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North Morrow Times March, 2026

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North Morrow

Morrow County commemorates groundbreaking of new courthouse

HEPPNER, Ore. (Feb. 24, 2026) – Morrow County officials, together with local residents and project partners, gathered today to commemorate the groundbreaking of the new Morrow County Courthouse. The 22,000 SF, two-story facility is designed to provide modern judicial and governmental services while honoring the County’s longstanding agricultural and rural heritage.

The County initiated the project after determining that the historic courthouse, while still a significant civic landmark, no longer met operational requirements or state standards for judicial functions. Following a comprehensive evaluation of renovation and expansion alternatives, constructing a new courthouse near the existing facility emerged as the most efficient path forward.

Design Guided by Community Values and Regional Heritage

Morrow County’s rural landscape, agricultural identity, and deep sense of place informed the design approach developed in partnership with DLR Group. Architectural elements draw from local context while establishing a dignified and contemporary civic presence.

“This courthouse is an investment in our future,” said David Sykes, Commission Chair. “I toured this site with the Oregon Supreme Court Chief Justice after I was first elected as commissioner. As we looked at the rolling hills of this location, the Chief Justice said, ‘This is a great place to build the courthouse.’ Three year’s later, this groundbreaking represents an investment of hard work and cooperation that ensures our residents are served with dignity, accessibility, and respect.”

Awards Banquet set for March 11

Boardman, OR — The Boardman Chamber of Commerce invites community members, businesses, and friends to attend the Annual Distinguished Citizens Awards Banquet, now scheduled for Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Please note the updated event date of March 11, 2026. Community members are encouraged to purchase tickets early to secure their seats for this inspiring celebration.

This special evening celebrates outstanding individuals, businesses, and community leaders who help make Boardman a vibrant place to live and work. The event brings together local partners, families, and supporters for a night of recognition, connection, and commu-

nity pride.

Most importantly, all proceeds from the banquet directly support Riverside High School Senior Scholarships , helping invest in the future of our local students as they pursue higher education and career pathways.

Tickets are available now and can be purchased at www.boardmanchamber.org or by contacting the Chamber office at 541-481-3014.

Join us as we celebrate excellence in our community and support the next generation of Riverside Pirates.

For more information, please contact: Boardman Chamber of Commerce, 541-481-3014 info@boardmanchamber.org

The building reflects the scale and material character of the historic courthouse, incorporating gray brick from locally quarried basalt, gabled volumes and a central, grand wooden stair. Courtroom spaces feature mass timber beams and vaulted ceilings. Skylights bring daylight deep into the facility providing a welcoming environment for visitors and staff while supporting safety and security protocols.

Maintaining the courthouse in its historic civic setting reinforces its role as an enduring community anchor and upholds expectations for local access to core government services. Enhancing Judicial and Government Services

The new courthouse is planned to support efficient, accessible, and secure judicial operations. Key program elements include:

A circuit courtroom and associated support spaces including a large jury assembly room, offices for the District Attorney, Court Clerks, Judge and Public Defender, Secure operational functions on the building’s north side, including holding

areas, a vehicle sallyport, a jury deliberation room, and staff entry, A site-responsive design that eliminates the need for a holding elevator by distributing functions across two levels and leverages natural grade changes

A Long-Term Investment in Morrow County’s Future

A feasibility study, completed in collaboration with DLR Group, played a critical role in defining operational requirements and securing funding for the project. The County selected Bouten Construction Co. to deliver the project through the CM/GC method. Construction is anticipated to be completed in summer 2027.

“As we break ground today, we mark both the beginning of construction and the culmination of years of thoughtful planning and community collaboration,” said Lori Coppenrath, Justice+Civic Planning Leader and Principal at DLR Group. “Morrow County’s new courthouse will stand as a testament to civic pride, regional heritage, and the County’s ongoing commitment to accessible, modern justice.”

L-R Commissioner August Peterson, Facilities Supervisor Anthony Clement, Heppner Mayor Corey Sweeney, Commission Chair David Sykes, District Attorney Justin Nelson, Justice of the Peace Glen Diehl, Sheriff John Bowles, Trial Court Administrator Irma Solis, President Judge Eva Temple and Judge Daniel Hill. Photo by Valerie Ballard

9th Annual Daddy Daughter dance welcomed over 200 dads and daughters

Boardman, OR - February 2026 - The Boardman Park and Recreation District’s 9th Annual Daddy Daughter Dance held at the beginning of February, was truly a night to remember! A little more than 200 dads, daughters, and friends gathered at the SAGE Event Center and journeyed ‘down the rabbit hole’ for a Night in Wonderland full of whimsical and wacky activities, music, and dancing! We are

incredibly grateful to our event sponsors — Tidewater Living, Portview Apartments, and the SAGE Center — for helping make this evening possible.

One of the highlights was the tea party–inspired Mad Hatter Hat Bar, where daughters designed their own “mad” creations using butterflies, ribbons, tulle, and feathers. The photo booth donated by Columbia River Health was also a huge hit, giving families the chance to snap silly photos and preserve even more memories from the special night.

The SAGE Center’s brandnew dance floor proved to be the perfect place for dads and daughters to dance and sing along to great music throughout the evening. In one particularly memorable moment, a loose tooth made a surprise appearance mid-song, but thanks to a little teamwork and determination, it was quickly found and safely saved for the tooth fairy!

The event also featured ex-

citing door prize baskets for both girls and dads, generously donated by Columbia River Health, Boardman Foods, Carty Rod & Gun, and Frederickson Farming. We hope the winner of the brand princess new bicycle has a great summer learning to ride!Most of all, we appreciate the families who joined us and brought such joy and energy to the dance floor. The 2026 Daddy Daughter Dance was a shining example of what makes our community so special — coming together to celebrate, connect, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Photos by: Seth Bennet

Heppner celebrates

‘Wee Bit O’ Ireland’

Venture to Heppner, Oregon March 13-15 for their Annual Wee Bit O’ Ireland St. Patrick’s Day Celebration! They have a weekend packed full of fun and

games including a 3-on3 Basketball Tournament, 5K Remembrance Walk/Run, the Cruz-In Car Show, Laser Tag, O’Planky Races, Bed Races, Welly Toss, Road Bowling, The Great Green Parade, Live Entertainment by Blue Mountain Old Time Fiddlers and Chantelle Padden – all the way from Dulin, Ireland! There will be many delicious food and drink options, and fun for the whole family! Check out heppnerchamber.com or Heppner Chamber on Facebook for a list of weekend events!

Philippi-Griggs announced campaign for MC Commissioner

Lifelong Morrow County resident cites community leadership, collaboration, and a commitment to livability

Boardman, OR — Torrie Philippi-Griggs announced today her campaign for Morrow County Commissioner, saying she is running to bring steady, thoughtful leadership to county government and to protect what makes Morrow County a good place to live.

A lifelong Morrow County resident with strong ties to the Boardman community, PhilippiGriggs has spent her career working alongside local families, employers, and community organizations. Through that work, she has seen firsthand how county decisions affect daily life — from roads and public services to working lands and longterm planning.

“Morrow County is a place people care deeply about,” Philippi-Griggs said. “County decisions have real impacts on people’s lives, and those decisions should be made carefully, with transparency, and with respect for the people who live here.”

Philippi-Griggs said her decision to run comes from listen-

ing to neighbors and community members who want county leadership that is accessible, practical, and focused on service rather than politics.

“As commissioner, I want to focus on working with people — residents, cities, agriculture, and local businesses,” she said. “Good leadership starts with

listening, asking questions, and planning ahead without creating unnecessary burdens for the people who already call Morrow County home.” Her priorities include protecting the livability of Morrow County, responsibly managing county resources, supporting agriculture and working lands, planning ahead for infrastructure and public services, and keeping communication open and respectful between county government and residents. Philippi-Griggs kicked off her campaign with a familyfriendly community event on Thursday, February 12, at POM Riverfront Center, 2 Marine Dr NE, Boardman, OR 97818.

The election for Morrow County Commissioner takes place May 19, 2026. More information about the campaign is available at www.VoteTorrie.com.

Boardman Park and Rec District boys and girls basketball wraps up season

The Boardman Park and Recreation District Boys and Girls Youth Basketball season has officially wrapped up, and what an incredible season it was! With eight teams total across 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grade divisions, nearly 100 young athletes took to the court this winter making this the highest participation numbers the program has seen to date.

This successful season would not have been possible without the dedication of our volunteer coaches, who generously gave

their time and leadership to guide these teams. We also extend a sincere thank you to the referees who helped keep games running smoothly and ensured a positive and fair playing environment. And of course, thank you to the parents and families whose support from the sidelines makes youth sports such a meaningful experience for our kids.

We are incredibly proud of the growth of this program and look forward to seeing it continue to expand in the coming

years. Our hope is that these young athletes carry the skills they’ve learned — teamwork, discipline, sportsmanship, and strong work habits — with them as they move on to Riverside Jr./Sr. High School athletics and beyond.

Congratulations as well to the RHS Boys and Girls Varsity basketball teams on outstanding seasons, and to the athletes and coaches who earned league honors — we are proud of you! Go Pirates!

Torrie Philippi-Griggs

BMCC News...

Spring Term Registration is open at Blue Mountain Community College. Students in need of advising or any other assistance are welcome to call or stop by the BMCC Workforce Training Center. Calling for an appointment is always a good idea but walk ins are welcome as well. The Workforce Training Center is open Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm. Follow us on Facebook at Blue Mountain Community College-Workforce Training CenterBoardman.

Electrical Fundamentals for NonElectricians will be offered Spring Term on Tuesday nights with John Fisher. This class is a great way to establish a base of knowledge that will help in many maintenance tech careers with a course that features coursework and hands-on skill building. In addition to being offered as a three-credit college course, a non-credit class is available as well for a reduced price. The class is offered on Tuesday evenings from 4:307:30 pm. Call the center at 541-4812099 for more information

BMCC, the Port of Morrow Workforce Development and the Boardman Chamber are teaming up to offer low cost community computer workshops in English and Spanish starting in mid-March. First on the agenda, Computer Basics for Beginners and Intermediate will be offered followed by sessions focused on Word and Excel. The workshops will be taught over the course of three or four weeks. To reserve a seat, students will be asked to pay $9, a significant reduction from the regular price of $69. The schedule will be shared around town and on our Facebook page which is Blue Mountain Community College-Workforce Training Center-Boardman.

Port of Morrow Workforce Development, the Eastern Oregon Workforce Boardman and BMCC are also teaming up to offer three , one-day Forklift Operator trainings in April, May and June. Each session will have a ten person limit and will involve classroom training and a forklift driving skills test. Applications for the trainings will be available soon. Students must meet certain criteria to qualify for the lowcost training. Watch for details coming soon or call the center for more information.

March means Spring Break and with that, all BMCC locations will be closed the Friday of Spring Break, March 27.

Boardman Fire Rescue District receives grant from the Wildhorse Foundation for helipad

Boardman, Oregon. – Boardman Fire Rescue District will be using the $30,000 dollar grant from the Wildhorse Foundation for air ambulance helipad. Currently, BFRD uses a nearby soccer field to land helicopters, such as, Life Flight. Establishing a helipad at our fire station provides significantly greater year-round reliability than using a soccer field as a landing zone. During winter months, the soccer field can become unusable due to snow accumulation, uneven surfaces, and limited access for snow removal equipment. In contrast, a helipad is a designated emergency landing area that can be quickly and safely cleared of snow by on-duty personnel.

Having a dedicated helipad ensures consistent accessibility for medical evacuation, critical patient transport, and emergency response operations regardless of seasonal conditions. This improves response times, enhances safety, and ensures uninterrupted service to our community when it is needed most. Each year, the Wildhorse Foundation makes grants to eligible nonprofit, government, and Tribal organizations within the homeland area of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla people. Also eligible for funding are Tribal government agencies or Native American charitable

organizations with their base of operations within Oregon, as well as national or regional Indian organizations.

The Wildhorse Foundation has awarded a total of over $19 million in grant funding since its establishment in 2001. Grants are awarded on a quarterly basis with the deadlines being January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1. For more information, visit the Foundation’s website at www.thewildhorsefoundation.com.

Mike Hughes, Fire Chief – “We would like to sincerely thank the Wildhorse Foundation for their generous support in funding our helipad project. Their investment directly enhances our ability to provide rapid, reliable emergency medical access for our community and visitors.

Boardman Fire Rescue District

remains committed to seeking opportunities like this that strengthen our emergency response capabilities and improve life safety. Partnerships such as this make a meaningful and lasting difference in the level of service we are able to provide.” About the Wildhorse Foundation: The fund reflects the commitment of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation to take a proactive, positive role in the well-being of the community. Funds, derived from a percentage of revenues from Wildhorse Resort & Casino, are managed and distributed by a Board of Directors comprised of community leaders and representatives of the CTUIR.

Fire Rescue District

Who we are:

· Full Service pump installation and repair from well to pressure tank or both agriculture and domestic applications.

· A local dealer and installer of the best solar pump package in the market today.

· Installation of pipe lines, cisterns and complete water systems for most applications.

·

· We do well rehabilitation for increased water supply and bacterial

Isom exhibition packs Feves Gallery

PENDLETON, OR — The Feves Gallery at Blue Mountain Community College welcomed an enthusiastic crowd of nearly 200 guests for the opening reception of the Isom Collection: Selected Works from Southeast Asia on Thursday, February 26, 2026. Friends and patrons started arriving early and streamed into the gallery from about 3:30 p.m. until nearly 6:30 p.m. The gallery and surrounding hall filled in celebration of retired U.S. Ambassador and local wheat rancher, Harriet Isom. Her remarkable life’s work is reflected in her art collection, which she thinks of as a journal of her time abroad. The evening showed the strong community interest in a life that spans international diplomacy, service, and the wheat ranch back at home.

Due to the robust turnout, Ambassador Isom delivered her gallery remarks twice during the evening. She shared personal reflections from her 35-year career in the U.S. Foreign Service, along with brief stories and a few humorous anecdotes about how particular pieces entered her collection. Her warmth and insight brought the exhibition to life for

attendees.

The exhibition features artwork and objects from Indonesia, Malaysia, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, reflecting Isom’s years of diplomatic appointments and extensive travels in the region. While her collection spans several parts of the globe, this show focuses specifically on works from Southeast Asia.

Harriet Isom was born in Heppner, Oregon, and graduated from Pendleton High School in 1954. After a long and distinguished international career, she returned home to Eastern Oregon, where she continues to operate Isom Ranch

near Echo. Deeply rooted in the region, she remains actively involved in the Pendleton community and supports a wide range of local social and cultural organizations.

Isom Collection: Selected Works from Southeast Asia is on view at the Feves Gallery through March 12, 2026

The Feves Gallery is open to the public Monday–Thursday, 9:30 am–1:30 pm, and is located in BMCC’s Pioneer Hall on the Pendleton Campus, 2411 NW Carden Avenue.

Admission is always free. For more information, please visit https://bluecc.edu/feves-art-gallery.

Morrow County May election is near

The May 19th Election Day is nearing. The following have filed for the election:

Glen Diehl - Morrow County Justice of Peace; David Sykes,Morrow County Commissioner, Position 3

Kelly Doherty, Morrow County Commissioner, Position 2;

Torrie Philippi-Griggs - Morrow County Commissioner, Position 2; Heather L BaumgartnerMorrow County Commissioner, Position 3; Michael Gorman - Morrow County Assessor Valerie Ballard - Morrow County Commissioner, Position 2.

Deadlines are as follows: March 10, 2026 - Last day for a County Candidate to file for candidacy; March 12, 2026 - Last day for County Candidate to file in the Voters’ Pamphlet; March 13, 2026 - Last day for Withdrawal as a Candidate; March 19, 2026 - County/City/ District measure filing deadline; April 20, 2026 - Out of state ballots mailed April 28, 2026 - Last day to register to vote or change your political party affiliation May 1, 2026 - Ballots mailed to voters May 19, 2026 - Election Day

Riverside March Athletics

Mar. 6, 3:00pm Wrestling: Junior High @Riverside Jr/Sr High School

Mar.7, 9:00am Wrestling: Junior High @Riverside Jr/Sr High School

Mar. 16, 3:00pm Tennis: V @Riverside Jr/Sr High School

Mar. 17, 2:00pm Baseball: V @Riverside Jr/Sr High School

2:00pm Softball: V @Riverside Jr/Sr High School

4:00pm Baseball: V @Riverside Jr/Sr High School

4:00pm Softball: V @Riverside Jr/Sr High School

Mar. 18, 3:00pm Tennis: V @Riverside Jr/Sr High School

Mar. 19, 3:00pm Baseball: V @Riverside Jr/Sr High School

Mar. 21, 10:00am Track: V @College Place High School

Mar. 23, TBD Softball: V @Seaside High School

Mar. 24, TBD Softball: V @Seaside High School

11:00am Baseball: V @Riverside Jr/Sr High School

3:30pm Baseball: V @Riverside Jr/Sr High School

Mar. 25, 10:00am Baseball: V @Riverside Jr/Sr High School

Mar. 30, 3:00pm Tennis: V @Riverside Jr/Sr High School

Mar. 31, 2:00pm Baseball: V @Umatilla High School

2:00pm Softball: V @Umatilla High School

4:00pm Baseball: V @Umatilla High School

4:00pm Softball: V @Umatilla High School

Big thank you to everyone who made Pirate FC season a success

Last indoor pic up games for the littles were February the 13th! Pirate FC would like to thank the parents for their commitment, the coaches for their time, Boardman Parks and Rec District and to SBE & WRE for their continued support to our program. Because of all of you, this season was a success! We appreciate every one of you! Sincerely, Pirate FC

Check out OTLD activities

Join us in Heppner on Saturday, March 14th for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade!

The Irrigon Branch has new phone numbers: 541-922-6255 is the library’s main number and the new Website & Technical Services Department can be reached at 541-922-6389.

Have you heard the expression “In like a lion out like a lamb?” Did you know it is the abbreviated version of “If

the clocks for Daylight Saving Time on the 8th. Where did that come from?

Leprechauns and four-leaf clovers represent the Irish traditions observed on the 17th. Hmmnnn...

The first official day of Spring isn’t until the 20th. Why?

OTLD has books and DVDs about all of that!

The Ides of March is recog-

up for Wowbrary - a weekly email showcasing our new titles for the week!

Crafty Nights @ the Library in March is on Wednesday the 11th at 6 pm in Boardman and Irrigon, and at 5 pm in Heppner. This month’s craft will be Bunny Embroidery. Call your branch or visit our website to reserve your spot now - space is limited. Storytimes will be held on

March comes in like a lion it will go out like a lamb?”

This bit of weather folklore predicts the kind of spring weather you may have in late March according to how the weather appears early in the month.

That is just one ‘old saying’ from The Farmer’s Almanac that we may or may not see evidence of today.

March is the month for quirky celebrations and seasonal changes.

“Spring forward” is the way we remember which way to set

nized on the 15th? What exactly does the meme with the Ceaser dressing and a knife mean? We have a book about that, too!

You can find more information and other fun things to learn about on these notable days in March at the library!

Oregon Trail Library District patrons have access to DVDs, books organized by subject, online crafting classes, and many more resources to bring the festivities and new knowledge home.

For weekly updates on new items available at OTLD, sign

Tuesdays and Fridays at 10:30 am in Heppner; and Fridays at 11 am in Boardman and Irrigon. Come for the stories, stay for the fun!

Irrigon has 4-5-6 Club on the 2nd and 4th Fridays from 2 to 4 pm.

Teen Nights are in Heppner and Irrigon on Fridays from 5 to 7 pm, and in Boardman on Thursdays from 5 to 7 pm. Please visit the calendar page on OTLD’s website for more event and program information.

Adult F iction:

Xero - Vaho

Wild Side - Elsie Silver

Wolfe Trap - Matt Cost

Pachinko - Min Jin Lee

Twice: A Novel - Mitch Albom

All the Little Houses - May Cobb

Part of Your World - Abby Jimenez

The Devil in Oxford - Jess Armstrong

The Favorites: A Novel - Layne Fargo

Not They Who Soar - Amanda Flower

Murder Pays a Call - Nancy J. Cohen

The Girls Who Grew Big - Leila Mottley

Where He Left Me: A Novel - Nicole Baart

The Killer Question: A Novel - Janice Hallett

Hole in the Sky: A Novel - Daniel H. Wilson

Life, and Death, and Giants - Ronald J. Rindo

What Kind of Paradise: A Novel - Janelle Brown

The First Time I Saw Him: A Novel - Laura Dave

The Dragonlover’s Guide to Pern - Jody Lynn Nye

The Infamous Gilberts: A Novel - Angela Tomaski

Iyanu: Child of Wonder Volume Five - Roye Okupe

And Then There Was You: A Novel - Sophie Cousens

Written in My Own Heart’s Blood: A Novel - Diana Gabaldon

The Magic Order Vol. 5 The Death of Cordelia Moonstone - Mark Millar

Adult Non-F iction:

Baking for Two: 200+ Small-Batch Recipes, from Lazy Bakes to Layer Cakes

Disappointing Affirmations: Unfollow Your Dreams!Dave Tarnowski

Sorry in Advance for Making Things Weird: A Disappointing Affirmations Collection - Dave Tarnowski

Playaway:

The Merge - Grace Walker

Clown Town - Mick Herron

The Stolen Heir - Holly Black

The Stolen Queen - Fiona Davis

The Storm: A Novel - Rachel Hawkins

False Witness: A Thriller - Phillip Margolin

My Husband’s Wife: A Novel - Alice Feeney

Meet the Newmans: A Novel, Jennifer Niven

Days at the Torunka Café - Satoshi Yagisawa

Atmosphere: A Love Story - Taylor Jenkins Reid Man, F*ck This House (and Other Disasters) - Brian Asman

Unseen: How I Lost My Vision but Found My VoiceMolly Burke

Library Hours

Tuesday10-6

Wednesday10-6

Thursday10-6

Friday10-6

Saturday10-2

Pastor Andy Hermanns

Boardman

HERE’S MY CARD

CLASSIFIED CLASSIFIED

TH TH TH TH E E NEXT EDITION of the NORTH MORROW TIMES will be in your mailbox: Friday: April 3, 2026

Deadline is March 27, 2026

Mail your entries to: North Morrow Times PO Box 907, Boardman, OR 97818, or E-mail: NorthMTimes@gmail.com

March 2026 Menu

Tuesday Mar. 3

Lasagna

Italian Salad

Garlic Bread

Oreo Icebox Cake

Tuesday March 10

Beef Stew & Veggies

White Rice

Green Salad

Rolls

Peanut Butter Bars

Tuesday Mar. 17

Corn Beef & Cabbage

Potatoes & Carrots

Soda Bread

Pasta Salad

Pistachio Pie

Thursday Mar. 5

Chicken Enchiladas

Mexicn Rice

Beans

Green Salad

Impossible Cake

Thursday Mar. 12

Meatloaf Cordon Bleu

Mashed Potatoes

Broccoli

Chhickpea Salad

Rolls

Brownies

Thursday Mar. 19

Birthday Dinner

Creamy Garlic Chicken

Tuesday Mar. 24

Shrimp Alfredo

Garlic Bread

Pea & Green Salad

Cheese Cake Bars

Tuesday Mar. 31

Tatertot Casserole

Peas & Carrots

Italian Salad

Garlic Bread

Berry Cobbler

Mashed Potatoes & Gravy

Green Beans

Potato Salad

Cake & Ice Cream

Thursday Mar. 26

Ham w/ Sweet

Potatoes

Corn Bell Pepper Salad

Rolls, Corn Brownies

SAGE Center & Event Center receives statewide recognition at Oregon Festivals & Events Association Conference

Boardman, Oregon – The SAGE Center & Event Center is proud to announce statewide recognition received at the annual conference hosted by the Oregon Festivals & Events Association in Seaside, Oregon.

Interim Manager Angel Aguilar and Facility & Event Coordinator Emilio Jaimez attended the conference on behalf of the SAGE team, joining event professionals and community leaders from across the state to celebrate excellence in festivals, events, and community impact.

During the awards ceremony, the SAGE Center was honored with the Impact Award for the annual Morrow County Harvest Festival, recognizing the event’s positive influence on the community and its role in bringing families, businesses, and organizations together each fall.

In addition, the SAGE Event Center received the Fundraising Event of the Year Award for the Rebuilding Hope Dinner & Auction, an event benefiting the Boardman Food Pantry. The award highlights the event’s outstanding community support and meaningful contribution to local families in need. We extend our sincere gratitude to the dedicated event committee members who invested countless hours of planning, coordination, and hard work to make the evening such a tremendous success. Their commitment and passion were instrumental in bringing the community together for this impactful cause.

The SAGE team was also thrilled to celebrate Amazon as Sponsor of the Year, recognizing the company’s generous financial contributions and continued partnership supporting the SAGE Center & Event Center, as well as the Boardman Food Pantry. We would also like to specifically acknowledge Benjamin Harvey, Community Engagement Coordinator for Amazon, for his leadership, collaboration, and ongoing commitment to strengthening community impact through this partnership.

“This conference was not only a wonderful experience for our team, but also a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished through strong

community partnerships and shared commitment,” said Angel Aguilar, Interim Manager of the SAGE Center & Event Center. “These awards truly belong to our sponsors, volunteers, partners, and community members who show up and make these events possible.”

The SAGE Center & Event Center remains committed to creating highquality educational programs, cultural events, and fundraising initiatives that strengthen the Boardman community and the greater Morrow County region. For more information about upcoming events and programs, visit the SAGE Center & Event Center or follow along on social media.

The SAGE Center – Sustainable Agriculture and Energy Center – is an interactive learning museum and visitor destination located in Boardman, Oregon. Operated by the Port of Morrow, the SAGE Center showcases the story of sustainable agriculture, energy production, and industry throughout Morrow County through hands-on exhibits and educational programming.

In addition to the museum, the SAGE Event Center features a 15,000square-foot flexible event venue that hosts conferences, community celebrations, fundraisers, business meetings, trade shows, and cultural events. Together, the SAGE Center & Event Center serve as a hub for education, innovation, and community connection in Eastern Oregon.

Emilio Jaimez (Event Center Coordinator), in the middle is Angel Aguilar (Interim Manager), on the right is Benjamin Har vey (Community Engagement Coordinator with Amazon).

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