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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 15, 2012)
The INDEPENDENT, February 15, 2012 First Fridays end, new plans underway For five years, First Friday has been a hallmark of Vernon- ia’s summer season. The events, held the first Friday of every month from May through October, were designed to be a celebration of arts and commu- nity. Visitors were able to enjoy educational demonstrations; the talent of local artists, crafters and musicians; Scout- ing and children’s activities; and connecting with friends and neighbors. It was a gather- ing of community that was en- joyed by all – visitors, vendors and volunteers alike. Declining attendance at First Friday events has piqued inter- est in finding a new way to serve the original mission of bringing art and community to- gether in Vernonia. As a result, First Friday is disbanding and its committed volunteers are joining forces with the umbrella organization — Vernonia Hands-On Art Center, a 501(c) (3) non-profit — to host three events in the upcoming year. The updated vision includes a focus on local art and artists, collaboration with other com- munity organizations, creative activities for children, as well as opportunities for adults to visit. Plans for 2012 include an ex- panded celebration as part of the Junior Salmon Auction in May, a New Year’s Eve gala, and another yet to be deter- mined event. Stay tuned for de- tails. For those who will miss the beautiful products of local crafters, be sure to stop by the new Made in Vernonia store, where you can view and pur- chase a variety of unique items from a selection that continues to grow and change. We are looking forward to an exciting new year. If you’re in- terested in volunteering or would like more info, please contact Erika Paleck at 503- 704-5970, or epaleck@gmail. com. Free dinner for community on Feb. 18 Vernonia Pioneer Baptist Fellowship is a relatively new, growing church. It meets at the Middle School Cafeteria on Sundays (where you see the No Perfekt Peoples banner), with Sunday School for chil- dren and adults at 9:00 a.m., and the main service at 11:00 a.m. At the recent Thanksgiving Community Dinner (with the cooperation of the Vernonia Community Church), Pioneer Baptist provided a meal to ap- proximately 130-140 people. That success led to the deci- sion to begin a church out- reach. This year, members of the Pioneer Baptist Fellowship plan to provide at least one hot meal each month, at no charge, to anyone who would like to attend. The first meal will be on Saturday, February 18, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Scout Cabin in Hawkins Park. The menu is simple: Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup (a great recipe), bread, and dessert. In the next few months, there will be a Chili Feed, a Beef Stew dinner, and – when the weath- er warms up – even a barbe- cue or two! We look forward to seeing you at the Scout Cabin on the 18th. Bring your appetites and your smiles – everything else will be provided! Poster contest now accepting entries The Blues Committee and United Way of Columbia Coun- ty would like to invite you to participate in a contest to pro- vide the art for the Fifth Annual Blues Benefit Festival “Rhythm on the River”. The contest is open to all Columbia County residents, and is a benefit for United Way of Columbia County. • All entries must be original art and suitable for a family ori- ented event. • All art must be a maximum of 10” wide x 9” high, and be signed and dated by the artist. • Theme is “Rhythm on the River” (6th annual), please in- clude theme in art. • Artists are encouraged to include event title and location; Rhythm on the River 6th Annu- al Blues Benefit, Clatskanie City Park, Saturday, July 28. • Entries must be received by March 23, by 1:00 p.m. Send or deliver entries to: United Way of Columbia Coun- ty, Attention: Blues Festival Art, P.O. Box 538, 305 W 3rd St., Rm 16, Rainier, OR 97048. Please phone ahead if you are dropping off, 503-556-3614. • Original art may also be sent in a high quality jpg format suitable for reproduction, to uwcc@hotmail.com with Blues See page 19 for Mariolino’s article on the Columbia County Empty Bowls Poster Contest in the subject line. • Include contact information when submitting work. All entries become the prop- erty of the Rhythm on the River Blues Committee and United Way. Entries will be used to raise funds. All proceeds go to United Way of Columbia Coun- ty. The Event Committee will judge the entries and the entry of the first place winner will be displayed as the 6th annual event poster. There will be a $50 award for first place, $25 each for second and third place. Hungry? erving S w o N New Lunch Specials! event. 721 Madison Ave.,Vernonia • 503-429-5018 Page 7 Senior Center News It’s time to renew your annual membership in the Vernonia Se- nior Center, or to join for the first time. Vernonia area residents, age 50 and over, are eligible, and the $15.00 membership fee provides many important services for our community. The regular schedule of center activities and services includes: • Lunch on Monday through Friday at noon. A $4.00 donation is suggested for those 60 and older, and $5.00 for those under 60. Lunch to go is $5.00; call ahead and place your order. • Breakfast for all ages on Fridays from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m., at $3.50 per person. Maple bars made fresh daily are $1.00 each. • Free blood pressure checks on the 4th Wednesday of each month from 11 a.m. to noon. • Foot care on the second and fourth Fridays of each month. Call Marilyn Albro, R.N., at 503-429-0406 for an appointment. Foot care is $15.00. • Quilters and other needle workers gather on Tuesdays, any time from 10:30 to closing. • The Golden Oldies entertain on Wednesdays (weather per- mitting) from before lunch until closing. Card games on Fridays starting at 1:00 p.m. Vernonia Senior Citizens Center: 446 Bridge Street Hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Thrift Shop Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Phone: 503-429-3912 Welcome Additions Alba Raye Caspers Alba Raye Caspers was born January 19, 2012, the first child of Pete and Jayme Caspers of Peosta, Iowa. She weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces and was 20.5 inches long. Grandparents are Keith and Allyson Cameron of Vernonia, Kathy and Warren Bell of Gale- na, Illinois, Rusty and Cheryl Caspers of Anamosa, Iowa, and Julie and Brad Hansen of Olin, Iowa. Great-grandmother is Violet Cameron of Vernonia.
