Illinois Valley News Vol. 72 No. 50 Dated: February 24, 2010

Letters to the Editor

From our weekly issue dated February 24, 2010

(Editor“s Note: Views and commentary, including statements made as fact, are strictly those of the letter-writers.)

Typed, double-spaced letters are considered for publication. Hand-written letters that are double-spaced and legible also can be considered. “Thank you” submissions are not accepted as letters.

Tree planting unfunded
From Susan Chapp
Cave Junction

For the first time in 20 years, the Forestry Action Committee did not get funding for its annual Tree Planting Project. Rather than let the program drop, we are doing it as volunteers this season, no paid staff.

It is quite a challenge, and a great experience demonstrating the kind of volunteer effort this community can accomplish.

Volunteer Day, when the good people of this community show up and plant trees where they are needed, is set for Feb. 27, the last Saturday of the month. I.V. Soil & Water Conservation District still is offering the 25-cents a tree program in conjunction with Volunteer Day, where youths can earn money for their class or organization through the seedlings they plant.

We need adults to help plant the trees. It is a good family activity. Even those not connected to a group can just show up, have a good time, and help get those trees planted.

Those who want their youth group to participate, or have any questions or comments or need directions, can phone 541-592-4098. We can use food donations for the potluck feast that follows the planting activities.

Volunteer planters of all ages should show up at the U.S. Forest Service lower compound at the south end of Cave Junction around 9 a.m. on Saturday the 27th. Dress for the weather. Bring a planting tool if you have one. Come ready to have a good time.

D.C. culture in JoCo“
From T.A. Allan
Cave Junction

So now we have a candidate for county commissioner who is fresh from Washington, D.C. and it appears that he might have brought some Washington, D.C. culture with him.

On his campaign Website he has photos labeled “Supporters.“ One photo shows Sheriff Gil Gilbertson. However, the sheriff is actually backing Dave Toler for re-election.

So within just days of announcing his candidacy, this Washington, D.C. guy has made a major misrepresentation of Gilbertson.

I suspect that by the time this letter hits the pages of Illinois Valley News, the misrepresentation will be removed. But that doesn“t erase the misdeed.

While such misrepresentations might be business as usual in his former D.C. stomping grounds, I think he“ll find that folks in Josephine County aren“t too keen on it — no matter how it“s packaged.

Can“t swim in sprinklers
From Celine Martens
Cave Junction

It has been a while since we“ve heard any word on our Illinois Valley Swimming Pool. Last I remember, Cave Junction Mayor Don Moore said that he was able to raise $15,000 to turn it into a sprinkler site.

I am sorry, but people cannot learn to swim in sprinklers, and the rivers are too cold for infants and the elderly. At 85 degrees, the temperature that the solar system on our pool water can be brought to, on hot summer days, is perfect to learn life-saving methods and skills.

If we can mend the integrity of our pool, the water is already seeped in from rain and run-off. With the money, a certification for a pool chemical person to keep with regulation, and the idea of being a life guard and working the front desk, at least a few of our ambitious area youth can have summer jobs.

The future of our pool is up to the community. We need support. The voice of people who care can move mountains. Letters of support can be written for our community pool. Those who don“t swim will fill it with dirt or put in sprinklers for our water needs. To support our youth and needs of our community, we can“t settle for less than a functioning pool.

Summer will be here before we know it, and we all know how hot it gets. Let“s be ready to provide jobs and a safe place to teach our young how to swim.