I didn’t realize until I filled out my ballot last night that it should have been mailed yesterday to ensure it was postmarked by Tuesday, August 4. So I’ll take it to one of the drop boxes in Ridgefield today. The closest to me is at the RACC, 510 Pioneer Street. This is a walk-up box only. There’s a second one at the Pioneer Street exit and east of I-5, at the north end of North 1st Circle, in the middle of the cul-de-sac.

Allow enough time to read all the write-ups – there are a lot of candidates.

The following was sent by Norman Farrell, President of the Ridgefield Gleaners.

Hello Ridgefield Gardeners,

It’s still a bit cooler and wetter than normal for mid-June. Hopefully that will work out for the best in our gardens as summer comes on. We have a significant start on our garden and hope you are having good luck as well.

We are the Ridgefield Community Gleaners, an all-volunteer, non-profit group working to provide fresh produce to those in need in Ridgefield. Due to the pandemic and drop in the economy, the need in our community is greater than ever. Please consider planting another plant or another row in your gardens for donation through the Gleaners. We are available to harvest and/or pick up produce and get it to the Family Resource Center as always. The Gleaners have continued a weekly donation of 100 pounds of fresh produce which we are now sourcing from Rosauers. It will be wonderful to displace some of this with fresh locally grown goodies.

Please also remember that the Gleaners are a 501(c)(3) organization and we would welcome cash donations to further what we can do to support the Family Resource Center and our community in this time of many challenges.

All the best with your gardens.
Norman Farrell

President, Ridgefield Community Gleaners Association

rcgleaners@gmail.com

Thanks to John Rose, Commander of American Legion Post 44, for this write-up on the history of Memorial Day.

No less than 25 places have been named in connection with the origin of Memorial Day, and states observed the holiday on different dates. In 1971, Memorial Day became a national holiday by an act of Congress; it is now celebrated annually on the last Monday in May (this year—May 25, 2020)

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MEMORIAL DAY AND VETERANS DAY?

 On both Memorial Day and Veterans Day, it’s customary to spend time remembering and honoring the countless veterans who have served the United States throughout the country’s history. However, there is a distinction between the two holidays:

Memorial Day commemorates the men and women who died while in the military service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. In other words, the purpose of Memorial Day is to memorialize the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. We spend time remembering those who lost their lives and could not come home, reflecting on their service and why we have the luxury and freedom that we enjoy today. We might consider how we can support and safeguard their grieving families and loved ones who are left behind.

Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor ALL who served—in wartime or peacetime—regardless of whether they died or survived. Veterans Day is always observed officially on November 11, regardless of the day of the week on which it falls.

MEMORIAL DAY FACTS AND HISTORY

Traditionally, on Memorial Day (U.S.), people visit cemeteries and memorials, and volunteers often place American flags on each gravesite at national cemeteries. A national moment of remembrance takes place at 3:00 p.m. local time. The custom of honoring ancestors by cleaning cemeteries and decorating graves is an ancient and worldwide tradition, but the specific origin of Memorial Day—or Decoration Day, as it was first known—is unclear. In early rural America, this duty was usually performed in late summer and was an occasion for family reunions and picnics. After the Civil War, America’s need for a secular, patriotic ceremony to honor its military dead became prominent, as monuments to fallen soldiers were erected and dedicated, and ceremonies centering on the decoration of soldiers’ graves were held in towns and cities throughout the nation. After World War I, the day expanded to honor those who have died in all American wars.

WHY IS THE POPPY A SYMBOL OF MEMORIAL DAY?

In the war-torn battlefields of Europe, the common red field poppy (Papaver rhoeas) was one of the first plants to reappear. Its seeds scattered in the wind and sat dormant in the ground, only germinating when the ground was disturbed—as it was by the very brutal fighting of World War I. John McCrae, a Canadian soldier and physician, witnessed the war first hand and was inspired to write the now-famous poem “In Flanders Fields” in 1915. (See below for the poem.) He saw the poppies scattered throughout the battlefield surrounding his artillery position in Belgium.

THE POPPY LADY

In November 1918, days before the official end of the war, an American professor named Moina Michael wrote her own poem, “We Shall Keep the Faith,” which was inspired by McCrae’s “In Flanders Fields.” In her poem (also shown below), she mentioned wearing the “poppy red” to honor the dead, and with that, the tradition of adorning one’s clothing with a single red poppy in remembrance of those killed in the Great War was born. Moina herself came to be known—and honored—as “The Poppy Lady.”

The Symbol Spreads Abroad

The wearing of the poppy was traditionally done on Memorial Day in the United States, but the symbolism has evolved to encompass all veterans living and deceased, so poppies may be worn on Veterans Day as well. Not long after the custom began, it was adopted by other Allied nations, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, where it is still popular today. In these countries, the poppy is worn on Remembrance Day (November 11). Today, poppies are not only a symbol of loss of life, but also of recovery and new life, especially in support of the servicemen who survived the war but suffered from physical and psychological injuries long after it ended.

“In Flanders Fields”
by John McCrae, May 1915
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Many of our neighbors are aware of the Ridgefield Lions and how they benefit our community. But many don’t know anything about the Lions. Is it a social club? Is it a service club and if so, what do the Lions do? In fact the Lions is the largest service organization in the world. And we in Ridgefield are fortunate to have a very active club that was founded in 1948. Many members have been selflessly serving our community for multiple decades.

So what do the Lions actually do to serve the community and if some of it requires money, where do the funds come from? There are multiple activities the Lions are involved in. Examples are: Clark County sight and hearing, the annual Walk and Knock Food drive, the Green Bag food project that supports the Ridgefield Family Resource Center and Ridgefield Neighbors Helping Neighbors, college scholarships for Ridgefield HS graduating seniors, contributions to HS clubs such as debate and cheerleading, support for the scouts and many other programs. Where there is a need, there is a Lion to help out. Much of the funding the Lions need to support the programs come from our food service in the community. We have a food booth at major activities downtown that include 4th of July, Octoberfest, and other typical First Saturday events. The one big fund raiser is the food booth the Lions operate at the Clark County Fair each year. It, like other events that draw large crowds, has been cancelled for this year.

So we have a big hole in our budget, and that will prevent the Lions from making some of the contributions they have made in the past. We are in the process of brainstorming to come up with ways to fill that hole. And that is the purpose of this post. Do any of you readers have ideas that might make sense for the Lions, considering the virus situation, to pursue to fill the hole? Of course, the Lions being a 501-3c non profit, would happily accept any contributions that would help us carry out our community function.

BTW the Lions, as a civic service to the community, are offering to install flags for anyone that wants one. Just go the the Lions website ridgefieldlions.org for details.

One of Ridgefield’s great strengths is our strong and supportive community. During this time of physical distancing, it can be hard to witness and feel that sense of community. Take a moment today to recognize our community support by sharing small acts of kindness that you have received or witnessed.

These may include:
✔️ Check in on a neighbor, family, or friend
✔️ Display window/porch art to brighten your neighborhood.
✔️ Surprise a friend or neighbor with a note or card.
✔️ Make masks for your neighbors.
✔️ Send flowers or have a sweet treat delivered to a friend
✔️ Have a surprise Zoom birthday party

Share small acts of kindness or something that has brightened your day in the ‘leave a comment’ section above, and I’ll publish some of them. Keep doing the things that make Ridgefield home!

Someone transplanted these lovely Merlot lettuce plants in my plot in the Community Garden, and I don’t know who did it. Was it you? I have exhausted my list of suspects and would love to be able to thank the thoughtful person who surprised me with this gift. Whoever did it knows me pretty well because the plants are arranged just as I would have. Thank you, whoever you are!

During the Ridgefield Shop Local and Save Program the City of Ridgefield is offering utility rebates on your water bills for local receipts. You can earn a credit on your utility bill by buying and eating locally made food and beverages, or by purchasing a gift card from your favorite downtown store. Our local businesses make the possibilities seem endless.

How does it work?
Spend $25 at a local business or restaurant (you can combine two receipts) – the receipt must have the date and business name.

Write your name (as it appears on your utility statement), phone number, and utility account number on the receipt(s).

Scan and email the receipt to utilities@ci.ridgefield.wa.us or drop off the receipt(s) in a sealed envelope at the gray dropbox in front of City Hall at 230 Pioneer St.

The City of Ridgefield will credit $15 towards your utility bill.

You can earn up to 5 credits per account with a maximum credit of $75 per account. Eligible businesses include any business within the Ridgefield city limits. This program will go from May 1st-June 30th.

You can learn more about the program at https://ridgefieldwa.us/shop-local-and-save/

The Community Garden is in full swing, with all plots taken. The derelict building to the south of the garden has been removed as well as the large conifer that shaded so much of the area, so all plots get good sun.

The City might open another garden in a different location if there’s enough interest. Call Lee at 360-887-3557 if you’re interested in having a plot. This might be a good year to grow some vegetables, and there’s plenty of time to start them as the weather is still cool.

The most recent food collection of the Green Bag Project scheduled for April 11th was called off because of the Stay At Home order due to COVID 19.

Instead, we asked food donors to contribute money so that we could still help the Ridgefield Schools Family Resource Center and Neighbors Helping Neighbors even though we couldn’t collect food.

Ridgefield Neighbors really came through, donating over $4,400!

Below is a photo of Clyde Burkle of the Green Bag Project presenting Safeway and Winco gift cards to Christine Poppert, Director of the Family Resource Center.

Below that is a photo of a pickup truck filled with $1000 worth of food and another photo of John Shaw of Neighbors Helping Neighbors receiving it. Another pickup load has been ordered!

THANK YOU Ridgefield Neighbors!

If you meant to donate but just didn’t get around to it, you can still mail a check to Ridgefield Neighbors Food Project, Box 416, Ridgefield WA 98642.

 

Our sense of humor is still intact. This was forwarded to me from a friend. Enjoy!

Half of us are going to come out of this quarantine as amazing cooks.  The other half will come out with a drinking problem.

I used to spin that toilet paper like I was on Wheel of Fortune.  Now I turn it like I’m cracking a safe.

I need to practice social-distancing from the refrigerator.

Still haven’t decided where to go for Easter —– The Living Room or The Bedroom

PSA: every few days try your jeans on just to make sure they fit.  Pajamas will have you believe all is well in the kingdom.

I don’t think anyone expected that when we changed the clocks we’d go from Standard Time to the Twilight Zone

This morning I saw a neighbor talking to her cat.  It was obvious she thought her cat understood her.  I came into my house, told my dog….. we laughed a lot.

So, after this quarantine…..will the producers of My 600 Pound Life just find me or do I find them?

Quarantine Day 5: Went to this restaurant called THE KITCHEN.  You have to gather all the ingredients and make your own meal.  I have no clue how this place is still in business.

I’m so excited — it’s time to take out the garbage.  What should I wear?

I hope the weather is good tomorrow for my trip to Puerto Backyarda.  I’m getting tired of Los Livingroom.

Classified Ad: Single man with toilet paper seeks woman with hand sanitizer for good clean fun.

Day 6 of Homeschooling: My child just said “I hope I don’t have the same teacher next year”….  I’m offended.

Better 6 feet apart than 6 feet under!

If you are the pastor of a Ridgefield Church and plan to have online services this week, send me a link and I’ll publish it.

 

Many of you are aware that our local Lions club, a service organization, is out and about routinely supporting humanitarian causes throughout Ridgefield. What you may not be aware of is that they also provide monetary grants to local organizations in need, and scholarships to local high school seniors, plus many other generous acts of community service. So where do they get their funds? The main fund raiser is the Lions food booth at the annual Clark County Fair.

Now that we are in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic many first responders and city organizations are in need of protective gear. The Lions, as one can imagine, uses an ample supply of latex gloves at their food booth and other venues when serving food. Recognizing the need, the Lions decided that they would contribute their stock of latex gloves to the City of Ridgefield. Don Stose, a Lions member and representing the Lions, is shown presenting the contribution to the City. Thank you Lions.