Northeast Oregon & The Gorge Art, Business, & Entertainment News

Northeast Oregon & The Gorge Art, Business, &

Entertaiment News

Business, Art, Culture, Outdoors, Travel, & Entertainment Extended Digital Edition of Northeast Oregon Business News and The Gorge Business News

January/February 2016

On the Inside: The Tenors at Wildhorse Resort & Casino

Table of Contents

Page 3 Small-Cap Equity Investments Farm Film Festival Page 4 Publisher’s Letter Page 5 Rambling Wandererr Photos

Northeast Oregon & The Gorge Business, Art & Entertainment News

Page 6 Backwoods Brewing Page 7 CiderCon Fishtrap Page 8 Echo Toy Run Varicose Vein Procedure Page 9 Steven Hunsaker EOU & Health Page 10 Mother Daughter Nurses Nursing Awards Page 11 Greenwood REsources Jill Amery Page 12 Spout Springs Carty Generating Statoin Page 13 Chandler’s Herefords Sage Grouse Page 14 Overview from Underwood Page 15 Community Bank Page 16 Elgin B&B’s Page 17 Letter from Elgin Mayor Page 18 & 19 Operation Santa Clause Page 20 Next Step Carpet Page 21 El Rio Burrito Bar

Page 26 Scammers Workforce Training

Page 22 Oregon Wine Symposium Taste Washington

Page 27 Hermiston Oregon Small Business

Page 23 Dandelion Wines Page 24 Protecting Ag lands Page 25 Organic Wheat

Page 35 3D Mammograms

Page 41-43 Pendleton Round-Up

Page 36 Red Rock Biofuels

Page 44 Eagle Cap Extreme Sled Dog Race

Page 37 Columbia River Highway Page 45 Page 28 Art Hub Forest Service Page 38 Wildfire Forest Service Page 46 Summer Stock Theater Page 29 Page 39 Wallowa Land Trust Roads and Bridges Page 47 My Fair Lady Page 30-34 Page 40 Wildhorse Resort & Casino Energy Trust

BUSINESS

Small-Cap Equity Investments

By Marc Robbins

B

y the grace of the Gorge Business News’ publisher, I am privileged to write an occasional article about investments, equity investing, the stock market, and essentially what I’ve done for an occupation for 40 years.

This column is not an advertisement for my services or a venue for investment ideas. The names of companies that I include are for educational purposes only and any topic mentioned within this column will need considerably more research by the reader and a discussion of risk with their investment broker.

As the publisher knows, I’m in the midst of writing a book about some of my most successful investment ideas. I tell you this not because I’m trying to pre-sell volumes once published or even advertise the fact that my book would make a great “stocking stuffer” for (next) Christmas. No, I’m excited about my book because I think the topic is spot on! For too long, I’ve heard many hard working adults say “the stock market is worse than gambling in Los Vegas!” Au Contraire! I know about the “in’s and out’s about the odds regarding gambling (I consulted with one of the largest providers of games to the casinos for six years and have been schooled about the “math behind wining”) and at least with the market the proverbial odds are gamed in your favor.

Enough of that. What I want to share with you in this column is the variety of businesses that one can be exposed to by exploring small-cap stocks (Companies that have a market capitalization [number of shares outstanding times the market share price] that is less than $1 billion. I mention this group of companies and their shares for one reason, I think

that by investing in a select few of small-caps equities smart and fortunately investors can find names that will appreciate 10-fold. These are known as 10-baggers.

Ah, back to the book. I mention ten-baggers, small-cap stocks and the book for this reason; my first chapter begins with the story of my first official analyst recommendation in 1980…Portland-based, Precision Castparts, Inc. This firm was just bought out by Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway for $37 billion. I know a gentleman on the East Coast that bought for his daughters shares of Precision at about the same time as my report. The point of this example is that over the course of 35 years, every dollar that was invested in PCP (the trading symbol) turned into $18,500.

That is nearly a 20% compounded return for the duration of the holding. In other words, PCP as a portfolio holding actually exceeded the performance of Berkshire during that same period.

OK, back to the point of this column.

I was at an investor fair just this last week and one of the most fascinating aspects of the small-cap equity arena is not just the potential for above average returns but the variety of operating companies that investors have to learn about. Here is a selection of a few ideas I learned about: • Akers Biosciences, Inc. This is a Company based in Pennsylvania that creates, development and sells disposable, quick-acting, diagnostic testing devices to help doctors evaluate and diagnose diseases and to help facilitate time sensitive therapeutic decisions.

These products are sold now in the USA as well as Europe and are expect soon to be available in China. I was fascinated by the company because its simple technology was able to reduce critical and vital analytics into basic yes/no diagnostic results quickly and accu-

rately. AKER has tests for alcohol detection, a ketone device for weight loss, one test for chlamydia, another for Tri-cholesterol check, etc.

• Viridis Energy, Inc. is a Canadian operations that specializes in producing and marketing wood pellets for home heating fuel as well as overseas power plant operation.

Based in Kelowna BC, Viridis produces about 60,000 tons of premium softwood pellets annually from pine, spruce and fir. They pride themselves on the quality of their product and that no additives, bark or other contaminants are encapsulated in their pellets. What I found very interesting is that by mixing a certain percentage of their Okanagan pellets with pulverized coal as fuel, many coal burning plants that produce electricity can be rendered less harmful to the environment and reduce their carbon emission rates to extend their operating lives.

• Where Food Comes From, Inc..

Although we don’t have any Chipotle Mexican Grills in the Gorge area, most all of us are aware of the unfortunate E. coli “poisonings” that have occurred across many western states.

WFCF is exactly the business that should benefit from this mishap. What the company does is provide “birth to slaughter” process auditing of beef, pork, chicken and lamb supplies.

Although quite small, they are the number one provider of certification and verification services to the food industry. Their verification “certificiates” include food that is market “organic”, “grass fed”, antibiotic free, NonGMO, hormone and antibiotic free and other verification certifications. Given that we as a society care more and more about where our food originates and what kind of conditions are the animals exposed and treated with, this is an interesting operation that should have a long and fortunate future.

Up Up! Farm Film Festival: Stewardship of Land G

orge Grown Food Network & the Rockford Grange present Up Up! Farm Film Festival January 15 at 5:30 p.m. at the Rockrod Grange, 4250 Barrett Drive. A series of independent films & shorts that explore the questions of farmland, access, rural livelihoods and sustainability of people and place. A local, farmer made soup is served up at 5:30pm followed by an independent farmer made film shown at 6:30pm. Childcare Available!

Suggested Donation $10.

Film: Hanna Ranch Hanna Ranch is a feature documentary about visionary cattleman Kirk Hanna and his personal struggle to protect a once prominent way of life in Colorado. Born into a life on the family ranch, Hanna became a leader in the environmental ranching movement that set out to protect the West

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from the relentless encroachment of development and misuse.

Featured in the book Fast Food Nation and dubbed the “eco-cowboy,” he was an early adopter of Holistic Resource Management practices, sat on numerous environmental boards and was president of the Colorado Cattleman’s Association. Hanna’s opinion was so widely sought and respected, many even saw him as a future governor of Colorado. But when his dream of harmony and sustainability ran up against the reality of family conflict and mounting threats to the land, Hanna lost hope. Kirk’s legacy and fight live on as his family and friends continue to protect the West by saving Hanna Ranch.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Bring on 2016!

Welcome to Northeast Oregon and The Gorge Art, Business, and Entertainment News, which is the extended digital editions of the printed Northeast Oregon Business News and The Gorge Business News.

This is the first combined issue of the two publications and I hope my readers will enjoy all the information that is packed within these pages.

I am still enjoying this adventure and I am looking so forward to 2016.

The beginning of a new year is always so exciting to me. I’m never sorry to see an old year go, sometimes I am sentimental about it, other times I’ve been ready to put the year behind me without so much as a small glance back, but I have never felt the need to hold onto a year so much that I don’t look forward to the promise of what the bright shine new one holds. I always enter the New Year with all of the excitement of a 6-year-old on Christmas morning.

2016 holds much promise. In spite of what many would like us all to believe, violent crime is down 16.2% since the 2005 level, according to the FBI’s Crime in the United States data. It is easy, in an election year especially, to start feeling as if our world is falling apart. Yes, bad things are going to happen, but I plan to keep marching on, without listening to much of the rhetoric, as I try to make a difference in our business community.

I live in a small town, so the police, the firemen and the emergency medical personnel are more than the heroes that keep us safe, they are my friends and I would like to express my most sincere appreciation for the work they volunteer to do. For more than 60 years the Elgin Fire Department has given Santa a ride through the streets of Elgin, so he can stop in at each house and pay a quick visit to all the little people in town. It is a very special tradition and I appreciate those that still make this happen year after year.

In this issue you will find several stories about the Pendleton Round-Up. This amazing organization was awarded the Large Outdoor Rodeo of the Year by the PRCA. As a native Oregonian, I could not be more proud of all the dedicated people who make this event a reality every year in September.

Once again, thank you to all my advertisers. Without you this paper would not be possible. I sincerely appreciate you spending your marketing dollars with me and I will continue to help you market your place of business throughout NE Oregon and beyond.

I hope that 2016 finds each and every one of you with a new sense of excitement on what the New Year holds for you. May your friends be many and your troubles be few.

May your business prosper and your life be full of all the things you love, whether that be travel, fishing, camping, socializing, or just relaxing. I hope our paths cross along the way and until then Happy New Year.

Sincerely,

Lori

This issue and other Studio 6 digital versions can be found at www.issuu.com/studio6d

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A Creative Publishing and Marketing Company

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Northeast Oregon Business News Volume 3 - Issue 1 January - February 2016 Serving Baker, Morrow, Umatilla, Union and Wallowa counties The Gorge Business News Volume 2 - Issue 1 Serving Arlington, Biggs Junction Bingen, Cascade Locks Dallesport, Hood River Lyle, Maryhill Mosier, North Bonneville Rowena,Rufus Skamani, Stevenson The Dalles, Underwood White Salmon, Wishram Publisher Lori Kimbel lorikimbel@neobn.com PO Box 295 Elgin, Oregon 97827 541-910-7482 10,000 distributed every other month.

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A RAMBLING WANDERER IN 2015

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THE ART OF BREWING

Backwoods Brewing Company Moving its Brewing Facility to Port of Skamania

Backwoods Brewing Company will be

“Having our own canning line in house, as well as bigger (80 bbl) fermentors, will help us with our turn-around moving its brewing facility to the port of Skamania, on time on beer and give us more freedom to work with the the Stevenson, WA waterfront. The move, which will take place in January, 2016 is exclusively for the produc- market’s growing demand.”

Tom Waters, brother of Kevin, and Head Brewer at tion side of the company, as the Backwoods Brew Pub Backwoods, added “This new facility is going to be will remain at its current location, in Carson, WA. prepped for a commercial brewery before we actually

The principal reason for the move is the need for move in it, which is awesome. Our current building used more space. Their current facility in Carson is approxto be a grocery store, so every time we added equipment, imately 2000 sq ft., whereas the new space they’ll be we had to knock out walls, dig out the floor, re-wire and moving into is 8000 sq ft. In addition, the new building re-pipe everything. It gets real old real quick! We won’t will offer higher ceilings (approximately 24 ft), a cushave that issue with the new space in Stevenson.” tom drainage system, and custom electrical. Some of Just an hour east of the Portland/Vancouver area, the immediate benefits are the ability to house their own Backwoods was established in 2012 by the Waters family canning line, add taller fermentors, store product more as a single barrel brewpub. It has grown since, moving easily and have dedicated offices. The original brewery to a 7-barrel, and now a 20 barrel system that it currently has been growing beyond the means of the building it brews on. Their distribution serves all of Washington, currently occupies, and this added space will allow for NW Oregon and Boise, ID, including grocery stores such increased efficiency and higher volume of output. as Zupans, Whole Foods, New Seasons, Total Wine and

“We’ve experienced steady growth, especially in most recently Fred Meyer. The brewery put out approxthe last year, and we need a space that will accommoimately 2200 barrels in 2014, and is projected to put out date that growth, with room for more expansion in the 5000-6000 barrels in 2015. It employs approximately 30 future,” said Kevin Waters, Brewmaster at Backwoods. people.

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CIDER Cider Experts Gather in Portland

Members of the United States Association of Cider Makers (USACM) will convene in Portland on February 2 5 for CiderCON 2016, the annual meeting and conference for the nation’s cider industry.

Conference sessions will focus on production, distribution, marketing and research, apple growing and sensory analysis. Over 800 attendees will represent the most widely recognized cider brands, as well as smaller cider makers, enthusiasts and growers. The newly expanded Trade Show will feature exhibits from a wide variety of cider industry support companies.

Attendees will also have the option of signing up for one of three different bus tours on Tuesday, February 2nd

Locations include Hood River, Willamette Valley and Portland. A complete schedule of events may be found at www.ciderconference.com/schedule.

Registration is open now.

New for 2016 is the Advanced Cider Orchard Production Workshop.

This in-depth session is designed for commercial apple producers who are interested in growing cider apples for fermentation. The workshop will be held on Wednesday, February 3rd and is open to the public, with advanced registration.

Cost is $65 per person.

On Saturday, February 6th, the USACM presents The Cider Certification Program. This first ever cider accreditation program is designed for distributors, servers and others who are interested in becoming trained experts on all things cider. The Level One course will explore the history of cider, cider making, cider styles, pairings and how to serve cider. Other levels will look at sensory evaluation, keeping and serving cider, orchard basics, federal definitions of cider and more. Pre-registration is required. More information can be found at www.ciderassociation.org.

Fishtrap Hires New ED

By Warren Johnson

F

ishtrap in Enterprise is Oregon’s leading literary house with a reputation that extends throughout the West. It is all about cultivating exceptional writing, thoughtful reading, and provocative discussion.

This is accomplished through the many programs they run which bring writers to the county, as well as cultivating the local talents of both writers and readers. These programs and events take place at the Fishtrap House, on the Zumwalt Prairie, at Wallowa Lake, in the local schools, and throughout the County. On Fridays, high school students gather to take a college-level writing course for credit from Oregon State University. Every January, the county delves into a particular book through reading, lectures, events, and discussions for adults and school children.

This Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts, the only such County-wide program in the country.

All of these endeavors take staff and volunteers to run.

Keeping it all together is a board

and an Executive Director. Fishtrap has just hired a new, dynamic Executive Director – Shannon McNerney. Shannon has been a longtime visitor to the County and jumped at the chance to move permanently to the end of the road which she has come to love.

Wanting to make a change, Shannon brings with her an extensive background in business and nonprofit management in Portland.

On top of that, she just happens to love reading and writing – and may just have to throw in some arithmetic, too.

Everyone has a story.

Shannon’s initial goal is to make connections in the community and bring these storytellers together.

This is the heart of the mission of Fishtrap. Shannon states that the Fishtrap door is always open and encourages people to stop in and discover the exciting atmosphere that pervades the House. She says she is leading people, not an organization. She has the innate ability of seeing the big picture and of being a strategist. Do stop in, attend one of the events and you will find her enthusiasm, and that of the staff and volunteers, to be catching. When you do, you may find yourself caught in the Fishtrap net.

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HEALTH

12th Annual Echo Toy Run

Bikers strike a pose in front of Good Shepherd Health Care System on Saturday, December 5, 2015 after making the 12th Annual Echo Toy run. This year 89 bikes, and 121 riders contributed hundreds of toys that will be used throughout the medical setting to give holiday cheer and encouragement to kids that may be in the hospital this holiday season

Good Shepherd Health Care System Vice President

of Human Resources, Kelly Sanders (Right), overwhelmed by the amount of toy donations given to the hospital, thanked bikers for their contributions and for braving the cold wet weather conditions in support of the 12th Annual Echo Toy Run, an event that is organized by community member Al Sells, who has a passion for making sure that kids in our community, no matter what their situation may be, as they come through the hospital will know that there is a community behind them and encouraging them to get better.

Advanced Varicose Vein Procedure Now Being Offered by Local Surgeon

A

new minimally invasive procedure for treating a serious medical condition known as venous reflux disease – (also known as varicose veins) is being introduced to Umatilla and Morrow counties by Christopher Keeler, D.O., general and vascular surgeon of Good Shepherd Surgical Specialists. An estimated 25 million Americans suffer from severe and diseased varicose veins which cause pain, swelling, discomfort and can disfigure legs.

The procedure, known as endovenous radiofrequency ablation, is a minimally invasive technique performed under a local anesthetic in the convenience of the Good Shepherd Medical Plaza Surgical Services office, “No need for a standard operating room for this procedure and patients are in and out on the same day,” shared Dr. Keeler, who continued, “A small device is inserted into the vein and transmits radiofrequency energy that heats and seals the vein walls. The body subsequently reroutes blood flow through healthier leg veins, restoring circulation and healing varicose vein symptoms quickly.”

“My patients are truly amazed at how quick the procedure is and how little discomfort they feel. In a matter of minutes I am able to close the diseased vein and the patient is then on the road to recovery!” Dr. Keeler concluded.

Clinical studies have found this procedure more than 97 percent effective at the one year follow-up visit and virtually painless for most patients. As a medical necessity, the procedure is covered by Medicare and most private health insurance plans. A primary care doctor referral may be a requirement with some insurance plans.

The radiofrequency ablation varicose vein procedure is offered by Dr. Keeler, part of Good Shepherd Surgical Specialists, located at the Good Shepherd Medical Plaza, 620 11th Street, Suite 202, in Hermiston, Oregon. Good Shepherd Surgical Specialists also offer minimally invasive laparoscopic, breast, vascular, urology, and da Vinci robotic surgery.

For more information about the minimally invasive radiofrequency ablation procedure, please call 541.667.3804.

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Christopher Keeler, D.O., general and vascular surgeon is now offering endovenous radiofrequency ablation, a minimally invasive procedure, performed in the convenience of his own office. This procedure reduces the pain, swelling, and discomfort caused by varicose veins, and boast’s a speedy recovery time.

HEALTH

Grande Ronde Physician, Steven Hunsaker, Honored by Peers

Dr. Steven Hunsaker was named Distinguished Physician of the Year for 2015 during the Annual General Staff Meeting held November 19, 2015 at Grande Ronde Hospital.

H

ospitalist Steven Hunsaker, MD, has been named Distinguished Physician of the Year for 2015, chosen by a vote of his peers at Grande Ronde Hospital.

The decision was revealed during the Annual General Staff meeting, which is held for all Grande Ronde Hospital medical staff with privileges. Dr. Hunsaker’s name will be added to a perpetual plaque that hangs in the physician’s lounge at the Hospital.

The Distinguished Physician of the Year award was an idea developed in 2008 that sprang from conversations held among members of the Hospital’s Medical Staff. They wanted a way to officially recognize those from among their ranks who had stood out over the year for their commitment to providing patient with quality care, and leadership for their peers, as well as demonstrating a willingness to selflessly serve others.

“It truly is an honor to be recognized. It means a lot to me coming from the other physicians,” Hunsaker said. “I try to do what I think are the right things for the right reasons, but this honor validates that work.”

Dr. Hunsaker joined GRH in 2010, becoming the first Hospitalist in the region. Hospitalists are trained in general internal medicine and other medical specialties.

Dr. Hunsaker developed and implemented a Hospitalist Program for GRH, growing it into a successful patient care service by providing our hospitalized patients with access to providers around the clock, which means clinic physicians have more time to see patients in their offices. He continues to oversee and manage that program.

Hunsaker also currently serves as Medical Staff President, which makes him a voting member of the GRH Board of Trustees.

EOU’s Physical Activity & Health Department Receives Funding to Address Cancer Burden in Union County

Outdoor lifestyle activities and cancer prevention education are the focus of EOU’s new grant-funded program for adolescents.

December 7, 2015

S

tudies show the cancer mortality rate to be significantly greater for La Grande residents compared to the state of Oregon as a whole, and Eastern Oregon University has received a new grant to help address the issue.

Faculty in EOU’s physical activity and health department are spearheading a new project, and it is one of the first in Oregon to be funded by a $25,000 grant from the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute Community Partnership Program.

The rate of cancer deaths in La Grande

and Union County is 1,007 per 100,000 deaths, which is higher than the statewide rate of 815 per 100,000 deaths. This is according to a community health need assessment conducted in 2013 by McGladrey, LLP, for Grande Ronde Hospital.

Additionally, the increased cancer mortality in rural communities has been associated with higher rates of cancer risk behaviors, such as smoking and physical inactivity. Rural adolescents in the U.S. have been shown to consume less fruit and have 30 percent higher odds of being overweight compared to urban children.

EOU will use the grant funding to implement and evaluate a cancer prevention program for adolescents centered on outdoor lifestyle activities and cancer prevention education in La Grande.

It’s called Get Outside – After School Activity Program (GO – ASAP) and is designed to increase self-confidence and experiences around outdoor activities. In addition to educating and promoting physical activity, the program will also aim to develop positive self-efficacy, social support and autonomy within the participants.

“Our hope is to

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increase physical activity, utilize local outdoor resources and educate adolescents behaviors associated with cancer risk,” said Kelly Rice, assistant professor of physical activity and health and principal investigator for the grant.

“By teaching youth how to engage in an outdoor lifestyle and activities, the odds increase that they will adopt behaviors that will lead to preventing cancer development as they grow into adulthood.”

GO – ASAP will begin January 4 and run through June 10, 2016. The 20-week schedule will have students meeting after school on Mondays and Wednesdays to get outside and be active.

EOU senior capstone students will lead La Grande middle school youth in a number of outdoor activities, including but not limited to biking, hiking, climbing, backpacking, snowshoeing and many other opportunities.

“By exposing non-engaged youth to an outdoor after-school program, we expect to see an increase in positive attitudes and behaviors prohibiting tobacco, alcohol and other drug use,” Rice said. “Furthermore, we expect participants to demonstrate increased levels of physical activity and knowledge of healthy behaviors and cancer prevention.”

The project is a community effort made possible by additional partnerships with La Grande Middle School, La Grande Parks and Recreation Department, Union County Fit Kids Coalition, EOU’s Outdoor Adventure Program, Anthony Lakes Ski Resort, Mountain Works, Center of Human Development and Blue Mountain Outfitters.

For more information contact Rice at 541-962-3413 or krice@eou.edu.

HEALTH

Mother and Her Daughters Work with Commitment & Compassion A

nursing home seems an unlikely place for millennials to call home, but for Heather and Sara Sullivan, Columbia Basin Care has long been at the center of their lives.

“This is like our home,” says Heather Sullivan, a bubbly blonde, who grew up coming to work with her mother and growing close to residents and staff.

“It’s family.”

“We’ve been involved our whole lives,” says Sara, a quiet woman with a calming smile.

Now in their 20s, the sisters grew up at Columbia Basin Care. First, as youngsters accompanying their mother, Janet Sullivan, to work. Then as teens, serving as volunteers. And later, as adults, they joined the staff. Heather works as an assistant in the business office and is a certified nursing assistant and medication aide; Sara is a certified nursing assistant, and attends community college.

“We joke that they are Basin babies,” says their mother.

But let’s back up. This story starts with Janet, who has worked at Columbia Basin Care for 26 years. Dedicated, and with a quiet determination, she’s worked at the facility for more than half the company’s life.

Founded in 1964, Columbia Basin

Care is a nonprofit long-term care facility located in The Dalles.

Janet joined the team in 1989, and she has practical, hands-on knowledge of nearly every department. She’s filled many roles: certified nursing assistant, human resources director, activities director, and accounts payable. She is now the director of medical records.

Organized and tidy, record management seems a perfect fit.

“I like order,” says Janet.

“I love to purge charts. It’s like cleaning a dirty floor and you see how nice and clean everything is when you’re done. “

But her work is more than just data. Her fondness for the residents of Columbia Basin Care is the driving force of her dedication.

“I go home and I worry about them because I care about them,” she says. “You’re not just taking care of them. You’re taking care of them, their family, their emotions . . .”

It’s that blend of commitment and compassion that Janet has modeled for her children.

“She taught us a work ethic and loyalty,” says Heather, who joined Columbia Basin in 2007.

“And she showed us how to have a positive attitude.”

While the health care industry offers many career oppor-

Janet Sullivan, center, has worked at Columbia Basin Care for 26 years. Following her example of commitment and compassion, her daughters, Heather, left, and Sara, work at the long-term care facility, too.

tunities — particularly with the swelling population of senior citizens — the Sullivans note that working in long-term care is not for everyone.

“You must be a team player, have a heart, and be a hard worker,” says Janet. “You must be completely willing to get your hands dirty.”

The work can be stressful and emotionally draining, admits Sara, who has worked at Columbia Basin for three years. “You have to focus on the good parts of the job.”

The small moments matter, she says. A smile from a resident.

A hand that holds yours in appreciation. Easing a pain.

Laughing with co-workers.

“I like helping others.

It’s rewarding,” says Sara, “and I think I make an impact. The residents are family. We’ve become very close.”

And the family legacy may continue. Sara’s two-yearold daughter, Lily, is too young to know her future, but she’s already making appearances at Columbia Basin Care, where residents dote over the cheerful toddler. Like mother, like daughter.

Columbia Basin Care is a not-for-profit nursing home offering long-term and rehabilitation care, located at 1015 Webber St., The Dalles, Oregon. 541-2962156, www.colbasin.com

Gorge Residents Among Nurse of the Year Award Winners G

orge residents Anna Dillon, Jayme

Alsup, Lisa Erickson Sosa, and Rachel Crowder, were among 17 exceptional nurses from across Oregon and SW Washington recognized Friday, November 13th, at the fifth annual March of Dimes Nurse of the Year Awards. With 222 finalists, the state-wide committee selected the 17 winners in a blinded process.

While celebrating the immense value of all nurses in our communities, these 17 nurses were acknowledged for their constant care, compassion and dedication to improve the quality of others’ lives through service.

Nurse of the Year 2015 Winners

* Critical Care (Adult/Pediatric/Neonatal): Anna Dillon of Mid-Columbia Medical Center from Hood River

* Emergency: Jayme Alsup of Mid-Columbia Medical Center from Moro

* Nurse Specialty: Lisa Erickson Sosa of Mid-Columbia Medical Center from Hood River

* Small Hospital: Rachel Crowder of

Anna Dillon

Jayme Alsup

Mid-Columbia Medical Center from Hood River

This annual honorary event also serves as a benefit for March of Dimes. With the support and involvement of 20 health organizations and medical centers, the Nurse of the Year Awards raised over $71,000 to help fund the mission of improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

Oregon Health & Science University served as this year’s Gold Sponsor. Silver sponsors include Adventist Medical Center,

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Lisa Erickson Sosa

Rachel Crowder

Cambia Health Foundation, Kaiser Permanente, Legacy Health, Moda Health and PeaceHealth. Bronze sponsors include Columbia Memorial Hospital and Life Flight Network.

March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health.

With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies, March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org.

Northeast Oregon Business News

LEADERSHIP

Greenwood Resources Earns Forest Stewardship Award G

reenWood Resources, Inc., a Portland-based global investment and timber management company, has received a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Leadership Award, which recognizes excellence in the use of FSC-certified products and a commitment to responsible forest management.

Thirteen companies from across the country earned awards from FSC, an independent nonprofit organization that promotes environmentally sound, socially beneficial, and economically prosperous management of the world’s forests.

GreenWood’s award in the Design & Build category honors a commercial, institutional, residential, or mixed-use project that utilizes at least 50 percent FSC-certified materials. The company was recognized for its 8,507 square foot headquarters remodel and expansion, which used local FSC-certified wood and earned FSC Project Certification in the course of the renovation. GreenWood’s headquarters is located in Portland’s Crown Plaza building at 1500 SW First Avenue.

“We’re privileged to receive this award and to be recognized for following our mission,” said Jeff Nuss, president and CEO, GreenWood

Resources. “We’re committed to maintaining rigorous standards for management of our tree farms both here in the Northwest and across the world, and are eager to showcase the beautiful products that come from this responsibly managed resource. None of this could be accomplished without the great work of our plantation teams and our manufacturing partners.”

The office expansion included the construction of 34 new workspaces, conference room and reception facilities, which incorporated Pacific Albus© lumber and veneer products from Collins Companies, and PureBond© MPX© decorative plywood panels from Columbia Forest Products. The MPX panels featured hybrid poplar cross bands and veneer, cut from Pacific Albus lumber.

All hybrid poplar products used in the office expansion were processed from GreenWood plantation trees, and all of the timber and wood products used have earned FSC certification. At least 50 percent of the wood has been certified to the elevated FSC standards, FSC100 percent, FSC-Mix, or FSC Post-Consumer Reclaimed, a threshold rarely achieved in green

building construction projects. Throughout the renovation, Greenwood was committed to working with vendors and suppliers that share its sustainable mission.

About GreenWood Resources, Inc.

Founded in 1998, GreenWood Resources, Inc., is an integrated global investment company focused on the development and operations of forestry assets with operations in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia. GreenWood’s core competencies —capital investment management, superior plant material, tree improvement methodologies, forest operations and sales and marketing— address the broad skills required to produce superior, risk-adjusted return for investments into intensively-managed forestry assets. Learn more about GreenWood at www.greenwoodresources.com.

County Assessor Jill Amery Receives National Award Wasco County Assessor and Tax

knowledge of the Oregon business process, Collector Jill Amery has received a nation- quickly learned county complexities, and al award recognizing her work over the last successfully managed cross-functional interactions while fostering interdepartmenyear and a half to implement the tax and tal collaboration. She regularly engaged assessment software system that was left with stakeholders, built strong relationflailing with the passing of Assessor Tim ships with peers, and, in the words of her Lynn and further complicated by issues in colleague, ‘weathered it all with grace and the County Treasurer’s office.

At the annual conference for the na- poise’.”

By June 2015 Amery and other tional software company Thomson Reuters county finance officials had integrated the Tax and & Accounting Software & Retaxation and general ledger functions and search Solutions, Amery was awarded the resolved most of the issues associated with Excellence in Leadership Award out of a pool of over 1,600 municipal governments the Treasurer’s Office and audit.

“We are now golden”, said Tyler from across the country and worldwide.

Stone, Wasco County Administrative Offi Amery was first elected to the pocer. “Not just Jill, but the entire office came sition in 2014 after the passing of former together to help resolve these issues”, he county assessor Tim Lynn. She started working in the office part time in May and continued.

Thomson Reuters provides the officially took office in January, 2015. computer software for the county’s ap From the beginning there were praisal, assessment and taxation functions. issues with coordinating tax collections with the County Treasurer and the Finance This software is probably the single most important piece of software in the County Department. The county’s audit for fiscal and has implications not only within the year 2013-14 identified several areas that County but also across other jurisdictions needed to be brought up to acceptable acsuch at cities, school districts and special counting practices. districts.

According to a statement issued by “On behalf of all of us at Thomson Thomson Reuters, “Jill surpassed the chal- Reuters I would like to congratulate Jill on lenges that faced her. She harnessed her this Excellence in Leadership Award”, said

www.neobn.com

Diana Flanders, Vice President of Customer Operations, Tax and Accounting, Government for Thomson Reuters.

Amery’s award was one of several awards in five “public sector champion” categories presented at the conference.

Other awards included: Jurisdiction of the Year; Office Holder of the Year; Excellence in Business Transformation, and; Excellence in Constituent Service.

The awards “recognize jurisdictions and officials that have achieve excellence in planning, leadership, and service,” according to Thomson Reuters’ press release.

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HAPPENINGS

Spout Springs is Open

Spout Springs will be open from 9:00AM to 4:00PM seven days a week from December 26 until January 3rd.

Night skiing starts January 1st and is Friday 5PM-9PM & Saturday 5PM-9PM

After January 3rd, hours will be: Friday: 12noon to 9pm Night Ski: 5pm to 9pm Saturday: 9am to 9pm Night Ski: 5pm to 9pm Sunday: 9am to 4pm All Holidays: 9am to 4pm

Please note that the parking lot is day use only. NO PARKING 9PM TO 9AM. The parking lot is patrolled by all local law enforcement.

Only Section G is overnight parking for PASSENGER CARS ONLY. No trailers are allowed in the ovrenight parking.

A printable map with additional informatino is located on our website at:http:// www.spoutspringsskiarea.com/the-mountain/

Note: Tubing area is available approximately 5 miles east of Spout Springs at Andies Prairie – This area is located just off of Oregon State Highway 204, seven miles east of Tollgate and offers a place for the whole family to play.

PGE Assumes Control of Carty Generating Station Construction

Removal of general contractor clears way for project completion. continue to monitor progress at the site, focusing on continuity, quality,

Portland General Electric has declared the contractor responsafety, and timely project completion. sible for engineering, procurement and construction of the company’s Carty Generating Station in default of their construction agreement with PGE and removed them from the project. The contractor had ceased construction activities on the project on Monday, December 14.

The utility assumed control of the construction site on Friday, December 18.

PGE is building a team comprised of engineering companies and contractors to establish a new construction management team and update work plans at Carty before putting crews back to work on the 440-megawatt, natural gas-fired power plant. Initial work has begun to prepare the site for construction to resume.

“We’ve been monitoring progress at Carty carefully throughout the project,” said Jim Piro, PGE’s president and CEO. “The plant is in an advanced state of construction, with all major components on site and installed or being installed. Our responsibility to our customers and our investors requires us to step in now and assume control so construction can get back underway.”

PGE announced selection of the Carty project in 2013 after a rigorous competitive bidding process. Abeinsa Abener Teyma General Partnership, an affiliate of Abengoa S.A. won the contract as a turn-key project and began construction in January 2014. However, Abengoa S.A. recently initiated a process to seek restructuring of its debt under the bankruptcy law of Spain, where it is headquartered.

PGE has initiated discussions with Liberty Mutual Surety and Zurich North America, the sureties who provided a performance bond of $145.6 million under the original construction agreement, and with contractors, to enter into agreements to complete work on construction of the project.

Carty is estimated to be about 75 percent complete, and was expected to be online during the second quarter of 2016 at a cost of up to $514 million. Once construction has resumed and PGE has completed an assessment of the current status of the project, the company will provide an update on the expected costs and completion date for the project.

PGE’s own team of onsite project managers and engineers will

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RANCHING

Chandlers Inducted into Hereford Hall of Fame

The Chandler family of Chandler Herefords, Baker City, Ore., was inducted into the Hereford Hall of Fame Oct. 30, 2015. The family was recognized at the “Celebrate the Brand” event during the American Hereford Association (AHA) Annual Meeting in Kansas City, Mo. The Hall of Fame honor annually recognizes breeders who have dynamically influenced the direction and advancement of the Hereford breed.

The Chandler family has been raising Herefords in eastern Oregon’s Baker Valley for 126 years. Currently the ranch is operated

by Charles; his son, George; George’s wife, Janet; and their son, Duane, and daughter, Patti Hall and her husband, Cliff. It was Charles’ great-grandfather who left Missouri in 1862 and headed to California to find gold, but ended up in Oregon only three miles west of the ranch’s headquarters today. The family has been raising cattle there ever since.

Duane and Patti represent the sixth generation to operate the ranch. They sell registered Hereford bulls, replacement heifers and feeders. Chandler Herefords touts genetics that excel in efficiency while adding size with correct type and appealing conformation.

Chandler cattle have natural depth and thickness, with consistency gained from more than a century in the business.

Two members of the Chandler family – Herbert and George – served as AHA president. In fact, during Herbert’s second term as president, in 1953, he introduced President Dwight D. Eisenhower who then officially dedicated the new AHA headquarters in Kansas City. And in 1989, the same year Chandler Herefords celebrated 100 years in the Hereford business, Charles was inducted into the Hereford Honor Gallery.

The Chandler family of Chandler Herefords, Baker City, Oregon, were

Chandler Herefords has inducted into the Hereford Hall of Fame Oct. 30. Pictured (back row, left to been known for producing some of right) are: Eric Walker, 2015 AHA president, Morrison, Tennessee; Lacey, Maddee and Margaret Moore, Cove, Oregon; Janet, George and Duane Chandler, the top cattle in the country. Most Baker City, Oregon; Patti and Cliff Hall, Baker City, Oregon; Sam Shaw, 2016 notably, Herbert Chandler bred AHA president, Caldwell, Idaho; and Joe Van Newkirk, AHA Board member, Mark Donald in the early 1940s. Oshkosh, Nebraska. Front row (left to right) are Morgan and McKenzie Hall, Baker City, Oregon. (Photo courtesy of AHA.) Mark Donald’s influence continues

The American Hereford Association, in the Hereford breed today. with headquarters in Kansas City, Mo., is one

Guy Colyer of Colyer Herefords in of the largest U.S. beef breed associations.

Bruneau, Idaho, says it is an honor for him to recommend the Chandler family for induction The not-for-profit organization along with its subsidiaries — Certified Hereford Beef (CHB) in the Hereford Hall of Fame. “The Chandler LLC, Hereford Publications Inc. (HPI) and family has continued to be very aggressive American Beef Records Association (ABRA) with their breeding program,” Colyer says.

— provides programs and services for its “Their cattle are known for their efficiency members and their customers, while promotand doing ability. The Chandler family is rich ing the Hereford breed and supporting educain tradition but has kept up in the modern era and uses every modern convenience in today’s tion, youth and research. For more information about the Association, visit Hereford.org. operation.”

USDA Announces $40 Million Available to Help Ranchers Restore Sage Grouse Habitat

griculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the availability of $40 million to help ranchers and other partners in 11 western states restore and protect sagebrush habitat for greater sage-grouse on privately-owned land. This investment is part of USDA’s fouryear, $211 million Sage Grouse Initiative 2.0 through the Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) partnership. The WLFW partnership uses seven focus species, including sage grouse, to steer public and private conservation investments that improve struggling landscapes and strengthen agricultural operations.

“The decisions of agricultural producers have powerful impacts on wildlife and the longterm health of their own land, and the partnerships formed through our Working Lands for Wildlife initiative have had proven success for bringing back several of America’s native species,” Vilsack said. “By managing ranches with sage grouse and other wildlife in mind, producers also strengthen their own operations, boost resilience and increase agricultural yields.”

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) uses the Sage Grouse Initiative to build on the success of $296.5 million invested with farmers and ranchers in 11 Western States for sage grouse habitat conservation from 2010-2014. The assistance helps ranchers enhance sagebrush habitat by making conservation improvements, like removal of invading

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conifers and invasive grasses that also improve grazing operations. The partnership also helps ranchers protect other critical habitat, such as wet meadows, by enrolling land into voluntary conservation easements.

Conservation efforts on private lands work. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) determined in September 2015 that the sage grouse population was healthy enough that it did not warrant protections under the Endangered Species Act (ESA)—the result of the unprecedented collaboration in public and private rangeland restoration.

Since 2010, ranchers and other private conservation partners participating in the Sage Grouse Initiative have restored and improved 4.4 million acres, benefitting not just the sage grouse, but 350 wildlife species that call the sagebrush landscape their home. Recent data show two sagebrush songbirds that share habitat with sage grouse also saw population increases following restoration activities. One of the birds, the green-tailed towhee, experienced an 81 percent population increase.

In addition to the Sage Grouse Initiative, Vilsack also announced more than $10 million available in 2016 to support six other WLFW initiatives for focus species across the country including the New England cottontail, southwestern willow flycatcher, golden-winged warbler, gopher tortoise, bog turtle and lesser prairie-chicken.

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In September 2015, FWS also announced ESA protections were not warranted for the New England cottontail, in part because of large-scale restoration of young forests on private lands with NRCS assistance. In Louisiana WLFW has helped landowners restore forested wetlands, the driving force behind the proposed delisting of the Louisiana black bear as an endangered species. In Oregon, stream restoration work on private lands led to the delisting of the Oregon chub, the first fish in the history of the ESA to recover and be delisted.

Funding for WLFW comes from two 2014 Farm Bill programs that accelerate conservation efforts to benefit wildlife populations by conserving entire landscapes, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and Agricultural Conservation Easement Program. The Conservation Stewardship Program provides additional opportunities for producers wanting to restore sagebrush and prairie habitat for sage grouse and prairie chicken.

By participating in WLFW, land managers also gain greater predictability under the ESA. Once enrolled, they may continue implementing their conservation actions without fear of additional regulations.

NRCS financial assistance covers part of the cost to implement conservation practices.

Interested landowners are encouraged to contact their local USDA service center.

COMMUNITY

Overview from Underwood: Omelet Olympus

By Norbert Fensterwald

W

hen the ‘War Department’ and I decided to move-out of the big city and to the Gorge, we knew our period of adjustment to the new environs would take some time and involve an array of activities not previously explored or participated in as “City Mice.”

To my surprise, the Mid-Columbia Motoring Lunch-Hounds (the local classic and antique car club) not only introduced us new-comers to previously unknown crowd of like car-enthusiasts but also to a variety of new restaurant opportunities for socially awkward or restaurant eatery challenged.

One of the regular events that the club makes a monthly practice of attending is the first Saturday-morning-of-the-month, breakfast outing to Lyle, Washington to satiate their driving and grazing urge at the local Lion’s Club Omelet-Pancake feed. New York or Chicago has its Pizza, Philly its cheesesteaks, Hershey its chocolate, but when it comes to Saturday morning’s three-eggs, diced ham and a handful of veggies, Lyle has to be the omelet capital, or Olympus, of the world….certainly the Gorge.

Now this monthly cornucopia of cholesterol didn’t happen by chance. No, the dedicated, dozen-and-a-half members of the Lyle Lions Club have been splurping pancake batter onto a griddle, cracking eggs and pouring coffee for this monthly breakfast fete since 1982. And it goes without saying that the vittles are scrumptious. But, this egg-and-cake ruckus is all in the name of raising money for Club charities as well as local aid efforts.

How can a pancake breakfast make any sort of monetary difference in the world, I hear you ask? Well, the Community clubhouse, which was also financed and built on a few donations and, yes, pancake and omelet revenues, seats as many as 200 “patrons” at any one time. Regularly, the Club’s Saturday morning effort is rewarded with 135 Omelet Aficionados paying a “whopping” $7.00 for a meal complete with berry compote, juice and coffee. Best of all, the ravished patrons come from all over the greater Gorge area for the delicious pastime. Certainly, there are those from Lyle, Murdock, The Dalles, Bingen, White

Salmon, Underwood, Hood River and points farther away and more remote.

I guess the aspect I like best about the Lyle Lion’s Club community effort (besides the grub) is that every month there are essentially the same, dedicated members working away making patrons “oh-so-happy” about showing up for their meal. Tom’s washing dishes: Rose is tending “to order’ omelets; Joan’s bussing dishes while Sue backing her up and refilling coffee; Dean’s cracking eggs and many others are helping out. Do we ever

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wonder about where the money is going. No, along two walls of the 50 by 75 foot dining room are rows of plaques from Lion’s Headquarters representing and thanking the Lyle team for the thousands of dollars they’ve earned and given away. And before I could close my tablet and cap my pen, Joan made sure that I knew that the Lyle Lions were preparing eighty food baskets for needy families this season.

Who says Christmas comes but once a year.

BANKING Community Bank Receives “Outstanding” CRA Performance Rating From FDIC chartered bank to receive an Outstanding in both areas. On a national level, just 347 of

ommunity Bank, headquartered in 6,247 (5.5%) of federally insured financial Joseph, Oregon, recently received the highest institutions have an active overall CRA rating possible rating from the FDIC for its most reof Outstanding*. cent performance under the Community Rein “We are honored to receive this rating, vestment Act (CRA). The Community Reinwhich demonstrates our commitment to the vestment Act of 1977 requires federally insured communities of Eastern Oregon and Southeast depository institutions to support the borrowing Washington where our bankers live, work and needs of all the communities where they do operate your Community Bank.” said Tom Mobusiness, including low- and moderate-income ran, President and CEO of Community Bank. areas.

The CRA performance evaluation

The “Outstanding” rating is based on made specific references to Community Bank’s Community Bank’s performance under lendstrengths, including its lending efforts to small ing, investment and community development businesses, farming operations and participatests. These tests measure residential, small business and community development lending, tion in community development. Since the last community development investments and com- CRA rating, Community Bank originated 14 munity development services in the communi- community development loans totaling approximately $24.7 million that directly benefited the ties the bank serves. bank’s rural communities - including municipal

In Oregon specifically, the bank improvement projects, economic development achieved an Outstanding rating for both lendloans and the construction of medical facilities. ing and community development. Communi Additionally Community Bank team ty Bank is currently the only active Oregon

C

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members and directors provided 4,227 service hours directly relating to community development and economic development.

About Community Bank

Headquartered in Joseph Oregon, Community Bank has $373 million in assets as of 11/30/2015. The Bank has 14 full-service branches throughout Eastern Oregon (11) and Southeastern Washington (3), and a Loan Production Office in The Dalles, Oregon. For more information about Community Bank visit www.communitybanknet.com.

Community Bank. Equal Housing Lender. Member FDIC

* Statistics based on FDIC CRA Performance Evaluation database available at www. fdic.gov as of December 1, 2015.

COMMUNITY FOCUS: ELGIN Elgin B&B’s: Angler’s Rest Inn & The Mays Place

By Trish Yerges

Elgin is a tourist-friendly destination

with its shops, the excursion train, live productions at the historic Elgin Opera House, rafting, fishing, rodeo, restaurants, hunting and snow sports. With all these attractions, visitors can also spend a couple evenings in comfort at either one of Elgin’s two historic Bed ‘n Breakfast homes.

“Angler’s Rest Inn” is located at 1000 Division Street in Elgin and for the past 25 years, it has been owned and operated by Ed and LaVeta Botz, a couple married 61 years in December.

This red-brick, two-story Victorian home was built in 1904 by the Henry Hug family and is 5,800 square feet of spacious, homey comfort with a very distinguished history.

“At one time this house was a hospital,” said LaVeta. “Each of the four bedrooms upstairs were recovery rooms, so each room has a sink.”

Leading up to these rooms from the foyer is a beautiful wooden staircase. The Botzes named the bedrooms after their daughters, Pam, Cindy, Teresa and Sandra. Each room is furnished with a very comfortable queen-sized bed, an armoire, and rocking chairs. One of the rooms has an additional twin-sized bed.

“There’s one full-sized bathroom, shower and tub upstairs too,” said LaVeta.

Downstairs is the master bedroom “Ma and Pa’s bedroom” used by the Botzes, which in its day was the surgery room. The other downstairs bedroom is open for guests and that used to be the nursery where all the newborn babies were kept after delivery.

“Dr. Bennett delivered babies here,” said Ed Botz. “He also got the contract to

The Angler’s Rest Inn is an historic Victorian home at 1000 Division Street in Elgin. It’s open as a bed ‘n breakfast with 5,800 square feet of “homey space” and lovely country décor. Owners Ed and Leveta Botz operate the home and provide first class service to their guests.

make sure the 200 men at the CCC Camp stayed healthy. Back then that camp was located where the Boise Cascade mill is now.”

Also, downstairs is a kitchen with an old-style wood cook stove and a dining nook adjoining. There’s a formal dining room also decorating with a wall display of various tea cup and saucers, very pleasing to the eye and great conversation pieces.

“Guests can eat in either of the dining rooms,” LaVeta said.

Now for breakfast, a guest has three options. They can have a full country-style breakfast, complete with eggs, bacon, ham, fruit, toast and beverage; or they can enjoy a continental breakfast with muffins, toast, hot or cold cereal and coffee. Their third option is to make their own meals in the kitchen if they want. Of course, if a guest is only interested in a room and wants to skip breakfast, that can be arranged also.

“The rooms are $55 and up,” said LaVeta. “We accept pets, but no smoking

Elgin 2016 Calendar of Events February 6 - Elgin Stampede Crab Feed February 19 - March 12 - My Fair Lady at the Elgin Opera House April 29 - May 4 - Ring of Fire at the Elgin Opera House May 7 - Elgin Stampede Steak Feed and Auction June 18 - Elgin Riverfest July 6 - Family Night at The Elgin Stampede July 7 - Mark Nichols Memorial Bull Riding July 8 - The Elgin Stampede July 9 - The Elgin Stampede Sept. 2 - Sept. 24 The Little Mermaid at the Elgin Opera House

Visit www.elginstampede.com and www.elginoperahouse.com Visit www.eaglecaptrainrides.com for a complete Eagle Cap Excursion Train Schedule

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please. You can bring in your own beer, but no liquor.”

One great summertime feature at the

Anglers Rest Inn is its outdoor kitchen, complete with a grill, char broiler, prime cooker and water. The outside deck provides plenty of seating space.

“It’s great for small weddings and family reunions,” said LaVeta.

To book a room, call Anglers Rest Inn at 541-437-8982, discuss your needs and ask about their extended stay rates.

Just across the street is another one of Elgin’s historic homes turned bed ‘n breakfast, the “The Mays Place” at 1001 Division Street.

“The Mays Place” opened in October 2015 when owner Stacy Miller purchased the historic property, built in 1890 as a residence for R.C. Mays and his wife.

Mays died in 1915, and the home was sold to George Grout in 1917. He owned it only a short time before Alberta Terpeny bought it and lived there from 1920 to 1967.

COMMUNITY FOCUS: ELGIN Terpeny made the home into a boarding house for teachers who taught at the schoolhouse next door.

In 1967, a watchmaker named Forest Wise bought the house and operated his shop from its front parlor room, what Miller now calls the Sacagawea Room. Then in 1988, new owners Cliff and Judy Tschirgi completed a restoration of the house. In 2002, Don and Lois Cattanach bought it and turned it into a retail antique store called “Gramma’s Attic.”

Much of the antique inventory was sold with the house to Miller in 2015.

“I’m the seventh owner of this Victorian home,” Miller said. “When I first viewed it last summer, I was wow’d. Now that I own it, I decided to name it after the Mays family and open a bed ‘n breakfast.”

The antique furnishings inside create its nostalgic, warm atmosphere, and guests are welcome to buy specially marked pieces in the home if they desire.

When guests walk through the front door, they walk back in time to the late 1800s and turn of the century, Miller said. Following the hallway through the kitchen into the dining room and your eyes will be drawn to a majestic chandelier glistening above the table.

Continuing into the front room, and you will see a comfy love seat against one wall and a sofa on the other.

With period decor, the warmth of this living room with its sliding wooden doors gives visitors all the privacy they desire.

Enjoy a good read off the bookshelf—an 1899 edition of Uncle Tom’s Cabin or a 1916 edition of Robinson Crusoe.

When it’s time to retire, there are two rooms off the front room. One room has a king-sized bed and its own “water closet” adjoining. The second room, the Sacagawea Room, has a plush queen-sized bed. French doors close it off from the rest of the house.

Most of its furniture was once in the historic Sacagawea Hotel in La Grande.

“If people want to, they can rent both rooms with the living room as a suite,” said Miller.

Upstairs Miller offers a room with twin beds, especially nice for kids. The rooms at The Mays Place start at $55 a night. Ask about meals, pets, special extended stay rates and suite rates.

“What people enjoy most is the atmosphere,” said Miller. “Spend an evening

The Mays Place

or two of nostalgia in the warm, cozy atmosphere of The Mays Place. Call for a room at 541-786-8471, visit Mays Place on Facebook or emailthemaysplace@hotmail.com.

State of the City, From the Desk of Mayor Allen Duffy

volunteer on our library advisory committee.

We have a great library with many

o the residents of Elgin, it has been resources for our community. an honor and a privilege to serve as your

Our public works staff has been exmayor this year. I have enjoyed working ceptionally busy this year. They have been with the City Council, the Administrator and working on our street by street the hard-working and dedicated employees project. We have completed our first project of the city of Elgin. I have also with the renovation of north 9th Avenue, enjoyed the wise council of many of our replacing water, sewer and storm drain lines, Elgin residents. This is a great community. as well as curbs, gutters and sidewalks with

I would like to share with the you a paved street and a new approach to the accomplishments and progress we have Hartford street. They have completed the reached in our city. This year we have storm drain project on Hartford. They are balanced our budget and made sure that currently working on completing the scale our reserve accounts are funded. I am also installation at the transfer site and a lab set pleased to tell you that we have paid off two up at the waste water treatment facility. thirds of our long term debt and are on track These projects are in addition to their to be debt free this coming year. daily responsibilities of maintaining our city.

We have worked with city staff to

We have been excited to work with discover several areas where we could save the Elgin Health District on the new health thousands of dollars in preventative meaclinic. We were able to provide them with sures. Some of those savings came by resome cost saving measures with water and viewing and auditing our city insurance and sewer connection fees. I have had the priviby lege to serve purchasing I-pads for council members to on their committees to select the architect save on the cost of printing multiple copies and a general contractor. This is a much of the many city documents that we need for needed facility for our community. We look city business. forward to the day that they break ground for

Our library has again done a wonder- their new building. ful job on the summer reading program. I

I would like to acknowledge the volwould like to thank our library unteers at the Elgin ambulance service and staff, Teresa Chandler & Michele Timmons Fire Department for their tremendous comand our program coordinator, Rachel Carmitment to the health and well-being of the rothers. I would also like to thank those who citizens of Elgin. They dedicate many hours

T

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to train and to be prepared for any emergencies. They are appreciated.

This year we entered our second three year contract with the Union County Sheriffs office. I would like to thank Sheriff Boyd Rasmussen and his staff for the excellent service they have provided to our community.

The Friends of the Elgin Opera House are an amazing group of people who continue to bring live theater to us.

They work tirelessly to produce great performances in our town. They continue to attract many visitors from far and wide to our community. We look forward to working with this fine group of people on future plans to expand the Opera House facility.

I’ve had the privilege to work with our city administrator, Brock Eckstein and our city clerks. They have done an amazing job. The city audit was completed on time for the first time in many years and was good. They continue to upgrade our city website so that the public has access to city council packets, minutes and other city documents.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve as your mayor. I look forward to the year ahead and the opportunities that it brings.

Sincerely,

Mayor Allan Duffy

COMMUNITY FOCUS: ELGIN Operation Santa in Elgin on Christmas Eve

By Lori Kimbel fter reading Lizzy Acher’s article,

Totally True Christmas Traditions of SmallTown Oregon in the Willamette Week it suddenly became all too clear. She doesn’t have a clue. The paragraph about Elgin went something like this, “In the far Eastern Oregon village of Elgin, Christmas trees are displayed prominently in front windows. If, while walking down the street, you see a tree you like, it is customary to ring the doorbell and ask, “May I have your Christmas tree?” The residents of the home pick one person in the house to leg wrestle you, and whoever wins gets to keep the Christmas tree, decorations included.”

Yes, she was trying to be funny and I am sure there were plenty of people who thought she was, with her depiction of Elginites leg wrestling for Christmas trees, decorations included. I have to admit, I have read far worse renditions of life in Elgin, but as someone who has lived and breathed the cool air swept in off of the pine covered hills that surround Elgin, I never see my town the way those who have never experienced it see it.

Lizzy’s article did get me riled enough to begin thinking about Elgin and some of our great traditions. We have quite a few, but none are as well-loved and looked forward to as our Christmas Eve tradition of Operation Santa, which was started by Dick Hibberd in the mid 1950’s. According to his daughter, Mary West, every year he would buy a box full of trinkets then go around on Christmas Eve and hand them out to the boys and girls of Elgin.

He never knocked on any of the doors; instead he would jingle a cow bell before bursting through the front door yelling ‘Merry Christmas’. Moments of fear were common until those inside the house realized it was Santa.

Moments of embarrassment also happen a time or two when compromising situations were witness by Santa, who would depart those homes as quickly as he came in.

“One Christmas when I was in Junior High or sixth grade I went with him dressed as an elf, and helped him deliver the trinkets,” said Mary West about her dad.

Hibberd was more than just Santa. He was involved in Elgin in a number of ways. He was a charter member of the Elgin Stampeders and he severed over 25 years as drill master for the Stampede Drill Team. He was a 4-H leader of the Indian Valley 4-H Riders and was active in the Masonic Lodge.

Another Elgin tradition is the Elgin Stampede Suicide Race (now called the Stampede Challenge). Hibberd and his horse ran in the very first suicide race and took great pride beating the young bucks from around Union County and contestants from the Omak Stampede. He won the event for three years and was leading in two other races until he hit the river on his horse Ahab. For those of you who

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have seen this race, you know how tricky the river can be when horse run full speed into it.

Sometime in the 60’s Hibberd hung up his Santa suit for good and the Elgin Fire Department, not wanting the tradition to disappear, took over Operation Santa. Hibberd passed away in February 2002, at the age of 92, thankfully this great tradition he started lives on. The list of names that have been involved over the last 50 years is long, to say the least, but the list of memories that have been created because of this tradition is immeasurable. A few have shared their memories with me.

“My dad was part of this tradition long before I was around,” said Jennifer Smith. My brother-in-law, nephews, and husband have all done it as well. It has always played a pivotal part in our family. Presents can’t be opened until Santa arrives. That was, and continues to be, the hardest part of Christmas Eve.”

Loni Shepherd Williams remembered one Christmas Eve night of her youth, “One year Santa came to the door and he pulled out a candy cane to give to my brother. It was broken and he said something to the effect, ‘well, it’s okay, because you haven’t been that good this year’.”

“I got married on Christmas Eve,” said Tami Sachse, “and Santa was nice enough to come by. I think they saw all the cars and thought there would be kids. They were wrong. I did have a house of people in various stages of intoxication. One guest, let’s call him Brian Thompson, made Santa sit down so he could sit on his lap. Poor Santa has NEVER come to my house again.”

“We have lived in various areas over the years,” said Teri Craig, “and have attended the cities/town holiday events, but I still remember the town of Elgin’s Christmas Eve Santa. The excitement of waiting by the window to see the blinking lights from the fire truck, the door opening without a knock and a Santa yelling, ‘ho ho ho’ as he jumps in the door. The little trinket that was so special because it was given to us by Santa in person. The time Santa took to say something to each of us that felt it was directed specifically for you. The warning, ‘be good and I will be back later tonight’. The adults laughing at our excitement, knowing who the jolly man was under that suit, then waiting in line for Santa to hand out the candy sacks to each child in front of city hall on Christmas Day. I have never found gumdrops as good as I remember those were. Do I remember Elgin’s Christmas Eve/day Santa tradition? Absolutely! Thank you Elgin for the wonderful Christmas memory.”

For those of you who have never experienced small town living, let me tell you my version of it. By the way, I have been accused of wearing rose-colored glasses. I know there are those out there that despise small towns, after all, everyone does know everyone, and

Page 18

news, good or bad, does travel fast, but for myself, I love living in a small town. It’s comforting to know that if my car doesn’t start in the morning there are people I can call that would drop everything just to help me out.

I’ve seen our small town raise thousands of dollars in a single day to help with medical expenses for someone in need. People look you in the eye in a small town and ask you genuinely ‘how are you today?’, which becomes the opening line for a 20 minute conversation on the sidewalk downtown. Small towns celebrate the accomplishments of individuals as wells as teams, and yes, when you do something wrong everyone knows about that too, but that isn’t all bad, it helps turn us into good people that the rest of our small town can be proud of. When heartache or tragedy strikes, the entire town feels it, and they help each other through it one day at a time.

A couple of years ago I had a small surgery. It was not a big deal. My closest friends knew what I was going through, but I didn’t see the need to let everyone know. Well, living in a small town, word gets around. Before I knew it someone had set up meals and desserts for us every night for week. It was such a kind gesture and made my recovery that much easier.

It is easy for those in the ‘big cities’ of Oregon to poke fun at small-town Oregon living, but those of us that live in one of those small towns, know just how special it can be.

Here are more memories from Christmas Eve of years gone by in Elgin.

Larry Kurtz was involved with Operation Santa in one way or another for 20 years.

Here are some of the memories he has, including his first experience with the tradition.

“Suddenly, Christmas Eve, we heard a loud knock at the door. I opened it, and there was Santa Claus. Chris was 12, Damon 8, and Ethan 3. They really got excited, even Chris, who I know didn’t believe in Santa Clause.

By his voice, I recognized Santa Claus as Bud Scoubes. He passed out the toy and candy,

COMMUNITY FOCUS: ELGIN Operation Santa in Elgin on Christmas Eve Continued said his Ho, Ho, Hos, and as he headed out the door he whispered to me, “Do you think they recognized me?” I assured him they didn’t, and they hadn’t. They had spent a lot of time with him the previous four months, but they were too taken aback and excited to recognize anyone but Santa Claus.”

Both Larry Kurtz and Bud Scoubes were my teachers at Elgin High School. Now I count them as great friends, along with many other teachers of my youth. Bud was also involved with Operation Santa for at least 20 years.

“Another fond memory,” said Kurtz, “was one year when the family who lived across 12th Street from us had a young girl, Amy McGinness. When the fire truck pulled up, her dad came around the house and handed me a puppy to give to Amy from Santa Claus.

She was so excited. When I had her in class in high school, as either a junior or senior, she mentioned that in class. It was fun to tell her I was the one who gave her the puppy.”

“One year in the early 80’s,” remembered Kurtz, “we hadn’t been home very long when we got called out to a fire. It was cold, at least in the teens and maybe colder. We couldn’t save the house, they lost everything.

That was a sad Christmas right after the joy of Santa Claus passing out his goodies.”

Lisa Garcia recalls, “My dad, Cecil Churchill, uncle, Harley Churchill, and brother, Richard Churchill, and even my grandpa, were either Santa Claus, or involved with driving the truck. Even after dad retired from the department after 20 years, he still helped sack the goodies. When we were younger, we would watch out the window for the red lights and listen for the siren in anticipation of seeing the guy in the suit. Of course, when we were older we tried to guess who the Santa was for our neighborhood. Even as adults watching the nieces and nephew as they witnessed Santa coming through the door, their eyes lighting up and the larger than life smiles on their faces were priceless.”

The memories continue.

“I remember the first year our family was in Elgin. We knew nothing of the tradition of Santa on the firetruck. We had just sat down for dinner, heard a commotion in the breezeway and all of a sudden the kitchen door flew open and in came Santa,” said Pam DeChenne Strickland. “Ho ho Merry Christmas he said.

We were all stunned, wondering what the heck? Wonderful memory! I got to watch my three children, nieces and nephes and now my grandchildren get to enjoy Santa as well. I remember Bud being Santa when my kids were small and he always took the time to let us take pictures. Poor man actually had the twins and my nephew, Kevin in his arms. They were six and seven months old and bawling, while Michael and Kyle stood next to him. Fun Times.”

“Bud loved being Santa,” said Janet Scoubes, Bud’s wife. “It made his Christmas.”

“I remember my boys getting so excited when they saw the fire trucks getting closer and Santa coming through the door,” said Carla Dooley Baker. “We have started my grandkids waiting and listening for Santa to come and give them their goodies.”

“I remember the year my dad played Santa,” said Twila Ivins, “my cousin, Annie Case and I were in line in front of the Opera House and I noticed my dad’s boots that Santa was wearing, and he had on my dad’s wedding ring. We were giggling like little girls do and then he spoke to us and I knew who was in that Santa Suit that year….those are great memories! A few years back, Santa came to my parents and my son, Keifer, was sitting on his lap and Santa asked him if he liked what he got last year and Keifer said yes, but do you know what you left me? And Santa said yes, it was that remote control motorcycle….

Keifer believed for several more years, but I had to ask Santa how he knew that. His reply was, ‘Well Kiefer asked for it last year and he always gets what he wants’ and yes Santa he does!”

“My first Christmas Eve in Elgin, my parents and I were just a little bit….okay…a lot…surprised when a fireman dressed as Santa busted through our door and handed me a bag with a candy and a giant orange…a great tradition that Elgin has,” said Elizabeth Syverson Allen.

“Some of my favorite childhood memories of Christmas in Elgin are being giddy with excitement watching and waiting for the lights and sirens, getting that lil’ paper sack of treats and the pop-up toy from ‘Firetruck Santa’, said Dixie Ann Walters. “Loved it and couldn’t understand how every town didn’t

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have this holiday treasure!”

“My little brother, Dylan, was, I think three,” said Melinda Connely, “and tried so hard to stay awake. Officer Weaver came to our house and was telling us we were the next house when a call came in over his radio that there was a house fire and it gave the address.

It turns out it was my Dad’s shop that was on fire. We followed the fire truck out to my Dad’s and Dylan go to watch Santa and his elves fight fire on Christmas Eve. A memory we will never forget.”

Thank you Lizzy Acher. Thank you for writing your article. As you can see by all the memories listed, you got us all thinking and appreciating our small town. I am sure you had many people from small-towns across Oregon reliving the actual traditions of their town. I would sincerely like to invite you to come and experience Elgin. Whether you decide to ride the Eagle Cap Excursion Train (it is a beautiful train ride), attend a live play at the Elgin Opera House (these plays are fabulous), eat all you can eat fresh shelled crab at our Elgin Stampede Crab Feed (we serve 800 meals in about 3 and a half hours), or find your inner cowgirl at the 70th anniversary of the Elgin Stampede. You will not be disappointed. And if you find yourself in need of a little holiday spirit next year, visit Elgin on Christmas Eve and experience Operation Santa for yourself. It is an amazing tradition and I would like to thank Dick Hibberd for starting it so many years ago, and all of those that have dedicated themselves to making sure the tradition continues.

Lizzy’s article can be found at the following address: http://www.wweek. com/2015/12/02/totally-true-christmas-traditions-of-small-town-oregon/

BUSINESS

Karastan Carpet at Next Step Carpet Design Center

By Lori Kimbel

B

efore your next home remodeling project be sure to visit the retail location and showroom of Next Step Carpet at 2631 Bearco Loop in La Grande.

Brent Moulton has been responsible for bringing homes in Union, Wallowa and Baker counties, to life with new carpet for the past 25 years. He is also nationally recognized as being a Master Certified Flooring Installer.

“He never misses an opportunity to further his knowledge in the flooring world,” said Greg Moulton, Brent’s son and business partner.

In August of 2014 Brent and Greg, decided to open a retail location for Next Step Carpet, the flooring business Brent had started in 2008. The retail space was modest, but they knew it was just the beginning of what they had been envisioning for their La Grande location. Now their vision

Karastan Carpet displat at the Next Step Carpet Design Center. has become a reality and the warehouse and design center take up 6,000 square feet.

“We are the only supplier of Karastan Carpet in eastern Oregon,” said Greg. “It is the best carpet on the market and has a 25 year transferable warranty. Our designers work exclusively with

Karastan.”

Karastan has been made in the United States in Georgia since 1928.

“We have quality products at affordable prices,” said Greg.

“We believe there should not be a price penalty for living here in our wonderful part of the world. We

215 Elm Street La Grande, Or 97850

Living Rooms Dining Rooms Bedroooms Home Office Mattresses Home Decor

1-541-963-5440 northwestfurniture01@gmail.com

northwestfurnitureandmattress.com Page 20

have quality service and quality materials.

Next Step Carpet is the place to go for your next home improvement project. They have a wide variety of carpet, tile, hardwood and vinyl, so make the right step and choose Next Step Carpet for all your flooring needs.

FOOD

Wholly Guacamole That Was Good - El Rio Burrito Bar I

love staying in Hood River while I travel about. I usually stay at the Hood River Hotel, which I highly recommend, and grab a bite to eat somewhere within walking distance.

On my last visit I decided to try El Rio Burrito Bar, which is just a couple of doors down from the Hood River Hotel.

What a great experience. After ordering my food at the counter I found a seat by the ‘open wall’ where I could almost reach out and touch the people walking by on the sidewalk.

If my older sister would have been with me I am sure she would have tried to convince me to grab someone and spook them as they walked by, but I was by myself so I kept my hands to myself and watched a small bird as he flitted about.

El Rio uses locally sourced ingredients and has a wide selection of Mexican food,

including fish tacos, Greek gyro tacos, spicy chicken tacos, Korean fusion tacos; fire roasted chicken burritos, and Korean beef burritos.

They also carry wraps, enchiladas, and salads.

I had the chicken tacos and they were delicious.

On my next visit I will try to orders something different, but I would bet I will go for the chicken tacos again. I wish I lived closer so I could go to El Rio more often. Someday!!

El Rio can be found in the center of Hood River at 112 Oak Street, and can be reached at 541-436-0099.

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WINE

Oregon Wine Symposium to Feature Session on Wine Business

The Oregon Wine Board will host the 2016 Oregon Wine Symposium on Feb. 23-24 at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland.

The Symposium is expected to gather 1,400 attendees from across the Northwest wine community. Attendees will have an expansive educational opportunity to learn from world renowned wine industry experts covering topics from business and marketing to viticulture and enology.

Doug Frost, one of only four people in the world to hold the titles Master Sommelier (MS) and Master of Wine (MW), will share insights on the importance of context-setting in storytelling and why wineries should draw on the power of Oregon’s reputation for exceptional quality wines and sustainable practices when presenting to buyers during the session Context is King: Using the Oregon Story to Build Your Brand.

“The Oregon wine industry’s greatest strength has been its ability to work together to better all Oregon wines; its quality growth is unprecedented in American wine history,” said Doug Frost, MS, MW. “The Oregon Wine Symposium builds upon that legacy, gathering professionals both local and international to discover how Oregon wine can be better grown, made, packaged,marketed and sold. It is always a delight to be a part of this event.”

The wine business sessions are comprised of topics relevant to managers and staff across all levels of business. Other wine business sessions will give attendees expert advice on how to manage sales efforts across channels and best practices in direct-to-consumer strategies.

Lesley Berglund, founder of WISE

Academy, will lead the session Strategies for Building Your Direct Business. A highly rated Symposium speaker veteran, Lesley has 24 years of experience in the wine industry with extensive knowledge of direct to consumer marketing of fine wines. She will present on the top 10 tasting room practices to help wineries drive more sales while also raising the bar for guest satisfaction.

The panelists in Striking a Balance with Multichannel Engagement will look at diversifying and balancing sales efforts across channels. David Millman of Domaine Drouhin Oregon and Lindsay Woodard of Retour Winery will provide strategies for evaluating a brand’s point in its lifecycle, insights on the competitive environment and ways to leverage unique assets to develop a profitable growth plan. The session will be moderated by Allan Carter of Southern Wine & Spirits.

Additional Symposium content sessions include viticulture and enology. The Symposium also features the Northwest’s biggest wine industry trade show, featuring more than 200 exhibitors.

New to the Symposium in 2016 is the Oregon Wine Soirée, held at the Leftbank Annex on Tuesday, Feb. 23 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. The Soirée will feature wines from across Oregon, hors d’oeuvres and live music, giving attendees, presenters and exhibitors the opportunity to network in a fun, relaxed envi-

Photo By Lori Kimbel ronment. A separate ticket is required to attend the Soirée.

For a complete schedule of the program, speakers, events and to register, visit symposium.oregonwine.org.

Taste Washington Announces 2016 Dates -- March 31 - April 3

Taste Washington Announces 2016 Dates Tickets to the nation’s largest single region wine and food event go on sale December 8

V

isit Seattle and Washington State Wine invite wine lovers to mark their calendars; Taste Washington, the nation’s largest single-region wine and food event, will take place March 31- April 3, 2016, at various venues throughout Seattle.

Tickets to all four days of events are available at www.tastewashington.org. A special holiday promotion is also being offered

for the Grand Tasting, $10 off Sunday only General Admission through December 31. Promo Code: 16TASTE. Now in its 19th year, Taste Washington promises a full weekend of activities, from the elegant Red & White Party featuring distinctive wine pours to the signature Grand Tasting, which features hundreds of Washington State wineries, food from top Pacific Northwest restaurants, chef demonstrations and more.

• Thursday, March 31 Red & White Party, an upscale evening on the Seattle waterfront at the gorgeous AQUA by El Gaucho featuring exclusive pours of vintage library wine, exceptional barrel samples and reserve wines that will only be available at the Red & White Party.

• Friday, April 1 Taste Washington on the Farm, three unique daytime excursions led

by local chefs and Washington State winemakers. The intimate hands-on lunch experience brings together wine and food lovers and the people who grow and produce artisanal products for that the Pacific Northwest is known.

• Friday, April 1 The New Vintage, an upbeat event aimed at the next generation of wine lovers is complete with a backdrop of music, dancing and tasty bites at Motif Seattle.

• Saturday and Sunday, April 2 and 3, the weekend culminates with two days of educational seminars led by top wine writers and sommeliers at Four Seasons Hotel Seattle and the Grand Tasting at CenturyLink Field Event Center.

Details on winery participation, featured chefs, seminar topics, hotel packages and tickets are now available at www.tastewashington.org. Taste Washington is produced by Visit Seattle in partnership with Washington State Wine.

WINE

Dandelion Wines Opens in Historic Downtown Enterprise A

new business celebrated its grand opening in Historic Downtown Enterprise last week, with a solid welcome provided by area residents. Dandelion Wines, 112 West Main Street, is the latest venture by entrepreneurs Jody and Michael Berry. I asked the couple for more information on their background and why they chose to locate their businesses in Enterprise.

“We relocated to Enterprise from Rickreall in 2012,” said Jody. “I have been coming here since I was a kid.” Jody’s uncle lives in Baker and her folks came to the area to hunt elk.

She was also a river guide on the Grande Ronde.

“Wallowa County has been in my heart for over 40 years, Jody continues. “Michael’s Mom grew up in Hermiston. When we realized that we had outgrown our farm in Rickreall and we were going to relocate, we starting looking all over the state. We knew that we wanted to stay in Oregon, wanted a small town, a mountain climate, and something more remote.

“We moved to Enterprise because it seemed to say yes to everything we were seeking. But mostly, we moved here because we wanted to be here. We packed up our farm and our other business, Wild Carrot Herbals and we

moved here not knowing a soul and trusting that we had made the right decision. Our daughter Ginger was about to start kindergarten too and we felt that the timing was right to make such a big change.”

The Berrys bought the old Enterpriser Building on Main Street. It comprises 3 storefronts and was the Enterpriser Mercantile, an IGA grocery, and a jewelry store. They now manufacture over 100 different skin care products (and give tours)

on one side, sell their products and other regional products as well as ship out from another side, and now have the wine shop, Dandelion Wines, in the third.

“Michael and I both have been involved in wine world for years,” Said Jody. “Over the past year, we have been renovating this store front, thinking someone else would lease it.

Gradually we fell in love with this 10 feet wide by 110 feet long space. We fell in love with the newly re-finished fir floors. The skylight and all the natural light seduced us. It seemed to call for delicious beverages. Dandelion Wines was born.

“Our goal is to offer wine, craft beer, hard cider, specialty non-alcoholic beverages, and aperitifs not currently available in our little corner of the state. We offer tastings of several different wines each day, and will have events and classes about wine.”

Jody reports the response to the Grand Opening Thursday evening was overwhelming.

“That is one of the many things I adore about our community,” she said. “Folks show up and they have no problem getting excited.”

Learn more about Dandelion Wines and Wild Carrot Herbals at www.dandelionwines. com and stop by to say “hello” while enjoying byway country.

Join Us At The Annual

800

Family-Style Meals Served Between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Elgin Stampede All-You-Can-Eat Crab Feed Fresh, Shelled Crab Served Family-Style at Your Table

February 6, 2016 at 4 p.m. at the Elgin Stampede Hall

AGRICULTURE

Protecting Ag Land Important as Oregon Hits 4 Million Mark O

regon’s population now tops 4 million people. Whether the continued population increase negatively impacts agriculture remains to be seen, but the state’s land use protections are more important than ever, according to officials with the Oregon Department of Agriculture.

“Two must-haves for Oregon agriculture are land and water,” says ODA Director Katy Coba. “As more people come to live in Oregon, there is likely to be more competition for those natural resources. We simply need to continue protecting our agricultural production base to keep farming viable.”

Portland State University’s Population Research Center estimates Oregon’s population at 4,013,846 people with about 80 percent of the growth coming from net migration. Of the top six fastest growing counties, five are in the Willamette Valley, which is where up to 80 percent of the state’s value of agriculture is generated. The greater Bend area of Central Oregon is another hot spot of population growth in which agricultural production is vulnerable.

“The first thing that comes to mind is that Oregonians are going to have to start making some hard decisions about where growth is going to occur and whether they want to maintain the state’s agricultural base to support our economy,” says Jim Johnson, ODA land use specialist. “Growth, especially in the Willamette Valley, is going to have to be very well thought out and planned with farming in mind, especially high-value agriculture.”

More people living in Oregon is not all potentially negative. It can also mean more local consumers interested in purchasing Oregon food and agricultural products. But Johnson cites several specific impacts on agriculture whenever population increases.

“The urban growth boundaries in Oregon are filling up. So we are going to see more proposals to expand urban growth boundaries. There is also growth occurring in areas planned for rural development. Agriculture is dealing not only with the edges of urban areas, but rural development that occurs in and among thriving farm operations.”

That can lead to co-existence issues and problems with neighboring properties being compatible.

“It’s not just the conversion of farm land that’s a challenge, it is the ability for a farmer to operate,” says Johnson. “It’s that shadow cast by development– complaints from neighbors about normal and acceptable farm practices, the ability to farm with more vehicle traffic in the area, and many other conflicts that have to be taken into account as we look at future land use policy in Oregon.”

Long time farm operators can document how encroaching population has affected their property. Whereas development may have threatened only one side of a farm 10 years ago, that same farm today may face homes or ranchettes on three sides of the property.

Loss of infrastructure, not just farm land, is another major concern for the present and future.

“With fewer farmers and ranchers, you may have fewer implement dealers and other farm-related businesses that serve the agriculture community,” says Johnson. “Instead of driving 20 miles to your local implement dealer, you might have to drive 50 miles.”

There is also the impact on food process-

ing, which relies on a critical mass of growers to support an operation. A lack of farmers to produce the food that is processed could force the business to close or relocate.

Land is not the only natural resource affected by a growing population of Oregonians.

“Seventy to eighty percent of the value of Oregon agriculture comes from farms that do at least some irrigation,” says Johnson. “There will be more competition for that limited resource of water as well as land. I’m routinely hearing anecdotal stories of landowners selling to an individual or corporation that don’t necessarily want to develop the land for agriculture, but to acquire the water right for some other land use. It is imperative for Oregon to consider protecting not only land for agricultural use, but water for agricultural use as well.”

Oregon law establishes the following statewide policy for use of agricultural land (ORS 215.243):

Open land used for agriculture is a vital natural and economic asset for all the people of the state.

Preservation of a maximum amount of agricultural land, in large blocks, is necessary to maintain the agricultural economy of the state and for the assurance of adequate, healthful, and nutritious food.

Expansion of urban development in rural areas is a public concern because of the conflicts between farm and urban activities.

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Incentives and privileges are justified to owners of land in exclusive farm use zones because such zoning substantially limits alternatives to the use of rural lands.

Even though the latest Census of Agriculture shows the amount of land in farms in Oregon fell slightly to 16.3 million acres in 2012 compared to the previous census in 2007, Johnson credits Oregon’s 40-year old land use planning program for markedly slowing the rate of decline.

“While we are doing a great job of protecting farmland, we can do better,” he says. “The take home message for Oregonians and policy makers is this– we need to support the land use planning program in place because it really has slowed the loss of ag lands. But we still should be concerned about losing our best farmland and need to look at some of our policies as they relate directly to protection of that land base.”

Oregonians can take a lesson from other states that don’t have the same strong land use protections but have experienced a high percentage of population growth. Since 1982, about 700,000 acres of agricultural land has been converted to other uses at a rate of 4.4 percent, according to a US Department of Agriculture inventory. California has lost 2.6 million acres of agricultural land in that time period at a rate of nearly 8.5 percent.

In the future, using the existing land use tools and adding to the toolbox as needed can help Oregon agriculture co-exist with a growing state population.

AGRICULTURE

Ardent Mills to Help Farmers Double U.S. Organic Wheat Acres by 2019 Anticipating ongoing strong Demand for Organic Grain-based Products, Ardent Mills Takes Bold Action

L

eading the way to meet growing customer and consumer demand, Ardent Mills, the premier flour-milling and ingredient company, is announcing a new organic initiative committed to helping U.S. wheat growers double organic wheat acres by 2019.

“Ardent Mills’ vision is to be the trusted partner in nurturing our customers, consumers and communities through innovative and nutritious grain-based solutions, and our new organic initiative demonstrates one of the many ways we’re bringing that vision to life,” says Ardent Mills Chief Executive Officer Dan Dye. “Today, there is growing demand from restaurants and food companies for organic wheat flour for use in fresh, packaged and menu recipes. This is a significant opportunity for growers to become a part of an emerging market and to create additional value for their crops on the path to organic certification. We have been providing organic flour since 1996 and feel we are well positioned to meet this bold challenge.”

Ardent Mills VP of Risk Management Mike Miller says, “We’re very excited to work with farmers as they transition to this growing market and to provide our customers with an assured supply in support of their new product and menu introductions. We know there is demand that will continue to increase well into the future. We’ve heard from farmers we work with, and we understand the barriers that they face when transitioning to organic. Ardent Mills is addressing these challenges with our Organic Initiative 2019.”

“Based on our customer and consumer research, we see considerable demand for products produced with wheat from our program. We will provide a robust supply chain to meet the growing consumer demand for a variety of organic grain-based products,” notes Ardent Mills VP of Sales Dean Grossmann.

As farmers join the Ardent Mills’ organic initiative, they will have access to direct support services, workshops and long-term contracts for transitional and organic wheat bushels.

“Oregon Tilth is eager to share best practices and share knowledge among farmers working through the challenges of transition to organic agriculture. We believe that collaborative education – peer-to-peer learning, model sharing and capacity building – serves to support successful entry into organic farming, offering buyers and farmers a solid path to connect market opportunities with on-the-ground efforts to implement sustainable conservation practices on the farm,” explains Sarah Brown, Oregon Tilth Education Director.

“Ardent Mills has been a great industry partner and we commend the company for reaching out to our growers to offer new incentives to meet a growing market segment,” states Brett Blankenship, President of the National Association of Wheat Growers.

“There is an opportunity for a premium, and the incentive gives farmers access to an additional market and a new income stream while meeting growing consumer demand for organic wheat flour and organic foods,” he notes.

“Ardent Mills is to be commended for developing an incentive-based approach that may be attractive to our growers.”

Farmers interested in working with Ardent Mills on its Organic Initiative 2019 should contact Shrene White by email at Organic.Initiative2019@ardentmills.com, or phone toll free 844-421-2068 or visit ardentmills.com/tcap.

About Ardent Mills

Ardent Mills is a leading supplier of organic flour, certified since 1996. The premier flour-milling and ingredient company whose vision is to be the trusted partner in nurturing its customers, consumers and communities through innovative and nutritious grain-based solutions. Ardent Mills’ operations and services are supported by more than 40 flour mills and bakery-mix facilities along with a specialty bakery and Mobile Innovation Center, all located in the U.S., Canada and Puerto

Page 25

Rico. Deeply rooted in communities throughout North America, Ardent Mills is headquartered in Denver, CO and employs more than 100 certified millers, supporting thousands of local jobs and contributing billions of dollars to local economies. To learn more about Ardent Mills, visit ardentmills.com.

About Oregon Tilth

A leading nonprofit certifier, educator and advocate for organic agriculture and products since 1974. Our mission to make the food system and agriculture biologically sound and socially equitable requires us to find practical ways to tackle big challenges. We advance this mission to balance the needs of people and planet through focus on core areas of certification, conservation, public health, policy and the marketplace. Visit http://tilth.org/.

About National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) Founded more than 60 years ago by producers who wanted to work together for the common good of the industry. Today, NAWG works with it 22 affiliated state associations and many coalition partners on diverse issues as federal farm policy, environmental regulation, the future of commercialization and uniting the wheat industry around common goals.

More at wheatworld.org.

BUSINESS

Don’t be Misled: Scammers Offereing Oregon Businesses Unnecessary End of Year Services

By Molly Woon Business scam, Corporation Division

Secretary of State urges Oregon businesses to read solicitations carefully to avoid fraud

The Corporation Division at the Secretary of State’s Office is warning Oregon business owners about a questionable solicitation being sent to Oregon businesses entitled “2015-Annual Minutes Form.” This form can be easily mistaken for correspondence from the State of Oregon. Although corporations are required to maintain annual minutes, they are not required to file these with the Secretary of State’s Corporation Division.

“Protecting Oregon businesses from scams is a key mission of our agency,” said Secretary of State Jeanne P. Atkins, who oversees the Oregon Corporation Division, which registers businesses. “We often hear from business owners who are concerned about receiving offers and solicitations that are confusing,

deceptive, suspicious, or even fraudulent. We hope this information helps Oregon businesses avoid being taken advantage of by bad actors.”

Despite its appearance, the Annual Records Solicitation Form solicitation was not sent by the Secretary of State’s Corporation Division. It is neither authorized nor sanctioned in any way by the State of Oregon.

“Corporation Filing Services” is currently under investigation by the Oregon Department of Justice. If you believe you have been victimized by this company, please contact the Oregon Department of Justice online at www. oregonconsumer.gov or call 877-877-9392.

Official business correspondence from the Secretary of State’s Corporation Division always contains these three elements: An image of the Oregon state seal.

The words “Secretary of State Corporation Division.”

The Corporate Division’s telephone number, 503-986-2200.

Even though the company soliciting

Washington Selected as One of Six States for Workforce Training Initiative

The NGA Center for Best Practices today announced that six states—Indiana, Iowa, Montana, New Hampshire, Utah and Washington—will participate in the 2016 Policy Academy on Scaling Work-Based Learning. Work-based learning blends work experience and applied learning to develop youth and young adults’ foundational and technical skills to expand their education, career and employment opportunities.

The policy academy offers a unique opportunity for state workforce and education leaders to develop strategies to scale high-quality, work-based learning opportunities for young adults. The idea is to connect 16- to 29-year-olds with middle-skills career opportunities in STEM-intensive industries (those in the science, technology, engineering and math areas) such as advanced manufacturing, health care, information technology and energy.

The 18-month leadership program focuses on helping state teams incorporate work-based learning into their overall talent pipeline as a way to establish clear career pathways for young people and develop a skilled workforce.

“Preparing our young people for the modern workforce is a priority all governors share,” said Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, who is also the chair of the NGA Education and Workforce Committee. “Washington is excited to participate in this opportunity to develop strategies that will help our young people succeed.”

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Oregon businesses is located in Florida, the solicitation lists a return address of 3760 Market St NE, Suite 450, Salem, OR 97301. The address has contributed to the mistaken belief that the mailing is official correspondence from the State of Oregon.

At Community Bank, You Can Count On Us To Be:

Transparent Reasonable Understanding Straightforward Truthful

• • •

Real Estate Financing Equipment Purchases Operating Lines of Credit

At Community Bank we have sown the seeds to support the growth and sustainability of farms and businesses in our rural economies for over 60 years. By helping you to thrive and prosper, our communities continue to thrive and prosper as well. We’d love to hear from you - the coffee is on us.

Gorge Regional Loan Center 320 E 4th St - The Dalles 541-296-0779

John Gass Commercial Loan Officer

Local Money Working For Local People

www.communitybanknet.com Member FDIC

Britt Thomas SVP/Regional Credit Administrator

BUSINESS

1,049 Participate in Hermiston’s Community Brand Survey

The City of Hermiston and Chamber of Commerce community

survey to provide people who live and work in and around Hermiston the opportunity to answer questions about Hermiston’s strengths and the proposed “You Can GROW Here” community brand closed Sept.

19.

More than 1,000 people shared their thoughts by completing the survey at HermistonBrand.com or by filling out a hard copy of the survey. Survey highlights include: Hermiston’s Strengths

More than 50% identified its people as Hermiston’s top strength.

(53% community/52% business respondents)

Hermiston’s geographic location (within hours of major cities) was identified as its second strength. (48% community/42% business respondents)

Diverse transportation options (road, rail, river) were identified as Hermiston’s third strength. (19% community/30% business respondents)

When asked what potential new businesses, visitors or those considering relocating should know about Hermiston the following were the top responses:

Open to growth was the top response.

(43% community/64% business)

Ideal location (proximity to major cities) was the second ranking response.

(30% community/32% business)

Community members selected people are welcoming as the third quality (29%).

Business respondents selected loyal community as third (24%), with people are welcoming ranking fourth (22%).

“You Can GROW Here” Community Brand

The vast majority (92%) of all respondents believe the watermelon should be included in the logo in some form.

Of 1,049 respondents, 70% have a concern with the You Can GROW Here tagline.

The survey results were reviewed by the Hermiston City Council at their November 23rd City Council meeting. The council authorized city staff to move forward with the recommended plan to update the community brand.

The City of Hermiston will work closely with Greater Hermiston Chamber of Commerce in these community brand development efforts. The broad goals of the community brand are: give Hermiston an identity; promote Hermiston’s livability; remain the largest city in Eastern Oregon; attract more businesses and families to the area; and make Hermiston a desirable destination/increase tourism.

Oregon Ranks As One Of The Most Burdensome Regulatory States For Small Business Regulatory hurdles pile high for Oregon small business owners.

Entrepreneurs who plan to settle in Oregon: beware the state’s regulatory challenges.

Oregon is the sixth most onerous state in the country for small businesses when it comes to regulatory concerns, according to an exhaustive survey released by the Pacific Research Institute, a San Francisco-based free-market policy advocate.

On a scale from 1 through 50 (1 being the least burdensome and 50 being the most burdensome), Oregon ranked at an overall score of 44.

In the 50-State Small Business Regulation Index, states were ranked based on 14 regulatory components, ranging from workers’ compensation to occupational licensing rules.

States scoring as more burdensome than Oregon are Maine (45), Vermont (46), Connecticut (47), Rhode Island (48), New Jersey (49) and California (50). The top five states ranked as the least burdensome are Indiana (1), North Dakota (2), Texas (3), Kansas (4) and Georgia (5).

“The Index creates a common platform to compare each state’s regulatory burdens on small businesses in order to highlight which reg-

ulatory environments are associated with slower small business growth, and which regulatory environments are associated with more robust small business activity,” the report states.

Oregon is not a right-to-work state and has no telecommunications deregulation. It is also an alcohol control state, meaning private wholesalers and retailers are prohibited from selling spirits. These circumstances put Oregon small businesses at a disadvantage, according to the report.

In addition, the state has one of the highest minimum hourly wages in the country at $9.25, or $2 more than the federal standard.

Unemployment insurance was another negative contributor.

The index used the estimated employer contribution rate as a percent of total wages calculated by the U.S. Department of Labor as a “proxy for the burdens imposed by each state’s unemployment insurance program on small businesses.” And Oregon ranked the second worst, or 49th most burdensome, for unemployment insurance, with employers paying 1.85 percent of total wages.

Another significant factor— ranked 47th—is Oregon’s Family Leave regulatory structure which is broader than the federal Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

The institute’s critical assess-

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ment of Oregon’s regulatory structure and how it affects small businesses doesn’t come as a surprise for business owners and entrepreneurs.

After all, lawmakers approved paid sick leave and ban-the-box measures during this year’s legislative session.

What’s more, the Office of Economic Analysis earlier this year released a report with data indicating that startups in Oregon dropped to a 40-year low, undoubtedly due to financial and regulatory barriers.

NFIB/Oregon has been fighting a statewide push to raise the minimum wage, which is already the second highest in the nation. Just for the 2015 year alone, small businesses in Oregon fought off nearly a dozen attempts to increase the hourly wage. NFIB/Oregon anticipates another round of renewed efforts to raise the minimum wage to shape the upcoming legislative session.

Blue Mountain Community College Small Business Development Centers

BMCC is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

FOREST

US Forest Service ODF Committee to Address Oregon’s Increasing Wildfire Activity Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council Releases 10-year Action Plan A

federal council today released a plan that identifies specific goals, actions, and recommendations for improving the status of urban and community forestry for the U.S. and its territories. The plan serves as a framework for awarding nearly $1 million in U.S. Forest Service grants to organizations, including grassroots nonprofits, academic researchers, private practitioners and local and state governments.

“We appreciate the time, effort, and hard work by the council to develop this new plan,” said James Hubbard, deputy chief for the Forest Service State and Private Forestry.

“This plan supports the agency’s strategic plan. Urban forests provide critical social and environmental benefits for 83 percent of the US population living among 136 million acres of urban forest land.”

The Federal Advisory Council for the Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Program developed the plan, which was released during the Arbor Day Foundation’s Partners in Community Forestry Conference in Denver, Colorado. The Council is charged with developing an action plan every 10 years to help guide stakeholders in the management of the nation’s urban forests.

The action plan was developed in conjunction with community members who have interests in the forests where they live, work, and play. Through this guiding document, the Council’s mission is to help all communities create urban and community forests that are diverse, healthy and resilient, and accessible for all citizens. The Council’s future competitive grant categories will reflect the goals identified in the Action Plan.

For more information about the National Ten Year Urban Forestry Action Plan, please visit www.fs.fed. us/ucf/nucfac.html.

Wallowa Lake shrouded in smoke from the Falls Creek Fire in August. wildland fire protection system” said Kenneth ODF committee begins work Cummings, Vice Chair of the committee. The on finding solutions to address committee will focus its efforts on providing for the 2016 fire season as well Oregon’s increasing wildfire activity recommendations as long-term goals for wildfire management and budget development.

Oregon experienced a significant increase

The committee began its work Dec. 1 and in wildfires over the past several years. Not only formed three working groups to help support the have these fires increased damages and costs to committee’s efforts. The Fire Program Review Oregon’s forests, landowners, and local communiCommittee is scheduled to meet again on Jan. 21 ties but they have stretched the state’s “complete to discuss the working group’s findings, refine and coordinated fire protection system”. key issues, capture additional ideas and provide

Seeking ideas to address these challenges, further guidance. Interested parties are welcome to the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) initiatattend. ed a Fire Program Review Committee. This com Additional information about the commitmittee is made up of forest landowners, wildland tee can be found online at: www.oregon.gov/ODF/ fire professionals, elected officials, the Oregon Board/Pages/FireProgramReview.aspx.

State Fire Marshal’s office and other stakeholders

Doug Grafe, 503-945-7271, doug.grafe@ to advise ODF in its effort to develop and impleoregon.gov ment a more sustainable fire organization, includ Jeff Ennenga, 971-271-9606, jeff.ennening large fire funding solutions. ga@oregon.gov

“This review is an effort to inform our

Abbey Driscoll, 971-720-0758, ablong-term strategic view and facilitate improvebey.n.driscoll@oregon.gov ment of this highly valued and functioning

Forest Department to Host Public Hearings on State Forest Recreation Topics T

he Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) will host three public hearings focused on recreation issues on Oregon state-owned forests.

The three hearings – scheduled in Salem, Portland and Astoria –­ provide a forum for testimony on recreation rule changes aimed to address recent challenges in implementing critical recreation services.

Demand for state forest recreation opportunities have outpaced capacity and resources in recent years, often resulting in conflicts between user groups and major issues with sanitation, safety, and vandalism. Proposed rule changes aim to alleviate these challenges and provide the Department with the necessary tools to address long-term solutions.

The hearings also provide an opportunity to

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learn and provide comment on new rules for permitting, and health and safety standards for large commercial events, as outlined in House Bill 2453.

ODF requests public comment on whether additional options should be considered, and whether these rule changes meet long-term recreation goals while limiting negative economic impact for local and rural businesses.

Written and oral testimony may be submitted at each hearing. Written comments may be submitted by February 8, 2016 at 5 p.m., and should be addressed to Justin Butteris, State Forests Policy Analyst, Oregon Department of Forestry, 2600 State Street Building D, Salem, Oregon 97310 or e-mailed to ODF.SFCOMMENTS@oregon.gov.

FOREST

Brothers Donate Shoreline Property to Wallowa Land Trust Nine acres on the west shore of Wallowa Lake now in permanent conservation

(Joseph, Oregon) Three brothers – Frank, Steve and Fred Kimball – had a choice: sell their nine-acre forested property on Wallowa Lake for quick cash, or ensure the land remain intact and forever protected in its natural state. They chose the latter.

“We didn’t want to see the property divided up or developed,” says Dr. Frank Kimball, a retired physician from Walla Walla. The property was given to their father in the 1950s as payment for legal services and the brothers, then young teenagers, spent countless hours there where their parents built a modest cabin.

Now in their seventies and eighties, the brothers decided it was time to tidy up the family estate and do something with this special shoreline property. They contacted Wallowa Land Trust – a local conservation organization in Enterprise devoted to protecting natural areas, wildlife habitat and working lands in Wallowa County. And, after some discussion, they donated the land to Wallowa Land Trust so that it will be permanently conserved.

“This property was our parents dream; they poured heart and soul into it and we’re proud to honor them by making sure it stays the way it is,” Frank says.

The property, located towards the south end of Wallowa Lake, has 1,500 feet of shoreline, mature ponderosa pines and several natural springs that seep water into the lake, the source of drinking water for the City of Joseph. Current zoning would allow for at least four homes

along the property, making it highly desirable for development. However, now that Wallowa Land Trust owns the property, no development will occur and it will be managed to maintain and enhance its natural features and habitat.

The Kimballs will continue to own their family cabin to the north of the preserved property.

“I really enjoyed working with the Kimball brothers who have made this incredible gift,” Wallowa Land Trust Conservation Director Julia Lakes says. “They were clear from the beginning that they didn’t want to see houses on the shoreline and wanted to keep the forest and springs intact. I’m so proud we could help them fulfill this dream.”

Protection of this beautiful property is in line with Wallowa Land Trust’s priority of conserving the Wallowa Lake moraines for fu-

Page 29

ture generations. The Land Trust already owns a 30-acre preserve on the West Moraine and holds a conservation easement on 40 acres on the East Moraine.

ABOUT WALLOWA LAND TRUST: Founded in 2004, Wallowa Land Trust is a 501(c)3 nonprofit land conservation organization based in Enterprise, Oregon. The Land Trust’s mission is to protect the rural nature of the Wallowa Country by working cooperatively with private landowners, governmental entities, Indian tribes and local communities to conserve land. Wallowa Land Trust uses voluntary, non-regulatory methods to protect natural areas, wildlife habitat and working lands in Wallowa County.

WILDHORSE

The Tenors Live at Wildhorse February 13, 2016

Internationally acclaimed group, the Tenors are play-

ing a Valentine’s show in the Rivers Events Center at Wildhorse Resort & Casino on February 13th; tickets go on sale January 7th.

Since their formation in 2007, the vocal quartet, The Tenors, have performed more than 500 concerts on five continents and made over 150 television appearances, including on The Oprah Winfrey Show (with Céline Dion), Today Show, Entertainment tonight, at the 2014 National Christmas Tree Lighting at the White House, at the 2014 Stanley Cup Finals, the 2012 Emmy Awards, Her Majesty The Queen’s 2012 Diamond Jubilee at Windsor Castle in England, and the 2010 Vancouver Olympic opening ceremonies. Known for their signature blend of classical and pop music, the group has shared the stage with such artists as Andrea Bocelli, Sting, Elton John, Sir Paul McCartney, Sheryl Crow, Jennifer Hudson, Ellie Goulding, Justin Bieber, Earth, Wind & Fire and more.

Originating from Canada, The Tenors have won numerous awards including the 2013 JUNO Award for Adult Contemporary Album of the Year. The JUNO Awards are the Canadian equivalent to the Grammy’s. Lead with Your Heart went platinum in Canada in just seven weeks. The album has been featured on Good Morning America, Access Hollywood, ET Canada, CNN Morning Live, e-Talk and FOX & Friends.

The groups new album Under One Sky, debuted at number one on the Billboard Classical Crossover and Classical Overall Charts. Under One Sky is currently certified Gold with momentum still growing.

The Tenor’s Wildhorse Show will begin at 6pm with dinner; the concert will begin at 8pm in Rivers Events Center.

Tickets are $89 each for dinner and a show, $59 for premium show tickets and $49 for general admission show tickets. Tickets go on sale January 7th at 10am at wildhorseresort.com or in the Wildhorse Gift Shop.

Wildhorse Donates Over 600 lbs of Food to Local Pantry

Wildhorse gave over $4 million reasons to be thankful in November

Wildhorse Resort & Casino hosted a canned food drive to benefit St. Mary’s Outreach during the Hunger Games: Mockingjay2 movie premier.

The popular series debuted its latest edition at the Wildhorse Cineplex November 18th. Guests were encouraged to bring canned food in exchange for popcorn and a soft drink. In total 619 pounds of canned food was donated to St. Mary’s.

“With the holidays quickly approaching, Wildhorse felt it was a great tie to be able to donate food to one of our local food banks while celebrating the release of the much anticipated Hunger Games movie,” said Tiah DeGrofft, Community Relations for Wildhorse. “We are grateful that our guests responded so positively to the event and helped to make it highly successful for St. Mary’s Outreach.”

ear to date, Wildhorse has given out more $500+ jackpots in 2015 than any year previous. This year, Wildhorse has given out over $53,000,000 in jackpots larger than $500 so far in 2015.

During the month of November, 4,156 Wildhorse Resort & Casino guests won jackpots of $500 or more. In total the casino paid out $4,007,352 in jackpots, averaging over $133,000 in jackpot winnings a day.

Of those 4,156 jackpots, 770 were worth $1,200 or more, 138 were for $2,500 or more, 54 were for $4,000 or more and 8 jackpots in the month of November were worth more than $8,000.

Y

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Resort & Casino

Wildhorse Events and Promotions in January

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Reel Classic Matinee Movies The Wildhorse Cineplex will be bringing back the classics every Wednesday at 12noon. For $5 you can enjoy a movie and get a small pop and popcorn! 1/6- Rainman, 1/13- Zelig, 1/20- Duck Soup, 1/27Cabaret. $49 Lodging Special!

Wildhorse Resort & Casino Hotel is offering a $49 lodging special.

Stay in the Courtyard Hotel Sunday through Thursday for only $49!

Book your rate today! Reservations are accepted with this offer. Offers based on availability. Rate available thru February. ***Mark your calendar!

The Tenors Live!

Join us for the Tenors Live! The show begins at 8pm on Saturday, February 13th. A special dinner package is also available. Space is limited. Tickets go on sale January 7th at 9am at http://www.wildhorseresort.com/ or at the Wildhorse Gift Shop. Must be 21 years of age Red Zone Party Sunday, February 7th is the NFL’s Big Game. Join us in Rivers Events Center to watch the NFL’s top teams go head to head for the National Championship. It’s the biggest party in Eastern Oregon! Score drink specials and awesome prizes. Come early to get the best seats. A raffle will be held benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project. A great cause and a great time, don’t miss it! Must be 21 years of age, no charge for entry.

Child Entertainment Center Kids ages 3-15 have a place to call their own at Wildhorse Resort and Casino. Kids can sing karaoke, play Xbox360 and Wii with the latest games and more. The CEC offers everything a kid could want, all in a clean, secure, fun environment. Located next to the Wildhorse Cineplex & Arcade. The CEC is open on New Year’s Eve from 7:30am2am. Kids are welcome to join the New Year’s Eve party, including hats, horns, party favors and a ball drop!

Food and Beverage Wednesday Night Wine Club Wine enthusiasts and novices alike are invited to Plateau the first Wednesday of every month for a wine-tasting event. On Wednesday, January 6th from 5:30 to 7:30pm, Plateau will pour a specially priced flight of wines paired with select foods. Our special tasting will feature Copper Belt in January. Copper Belt will be pouring 2013 Pinot Noir, 2012 Syrah, 2012 Rancher’s Red and a 2014 Rancher’s White. Enjoy the tastings and food pairings for $18 or a four course wine dinner $40 per person. Call 541-966-1610.

Gaming $45,000 Last Call Match n’ Roll Begin earning entries on January 3rd for the $45,000 Last Call Match n’ Roll. $8,500+ in cash will be drawn every Saturday & Sunday in January. Winners announced every 30 minutes from 10am-7pm.

Unclaimed prizes are added to the 7pm Last Call drawing. Last Call is then MATCHED and ROLLED to the next Last Call Drawing. The Grand Prize drawing for all the Matched and Rolled cash will be held on January 31st at 7pm.

80x Stacker Play every Monday and Wednesday in January to earn an added 10x entry multiplier for the $45,000 Last Call Match n’ Roll Drawing. Visit an e-STATION to activate your multiplier. $6,000 Table Games Friday Night Live!

Begin earning entries on January 1st by hitting qualifying hands, 2x bonus entries are earned from midnight to noon. Win up to $1,000 in chips! Drawings held every Friday from 5pm-Midnight.

Bring a Buddy!

Every Thursday in January, all Club Card members who bring a friend to sign up for a Club Card as a new member, receive $5 in FreePlay!

Emerald Club Every Tuesday, our 55 and over club members receive special offers and discounts! Swipe your Club Wild Card at an e-STATION between 4am and midnight to spin the prize wheel and earn prizes! Join today by visiting Club Wild, it’s free and easy.

Birthday Bonus Spin Celebrate your birthday with us! ALL Club Members that come in during their birthday month and swipe their Club Wild Card on the e-STATION can play the Birthday Cake Game to reveal a prize!

Guests that come in on their birthday and swipe their Club Wild Card on the e-STATION will get a 2x points multiplier.

Bingo!

Come in to any regular Bingo session and have a chance to win a $10,000 grand prize! Wildhorse now features Super 9 Pack Multi-Win and Super Double Dab Multi-Win. No splitting prizes and no limits to the number of winners! See Bingo for official rules.

Play Bingo With Me Bingo players who bring a NEW Bingo player to play Bingo with them will receive a $10 gift card for WRC properties. Every time you play Bingo receive 100 points on your Club Wild card. Only 200 Gift Cards available, get them while they last. Continue bringing New Bingo players and win multiple times.

Keno Cash Race Saturday, January 9th starting at noon, join the Keno Race for Cash. $20 gets you $500 in “Keno Cash” to play however you like. You can play any type of Keno game offered for up to 20 consecutive games. During the tournament, you will win points for your Keno play. Choose wisely, the players who win the most points will win the tournament. 100% of entry fee money is awarded back to the winning players. See Keno for more details.

Krazy Keno Saturday, January 16th at 6pm WIN UP TO $1,900 in 20 tournament games, top 7 places win cash! Sign-ups start one hour in advance. Refreshments are served during tournament play!

Sports Bar The Wildhorse Sports Bar is your live entertainment headquarters.

The Wildhorse Comedy Jam will have you in stitches every Thursday at 8pm. Friday and Saturday night, top bands rock the house from 8pm-Midnight. Happy Hour from 4-7pm, Sunday-Wednesday, featuring drink specials and half-priced appetizers!

Comedy Jam Thursdays in the Sports Bar Comedy is BACK! Every Thursday night from 8-midnight! Our Sports Bar features food discounts and fun for all, 21 and over!

January 7 DC Malone & Gary Jones January 14 Susan Rice & TBA January 21 BJ Johnson & Emily Richman January 28 Ryan Wingfield & Kaz Gable FREE Live Entertainment Live Music Line-up in the Sports Bar: Friday and Saturday 8pm-Midnight January 1-2 Funk Factory Variety January 8-9 Thunder Cover Variety January 15-16 Harmonious Funk Variety January 22-23 Colleen Heauser Country January 29-30 TBD (Subject to change, check out http://www.wildhorseresort.com/ for updates)

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WILDHORSE

29 Grants Provide over $200,000 for Community Projects Thanks to the Wildhorse Foundation

The Wildhorse Foundation, a community benefit fund established by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) to support organizations in northeastern Oregon and southeastern Washington, has announced their grant awards for the third quarter of 2015.

A total of $201,447.33 was awarded to 29 recipients, bringing the total for 2015 to almost $625,000.

CTUIR has a long history of charitable giving. While the Foundation was formed in 2001, changes in the compact Wildhorse Resort and Casino made with the State of Oregon expanded their footprint in 2009. Prior to then, the Foundation could disburse grants to Umatilla, Morrow, Union and Wallowa Counties; they can now also allocate up to 30% of their funding to government bodies or charitable organizations in the Tribes ceded territory in Washington State (Benton, Walla Walla and Columbia Counties) as well as any Native American Tribal Government Agency or non-profit with its principal office and base

of operation within the State of Oregon and any national or regional Indian Organization. Almost 1600 local and regional non-profits have benefited from the $9.1 million given by the Foundation since its inception.

The largest grant this quarter was awarded to the Hermiston Fire & Emergency Services in Hermiston, OR. With the $18,165 grant, the department will be purchasing mobile reporting hardware to be placed in each ambulance. The devices will allow for staff to complete patient care reports during transport and/or shortly after to ensure accurate information is relayed to those giving care to patients and it will provide precise time documentation when medication or a procedure is done in order to provide to the hospital. Devices can also be linked to cardiac monitors to download relevant patient vital signs and EKG rhythms.

The devices can provide medication look-up, online protocols and hazardous material guides on site for EMTs.

Since 2001, the Wildhorse Foundation has given out more than $2.5 million dollars to

support public safety initiatives in their giving territory. The only category to receive more funding from the Foundation is Education, which has received over $3.2 million. This quarter alone, almost $80,000 went directly toward educational opportunities in Eastern Oregon and Washington

The Wildhorse Foundation Board consider grants that cover the areas of public health, public safety, education, the arts, historic preservation, gambling addiction services, salmon restoration, environmental protection, and cultural activities.

Organizations funded in the third quarter for 2015 are: Blue Mountain Community College BMCC Athletics: Soccer Start Up Equipment. Men’s and Women’s program to be added in Fall 2016 $5,000.00 Pendleton OR Boardman Park & Recreation District Community Recreation Center-exercise stations. $10,000.00 Boardman

OR CAPECO - Community Action Program ADA Accessibility at the main office of CAPECO. $8,880.00 Pendleton OR Cayuse Plateau Horsemanship Center Rebuild Tribal Public Arena $10,000.00 Pendleton OR Children’s Museum of Walla Walla Many Waters Exhibit $7,850.00 Walla Walla WA Confluence Project Confluence in the Classroom- CTUIR Summer School Program $3,300.00 Vancouver WA Eastern Oregon University Continuing Education GED Scholarships $3,465.00 La Grande OR Elgin Health Care District Build an 8,000 sq. ft

FOUNDATION

clinic to house medical, dental, mental and social services $15,000.00 Elgin OR Fort Walla Walla Museum Historical Image & Technology Enhancement $5,000.00 Walla Walla WA

La Grande OR

Libraries of Eastern Oregon Full STEAM Ahead!

KEVA Planks in Libraries- 12 Libraries in Umatilla County, Morrow, Union and Wallowa Counties. $3,425.00 Joseph OR

Neighbor 2 Neighbor Greenwood Elementa- Pendleton To continue the operary School GIANT Readers; Tomor- tion of Veda’s Breakfast, row’s Leaders- 12 iPads Pendleton Warming Stafor program participants tion and the Day Center $4,800.00 $5,000.00 La Grande Pendleton OR OR Guardian Care Center Purchase specialized medical exam camera equipment and medical supplies for the purpose of documenting findings in the course of a sexual abuse exams. $3,924.00 Pendleton OR Hermiston Fire & Emergency Services Mobile Data & Field Reporting $18,165.84 Hermiston OR

Pendleton Babe Ruth Association Sound System at Bob White Field $4,095.49 Pendleton OR Pendleton Chamber of Commerce Community Holiday Lighting $3,950.00 Pendleton OR

Pendleton Convention Center Upgrade the Locker Rooms $10,000.00 LaGrande High School Pendleton Wrestling Mat Replace- OR ment for the High School Pilot Rock School Disand Middle School $5,500.00 trict

Pilot Rock Music Program $14,450.00 Pilot Rock OR

SMART Umatilla & Morrow County Smart PreK Program $5,360.00 Portland OR Soldiers’ Angels Hygiene Kits for Homeless Veterans $750.00 Silverdale WA Umatilla County 4H Attitudes for SuccessMulticultural Youth Development Program- 18 High Schools and Middle Schools in Umatilla and Morrow Counties $1,800.00 Pendleton OR

cial Education Classes. $5,000.00 Union OR Wallowa County Justice Center Bullet Proof Glass Installation $12,115.00 Enterprise OR Weston Middle School 1:1 iPad Program $3,780.00 Weston OR Weston-McEwen High School High School Track Bleachers $10,000.00 Athena OR

YMCA Outdoor leadership trip for teenagers to encourage healthy outdoor participation.

Umatilla County Spe$4,800.00 cial Library District Walla Walla Take Off! Early Literacy WA and Outreach Program TOTAL $6,037.00 Pendleton $201,447.33 OR Union Family Dental Clinic Digital Radiography $10,000.00 Union OR

The quarterly deadlines for applications to the Foundation are January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1. For more information on Wildhorse Foundation guidelines or to receive an application, visit http://www. thewildhorsefoundation. com/ or call Tiah DeGrofft at 541-966-1628.

Union School District # 5 20 Chromebooks for Union High School Spe- *****

WILDHORSE

Wildhorse furnished over $57 MILLION in winnings during their 20th Anniversary

When Wildhorse Resort & Casino announces jackpot winnings, they only report jackpots of $500 or larger. In 2015, the casino gave away an astounding $57,475,505 worth of $500+ jackpots.

That is an average of over $4.78 million a month; making the 20th Anniversary the largest year in casino history.

The 2015 breakdown is bountiful. 55,273 jackpots of $500 or more were given out throughout the year; an average of 151 jackpots a day worth $500 or more. The largest payout of 2015 was $674,096.83 which was won on a penny machine by Michael D. of Pendleton, OR. Michael hit the Wide Area Progressive jackpot on the Wizard of Oz Machine on March 25th. This was the 17th Wide Area Progressive hit at Wildhorse Resort & Casino.

During the month of December alone, 4,044 Wildhorse Resort & Casino guests had a holiday payout of $500 or more. In total the casino awarded $4,047,030 in $500+ jackpots during the month, including 56 jackpots of $4,000 or more, 15 of $8,000 or more, 5 for $15,000 or more.

With all the jackpot winners, we cannot forget the deserving organizations helped by the gaming revenues generated over the year. The Wildhorse Foundation provides more than $800,000 annually to local programs and services that benefit our region. Since 2001, the Foundation has awarded close to 1600 organizations nearly $9.1 million in project funding. With one quarter left in the 2015 giving calendar, the Foundation has already helped support 141 worthy organizations with over $840,000.

Wildhorse will celebrate its 21st Anniversary in 2016. To kick off the New Year, the casino is hosting the $45,000 Last Call Match n’ Roll. $8,500+ in cash will be drawn every Saturday & Sunday in January. Winners announced every 30 minutes from 10am-7pm. Unclaimed prizes are added to the 7pm Last Call drawing. Last Call is then MATCHED and ROLLED to the next Last Call Drawing. The Grand Prize drawing for all the Matched and Rolled cash will be held on January 31st at 7pm.

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The Gorge Business News

PROGRESS

Red Rock Reaches Agreement with FedEx Express to Provide Biofuels for Renewable, Low-Carbon Jet Fuel R

ed Rock Biofuels LLC, a pioneer in renewable biofuels, announced today that it will produce approximately three million gallons of low-carbon, renewable jet fuel per year for FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE:FDX). The agreement runs through 2024, with first delivery expected in 2017. FedEx joins Southwest Airlines in purchasing Red Rock’s total available volume of jet fuel.

“With our total jet fuel capacity now sold to FedEx and Southwest Airlines, we are building a suite of powerful, global customers that continue to commit to the future of alternative fuels in a market where oil prices are low, providing true validation of our business model and mission.”

Red Rock’s first refinery, funded in part by a $70 million Title III DPA grant from the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Energy and Navy, is scheduled to break ground this fall in Lakeview, Ore. and will convert approximately 140,000 dry tons of woody biomass into 15 million gallons per year of renewable jet, diesel and naphtha fuels. In addition to reducing lifecycle carbon emissions, Red Rock’s production process will reduce the risk of devastating forest fires in the western United States by decreasing the amount of waste woody biomass in surrounding forests.

“As we look to break ground on our refinery in the coming months, we’re thrilled to have signed a contract with FedEx as they look to diversify their fuel supply and reduce emissions throughout their aviation unit,” said Terry Kulesa, co-founder and CEO of Red Rock. “With our total jet fuel capacity now sold to FedEx and Southwest Airlines, we are building a suite of powerful, global customers that continue to commit to the future of alternative fuels in a market where oil prices are low, providing true validation of our business model and mission.”

This customer announcement comes on the heels of Red Rock’s strategic partnership with Flagship Ventures, a leading venture

capital and venture creation firm focused on innovations in healthcare and sustainability, for financial and strategic expertise on securing additional partnerships, funding and customers. For more information, please visit www.redrockbio.com.

About Red Rock Biofuels Red Rock Biofuels LLC will refine waste biomass residues into high value, lower carbon renewable jet, diesel and naphtha fuels.

Utilizing forest residues as a feedstock will help improve ecosystem health and reduce the

risk of destructive wildfires in our forests, and renewable fuels will help our customers address their price volatility, energy security and climate change challenges. Using a well-proven process technology platform, based on gasification, Fischer-Tropsch conversion and product upgrading, Red Rock Biofuels is the only company able to produce renewable, ASTM-specification jet and diesel fuels at cost parity with conventional fuels. For more information, please visit www.redrockbio.com.

Joule and Red Rock Biofuels Announce Intent to Merge J

oule, the pioneer of liquid fuels from recycled CO2, and Red Rock Biofuels, a leading developer of renewable jet and diesel fuel bio-refineries, today announced their intent to merge. Red Rock adds a proven technology pathway to Joule’s own Helioculture technology and strengthens Joule’s platform for global supply of carbon neutral fuels. The transaction is expected to close during the coming 30 days.

“I am furthermore very pleased to

see that Dr. Brian Baynes will take over as President and CEO as I now retire from the position. I look forward to continuing to support the exciting development of the merged company through my active participation on its Board of Directors.”

In association with this merger, after a year of important service at a critical transition phase for the company, Joule also announced that President and CEO, industry veteran Mr. Serge Tchuruk, will return to his previous board role. Dr. Brian Baynes, a current board

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member of both Joule and Red Rock and partner at Flagship Ventures, will succeed Tchuruk and will lead Joule as it enters a commercial deployment phase.

Red Rock Biofuels leverages a commercially proven Fischer-Tropsch technology to convert sustainably harvested biomass residues from forests and sawmills into jet fuel and diesel products. The company is poised

Red Rock Biofuels Continued on Page 17

PROGRESS

Red Rock Biofuels

Continued from Page 13

to begin construction of its first refinery located in Lakeview, Oregon in early 2016. The project is supported by a $70 million grant from the U.S. departments of Agriculture, Navy and Energy, and the company has entered into substantial offtake agreements with Southwest Airlines and FedEx for the fuel that will be produced.

“By merging Red Rock Biofuels with Joule, we intend to accelerate the commercialization of carbon-neutral fuels and continue to build a world leading company,” said Tchuruk, outgoing President and CEO of Joule. He added, “Joule’s proprietary platform provides a path towards carbon-neutral mobility and Red Rock Biofuels will add an immediate commercial capability to produce renewable diesel and jet fuel, complementing our unique direct pathway through direct conversion of CO2 to drop-in fuels. I am very proud to have been part of this important transformation of Joule, which will now significantly speed up our commercialization. Red Rock’s Lakeview project will continue as planned with its current management team, beginning construction in 2016 and producing at a scale of 15 million gallons of renewable diesel and jet fuel when completed.”

Tchuruk continued, “I am furthermore very pleased to see that Dr. Brian Baynes will take over as President and CEO as I now retire from the position. I look forward to continuing to support the exciting development of the merged company through my active participation on its Board of Directors.”

“The world’s need for low carbon transportation fuels has never been greater. Having worked closely with both Joule and Red Rock, I am very pleased to be able to combine Red Rock’s nearterm, commercial supply of drop-in low carbon fuels, with Joule’s novel and highly scalable low carbon fuel production platform,” said Baynes, incoming President and CEO. ”The Red Rock team also adds significant strength in project development and operations to Joule’s R&D expertise.

We are seeing continued acceleration of our direct CO2 to fuel technology development, and the Red Rock platform will increase project opportunities worldwide. I look forward to working with the extended management teams of Joule and Red Rock to implement a new strategy that leverages operational synergies and shifts our focus to near-term commercial production of low carbon, renewable fuels. I am excited to have the opportunity to lead the company through this important time as we address one of our planet’s most pressing needs.”

“We are excited to merge with Joule and enhance our bio-refinery platform to include Joule’s innovative CO2 conversion technology and further reduce the carbon intensity of our renewable, drop-in jet and diesel fuels. Integrating Joule’s transformative technology into our platform positions the combined company for global development of low carbon fuels,” said Mr. Terry Kulesa, Red Rock’s CEO.

As part of this merger and expansion of the commercial pathways, Joule has also restructured its business operations to streamline resources and focus on its two commercial pathways.

The Gorge Business News

Warren Johnson’s Book Review Building the Columbia River Highway T

he Columbia River, the major waterway in the West, is 1,243 miles long, the repository of waters draining from land area the size of France, consisting of seven states and Canada. The gorge through which it runs was likely created many centuries earlier by a massive flood from a melting glacier originating in Western Montana. This flood occurred many times, digging the gorge deeper each time, creating a path to the Pacific Ocean.

The original highway was the river itself.

Native Americans traveled up and down the river by canoe, while at the same time producing paths alongside. Early settlers used both these paths and the river to get to the Willamette Valley. Getting a covered wagon down these paths was impossible, so they constructed a “highway” around the south side of Mount Hood.

The first road, a portion only, was carved out in the 1870s. A complete highway was thought to be impossible to build. Ten years later, a railroad running from Cascade Locks to Portland was built.

The author introduces us to Sam Hill, a Harvard-trained lawyer who worked for a number of companies over his lifetime. His travels to the West got him interested in the Good Roads movement, particularly in Washington State. In 1907, he built a home high above the river and named it Maryhill, and it still sits there proudly today.

Another Sam, Samuel Lancaster, had overcome polio to become an outstanding engineer, who was also interested in the Good Roads movement. He gained a national reputation for his work and Sam Hill invited him to Washington to work for him.

Ms. Willis introduces us to a host of individuals who had become the movers and shakers of their professions, some names still well known today in Washington and Oregon: Meier, Wemme, Bowlby and Yeon. These men were interested in transportation, logging and building roads. The teen years of the 20th Century saw these men coming together and excavating the land along the river and up the hills, building a highway of short segments at a time.

Much of the work was experimental – building machines to construct the roads, creating a dam and construction materials. The road seemed to be built by and for the rich, but as Henry Ford began mass producing his cars and the public began buying them, they wanted roads on which to drive their new tin lizzies.

This new highway had to be chiseled out of the rock, bridges had to be built over the ravines, waterfalls had to be skirted, and coping with the weather was necessary – and all of this with the rudimentary machines of the time. Today, racing down the four-lane highway, it is hard to imagine the ingenuity it took to build this highway along the river.

Peg Willis has given us a treasure, a book filled with detail and photos, one to be read over and over. She has made history come alive with her excellent writing. Highly recommended.

Willis, Peg. Building the Columbia River Highway: They Said it Couldn’t be Done.

Charleston, SC: The History Press, 2014. 1st edition. 187 pages. ISBN 9781626192713. $19.99.

Photo by Lori Kimbel

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FORESTS

Pacific Northwest Region Wins National “Engaging Urban America” Award

Through five year of strategic Regional

“It’s all about the kids,” emphasized investment and nine national forests, YES! has Team Lead Shandra Terry upon accepting the engaged 150,000 youth and families, 65% of Forest Service Chief ’s Honor Award for “Enthem from minority populations. These forgaging Urban America.” The Region 6 Youth est-level programs are designed to provide a Engagement Strategy (YES!) was recognized spectrum of engagement and to ensure intenon December 3, 2015 for winning the National sive, immersive, and cumulative experiences Award, the agency’s highest level of recognifor participating youth. tion.

The YES! program relies on local

“It is my privilege to congratulate Shan- partners to help accomplish program objecdra Terry, Shoni Pilip-Florea and other Forest tives. Region 6 implements YES! on national staff members for being selected as awardees forests that are primed to explore new ways of under the “Engaging Urban America” cateworking with partners, and are committed to gory for their efforts with the Region 6 Youth providing a continuum of learning experiences Engagement Strategy (YES!),” said Regional to youth. These forests reach non-traditional Forester Jim Peña. “By working with partners, and underrepresented audiences in a new way, the Region is better able to reach non-tradibeyond the traditional county fair or the onetional and underrepresented audiences. I thank time bus ride to a national forest campground. all of you, and your employees for contributing The nine YES! National forests to date are to the success of this regional program.” the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie, Umatilla, FreForest leadership accepts Chief ’s Honor mont-Winema, Gifford Pinchot, Columbia Award.

Join the Forest Service!

Agency Hiring for Temporary Spring and Summer Positions

To read the extended digital version of The Gorge Business News scan the QR Code to the right with a QR Code reader on your smart phone.

T

Hawk M2M www.hawkm2m.com

Basche-Sage Place 2101 Main Street Suite 222 Baker City, OR 97814 Orrin Bigelow



208-249-7527



River Gorge National Scenic Area, Mt. Hood, Willamette, Deschutes and Olympic. They apply these funds toward high-leverage partnerships with businesses, schools, Tribes, state and local governments, non-profits, and community organizations. The many partnerships deliver a wide array of programs that connect youth to national forests – near and far – and to natural spaces in their own neighborhoods.

The USDA Forest Service Chief ’s Honor Awards recognize exemplary achievements in meeting specific long-term outcomes, concrete objectives, and performance measures associated with strategic goals and the Agency’s mission.

The Pacific Northwest Region consists of 16 National Forests, 59 District Offices, a National Scenic Area, and a National Grassland. These management units comprise 24.7 million acres in Oregon and Washington and employ approximately 3,550 employees.

orrin@hawkm2m.com

Connect your most valuable assets to the Internet of Things Page 38

he U.S. Forest Service is gearing up for another

round of temporary hiring. From November 30 – December 7, 2015, the agency will be accepting applications for over 1,000 temporary spring and summer jobs in Oregon and Washington.

Positions are available in multiple fields, including fire, recreation, natural resources, timber, engineering, visitor services, and archaeology.

“Seasonal employment with the Forest Service is a great way to give back to communities, learn new skills, and perform meaningful work,” said Regional Forester Jim Peña. “If you are interested in working with a dedicated team of people who take pride in managing our national forests, we encourage you to consider joining the Forest Service.”

Applications must be submitted on www.USAJOBS.gov between November 30 – December 7, 2015. Interested applicants are encouraged to create a profile on USAJOBS in advance to save time once the hiring process begins. The Forest Service will be contacting potential candidates about jobs between February 15 - March 4, 2016.

More information about temporary employment in the Forest Service’s Pacific Northwest Region can be found at www. fs.usda.gov/main/r6/jobs.

The Forest Service is an equal opportunity employer. The mission of the Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world.

The Pacific Northwest Region consists of 16 National Forests, 59 District Offices, a National Scenic Area, and a National Grassland comprising 24.7 million acres in Oregon and Washington and employing approximately 3,550 people. To learn more about the U.S. Forest Service in the Pacific Northwest, please visitwww.fs.usda.gov/r6.

ROADS

U.S. Forest Service Release Road System Analysis Reports T

he U.S. Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region released 17 travel analysis reports this week that outline existing road systems and identify opportunities to achieve a more sustainable system of roads for each national forest in the Pacific Northwest. These travel analysis reports are part of nationwide requirement involving national forests across the country.

These reports are not decision documents—instead, they provide an analysis of where the existing road system is today. All future proposed actions and decisions will involve further opportunities for public input and engagement at the project level under national environmental policy act processes, according to guidance issued by Regional Forester Jim Peña to all national forests.

“The release of these travel analysis reports is a critical step to ensure our future road system investments promote the greatest good for the great number in the long run,” said Peña. “Given the long-term funding expectations, these reports will help the Forest Service strike the right balance between meeting a diversity of access needs while ensuring the health of your forests and streams.”

The reports will inform future decisions on where and how to invest limited resources on building new roads, managing current roads, or decommissioning old roads.

Travel analysis reports identify roads “likely needed” and “likely not needed” in the future,

as well as opportunities to change road operation and maintenance strategies, decommission, convert to other use, or add to the system.

As part of a national travel management process, the Forest Service is working to achieve a financially and ecologically sustainable road system that meets access needs, minimizes adverse environmental impacts, and reflects long-term funding expectations.

Through a variety of processes, national forests have worked closely with the public and stakeholder groups to collect information and feedback about social, economic, and ecological concerns and impacts around forest road systems. For many national forests, this is the first time they have looked at their entire road system in a comprehensive way.

The Forest Service manages approximately 90,000 miles of roads in Oregon and Washington that must be maintained to provide safe public and administrative access for a variety of uses, including recreation, fire suppression, commercial activities, forest restoration, and other management purposes.

It is a challenge to maintain all roads to proper safety and environmental standards due to increased use, aging infrastructure, and decreasing budgets. Many roads, built between 1950 and 1990, have exceeded their designed lifespan and require costly repairs. Unmaintained roads and infrastructure can impact water quality and wildlife habitat, especially fish-bearing streams. Backlog maintenance

projects top $1.2 billion, and funds available for road maintenance each year are only about 15% of what is needed to fully maintain the current road system.

Of the 90,000 miles of Forest Service roads in Oregon and Washington, about 2/3 of those are currently open and maintained for both public and administrative purposes. The other 1/3 of the current road system is managed for specific project uses. These roads are opened during project activities, and closed and put in storage between uses.

The travel analysis reports indicate that about 12% of the overall road system is “likely not needed” for resource management purposes in the future. However, the majority of roads in this category are part of the closed and stored road system. Only about 20% (approximately 2,000 miles) of the roads shown as “likely not needed” in the travel analysis reports come from the group of roads that are currently open to the public.

Travel analysis reports for individual national forests in Oregon and Washington can be found here.

The Pacific Northwest Region consists of 16 National Forests, 59 District Offices, a National Scenic Area, and a National Grassland comprising 24.7 million acres in Oregon and Washington and employing approximately 3,550 people. To learn more about the U.S. Forest Service in the Pacific Northwest, please visit www.fs.usda.gov/r6

Columbia Gorge Roads and Bridges in Final Transportation Agreement

U.S. Rep. Greg Walden (R-Hood River) announced that he has secured language in the final congressional transportation agreement to help improve roads and bridges in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area (NSA). The long-term, bipartisan transportation agreement between the Senate and the House reauthorizes and reforms federal highway, transit, and highway safety programs. It is expected to be passed by both chambers in the coming days.

“Residents and visitors alike depend on efficient and safe transportation in the Columbia Gorge. The federal government must recognize that unique areas like the Gorge should be eligible for transportation projects to replace crumbling roads and bridges. Last month, the House unanimously passed our bipartisan proposal to do just that, and I worked hard to include it in the final House and Senate transportation agreement. When this proposal becomes law soon, it will be a win for Gorge residents, visitors, and our local economy,” Walden said.

Last month, Walden worked closely with Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Portland) and

Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-Camas) to include language in the House transportation bill that ensures that projects within NSA’s, including the Columbia River Gorge NSA, are eligible for federal transportation grants to help them serve the needs of their local economies, residents, and visitors. Walden then led a letter, signed by seven other Northwest Senators and Representatives, urging negotiators in the House and the Senate to include the language in the final agreement. For a copy of that letter, please click here.

During debate on the House floor last month, Walden urged his colleagues to recognize the importance of transportation projects in federal scenic areas. “While scenic areas like the Columbia Gorge provide tourist opportunities to thousands of visiting Americans from all across the country, this unique federal involvement provides distinct challenges in promoting growth of the local economy while conserving the natural beauty of the lands within the Gorge. Transportation infrastructure is an essential component to efficiently serve the interests of both local residents and visitors to the Scenic Area, and there is a strong

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need for regional transportation planning and improvement to major transportation elements,” Walden said. “Clarifying the eligibility of Scenic Areas throughout the nation for transportation grant funding would help ensure these areas are eligible for meaningful funding opportunities to enhance infrastructure within these unique federally managed areas.”

There are currently 12 NSA’s in eight states across the nation, including the Columbia Gorge NSA—the largest in the country.

The Columbia River Gorge NSA consists of 292,500 acres along 85 miles of the Columbia River. Ninety percent of the total NSA is subject to strict land use and development restrictions, which has posed a distinct challenge to promoting the local economy, while providing opportunities for tourists to visit from around the country, and conserving the natural beauty of the Columbia Gorge.

The Gorge has major transportation elements like the Hood River Bridge and the Bridge of the Gods. While approximately 5.2 million vehicles and $110 million in goods travel across these bridges each year, they are in need of major improvements.

SAVING MONEY

Energy Trust Helps Oregonians Prepare for Darker Days and Longer New online tool shows how to make the switch to energy-efficient lighting

regonians rely more on light bulbs to keep homescozy and bright during the dark days and long nights of winter. Residents can replace their outdated incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient LED lighting to save energy and money all season long, and Energy Trust of Oregon can help light the way to lower utility bills with a new online lighting tool.

In order to help customers navigate the lighting aisle more easily, Energy Trust designed an online tool to help customers buy the right bulbs for their fixtures. Whether at home or in the store, consumers can go to www.energytrust.org/ lightbulb.

The interactive tool helps consumers pick

O

the right ENERGY STAR® LED or compact fluorescent light bulb, CFL, for all of the rooms in their home. From pendant lights to bathroom vanities, the tool recommends the right bulb shape and lumens, a measure of brightness, to fit any fixture.

“New LEDs can illuminate your home with the same warm light as traditional lighting, while using less than a quarter of the energy,” said Lizzie Rubado, senior project manager, Energy Trust. “Shorter days are right around the corner, and LED lighting is steadily becoming more affordable, so this is a great time to make the switch and start saving money.”

Because lighting accounts for nearly 20 percent of a home’s electricity use, switching to energy efficient light bulbs can be one of the most effective energy improvements for the home. One LED can use up to 85 percent less energy than a standard bulb and save up to $80 over its lifetime.

Energy-efficient LEDs and CFLs are available at discount prices at local retailers.

Discounts are provided by Energy Trust and are automatically included in the shelf price, so shoppers do not need a coupon.

Energy Trust of Oregon is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to helping utility customers benefit from saving energy and generating renewable power. Our services, cash incentives and energy solutions have helped participating customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural and Cascade Natural Gas save $1.9 billion on energy bills.

Our work helps keep energy costs as low as possible, creates jobs and builds a sustainable energy future. Learn more at www.energytrust. org or call 1-866-368-7878.

GREETINGS FROM THE STATE OF SELF RELIANCE Installing solar is a great way to turn your rays into watts and your watts into cash. Energy Trust of Oregon can connect you with a solar contractor for an estimate and put you on the path to generating your own power.

We’ve helped thousands of businesses and homeowners save money with solar. You’re next.

+Get more from your energy.

Visit www.energytrust.org/solar or call us at 1.866.368.7878.

Serving customers of Portland General Electric and Pacific Power.

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Eastern Oregon’s Signature Event, The Pendleton Round - Up, Earns Large Outdoor Rodeo of the Year at NFR

2015 Pendleton Round-Up Action!

Round-Up. “Each and every job played

By Lori Kimbel a role in the Round-Up receiving such a great honor! I hope that the entire

On a snowy winter night in community can share in the excitement, December a large group of people it truly is an award for everyone and a braved the blustery weather to gather at great statement of city’s efforts.” the Roy Raley Room at the Pendleton

In addition to the Large Outdoor Round-Up Grounds to celebrate the Rodeo of the Year Award, in October amazing year the Pendleton Round-Up the Round-Up also received the Remuexperienced. da Award, which is given to the rodeo

The culmination of the year came with the best and most consistent rough at this year’s Professional Rodeo Cow- stock. boys Association (PRCA) National Fi Pendleton Round-Up favorites nals Rodeo (NFR) in Las Vegas, where also had a great showing at the NFR. the Round-Up Bullfighter, received the PRCA Dusty TuckLarge Outdoor ness, won Rodeo of the Year the BullAward. fighter of the

“The Large Year Award.

Outdoor Rodeo of While roYear is a testament deo clown, to the hard work Justin Rumof our hundreds of ford, won volunteers as well the Coors as the hospitality Man in the of our great City!” said Tiah DeGrofft, Can Award, as well as the Clown of the Sponsors Director of the Pendleton Year.

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Photo by Lori Kimbel

Bryson Bronson and the paint horse, Chinook displayed the American Flag during the national anthem before the NFR’s Saturday night competition. The popular duo represented the Happy Canyon, which will be celebrating its 100th year in 2016, as well as the Pendleton Roundup.

EASTERN OREGON’S SIGNATURE

Pendleton Round-Up Association Installs Four New Directors to the Official Board the 2016 Programs and Ushers

The Pendleton Round-Up Director. Burnside is employed Association has installed four new as the Fire Chief for the ConDirectors to the Official Board of this federated Tribes of the Uma105 year old iconic Oregon event. tilla Indian Reservation, where The new directors join a sixteen he previously has served as member board with wide-ranging Vice Chairman of the Tribal separate assignments encompassing Board of Trustees. He has been responsibilities from publicity to hay an active lifetime community and barns. volunteer, currently serving

New director Tiah DeGrofft on the boards of the Rollin will be the 2016 Sponsors Director.

Schimmel Memorial WresShe has a notable history of organiztling Foundation, the Happy ing and promoting sporting events, Canyon Foundation (Vice including working with Oregon President), and the WashingSports Authority, Peter Jacobsen ton Cutting Horse Association Rob Burnside, Dr. Brad Adams, Tiah DeGrofft, and Tim Bennett (left to right) Productions, as well as former owner, Board. His Round-Up partici2001. He is certified in Advanced fifteen alongside his father.

Vice President of Client Relations for pation began at the age of five

For the last three years he Eident Sports Marketing in Provimonths old, when he was carried into Cardiac Life Support and Advanced Trauma Life Support. He is a memhas volunteered to assist with Rounddence, Rhode Island. She is currently the arena to dance in regalia. Since ber of the American Academy of Up’s Security. He has also covered employed as Community Relations that time he has moved cattle, water Orthopedics, and Orthopedic Trauma night shifts as a Umatilla County Administrator for Wildhorse Founand fed livestock, untied calves and Reserve Deputy for twenty-five dation, Pendleton, Oregon. DeGrofft steers for slack, been a dignitary tour Association. He has worked fifteen years on the Pendleton Round-Up’s years. “It will be an honor to serve has extensive involveguide, installed arena medical team, assisting both competthe Round-Up Board,” said Bennett. ment in the Round-Up, signage, and served

“The Round-Up itors and patrons.

He looks forward “The tourism dollars brought in to including Grand Entry eight years as a Happy is only possible due to to strengthening the relationship my hometown are vitally importrides in 1999 as RoundCanyon Director. “I the efforts of over 1,000 between the rodeo and communiant to the community that raised Up Princess, and 2001 believe in honoring volunteers. To be a volunme.” as Round-Up Queen. the history and culture ty health care providers. “I think teer for nearly 40 years and Round-Up has evolved Pendleton Round-Up She has painted, cleaned of the old west.” said

“I am overbe elected to serve on the Directors may serve stock pens, driven Burnside, “and Round- from a local get-together whelmed in the best board is truly an honor.” in the fall, to a major two four-year terms. shuttles, and saddled-up Up honors both the possible way!

It is simply Tim Bennett sporting event that is This year retiring countless horses for their Indian and Cowboy an honor for me! I am critical to many of our Pendleton Round“victory lap” by Roundway of life. It brings humbled that I can follow Up Directors include town’s businesses,” statUp Champions. In 2015 she served as thousands of people to our town and ed Adams. “It provides in my dad’s footsteps. I Troy LeGore (Room President of the Pendleton Round-Up is both a portrayal of our regional think he would be very 17/Medical), Tygh and Happy Canyon Hall of Fame. history and source of revenue for our a sense of identity for proud and that just brings Pendleton.”

Campbell (Competitive “Being born and raised in Pendlecommunity.” a smile to my face….and Events), John Trumbo

Tim Bennett, of ton, I have a vested interest,” De Dr. Bradley Adams joins the Walla Walla, Washing- a lot of tears to my eyes. (Security), and ten-year Grofft stated. “The betterment of the Round-Up Board as the 2016 Room ton, will take over as the It has been more emoRound-Up Board vetPendleton Round-Up is vital to our 17/Medical Director. Dr. Adams’ tional than I anticipated!

2016 Security Director. eran and 2015 Assocommunity’s success.” joined the Eastern Oregon OrthoRound-Up has been a part ciation President, Bill Bennett is employed

Rob Burnside will serve as pedic Surgery & Fracture Clinic in of my life for my entire as the Public CommuQuesenberry. life.” nications Officer for Pendleton Round Tiah DeGrofft the Walla Walla Police Up began in 1910 as Department. His career “an exhibition of fronhas provided many community sertier past-times.” Since that time it vice opportunities, including DARE has continued as America’s classic officer, serving as a board member of presentation of rodeo and authentic the Walla Walla Crime Watch, Wash- western lifestyle. Contestants comington Council of Police and Sheriffs pete on a unique grass infield and (Executive Board), and the local ride from historic colorful wooden SWAT Team’s Crisis Negotiations bucking chutes. Always held during Unit. “I still consider Pendleton my the second full week of September, home,” reflected Bennett, “although I the 106th Pendleton Round-Up will moved away to start my career.” His be held September 14 – 17, 2016, Round-Up connection is a long one, in Pendleton Oregon. More event including working the Arena Fence information is available at pendletonCrew for 35 years, beginning at age roundup.com

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EVENT: THE PENDLETON ROUND-UP Pendleton Round-Up Announces 2016 Queen & Court QUEEN KYLIE WILLIS

Queen Kylie will reign over the 106th Pendleton Round-Up. She is the 20 year old daughter of Craig and Candi Willis of Enterprise, Oregon. A graduate of Enterprise High School, Kylie is now a Dean’s List student at Lewis-Clark State College, Lewiston, Idaho where she studies business management. Queen Kylie represents a long line of family that has been involved in the Pendleton Round-Up since the 1950’s including her great-grandfather Harley Tucker who was a stock contractor, her great grandmother Bonnie Tucker, rodeo secretary for a number of years, her grandmother, two aunts, a cousin and her mother all being past princesses. Kylie has been riding horses for 16 years, was Queen of the 2012 Chief Joseph Days rodeo and a 2014 Pendleton Round-Up Princess. “I love Round-Up and all it stands for.” said Kylie “I am passionate about rodeo and what it represents.

It’s the western lifestyle and people that live it motivate me.”

PRINCESS MARLENE BODMER

Princess Marlene is the 19 year old daughter of Berk Davis, Adams, Oregon and Twain Josephson, Meridian, Idaho. A graduate of Pendleton High School Princess Marlene is currently attending Blue Mountain Community College studying agriculture education. Princess Marlene has continued her family’s legacy following in the footsteps of a sister and cousin who served on past courts and has volunteered her time as a pennant bearer and was a grand entry flag bearer in 2015. Marlene has been riding horses all her life and participated in high school rodeo and participates currently in jackpot roping and barrel racing. Describing her upcoming participation on the court Princess Marlene said, “Family, legacy, community spirit, these four attributes are what the Pendleton Round-Up means to me.”

PRINCESS MAKENZI HUGHES

Princess Makenzi is the 18 year old daughter of Kevin and Angie Hughes of Heppner, Oregon. A graduate of Heppner High School she now attends Blue Mountain Community College studying agriculture education.

Makenzi’s sister Jessica was a Pendleton Round-Up Princess in 2012. Makenzi has been riding horses all her life and this experience is accented by her active involvement in Future Farmers of America serving in leadership positions and 4H winning several awards including many in beef showmanship. “I plan to make the Pendleton Round-Up proud” said Princess Makenzi of her placement on the court, “by representing them as a cowgirl, ambassador for their town, and the community.”

PRINCESS ASHLEY MOORE

Princess Ashely, age 20, is the daughter of Brian and Arlene Moore of Hermiston, Oregon. A graduate of Hermiston High School she now attends Oregon State University making the honor roll in 2014 and 2015. Her volunteer experience for Round-Up week includes assisting in the Children’s Rodeo and as a participant in the Happy Canyon Indian Pageant. Concentrating on riding horses over the last 8 years Princess Ashely has successfully participated in a variety of horsemanship show classes and trained a 3 year old gelding into a finished show horse. “It is an honor” said Ashely “to have the opportunity to commit my time, horsemanship, and passion for the community as a 2016 Pendleton Round-Up Court member.”

PRINCESS ELIZA WAGNER

Princess Eliza, age 19, is the daughter of Mike and Diane Wagner of the Pendleton, Oregon. She is a graduate of Pendleton High School and is currently studying pre-medicine at Oregon State University. Princess Eliza has been volunteering for the Pendleton Round-Up for more than 10 years helping out as an usher, pennant bearer, and most recently in the gift shop and office. Her riding experience started at an early age showing in several classes of 4H horsemanship and most recently as a member of the Oregon High School Equestrian Team. “I will do my best as a 2016 Court member” Eliza said “to showcase the Pendleton Round-Up and all that it has to give to the community.”

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ART

Pioneer Square Building Sold for Arts Hub

the creative class as its beneficiary as well as its catalyst. To end, we also foster connections between, and promote

Amidst stories of artists and small businesses being that the interdependent prosperity of, artists and other neighboroutpriced and displaced out of the popular, thriving neighhood businesses and institutions. borhoods they helped create, the unlikely alliance of an

Good Arts LLC is a collaboration between four enartist and developer is staking a claim in a corner of Pioneer tities: artist Jane Richlovsky of ‘57 Biscayne and the secSquare to preserve and maintain commercial space for artists ond-floor master lease holder of the building; Greg Smith and arts-related businesses and to promote the cultural and of Urban Visions Real Estate; Steve Coulter, ACT Theatre economic vitality of the neighborhood.

Technical Director; and Cherry Good Arts LLC, headed by

Good Arts LLC has finalized its purchase of the hisCherry Street Coffee House founder Ali Ghambari. toric Scheuerman Block at First and Cherry. The group’s

Plans for the immediate future of the building include name pays homage the “Good Eats” cafeteria that occupied a commercial gallery and adjacent workspaces in one of the the building a century ago, and its goals are described in this currently vacant storefronts, and a pocket craft retail space mission statement: to be added to the second-floor lobby early next year. In late

Given that artists, craftspeople, and creative businesses 2016, construction will begin on Cherry Street Public House form the core of the historical identity of Seattle and, more in the corner and two adjacent storefronts. specifically, Pioneer Square, Good Arts LLC endeavors to

In the longer term, the new owners plan to restore the maintain that identity and promote economic and creative basement to its historic role as a performance space. The vitality through responsible real estate development.

Skid Road Show operated there from 1972 -1982, a jazz club

Our mission is to preserve and expand the presence of during the 1940s, as well as less reputable enterprises (which the creative class in Pioneer Square by responsibly renovatthe owners do not intend to revive). They will retain the ing and operating the historic Scheuermann Building specifisecond floor as affordable workspaces for artists and create cally to supply affordable space for creation, promotion, and additional ones as space becomes available elsewhere in the exhibition of a broad range of artistic endeavors. building.

We believe that economic development should include Page 45

ART

Summer Stock Theater and Fine Art Academy Will Soon be a Reality in Elgin

Philanthropic gift to become summer stock theater and fine arts academy riends of the Opera

House have become the new owners of the former Timbers restaurant in Elgin, which they plan to develop into a Summer stock theater during the summer theater season and a fine arts academy and dinner theater during the fall and winter months.

Located at 831 Alder Street in downtown Elgin, the nearly 7,000 square foot building was gifted to the nonprofit organization

presenting his vision for the building to the city elders. They all agreed that it sounded like a good fit for the building and the Johnson’s wishes. The Johnsons were likewise in favor of the idea.

“We had to cover the cost of the property tax, and that was our only expense in receiving the building,” said Hale. “I have been eyeing this place for the past three years. Every time I passed by that building, I thought of all the things I could use it for—now we have it.”

Though it seems like an unbelievable coincidence, Hale is no stranger to the “dreams do come true” philosophy of life.

“The Friends board of directors are all excited and a little white-eyed about this,” said Hale.

“There’s been a lot of deep breaths

by owners Jack and Judy Johnson in December.

“Jack Johnson called me,” said Ed Botz, one of the city elders and his friend, “and told me he wanted to give the building to an organization in town that had a worthy cause or would in some way benefit the community through its use.”

Botz organized a meeting with a few other city elders to discuss a recommendation, when he happened to mention it to Terry Hale, artistic director for the Elgin Opera House.

Hale asked Botz, “Do you mind if I came to this meeting and made a pitch for the Friends of the Opera House?” Botz readily agreed.

An hour later, Hale was

taken. I’ve had to remind them what the state of the opera house was like when I first arrived. It wasn’t like it is today, when I first got here. It was overwhelming.

There was too much to be done. It was daunting, and we did it one step at a time. We were able to get where we are today, but things don’t happen overnight. We’ll approach this the same way that I approached stepping into the un-remodeled opera house, one step at a time. There is no hurry. Things will come together as they should.”

Hale has been artistically directing the Elgin Opera House productions, marking ten years next November, and the Timbers building will become an extension of what the opera house does now, promote the theatrical arts in North-

By Trish Yerges

F

east Oregon.

Hale has always dreamed of doing a Summer stock theater program in this area, and he envisions calling it “Shooting Star”. A theater that does Summer Stock in rep is one that could be doing three different productions over one weekend. The shows are designed

performers of the future,” said Hale, “and in the summer, we’ll transform the building into a destination entertainment center for our area.”

Hale is confident that both the Summer stock theater and the fine arts academy will be supported here.

Photo by Trish Yerges

In December, Jack and Judy Johnson gifted the “Timbers Building” to the Friends of the Opera House. The nonprofit will clean and remodel it in phases with the goal of using it as a Summer Stock Theater with pre-show entertainment and dinner; and in the winter months, it will become a fine arts academy where students can receive voice, dance and theater lessons. so the sets work together. If someone is in town for the weekend, they can see one to three different productions done by the same 16 actors with perhaps some locals to accentuate a show.

Summer stock theaters typically draw college theater students from across the country to perform three shorter productions during the season. Shows like Forever Plaid, that wouldn’t draw a full house at the opera house will be played at the Summer stock theater instead.

The students will live on site as they stay busy performing.

Hale said the south side of the Timbers building facing Alder Street will be perfect for that use since it is already finished as a restaurant.

“It would make the perfect bunkhouse for Summer stock,” he said. “They have their own entrance, access to the kitchen, bathrooms, everything.”

On the south side of the building, Hale envisions removing some walls to create a large dinner theater space. During the fall and winter months, this space will be used for pre-show productions offered with a catered meal, a prelude of sorts to the full production at the opera house. Then after the opera house production concludes, people will be invited back to the “Shooting Star” dinner theater room for a post-show performance and desserts. It will be a family friendly atmosphere where all can meet and greet the actors.

“So in the fall and winter, we’re training up the actors and

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“One thing I’ve learned over the years is that there is extraordinary untapped potential,” said Hale. “One reason it is untapped, is generally because of family economics. We want to make a place where people from all four counties have access to fine arts training, and those that need help can tap into a robust scholarship program. That will be a big part of what we’re doing here.”

To accomplish this vision, Friends will be reaching out to the community for in-kind donations of skills, labor and craftsmanship.

“When people understand that our mission is to bless and enrich lives, I think they will be willing to step in and help out,” said Hale. “I’ve had the luxury of seeing how introducing the arts to someone who had this talent can be a life-changing event, and that’s what this building is about. It’s about really allowing people the opportunity to explore the talents and gifts they have.”

The Friends wish to thank the Elgin city elders for their recommendation and the Johnsons for this most generous gift.

“The Johnsons’ gift is incredible,” said Hale. “More than anything else, we want to build upon what we’ve done at the opera house. We’ve worked really hard there to create a good image, not just for Elgin but for our whole area, and to provide a service that just wasn’t there anymore, and we want to build on it.”