The Halloween party in Cascade Locks was a huge success. Everyone who came really enjoyed it.

It reminded me a little bit of Disneyland, and in some ways it was even better — because the actors and actresses were real, and we knew them.

Some of the local businesses that helped with donations were: Columbia Hardware, Your Party and Rental Center, and Isabel’s Bridal Shop.

Even though Halloween has been misused and abused by many, the volunteers in Cascade Locks make it into a fun and entertaining evening for children and adults alike.

If you missed it — sorry. However, I did hear someone say, “Wait until next year — you ain’t seen nothing yet!”

Think Anticline

It is indeed interesting that the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area would want to build a trail system “on” the Mosier Syncline. Burdoin Mountain is the apex of the Bingen Anticline. The Coyote Wall is mostly on the ascending limb of that anticline; although the bottom part might be considered part of the descending limb of the Mosier Syncline (there is a transition point).

To build a trail “on” that syncline might be interesting inasmuch as the Columbia River lies in the trough of the Mosier Syncline. The river must be about a mile wide there. The bottom of the syncline, by extrapolation, must be hundreds — if not a thousand or more — feet below the river surface, buried under mud, sand, and gravel.

To build such a trail system would be quite an engineering feat, since it would have to be underwater, in a considerable current, and on a surface of moving mud and sand. Further, the use of the trail system would cause major problems since hikers and bikers would have to use SCUBA gear.

I think it would be a great idea to build a trail system on the Bingen Anticline. I have hiked there often.

Home Tour thanks

The Delta Kappa Home Tour, held on Sept. 30, was very successful, thanks to the support of many people. After expenses, we were able to give $1,000 to PROD and $1,000 to the Hukari animal shelter.

A special thanks to Hawks Ridge for the use of their facility and the delicious desserts. We wouldn’t have a home tour without the gracious homeowners, Camille Hukari and Jerry Tausand, Melissa and Chris Bickle, Lee and Maura Muhl, Villa Columbia B&B, Ken and Debbie Eddy and Phil and Judy Jensen.

The Red Hat ladies and all the hostess volunteers did a great job. Our florists sent beautiful complimentary flower arrangements; thank you Tammy’s Floral, Lucy’s Informal Flowers, Bev’s Flower Basket, Safeway Floral and Rosauers Floral. Delta Kappa appreciates everyone’s participation and support. Thanks again.

On U.N. reform

What do science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke, Academy Award winner Emma Thompson and former United Nations secretary-general Boutros Boutros-Ghali have in common? Answer: They all endorse United Nations reform through the creation of a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly (UNPA).

We often hear that the world is now one village. However, there is no way for us to elect the village government. Agencies such as the World Bank make decisions that affect everyone on the planet, but the ordinary people of the world cannot meaningfully affect the decisions those agencies make.

To start with, the UNPA would be made up of representatives from each nation’s parliament or legislative branch on a representation by population basis. It would be an advisory body to the General Assembly, which would mean no change to the U.N. Charter.

Proponents feel it would quickly evolve into an effective body directly elected by the people of the world. The European Parliament started in much the same way and it is now a democratic institution with real powers.

For further information or to put your name on the campaign for a U.N. Parliamentary Assembly, go to www.unpacampaign.org on the Internet.