RECORDS
Saturday, March 26, 2022
What do nutrition, frozen food have in common?
ANN
BLOOM
IT’S ABOUT HEALTH & WELLNESS
M
arch is National Nutrition
Month and National Frozen
Food Month. What do the
two have in common? A great deal, it
seems.
A month devoted to nutrition
reminds us of the importance of
eating a balanced diet of fruits and
vegetables, low-fat dairy products,
whole grains and lean sources of pro-
tein. These food groups provide all
the essential vitamins, minerals and
amino acids needed for health.
However, there are myths associ-
ated with some of these food groups.
One involves fruits and vegeta-
bles. Are fresh fruits and vegetables
more nutritious than frozen? Isn’t
fresh better? The short answer is no.
Fresh, frozen, dried or in 100% juice
form, it all matters according to the
U.S. Department of Agriculture’s
Dietary Guidelines for Americans
2020-25.
When we speak of nutrition, what
exactly does that mean? How much
we eat each day, from each of the
food groups varies depending on sev-
eral factors — age, gender, height
and weight and how active a person is
during the day.
Again, according to the USDA’s
Dietary Guidelines for Americans,
this generally means 3 cups of low- or
nonfat dairy a day (or ounce equiv-
alents). This would be a cup of milk
or an ounce and a half of cheese, for
example. For grains, it is 5-10 ounces
for males and 6-8 ounces for females
(an ounce is equivalent to a slice of
bread). For fruits it means 1.5-2 cups
for females and 2-2.5 for males. With
vegetables it is 2.5 cups for females,
and 3-4 cups for males. Finally, with
protein it is 5-7 ounces for males and
4-6.5 ounces for females of lean meat,
chicken, fish, nuts or dried beans, or
ounce equivalents (for example, an
ounce of meat or one egg is equal to 1
ounce of protein).
Now, back to the question of
whether fresh is better than frozen.
In addition to being nutritious,
frozen foods are convenient. Frozen
fruits and vegetables can often be
found on sale, too, at certain times
of the year. Because they are often
processed close to where they are
picked or harvested, they retain
their vitamins more than fruits or
vegetables that must travel many
miles to their store destinations
losing quality and nutrition content.
Frozen foods, if not overcooked,
look much the same as they did
when harvested.
According to Nicola Shubrook, reg-
istered dietitian, in an article for www.
bbcgoodfood.com, there are many
benefits to frozen produce, health and
otherwise.
For one, she says, because produce
is flash frozen within a few hours of
being harvested it is almost like-for-
like to its fresh counterpart. The small
variations between fresh and frozen
are negligible. Since some vegetables
are blanched (briefly cooked) before
freezing, many phytonutrients (carot-
enoids, for example) are retained,
although sugar and salt levels may
be a little higher with frozen food vs.
fresh, she states.
Shubrook goes on to say that
freezing is a long-term method used
to extend the life of fresh produce,
making it a healthy alternative since
freezing does not require the addition
of other ingredients or preservatives.
Though it is a good idea to check
commercially frozen items for added
sugar or salt, she said.
Freezing food also makes it more
accessible during the months fresh
produce is not available, which means
those nutrients can be accessed year-
round. Studies suggest that people
who incorporate frozen produce into
their diets tend to eat more fruits and
vegetables.
Typically, frozen foods are less
expensive than their fresh equiva-
lent, especially out-of-season produce,
such as peaches in December. There
is minimum waste making, it’s more
cost effective and accessible to more
people.
Also, frozen fruits and vegeta-
bles are easier to prepare and can be a
time-saver for busy households. There
is no washing, chopping, peeling or
cutting needed. They are fast to cook,
retain their shape and color (if not
overcooked) and are a convenient
choice for a healthy diet.
Frozen fruits and vegetables are
recognized as safe for most people. If
people are allergic to a certain fruit or
vegetable, they will experience a reac-
tion to that fruit or vegetable whether
it is fresh or frozen, thus it should be
avoided.
Whatever form you choose to
incorporate fruits and vegetables into
your diet — fresh, frozen, canned,
dried or 100% juice — they’re all
healthy choices and they all matter.
For more information on nutrition
and food groups specifics go to www.
myplate.gov or www.foodhero.org.
———
Ann Bloom lives in Enterprise and
has worked for the OSU Extension
Service for 15 years as a nutrition
educator. She studied journalism
and education at Washington State
University.
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
BRIEFS
Celebrate senior nutrition
program’s 50th anniversary
LA GRANDE — The Union
County Senior Center, 1504 N.
Albany, La Grande, invites the com-
munity to join the celebration of the
50th anniversary of the senior nutri-
tion program.
On Tuesday, March 29, lunch is
free for everyone age 60 and older.
Lunch is served from 11:30-12:30 p.m.
There will also be live music.
On Thursday, March 31, all
ages are welcome to come by the
senior center between 2:30 p.m. and
3:30 p.m. for a pie and ice cream
social.
Watch recorded ‘Bite Size
Pieces’ ensemble concert
LA GRANDE — The Grande
Ronde Symphony’s winter con-
cert, “Bite Size Pieces,” was per-
formed March 2 in the renovated
McKenzie Theatre on the Eastern
Oregon University campus in La
Grande. The Grande Ronde Sym-
phony Association announced that
the concert was recorded and is
available to enjoy online.
The concert can be accessed
at www.granderondesymphony.
org or on the symphony’s Face-
book page: www.facebook.com/
GrandeRondeSymphonyOrchestra.
The concert features smaller
ensembles, including brass, woodwind
and strings, and was conducted by
Zachary Banks, music director of the
Grande Ronde Symphony.
Senior activities are back
LA GRANDE — Many activities
at the Union County Senior Center
have resumed. In addition to on-site
weekday meals, the center is again
offering games, music and exercise
opportunities.
Before lunch on Tuesdays, the
BlueMountaineers perform from
10:45-11:45 a.m., bringing live music
back to the center.
Also on Tuesdays, pinochle games
begin at 1:15 p.m., and bingo games
are offered in the evening, with doors
opening at 5:30 p.m.
Appropriate for all ages and levels
of fitness, a chair exercise class is held
on Monday, Wednesday and Friday
from 10-11 a.m.
For more information, go to ccno.
org, check out the senior center’s
Facebook page, call 541-605-5556
or stop by the Union County Senior
Center, 1504 N. Albany, La Grande.
Attention Johnny Cash fans:
Tickets on sale now for
one-weekend ‘Ring of Fire’
PENDLETON — The Elgin Opera
House is putting on a revival of “Ring
of Fire” — telling Johnny Cash’s
remarkable life story through his
music — on one weekend in May at
the Vert Auditorium, 480 SW Dorion
Ave., Pendleton.
In 2016, the “Ring of Fire” pro-
duction in Elgin was “one of the
most rousing and enthusiastic per-
formances to hit the Opera House
stage,” according to a press release.
The Pendleton production features the
original Opera House cast.
Shows are planned for 7:30 p.m.
on Friday, May 6, and at 2:30 p.m.
and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 7.
Tickets are sold through the Elgin
Opera House box office. Order tickets
at www.elginoperahouse.com or call
541-663-6324.
— The Observer
PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23
9:28 a.m. — A caller on the 200 block of Fourth Street, La
Grande, reported harassment. An officer made contact and took
a report.
12:52 p.m. — Local law enforcement responded to Umpqua
Bank, 3106 Island Ave., La Grande, on a report of a trespasser. Police
arrested James Kenneth Wright, 69, of La Grande, for second-de-
gree criminal trespass, criminal trespass with a firearm and unlaw-
ful possession of a firearm.
3:45 p.m. — A Union County sheriff’s deputy responded to
Imbler on a report of an intoxicated driver. The deputy found the
subject was having a medical episode.
4:15 p.m. — The Long Branch, 208 Depot St., La Grande,
reported receiving a counterfeit bill. An officer responded and
seized the fake money.
5:20 p.m. — La Grande police responded to the 700 block of H
Avenue on a report of suspicious circumstances. An officer made
contact with the subject and told the person not to drive.
6:46 p.m. — A Union County sheriff’s deputy responded to the
600 block of East Birth Street, Union, on a report of a disturbance
and trespassed one person.
8:10 p.m. — La Grande police responded to the 1500 block of
OBITUARY PACKAGE • Paid • Advertising formatting
• Offering three, templated options featuring one full-color photo*
2 column x 5” (approx. 150 words) ...............................$79.50
2 column x 10” (approx. 350 words) ...........................$159.00
3 column x 10” (approx. 575 words) ...........................$238.50
• Obituaries following the templated format are available in other sizes for $7.95 per
column inch. Obituaries formatted outside of the set templates will be billed at the
publishing newspaper’s open rate.
*Size may vary. Please contact us for a quote.
• Package includes: Obituary in the print edition on the publication day of your choice,
within deadline. Featured on the publishing newspaper’s website free of charge. Publishing
newspaper will also provide 5 complimentary copies of the newspaper (additional copies
$1.50/each). Place your obituary in a sister publication at a 25% discount.
• Paid obituary information should be ready for print prior to submission. If a proof is
requested, the obituary will be published in the next available edition once approved,
based on the newspaper’s advertising deadlines.
• DEADLINES: Noon Friday for Tuesday publication; noon Tuesday for Thursday publication;
noon Thursday for Saturday publication.
• CONTACT: Devi Mathson, dmathson@lagrandeobserver.com • 541-624-6007
DEATH NOTICE • Free of charge • 150-word maximum in newspaper content style
• Includes name, age, town of residency and information about any funeral services or life
celebrations. • No add-ons available (photos, etc.).
• DEADLINE: 11 a.m. the day prior to publication
• CONTACT: Lisa Lester Kelly, lkelly@lagrandeobserver.com • 541-624-6019
UNION COUNTY SENIOR
CENTER LUNCH MENU
LA GRANDE —
Lunch is served at the
Union County Senior
Center, 1504 N. Albany St.,
La Grande, on weekdays.
The meal is open to the
public and both sit-down
and grab-and-go options
are available. For infor-
mation on having lunches
delivered by Meals on
Wheels, call 541-605-5556.
Dine-in meals:
Served from 11:30 a.m.
to 12:30 p.m.; use front
entrance.
Takeout meals: Pick
up from noon to 1 p.m. at
kitchen’s back door.
Cost: Age 60+, $4
suggested donation; all
others, $7.
MARCH 28-APRIL 1
Monday: fish and chips
or hamburger, coleslaw,
fresh fruit, dessert.
Tuesday: chicken
bacon wrap, pasta salad,
fresh fruit, brownie.
Wednesday: pork
roast or almond chicken,
mashed potatoes and
gravy, steamed green
beans, fresh fruit, baked
apples.
Thursday: chicken
alfredo, Caesar salad,
steamed Italian blend
vegetables, baked bread,
lemon sorbet.
Friday: ginger-
cashew chicken over
brown rice, spinach salad,
fresh fruit.
BIRTHS
GRANDE RONDE HOSPITAL, LA GRANDE
BRANDT: Keeton Kyle Brandt, born Feb. 26, 2022, to Kellie
Brandt and Austin Brandt, of La Grande.
MONCRIEF: Jaxyn Thomas Nash Moncrief, born March 4,
2022, to Adri Moncrief and Nick Moncrief, of Union.
OLSEN: Aryan Olsen, born March 14, 2022, to Christina
M. Shelley and Ryan P. Olsen, of La Grande. Grandparents are
Leonette Shelley, James Shelley, Stephanie Frank and Virgil Frank.
WOLFER: Kaleb Skyler Wayne Wolfer, born March 11, 2022,
to Tiffany Marie Wolfer and Michael Jacob Wolfer, of La Grande.
Grandparents are Dawn Brotherton, Brent Brotherton, Cheri
Stricker and Evan Stricker.
UPCOMING
LOCAL
SERVICES
March 26 —PATRICIA LEWIS: 10 a.m.
graveside service, North Powder Cemetery; followed
by 11 a.m. celebration of life, North Powder Grange.
March 26 — ANNETTE LECKENBY: 1 p.m.
memorial service, Daniels-Knopp Funeral, Cremation
& Life Celebration Center, La Grande.
March 26 — JUDY HUNT: 3 p.m. celebration
of life, La Grande Seventh-day Adventist Church;
followed by reception at La Grande Adventist Christian
School.
April 2 — DIANNA BRAY: noon memorial
service, Calvary Baptist Church, Cove; followed by
reception and meal.
April 2 — ROBERTA TRUAX: 1 p.m. celebration
of life, Island City Cemetery; followed by reception at
209 S. 18th St., La Grande.
April 9 — JUDY & BILL ROSS: 11 a.m. joint
graveside service, Joseph Cemetery; followed by
gathering at the Stubborn Mule.
April 24 — MICHAEL ROBINSON: 2 p.m.
celebration of life, Loveland Funeral Chapel, La
Grande; followed by reception at Riverside Park
Pavilion, La Grande.
May 7 — TODD McCOY: 1 p.m. graveside
service, Prairie Creek Cemetery, Joseph.
May 19 — ORVA MURRILL: 2 p.m. graveside
service, Union Victorian Cemetery.
June 23 — DAN KRAMER: 2 p.m. memorial
service, Grandview Cemetery, La Grande.
— Calendar courtesy of Loveland Funeral Chapel,
La Grande.
Follow us on
Facebook!
Madison Avenue on a report of a burglary. Police took a report.
THURSDAY, MARCH 24
2:16 a.m. — Union County sheriff’s deputies responded to the
500 block of Patton Street, Summerville, on a report of a domestic
disturbance.
10:05 a.m. — A La Grande police officer warned two people on
the 1100 block of Jefferson Avenue for trespassing on the railroad
right-of-way.
12:09 p.m. — A caller reported the theft of a vehicle from the
2300 block of Adams Avenue, La Grande. An officer made contact
and took a report.
3:07 p.m. — La Grande police received a complaint about a sex
crime. An officer took a report.
5:25 p.m. — La Grande police responded to the 2400 block of
Q Avenue on a report of a fight. Officers arrived and the parties
separated.
6:13 p.m. — A resident on the 100 block of Willow Street, La
Grande, made a complaint about dogs barking and running loose.
11:22 p.m. — Local law enforcement responded to the 2600
block of Bearco Loop, La Grande, on a report of a disturbance at a
residence. Police warned one person for disorderly conduct.
Michael T. Robinson
OBITUARY AND DEATH NOTICE POLICY
thE OBSErVEr — A5
November 15, 1949 – November 26, 2021
Our family is saddened to
announce the passing of Michael
Tod Robinson, 72, of La Grande,
Oregon, on Nov. 26, 2021, after a
two-year battle with Alzheimer’s.
A celebration of his life will be
held at Loveland Funeral Chapel
on Sunday, April 24, 2022, at 2
p.m. A reception will follow at the
Riverside Park Pavilion, 3501 N.
Spruce St., La Grande, Oregon.
Our family requests all of Michael’s loved ones to join us
in celebrating his beautiful life.
Michael was born on Nov. 15, 1949, in Contra Costa
County, California, to George and Bertha (Lee) Robinson.
Michael is survived by his three children, Leana Lloyd,
Tod Robinson and Lee Robinson; eight grandchildren
and two great-grandchildren; brothers, George and Mark
Robinson. He was preceded in death by his parents,
George and Bertha Lee Robinson.
Online condolences may be made to the family at
www.lovelandfuneralchapel.com.
The most valuable and
respected source of local news,
advertising and information for
our communities.
www.eomediagroup.com
Wanita M. (Lethcoe) Hummel
September 4, 1925 – March 19, 2022
Wanita Mae Hummel, 96, of
Elgin, passed away on Saturday,
March 19, 2022, at a local care
facility. A service will be held at
a later date.
Wanita was born on Sept.
4, 1925, in Elk Point, South
Dakota, to Harry and Norma
(Johnson) Lethcoe. She resided
in the Midwest and on the coast.
She attended Riverside Grade
School in Sioux City, Iowa, and
graduated from high school. She married her one true
love, Warren A. Hummel.
Wanita was employed with Tektronix. She enjoyed
traveling, bowling and clamming. She was a member of
the Elks and Moose Lodge.
Wanita is survived by her son, Danny Hummel
(Jeannie) of Elgin, Oregon; daughter-in-law, Jeanie;
grandchildren, Shelly Hummel, Angela Hummel Bean,
Shane Hummel and Stacey Hummel; grandchildren by
marriage, Jennifer McCue, Heather Adovnick and Jack,
Phillip, Tyler and Devin Nyuen; great-grandchildren,
Andrew Bean, Kristina Bean, Ethan Bean and Dallas,
Cody and Lucky Hummel; great-grandchildren by
marriage, Chase and Tanner McCue, Harper, Cyrus and
Kole Adovnick, and Zack, Charley, Nicko, Finley, Leo,
Shirley and Anna Rose; great-great-grandchild, Aurora;
great-great-grandchild by marriage, Valentine McCue.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Warren;
parents, Harry and Norma; son, Michael Hummel; three
brothers, Richard, Forest and Jack; and two sisters,
Robina and Darlene.
Online condolences may be made to the family at
www.lovelandfuneralchapel.com.