Umatilla Electric Cooperative shares summertime news

Umatilla Electric earns Four-Star Cooperative recognition

have completed fourth and fifth grades, takes students on field trips and complete hands-on activities and experiments, making it an unforgettable experience.

Umatilla Electric Coopertive is now a nationally recognized Four-Star Service Excellence Cooperative. This recognition is given by Touchstone Energy Cooperative, a national network of over 900 electric cooperatives across the United States. In order to receive the recognition, UEC staff attended a series of trainings focused on service to members and cooperative culture. UEC joins only a handful other electric cooperatives across the nation to receive this recognition.

Hydromania kicks off summer at Umatilla Electric !

Fourth and fifth graders in eastern Oregon are exploring the subjects of science, water, electricity and more as the first of three Hydromania camps kick off summer youth programming for Umatilla Electric. The camp, open to students who

In the first week of camp, students learned from Cody Radant, Journeyman Lineman, about being a line worker, the safety gear required, and demonstrated climbing a power pole. Students also toured inside McNary Dam and learned about the importance of hydropower for the northwest. Camps will continue through the summer with a new group of students starting every other week.

Umatilla Electric invests in re-

Gional Athletics And Recreation

Umatilla Electric is investing in athletics and recreation in the region. On June 7, Brandon

Artz, Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Hermiston, was presented with a check to fund updates to the community’s pickleball courts. Phil Hamm, District 4 Director for UEC was present to award the check and shared enthusiasm for the project.

In addition to this donation, UEC also supported Riverside Jr./Sr. High School with the school’s project to replace all lighting equipment at the football and soccer fields at the athletic campus in Boardman. Weston Putman, Manager of Public Relations, delivered the check to Principal John Christy of Riverside Jr./Sr. High School on June 13.

UEC is proud to support local athletes and citizens as they engage in activities and athletics in our communities.

“Hermiston Parks and Recreation Director, Brandon Artz, accepts a donation from Umatilla Electric Cooperative to improve the city’s pickleball courts.”

“Weston of Riverside Jr./Sr. High School to replace lighting at their football and soccer fields.” Photos contributed.

Boardman Park & Recreation District news:

There have been so many changes at the Boardman Park and Recreation District recently; a new CEO, a new Maintenance Manager, a new facelift on the Howard Baker Pavilion at the Marina Day Use Park, the pool will be starting with swim lessons again in August, a Bilingual Basketball Camp at the Rec Center, and the Farmers Market moved from the Sage Center to the Marina Park.

George Shimer, who retired from the School Resource Officer position with the Boardman Police Department at the end of the school year, took over the reigns as the Chief Executive Officer at the District. Shimer replaced Interim CEO, Lynn Prag, who had been in the position since January.

Shimer is excited to work with local businesses and the community in putting together events which people will enjoy at the facilities.

Brad White, formerly from Taft, California, started as the Maintenance Manager in April.

White stepped into a tough situation with the District due to the water problems this year; none of the pipes were winterized. Pipes all over the park were broken. He and his crew have been working hard to get the damage fixed and turning the grass green again, along with all the other regular maintenance they have to keep up on.

With the help of AWS workers and the Maintenance Staff the Harold Baker Pavilion was repainted white with an accent of bright blue. AWS provided 228-man hours in painting the pavilion as well as the two gazebos in the Day Use Park in Preparation for the 4th of July celebration.

Due to a decision by Red Cross Officials after an internal investigation of how training was being taught, many Lifeguards and Water Safety Instructor certifications were revoked region wide, including those here in Boardman. Earlier this year, the District sent Josh Marquez, the Aquatic Coordinator Apprentice, to become a Lifeguard Instructor Trainer. Marquez then trained our local lifeguards in two sessions. A new class is being prepared for later in August/September.

The District brought in a Water Safety Instructor Trainer from Portland to certify six employees to teach swim lessons. These six will start right away working with Morrow County School District, teaching swimming skills to students who are in the Summer Jump Start Program. Public swimming lessons will be starting up later in the month.

The Rec Center hosted a one-day Bilingual Basketball Camp July 28th. Approximately 75 students attended this free camp. Many sponsors and venders were there as well. The Farmer’s Market has moved to the Marina Park from the Sage Center. The Market meets up on Monday Nights. A new fish grinder has been ordered and should be in place by September. This project is being funded by the Morrow County Unified Recreation District.

A 6-court Pickle Ball Facility is also being funded by the Morrow County Unified Recreation District. This Project is slated to start later this year. So stay tuned in future issues to find out more exciting news at the Boardman Park and Recreation District.