Judy Bright's Weblog

Chuck Graduates

My son Chuck Currie has noted that while I announced my dog's graduation from Search and Rescue Training, I failed to mention Chuck received his degree from Eden Seminary this month. I will restrain my urge to tease Chuck about his need to compete with a dog and instead will let my friends and family know just how proud I am of his accomplishment. During the three years of school Chuck (1) got married; (2) became the father of twin girls; (3) struggled with severe arthritis; and (4) suffered significant complications from an adrenal gland tumor. In spite of major life changes and challenges, Chuck forged ahead and completed his degree. To say I am proud is an understatement!!! I can't acknowledge Chuck's accomplishments without thanking his wife Liz Smith-Currie for her support. Leaving her friends and career to move with Chuck to St. Louis was no small sacrifice.

BEEMER GRADUATES!

Beemer Bright Thomas announces his graduation on April 23, 2006. He is now a certified Evidence Retrieval Search Dog and a volunteer member of Wahkiakum County Search and Rescue. It was a tough four-month training program, but Beemer did an outstanding job! Beemer and handler Judy will attend additional training at the Washington State Search and Rescue Conference in Seattle next month.

Portland: May 5, 11 am.

Portland: May 5, 11 am.

World Trade Center:

A Reason to Rally

- Representatives of the natural gas industry will be descending on Portland for a conference to plan the development of new dangerous, environmentally unsound, and economically risky liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminals in the Pacific Northwest.

5 LNG import terminals are already in planning stages in Oregon; these proposals will deepen the Northwest’s dependence on foreign fossil fuels by importing huge quantities of natural gas.

Since the conference costs hundreds of dollars per person to attend, we are gathering to rally outside the conference and creatively display our vision for a cleaner, safer, and more affordable energy future.

we neither need nor want LNG in the northwest!

Join clean energy advocates and LNG opponents from California, Washington, Coos Bay, Astoria, and Portland to send a message to our visitors from Big Energy:

"Our May 4 & 5 Portland conference on LNG Development in the Pacific Northwest will provide an inside look at the rules and real-world forces that would shape LNG development here." (announcement for LNG Development in the Pacific NW Conference)

We are a "real-world force." Let’s give the LNG industry a warm Oregon welcome…

-Columbia Riverkeeper, Rivervision (Astoria), FLOW, Ratepayers for Affordable Clean Energy (RACE - CA), Citizens Against LNG (Coos Bay), and Wahkiakum Friends of the River (WA)

Important LNG Meeting

Check out this Oregonian article to learn more about an important meeting with FERC and the Coast Guard regarding a proposed LNG terminal at Bradwood, Oregon. http://www.oregonlive.com/metro/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/1127559668271250.xml&coll=7#continue

Wahkiakum Friends of the River

Be sure to visit the Wahkiakum Friends of the River booth at the Wahkiakum County Fair August 25-28, 2005. You can speak with members of our group and get lots of information about the negative impact of LNG facilities proposed for the Columbia River. The Columbia River deserves better!

Judy and Dylan Visit St. Louis

Judy and seven-year-old grandson Dylan spent five fun-filled days visiting Chuck, Liz, and twins in St. Louis over the Fourth of July holiday. Dylan rode in a parade, saw fireworks, visited the City Museum, went to a fair, attended an air show, went swimming, watched a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game, went to the zoo, and celebrated his cousins' first birthday. Needless to say, it was an exciting adventure enjoyed by all. See St. Louis photo album for more pictures. 

Birth Announcment!

Miss Carolina Dixie Chick and Senior Chalupa proudly announce the birth of two beautiful daughters on May 24, 2005. One puppy is a lovely chocolate color with light tan around her muzzle and white on her chest. The other pup is black and white. Dixie delivered both without any complications and is a wonderful mother. Papa Chalupa appears confused about the event- Dixie won't play with him anymore!

New Flotilla Commanders

It was a big day for the Thomas family when brother-in-law Tommy (middle) and husband John (right) were elected to serve as Commander (Tommy) and Vice-Commander (John) for Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 71. Who knows what will happen to the flotilla with those two at the helm! During the past year Tommy impressed everyone with his knowledge and enthusiasm as Vice-Commander. John has a hard act to follow. Currently the flotilla is gearing up to assist with the Portland Rose Festival. 

Liquid Natural Gas on the Columbia

Four Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminals are slated for sitting on the Columbia River near our home. LNG terminals are huge, dangerous, potential terrorist targets, ugly, and lower property values. One of the terminals is planned to be located about 1/2 mile from the end of Puget Island, on the Oregon shore. Our area, with 800 people on Puget Island and about the same in Cathlamet (1 1/2 miles from the site) is described by the development company as "desolate." These terminals with their huge ships will forever change the landscape of Puget Island and will impact commercial and recreational fishing, the environment, and quality of life for those forced to look at the terminal and endure the lights as well as the noise. Oregon will reap the benefits (if there really are any) while Wahkiakum County and specifically Puget Island will shoulder the risks.

But here is the BIG ISSUE right now: The congessional house passed the National Energy Bill last week by 45 votes, including a provision that allows the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) the authority to site LNG terminals over state objections. This energy bill is slated to to be voted on in the Senate soon. Please contact your Senators, both Democrat and Republican, and ask that they remove this provision from the energy bill. This  is a state's rights issue that cannot be ignored! For more information, click onto Columbia RiverVision. 

Sermon On Acceptance

To read a sermon by my son Chuck Currie on the United Church of Christ television ad to promote inclusion and acceptance of everyone regardless of gender, ethnic background or sexual orientation, go to

http://www.beliefnet.com/story/157/story_15708_1.html