Happy Holidays!

[Karen]

Hi folks!  I'm writing from the other side of the Blues, from my new home in LaGrande -- just to let you know that I'm still alive and kicking, maybe up to causing a ruckus, and racking up some new causes...we'll see  (:  I'm the staff director now, for a membership-based non-profit called Oregon Rural Action (www.oregonrural.org).  They/we focus on sustainability - now primarily in the arenas of energy, food, agriculture and healthcare - or other issues the members feel make for more livable, viable communities and livelihoods. It's fun, and hard, and good work!  I'm also happy to say that the work does bring me and other staff and members into Umatilla County, so stay tuned. Or Join US!   In fact, we're working on a couple of issues that some of you may already know about - like the Ambre Coal Exports out of Boardman, and healthcare reform (Health Care for All Oregonians), which Frank Erickson spoke to us about.  I've attached the annual appeal letter just FYI, to give you an idea of what's on our plates.  Let me know if you have a questions or ideas the issues above, or Oregon Rural Action in general. There's a Facebook page too, of course, where you can chime in or go to see more real time action.  

I look forward to catching up again, sometime, somewhere...maybe at The 'Son?!  (:

Karen

I hope you're all well, well-fed, happy and warm!