Monday, December 14, 2009

Sauvie Island Telephone Directory:
The 17th edition of the Telephone Directory has been sent to the graphic designer and should in print by the end of December. We expect copies to be available for distribution in January. We would like to thank everyone who pre-ordered directories as that helps us fund the project as we go along. Additional copies may be purchased for $15 in case you need an extra one for your car, boat or RV. We appreciate all of those who chose to advertise and encourage you to use those vendors and please let them know their ad worked.

Annual Giving Program.
Even though we have seen reduced revenues and increased expenses like everyone else in this economy, the members voted to fund our giving program at the full amount of $100 each to the following: Oregon Food Bank, St Vincent De Paul, Portland Rescue Mission, Ronald McDonald House, Salvation Army, Dogs for the Deaf, Sauvie Island Fire Department, and the Columbia County Food Bank. This is in addition to money donated to Oregon State Junior Grange, Sauvie Island PTC and providing dictionaries to all third graders at Sauvie Island School and Grant Watts in Scappoose. We take pride in working hard to help make others in our community.

Sauvie Island Drainage Improvement Company
In November, Tim Couch, SIDIC Manager, spoke to us about the dike tree removal project after just completing the first of a four year program. Trees within fifteen feet of the dike will be removed with large tracts of trees being done first. Tim said he would be talking to all property owners prior to any scheduled cutting. He is holding a meeting at the Grange on February 4th to share information with landowners about the program. The 2010 cutting will be the large tracts of trees on the ESCO and Trapold properties. Smaller properties won’t be scheduled until 2011 and 2012 and he assured us that nothing will be done without the property owner’s knowledge.

SI Fire Department
Rich Mayberry reported the fire department has had 129 calls so far this year, which is a new record for the department. From medical emergencies to fires to accidents, the volunteers have been plenty busy this year and we appreciate their efforts every day. We are blessed to have such dedicated members of our community providing us with protection twenty-four hours a day. Thank you volunteers!

Sherriff Patrol
Katholeen McGinity reported that Officer Larry Weaver will be back on staff full time starting in January. We are all glad to have him back on patrol and it’s nice to know he likes us as much as we like him.

Community Association
Julia Bergren, Community Association Secretary, introduced the new website and encouraged everyone to check it out for up to date information about the island. The website separates information about the island into two categories: visitors and islanders. You can find out what is happening with various interest groups on the island and keep up with current news that affects us all. You can even sign up to get alerts for meeting notices, lost animals or emergency information. It’s a great tool for a rural community to communicate and make sure the things that matter to us are shared as needed. Check it out and sign up today.

Annual GWA Christmas Party
We work very hard all year so we can play one day a year and that day is Wednesday, December 16th. There is a potluck lunch, gift exchange and food drive starting at noon. It’s a great time to relax with friends for an afternoon and celebrate the season together. Members have been busy this month visiting islanders who no longer get out like they use to. We deliver a variety of goodies to our friends and make their holiday a little better by showing we care and wishing them a great holiday. It truly is the season of giving and we love to do that! Join us any 3rd Wednesday of the month at 1:30 pm at the Grange. You do not have to be a member of Grange to attend the GWA meetings.

Membership
Annual dues notices will be sent out in December and as soon as you get the notice, send in your dues. Only $5 of our annual dues stays with us, the balance goes towards supporting our State and National offices. This puts more of a burden on our fund raising events, but the way we look at it, there is “fun” in fund raising. That’s too corny! Anyone may apply for membership in the Grange, ask a member for an application or call 503-621-9604 for information. There will be an application in the back of the new directory.

New Officers
The 2010 officers were elected in November with Keith Steenslid re-elected as Master/President. Shirley Larson will step down from serving as Treasurer and even Shirley doesn’t remember how long she has been in that role. We recognized her service in December and gave her a certificate of appreciation, gift card and round of applause. We appreciate her service and know that she will continue to play an active role in the Grange. Shirley celebrated 55 years of Grange membership earlier this year. Pam Vetsch will take over the duties of Treasurer in January. Katholeen McGinity was re-appointed as President of the Grange Worker’s Association.

That should do it. Thanks,

Lynnda Steenslid
Bridgetown Electric
Phone:503-621-7122
Fax: 503-621-7123
Mobile: 503-318-7517
Email: lynnda@bridgetownelectric.com
Web: www.bridgetownelectric.com