Make the McKenzie Connection!
Make the McKenzie Connection!
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Words cannot express the appreciation I have for the overwhelming support and generosity at the Grand Opening of the library – shoulder to shoulder, wall to wall, standing room only! Frances O’Brien’s Legacy of a library in Blue River lives on. Your new Library hours are Tuesday-Saturday 11:00am – 5:00pm and Wednesday 11:00am – 7pm. Come and enjoy this community gathering place. With Gratitude, Connie Richardson President O’Brien Memorial Library...
Months ago, Chani Demello, an energetic and optimistic McKenzie River resident, proposed an idea for a way to make the “dark days of the cooler months” a bit brighter: Invite everyone to Vida McKenzie Community Center to view a full-length independent film or a number of “independent shorts” and then discuss the film(s) afterward. I was skeptical until I started previewing the films. The production quality of the works was fabulous, and the content was both creative and accessible. The first of the “Films with Friends” series took place on Su...
We are delighted to announce the Grand Opening of the O’Brien Memorial Library in Blue River. With the sustained support of our community, we’ve achieved our goal together. So, we want to extend this warm invitation to you, one of the people who made it happen. Please join us on Saturday, November 16th, from 2:00 to 4:00. Brief presentations will begin at 2:30. Tour the building, enjoy cake, and celebrate this exciting event! at 51771 Blue River Drive in Blue River. We look forward to seeing you at the opening! Sincerely, The O’Brien Memor...
It already seems like a long time ago when McKenzie Locals Helping Locals sponsored the fourth annual McKenzie River Community Celebration at the Aaron and Marie Jones Community Track. As you recall, the event was held this summer on September 2, Labor Day, and we had a grand time celebrating our Community. A lot of effort went into the organization and implementation of the annual event and we would be remiss if proper acknowledgment of those efforts went unannounced or not recognized. Please accept our apologies for doing so later rather...
Certainly Tony Casad has done some good things as superintendent of the Blue River Water Board. He does deserve credit for those things. The question becomes: are the things the “good Tony” did outweigh the abuse, bullying and obstructionism that he has dished out to many members of the community. This of course remains a decision only the community of Blue River will make. It is not true that only Tony Casad can manage the Water District. It ran fine before he moved here and will go fine, likely better, if he leaves. There are still some sma...
Our community deserves a representative who truly embodies the values of hard work, responsibility, and patriotism—someone who puts the needs of families and taxpayers first. That’s why Michelle Emmons is the clear choice for McKenzie voters. Michelle doesn’t just talk about values; she lives them. As a proven leader with a record of bringing people together, she knows how to get things done without compromising on what matters most—our families, our schools, and our future. On the other hand, Darin Harbick’s time on the McKenzie School Bo...
After reading this week’s issue of the River Reflections, I saw that you had included another letter to the editor (is it the third one in less than 2 months?) written by a rep from The Cascade Policy Institute, a PAC I have researched extensively. Out of concern, I sent you a note, wondering why you are allowing this far-right organization to get free advertising for its singular intent on spreading disinformation funded by wealthy individuals and organizations connected to the fossil fuel industry (mostly Koch Bros. in this case). Had you don...
The Oregon Legislature has mandated that large utilities deliver 100% emissions-free electricity by 2040. Since coal and natural gas account for more than 45% of Oregon’s electricity generation, replacing those fuels with emission-free alternatives will be difficult. Moreover, the closer Oregon gets to a 100% reduction, the more expensive it will become. This challenge stems from the fact that the two preferred power sources—industrial-scale wind and solar—are weather-dependent. This will require overbuilding, plus batteries and back-up power...
The ability to afford medicines is about dignity, hope, and fairness. These words from the President have been at the center of our work to implement the Lower Cost Prescription Drug Law, also known as the Inflation Reduction Act. This week marks a historic milestone in improving health benefits for Oregon seniors and families, as the Biden-Harris Administration announced new, lower prices for 10 drugs selected for the first cycle of Medicare drug price negotiations. As Acting Regional Director at the U.S. Department of Health and Human...
EVs are not necessarily heavier than gasoline cars. The best-selling EV in the world is the Tesla Model Y, which weighs about 4,300 pounds. My Honda Pilot weighs 4,500 pounds, a Ford F-350 7,400 pounds. An 18-wheeler comes in at 66,000 pounds... If you have trouble believing that, realize that while batteries are heavy, EVs don’t need a transmission, need far less steel, and can use more aluminum. Tesla is working on a structural battery pack, which would require even less excess material. Yes, EV batteries can catch fire, but it is much m...
Saturday night’s guitar duo concert at Vida McKenzie Community Center turned out to be one of those summer evenings when everything felt right. The audience was warm, neighborly, and engaged. The musicians were very accomplished but in an “unfussy” way. Their openheartedness was palpable while they played and interacted with the audience. VMCC thanks Jerry Zybach and Stan Welsh for transforming this gathering space into a true “listening room.” Here are an upcoming few VMCC events to put on your calendar: Bingo at the Center occurs the secon...
Oregon politicians banned the use of coal for electricity generation by 2030 and natural gas by 2040, pushing utilities to rely more on wind and solar energy. These sources often produce less than 10% of Oregon’s electricity needs, forcing utilities to engage in a costly overbuild of wind and solar infrastructure. Given that weather is unpredictable, how much overbuilding will be required to meet demand is unknown. The grid must always balance supply and demand, and dispatchable energy must quickly adjust. Currently, energy storage at the g...
As parts of Oregon have gone more than two months without rain, conditions are optimal for wildfires. Even for areas not yet affected, things could change in an instant. Preparing ahead of time can help ensure you have everything you need in the event of an evacuation. Pack a bag for yourself and one for your animal companions containing enough supplies to last for at least one week. Keep everything where it’s easy to grab in a hurry. For animals, include their medical records, food and water, bowls, medications, and a special toy or b...
When an Electric Vehicle is marketed as “zero-emission,” consumers expect their car does not cause pollution, right? Well, in the case of zero-emission vehicles, the phrase only refers to “tailpipe exhaust emissions of certain pollutants or greenhouse gases,” according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office. Many miss this fine print and buy EVs, believing they are helping the environment. In reality, while removing the element of exhaust, EVs emit 20-26% more tire dust annually than gas cars due to their added battery weight. That ba...
