Poetry for all
Poetry night, fun for all, come along, you’ll have a ball!
It’s free, and for anybody above 10, all you have to do is just walk in,
Occasional snacks, poetry and songs, you don’t have to memorize much,
Just bring pens and pads and such,
Suggestions are welcome, we’re always professional,
No sexual references or obscene material,
Open-minded parents please join in,
We welcome your thoughts and encouragement!
Thursday nights at the Hood River County Library, 4-5:30 p.m. Signs will be posted on the room we will be using. Hope to see you there! For more information, contact Savannah at 541-806-0788.
Lilo Moran
Savannah Moran
Austin Batson
Hood River
Candidate wanted
Wanted: Someone to step forward and run for city council, who plays well with others and has an open mind. Who is female or young or poor, all under-represented factions needing a voice. Who is not a fanatic about the fire department but a person who understands that this community needs one, that we need to pay for it without bankrupting any of our citizens and that we can’t finance a huge outrageously staffed one just because they want one.
Who, when a citizens’ group spends hours of time deciding how to handle the issue they were tasked to, does not ignore them. Who understands that a budget is not only a legal document, but also a contractual and ethical obligation. Who isn’t being asked to run in order to keep one side or the others status quo in place.
Who understands collaboration, community, respect and the necessity for all sides to have a say in what happens. Who does not force decisions down the throats of the citizens; rather who trusts them to help make their own decisions on what the community should be and do for the best of all.
So, could you please step forward and begin an new era of cooperation and respect in Cascade Locks, because we’re not going anywhere until we elect seven of you.
Katelin Stuart
Cascade Locks
Safe, fun for kids
A group of children dressed in soccer gear giggling and playing things like pirate soccer and dodge soccer ... a group of dedicated parents hopping around cones with them, and a group of happy parents watching. What a joy it was to participate in the Parkdale Soccer League!
Thank you to Principal Kim Vogel for letting us frolic in the school fields and for allowing parents to create this marvel of fun: Soccer that is accessible, free, enjoyable and educational for all children. Thank you, too, to the dedicated volunteers that made it happen.
My children had great fun, learned so much about soccer in a fun, safe and community environment, and I enjoyed playing and helping coach too.
Heather Clemons-Porter
Parkdale
Benefit or harm?
I have been a longtime and strong supporter of protecting the waterfront for all people — locals and visitors alike. As a supporter of the waterfront, I am reminded that this is the mighty Columbia, ever changing, ever developing — a source of livelihoods, enjoyment, relaxation and visual beauty.
So, I wonder, why aren’t we asking the major question for this current proposed development: “What exactly is our vision for the waterfront?” And next, “How does the current proposal (or any proposal) fit into this vision — not only for today, but for generations?” Do we envision an amusement park on the waterfront? Or do we envision an area that has a variety of uses, that accommodates the changing nature of life and the river, and that would not distract from the overwhelming beauty and majesty of the Columbia?
Lot 1 is the last major piece to be developed at the waterfront. Previous development has proceeded in a piecemeal fashion, and as such, the plan for this final Lot is pivotal for pulling all aspects of the waterfront together. Lot 1 borders the west side of the boat basin. Does a cable park with its unsightly cables, towers and floating obstacles, restricted walkways for paying customers, which excludes all over uses, benefit or harm the value of Lot 1?
Recently, we have seen how the beautiful, accessible-to-all, public Waterfront Park has sparked massive investment in the development of surrounding properties. Would this same benefit be extended to Lot 1 with a cable park in the boat basin? I do not think so. Rather than enhancing the value of surrounding properties, the cable park would negatively impact it by distracting visual cables and loud music.
Presently, the boat basin is used by a variety of users and a cable park would limit the use of this public waterway to those who can afford to pay for it. If you don’t pay, you can’t play. It appears that people want a cable park for practicing wakeboard tricks, but I do not feel the boat basin is the place to put it. Other locations should be investigated.
It is not in anyone’s best interest to polarize our resources and to fight amongst ourselves. There are options — always there are options — we just have to find the best ones for our community. And that takes all of us working together to preserve, protect and enhance this beautiful area we call home.
Susan Froehlich
Hood River
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