Sunshine Service By JOAN VEDDER
Honor the loan agreement , return things timely How was Thanksgiving for you all ? We informed our kids that live close by , not to include us for
VEDDER the holiday
season because of COVID-19 . We have a very large family and when many of us gather together , there can be 20-25 . That ’ s not even the whole family ! I ’ ll sure be happy when this virus comes to an end and we can resume whatever “ normal life ” was .
This month ’ s theme is “ Giving ” and it ’ s very appropriate for what Sunshine Service does in Charbonneau . We give you assistance when you need it , with all the helpful medical devices we have in stock such as wheelchairs , shower benches , commodes , walkers ( two types ) and a large assortment of other items as well . Oh yes , we even have knee-walkers for those who have foot surgery , broken ankles , etc . so you can
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navigate safely around your home ( without crutches ).
All we ask is that you honor the loan agreement and return things in a timely manner . Occasionally we get a run on something and it ’ s easy to empty our storage closet with a certain item . Please bear in mind that a lot of things , being fairly big , are not available in large numbers like wheelchairs and shower equipment . We get nervous if we ’ re down to only one or two of those items ! If you ever need help returning something , please call one of our volunteers to see how to make it easier .
When the new Activity Center is built next year , we ’ re going to have a wonderful , main floor closet ! No more lugging equipment up and down stairs , which will be much safer for both clients and volunteers .
Personally , I ’ ve been enjoying the fabulous autumn leaves this year ! The colors have been amazing . One of the best years in my opinion . I know ... raking them up is a pain , but it ’ s over before you know it . We are lucky to live in an area that has four seasons . I wouldn ’ t trade it for anywhere else . Stay well .
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Civic Affairs By STEVE SWITZER
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Charbonneau residents vote in record numbers |
There is an old saying : “ All politics is local .”
This was a “ change election ” where many of the local governments in the Portland area have new mayors and city councilors . Wilsonville voters have voted for the stability of a former City Council member for mayor and reelection of the City Council president and election of a newly appointed , but well experienced councilor to the City Council .
Just under 14,000 votes were cast in Wilsonville , with voter turnout at about 86.6 %. This was similar to the Clackamas County turnout of 84 %. Statewide turnout was 80 %. Charbonneau cast 2,365 ballots , out of a total registration of 2,528 voters , which is a turnout of 93.6 %.
Among cities in the metro area , Wilsonville ’ s City Council , four women and one man , will stand out as one of the more experienced City Councils in the region . Many cities have less experienced new mayors and city councilors . Our current Mayor , Tim Knapp , was not eligible to run again due to the newly instituted term limits . Four candidates ran for two open positions on the City Council .
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Councilor Kristin Akervall and Councilor Joann Linville received the most votes . Julie Fitzgerald , who served on the council from 2013 to 2016 was elected mayor . As of this writing , in a very close race , Mark Shull is leading for the one open position as county commissioner against incumbent Ken Humbertson .
Why has it taken so long for the final results ? Counties in Oregon may not start the counting process until seven days prior to the election . In some states , election officials cannot start until the day of the election . With the increase of mail-in ballots and satellite drop sites , this procedure has caused the delay in final vote tallies across the country .
How do the results affect Charbonneau ? This election was a referendum on the city ’ s position on the Aurora Airport and a rejection of discontinuing the support of the LUBA appeal of the airport ’ s master plan .
The mayor and City Council will take office in January . It is likely that many of the city policies and goals will extend current council priorities into the new term . There will be policy consistency on the Boone Bridge and traffic congestion , completing decisions about the Town Center Master Plan , continued efforts to be heard on Aurora Airport issues and other priorities set by the City Council in the January goal setting session . This is good news for Charbonneau in that we know what to expect and will have a strong experienced voice on the City Council with Joann Linville .
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