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About East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 28, 2016)
Wednesday, December 28, 2016 REGION East Oregonian ADAMS Page 3A HERMISTON Fire station to be staffed around the clock beginning March 1 By JAYATI RAMAKRISHNAN East Oregonian The Umatilla County Fire District No. 1 will soon operate 24/7 at its station on Diagonal Road and East Punkin Center. The station, which will start operating full-time on March 1, 2017, will have two paid firefighter/ paramedics and one resident intern at all times, said fire chief Scott Stanton. “The station is 31 years old, but this will be the first time it will be staffed 24/7, 365,” Stanton said. “We tried it before, but we didn’t have the staff.” The increase in hours for the station was made possible when the new district was created earlier this year — the result of a merger between the Hermiston and Stanfield fire departments and the dissolution of those cities’ individual departments. The consolidation, which took effect July 1, resulted in a combined tax rate of $1.75 per $1,000 assessed property value for Hermiston and Stanfield residents. The merger was expected generate about $900,000, which would go toward new staff, replacing vehicles and toward staffing the 24/7 station. Stanton estimated that of those funds, about $625,000 would go toward staffing the station. “That’s built into what we’re already paying for,” he said. He said the inside of the building will need some minor capital improvements, likely totaling around $10,000. “When you put people into a building full time, you need some upgrades,” he said. “There’s no phone or pager system, it needs some computers.” The restructuring of the fire departments began in 2014 with an administrative merger, when Stanfield’s fire chief became the training chief for the Hermiston Fire Department. “We didn’t really gain any people with the administra- tive merger,” Stanton said. “We also took over the trans- portation service in Umatilla, and with that we hired about three.” He said the department has had to hire about six new employees to staff the new station — and those employees will attend fire academy in February. Fire stations operated by the district in Stanfield and on Westland Road west of Hermiston will continue to be used as needed, Stanton said. HERMISTON Photo contributed by the East Umatilla County Rural Fire Protection District Firefighters work to extinguish a fire at a manufac- tured home late Monday, Dec. 26. Pregnancy Care Services rings in new House fire puts year with move, fundraising banquet family out of home East Oregonian Five people were displaced by a house fire in Adams late Monday, including one who was taken to the hospital. The East Umatilla County Rural Fire Protec- tion District responded at 10:18 p.m. to the fire at a double-wide manufactured home at 180 N. College St. According to a press release, the regional fire department and volunteer firefighters from Athena found smoke showing in the living room and the family waiting in the garage for authorities to arrive. Firefighters extin- guished the fire and medics transported a man who was injured in the fire to the hospital. The man’s name and the extent of his inju- ries weren’t immediately available. The Red Cross said in a press release it is helping three adults and two chil- dren affected by the fire. BRIEFLY Quezadas to seek Tai chi offers extension for work health benefits on old city hall HERMISTON — The PENDLETON — The owners of the old Pendleton City Hall need more time to work on the fire-damaged building. The Pendleton Development Commission last week heard from its associate director, Charles Denight, who reported he spoke with the Quezada family about their plans to complete the building’s roof. The city council, which doubles as the development commission, granted the Quezadas until January to finish the project. Denight said they planned to ask for an extension due to winter storms delaying the work. “They have been working on it and have all the supplies in,” he said, adding they have money to complete the roof. After that, however, he said, it would be “some time” before the family makes other improvements. Commissioner Paul Chalmers said he wanted a safety report on the building before the council OKs any extension. Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance program will offered free of charge at two Hermiston locations this winter. The classes assist in reducing the risk of falling in older adults. Each group meets twice a week for 12 weeks. Participant may join within the first three weeks. Classes are: •Monday and Wednesdays (beginning Jan. 16) from 9-10 a.m. at the Good Shepherd Wellness Center , 610 N.W. 11th St. Space is limited to 15 participants. To register, call 541-667-3509. • Tuesdays and Thursdays (beginning Jan. 17) from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the Hermiston Senior Center, 435 W. Orchard Ave. No registration is required. Participants should wear comfortable clothing and shoes with flexible soles. No experience is needed; former participants are invited to rejoin a class. For more information, contact Helena Wolfe at 541-561-5443 or hwolfe@ capeco-works.org. Get ready to rumba Photography is a snap with digital camera class HERMISTON — People can learn how to rumba, a graceful and sensual dance step — or take a sampler class that features the cha cha, waltz, one-step swing and more — during sessions offered through Hermiston Parks & Recreation. The classes are Wednesdays from Jan. 11 through Feb. 22 (there’s no class Feb. 8). The sampler class is from 6:15-7:15 p.m. and the rumba is from 7:30-8:30 p.m. in the basement at the Hermiston Public Library, 235 E. Gladys Ave. The cost for either class is $30 for Hermiston residents and $38 for non-residents. It’s open to ages 14 and up. No prior experience is required. Participants should wear comfortable shoes. For more information, visit www. hermistonrecreation.com. To register, call 541-667- 5018 or stop by the recreation office, 180 N.E. Second St., Hermiston. HERMISTON — For those who got a new digital camera for Christmas or want to learn more about features on your camera, a class is being offered by Hermiston Parks & Recreation. Adult Digital Camera for Beginners provides information about features of digital cameras beyond the auto-select button. Participants need to bring their camera to the classes. Open to ages 16 and up, the three-session class begins Monday, Jan. 23 from 5-7 p.m. at 60 Minute Photo, 1000 N. First St., Hermiston. It runs weekly though Feb. 6. The cost is $40 for Hermiston residents of $50 for non-residents. Because space is limited, people are encouraged to register early — the deadline is Thursday, Jan. 19. For more information, visit www.hermistonrecreation. com. To register, call 541-667-5018 or stop by the recreation office, 180 N.E. Second St., Hermiston. By TAMMY MALGESINI East Oregonian With the new year just around the corner, Debbie Cissna, executive director of Pregnancy Care Services in Hermiston, is excited about what’s in store for the nonprofit organization. Established in 1993 in Pendleton, Pregnancy Care Services opened its Herm- iston location in May 2011. Its mission is to empower women and men through encouragement, support and education in making preg- nancy decisions. While the organization is hopeful people will choose options that are life-affirming, Cissna said the goal is to provide complete and accurate information on all options. Clients are presented with information about parenting, adoption and abortion. “I want to step away from that stigma of divi- sion,” Cissna said. “We are pro-woman.” Pregnancy Care Services offers free confidential coun- seling for pregnancy options. Among its services are pregnancy tests, referrals for free ultrasounds, parenting classes, and maternity and infant supplies. Tucked away in office space at the Cornerstone Plaza at the south end of Hermiston, Cissna is thrilled with the upcoming move to a more central location at the Granary Square. A grand re-opening event and ribbon-cutting is File photo Debbie Cissna, director of Pregnancy Care Services in Hermiston, is excited about the organization’s upcoming move and a fundraising dinner. planned for Thursday, Jan. 12 at noon at 105 S.W. Second St., Hermiston. In addition, a fundraising banquet is set for Sunday, Jan 22 from 5-7 p.m. at the Hermiston Conference Center, 415 S. Highway 395. Although there’s no cost to attend, registration is required by Tuesday, Jan. 17 to ensure enough food is available. Kathy Barnett will present a pork loin dinner and a delicious dessert, Cissna said. Those in attendance will have an opportunity to make a financial gift to the organiza- tion. In addition, sponsorship opportunities are available for the event. The keynote speaker is John Ensor. For more than two decades, he’s been a leader, speaker and writer for the pregnancy help move- ment. “He’s fairly well-known in the pro-life community,” Cissna said. “He’s a dynamic speaker.” Cissna, who previously volunteered with the organi- zation, has been the director for the past two years. She is a firm believer in providing accurate information for those who seek services. “We have found that when a woman has all the informa- tion, she is most satisfied with her choice,” Cissna said. “We give her all the information and all her options and the choice is hers.” Starting Tuesday, Jan. 3, Pregnancy Care Services will be located at 105 S.W. Second St., Hermiston. It’s open Monday through Thursdays from 12:30-5 p.m. In addition to appointments, walk-ins are welcome. For more information, sponsor- ship opportunities or to RSVP for the fundraising banquet, contact Cissna at debbie@ pregnancycareservcies.com, 541-567-2393 or visit www. pregnancycareservices.com. ——— Contact Community Editor Tammy Malgesini at tmalgesini@eastoregonian. com or 541-564-4539 SUPPORT GROUPS WEDNESDAY, DEC. 28 TOPS, 8 a.m., Oregon Trail Manor, 2430 S.W. Perkins Ave., Pendleton. 8:15 a.m. weigh-in, 9 a.m. meeting and program. (541- 276-6370) NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS, 10:30 a.m., Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, 241 S.E. Second St., Pendleton. OPEN AA MEETING, 12 p.m., complex, 680 W. Harper Road, Hermiston. (800-410- 5953) OPEN AA MEETING, 12 p.m., Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, 241 S.E. Second St., Pendleton. Coffee is provided. (Ed 541-207-2548) GRIEFSHARE, 1-3 p.m., Sun Terrace Assisted Living, 1550 N.W. 11th St., Hermiston. (Terri or Beth 541-667-3543 or 541- 564-2595) ECHO KIWANIS FOOD PANTRY DISTRIBUTION DAY, 4 p.m., Echo Masonic Lodge, 200 S. Dupont St., Echo. AL-ANON, 5-6 p.m., St. John’s Episcopal Church, 665 E. Gladys Ave., Hermiston. GRIEFSHARE, 6-7:30 p.m., New Hope Community Church, 1350 S. Highway 395, Hermis- ton. (Terri or Beth 541-667-3543 or 541-564-2595) NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS, 6:30 p.m., Helping Hand, 346 S.E. Second St., Pendleton. WOMEN’S OPEN AA MEET- ING, 6:30 p.m., complex, 680 W. Harper Road, Hermiston. (800- 410-5953) NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS, 7 p.m., Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, 241 S.E. Second St., Pendleton. OPEN AA MEETING, 7 p.m., Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center, 73265 Confederated Way, Mis- sion. (800-410-5953) OPEN AA MEETING, 8 p.m., complex, 680 W. Harper Road, Hermiston. (800-410-5953) THURSDAY, DEC. 29 OPEN SUPPORT GROUP, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Bowman Build- ing, 17 S.W. Frazer Ave., Pend- leton. (541-276-6671 or 541-379- 1589) NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS, 10:30 a.m., Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, 241 S.E. Second St., Pendleton. OPEN AA MEETING, 12 p.m., complex, 680 W. Harper Road, Hermiston. (800-410- 5953) OPEN AA MEETING, 12 p.m., Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, 241 S.E. Second St., Pendleton. Coffee is provided. (Ed 541-207-2548) LOST AND FOUND YOUTH OUTREACH, 3 p.m., Pendleton Recreation Center, 510 S.W. Dorion Ave., Pendleton. Help for youth 12-18 facing challenges. (Danny or Leslie 541-379-4250 or 541-276-3987) HEALTHY CHOICES AA MEETING, 5-6:30 p.m., St. An- thony Hospital conference room 1, 2801 St. Anthony Way, Pend- leton. (541-207-2548) WOMEN FOR SOBRIETY SUPPORT GROUP, 5:30-7 p.m., First Christian Church, 516 S. Main St., Milton-Freewater. New members welcome. (Kimberlie Krieg 541-861-3283) TOPS, 6 p.m., Peace Lu- theran Church, 210 N.W. Ninth St., Pendleton. 6 p.m. weigh-in, 6:30-7:30 p.m. meeting. (Heather Endersby 541-969-6997) CELEBRATE RECOVERY, 6-9 p.m., First Assembly of God Church, 1911 S.E. Court Ave., Pendleton. 6-7 p.m. large group, 6-8 p.m. Celebration Place (chil- dren K-5), 7-8 p.m. open share group, 8-9 p.m. Solid Rock Cafe social time (all ages). Christ-cen- tered 12-step program for those with hurts, habits and hangups. Childcare is available for children ages 1-5. (541-276-6417) DOMESTIC VIOLENCE/ SEXUAL ASSAULT WOMEN’S SUPPORT GROUP, 6-7:30 p.m., call for location, call for location, Hermiston. Sponsored by Do- mestic Violence Services. (541- 567-0424) DOMESTIC VIOLENCE/ SEXUAL ASSAULT WOMEN’S SUPPORT GROUP, 6-7:30 p.m., call for location, call for location, Pendleton. Sponsored by Do- mestic Violence Services. (541- 276-3322) SMART RECOVERY SELF MANAGEMENT AND RECOV- ERY TRAINING, 6-7 p.m., Herm- iston Conference Center, 415 S. Highway 395, Hermiston. Learn tools for addiction recovery based on the latest scientific research. Free, but donations accepted. NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS, 6:30 p.m., Helping Hand, 346 S.E. Second St., Pendleton. ADDICTION RECOVERY PROGRAM, 7 p.m., Seventh-day Adventist Church seminary build- H amley S teak H ouse MIDN IGHT B ALLO ON DROP DRINK & APPETIZER SPECIALS live music no ittle cover M c K ay L in the S Creek LICKFORK SALOON starting at 9 PM COURT & MAIN, PENDLETON Large Party Dinner Reservations Available - Call 541-278-1100 ing, 800 S. First St., Hermiston. Everyone is welcome. (Kim Puzey 541-567-3622) WALK AND ROLL SUP- PORT GROUP, 7 p.m., Butter- creek Apartments No. 33, 405 S.W. 11th St., Hermiston. For anyone who is disabled or in a wheelchair and has issues with access or rights, or caregivers of handicapped people. (Nana Car- penter 541-303-3359) OPEN AA MEETING, 7:30 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 191 E. Gladys Ave., Hermiston. HEPPNER MIRACLES OPEN AA MEETING, 7:30 p.m., All Saints Episcopal Church par- ish hall, 140 W. Church St., Hep- pner. (800-410-5953) NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS, 7:30-9 p.m., First United Method- ist Church, 191 E. Gladys Ave., Hermiston. NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS, 7:30 p.m., Wesley United Meth- odist Church, 816 S. Main St., Milton-Freewater. OPEN AA MEETING, 8 p.m., complex, 680 W. Harper Road, Hermiston. (800-410-5953) OPEN AA MEETING, 8 p.m., United Church of Christ, 114 S. East St., Condon. (800-410- 5953)