The Villager Dec. 2013 | Page 21

The Charbonneau Villager Page 21 December 2013 Can Drive for Local Food Bank Letter to the Editor Kenny Johnson Surprised by Garden Club The Wilsonville Garden Club held a surprise birthday party for Charbonneau's Kenny (Betty) Johnson, who turned 90 recently. Some thoughts on Kenny include: Her inspiration: She belongs to a bike club; and, until very recently, she was riding 25 miles in one trip even after being blown off her bike by two trucks. She attributes much of her health to this hobby. Her passion: She loves flowers and faithfully trims roses at the library. Her love of adventure. Kenny is a paint artist, an airplane pilot, someone who owned KWJJ radio station for years with her husband and a ballroom dancing teacher on a cruise ship. Her love of fun. She recently had a dinner party for 34 people at her home. Who does that anymore? Her willingness: She's always ready to share plants, seeds and boxes of blueberries that she picks in the hot summer sun. Her friendliness: She befriended - I might say one sided - a feral cat that she faithfully feeds even though it scratched her and sent her to the doctor with an infection. Her beauty: Kenny is always dressed elegantly. Her kindness: Kenny is a most welcoming hostess to anyone passing by when she's out working in her yard. To the Editor: Re: Keeping Your Dog Safe Do you like to have your dog in the front yard with you while you garden or chat with your neighbor? Unless your dog is 100% trustworthy, I would encourage you to have a leash on your dog at ALL times outside of your home or fenced yard. As I walk my dogs around Charbonneau, I have a number of dogs run out to meet (or attack?) my dogs. This is frightening for me and my dogs, since you never know what a charging and barking dog is going to do. I also had a very traumatic thing happen last May and I hope it will serve as a cautionary tale for those of you with off-leash dogs. I was walking my dogs in a neighborhood, when two small dogs abruptly came running across the road. It happened so fast that no one could stop them. One of the dogs was hit and killed by a vehicle. Sadly, the owner, the driver, neighbors and I were all left helpless to watch the dog die. I never want to witness something like this again! Please keep your dog on a leash when it is in your front yard! Your dog’s life may depend on it! Jeanie Vell B