The Observer. (La Grande, Or.) 1968-current, January 31, 2020, WEEKEND EDITION, Image 3

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The Observer., January 31, 2020, WEEKEND EDITION, Page 3, Image 3

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Newspaper Page TextFRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2020 C OMMUNITY Meetings •ISLAND CITY — Union County Cattlemen will meet at 7 p.m. Monday at the Ag Service Center, 10507 N. McAlister Road, Island City. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will be the guest and will introduce its new biologist for this area. Sheriff Boyd Rasmussen also will attend. The meeting is open to the public. •LA GRANDE — The La Grande City Council will meet Wednesday for a regu- lar session followed by an ex- ecutive session in La Grande City Hall, 1000 Adams Ave. The regular session begins at 6 p.m. and includes the second reading of the Waste Pro Franchise Agreement and the fi rst reading of an amendment to the Adopting State Codes ordinance. The executive session is to discuss labor negotiations. •LA GRANDE — The Union County Democrats will meet Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Umpqua Bank 1215 Adams Ave., La Grande, to discuss Union County’s get-out-the-vote efforts for the 2020 election. •ISLAND CITY — The Union County Weed Board will meet Thursday 8-9 a.m. The meeting will be at the Union County OSU Exten- sion Offi ce, 10507 N. McAli- ster Road, Island City. Registration required by Sunday for next week’s ‘white allyship’ training LA GRANDE — A work- shop for volunteers, boards and staff members to learn, share and discuss diversity, equity and inclusion methods and strategies will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday at Cook Memorial Library, 2006 Fourth St., La Grande. Focusing on the concept of “white allyship,” Alexis James. will lead the training. The cost of the workshop is $25, which includes lunch. Register at https://bit.ly/37LlJ5X or contact NEOEDD at 541- 426-3598. The cut-off date for registration is Sunday. There also will be a free public Oregon Humanities conversation on the topic at 6 p.m. Thursday at Cook Memorial Library. ‘White beaches’ beckon at Anthony Lakes NORTH POWDER — Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort’s annual all-day Beach Party is Saturday. All are invited to the white beaches of Anthony Lakes for family- friendly fun. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. there will be games including snow volleyball and badminton, hula hoops, a tube luge ($5) and hide-and-seek flamingos with prizes. A limbo contest begins at 5:30 p.m., and the Greenneck Daredevils will contribute live music 3-6 p.m. upstairs in the lodge’s Starbottle Saloon. Chair runs are open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Go to anthonylakes.com for more details. Tie fl ies and talk fi shing Monday LA GRANDE — A “Bar Flies” night is hosted the fi rst Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Side A Brewing, 1219 Washington Ave., La Grande. The next gather- ing is Feb. 3. Novices and experts are invited to “tie up some bugs, have a brew and talk fi shing.” Oyster, steak feed benefi ts Wallowa fi re department WALLOWA — The Wallowa Volunteer Fire Department will hold its annual Oyster and Steak Feed fundraiser from 3-8 p.m. Feb. 8 at the Wallowa Senior Center. Cost is $30 for all-you-can-eat oysters or a rib steak and sides. Hot dogs will be available for children. Wine and beer will be available to purchase. For more informa- tion, call Wallowa City Hall at 541-886-2422. Families invited to LMS honor roll assemblies LA GRANDE — Families of students named to the La Grande Middle School’s honor roll for the second quarter of the 2019-20 academic year are invited to attend assem- blies Feb. 5-7 in the LMS gym. Each assembly begins at 8:25 a.m. The sixth-grade assem- bly will be held Wednesday. Thursday’s assembly is for seventh- and eighth-grade students with these advisory teachers: Singer, Erickson, Nickerson, Lair, Benson, Becker-Bisenius, Schow and Bedolla. Friday’s assembly is for seventh- and eighth-grade students with these advisory teachers: Fritz, Carson, Thur- man, Leavitt, Kretschmer, Remily, Foggia and Gisi. Workshop brings historic building resources to community LA GRANDE — The city of La Grande and La Grande Landmarks Commission announced the Northeast Oregon Preservation Work- shop, “Materials, Methods and Marketing for Historic Downtowns,” will be held March 6 at Art Center East, 1006 Penn Ave., La Grande. With a series of sessions for contractors, developers, history buffs and others, “the full-day workshop is an opportunity for the North- east Oregon community to build knowledge about maintaining and restoring P UBLIC S AFETY R EPORT historic buildings,” according to a news release from the city. Cassie Hibbert, chair of the La Grande Landmarks Commission, stated in the announcement the town’s commercial district includes 82 buildings built prior to 1948, “and all need some degree of tender loving care.” The workshop starts at 8 a.m. and includes sessions on preservation construction tech- niques, marketing commercial and residential historical real estate and a “happy hour case study” from 3-4 p.m. on the historic Haskell Building in Baker City, which recently received a $200,000 grant from Oregon Main Street. Space is limited and ad- vance registration is recom- mended. Cost for the full-day workshop is $10 and includes lunch. Continuing education credits for an additional fee are available for contractors and real estate brokers. For more information or to reg- ister for the event, visit the Union County Chamber of Commerce website at www. visitunioncounty.org. Gardening class digs into soil and fertilizer ISLAND CITY — The Master Gardener Program offered by OSU Union Coun- ty Extension offers novices and experts an opportunity to expand their knowledge. Indi- vidual classes, held 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, are open to all for $5 each. On Feb. 4 a class on soil and fertilizer will be taught by Austin Hawks, from the OSU Crop and Soil Science Department. Classes are held in the conference room at the Union County Extension offi ce, 10507 N. McAlister Road, Island City. For more information and to RSVP for individual classes, call the Union County Exten- sion offi ce at 541-963-1010. O BITUARIES David C. Harmon Formerly of La Grande 1939-2020 David Curtis Harmon, 80, of Clarksville, Tennessee, and formerly of La Grande, died Jan. 16. A committal service with military honors was held Jan. 24 at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery West in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. David was born Dec. 8, 1939, in La Grande, to Ace and Lena (Campbell) Harmon. After 30 years of service he retired from the military and worked the next 15 years as a deputy sheriff. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and watching old Westerns. Surviving relatives in- clude his sons, Patrick Har- mon and Michael Harmon; siblings, Phyllis Harmon Taylor, Jack Harmon and wife, Una Mae, and Dixie Harmon Miller; and three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Pau- lette Harmon; and brother, Charles Harmon. Online condolences may be made at www.navefuner- alhomes.com. Rogelio ‘Roger’ Verduzco Formerly of La Grande and Joseph 1936-2019 Rogelio “Roger” Coro- nado Cenizais Verduzco, 83, formerly of La Grande and Joseph, died Dec. 15, 2019, in Kennewick, Washington. His ashes will be scat- tered when the weather warms. Ar- rangements were handled by Prosser Fu- neral Home. Known as Roger, he was born Sept. 26, 1936, in Dallas, Texas, to Katalina THE OBSERVER — 3A LOCAL Coronado Cenizais Verduzco and Alberto Verduzco. When Roger and his mother were able to travel, they returned to East Chicago, Indiana, to reunite with his father and siblings. The family lived in the Harbor area where Roger attended high school and was captain of the foot- ball team. After graduation from high school, Roger served in the U.S. Army 82nd Air- borne Division and enjoyed parachuting. He was honor- ably discharged Aug. 31, 1964, after which he earned a PhD at Purdue Univer- sity. Roger and his wife, Mary, moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, where he became a professor at Arizona State University. Roger and Mary divorced, and he moved to Joseph. He worked at odd jobs in Wallowa County while enjoying hiking and camping. In 1979, Roger took a position as the clinical direc- tor of the Grande Ronde Child Center in La Grande, where he met his wife-to-be. He and Susan Lamica were married Dec. 15, 1979. They went on a honeymoon in Wallowa County with Su- san’s young sons, ages 8 and 10. They hiked 4-1/2 miles to the confl uence of Sheep Creek with the Snake River. They attempted fi shing but fi sh were not interested in dodging ice cubes to take bait. After four days they returned to La Grande. Later, Roger began a career in rehabilitation, serving Eastern Oregon and Washington. To lessen week- day travel, he and Susan bought a second home in Kennewick, Washington. Roger and Susan divorced in 1988, and Roger took a position with the state of Washington until suffer- ing a heart attack. Health problems ensued necessitat- ing kidney dialysis. Roger and Susan continued their relationship until his death on the 40th anniversary of their marriage. Roger enjoyed golfi ng with friends, especially Pete. He was a Master Gardener and assisted with the instal- lation of the Kennewick Library rose garden. Surviving relatives include his sisters, Stella Galvin and Sarah Martinez and her husband, Raul, of Indiana, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by four other siblings. Ray Davis and wife, Bobbie, of Middleton, Idaho, and Justin Davis of New Plym- outh Idaho; sister, Willie Myers of La Grande; sister- in-law, Connie Williams of Walla Walla, Washington; 13 grandchildren and 24 great- grandchildren; and numer- ous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings; wife, Jackie Davis; son, Billy Davis; daughter-in-law, Nancy Davis; and nephew, Kevin Williams. Online condolences may be made to the family at www. lovelandfuneralchapel.com. William ‘Bill’ A. Davis La Grande 1935-2020 William “Bill” Albert Davis, 84, of La Grande, died Jan. 13 at his home. A joint celebration of life will be held in the spring for Bill and his wife, Jackie. Known as Bill, he was born Aug. 13, 1935, in La Grande, the youngest child of Harry and Rowena Davis. He attended school in La Grande. In 1957, Bill married Jackie Brown, and they shared 61 years together. Bill was a loving husband and proud father. Better known by his loved ones as “the Sheikh,” he was a hard- working man who loved the outdoors and his companion German shepherds, Rex and D.O.G. Bill had a strong love for his family and his four children. Bill served his country honorably as a member of the U.S. Air Force. He was sta- tioned in Spokane, Washing- ton, and earned his bomber wings while serving in Korea, Okinawa and the Philippines. Surviving relatives include his daughter and son-in-law, Iky and William Cross of La Grande; sons, UPCOMING FUNERALS AND VISITATIONS Sponsored by Jan. 31 & Feb. 1 Doralee Powell: 5-7 p.m. viewing on Jan. 31, and 2 p.m. funeral on Feb. 1, both at Loveland Funeral Chapel, La Grande. Feb. 1 Millie Dooley: 12:30 p.m. fellowship meal and 2 p.m. service in La Grande Seventh-day Adventist Church. Feb. 3 & Feb. 4 Thomas Hartley: 4-6 p.m. viewing and 6 p.m. Recitation of the Rosary on Feb. 3, and 2 p.m. funeral on Feb. 4, all at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, La Grande. Feb. 8 Justice Clark: 4 p.m. celebration of life, Presbyterian Friendship Center, La Grande; casual dress preferred. WEDNESDAY A caller at 7:56 a.m. reported a disturbance involving a juvenile on the 2400 block of Riddle Road, La Grande. A Union County sheriff’s deputy responded. La Grande police at 8:04 a.m. received a request for the school resource offi cer regard- ing harassment involving a student at La Grande Middle School. A caller at 8:27 a.m. reported vandalism on the 81900 block of Blackhawk Trail Lane, La Grande. The Union County Sheriff’s Offi ce at 9:27 a.m. received a complaint about horse neglect at 26th Street and Mulholland Drive, La Grande. A deputy checked and found the horse had food and water. The Union County Sheriff’s Offi ce arrested Alex Joseph Smith, 28, of La Grande, for driving under the infl uence of intoxicants. La Grande police at about 12:45 p.m. responded to a crash on the 2100 block of Cove Avenue. There were no injuries, and an offi cer took a report. A caller at 12:56 p.m. reported a dog bite victim on the 1800 block of Gekeler Lane, La Grande. The city’s animal enforcement offi cer responded and took a report. Emergency services at about 3:40 p.m. responded to a crash involving injuries at Peach Road and Airport Lane, La Grande. La Grande police at 4:32 p.m. responded to a report of a burglary at a shop on the 2300 block of Willow Street. Emergency agencies at about 5:54 p.m. responded to the 62400 block of Buchanan Lane, La Grande, for another crash with injuries. A Union County sheriff’s deputy took a report. La Grande police at about 8:40 p.m. responded to a call about animal neglect on the 600 block of Adams Avenue. Offi cers provided information to animal control. THURSDAY Emergency services at about 7:30 a.m. responded to a crash involving an injury on the fi rst block of Highway 237, La Grande. La Grande police at 10:38 a.m. received a report about sexual crimes. A caller at 2:52 p.m. reported a burglary at a resi- dence on the 2700 block of L Avenue, La Grande. Police responded and took a report. La Grande police arrested Jeffery Lane Roberts, 45, no fi xed address, for posses- sion of methamphetamine and domestic violence stran- gulation. FRIDAY La Grande police arrested Brooklyn Jane Fisher Wil- liams, 20, for DUII. La Grande police arrested Alexander Creighton Declue, 22, of La Grande, for posses- sion of an unlawful fi rearm, felon in possession of a weapon, felony possession of heroine and misdemeanor possession of methamphet- amine. And fi refi ghters responded to fi ve calls for medical as- sistance on Thursday and 10 on Wednesday. UNION COUNTY SENIOR CENTER MENU 1504 ALBANY ST., LA GRANDE Feb. 3-7; lunch served 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. age 60+ $3 suggested donation; others $6 Monday: Reuben sandwiches, steak fries, three-bean salad, fresh fruit, brownies. Tuesday: chicken Alfredo, vegetable salad, steamed vegetables, Italian bread, fresh fruit. Wednesday: pork roast, rice pilaf, steamed vegetables, baked apples, Jell-O, rolls, dessert (alternate meal: chef salad). Thursday: fi sh and chips, scalloped potatoes, steamed green beans with almonds, Jell-O, rolls, dessert (alternative meal: turkey sandwich). Friday: Swiss steak served with brown gravy and sauteed onions and mushrooms, mashed potatoes and gravy, salad greens, rolls, fresh fruit. Bertha Louise (Parker) Thompson January 31, 1950 - January 18, 2020 Bertha Louise (Parker) Thomp- son, 69, of La Grande, passed away on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at Grande Ronde Hospital. A Memo- rial Service was held on Saturday, January 25, 2020 at La Grande First Baptist Church. Bertha was born January 31, 1950 in Sweet Home, OR to Walter and Anna (Deardorﬀ) Parker. In school Bertha was in Honor Society, Na- tional Honor Society, played volleyball, was in class plays, held a class oﬃce and a student body oﬃce and graduated from Crane Union High School as Valedictorian of her class in 1967. She attended business school in Boise, ID and later met and married Robert “Tom” Thompson which took her on a journey to Milton, FL where her only son Aaron Thomas Thompson was born September 2, 1972. Together they lived in Iwakuni, Japan and San Diego, CA. Bertha and Aaron relocated to John Day, OR for several years prior to moving to Union, and then La Grande in the early 1980’s. In La Grande she found her church family at First Baptist Church and she adored this congrega- tion. She planted herself ﬁrmly in the ﬁrst row and at her memorial service a member of the fellowship joked about retiring her chair. She was a prayer warrior, sang in the church choir for a time, attended various and sundry (a favorite expression of hers) small groups, and retreats and was known to love a church potluck. Bertha returned to college in 2006 and earned her Bach- elor’s degree in History with a minor in English. She had such an aﬃnity for words, language and learning. She also began working as a pharmacy clerk at Red Cross United Drug in 2006 and was known as the “ﬁling guru” and en- joyed many other responsibilities, often remarking it was her favorite job. She had also spent many years working for The Nickel, an ad newspaper, and as an editor for a publishing company. Bertha was passionate about books, both reading them and collecting them throughout her lifetime. She also enjoyed writing, and many loved her for her quick wit and extensive vocabulary. She crocheted for hours on end, gifting so many with her afghans through- out the years. She was a member of the Happy Hooker’s crocheting club. Bertha had a great love and appreciation for music from the great Christian gospels to heavy metal. She sang alto beautifully and undoubtedly knew all of the words in the hymnal but could also sing along to other favorites such as Simon and Garfunkel, Neil Diamond, Metallica and the like. Her favorite musical artist was no doubt, her son, Aaron. Bertha was loved and appreciated by so many. We will miss her. She is survived by her son, Aaron Thompson of La Grande; sister, Shirley (Bud) Stewart of Palmer, AK; brothers, Walt (Susan)Parker of Council, ID, and Raymond “R.J.” (Liz) Parker of Republic, WA; her three grandchildren, Ryatt Thompson, Bryce Langley and Lind- say Roberson and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Anna Parker; brother, Paul Parker; and sister, Peggy Tudor.