MARCH ISSUE
Wow, what a winter. This is by far the worst winter I have experienced in the 42 years since I moved back to Oregon. It seems to have affected all of Oregon not just certain regions. Frigid temperatures, heavy snow, freezing rain, high winds, blowing snow into huge drifts and massive freeway and school closures have been very depressing to all of us. On February 3, I left my house intending to head for Corvallis for District R Convention. It was snowing and I was getting some drifts in my driveway but I felt I could make it, as my Dodge Avenger hadn't let me down in five years. I had to get out at the mouth of the driveway to look for traffic as the eight foot berms of snow prevented me from seeing any oncoming cars. I drove out into the one lane road and headed into La Grande. The snow was starting to drift but I made it to the corner. As I headed out the snowdrifts were getting deeper but I wasn't having any trouble until I drove into a whiteout and a huge drift. There I was stuck. My wife and another 4-wheel drive truck were unable to pull me out. A local farmer came along headed up the road to pull some other poor stuck motorist. He scooped out the snow and pulled me backwards, tearing up that plastic back bumper. I got back home and called the registration chair for the District R to let them know there was no way I would make it. So if there was any question why the Council Chair was missing, that is the reason. I hope the Convention was well attended and I am sorry I couldn't be there. The weather seems to be easing up some, so I think that I will be able to make the other three District Conventions.
The reason I mentioned my troubles is because these kinds of things have happened all over the state. Things will hopefully have cleared up by the time this comes to print. I hope that we Lions stepped up to help those people who were in such need. I know you all did as, we serve! Keep up the good work. We still have a lot to do before the Convention in Pendleton and Forum in Portland.
I hope it didn't seem like I was complaining because I'm not. My problem was minor compared to people all over District 36.