North Morrow Times March 1, 2024

North Morrow

Mountain Valley Land has a long history in the Boardman community

Mountain Valley Land Company opened its doors for business in 1965 on Main Street in Joseph, Oregon. With all of the opportunities arising with the relocation of the town of Boardman, Oregon, John Prag moved the company here in the early 1973.

With all of the growth continuing in Boardman and having 5 real estate agents, in 1978

Mr. Prag opted to build a professional building on the corner of S. Main St. and Kinkade Ave., known as “Landmark Square”.

Lee Docken obtained his Oregon Real Estate License in 1985 and joined Mountain Valley Land Company.

John Prag decided to retire in 1990, and having earned his Real Estate Brokers license, Lee purchased the business.

In 1994, the Dockens had the opportunity to purchase the “old grocery store” building on the corner of NW 1st Street and NW Boardman Avenue. It was a full “gut” project which included the addition of 17 windows, new roof, etc. – but with help from family and friends, they turned that eyesore into a professional building which would house Morrow County Health Department; Morrow

County Mental Health; Simmons Insurance Agency, and Mountain Valley Land Company.

At the same time, Lee expanded his business into Gilliam and Wheeler Counties.

After two years, Morrow County approached Lee and wanted to purchase the building at 101 NW Boardman Avenue. So, now the Dockens had to find a new home for Mountain Valley. At that same time, in 1996, John Prag was willing to sell his building, so Mountain Valley Land Company was back at S. Main & Kinkade. The economy slowly improved and Boardman was beginning to grow again.

In 2008, The Dockens were approached by 1st Community Credit Union, who purchased their building. So the search was on for a new home for Mountain Valley Land Company, AGAIN! Then Karen Pettigrew agreed to sell her 2 buildings on NE Columbia Ave – known as “J&D Electric”, So, in 2019, after some renovation, Mountain Valley Land Company relocated to its current address: 491 NE Columbia Ave. They just recently completed a covered storage area there for RVs and plan on adding another.

So, many have asked, when and how did Lee Docken come to live in Boardman? Once upon a time, well March of 1968, to be exact, a Volkswagen carrying 3 Wilson High School Seniors (football players) from Portland, Oregon pulled into Boardman to grab fuel and a burger on their way to Sun Valley for skiing during spring break. The story goes that, as they stood outside the C&D Drive-In looking at a post office, a grocery store, service stations and a lot of sand, one of them stated: “Who on earth would ever live here”? – well, yes, one of those seniors was Lee Docken and 2 years later he would be a permanent resident. Actually, Lee came back that

summer after graduation to assist his family in constructing the first commercial building at the Port of Morrow, which is now known as “Barenburg Seed”. Lee returned to Portland for 2 years to attend college and was also managing a “Kings Table” restaurant. His father contacted him about 80 acres that was for sale in Boardman. Lee has always (even to this day) believed in the growth and opportunities that Boardman had to offer, so up the freeway he came to purchase that land from the Rand family. He moved to Boardman full time in 1970. He worked various jobs, including running a D-8 Cat breaking ground on one of the first farms in the area – now called Three Mile Farms, and then worked with contractor Bill Nelson assisting in the construction of Inland Empire bank building (today Banner Bank building), Sandpiper Apartments and other apartment buildings. In 1974 Lee joined in a partnership with Rik Haberlach and they purchased city property and built the first low-income apartment complex in Morrow County = Hab Doc Apartments – which today is known as Sagecrest Affordable Housing.

Housing was badly needed in Boardman, so the Docken family, including Lee’s parents, Doc and Emma Docken, sons Mark and Eric, decided to build a 129- unit mobile home park on part of the 80 acres Lee had purchased and called it Desert Springs Estates – now known as “Bella Vista Estates”. They also struck a deal with Portland General Electric and built a “man-camp” on the south side of the mobile park to house all of the workers for PGE Coal Fire Plant. That facility was later made into an RV Park, called Driftwood RV Park.

So, how did Pam Docken end up here? Well, marriage, of course. Lee and Pam were married in 1979 – they raised their 2 daughters + 1. Another fact,

Laura, Lisa and Desi were a part of the first students to attend the new Sam Boardman Grade School. Their daughters went off to college, came home and married “local boys” – in fact, 2 of their daughters, 3 of the 4 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren live in the local community and are homeowners, which makes Lee and Pam very happy and proud!

Pam worked various jobs, but her very favorite was Secretary of Riverside High School for 10 years. She will never forget interviewing with Dan Daltoso, principal at the time, and receiving that phone call the next morning, with Mr. Daltoso saying “where are you? It is 10 minutes after start time”? Pam was elated. She met so many wonderful parents, students, and teachers. But, then reality set in and Lee pointed out that Mountain Valley Land Company had sent 3 secretaries to Real Estate school only to have them move out of town due to husbands relocating. So, Pam became a licensed realtor and joined the real estate company full time. This has turned out to be so fulfilling – along with Lee, they have helped many families purchase their first homes, their second homes and even third homes. They have made many great friends along the way.

Lee and Pam have also been active in the communities serv-

ing on the Morrow County Planning Commission, Boardman City Planning, Boardman City Council, Columbia River Health and Boardman Kiwanis. Lee has served on Umatilla Electric Cooperative Board as Director for the Boardman area for 36 years.

Mountain Valley Company also has two full time agents, both longtime residents: Saul Llamas, a Riverside High School alumni who has lived in Boardman for 20+ years and Laurrie Blackman who has lived and raised her family in Irrigon for 20 years. Both have served on various boards and been involved in community activities. There is a lot of experience and knowledge with this local real estate company and they encourage you to stop by 491 NE Columbia Avenue for any questions you may have about real estate and remember: (1) There is no such thing as a stupid question and (2) It does not cost anything to ask questions.

The Docken family feels truly blessed to be a part of this community. For them, it has been and still is a great place to raise your families and to call home. After all, “home is what you make it”, so building and improving your local communities helps insure a good future for all.

Mountain Valley Land Co. is located at 491 NE Columbia Avenue, Boardman, OR

Lee and Pam Docken

North Morrow Times

Co-Editors:

Lynn Prag (541) 571- 3071

Jane Pope (541) 377-6801

Email: NorthMTimes@gmail.com or mail to P. O. Box 907, Boardman, OR 97818

Check us out on the Web:

http://issuu.com/northmorrowtimes

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A monthly free publication for the promotion of community news and service in Boardman and Irrigon. Published on the first Friday of each month; ad and copy deadlines are the previous Friday of each month.

Boardman Park to open new fish cleaning station March 19th

February 2024

The Boardman Park & Recreation District (BPRD) is grateful for the collaboration and cooperation of everyone in helping to serve the community.

The District is a local government district. The District has a bond that is currently costing the taxpayers 34.6 cents per thousand dollars of assessed value. Originally the rate was 97 cents. This Bond was issued for the purpose of paying for the construction of the Recreation Center, not the operations. There is also a loan with the Bank of Eastern Oregon. This loan was taken out to pay off the rest of the construction costs after the bond was set. This year BPRD will make their last payment on that loan.

BPRD is part of the Special Districts Association of Oregon (SDAO). BPRD leans on SDAO for administration guidance, trainings, as well as legal support for the board. BPRD’s local 5-member board is made up of the following people with the year they started in parenthesis: Chair- Krista Price (2007), Vice Chair- John Christy (2021),

Sec/Treasurer David Boor (2020), Norma Ayala (2021), Luis Campos (2023). The board meetings are set for the 4thTuesday of each month, except for December.

BPRD has the best kept secret along the Columbia River for an RV Park. The maintenance crew does a wonderful job of keeping the grounds as green as possible. BPRD’s goal is to provide a safe and beautiful location for guests to come for relaxation and recreation. The RV park is finishing up long term stays for the winter at the end of March. For this next summer season, 50% of the sites are already booked. The holiday weekends are 100% booked.

BPRD is working on the annual budget. There will be three new people on the 5-member budget committee this year.

BPRD is very grateful to receive Columbia River Enterprise Zone (CREZ) funds. As a taxing district, BPRD does not receive as much funds from taxes if the business with the tax abatements would have paid regular taxes. By bringing in these businesses it does bring in

extra revenue which BPRD would not have had. BPRD is able to use the funds from the CREZ to help pay off the bond in lieu of the taxpayers. BPRD also uses the revenue to help fund the operations and programs of the District.

On March 8, BPRD will be hosting a group called Drysiders. The group is made up of Park Special Districts and City Park Departments from Central and Eastern Oregon. Training and legal updates will be shared. Lunch will be catered by Macarios.

The grand opening for the new MCURD sponsored Fish Cleaning Station will be Tuesday, March 19, at 5:30 pm right before BPRD’s board meeting. BPRD would like to invite the community to this celebration.

George Shimer, CEO Boardman Park & Recreation District

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Lowering nitrates in re-used water

A critical part of the Port’s $500 million water re-use system upgrade has been completed. Three anaerobic digesters will treat industrial wastewater from food processors, transforming organic forms of nitrogen and stabilizing wastewater that will be used to irrigate nearby farmland.

Anaerobic digestion is a natural biological process that allows microorganisms to ‘digest’ biodegradable matter in wastewater.

The well-established, low-energy process is the first component of a treatment system that will produce water with nitrate levels below DEQ regulatory thresholds for irrigation in the Lower Umatilla Basin.

After the anaerobic digesters, the Port will install a secondary water treatment facility to further reduce nitrogen and acquire additional farmland to spread the use of treated, lower-nitrate water. The Port will install storage ponds capable of retaining 1.5 billion gallons of treated water when land application is disallowed in winter months.

Andrew ‘Andy’ M. Zook

October 29, 1928 - January 15, 2024

Andrew “Andy” M. Zook was born Oct. 29, 1928,in Allensville, Pennsylvania, to Jacob S. and Fannie (Yoder) Zook. Andy passed away Jan. 15, 2024, at his home in Boardman, Oregon. He was 95 years old.

Andy was the youngest of seven children. He had four older brothers and two older sisters. He graduated from Belleville Consolidated High School in 1947 and came to Oregon with two older brothers in 1949.

Andy worked in the lumber industry for about 10 years, interrupted by a twoyear stint in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. After his discharge, Andy married Audrey Bro in June of 1954 in Sweet Home, Oregon. (Audrey passed away in 2011). They began their family there, before moving to Waterloo, Oregon, and then to Springfield, Oregon. Andy left the lumber industry in 1960 and became a journeyman machinist. He worked in machine shops in Lebanon and Albany, Oregon, before taking a machinist position at the Weyerhaeuser mill in Springfield, Oregon. Andy worked here for 19 years, retiring in 1990.

After retirement, Andy and Audrey moved to Boardman, Oregon, where they became active volunteers with the Boardman Senior Center. He and Audrey also spent many years involved in reenactment events, celebrating the “Mountain Man” era of American history. Andy enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping, especially with his kids and grandkids.

Andy was preceded in death by his parents, his six siblings, a granddaughter and his wife of 54 years. He is survived by his two sons, Mike (Sue), of Boardman; and Tim (Jennie), of Powell Butte, Oregon; four grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at a Boardman Senior Center, 100 Tatone Street, Boardman on March 16th, at 1:00 pm. Please make memorial donations to the Boardman Senior Center.

“An Evening with Sherlock Holmes”

Presented by the RHS Drama Club: March 7, 8, and 9th at 7pm. Matinee March 9th at 1pm.* Riverside Auditorium Tickets are $7 general admission/ $5 students Contact a cast or crew member for presale tickets!

Two students selected to represent Umatilla Electric Cooperative at Youth Tour in Washington D.C.

HERMISTON - Umatilla Electric Cooperative (UEC) is proud to announce that two local high school juniors have been chosen as the delegates for an all-expenses paid trip to Washington D.C. this June. Italy Daltoso of Hermiston, Ore. and Mayte Cisneros of Boardman, Ore. have been chosen to represent UEC on a week long trip to the nation’s capital to celebrate the 2024 National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Youth Tour.

UEC’s 2024 Youth Tour delegates will represent Oregon and the Northwest and will join more than 1,500 other students from across the United States for the once-in-a-lifetime trip. During the trip, Italy and Mayte will visit famous historical sites, meet with Oregon’s congressional leaders, and learn valuable leadership skills.

Italy attends school at Hermiston High School where she is involved in three sports, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), and takes advanced classes. Italy is also active in her community, volunteering at AAU youth tournaments, working in Head Start classrooms, and maintaining a regular work schedule. Italy has been recognized by her peers and supervisors as a recipient of the “YMCA Heart Award” through her sum-

mer job as a YMCA Camp Counselor. After completing high school, she hopes to fulfill her entrepreneurial dreams after studying business or becoming an educator.

Mayte is a junior at Riverside High School in Boardman and participates in Key Club, ASB Leadership, and the Volleyball program. Mayte also actively works through the school year as a Peer Mentor with Community Counseling Solutions. She has volunteered time in her community by stocking books in the “free library” locations around her community, worked as a tutor to help others, and saved many stray animals. In addition to her school and community engagements, Mayte has been recognized multiple times as Student of the Month, Captain of the Month and a Top Pirate, all awards recognizing responsibility, attitude, and leadership. After com-

pleting high school with her honors diploma and associate degree from Blue Mountain Community College, Mayte plans to study at Boise State University to become a Radiology Technician.

Says Robert Echenrode, CEO & GM at UEC, “We are excited to have this opportunity available to the youth in our communities. It’s a program that we hold in high regard at UEC. We are proud of all those who submitted applications and wish to thank all for being standout young adults across our region.”

· Installation of pipe lines, cisterns and complete water systems

024 Washington DC Delegates: “Italy Daltoso (left) and Mayte Cisneros (right) pose with their certificates after learning of their acceptance as Delegates to represent Umatilla Electric Cooperative at the 2024 NRECA Youth Tour in Washington D.C. this June.”

Eastern Oregon Workforce Board (EOWB)

hosts over 70 employers under one roof

The highly anticipated Eastern Oregon Career Expo is back, scheduled to take place on April 3rd at Eastern Oregon University’s La Grande campus. Hosted annually on the first Wednesday of April, this regionally focused event serves as a premier platform for local employers to connect with a diverse pool of jobseekers seeking internships, employment, and career opportunities.

Organized by the EOWB, the Eastern Oregon Career Expo offers exclusive access to the region’s impressive talent pool, providing employers with the opportunity to showcase their industries and engage with potential candidates. This Career Expo is free to attend and open to the pub-

lic. Jobseekers of all experience levels and backgrounds are encouraged to participate and explore the array of opportunities available.

Event Details:

eowb.org/careerexpo

Date: April 3rd

Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Location: EOU’s La Grande Campus Address: Fieldhouse

Don’t miss this chance to connect with top talent and take your organization to new heights.

For more information about the Eastern Oregon Career Expo, please contact the EOWB at:

Eastern Oregon Workforce Board 541.963.3693 info@eowb.org

Rooftop solar presentation brings UEC members, community together to learn

HERMISTON - On Wednesday, Feb. 7, Umatilla Electric Cooperative (UEC) conducted a Solar Presentation and Workshop, the first of its kind hosted by UEC. Energy Efficiency Representatives, Jackie Caldera and Chandra Harvey, presented on rooftop solar, net metering, and its impacts on members’ electric bills. The team also prepped members with questions to ask of installers and factors to consider when determining whether or not solar may be the right fit for their household.

In 2023 alone, UEC’s rooftop solar installations increased by 68%. The solar event was designed as an opportunity to encourage community members to research thoroughly before deciding to install a rooftop array.

In total, UEC welcomed over 60 individuals to the event and was able to engage with the community to answer questions.

Pictured Right: Umatilla Electric’s Manager of Public Relations, Weston Putman, introduces the cooperative’s Energy Efficiency Team, Jackie Caldera and Chandra Harvey, at the beginning of a Solar Presentation Event, the first event of its kind held by the co-op.

James Lee Cross

May

James Lee Cross of Boardman was born May 21, 1951 in Missoula, Montana the son of Gordon and Donna (Bras) Cross. He passed away in Richland, Washington on January 21, 2024 at the age of 72 years.

A Memorial service will be held at 3:00 P.M. Sunday March 24, 2024 at the Boardman Senior Center (100 Tatone Street Boardman, Oregon 97818.

Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.

Boardman SeniorBreakfast

Saturday, March 2 7:30 - 10:30 am

Hash Browns, Eggs, Pancakes, Ham, Sausage, Pancakes

Biscuits & Gravy, Coffee/Juice/Milk

Boardman Senior Center

100 Tatone Street * Boardman

21, 1951 ~ January 21, 2024 (age 72)

Morrow County Wheat Growers elect Jake

Lindsay as new President at annual meeting

Lexington, OR– The Morrow County Wheat Growers convened for their annual meeting on February 8th at the Morrow County Grain Growers conference room, where members gathered to discuss important matters affecting local wheat production. The meeting saw the election of Jake Lindsay as the new county president, succeeding Erin Heideman.

Jake Lindsay, Turner Ranches, brings a legacy of experience and a growing understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing wheat growers in Morrow County. Lindsay expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as president and emphasized his commitment to advancing the interests of local wheat growers.

The meeting featured a lineup of distinguished speakers who shared valuable insights and expertise with attendees. Among the speakers were:

*Jennifer Wilson from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), who provided updates on conservation programs and initiatives aimed at supporting sustainable agriculture.

*Kevin Duling, representing Duling Marketing, offered market analysis and strategic advice to help growers navigate

the complexities of the market.

*Amanda Hoey and Jason Flowers from the Oregon Wheat Growers League discussed legislative developments and advocacy efforts on behalf of wheat growers at the state level.

*Larry Lutcher, OSU County Crop agent, shared research findings and best practices to optimize crop yields and address common challenges faced by growers, especially the potential for stripe rust this year.

The Morrow County Wheat Growers expressed their gratitude to the Morrow County Grain Growers for graciously providing the conference room for the meeting, facilitating a productive and collaborative gathering.

Oregon Trail Library Boardman

New Book List:

Adult Fiction:

16th Seduction - James Patterson

A Council of Dolls: A Novel - Mona Susan Power

Absolution - Alice McDermott,

An Amish Cinderella - Shelley Shepard Gray

Beneath Dark Waters - Karen Rose

Betrayal: A Novel - Phillip Margolin

First Lie Wins - Ashley Elston

Flores and Miss Paula: A Novel - Melissa Rivero

Goodbye Girl - James Grippando

Hero - Thomas Perry

Last Night - Luanne Rice

North Woods: A Novel - Daniel Mason

Only If You’re Lucky: A Novel - Stacy Willingham

The Berry Pickers: A Novel - Amanda Peters

The Burnout: A Novel - Sophie Kinsella,

The Fury - Alex Michaelides

The Librarianist: A Novel - Patrick DeWitt

The Night of the Storm: A Novel - Nishita Parekh

The Waters: A Novel - Bonnie Jo Campbell

The Witch Is Back - Sophie H. Morgan

The Woman Who Inherited Trouble - C. K. Crigger

There Should Have Been Eight - Nalini Singh

Tom Lake: A Novel - Ann Patchett

True North: A Novel - Andrew J. Graff,

Two Dead Wives - Adele Parks

Library Hours

SundayClosed

MondayClosed

Tuesday10-6

Wednesday 10-6

Thursday10-6

Friday10-6

Saturday Closed

Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands: A Novel - Heather Fawcett

The Covenant of Water: A Novel - Abraham Verghese

The Curse of Penryth Hall: A Mystery - Jess Armstrong

The Curse of Pietro Houdini: A Novel - Derek B. Miller

The Frontier Overland Company - William W. Johnstone

Tom Clancy Command and Control - Marc Cameron

The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store - James McBride

Adult Non-Fiction:

For more information about

the Oregon Wheat Growers League and upcoming events, please visit www.owgl.com.

Oregon Senate Candidate Todd Nash to host

forum at Double M Ranch in Stanfield

Todd Nash, Oregon State Senate candidate to meet public meet and great March 6th.

Oregon State Senate candidate Todd Nash will be hosting a public meet and greet on Wednesday, March 6, at the Double M Ranch in Stanfield. The event is scheduled to take place from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

With the upcoming primary election drawing near, Todd Nash, a Republican candidate vying for the position of state senator, is eager to engage with constituents, address their concerns, and share his vision for the future of Oregon. The meet and greet will provide an opportunity for voters to directly interact with Nash, ask questions, and learn more about his platform and policies.

“I am excited to meet with the residents of Umatilla and Morrow counties and at the Double M Ranch,” said Todd Nash. “This meet and greet is an excellent opportunity for me to listen to your concerns, earn your trust, and discuss how I can best represent you as your next Republican state senator in Salem.”

Nash, a dedicated public servant and advocate for the community, is committed to bringing positive change to Oregon. His campaign focuses on issues such as economic growth, education, healthcare, and public safety, aiming to create a brighter future for all Oregonians

Calm Your Mind with Food: A Revolutionary Guide to Controlling

Your Anxiety - Uma Naidoo

Liliana’s Invincible Summer: A Sister’s Search for Justice - Cristina Rivera Garza

More is More: Get Loose in the Kitchen - Molly Baz

My Name is Barbra - Barbra Streisand

Sam’s Eats: Let’s Do Some Cooking - Sam Way

The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year - Margaret Renkl

Great Falls, MT: Fast Times, Post-Punk Weirdos, and A Tale of Coming Home Again - Reggie Watts

Gut Check: Unleash the Power of Your Microbiome to Reverse Disease and Transform Your Mental, Physical, and Emotional HealthSteven R. Gundry,

I Survived Capitalism and All I Got Was This Lousy T-shirt: Everything I Wish I Never Had to Learn About Money - Madeline Pendleton

The Boardman and Irrigon Branches will be closed Saturday, March 16th for the Heppner St. Patrick’s Day Celebration. March’s Crafty Nights @ the Library’s registration is open. This month’s craft will be a Wood Barn Quilt Decoration. Visit our website or call your branch to register.

Pre-school Storytimes are on Tuesdays @ 11 am in Heppner and Boardman, and on Fridays in Irrigon at 11 am. Register for a free Resume Reboot Workshop sponsored by Brainfuse JobNow on March 27th. Find all the details at otld.org.

Oregon Wheat Growers League, Amanda Hoey (left) and Oregon Wheat Growers League Vice President, Erin Heideman (right), flank incoming Morrow County Wheat Growers President, Jake Lindsay.

Riverside Jr/Sr March Athletics

March 2, 9:00am, Wrestling: Junior High, Regional, RHS

March 9, 9:00am, Wrestling: Junior High, @Woodburn

March 12, 3:00pm, Tennis: V @ RHS

4:00pm, Softball: V, @Irrigon

March 14, 4:00pm, Track: V, @Ontario

March 15, TBD, Golf: V, @The Dalles country club

11:00am, Baseball: V, Pilot Rock

11:00am, Softball: V Pilot Rock

1:00pm, Baseball: V Pilot Rock

1:00pm, Softball: V Pilot Rock

3:00pm, Tennis: V Condon @ RHS

March 16, 12:00pm, Baseball: V Catlin Gabel @ RHS

2:00pm, Baseball: V Catlin Gabel @ RHS

March 19, TBD, Golf: V TBD @Birch Creek golf Course

3:00pm, Tennis: V Sherman County @ RHS

4:00pm, Softball: V @Heppner

March 21, 3:00pm, Tennis: V Stanfield @ RHS

3:30pm, Track: V @Hermiston

March 22 , TBD, Golf: V @Echo Hills golf Course

TBD, Track: V TBD @ RHS

12:00pm, Baseball: V Irrigon @ RHS

12:00pm, Softball: V Irrigon @ RHS

2:00pm, Baseball: V Irrigon @ RHS

2:00pm, Softball: V Irrigon @ RHS

March 23, 12:00pm, Baseball: V Columbia White Salmon @ RHS

12:00pm, Softball: V Columbia White Salmon @ RHS

March 25, TBD, Baseball: V @Stanfield Secondary

TBD, Baseball: V @Stanfield Secondary

March 26, TBD Baseball: V @Stanfield Secondary

March 30 , 10:00am, Track: V @TBD

Riverside FFA competes at the Blue Mountain FFA District Convention

BY: FFA Chapter Reporter, Alejandra Lopez Corona

There’s nothing better than a building full of blue and gold, and that’s exactly what the Blue Mountain FFA District Convention was. All chapters in the Blue Mountain FFA District went to participate on January 30th after a weather delay. Each Chapter presented chapter books, which include, Secretary’s Book, Treasurer's Book, Chapter Scrapbook, and Digital Scrapbook. Riverside FFA was awarded first place for its Secretary Book, Treasurer's Book, and Chapter Scrapbook; the digital scrapbook placed fourth. Another contest held during the Blue Mountain FFA District Convention is the Job Interview LDE. In the Job Interview LDE, members do a mock interview in front of a panel of judges. Riverside FFA had four members compete; two in Advanced Job Interview: Samantha W and Mikelle K. And two in Beginning Job Interview: Isabel S and Weston E. District Officer elections were also held at District Convention and we had two members run: Caelyn P. and Samantha W. Caelyn P was elected as the District Treasurer. We are so proud! This year two of our members presented their proficiencies. Will K presented his proficiency in Beef Entrepreneurship and was the top placer in his division. Sam W presented her proficiency in Service Learning and was the top placer in her division. Both members will compete at the Oregon FFA State Convention in March We also had two members prepare and send in a portfolio. Kaylee C placed first in Advanced Portfolio, which qualifies her for the state competition, and Liam H placed third in Advanced Portfolio.

A few days after that members were able to continue their leadership development at Blue Mountain Community College

in Pendleton, where they competed in District LDE Day on February 6th. Multiple contests were held that day and many chapters from the Blue Mountain FFA District attended. The contests held that day were: Parliamentary Procedure, Conduct of Chapter Meetings, Beginning Public Speaking, Sophomore Public Speaking, Prepared Public Speaking, Extemporaneous Public Speaking, and Creed Speaking. In Parliamentary Procedure students are judged based on their ability to conduct a meeting using Parliamentary Procedure. We had one team compete and they placed third. The members that competed in Parli Pro were: Caelyn P who served as the chair, Mikelle K, Samantha W, Kaylee C, Aunika P, and Alejandra C. Conduct of Chapter Meetings introduces younger FFA members to the world of Parliamentary Law. A team of seven members competed in this contest: Eric P, Maddalin L, Isabel S, Ramses T, Izabell H, Megan W, and Weston E. The Conduct of Chapter Meetings team placed fourth. In the Public Speaking events, members compose a speech about an agricultural

topic of their choice at varying lengths and answer questions based on their topic. Maycee S. competed in Beginning Public Speaking, Kaylee C competed in Sophomore Public Speaking and placed first, and Caelyn P competed in Prepared Public Speaking and placed first. In the Creed Speaking LDE presents the FFA Creed to a panel of judges and answers three questions related to it. This year Weston E competed.

Because Kaylee C and Caelyn P both placed first in their contest that meant that they would move on and compete at Sectionals in La Grande, OR February 21st. Caelyn P placed fourth in Prepared Public Speaking. Kaylee C placed second in Sophomore Public Speaking and will be competing at the Oregon FFA State Convention in March. Congratulations Kaylee! The Riverside FFA Chapter is so proud of all our members who competed these past two months. They put in the work and showed off what they could do displaying skills in a multitude of areas! H, Eric P, Maddelin L, Sam W, Caelyn P, Aunika P, Megan W, and

FFA students proudly display their banners. Pictured above are: Isabel S, Mikelle K, Ramses T, Weston E, Izabell H, Eric P, Maddelin L, Sam W, Caelyn P, Aunika P, Megan W, and Alejandra Corona. Photo contributed

Eastern Oregon Workforce Board (EOWB) hosts over 70 employers under one roof at Eastern Oregon Career Expo.

The highly anticipated Eastern Oregon Career Expo is back, scheduled to take place on April 3rd at Eastern Oregon University’s La Grande campus. Hosted annually on the first Wednesday of April, this regionally focused event serves as a premier platform for local employers to connect with a diverse pool of jobseekers seeking internships, employment, and career opportunities.

Organized by the EOWB, the Eastern Oregon Career Expo offers exclusive access to the region’s impressive talent pool, providing employers with the opportunity to showcase their industries

and engage with potential candidates. This Career Expo is free to attend and open to the public. Jobseekers of all experience levels and backgrounds are encouraged to participate and explore the array of opportunities available.

Event Details:

eowb.org/careerexpo

Date: April 3rd

Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Location: Eastern Oregon University’s La Grande Campus

Address: Fieldhouse

Don’t miss this chance to connect with top talent and take your organization to new heights. For more information about the Eastern Oregon Career Expo, please contact the EOWB at: Eastern Oregon Workforce Board 541.963.3693 info@eowb.org

Boardman Senior Center

March Menu

Tuesday March 5

Broccoli Cheddar Soup Salad Bar Bread Sticks Brownies

Tuesday March 12

Chili Cornbread Green Salad

Fruit Crisp

Tuesday March 19

Beans & Ham

Corn Bread

Green Salad

Jello Dessert

Tuesday March 26

Meatball Soup

Pea & Cheese Salad

Rolls

Rice Krispie Treats

Thursday March 7

Chicken Fajitas

Mexican Rice & Beans Green Salad

Cookies

Thursday March 14

Ham Steaks Baked Potatoes Green Beans

Peach Cobbler

Thursday March 21

Birthday Meal

Salsbury Steak

Mashed Potatoes & Gravy

Roasted Baby Carrots

Cake & Ice Cream

Thursday March 28

Beef Enchiladas Rice & Beans

Corn Pudding Dessert

Lunch is $5 for Seniors 55 & Above; $6 for Adults 54 & Under

All are Welcome!

Take-Out Lunches and Catering Available. Call 481-3257

Boardman Senior Center 100 Tatone Street * Boardman

The Community Women’s Club is seeking new members. If you are interested in joining, the next meeting is March 19th at the Irrigon Fire Station at 7:00 pm.

All ladies from Boardman and Irrigon are welcome to attend.

Hope to see you in there!

Irrigon Chamber of Commerce

Cultivating Community

MONTHLY CHAMBER LUNCHEON

Held at the Stokes Landing Senior Center 150 Columbia Lane Irrigon OR 97844

Irrigon Chamber of Commerce invites everyone to attend the second Wednesday of the month - March 13th - for a fabulous lunch of corned beef and cabbage with all the trimmings AND dessert by our renowned chefs Donna and Don Eppenbaugh. Please come members and nonmembers alike!