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Wednesday, October 27, 2021

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Serving Columbia County since 1881

Is it time for a hospital in Columbia County?

Metro Creative Connection / The Chronicle

In 2009, the Oregon Health Authority denied an application submitted by Columbia Health District to build a 12-bed hospital in St. Helens.

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

New discussions concerning hospital care in Columbia County are likely to be held in the coming months as Oregon moves into the rescue and recovery phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.

To gain insight into why there is current no main hospital in Columbia, The Chronicle spoke with Columbia County Public Health Director Michael Paul.

The Chronicle: Currently, for folks in Columbia County needing hospitalization, where must they go?

Michael Paul: Hospital level of care is not available in the county.

Depending on zip code and specific need, residents may receive care at hospitals in Clatsop, Washington, Multnomah or Cowlitz counties.

The Chronicle: Why is there no

hospital in Columbia County?

Paul: Like many states, several decades ago the Oregon State Legislature established a health planning program within the Oregon Heath Authority, and it directed the Oregon Health Authority to adopt rules specifying criteria and procedures for making decisions as to the need for new health care facilities, including hospitals. The primary goal of the program is to assure that health services are adequately distributed around the state, without unnecessary duplication of services or excessive costs to patients.

In 2009, the Oregon Health Authority denied an application submitted by Columbia Health District to build a 12-bed hospital in Saint Helens.

The Chronicle: Specifically, what is the need in Columbia County for a hospital and who would be best served with such a facility?

Paul: The state rules require the applicant to demonstrate the need for a hospital. The state will only issue a certificate of need if the application addresses the criteria in the rules so it’s premature to say there is a need until the analysis is completed.

That said, the county regularly hears from residents, business owners and employees about the availability of health care in our communities. Community health needs assessments identify access to health care as dominant concern in our communities. We need to delve further into these concerns.

For instance, when residents identify access to care as inadequate, are they thinking about the availability of a vaccination, a surgical procedure, an ambulance ride, or are they thinking about acute care at an emergency department? More importantly, though, we have to look at the most recent hospital utiliza-

tion data by community, as well as outcomes for our residents versus Oregonians who live closer to a hospital. It’s possible that the analysis shows the service area can’t financially support an additional hospital, or maybe it shows health outcomes can be improved by investments to our emergency medical services.

The Chronicle: What type of hospital do you believe would best fit Columbia County and would that be a trauma facility?

Paul: As you suggest, there are different types of hospitals. Before choosing size and type, an applicant will first need to conduct an analysis of utilization data and nearby facilities, and the applicant will need to complete a financial analysis.

The Chronicle: Where would the most critical need be in the county to place a hospital and why that area?

Paul: If distance to care is the only consideration, a hospital would be positioned centrally so that it was equidistant to the greatest number of population centers. But distance to care is not the only consideration; many additional factors are considered, including geography, availability of suitable land, access to workforce, population age, as well as future growth projections and transportation patterns.

Columbia County is vast, but there are geographic barriers, the population is not evenly distributed, and there are existing hospital facilities in adjacent counties to consider.

For example, if you put a hospital in Clatskanie, is a Scappoose resident going to travel to Portland, Hillsboro, Longview or Clatskanie? It might depend on capacity, preference, quality, specific need, distance, and/or cost. ­­­­ See HOSPITAL Page A7

Food bank built to remove barriers ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Columbia Pacific Food Bank (CPFB) has entered the finishing phase of its latest construction renovation project.

The CPFB’s is moving from its current location on Milton Way to a new home in the building formerly known as Columbia Electric Feed & Seed on Columbia Boulevard in downtown St. Helens.

The new CPFB 12,500 sq. ft structure will feature a walk-in freezer, walk-in cooler, ‘residential’ style kitchen, storage space, and a multipurpose community room, according to Lower Columbia Engineering Interiors Project Manager Mandi Jenks.

“When you walk in, it’s very inviting. It feels somewhat like a normal market with higher ceilings and stocked shelves,” Jenks said.

“It’s a bit less intimidating for those that might be coming in financially burdened, and the emotional stress that goes with that, which I think facilitates a much more enjoyable, humane experience.”

The new location will also generate more visibility for the food bank, according to Jenks.

“While it’s not a waterfront downtown area, it is a prime real estate location, with high exposure both to vehicular and pedestrian

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This is a conceptual drawing of the new Columbia Pacific Food Bank building.

traffic,” she said.

Bid documents state that the renovated distribution facility will receive, sort, prepare and distribute 2 million pounds of food annually (up from the current 1 million pounds) to the countywide distribution network.

Need for change Columbia Pacific Food Bank Executive Director Casey Wheeler

told The Chronicle that the transition to a new facility will create ample space for employees to conduct these large-scale distributions.

“The layout of the space is going to be much more efficient,” he said. “So, it’ll be a lot easier to do things than with the configuration we have in our warehouse. You get more than three people max in there, and they’re falling over each other.”

Additional features of the facili-

Courtesy photo

ty include a conference room, bottle drop, and gender-neutral restrooms for patron and employee use.

Jenks said that the kitchen space, a place where families can practice their cooking skills and receive free, professional cooking lessons, is designed specifically for their comfort.

“The idea is that the kitchen emulates a residential home — recipes you can cook with microwaves, simple kitchen appliances that

­­­­ See CPFB Page A10

Halloween 2021 wraps up this weekend ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

After weeks of dispensing candy and invoking hair-raising terror in those who dare to attend, Halloween activites in St. Helens will round out the season with culminating events.

Boulevard Trick-or-Treat

Vol. 139, No. 43

operate on standard outlets in the wall versus dedicated circuits,” she said. “It (also) has a natural electric stove, which is often what people in need might have more access to rather than gas stoves.”

Design elements aside, Jenks said that CPFB is taking things one step further than the Oregon Food Bank with its methodology.

“They want to have not just a really approachable experience, but an area that serves to provide fresh produce for the community that’s really easily accessible on a daily basis, without checking in on some of the things administratively that hinder that process,” she said. “Anyone, in theory, could just pull up and go on in and get some apples or greens for their salad.”

The need for a central food bank location in Columbia County is widespread, according to Wheeler.

“About one in 10 folks in the county access our services on a regular basis,” he said. “And that’s partly because of the situation in Columbia County. You have to commute for the most part to have a good-paying job.”

The food bank so far has been able to accommodate these numbers, in part due to its strong network of volunteers.

The annual Big Halloween Parade held in St. Helens each October was cancelled last year and again this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic but a local group hopes they have found a traditional way to continue the spirit of Halloween with a safer event.

The Columbia Boulevard Trick-

Courtesy photo

A Boulevard Trick-or-Trick opportunity for children will be held Friday afternoon, Oct. 29, along Columbia Boulevard in downtown St. Helens.

or-Treat will be held from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 29. Organizer Betsy Stephens of the Heather Epperly’s American Family Insur-

ance in St. Helens, said she and the event volunteers reached out to neighboring small businesses to participate offering a trick-

or-treating opportunity for local children of all ages. The event also is designed to help support local small businesses.

Businesses participating are encouraged to offer family friendly items for trick-or-treaters of all ages. The businesses are also encouraged to decorate their establishment.

The route of the Columbia Boulevard Trick-or-Treat begins at Heather Epperly’s American Family Insurance and moves up Columbia Boulevard. Sunshine Pizza and Mailboxes Northwest will be the last stop on the climb up the boulevard and the route then crosses over to Christina’s Chest and heads back down Columbia Boulevard. ­­­­ See HALLOWEEN Page A5

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Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Stagnant Ships: Vessels abandoned on Columbia River

Courtesy photo

Submerged vessels can release oils and chemicals that have adverse consequences on waterways.

ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Abandoned vessels clogging up the Columbia River present a myriad of safety concerns for Columbia County residents.

According to Lt. Shaun McQuiddy of the Columbia County Sheriff’s office, these concerns include water, navigational, and environmental hazards, the effects of which could be mitigated by acting responsibly as a boat owner.

McQuiddy said that vessel-abandonment cases have tested officer capabilities on a state level.

Robbed resources “These abandoned and derelict vessels have increasingly robbed our resources and time, statewide,” he said.

McQuiddy also said that the majority of abandoned and derelict boats are located in South Columbia County waterways from the Multnomah County line on the Columbia River down to Goble and the Multnomah channel.

The penalties for vessel abandonment range from $440 on the low end to thousands of dollars on the high end. If the vessel becomes submerged, it becomes an even greater expenditure to remove the vessel that, for one boat owner, came out to a total of $55,000.

The Oregon State Marine

Board (OSMB) may help to offset the price tag associated with vessel removal, but Columbia County is responsible for the bulk of the costs if no one comes forward to claim ownership.

Columbia County has a partnership with the OSMB and the United States Coast Guard (USGC) to manage abandoned and derelict vessels in waterways.

“We work closely with our partners to establish best practices and procedures to keep our waterways safe and enjoyable for all users,” McQuiddy said.

The most common types of offenders of abandoned vessels range from people living on their boat, to scrappers and owners of “fixer uppers,” he said.

These groups are most likely to abandon their vessel when a mechanical issue arises creating a potentially hazardous obstruction.

Multiple owners “It is not uncommon for us to find that a boat has changed owners three, four, five times without properly registering the vessel. We have come across several boats where they have been stripped, all the identification markings removed, and filled with trash,” he said. “If the boat suffers a major failure such as taking on water they will just abandon the vessel and move onto another one.”

The process for removing a derelict boat requires multiple, escalating steps.

“First is a notification that the boat needs to be removed. Then, a notification that if the boat is not removed it will be seized,” he said. “Next is a seizure notice posting. Once a boat has been removed, there is a

A mechanical malfunction is one of the main reasons people abandon their vessels.

time period that the boat has to be held before it can be salvaged.”

Columbia County works in tandem with surrounding counties, including the USCG and OSMB, to remove these vessels from waterways.

Resources and funding affect whether a boat is able

to be removed quickly but McQuiddy said the county sheriff’s office is working hard to clear the obstructions and to educate waterway travelers about maintaining responsible boating practices.

“While we are working on affordable solutions to remove smaller vessels it is

Courtesy photo

very expensive to remove a boat from the water, then the boat has to be stored for a period of time, and then there is a salvage cost,” he said.

“As far as enforcement and education (go), we work to identify boats and operators that we see on the waterways, educate when we can and enforce when necessary.”

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Oregon’s Unemployment: ‘A remarkable recovery’ STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Oregon’s unemployment rate dropped to 4.7% in September from 5.0%, as revised in August, according to the Oregon Employment Department (OED).

“This is a remarkable improvement from the worst labor force impacts of the COVID recession when 270,000 Oregonians were jobless in

April 2020,” a release from the Oregon Employment Department states. “However, there is still ground to make up to approach the average of 82,000 Oregonians unemployed during 2017 through 2019, during the tight labor market of the prior economic expansion.”

The U.S. unemployment rate dropped to 4.8% in September from 5.2% in August.

In Oregon, nonfarm payroll employment declined

by 200 in September, following a revised gain of 8,900 jobs in August. Monthly gains averaged 10,200 during January through August.

Job reductions in September were largest in government (-3,800 jobs) and construction (-1,400). These losses were balanced by substantial gains in professional and business services (+2,500 jobs); leisure and hospitality (+2,200); and transportation, warehousing, and utilities (+1,000 jobs).

The private sector added 3,600 jobs in September, continuing the steady private-sector expansion that averaged 4,600 jobs added per month over the past six months.

Government job losses in September were concentrated in local government where some K-12 schools added fewer employees than is typical at the start of the school year. Other local government employers are still well below their staffing levels seen two

years ago prior to the recession.

Leisure and hospitality added 2,200 jobs in September, following a gain of 1,200 in August. Despite these gains, leisure and hospitality still accounts for the bulk of Oregon’s jobs not recovered since early 2020, with 42,100 jobs left to recover to reach the prior peak month of February 2020. The industry has regained 62% of jobs lost early in the pandemic.

Professional and technical services has grown at a rapid rate throughout 2021, and is now well above its pre-recession peak. This industry added 11,800 jobs since the low point in April 2020. Most of the jobs in the broader industry are found in firms providing services in the areas of legal, architectural, engineering, computer systems design, management consulting, research, and veterinary.

Port Westward rezoning heading back to LUBA JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Columbia Riverkeeper and 1000 Friends of Oregon have filed a legal challenge with the Oregon Lane Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) to Columbia County’s controversial decision to rezone over 830 acres of prime farmland and wetlands for heavy industrial development along the Co-

lumbia River.

This marks the county and Port of Columbia County’s third attempt to rezone the area following successful legal challenges brought by a local farmer, Columbia Riverkeeper, and 1000 Friends of Oregon to stop the rezone.

The Columbia County Board of Commissioners approved the Port of Columbia County’s application to rezone

837 acres at Port Westward from Primary Agriculture to Resource Industrial Planned Development Sept. 22.

Port Westward is a deepwater port with existing dock facilities and direct access to the 43-foot federal navigation channel in the Columbia River. The 837-acre expansion area at Port Westward will address the need, both at the local and state level, for

industrial land, according to supporters.

Columbia Riverkeeper and 1000 Friends of Oregon submitted detailed comments to the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals in their legal challenge describing how the port’s proposal failed to meet the minimum requirements of Oregon’s land use laws. Read the full legal challenge with this story at thechronicleon-

line.com.

Columbia Riverkeeper and 1000 Friends of Oregon are represented by Crag Law Center, a non-profit environmental law center serving Pacific

Northwest communities.

Oregon law allows for appeals to the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals, which would likely issue a decision in several months.

Building Bridges to Self Sufficiency

Community Action Team

Police reviewing ‘possible misuse’ of Port funds JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Columbia City Police are now reviewing a report from the Port of Columbia County concerning ‘possible misuse’ of port funds by former executive director Doug Hayes.

Columbia City Police Sgt. Jerry Bartolomucci told The Chronicle that he is reviewing the case.

“I am reviewing documents and use of the (Port) credit card,” Bartolomucci said.

“Once that is completed, I will talk to the individuals involved who used the card.”

Following his review, Bartolomucci said he expects to write a report that will be forwarded to the Columbia County district attorney’s office for possible consideration of charges.

Under such a case, law enforcement reviews any possibility of fraud.

Bartolomucci said penalties, including any fines and

Chronicle photo

Former Port of Columbia County Executive Director Doug Hayes is the center of the investigation.

jail time would vary depending on the dollar amount that might be involved if fraud is substantiated.

Columbia County District Attorney Jeff Auxier was limited in his reply to The Chronicle concerning the investigation.

“I cannot comment on the status of a pending investigation but suffice it to say that we take the misuse of govern-

ment funds very seriously.”

The case emerged following Hayes’ unexpected resignation in late September.

At that time, the port commission did not release any details about what led to the resignation.

In an open letter to the community and media, issued Fri., Oct. 15, the port commission revealed that an investigation about ‘possible misuse of Port funds’ by Hayes, was underway.

“We are investigating the possible misuse of Port funds

by Mr. Hayes. The alleged improper use came to light after an employee reported concerns to the Port Commission. Mr. Hayes resigned and recently paid the Port back $23,335. This represents the total amount identified.

This was a significant breach of trust, and we will complete a thorough investigation,” the open letter reads.

The Chronicle reported that on June 14, 2017, Port

of St. Helens announced the official hiring of Hayes as the new executive director. The Port commission voted 4-0 to extend an offer to Hayes at a starting salary of $116,000 with additional benefits.

The Chronicle will continue to provide updates about this story as they develop.

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Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Garden Plots: First fall frost and the wooly bear CHIP BUBL Chronicle Guest Article

The average first fall frost for the St. Helens area is early November. It is just an average. A few years ago, we didn’t have our first frost until after Thanksgiving. However, with rain and somewhat cool temperatures now, our vegetable gardens are all but done with only leafy greens and unharvested root crops hanging on.

spring and mate sooner.

These older caterpillars will have wider orange bands.

A long, cold winter leads to late emergence, thus younger caterpillars with smaller orange bands. By the way, the caterpillar eats dandelions and broad and narrow leafed plantain among other common plants. It is not a pest. The moth is fairly large and rusty orange.

The wooly bears (larva of the Isabella moth - Pyrrharctia isabella), those ubiquitous orange and black fuzzy caterpillars, are now in motion looking for a place until winter is over. They are pumping up their systems with carbohydrates and making glycerol to keep crucial cells from freezing.

Folk wisdom says that the wider the rust-colored band in the center of the wooly bear, the warmer the winter will be. It must be noted that as the caterpillar grows, the middle band naturally gets wider. The younger the caterpillar you see, the narrower the orange band. Entomologists have concluded that consistently wider bands may show what happened last winter. If it was mild, the Isabella moth would emerge earlier in the

Can you over-winter a fuchsia?

• Spray fruit and berry plants with copper in the rain breaks.

• Prune out dead branches before the leaves fall.

• Divide and transplant perennial flowers.

• Protect young tree trunks with tree wrap or

Plant breeders have developed wonderful fuchsias.

Most gardeners buy them each spring, enjoy them through the fall and discard them in the winter. Some intrepid gardeners save fuchsias by cutting them way back and storing them in pots under moist sawdust, in cool garages in the dark or even under the house. These techniques can be surprisingly successful. The pots in the garage and under the house will have to be checked periodically to make sure they aren’t drying out.

white latex paint (not oil based paint) diluted 50-50 with water as a white wash. This will protect the trunks from winter injury and summer sunburn.

• Develop a plan for outside container plants in very cold weather.

• Mulch areas of your garden that you don’t plan to cover crop.

• Harvest winter squash and cure in a dry place as soon as possible.

• Plant garlic.

Don’t let them get light or they may start to grow too early. When spring conditions warm up, you can bring them out and force new growth.

Other gardeners have recognized that our milder winters and cross-bred fuchsias allow many varieties to over-winter outside. Some varieties will die back to the soil line but return the following spring. Gardeners may also take potted fuchsias, dig a hole in the garden, and

Drawing from Adirondack Almanack

More conventional long-term forecasts call for wetter but colder November through January. One of the “analog” years the forecasters are looking at is 2008.

We had 20 inches of snow at our house and watched a neighbor’s tree take out the power line to Vernonia on Christmas Eve. I wouldn’t want to see that weather again.

Special fall things to do: • Turn off and winterize pump.

• Winterize power gardening tools and clean/ sharpen hand tools.

• Plant bulbs (this is the time for the best selection).

place the pot in it (slightly lower than soil level) and cover the crown with coarse mulch. The soil must be well drained enough so that the plant doesn’t decay from a high winter water table. Then in the spring, the plants can be dug up and repotted (if necessary) when all danger of a killing frost is past.

any of these topics or other home garden and/or farm questions, please contact Chip Bubl, Oregon State University Extension office in St. Helens at 503-3973462 or at chip.bubl@oregonstate.edu. The office is open from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday.

Free newsletter

Important notes The OSU Extension Office is fully reopened. Masks still required inside.

Planning for an OSU Master Gardener class next spring We are actively planning for an in-person OSU Master Gardener class starting next February. The class would most likely be held in St. Helens on Monday, during the day, for about ten weeks.

If you think you might be interested, let us know. Call Sonia Reagan or myself (Chip Bubl) at 503-397-3462. Your statement of interest doesn’t commit you to anything but will give us some idea if people are ready to return to in person classes. If COVID mutates again, it might have to be a digital only class.

Donate produce and/or cash to the food bank, senior centers, or community meals programs. It is greatly appreciated.

The Extension Service offers its programs and materials equally to all people.

Have questions?

If you have questions on

The Oregon State University Extension office in Columbia County publishes a monthly newsletter on gardening and farming topics (called County Living) written/edited by yours truly. All you need to do is ask for it and it will be mailed or emailed to you.

Call 503-397-3462 to be put on the list. Alternatively, you can find it on the web at http://extension. oregonstate.edu/columbia and click on newsletters.

Many Extension publications available online Are you putting up salsa, saving seeds, or thinking about planting grapes?

OSU has a large number of its publications available for free download. Just go to https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu. Click on publications and start exploring.

Oregon State University Extension Service – Columbia County 505 N. Columbia River Highway St. Helens, OR 97051 503-397-3462

Viewpoints

October is Domestic Violence Awareness & Action Month JANELLE ADAMS Chronicle Guest Column

It is that time of year where we take a moment to call attention to the pattern of coercive control that hides in the darkness of so many homes.

This is the time we evaluate the safety of the families within these homes and realize that we need to take action and bring awareness to the oppressing pattern of abusive behavior and its traumatizing effects upon those who are abused.

In order to understand the importance of awareness, you must understand that one of the first stages of

domestic violence is isolation. Isolation is the act of separating something from other things. The abuser uses the isolation tactic to keep the abuse hidden and the person experiencing abuse under the control of the abuser.

Isolating the person can keep them from having a network of assistance and gaining resources to help them escape the unsafe relationship. When someone has been isolated from family and friends it is hard for them to seek help and to express their safety concerns.

We also must remember that these relationships do not start out abusive. The abuser may come into the

relationship as charming, captivating, and a supportive partner. Once the relationship becomes connected and a bond has formed, things change into a controlling trap that can break the confidence and strength of the person experiencing abuse.

This all makes ending the cycle of abuse difficult.

When we spread awareness, we teach people that they have options and there is life free of abuse and control. Planting that seed of safety and hope for people can end the cycle of abuse and make them survivors that can thrive to live a happy and safe life. It all begins with creating space for awareness.

So how can we take action?

• Ask the hard questions if you see or feel red flags: Are you safe? It can be the moment of opportunity that they need.

• Believe them and let them know that they are not alone. In fact, 1 in 3 women and 1 of 8 men experience domestic violence in their lifetime.

• Refer to local services for safety planning and/ or counseling that can help the person experiencing domestic violence thrive and hopefully end the cycle of abuse.

To all those out there that have been affected by domestic violence; you are

not alone.

To all those out there that are supporting the fight against domestic violence, thank you.

Support for survivors and people working with survivors is always available.

• SAFE of Columbia County 24 hour crisis line 503-397-6161 • National Domestic Violence Hotline, 1-800799-7233.

• Connect with local confidential advocates and DV crisis lines with this interactive map. Search by location, language, or service type.

• National Sexual Assault Hotline, 1-800-656-4673.

• National Human Trafficking Hotline, 1-888 – 373- 7888.

SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.

Call SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to speak to a trained crisis counselor.

Janelle Adams is an advocate from SAFE of Columbia County. She may be reached at 503-396-2538, or at https://safeofcolumbiacounty.org/

It’s outrageous to me WAYNE MAYO Chronicle Guest Column

Last week we lost dear Lewis to COVID-19.

Ever hear of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 30-year veteran evidence synthesis expert, Dr. Tess Lawrie, of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh (UP), population 240 million?

Probably not.

Yet the significance of Dr. Lawrie’s report on UP’s almost unbelievable success in eradicating COVID-19 should’ve made them household names the minute her report published.

Uttar Pradesh was allocated 65 million vaccines, far fewer than needed. So in desperation the Indian government quickly put together a medicine kit at a cost of

two dollars, sixty five cents.

Starting May 5, 2021 workers began to go doorto-door over UP’s 97,941 villages in 75 districts.

The results have been nothing short of breathtaking, ignore the metaphor.

Aug. 25, 2021 Indian Media picked up on a huge discrepancy in the reported numbers of vaccinations, cases, and deaths between the Indian state of Kerala - population 35 million/20% vaccinated, and Uttar Pradesh’s 240 million/5% vaccinated.

On that day there were 31,445 new cases in smaller Kerala while only 22 in UP. Kerala reported active cases of 170,000 and 215 deaths, while UP reported only 345 active, 2 deaths.

The Kit? Vitamin C, Zinc, Vitamin D3, 10 tablets of 12 mg Iver-

mectin, 10 tablets of 100 mg doxycycline, a small amount of multivitamins and Tylenol, a digital thermometer, a pulse oximeter, gloves, alcohol wipes, sanitizer, and masks.

Further, In September Uttar Pradesh reported only 187 active cases. And all along, not one report of a bad reaction to the kit. Not one.

It’s outrageous to me these results weren’t reported and immediately implemented here.

Lewis could’ve been saved.

What am I to think but that Big Pharma is colluding with players in the US government to maximize and somehow share profits.

Horse medicine? No. Horses more likely.

Wayne Mayo is a Scappoose resident.

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Wednesday, October 27, 2021

A5

COVID-19 Moderna. J and J booster shots update STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

The Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup today completed its review of the federal process and has recommended a booster dose for recipients of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines.

Recipients of the Moderna vaccine may receive a booster shot six months after completing their primary vaccination series, and recipients of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine may receive a booster shot two months after receiving their first dose.

The Workgroup also approved the “mix-and-match” strategy, endorsed by the FDA and CDC. This allows anyone qualifying for a booster to receive any of the FDA-approved vaccines.

Individuals may receive either the same or a different COVID-19 vaccine, depending on advice from a health care provider, individual preference, availability or convenience. The Workgroup

provided its confirmation to the Governors of California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington today.

The Workgroup recommended the following groups of people who received the Moderna vaccine should receive a booster dose after at least six months: • People 65 years of age and older • People 18 years of age and older residing in a longterm care facility, or • People 50 through 64 years of age with underlying medical conditions or at increased risk of social inequities.

Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 booster shots are now available in Oregon.

The Workgroup recommended that all individuals 18 years of age or older who received a Johnson & Johnson vaccine should receive a booster dose two months after their first shot. The Workgroup recommended that the following groups who received the Moderna vaccine may also receive a booster dose after six months:

• People 18 through 49 years of age with underlying medical conditions or at increased risk of social inequities, or • People 18 through 49 years of age who are at risk for SARS-CoV-2 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting.

Courtesy photo from OHSU

The Workgroup strongly endorsed the CDC’s recognition that long-standing health and social inequities have increased the risk of severe illness from COVID-19, and again recommended that social determinants of vulnerability be included in the assessment of medical conditions that qualify individuals for booster doses.

Because unvaccinated individuals remain at much higher risk of COVID-19 than vaccinated individuals, the Workgroup also reiterated that its members strongly support vaccination against COVID-19 for everyone 12 years of age and older.

On Oct. 20, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized booster shots of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, and the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices affirmed that decision on Thursday. The Workgroup reviewed and affirmed the federal decisions in meetings Thursday evening and Friday morning.

Washington, Oregon, and Nevada joined California’s COVID-19 Scientific Safety Review Workgroup in October. The workgroup, made up of nationally-acclaimed scientists with expertise in immunization and public health, has concurrently and independently reviewed the FDA’s actions related to COVID-19 vaccines. It

will continue to evaluate other COVID-19 vaccines as they go through the federal process.

Statement from Oregon Governor Kate Brown “I am grateful to be one of the millions of Americans protected by the Johnson & Johnson vaccine from COVID-19, severe illness, and hospitalization. Whether you received the Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson vaccine, everyone eligible who wants a booster will be able to get one and the extra layer of protection a booster dose provides. I’m committed to ensuring our most vulnerable Oregonians are protected from COVID-19, including those who are at higher risk due to systemic health and social inequities.

Vaccination is our pathway out of this pandemic. If you still have questions about getting vaccinated, call your doctor or health care provider today to get your questions answered.”

Community Calendar Oct. 28 Garden Club Meeting Scappoose Garden Club will conduct a social at 11 a.m. and the club meet at 11:30 a.m. at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church Parish Hall, 51555 SW Old Portland Road in Scappoose.

The program schedule is “All About Bats” with speaker Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Biologist Susan Barnes. For more information, email Scappoosegardenclub@gmail. com Chronicle photo

The Little Trick-or-Treaters Parade will be held Saturday, Oct. 30 in the Riverfront District of St. Helens.

HALLOWEEN

From Page A1

For more information about the Boulevard Trickor-Treat visit Facebook Trick-or-Treat the Boulevard | Facebook, text/call 503397-2033, or email rstephen@amfam.com.

Little Trick-or-Treaters Costume Parade Join The Chronicle and Grocery Outlet for the Little Trick-or-Treaters Parade on Sat., Oct. 30, at 1st Street and St. Helens Street. We assemble at 4 p.m. The parade starts at 4:30 p.m.

Look for the Chronicle’s van at 1st and St. Helens Street. We’ll be handing out a limited amount of bags and candy to children just before the parade to get them started on their trick-or-treating.

The children have the opportunity to trick-or-treat at

participating local businesses along the parade route.

Each Halloween, the family and dog friendly event has attracted thousands of children and their families.

Kids and adults join the fun dressed in the spirit of the season with a variety of Halloween costumes, including princesses, super heroes, ghouls and zombies. They all march down 1st Street with community members and visitors lining the sidewalks to watch as the parade moves along. The parade ends at 1st and Cowlitz Streets.

Human-powered floats, wagons and decorated bicycles are also welcomed.

Motorized vehicles such as ATVs, go-carts or motorized skateboards are prohibited.

At the end of the parade, participants can assemble at Riverfront Park where judging of the children’s costumes will take place. Prizes will be awarded at the gazebo.

This parade will closely follow state and local pan-

demic protocols for the health and safety of all.

Drive Through Trunk-or-Treat The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office in partnership with Columbia 911 Communications District will host a Drive-Thru Trunk or Treat from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Oct. 31 at 58611 McNulty Way in St. Helens. The agencies invited any small businesses or community partners to host a trunk at the event site.

Oct. 29 Boulevard Trick-or-Treat Local merchants are encouraged to take part in a Halloween Trick-or-Treat event along Columbia Boulevard in St. Helens from 3 to 5:30 p.m.

Participating businesses are being asked to have something familyfriendly to hand out either in front of, or just inside, the business. Local businesses are also being encouraged to decorate the exterior of their locations in the spirit of Halloween.

For more information, contact Betsy Stephens, at Heather Epperly Agency, American Family Insurance or email rstephens@amfam.com.

Oct. 31 Drive Through Trunk-or-Treat The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office in partnership with Columbia 911 Communications District will host a Drive-Thru Trunk or Treat from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. at 58611 McNulty Way in St. Helens. The agencies are currently seeking any small businesses or community partners that would like to host a trunk. For more information and to reserve your spot

by Oct. 15, contact Malinda Duran at malinda.duran@columbiacountyor. gov.

Nov. 6 Nature Park Work Party Community members are invited to join a volunteer work party rain or shine at Nob Hill Nature Park from 9 a.m. to noon, for easy planting in the wetland near the boardwalk, and from 1 to 4 p.m. for pulling ivy and replanting near the lower bridge.

Dress for the weather, including rain gear if needed. Bring gloves, tools, water and snack items. Masks and social distancing are required. Meet at the city’s wastewater treatment

plant, 451 Plymouth Street, in St Helens. Pre-registration is requested

by Friday, Nov. 5 by calling Scappoose Bay Watershed Council at 503-397-7904. Or e-mail to: info@ scappoosebay-wc.org. For day of event, please call 503-349-8586.

Nov. 13-14 Holiday Bazaar Look for over 25 local artists and craftspeople to will help you prepare for the holidays at the From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Caples House Holiday Bazaar.

See a wide variety of gift items at one place, including framed nature photography, Native American art and regalia, quilts, jewelry, ceramics, dried gourds, baskets, leather bags, glassware, metal art, candles, soaps, toys, and so much more. Free admittance. Snacks and lunch for sale in the Tea Cottage. Silent auction with stuffed Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets. Caples House Museum is located at 1925 First Street in Columbia City. For more information, call 503-397-5390 or email CaplesHouse@comcasst.net.

HIDDEN FIGURES VIRTUAL BOOK DISCUSSION

Join us at 7 PM, November 3 on Zoom for an allages discussion of our 2021 Columbia County Reads book "Hidden Figures" What are your thoughts about the themes of the book? How can you apply them to your life? Register at:

The Spirit of Halloweentown The Spirit of Halloweentown events began Sept. 18 in St. Helens and have included activities each weekend since.

Most of the events have occurred in the city’s Riverfront District. The events will conclude this coming weekend. See the entire listing at: athttp://spiritofhalloweentown.com.

https://tinyurl.com/fhz7jb4

Assisted Living At Home Caregiving advice by Nurse Navigator Katie Klem

What you can do to help your loved one get better faster after a hospital or rehab stay part 4 of 7 In our last article, we discussed the stress of not being able to find good information and quick dependable help. If you search on google you might find a long list of providers, and if you call the council on aging, you would get a ton of information. However, how do you know which service to get and how do you know what Medicare will pay or not pay for? The Medicare agency may take several days to come, but what could you do in the meantime? There are three things that helps older people recover faster; #1.

STAYING HYDRATED: Not having enough water causes dehydration and

dehydration causes body weakness and the inability to do the needed physical and or occupational therapy. If your loved one suffers from dementia, offer fluids in short glasses two to three ounces every half hour. A tall glass and a lot of water at a time if not effective. #2. SLEEP: Enough sleep is eight to ten hours a day. If older people sleep well, they function better the next day. #3. PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: Being physically active speeds up recovery.

Just getting out of bed and sitting in a chair uses the muscles in the middle section of the body and that helps to build strength. If your loved one is not able

to get out of bed, sitting at the side of the bed and letting the feet dangle is good exercise. Have your loved one sit at the side of the bed for five to ten minutes every hour during the day. Medicare pays for services including skilled nursing, physical, occupational and speech therapy. Medicare will pay for about six nursing visits and up to twelve therapy visits. Typically, Medicare is there to train a family caregiver and Medicare does not cover important things like meal preparation and home making and that is why families depend on Comfort Makers.

Call or email us anytime for assistance.

Katie Klem is a certified elder care consultant and CCO of COMFORT Makers & Comforting Medical Supply.

139 N. 21st St., St. Helens, OR 97051 Phone: 503-369-2460 Email: Katie@comfort-makers.com

Pet

of the Month Meet Winston Contact Columbia Humane Society Website: columbiahumane.com Phone: 503-397-4353

Winston is a sweetheart! He’s about 8 years old, and at 15 pounds has lots of love to give. He’s an enthusiastic eater, so he needs help with portion control please. Winston also likes to play, particularly stalking and attacking feather toys.

urbanpacific REALESTATE Columbia County Division proudly sponsored by

253 S. 1st Street, St Helens, OR 97051 503.329.7269 mobile urbanpacificrealestate.com

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A6

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

2nd EV station coming to St. Helens Crossword Solution Thanks to a partnership between Columbia River PUD and the City of St. Helens, the new public electric vehicle (EV) charging station will soon be installed in the St. Helens Riverfront District.

In recent years, Columbia River PUD has seen a growing demand for EV charging stations in the district’s service territory and has been working to build the infrastructure for this new transportation need, according to a release.

“The City of St. Hel-

ens recognized the unique opportunity to provide the community and visitors with a public option for charging electric vehicles and partnered with Columbia River PUD on the project,” St. Helens Communication Officer Crystal King said.

The EV charging station will be installed in the city’s free public parking lot behind 231 S. 1st Street. The project will be installed at no cost to PUD customers due in part to Columbia River PUD’s par-

ticipation in Oregon’s Clean Fuels Program.

Columbia River PUD began participating in the Clean Fuels Program in 2016. Through the program, Columbia River PUD receives carbon emission reduction credits from DEQ for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles registered in their service territory. The City of St. Helens is providing an in-kind donation for the project by assisting with the station’s construction.

DC-Fast Charging Stations

are capable of delivering a charge to 80% capacity in 3060 minutes. With the PUD’s rates, that would cost between $3-6.

This will be the first public DC fast charger in St. Helens, complementing the Level 2 EV charging station that was installed at the Best Western Oak Meadows Inn in October 2020.

The project is targeted for completion by the end of 2021, but construction is weather dependent.

Solution for the Oct. 20, 2021 crossword puzzle

Obituaries Charlotte Della Jones May 12, 1955 ~ Oct. 1, 2021

Charlotte was born in St. Helens, Oregon on May 12, 1955. She was raised in Yankton by parents Clarence and Harriet Grover, the third out of nine children, life growing up was anything but quiet. Her love, compassion and most of all patience for others were formed.

Charlotte met and married Edward Jones in November 1973. The following year came the birth of their daughter Jennifer.

In 1976 employment opportunities arose and Char-

lotte and her small family moved to Colorado. Here is

where they will spend the next 18 years. During which time Cassia and Nicholas are born. She had a love of all things football. Go Broncos!

In 1994 Charlotte and family moved back to the Pacific NW. Here in Rainier, she spent the remainder of her life watching her children get married and have children of their own. Being Grammama, as they called her, brought great joy.

Charlotte passed away on Fri., Oct. 1, 2021 at the age of 66.

She was preceded in death by her father Clarence; and brother Ernie.

She is survived by husband Edward; mother Harriet; three children, Jennifer with husband John, Cassia with husband Bruce, and Nicholas; seven grandkids, Emily, Katelyn, Kiersten, John, Bear, Cooper and Madelynn; siblings; as well many, many nieces and nephews Family and close friend came together on a Zoom meeting to celebrate her life on Sat., Oct. 16, 2021.

Debra Lea Matthews Feb. 28, 1959 ~ Oct. 1, 2021

Debra Lea Matthews of Rainier, Oregon died Oct. 1, 2021 in Scappoose, Oregon at the age of 62. She was born Feb. 28, 1959 in St. Helens, Oregon to Lois and Ronald Housley.

Debra worked at lifempowered, where she touched many lives. Her coworkers describe her as a legend.

She was well known in the community and enjoyed going to the beach, camping, gardening, looking at flowers, shopping, anything to do with animals and being outside and spending time

with family.

Debra was a mother, she

loved unconditionally, and always put others before herself. She had the most beautiful smile and the best laugh. She loved her family more than life itself. She believed that life is “It is, what it is.” She knew that you couldn’t change things.

She was the strongest person and never wanted anyone to worry.

Debra was preceded by Lois Housely; Ronald Housley; and Rosella Thompson.

She is survived by her children, (stepson) Travis, (daughter-in-law) Moiselle,

Robin, (stepdaughter) Katie, Rachel, and Sean; grandchildren, Travis, Kailys, Ileana, Maddisen, Kaidence, Tyler, Brayden, and Preston; siblings, David Paul and Mary Kathleen; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Fri., Oct. 29, 2021 at Columbia Funeral Home in St. Helens, Oregon. Potluck to follow at the Columbia City Hall.

Any flower arrangements or donations can be dropped off at Columbia Funeral Home.

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JeanAnn Marie Mullins

Feb. 13, 1971 ~ Oct. 20, 2021

That smile. JeanAnn Marie Mullins was known for her smile and the sunny disposition behind it. We lost a light last week.

JeanAnn was 50 years of unwavering friendship, fierce motherhood and to all who knew her, family.

If you want to see her, look at her daughters Paige and Merrick. She’s there in so many ways. Talk to her sister Julie and find out what it was really like to grow up with someone so infuriatingly positive. Ask her parents Jeanette and Jimmy about her, as they were always close. Her oldest friends know too much, so talk to Candy, Mary and Tami about raising kids together and Michelle about

the epic road trips.

JeanAnn maintained friendships for 43 years while raising her girls, being the fun aunt, working, and the first call in a time of need. She didn’t hesitate to

help. She was incredibly organized and would put your life in order if called upon.

She’d been married a couple of times, realized that all she really needed were her kids and a life she could live on her terms. And she animals; JeanAnn lovvvved animals. A self-described cat lady, she especially adored her dog Max. JeanAnn had an enviable way with numbers and worked in banking for many years. The last nine years she was the accountant for Means Nursery. To no one’s surprise her clients and vendors became friends.

JeanAnn is survived by her parents, Jim and Jeanette; daughters, Paige and Merrick; sister Julie;

nephews and niece, Garren, Logan and Violet; and aunts, Gayle and Debbie and their families. However, she belonged to all of us.

Words cannot do justice to this incredible person.

She leaves a large space in our hearts. It can never be filled. Honor Nan by smiling at a stranger, performing random acts of kindness, calling your family or that old friend, and hopping in your car rolling the windows down and turning up the dial.

A celebration of life will be held from 2 p.m.

– 9 p.m. on Nov. 13, 2021 at the Columbia County Fairgrounds Pavilion, 58892 Saulser Rd., St. Helens, Oregon.

school. She also learned to sew. Some of her projects included making Barbie clothes for her daughter’s

Megan Elizabeth Clark Feb. 1, 1995 ~ Oct. 8, 2021

It is with great sadness that the family of Megan Elizabeth Clark announces her passing on Friday, Oct. 8, 2021 at the age of 26.

Megan is lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her husband Corbin Drake Clark; mother Penny Bussman; mother Lisa Wagenblast-Galovich; father Steve Galovich; and brothers, Joseph Austin and Dominic Galovich.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.

Submit an Obituary to The Chronicle

Please email obituaries to chronicleclassifieds@ countrymedia.net or drop off at 1805 Columbia Blvd,

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

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July 25, 1952 ~ Oct. 15, 2021 Barbie collection and making Halloween costumes for her kids. She was an avid reader and she liked to compose her own poetry, often in calligraphy. She loved computers and was a wonderful cook.

Karen was very passionate about animals and spent many years raising horses and dogs. There isn’t a time anyone can remember that Karen didn’t have pets. She had a generous heart for rescuing and bringing home pets in need. One of Karen’s favorite places was the Oregon coast. She loved to take camping trips with her husband and family. Many

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memories were created sitting around campfires, playing cards, horseback riding on the beach, bike riding, and exploring.

Karen is survived by her husband and best friend of 33 years, Richard Wendt; children, Gerive Nelson, Seve (Danielle) Nelson, Breean (Trace) Waiss, Chris Wendt, and “adopted” son Richard Byrnes; five grandchildren; and many friends who loved her dearly.

The family is planning a private celebration of life.

Anyone wishing to honor Karen can make a donation in her name to the Oregon Humane Society.

www.thechronicleonline.com

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

A7

Firefighters train at local high school

Courtesy of CRFR

The Columbia River Fire & Rescue crew work to effectively extend the ladder to the high school building allowing rescues and effective suppression efforts during the drill.

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

If you drove past St. Helens High School Monday night, Oct. 25, you might

have spotted Columbia River Fire & Rescue (CRFR) trucks and firefighters converging in and out of the campus buildings on Gable Road.

The firefighters were en-

Courtesy of CRFR

Courtesy of CRFR

Columbia River Fire & Rescue crew members use this hallway at St. Helens High School for a search and rescue drill.

The Columbia River Fire & Rescue crew use the outside of the high school building for this ladder drill.

gaging in a specialized drill.

‘We were fortunate to begin using the St. Helens High School for training purposes prior to the demolition project planned for the building,” a CRFR Facebook

districts receive,” CRFR officials said. “The strong community partnership we have has allowed us an invaluable resource for training purposes in the weeks and months ahead.”

post stated.

The Monday night training focused on ladders and search and rescue.

“The ability to train in buildings such as this is an opportunity not many fire

CRFR expressed gratitude to the St. Helens School District and Hoffman Construction for their partnership and the training opportunity at the high school.

Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

You may have noticed Scappoose firefighters looking a bit different this month. The firefighters are supporting October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month by wearing pink as part of their uniform.

According to a Scappoose Fire Facebook post, one in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Scappoose Fire encourages women to

HOSPITAL From Page A1

The Chronicle: Please explain the steps and requirements necessary to cite a hospital in Columbia County and who could start such a process?

Paul: Applicants bear the burden of proof and must demonstrate need and financial viability. The first step is for applicants file a letter of intent, and applications are submitted on forms prescribed by the Oregon Health Authority. The Oregon Health

get an annual mammogram, especially if you are over the age of 40.

“Join us in wearing pink to fight against breast cancer,” the Facebook post reads.

Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow out of control, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There are different kinds of breast cancer. The kind of breast cancer depends on which cells in the breast turn into cancer.

The cancer can spread outside the breast through blood vessels and lymph vessels. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States.

You may be eligible for free or low-cost screenings if you meet these qualifications— • You have no insurance, or your insurance does not cover screening exams.

• Your yearly income is at or below 250% of the federal poverty level.

To find out if you qualify for a free or low-cost mammogram and Pap test and where to get screened, call 1 877-255-7070 or contact the Oregon Health Authority at 1-877-255-7070

Authority will determine if the application is complete, and then the review process begins.

The applicant must be the person or entity obligating the expenditure. The applicant could be a public or private entity.

mental function, whether it leads to hospital or not. As we move into the rescue and recovery phase of COVID, it’s important for local and state agencies undertake a critical review of our systems, and evaluate continuity and availability of care. Health equity is a key component of public health modernization; it means that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible.

In this context, it means that hospitals should be located strategically so that specific communities are not suffering worse health outcomes than other communities because of

the location of hospitals.

The pandemic has also brought additional scrutiny to certificate of need laws and some experts argue these laws actually limit access to health care services because they favor large, established health systems. Several states are considering reforms. I do believe the time is right to have those tough conversations.

CON laws have been around for decades so it’s appropriate to ask whether they are effective at distributing access to care. Systems, payers and expectations have changed significantly since CON laws were enacted.

The Chronicle: Do you believe the time is right for Columbia County to open discussions about citing a hospital in the county, and if so, why?

Paul: Periodically evaluating access to all levels of care is an important govern-

• You are between 40 and 64 years of age for breast cancer screening.

• You are between 21 and 64 years of age for cervical cancer screening.

• Certain women who are younger or older may qualify for screening services.

Courtesy from Scappoose Fire

Scappoose firefighters are wearing pink this moth in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Last, our local governments need to weigh the secondary effects, both positive and negative. It’s very clear that health care systems and hospitals play an important role in local economies and are often the largest employers in the communities they serve. Hospitals are known as anchor institutions because of their significance to community and economic development.

The Chronicle: If in fact the county begins such a discussion, and a decision is made to construct a hospital in Columbia County,

how long would it be before ground is broken?

Paul: It’s not a simple process when you consider the time needed to conduct the initial analysis, demonstrate need, file a letter of intent, and then the time for application review. The state rules require approval or denial of a complete application within 90 days.

Join the conversation.

Do you believe it is time to build a hospital in Columbia County? Post your comments with this story at thechronicleonline.com.

Crossword Puzzle

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: CANDY ACROSS

1. Good earth 5. Pea soup bone 8. Transport, with a U 12. Top notch 13. Copenhagen native 14. Boggy 15. Who would 16. Play parts 17. “Sesame Street” roommate 18. *World’s best-selling candy bar 20. Law school entry requirement, acr.

21. Use a garrote 22. Homer Simpson’s exclamation 23. *”Gimme a break” bar 26. Scrimmage line group 30. Dollar 31. Saltwater game fish 34. Hindu workout 35. 4 years for a U.S. President, pl.

37. *Hyde & ___ Boutique candy 38. Seize a throne 39. Popular aquarium performer 40. Germany’s National Socialism, for short 42. Ryder Cup peg

43. Excellent 45. Jet setters’ vessels 47. Scientist’s office 48. Game ragout 50. One from Glasgow 52. *Twizzlers competitor 55. There’s none like home?

56. Vocal piece for one 57. Small ladies’ handbag 59. Black cat crossing the street, e.g.

60. One with biggest share?

61. Actor Wahlberg 62. Secondary school 63. Follow ems 64. Sheltered, nautically

DOWN

1. Order’s partner?

2. Sounds of amazement 3. Any day now 4. a.k.a. hop clover or nonesuch 5. Certain consonant marker 6. Cavern or cave 7. Army ____ hall, or dining room 8. *Who’s Kisses?

9. Pavlova or Kournikova 10. Newton, e.g.

11. Caustic chemical 13. One of Fanning sisters 14. Cell dweller

19. Online conversations 22. Cacophony 23. Japanese string instrument, pl.

24. Apathetic 25. 9 a.m. prayer 26. Mischievous Norse deity 27. *Pop Rocks sizzle and pop in it 28. Kind of heron 29. Back of the neck, pl.

32. Back of military formation 33. *Short for Pfefferminz 36. *Chocolate-covered whipped marshmallow (2 words) 38. Savory taste sensation 40. Apprehend 41. Spirit of the woods 44. Not now 46. Auteur’s art 48. European finch 49. Goodbye, in Puerto Vallarta 50. Hurtful remark 51. Zoo room 52. Respiratory rattling 53. Et alibi, abbr.

54. “You betcha!”

55. OB-GYN test 58. *Mike and ____ fruity, chewy candy

Solution to crossword in next week’s issue of The Chronicle.

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

A8

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

www.thechronicleonline.com

CH21-1820

CH21-1821

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY Code (SHMC Title 17) GIVEN that a public hearChapter 17.24 and any rules ing will be held before the of procedure adopted by the City of St. Helens Planning City Council. The Planning Commission on Tuesday, Commission is authorized November 9, 2021 at or to make a recommendation after 7:20 PM and before the to the City Council who is City Council on Wednesday, authorized to approve, deny, December 1, 2021 at or after or approve this application 6:50 PM in the City Council with conditions, based on the Chambers, located in the following criteria: St. Helens City Hall building at 265 Municipal Code 17.08.040, Strand Street, St. Helens, 17.28.030, and 17.112.020 OR. Access into City Hall As part of this Annexation for these hearings will be proposal, the city will adfrom the plaza side entrance. dress related amendments Zoom will also be availto its Comprehensive Plan able to participate. Virtual Map and Zoning Map for access information to join this approximate 1.99-acre the hearing will be available site. The anticipated Comon the applicable agenda. prehensive Plan designation Agendas can be found on upon annexation is Heavy the City’s website: https:// Industrial (Incorporated). www.sthelensoregon.gov/ The zoning that could be meetings. The purpose of applied upon annexation is these hearings is to consider the Heavy Industrial (HI) an application as follows: zone. Whether the site will File No: Annexation A.10.05 be annexed as an established Applicant: Port of Columbia or developing area (if appliCounty Request: Annexacable) as provided by SHMC tion of property to the City 17.112.020 will also be of St. Helens Location: determined. Failure to raise 58284 Old Portland Road an issue, including constituMap No: 4N1W-8D-1001 tional or other issues relating Testimony from the public to any proposed conditions in either oral or written form of approval, at a hearing, is invited. The hearings will in person, or by letter, or be conducted in accordance failure to raise an issue acwith those procedures found companied by statements or in the City Development evidence sufficient to afford Columbia County’s trusted local news source

the approving authority an opportunity to respond to the issue precludes appeal to the applicable appellate jurisdiction (e.g., the Land Use Board of Appeals, LUBA) on that issue, and precludes an action for damages in circuit court. The application file is located at City Hall (265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR) and all documents in the file are available for inspection. A copy of the staff report will be available for review at least seven (7) calendar days prior to each hearing. There is no cost to inspect the file or staff report; copies are available at a reasonable cost. The report for this application will also be available on the City’s website at https:// www.sthelensoregon.gov/ meetings. Questions should be directed to the City Planning Department by phone: 503-397-6272, e-mail: jgraichen@sthelensoregon. gov, mail: 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR 97051, or in person at City Hall. Anyone needing special assistance should contact City Hall at least 72 hours in advance to ensure the necessary assistance is available. The Council Chambers are fully accessible.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held before the City of St. Helens Planning Commission on Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at or after 7:10 PM and before the City Council on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at or after 6:40 PM in the City Council Chambers, located in the City Hall building at 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR. Access into City Hall for these hearings will be from the plaza side entrance.

Zoom will also be available to participate. Virtual access information to join the hearing will be available on the applicable agenda. Agendas can be found on the City’s website: https://www.sthelensoregon.gov/meetings. The purpose of these hearings is to consider an application as follows: File No: Annexation A.6.21 Applicant: Shivam Patel Request: Annexation of property to the City of St. Helens Location: 58471 Columbia River Highway Map No: 4N1W-8AC-2600 & 2700 Testimony from the public in either oral or written form is invited. The hearings will be conducted in accordance with those procedures found in the City Development Code

(SHMC Title 17) Chapter 17.24 and any rules of procedure adopted by the City Council. The Planning Commission is authorized to make a recommendation to the City Council who is authorized to approve, deny, or approve this application with conditions, based on the following criteria: St. Helens Municipal Code 17.08.040, 17.28.030, and 17.112.020 As part of this Annexation proposal, the city will address related amendments to its Comprehensive Plan Map and Zoning Map for this approximate 0.47-acre site. The anticipated Comprehensive Plan designation upon annexation is Highway Commercial (Incorporated) HC. The zoning that could be applied upon annexation is the Highway Commercial (HC) zone. Whether the site will be annexed as an established or developing area (if applicable) as provided

by SHMC 17.112.020 will also be determined. Failure to raise an issue, including constitutional or other issues relating to any proposed conditions of approval, at a hearing, in person, or by letter, or failure to raise an issue accompanied by statements or evidence sufficient to af-

ford the approving authority an opportunity to respond to the issue precludes appeal to the applicable appellate jurisdiction (e.g., the Land Use Board of Appeals, LUBA) on that issue, and precludes an action for damages in circuit court. The application file is located at City Hall (265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR) and all documents in the file are available for inspection. A copy of the staff report will be available for review at least seven (7) calendar days prior to each hearing. There is no cost to inspect the file or staff report; copies are available at a reasonable cost. The report for this application will also be available on the City’s website at https:// www.sthelensoregon.gov/ meetings. Questions should be directed to the City Planning Department by phone: 503-397-6272, e-mail: jgraichen@sthelensoregon. gov, mail: 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR 97051, or in person at City Hall. Anyone needing special assistance should contact City Hall at least 72 hours in advance to ensure the necessary assistance is available. The Council Chambers are fully accessible.

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Wednesday, October 27, 2021

A9

Public Notices CH21-1823

CH21-1822

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held before the City of St. Helens Planning Commission on Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at or after 7:00 PM and before the City Council on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at or after 6:30 PM in the City Council Chambers, located in the City Hall building at 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR. Access into City Hall for these hearings will be from the plaza side entrance.

Zoom will also be available to participate. Virtual access information to join the hearing will be available on the applicable agenda.

Agendas can be found on the City’s website: https:// www.sthelensoregon.gov/ meetings. The purpose of these hearings is to consider an application as follows: File No: Annexation A.3.21 Applicant: Kenneth Hughes Request: Annexation of property to the City of St. Helens Location: 35480 East Division Road Map No: 4N1W-8CA-3800 & 3201 Testimony from the public in either oral or written form is invited. The hearings will be conducted in accordance with those procedures found in the City Development

Code (SHMC Title 17) Chapter 17.24 and any rules of procedure adopted by the City Council. The Planning Commission is authorized to make a recommendation to the City Council who is authorized to approve, deny, or approve this application with conditions, based on the following criteria: St. Helens Municipal Code 17.08.040, 17.28.030, and 17.112.020 As part of this Annexation proposal, the city will address related amendments to its Comprehensive Plan Map and Zoning Map for this approximate 0.38-acre site. The anticipated Comprehensive Plan designation upon annexation is Highway Commercial (Incorporated).

The zoning that could be applied upon annexation is the Highway Commercial (HC) zone. Whether the site will be annexed as an established or developing area (if applicable) as provided by SHMC 17.112.020 will also be determined. Failure to raise an issue, including constitutional or other issues relating to any proposed conditions of approval, at a hearing, in person, or by letter, or failure to raise an issue accompanied by statements or evidence sufficient to afford

the approving authority an opportunity to respond to the issue precludes appeal to the applicable appellate jurisdiction (e.g., the Land Use Board of Appeals, LUBA) on that issue, and precludes an action for damages in circuit court. The application file is located at City Hall (265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR) and all documents in the file are available for inspection. A copy of the staff report will be available for review at least seven (7) calendar days prior to each hearing. There is no cost to inspect the file or staff report; copies are available at a reasonable cost. The report for this application will also be available on the City’s website at https:// www.sthelensoregon.gov/ meetings. Questions should be directed to the City Planning Department by phone: 503-397-6272, e-mail: jgraichen@sthelensoregon. gov, mail: 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR 97051, or in person at City Hall. Anyone needing special assistance should contact City Hall at least 72 hours in advance to ensure the necessary assistance is available. The Council Chambers are fully accessible.

CH21-1824

NOTICE OF SEALED BIDS Notice is hereby given that Columbia River People’s Utility District (PUD) will receive sealed bids for the purchase of a Takeuchi or Approved Equal Excavator with Mulcher. Bids will be received by the PUD, 64001 Columbia River Highway, Deer Island, Oregon 97054 until 3:30 p.m., pacific prevailing time, on November 17, 2021, at which time the bids will be publicly opened.

The bids will be available for public inspection at the PUD

10/27/2021

office after the bid opening.

No bids will be received after 3:30 p.m., pacific prevailing time, on the 17 th day of November, 2021. All bids shall include a statement that those parties named in the bid are the only parties with an interest in the bid and that the bid is made without any collusion with any other bidder, official or employee of the PUD. The bid documents and specifications may be examined at the office of the PUD, 64001 Columbia River

Highway, Deer Island, Oregon 97054. Electronic copies of the bid documents may be obtained by sending a written request to knasshahn@crpud. org or 503-366-3241. Columbia River PUD reserves the right to reject any and all bids that are not in compliance with the bid documents and prescribed public bidding procedures and to reject for good cause any or all bids upon a finding by the PUD that it is in the public interest to do so.

CH21-1825

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT COLUMBIA RIVER PEOPLE’S UTILITY DISTRICT (PUD) WILL RECEIVE SEALED BIDS FOR FACILITIES INSPECTIONS CH21-1826

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING Notice is hereby given, the Columbia County Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) will hold a public meeting on Thursday, November 4, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

The meeting will be held

virtually, join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https:// global.gotomeeting.com/ join/964307365 You can also dial in using your phone. United States (Toll Free): 1 877 309 2073

United States: +1 (646) 749-3129 Access Code: 964-307-365 The meeting is open to the public and any interested persons are invited to attend. Kathy Boutin-Pasterz, Solid Waste Program Coordinator.

CH21-1815

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DEPARTMENT In the Matter of the Estate of JEFFERY ALLEN WILLIAMS, Deceased. Case No. 21PB06038 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative of this estate.

All persons having claims

against the estate are required to present their claims, with vouchers attached, within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice to the personal representative at 52490 SE 2nd Street, Suite 100, Scappoose, OR 97056, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose

rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative, or the attorney for the personal representative. DATED and first published, October 13, 2021. Earlena Davis, Personal Representative.

Bids will be received by the PUD, 64001 Columbia River Highway, Deer Island, Oregon 97054 until 3:30 p.m., pacific prevailing time, on November 17, 2021, at which time the bids will be publicly opened. The bids will be available for public inspection at the PUD office

after the bid opening. The bid documents may be examined at the office of the PUD, 64001 Columbia River Highway, Deer Island, Oregon 97054. Electronic copies of the bid documents may be obtained by sending a written request to bstaehely@crpud. org or by calling (503) 366-

3244. Columbia River PUD reserves the right to reject any and all bids that are not in compliance with the bid documents and prescribed public bidding procedures and to reject, for good cause, any or all bids upon a finding by the PUD that it is in the public interest to do so.

CH21-1817

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DEPARTMENT In the Matter of the Estate of EDITH OVERSTREET, Deceased. No: 21PB08163 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE is hereby given that the undersigned, Jack D. Overstreet, has been appointed personal representative of the above estate. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present the same within four months from this

date at the office of VanNatta, Petersen & Anderson, P.O. Box 748, St. Helens, Oregon 97051; and if not so presented, they may be barred.

All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceeding may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative or the attorneys for the personal representative.

Dated and first published:

October 20, 2021. Date of final publication: November 3, 2021. Personal Representative: Jack D. Overstreet c/o VanNatta, Petersen & Anderson, P.O. Box 748, St. Helens, OR 97051. Attorney for Personal Representative: Agnes Marie Petersen, VanNatta, Petersen & Anderson, P.O. Box 748, St. Helens, OR 97051. Phone: (503) 3974091

the intersection of W. Lane Road and NE Porter Lane. It was reported that one of the tires on the vehicle had been cut in the side wall. This case is suspended due to a lack of leads.

• Police took a report of a minor motor vehicle accident in the 33000 block of SW Adam Court. It was reported the driver hit a parked car and caused minor damage to both vehicles. No injuries were reported and no citations were issued.

of Scappoose was cited and released on the charge of Theft II.

Sept. 10 • Police were dispatched to a DUII crash near the intersection of Crown Zellerbach Road and NE 2nd Street. Following the investigation, a 52-year-old Scappoose resident was taken into custody for Recklessly Endangering Another x 3, Disorderly Conduct II, Reckless Driving and DUII. The resident was transported to and lodged in jail.

Sept. 17 • While attempting to make a traffic stop, a vehicle fled the scene.

Following a short pursuit by police, the vehicle crashed near the intersection of Siercks Road and Pisgah Home Road. Following the investigation, a 40-year-old St. Helens man was taken into custody on two outstanding felony warrants and additional charges of Reckless Driving, Eluding a Police Officer and DWS-Misdemeanor. The man was transported to jail where he was lodged on his charges. His passenger in the vehicle reported no injuries due to the crash and was released at the scene.

Police Reports The police blotter relates to the public record of incidents as reported by law enforcement agencies.

All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Information printed is preliminary and subject to change.

For specific details about cases listed, contact the appropriate law enforcement agency.

St. Helens Police Oct. 2 • Police arrested a 20-year-old individual on conditions release violation at the 700 block of St. Helens Street.

Oct. 6 • Police arrested a 29-year-old subject on Theft III of Bicycle, Criminal Mischief III at the 700 block of Matzen Street.

• Police arrested a 24-year-old individual near S. Columbia River Highway and Elertson Street for a Fugitive Warrant.

• Police responded to a death investigation near the 500 block of Columbia River Highway.

Oct. 7 • Police arrested a 39-year-old male on drug offenses near S. Columbia River Highway and Gable Road.

• Police arrested a 40-year-old female for trespassing at the 1900 block of Old Portland Road.

• Police arrested a 25-year-old for a fugitive warrant near Firlock Park Boulevard and S. Columbia River Highway.

Oct. 8 • Police arrested a 23-year-old near the 300 block of 16th Street for a warrant.

Oct. 9 • Police responded to a theft from vehicle report near the 400 block of Columbia Boulevard.

• Police arrested a subject in the 400 block of Columbia Boulevard for a probation violation.

• Police responded to a theft of a vehicle along Cedar Street.

• Police arrested a 65-year-old male on a fugitive warrant at 5000 Columbia River Highway.

Oct. 10 • Police cited in lieu of arrest a 41-year-old male for driving while suspended near the 2000 block of Gable Road.

• Officers arrested a 50-year-old female for DUII and reckless driving near Barr Avenue and Roberts Lane.

Oct. 12 • A 57-year-old male was arrested by police for driving while suspended near 17th Street and Cowlitz.

• Police arrested a 19-year-old on burglary, unauthorized use of vehicle, theft II, harassment, criminal trespass and escape at the 100 block of Vernonia Road.

Oct. 14 • Officers responded to a recovered stolen vehicle for other agency near the 10000 block of Railroad Avenue.

• Police arrested a 59-year-old in the 400 block of N 11th Street for simple assault, interfering and harassment.

Oct. 15 • A 39-year-old was arrested by officers in the 200 block of St. Helens

Street for a fugitive warrant.

• Police responded to a shoplifting at the 300 block of Columbia River Highway.

Oct. 17 • A 34-year-old was arrested by police for DUII and reckless driving in the 50000 block of Columbia River Highway.

Oct. 18 • A 34-year-old male was arrested by officers on a fugitive warrant near the 200 block of Strand Street.

• Police arrested a 30-year-old male in the 50000 block of Columbia River Highway for theft from a building.

Scappoose Police Sept. 9 • Police responded to the report of a theft in the 52000 block of NE 1st Street. The victim reported that an unknown suspect broke into the toolbox in her vehicle and stole an assortment of tools. This case is suspended due to a lack of leads.

• Police were dispatched to the report of a damaged vehicle near

Sept. 11 • Police responded to the report of a theft at Fred Meyer. It was reported that the suspect was in the loss prevention office. Following the investigation, a 29-year-0ld resident

Sept. 15 • Police were dispatched to the report of a trespasser in the 51000 block of SW Old Portland Road.

It was reported that a subject was sleeping near the fence line of the property. Following the investigation, a 4-year-old houseless person was cited and released for Trespass II.

www.thechronicleonline.com

A10

Zoe Gottlieb / The Chronicle

Construction for the new Columbia Pacific Food Bank is underway at the site on Columbia Boulevard in St. Helens.

CPFB

From Page A1 “We have a very good pool of volunteers,” Wheeler said. “We have volunteers that operate the pantry; we have volunteers that help with the warehouse. We have volunteer drivers that help pick up donations and make deliveries to our partner agencies around the county.”

As the area’s central food bank agency, CPFB’s mission is to make food distribution more equitable for everyone in Columbia County, from Scappoose and St. Helens, to Clatskanie and Rainer.

“Our whole focus is to try and remove as many barriers

or potential barriers as possible for those people that need access to food,” Wheeler said.

Development Construction at the new building has not been without its share of challenges.

“The building has gone through multiple lives within the community. It’s been around for a long time, so the structure itself is very unique and challenging for a remodel for a 2021 code-compliant facility,” JH Kelly Project Manager Luke Orem said. “I mean, there were probably 100 birds living inside this with broken glass and walls falling over when we first moved into the spot.”

Orem said he hopes that the construction will be completed

before Christmas and that a worker shortage, caused in part by the COVID-19 pandemic, shifted the timeline.

“Agencies are struggling to keep people in their workforce.

And because of that, we have longer lead times for materials.

So, things that would typically take four weeks are taking six or beyond,” he said. “The industry as a whole has been hit with schedule delays. This project’s going to feel that pain too.”

The lag time on the distribution end has been challenging for JH Kelly to navigate, but for Orem and his employees, the work is incredibly worthwhile.

“I know that everybody that’s working on the projects, electricians, customers, they like working on projects

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Courtesy photo

This is a conceptual drawing of the new food bank.

like this,” he said. “They like talking, knowing that when we’re done and we drive past to see people getting food from community donations, we had a part in doing that. That’s a good morale booster.”

Outlook Wheeler said spreading the word about CPFB has been aided by the community-oriented atmosphere of Columbia County.

“It’s, for lack of a better term, boots on the ground and in a rural community atmosphere which is what we really have out here in Columbia County — is that one-on-one, small group interaction,” he said. “You’re talking with people, talking with groups, interacting, being an active

participant. From that standpoint, that’s really how we’ve done it.”

CPFB also routinely updates its newsletters, Instagram, and Facebook page to keep Columbia County informed.

Jenks has been tied into the project since before the building’s purchase and is enthusiastic about the outcome.

“I think it’s pretty exciting that they are taking this old building and converting it into something that serves the community but also is represented in a way that’s really accessible to the community,” she said.

Business Oregon allocated a $1.5 million Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) through the City of St. Helens for the development of the new CPFB building. Of

the $1.5 million grant budget, $1.3 million is allocated to construction, with the full cost of renovation reaching $1.85 million.

Columbia Pacific Food Bank encourages both monetary and nonperishable food donations.

“You know one of the things people ask us is ‘Which would you prefer? Money or food?’ And my answer is that we will take both. But, for every dollar you spend in the store with the resources and avenues I have, I can buy four to five times the amount you can with that dollar,” Wheeler said.

To donate, or for more information, contact Columbia Pacific Food Bank at 503-3979708.

SHHS Sports

St. Helens High School Boys Golf Head Coach Dave Lawrence has been selected as the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Oregon Boys Coach of the Year.

According to information provide by St. Helens High School Athletic Director Daunte Gouge, each year the Oregon Athletic Coaches Association (OACA) selects one coach from each of the 10 boys and 10 girls sports offered in our state. Each state award winner then becomes eligible for Section 8 awards competing against coaches in their respective sport from Washington, Montana, Idaho, Alaska and Wyoming. Section 8 winners then compete for National Coach of the Year against representatives from the other seven sections of the United States.

St. Helens High School Sports Schedule Wednesday, Oct. 27 • Cross Country @ NWOC District Meet Thursday, Oct. 28 • Boys Soccer vs.

Scappoose Senior Night • Girls Soccer vs Scappoose Senior Night Friday, Oct. 29 • Football @ Scappoose Saturday, Oct. 30 • Volleyball OSAA 1st Round TBA Monday, Nov. 1 • JV Football vs Scappoose

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Wednesday, October 27, 2021

A11

Senior Living

St. Helens Senior Center stays engaged

Zoe Gottlieb / The Chronicle

The St. Helens Senior Center is located at 375 S. 15th Street in St. Helens.

ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

While the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted the St. Helens Senior Center to set aside large-scale activities, the center remains active in engaging seniors

through small group, socially-distanced activities and continues to deliver on its promise to serve hot meals.

According to St. Helens Senior Center Executive Director Kathy Innocenti, these include small group activities, such as billiards, exercise class, Tai Chi,

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crafts, painting, and computer class. Innocenti said that Activities Coordinator Lynda Heller is working on organizing new events, such as the sale of arts and crafts made by the center’s seniors at local Christmas bazaars, forming a recipe exchange club, and conducting an American Red Cross blood drive in January.

Congregate meals may have been cancelled due to the pandemic, but the center continues to operate its Home Delivered Meals (HDM) program, a daily nutrition program providing meals to homebound seniors over 60, their spouses, or disabled adult children in St. Helens and Scappoose, according to the St. Helens Senior Center website.

The St. Helens Senior Center is open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Annual membership for those 60 and older is $20 for individuals and $32 for two in the same household.

Associate memberships for those under 60 are also available for the same rates.

Members enjoy exclusive activities (billiards, exercise class, use of exercise equipment), monthly newsletters,

and discounts on fundraisers and other events.

Recent developments The St. Helens Senior Center has received help from various entities to achieve its long-term goals.

Inconneti said that donations have poured in from the city, the Samuel S. Johnson Foundation, and many other private donors for the establishment of a walk-in freezer.

“Our biggest accomplishment has been to install a walk-in freezer/cooler combo, something that has been on our wish list a long time,” she said. “Our hand was forced when our commercial freezers and coolers started dying one by one, and it made more sense to invest in the walk-in than to buy individual appliances.”

Other accomplishments include hiring a replacement head cook and kitchen manager.

“It took nearly two months to find someone, but Seth Ordinola started last week,” Inconneti said. “In the meantime, members of the Community Action Team cooked over 160 meals a day

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Inconneti said that the center is taking additional steps beyond the state’s protocols to protect seniors in and outside its doors.

“Our COVID protocols are all the familiar requirements set by the State of Oregon: mask-wearing, sanitizing surfaces, handwashing, social distancing.

We’ve always had a sign-in sheet for those coming into the building, so contact tracing, should we need it, is in place,” she said. “We also keep track of drivers who deliver meals by day, so contact tracing is already in place there too.”

At 168 members, the St. Helens Senior Center is 50 members from its normal enrollment, according to Inconneti.

“I’m guessing membership will tick up once we are able to serve congregate meals,” she said.

The majority of members come from the St. Helens/

Towards the future The future is bright for the center, according to Inconneti.

“Financially we are on track after receiving several grants, two Payroll Protection Program forgivable loans, and many, many donations from the community,” she said.

The center is working on plans to expand its services once the pandemic is under control.

“We have plenty of activities and fundraisers in the pipeline for when we can accommodate larger groups,” Inconneti said. “Although it has been incredibly hard for us to be shut down or only partially open for so long, it will be fun and festive once everyone can get together again, and we’re looking forward to it.”

The St. Helens Senior Center is located 375 S. 15th street in St. Helens. For more information, call 503-3973377.

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A12

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Senior Living

Rainier Senior Center moving ahead “This only changes when we offer social activities and, even then, the number of seniors and family members are fewer.”

The center is made up of more than 200 seniors from Columbia and Cowlitz County.

“Under normal circumstances we would get folks from all over who are visiting family,” she said.

ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

O

The Rainier Senior Center is moving forward with Monday night bingo and the Holiday Bazaar this year, taking statewide COVID safety guidelines into consideration.

The Holiday Bazaar is held on Nov. 6 from 9-3 p.m.

Vendors will have their own tables, displaying unique Christmas gifts and homemade goods. Food will not be served this year.

Members are welcome to attend the event, according to Rainier Senior Center President Jan Rich.

“People either think that we’re a nursing home, or they think they have to be a senior to be a member,” ARE Rich YOU CONFUSED WITH MEDICARE? said.

Anyone can join the senior center as a member YOU LOOSING to ARE get special access to these YOUR CURRENT MEDICARE COVERAGE? events. Last Tuesday, the center held a “Fun Fall Fest,” The Rainier Senior Center is located at 48 W 7th Street in Rainier. providing gamesHELP and desserts YOU NEED FINDING THE RIGHT MEDICARE PLAN its website.

Staff FOR recommend working doubly hard to 556-3889. for attendees. provide hot meals to their The Rainier Senior Center seniors call the day before to The Rainier Senior order their meal or no later residents, according to Rich. is open from 9:30 a.m. to Center, at Attend 48 W 7th Street in one of our FREE educational seminars than or give us athe call: 10 a.m. day of, and “(Among) our accom2:30 p.m.

Monday through Rainier, also features a gift ARE YOUtoCONFUSED WITH MEDICARE? pick-up time is set between plishments include the Friday, according its shop with items made(503) by 203-6724 or (800) 424-1199 11:30 a.m. through 12:30 continuation of our home local artists and crafters, in-YOU website.

ARE CONFUSED WITH MEDICARE? p.m.

Rates include a $5 donadelivery meals even though cluding crocheted & knitted ARE YOU Schedule for CURRENT Educational Seminars: LOOSING YOUR MEDICARE COVERAGE? tion for seniors 60 and older, the need has increased Meal services apparel, jewelry, ceramics, or $7 for under 60. twofold which then requires YOU YOUR•CURRENT MEDICARE COVERAGE? quilts, andARE more.

20%LOOSING of the Scappoose Senior Center 10/05/14 at 9am The center will be offering drivers,” she said.

The center will continue overall proceeds will benefit CONFUSED WITH MEDICARE? DOARE YOUYOU NEED HELP FINDING THE RIGHT MEDICARE PLAN FOR additional its Thanksgiving and Christ“We plan to continue with its Meals on Wheels prothe senior center directly.

• CONFUSED ARE YOU WITHMEDICARE? MEDICARE? mas drive through lunch this our home delivery meal CONFUSED gram and provide congregate DO interested YOU NEED HELPYOU FINDING THE RIGHTWITH MEDICARE PLAN FOR Those in ARE becoming ARE YOU CONFUSED WITH MEDICARE? year, Rich said. meals to go, according to the Attend one of our FREE educational seminars or give us a call: ARE YOUtoLOOSING YOUR CURRENT MEDICARE COVERAGE? vendors are encouraged • Center staff have been latest COVID-19 update on contact DO Marily Tift at 503(503) 203-6724 orus (800) 424-1199 ARE YOU LOOSING YOUR CURRENT MEDICARE COVERAGE? YOU NEED HELP FINDING THE RIGHT MEDICARE PLAN FOR YOU? ARE YOU CONFUSED WITH MEDICARE? Attend one of our FREE educational seminars or give a call:

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Engagement opportunities

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

program and, once given the word, will open back up for congregate meals.”

Enrollment Rich said the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a slowdown in enrollment.

“The seniors that come to the center right now are mostly volunteers,” she said.

The Rainier Senior Center is looking for volunteers to help out around the center or assist with its Meals on Wheels program. Those interested in volunteering can ask the front desk, drop by and pick up an application, or contact Marily Tift at 503-5563889.

An American Red Cross blood drive will be held Nov. 30. Children ages 16 and up can donate with parental consent.

The center earns money when shoppers buy from Fred Meyer in Rainier. Fred Meyer shoppers can go to fredmeyer. com/communityrewards to link their card, using the code AH614.

The Rainier Senior Center is located at 48 W 7th St in Rainier, Oregon. For information, call (503) 556-3889 or email RainerSeniorC@gmail. com.

•

YOU LOOSING YOUR CURRENT MEDICARE COVERAGE? DO YOU ARE NEED HELP THEorRIGHT PLAN YOU? Seminars: Schedule for FOR Educational (503)FINDING 203-6724 (800)MEDICARE 424-1199 Call for Consultation DO YOU NEED HELP FINDING THE RIGHT MEDICARE PLAN FOR YOU? •Your Free DO YOU NEED HELP FINDING THE RIGHT MEDICARE PLAN FOR YOU? Schedule forMEDICARE Educational Seminars: DO YOU NEED HELP FINDING THE RIGHT PLAN FOR YOU? • orScappoose Senior Center - 10/05/14 at 9am Attend one (503)987-1113 of ourCall FREE educational seminars give us a call: or (800)424-1199 for Your Free Consultation • Centeror- 10/05/14 Scappoose Senior 9am 203-6724 or (800) 424-1199 Attend(503) one of our• FREE educational seminars give us aat call: Schedule House (503)987-1113 or (800)424-1199 Attend (503) one of our FREE educational seminars orfor give usOpen a call: 987-1113 or (800) 424-1199 • • 203-6724 (503) orfor (800) 424-1199 Seminars: Schedule Educational (503) 203-6724 or (800) 424-1199 • Medicare Advantage • •• Schedule Scappoose Senior Center - Seminars: 10/05/14 at 9am for Educational for Educational Seminars: • Schedule Senior at 9am • Scappoose Medicare Advantage • Center - 10/05/14 understanding Medicare?

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Scappoose Senior Center • HIDDEN FIGURES OF- 10/05/14 at 9am • OUR OWN • the Columbia County Museum Association and Join St. Helens resident Kathleen Ward to learn about • some of the hidden figures in our own community, including Kathleen's mother who purchased and suc• cessfully ran the St. Helens Sentinel-Mist newspaper

we are not connected with or endorsed by the united states government or the federal medicare program

We are not connected with or endorsed by the United States Government or the Federal Medicare program

we are not connected with or endorsed by the united states government or the federal medicare program

we are not connected with or endorsed by the united states government or the federal medicare program

we are not connected with or endorsed by the united states government or the federal medicare program

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www.UnderstandingMyMedicare.com (503) 203-6724 or (800) 424-1199

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

Bonnie Laica, Medicare Specialist 1620 Columbia Blvd., St. Helens, OR McMinnville Newberg Sheridan (503) 397-0123 McMinnville Newberg Sheridan 448 SE Baker St. 1556 E 1st St. 130 SW Monroe St.

448 SE Baker St. 503-472-2165 503-472-2165

1556 E 1st St. 503-538-4455 503-538-4455

130503-843-2384 SW Monroe St. 503-843-2384