Editorial
Passing the baton
Taylor, Prince handled a difficult situation with class It was a fleeting
moment few people probably saw.
The TV cameras were being packed up, and people were putting on their coats as they left
the Council Chambers to brave the elements. Some residents were milling about, chatting
amongst themselves, or with councilors and city staff.
After the other councilors had left the table, Councilor Terry Prince and Mayor Scott
Taylor were momentarily left alone in a near deserted room. Taylor was gathering up
papers, composing himself after saying his emotional good-byes.
Taylor looked up and caught a glimpse of Prince. The men looked each other in the eyes,
and firmly shook hands.
The baton of city leadership was effectively passed in an instant, and their differences
of opinion and policy were effectively consigned to the past. After a hotly contested Nov.
7 general election, Prince and Taylor, as gentlemen and politicians should, needed to put
any lingering rancor behind them and to look to the community's future. They duly did in
their brief exchange.
It was reminiscent of the recent exchange between Vice President Al Gore and
President-elect George W. Bush, and the exchange between President George Bush and
President-elect Bill Clinton eight years ago.
In those instances, too, the look in their eyes said volumes more than words ever could:
The race is long and hard, but when it is over, it's over.
The message? Put the past behind you, no matter how hard that can sometimes be, and look
to the future.
To be sure, after eight years as mayor and a total of 18 years sitting on the council,
leaving civic service was more of an emotional drain than Taylor had imagined.
The tears shed during his farewell speech showed how much he cares about his city, and the
work that has been done and must still be done to ensure it remains a great place to live,
work, play, raise a family, and go to school.
Taylor will remain busy with his high-ranking job with the Oregon Department of
Corrections, but hopefully his tireless work on behalf of the community will not cease.
Like Councilors Roger Harris and Barry Lucas, he has many projects he is involved in and
that he remains committed to.
The often unheralded non-profit, charitable and volunteer sector of Canby will doubtless
benefit from their experience and knowledge in times to come.
Again, we thank the three men for their considerable contributions to Canby, and we wish
them the best of luck in their future endeavors.
And, like the departing trio, we hope Mayor-Elect Prince, incoming Councilors Teresa
Blackwell and Patrick Johnson, and incumbent Councilors Walt Daniels, Randy Carson and
Shirley Strong will make the best possible decisions for the city and its citizens in 2001
and beyond. |
Letters
to the editor
Flu vaccine system
raises serious concerns
I've just finished a long conversation with Carol Strazer, Community Education
Coordinator with Willamette Falls Hospital. It is Dec. 20, and she tells me they are
finally expecting their shipment of flu vaccine. She is wondering if we still need a flu
shot clinic here at Canby Adult Center.
Our clinic on Nov. 16, was canceled amid hundreds of calls from frustrated seniors.
Clinics at Molalla Adult Community Center, Carmen Oaks and Pheasant Pointe were canceled
as well.
I don't know what to tell her. After weeks of confusing information on where vaccine is
available, I think most seniors have managed to find vaccine elsewhere. I will take a
quick survey over the next two days and proceed from there.
I am angry. I know of at least one large manufacturing plant that made it available for
the work force and their families. I would be willing to bet few are over 60. I cannot
understand why vaccine has been available in grocery stores and department stores, yet not
available where it seems most logical. Wouldn't you think medical clinics, care facilities
and senior centers would be the most convenient for those at highest risk?
The pharmacist at Fred Meyer here in town has been helpful. Once I let her know our
dilemma, she kept us informed of dates and times they were dispensing vaccine. When I
asked her why they were able to get the vaccine, she told me that Kroger is a large chain
and ordered a year ago.
Anyone who can't stand for long periods of time had a hard time of it with waits of up to
four hours at some other locations. One lady told me about an 87-year-old friend of hers
who collapsed waiting in line at Albertson's. At the Center, as at medical clinics, there
is adequate seating.
I know many seniors paid $10 or $20 to get their shot, and I'm sure many will not seek
reimbursement. Here at the Center, the vaccination is always free with a donation can set
out for anyone who wants to contribute.
I've heard the vaccine was difficult to grow this year. I also heard that two
manufacturers were prohibited from growing the vaccine because they had health violations
to clear up. With that in mind, it seems someone should have foreseen the trouble ahead
and worked to dispense the vaccine to those at risk first.
Instead, any adult could walk into a grocery store and receive a shot, whether they were
high risk or not. When I asked about their policy, I was told they could not discriminate.
When I read recently of a flu outbreak in a nursing home, I immediately thought of the
canceled clinic and was angry all over again. Something is wrong with this system, and it
needs to be fixed before next flu season comes around.
Anna Phillips
Canby Adult Center Director
Local volunteer soccer
coaches deserve praise
If you live in and or drive in the Canby area, you no doubt have had an opportunity to
see hundreds of young children playing soccer. This past season, more than 800 children
participated in soccer during the evenings and Saturdays.
This would not be possible were it not for the tireless efforts of our volunteer coaches.
On behalf of Canby Youth Soccer, I would like to thank the following individuals for their
time and energy:
Recreational teams: Coach Brian Holgate, Assistant Coach Don Adkins; Coach Vicki Pounds,
Assistant Coach Brad Matlock; Coach Bill Boetz, Assistant Coaches Ashley Langham and Kelly
Warren; Coach Eileen Lentz, Assistant Coach Julie Haber; Coach Mark Lear; Coach Jim Hasty,
Assistant Coach Mark Fricker; Coach Tony Gonzalez, Assistant Coach Tom Zauner; Coach Matt
Madeira, Assistant Coach Dave Howard; Coach Larry Kelley, Assistant Coaches Andres DeGyves
and Dave Ostlund; Coach Bernie Van Houten, Assistant Coaches Bruce Cramer, Stephen Nelson
and Mitch Ziegler; Coach Bob Cambra, Assistant Coaches Leon Heyerly and Jay McBee; Coach
George Goben, Assistant Coaches Neil Martin and Dave Robitsch;
Coach Brad Matlock, Assistant Coaches Paul Harriot and Rick Decknadel; Coach Joe Ruwitch;
Coach Chandra Larsen, Assistant Coach Juan Sanchez; Coach Dave Lake, Assistant Coach Brian
North; Coach Butch Eaton; Coach Jeff Lewis; Coach Rick Lockwood, Assistant Coach Donald
Axmaker; Coach Mike Robert, Assistant Coach Brian James; Coach Dick Adams, Assistant
Coaches Scott Benson and Mark Hughes;
Coach Grover, Assistant Coaches Dennis Bauermeister and Bob Welle; Coach Matt Madeira,
Assistant Coaches David Howard and Mark Myers; Coach Lynn Hohensee, Assistant Coach Nancy
Hasty; Coach Repley Myatt, Assistant Coach John Schwend; Coach Darcy McGraw, Assistant
Coaches Valerie Kelley and Debbie Snodgrass.
House League Teams: Coach Bryan Thompson; Coach Sue Winner; Coach Tim Kelly; Coach Scott
Sanders; Coach Kevin Smay; Coach Donald Perman; Coach Terri Crowley, Assistant Coaches Ken
Crowley and Noah Ferris; Coach Mike Patton; Coach Bonnie Nakashimada, Assistant Coach Todd
Svatos; Coach Mary Beth Grover, Assistant Coach Bob Knopp; Coach Verne Ferguson; Coach
Dave Prouty, Assistant Coach Jeremy Prouty;
Coach Laurie Ferrell; Coach Leanne Friend; Coach William Knopp, Assistant Coach Rae Knopp;
Coach Heather Adair; Coach Bob Stewart; Coach Wendy Wickam; Coach Tami Rutledge; Coach
Roger McKinnon; Coach Stephen Sibel, Assistant Coach Matt Hilger; Coach Marlin Myers,
Assistant Coach Nick Netter; Coach Allan Messer, Assistant Coach Jackie McElhinny.
Vicki Pounds
President
Canby Youth Soccer Association
"Thanks" from
Canby Junior Basketball
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the coaches and sponsors of the third-grade
girls Instructional Basketball Program.
The program was created three years ago as a way to build the fundamental base for our
girls' basketball program. The program has been well received, and is proving that
teaching proper basketball fundamentals early will help the girls progress within our
program. This year we had 32 girls take part in the program.
As with all community programs, the third-grade Instructional Program would not have been
possible without the efforts of our volunteer coaches and the financial sponsorship of
local businesses.
Jim Schmieding (CHS girls varsity coach) did an outstanding job working with the girls and
making sure their first basketball experience was not only fun, but very educational.
Canby High is very lucky to have Schmieding. He understands basketball and understands how
to communicate with kids. Thanks, Jim.
Debbie Snodgrass and Dan Mishler also volunteered their last 10 Saturdays and made
valuable contributions to the program.
As with nearly every youth program in Canby, Cutsforth's Thriftway, Oliver/Madeira
Insurance, Swan Island Dahlias and Dave's Prescription were involved to make sure each
girl received a uniform. These four sponsors and many others in Canby continually provide
the needed financial support to make these programs successful.
I know I speak for the entire community when I say, "Thank you."
Todd Hansen
Canby Junior Basketball
Hometown Hero' thanks
council for recognition
To Mayor Taylor and Councilors: I am both honored and humbled by your presenting
me with the city's Hometown Hero award - knowing there are many citizens, including
yourselves, who have contributed so much time and energy to bettering our city.
We are fortunate to live where there are so many people who care enough about our young
people and our community to devote their efforts to preserving and improving this special
place for both the present and future inhabitants.
To the extent that I am able to contribute to those efforts, I am rewarded with feelings
of satisfaction and the joy of working with community-minded citizens.
I thank you and all those fellow workers who contributed support to this undeserved civic
recognition.
Bob Trappe
Canby
Thanks
Due to the great community spirit of Canby citizens, 124 people participated in
the recent Red Cross community blood drive. Our goal was 110 pints, and we received 108.
Canby has five Red Cross community blood drives a year. The next one will be in
February/March, sponsored by the Canby Fire Department. Sometime this coming year we will
try to add a sixth drive, which will allow people to give the maximum of every other
month. And they will not have to leave Canby to donate.
A special thank you to Canby United Methodist Church for sponsoring this drive.
Keith and Nancy Murphy, co-chairs
Canby
Put 'Christ' back
in Christmas
I am very disappointed with many businesses locally - you know who you are. It
hurts my heart when I see their signs that say, "Merry Xmas," "Xmas
trees," "Xmas gift certificates," etc.
Who is this "X"? If they can't write Christmas, then just say holiday, not
"X".
"X" wasn't born of the Virgin Mary, nor did "X" die for my sins on the
cross. Jesus Christ is what we are remembering this time of year. Please put Christ back
in Christmas.
Kathy Harwood
Canby
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