connected with their com- munity. Cohousing can provide both, "They thought ahead in terms of how to design and lay out a home - I mean, not just in terms of stairs, but of true ac- cessibility. It also really pro- vides an opportunity to stay en- gaged with neighbors, family and friends." In Oregon, there are also co- housing communities under- way in Corvallis and Eugene. The Cohousing Association of the United States offers infor- mation about existing develop- ments, or starting your own. It is online at www.cohousing. org. Page 9 Bits & Bites By Jacqueline Ramsay Well, hello all you survivors of 2010. How was your Christmas? Happy and sat- isfying as mine was – I hope. I spent most of the day playing with my seven month-old great-grandson. He’s cutting teeth so he chewed on all of his new toys. Our church had a New Years Eve B.B.Q. and party. There were 40+ for dinner but by 11:30 p.m. there were seven of us to usher in 2011. We had a prayer circle, kissed and said, “Good night”. I saw snow falling the other day – that is until it got about five feet from the ground where it turned into rain. I guess I’d call it a snow gullywasher storm because it ran to the gutters. It’s dull, it’s dark, it’s quiet, no sun, no wind, only a crow calling once in awhile. Even the traffic is quiet. So my brain is on hold. I haven’t even found words in the crosswords to argue with. Life is dull right now. Just eatin’, sleepin’, knittin’, readin’ and wrighten (sic). And waitin’ for the mailman. Only thing exciting; the forsythia is still blooming. Yes, new buds every day – sun, rain or freeze. Bye now. DIRECTV, Inc. customers eligible for part of $13.25 million settlement Attorney General John Kroger announced, in Decem- ber, a $13.25 million multi-state agreement with DIRECTV, Inc., one of the nation’s largest providers of satellite television services. The settlement re- solves allegations that the com- pany engaged in deceptive, un- fair and unlawful sales prac- tices in violation of Oregon con- sumer protection law. Oregon was a member of the multi-state Executive Com- mittee that led the investigation into DIRECTV’s sales and ad- vertising tactics, including its promotional “cash back” and rebate offers. “Telecommunications com- panies consistently rank No. 1 on the Department of Justice’s Top 10 Consumer Complaints list,” said Attorney General Kroger. “For that reason, pro- tecting consumers from tele- communcations fraud is one of our top consumer protection priorities.” DIRECTV is one of the sin- gle largest generators of con- sumer complaints, with over 1,020 filed with the Oregon De- 24 Years Ago This Month The January 29, 1987, issue of The Independent included the following news story on the front page: Smiles, laughter and warm applause punctuated the evening at the Vernonia Area Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet held on January 17, as eight volunteers were hon- ored for their efforts on behalf of the community. Bill Hawkins and Dorothy Yadon were selected as Man and Woman of the Year for 1986, and received standing ovations from the more than 60 people who attended the event at Masonic Hall. Hawkins was selected for his commitment to the develop- ment of recreational activities for area residents, and espe- cially for his work in refurbish- ing the little league ball park. Yadon, president and one of the initial supporters of Vernon- ia Cares, was picked for her ef- forts on behalf of needy people in the area. Others nominated for their contributions to the community included Henry Anderegg, Sue Cavinee, Janet Homan, Ray Pelster, Gertrude Schalock and Agnes Wuest. As Noni Andersen read the reasons for each nomination, the nominees came forward and received a Certificate of Mariolino’s Prime Rib Special! Appreciation from Chamber President Fred Klinger. Then, in the middle of the program, as if to emphasize the reason for the event, the city fire siren sounded and four volunteer firefighters rushed out, leaving their dinners to get cold. After presentation of the awards to Hawkins and Yadon, the West Hills Chapter of the Sweet Adelines entertained the crowd with a program of barber shop harmony and show tunes. F RIDAYS and S ATURDAYS $13. 99 721 Madison Ave.,Vernonia • 503-429-5018 partment of Justice since 1996 and more than 230 so far this year. A majority of complaints pertain to the company’s failure to clearly and conspicuously disclose certain fees, contract terms and other hidden limita- tions that applied to their sub- scription. Many consumers also complained about DIRECTV’s practice of automatically en- rolling them in additional or ex- tended contracts without their full knowledge. Oregon will receive $605,000 under the agreement to be filed today in Marion County Circuit Court, part of which will be used to cover the costs of the investigation. Among other things, the settle- ment terms require DIRECTV to make significant reforms to its business practices, including more transparent disclosure of terms and conditions that apply to consumer contracts. The company has also agreed to pay restitution to cer- tain consumers with unresolved complaints filed since January 1, 2007. Eligible consumers will be contacted directly by DI- See DIRECTV, page 21 We have moved Carter Cutlery Murray Carter ABS Master Bladesmith 503-447-1029 22097 NW West Union Road Hillsboro OR, 97124 www.cartercutlery.com murry@cartercutlery.com