The INDEPENDENT, October 3, 2012
Library discussion will focus
on the future of reading
A free discussion about digi-
tal books and the future of
reading will take place in the
Vernonia Library on Saturday,
October 20, at 4:00 p.m. Host-
ed by the Friends of the Library
and the library board, and
sponsored by Oregon Humani-
ties, this discussion will raise
questions about the ways e-
books serve or change the act
of reading. It will encourage
critical thinking about the ef-
fects that reading in digital for-
mat might have on writing and
on our interactions with infor-
mation overall.
The discussion will be led by
Mark Cunningham, the author
of two historical novels: “The
Green Age of Asher Witherow”,
which was a #1 Book Sense
Pick from the American Book-
sellers Association, and “Lost
Son” based on the life and
work of the poet Rainer Maria
Rilke. Cunningham also writes
Mark Cunningham will lead a
library discussion on Oct. 20
occasional book reviews and
cultural commentary for “The
Oregonian” and his work has
been published in numerous
other publications.
The public is invited to take
part in discussing this thought-
provoking topic. Refreshments
will be provided following the
program.
CCRider changes schedules
for the two Flex routes
In response to rider com-
ments and requests, the North
and South Flex route transit
schedules have been revised to
address better connections and
coordination with the fixed route
service and allow new stops
along the route. The new
schedules took effect October 1.
Highlights of the changes in-
clude new stops at the Scap-
poose and Saint Helens Senior
Centers, and the Goodwill
store, in addition to the regular
stops on the previous sched-
ule. The new schedule also
looked at better coordination
and linkage with the St. Helens
to Portland and PCC/Rock
Creek/Willow Creek Transit
stops. Other changes include
flag stops through-out the sys-
tem to allow riders to catch the
bus at sites that were not previ-
ously part of the route. Riders
using flag stops can be picked
up at the designated flag stop
site by calling dispatch so the
driver can be alerted that there
is a rider at a particular flag
stop who wants to be picked
up.
“Revising the schedule is
the result of a lot of hours of
work from our Metro West driv-
ers and the computer skills of
Sharon Evinger, a dedicated
volunteer who also has a lot of
rider experience in our sys-
tem”, said Janet Wright,
CCRider’s Transit Director.
“We couldn’t have done it with-
out their input and work”.
Riders are encouraged to
comment on the new schedule
so improvements in service
can continue. Riders will also
see a new schedule format that
we hope will be easier to read
and understand, along with ad-
ditional information about our
public transit system.
For information on the
CCRider Transportation Sys-
tem, riders can go to www.
columbiacountyrider.com for
information, or call dispatch at
503-366-0159.
Page 7
Senior Center News
Do you need some creeeepy, craaawly decor
for Halloween? Don’t pass up the chance to find
just what you want in the Vernonia Senior Cen-
ter Thrift Shop. Even better, everything is half-
price during the first week of every month!
On Monday, October 29, the Five Area Lunch
will be held in Vernonia. It’s always fun when
members of the other Columbia County Senior
Centers join us for lunch, but this time a little ex-
tra activity will be added with a Senior Spelling
Bee starting at 10 a.m. There will be both written
and oral rounds, with certificates for the top
three finishers. No fee is required to join this
friendly competition, and you don’t have to be a
member to participate in the spelling bee, but
you do have to be at least 50 years of age.
This activity is being conducted by local mem-
bers of the board of directors of the Oregon Se-
nior Spelling Bee. If you have questions or want
more information, call Audeen Wagner, 503-429-
9700, or Noni Andersen, 503-429-7192.
The spelling bee will be completed in time for
the senior center’s great noon meal. A $4.00 do-
nation for lunch is suggested for those 60 and
over, and $5.00 for those under 60.
If you want to know more about your local
senior center, you can attend the center’s Board
of Directors meeting on the second Friday of
each month at 10 a.m. Don’t hesitate to bring
questions or suggestions for their consideration;
they always make time to listen.
“55 Alive”, a six hour refresher driving course
for adults, will be presented in two parts on No-
vember 26 and 27, starting at 1:00 p.m. at the
Vernonia Senior Center. The cost is $12 for
those 55 and older, $14 for those under 55, and
free for veterans and their spouses. In addition
to being a good idea, taking this course may
also be a money saver, since many insurance
companies give a discount to senior citizens
who complete the AARP-sponsored course.
Free blood pressure checks are available on
the 4th Wednesday of each month from 11 a.m.
to noon. Foot Care is scheduled on the second
and fourth Fridays of each month, at $15 per
person. Call Marilyn Albro, R.N., for an appoint-
ment, at 503-429-0406.
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
This senior spelling bee is just for fun
Seniors interested in a little
challenge are invited to partici-
pate in a spelling bee on Mon-
day, October 29, at 10 a.m. at
the Vernonia Senior Center.
The minimum age for eligibility
is 50 years.
There will be both written
and oral rounds, with certifi-
cates for the top three finishers.
No fee is required to join this
friendly competition.
The spelling bee will be
completed in time for the senior
center’s regular noon meal
(which will be roast turkey). A
$4.00 donation for lunch is sug-
gested for those 60 and over,
and $5.00 for those under 60.
The spelling bee is being
conducted by local members of
the board of directors of the
Oregon Senior Spelling Bee.
Vernonia Community PTA Carnival
Saturday October 20 th from 5 pm to 9 pm
At Vernonia Schools
Food, Raffle, Silent Auction,& Games Galore!
Fo o d D r i v e f o r Ve r n o n i a C a r e s
Bring 2 cans of food and receive 1 game ticket
(maximum of 10 cans per family)
Carnival proceeds go towards Elementary School
Playground Equipment & Middle /High School
Commons Area Furniture
For questions or for more infor-
mation, call Audeen Wagner,
503-429-9700, or Noni Ander-
sen, 503-429-7192.
Food bank accepts produce
Vernonia Cares Food Bank
will gladly accept your fresh,
excess garden and orchard
produce.
They are open from 10 a.m.
to 2:00 p.m., Tuesday and
Thursday, and are located in
the American Legion Hall, 627
Adams Avenue, adjacent to the
former site of West Oregon
Electric.