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From The Editor:

If you're in a bad situation, don't worry it'll change.  If you're in a good situation, don't worry it'll change.  ~John A. Simone, Sr.

          Recently, a friend asked me how I thought we should be talking about change in Vernonia.  Specifically, how can we start to prepare our community for the coming changes?  Because, believe me, change is coming.  And it looks like it could be a pretty wild ride.

          When I just searched on Google for "dealing with change," I got 24 million results.  So this is obviously a subject that many people have dealt with, talked about and struggled with before. 

          Because change is not easy.  Moving through changes requires planning, time, confidence, adaptability and strength.  It also often requires perseverance, resiliency, loss of control, and trust.  Change often causes higher levels of stress, discomfort and often fear.

          It's no wonder so many of us avoid and resist change-- it can be hard, unpleasant, exhausting and not very much fun.

          But change also brings about new opportunities.  Opportunities for a fresh start, opportunities to learn from the past, opportunities to make improvements, opportunities to look ahead and set new goals for the future, opportunities to stretch and test ourselves.

          Don't believe that real, significant change is coming to Vernonia?  Just take a look through this issue of Vernonia's Voice and you will read about Vernonia's Biggest Class Reunion which raised money for the new school that will break ground this fall.  Or the proposed changes that could be happening with our Health Clinic.  Or the work that the Pinchot Institute is doing here in Vernonia to find ways to help forestland owners pay for health care.  Or the Executive Order recently signed by Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski, which instructs state agencies to work to help Vernonia rebuild its schools and its infrastructure. 

          There is an awful lot happening in this town right now and  a lot of changes that are already starting to take shape.  And an awful lot of changes on the not-too-distant horizon.  Change may not be easy, but it's often necessary.  And it's certainly inevitable.  So we might as well find a good seat and try to enjoy the ride.

          Or, even better yet, grab a seat in the front row, get engaged and involved, and help shape the change that is heading our way.

          I'll leave you with a few more thoughts on change:

Those who expect moments of change to be comfortable and free of conflict have not learned their history.  ~Joan Wallach Scott

He who rejects change is the architect of decay.  The only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery.  ~Harold Wilson

If you don't like something, change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it.  ~Mary Engelbreit

Change always comes bearing gifts.  ~Price Pritchett

It is not necessary to change.  Survival is not mandatory.  ~W. Edwards Deming 

-- Scott Laird
Editor and Publisher