Here, There & Everywhere
From our weekly issue dated November 21, 2007
CJ CARES MENU - A free Thanksgiving meal for all comers will be served Thursday, Nov. 22 from noon to 2 p.m. Meanwhile, CJ Cares leader Lynn Boucher-Johnson said that donations of turkeys, hams and pies are anxiously awaited. She can be contacted at 592-6855. The annual dinner, for anyone needing a warm place to share Thanksgiving, will be held at the Jubilee Park pavilion on Junction Avenue in Cave Junction. Boucher-Johnson said that she has some 20 volunteers signed up, and that any donations of food or money will be greatly appreciated.
I-5 TURKEY LURKEY - Bridge work near Grants Pass likely will delay holiday travelers on Interstate 5 during peak travel times Wednesday afternoon and evening, Nov. 21; and Sunday afternoon, Nov. 25, said ODOT. I-5 is narrowed to a single lane in each direction over Beacon Drive at milepost 57, near the north end of GP. Drivers able to adjust their plans are encouraged to travel through this area during nonpeak times to avoid delays of up to 30 minutes. Updates are available by phoning 511 or by visiting Tripcheck.com. Those who cannot access 511 can obtain road and weather information toll-free within Oregon by dialing (800) 977-ODOT (6368). From outside Oregon, the long-distance number, (503) 588-2941, is available. For information on California highway conditions, visit dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo or phone (916) 445-7623.
GRANDPARENTS AS PARENTS - A kick-off meeting of a support group for grandparents who serve as parents for their grandchildren will be held Thursday, Nov. 29 from 6:30 to 6:30 p.m. The free gathering, with a talk on “Guardianship vs. Adoptions” by attorney
Jason Broesder, will be held at the Boys & Girls Club, 203 S.E. Ninth St. in Grants Pass. Food and child-care will be provided at no cost. The group is co-sponsored by Rogue Valley Council of Governments, Life Span Respite, and Boys & Girls Club of the Rogue Valley.
YOUNG GRAPPLERS - Illinois Valley Youth Wrestling Club will host the Tournament of Champions Saturday, Dec. 1 at Ken Mann Memorial Gym at Illinois Valley High School on E. River Street in Cave Junction. Weigh-ins will be conducted from 7 to 9 a.m. Wrestling will begin at 10 a.m. “Come support our youth wrestlers,” said the club.
‘LIGHT UP A LIFE’ - Lovejoy Hospice is sponsoring two celebrations to honor those who have passed on. One be held Monday, Dec. 3 in Grants Pass; the other Wednesday, Dec. 5 at Immanuel United Methodist Church at 3 p.m. in Cave Junction. The GP celebration will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the hospice facility, 939 S.W. Eighth St. This year’s events again will include a tribute in photos to those being remembered, and will continue with the traditional lighting ceremony and reading of names. There also will be music and refreshments. Check the ad in this issue.
HIGH-CALIBER HAPPENING - One of those odd happenings occurred recently when the son-in-law of a CJ resident came home on leave from Iraq. Actually, the situation came about as he was returning to duty via Rogue Valley International Medford Airport. It seems that as his luggage went through the X-ray machine, all sorts of consternation, plus flashing lights and alarms, resulted. Apparently, his bag contained a single bullet that somehow had gotten into the lining of his bag when he originally packed to go on leave. He was unaware of its presence. What’s weird is that he had flown from Iraq to the States and gone through several airports; and the single round was not detected. Not until Medford.
YULE JEWELS - The annual Christmas Decorating Contest again is sponsored by Illinois Valley Chamber of Commerce. Indoor and outdoor decorations must be ready for judging Friday, Dec. 14. Phone 592-3326 for more information.
AIRPORT QUERY - Josephine County officials said that a public hearing will be called early during December regarding “the future use and designation of Illinois Valley Airport.” Watch the Noose for the news.
NOTEPAD - Christmas cards can be sent to: A Recovering U.S. Soldier, c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20307 ... Jolly St. Nick will visit Saturday, Dec. 1 during the annual I.V. Chamber-sponsored Community Christmas Tree Lighting & Sing-Along beginning at 5 p.m. on the Junction Inn vacant lot ... “The Christmas Offering” is the title of a free “Night of Beautiful Song” Sunday, Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. at Community Bible Church. The all-congregations One Body-One Voice Choir will perform ... Glenn & Gayla Sparks, of O’Brien, have been honored by XanGo Juice Co. for reaching the 200K level …
T-shirts: *I did the math, and I’m still confused. *Good Morning is an oxymoron. *No need to yell. I still won’t listen. *Pay no attention to the device around my ankle.
LAST WORDS - *Gratitude is born in hearts that take time to count up past mercies. (Charles E. Jefferson)
*Thanksgiving Day is a jewel, to set in the hearts of honest men; but be careful that you do not take the day, and leave out the gratitude. (E.P. Powell)
