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About East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current | View Entire Issue (July 14, 2017)
REGION Friday, July 14, 2017 East Oregonian Q&A with Pendleton native Joel Wayne Bartron T he Boise based writer Joel Wayne — his full name is Joel Wayne Bartron though he has dropped his last name in his nom de plume due to the frequent misspelling of it by others — will be reading at the Pendleton Center for the Arts on Thursday, July 20, as part of the First Draft Writers’ Series. His unsettling yet oddly heartwarming short story “Brother’s Keeper” won literary journal The Chattahoochee Review’s Lamar York Prize for Fiction in 2015. His work has appeared in esteemed publications such as Salon, The Moth and AdPulp, among many others. As a Pendleton High School alumni, Joel’s appearance at the PCA will be a bit of a homecoming — a J.D. local-boy-done-good Kindle story if you will — Comment where he’ll serve up selections of his Raymond Carver-esque work. What inspired you to become a writer? Was it a dream of yours while growing up in Pendleton? Early on, I was probably most attracted to writing because I loved to read. Then I had some teachers who took notice and shaped that bent over the years — Mrs. Bellamy and Carolyn McMillan in grade school and junior high, Tom Lovell and John Scanlan in high school. They sent me to the Oregon Writing Festival a few times, handed me projects or prompts outside of class, encouraged me to keep plugging away. Those weren’t, and aren’t, small gifts to a student like me. So, yes, it became a dream to “become a writer” and, over time (and this reads similar to the experience of many other writers I know), the dream evolves into “continuing to write, in spite of everything, and getting things published, or not, every now and then.” Can you tell me a bit about the selections you are going to read at First Draft? I’m planning to read a short story about a middle-aged man with one eye and two kids. He moves back to his hometown after a divorce and enjoys a kinda punchy relationship with his father while they give his house a new roof. That old chestnut. He’s a recurring character in a series of short stories I’ve had no luck placing, although this particular one did win a recent award Contributed photo and earned me a short writing residency up in Ketchum, Idaho. What is your most recently published work? The Boise Art Museum invited me to write a flash fiction piece to accompany some artwork from their permanent collection, which appeared in their Tall Tales program through this spring. The work was a clay teapot by Richard Notkin featuring a sculpted scene on top — a tiny dog lying on a sidewalk, hydrant at his side, etc. Very intricate. I only hope my story was half as well-rendered. Who do you count as your primary influences, literary or otherwise? I’m drawn more towards work that’s accessible, dark, darkly funny. I love Kurt Vonnegut and Alice Munro, any issue of The Chattahoochee Review, The Onion, The Toast, I really dig this book of short stories by Ben Greenman from a few years back. In nonfiction, I’m a big Gay Talese fan, advice column junkie, and Longform. org is always worthwhile. And there are so many good shows on right now: “Louie,” “Veep,” and “The Great British Baking Show” are a few recent faves. It’s a wonder we get anything (reading, writing or otherwise) done. You’ve also dabbled in the world of film. What is the nature of the film projects you’ve been involved in? In 2010, after moving to Boise, I was lucky to work alongside a guy who did some short film directing on the side. He was looking for a screenwriter and I raised my hand. We mostly did it for kicks but placed one in a few national festivals. It was a little drama about a guy afflicted with pica, hunting for his son, who’d checked himself out of rehab. I’d love to continue writing for the screen but, having self-produced a few projects and watching friends tackle some longer work, it’s a very, very tough thing to get off the ground, and a big gas guzzler to keep running on the side of your 9-5. At this point, I’d probably rather write and submit than write and produce and direct and submit. ■ James Dean Kindle is a Pendleton musician and executive director of the Oregon East Symphony. Contact him at jamesdeankindle@gmail.com. HERMISTON Portland pianist to give concert at Methodist Church East Oregonian Portland pianist John Nilsen, who has sold more than a million copies of his albums, will be tickling the ivories in Hermiston on July 21. Nilsen’s concert will be at 7 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 191 E. Gladys Ave., with a suggested donation of $10. Nilsen is a pianist, guitarist and vocalist, but his Hermiston concert will focus on the piano. He said that while he tours all across the United States and overseas, he’s always happiest performing in his “home- land” of Oregon. “I enjoy Hermiston. I love our state,” he said. “I can’t tell you all the places I’ve played in our state but I’ve been just about everywhere.” He said he looks forward to being able to drive instead of fly for this leg of his tour. Nilsen is working on his 20th album. Over his career he has toured solo and with his two bands — the folk-rock band SWIMFISH and the John Nilsen Trio, which features a mix of folk, classical, jazz and rock. He has also made appearances with such notable musicians as Jose Feliciano, Jesse Colin Young, David Foster, Marc Cohn, Kenny G and Alex De Grassi. He said his piano concert features “folk, classical and jazz styles, some traditional pieces, and some other classics woven together with some stories of my life, music and travels.” Photo contributed by John Nilsen For more information visit www. Portland pianist John Nilsen will give johnnilsen.com or call 541-567-3002. a concert in Hermiston on July 21. COMING EVENTS FRIDAY, JULY 14 ADULT OPEN GYM, 6 a.m., Pendleton Recreation Center, 510 S.W. Dorion Ave., Pendleton. Half-court basketball. Adults only. WALKING FOR WELLNESS, 8:30-9:30 a.m., Pendleton Rec- reation Center, 510 S.W. Dorion Ave., Pendleton. (541-276-8100) HEPPNER FARMERS MAR- KET, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Heppner City Park, 444 N. Main St., Heppner. Local produce, crafts, baked goods and more. (Don or Jo Ann Shannon 541-676-8957) STORY TIME, 10:15 a.m., Hermiston Public Library, 235 E. Gladys Ave., Hermiston. (541- 567-2882) PENDLETON FARMERS MARKET, 4-7 p.m., 300 block, South Main Street, Pendleton. Lo- cal produce, baked goods, crafts, jewelry, live music, food vendors and more. (Cheryl Montgomery 541-969-9466) VFW BINGO, 6 p.m., Herm- iston VFW, 45 W. Cherry St., Hermiston. Doors open at 6 p.m., games begin at 7 p.m. Everyone welcome. (541-567-6219) SATURDAY, JULY 15 PENDLETON ON WHEELS RELAXED BIKE RIDE, 7 a.m., Chamber of Commerce Parking Lot, 501 S. Main St., Pendleton. Weekly casual ride. Meet with those taking a longer ride, but take a shorter route that match- es participant interests that day. Usually in the 10 to 20 mile ride as participants desire. (Pete Wells 541-379-2180) POW SATURDAY BIKE RIDE, 7 a.m.-1 p.m., Information kiosk at Museum Park, 108 S.W. Frazer Ave., Pendleton. Weekly bike ride by Pendleton on Wheels. Rides are open to the public, as far and at a speed comfortable for you. (Pete Wells 541-379-2180) HERMISTON FARMERS MARKET, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Festival Plaza, Northeast Second Street and Main, Hermiston. Local pro- duce, baked goods, crafts, jew- elry, art, live music, food vendors and more. HERMISTON Public encouraged to attend interviews for interim superintendent East Oregonian Joel Wayne Bartron FREE FOR ALL, 9:30-10:15 a.m., Pendleton Center for the Arts, 214 N. Main St., Pendleton. Free art classes for children up to age 12. Children under 8 should be accompanied by an adult. (Ro- berta Lavadour 541-278-9201) YARN CLUB, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Hermiston Public Library, 235 E. Gladys Ave., Hermiston. (541-567-2882) HIP & HANDMADE, 11 a.m.- 12 p.m., Pendleton Center for the Arts, 214 N. Main St., Pendleton. Free drop-in project class for adults. (Roberta Lavadour 541- 278-9201) STRAIGHT TALK WITH BECKY MARKS, 2-4 p.m., The Saddle Restaurant, 2220 S.E. Court Ave., Pendleton. Share thoughts with Ward I councilwom- an. (541-276-9147) ECHO OPEN AIR MARKET, 4-7 p.m., George Park, down- town, Echo. Seasonal fruits and vegetables, crafts and more. Ven- dor fees $12 per space. SUNDAY, JULY 16 FEAST OF CHRIST THE REDEEMER, 10 a.m., Episcopal Church of the Redeemer Second Street lawn, 241 S.E. Second St., Pendleton. Patronal Feast and Eucharist celebrating Christ the Redeemer will take place out- doors. A potluck barbecue will follow the service in Crysler Hall; bring a side dish to share (meat and veggie burgers provided). Free and open to everyone. (541- 276-3809) NATIONAL ICE CREAM DAY EVENT, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., SAGE Center, 101 Olson Road, Board- man. Buy 1 scoop of Tillamook ice cream and get one free. (Stefanie Swindler 541-481-7243) KBLU CITIZENS ADVISORY GROUP, 3 p.m., Bowman Building Suite 352, 17 S.W. Frazer Ave., Pendleton. Share ideas on format of Pendleton area’s newest radio station. (Vickie or Gary 541-566- 2744 or 541-566-0131) STAND IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOON ASTRONOMY LEC- TURE, 6-8 p.m., Prodigal Son Brewery & Pub, 230 S.E .Court Ave., Pendleton. Shane Larson’s yearly astronomy talk features basics of solar eclipses and how they’ve historically helped us de- velop an understanding of the Earth and its place in the cosmos. If you plan to dine at the pub, please do so before or after the lecture. (Matthew Barnes 541- 276-6090) ADULT OPEN GYM, 6:30 p.m., Pendleton Recreation Cen- ter, 510 S.W. Dorion Ave., Pend- leton. Half-court basketball. Adults only. MONDAY, JULY 17 ADULT OPEN GYM, 6 a.m., Pendleton Recreation Center, 510 S.W. Dorion Ave., Pendleton. Half-court basketball. Adults only. WALKING FOR WELLNESS, 8:30-9:30 a.m., Pendleton Rec- reation Center, 510 S.W. Dorion Ave., Pendleton. (541-276-8100) TOT TIME, 10-11 a.m., Pend- leton Recreation Center, 510 S.W. Dorion Ave., Pendleton. For chil- dren ages 0-5. Costs $1 per child per session. (541-276-8100) PRESCHOOL STORY TIME, 10:30 a.m., Athena Public Library, 418 E. Main St., Athena. For ages birth to 6. (541-566-2470) PENDLETON SENIOR MEAL SERVICE, 12 p.m., Pendleton Senior Center, 510 S.W. 10th St., Pendleton. Costs $3.50 or $6 for those under 60. Pool, puz- zles, crafts, snacks, Second Time Around thrift store 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For Meals On Wheels, call 541- 276-1926. (541-276-7101) ART STUDIO, 4-5:30 p.m., Pendleton Center for the Arts, 214 N. Main St., Pendleton. Free class for ages 7-12 to develop skills and encourage art exploration. (Ro- berta Lavadour 541-278-9201) ATHENA KNITTERS GROUP, 7 p.m., Athena Public Library, 418 E. Main St., Athena. Open to all knitters, crocheters and lovers of needle work. (541-566-2470) MUSIC IN THE PARKS SE- RIES, 7 p.m., Irrigon Marina Park, end of Northeast 10th Street,, Ir- rigon. Outdoor summer concert features Melissa Cunnington. Bring a picnic and blanket or lawn chair. Free. (Tami 541-571-0844) TUESDAY, JULY 18 ADULT OPEN GYM, 6 a.m., Pendleton Recreation Center, 510 S.W. Dorion Ave., Pendleton. Half-court basketball. Adults only. WALKING FOR WELLNESS, 8:30-9:30 a.m., Pendleton Rec- reation Center, 510 S.W. Dorion Ave., Pendleton. (541-276-8100) TERRIFICALLY FREE TUES- DAY, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Children’s Museum of Eastern Oregon, 400 S. Main St., Pendleton. Free ad- mission all day. (541-276-1066) PRESCHOOL STORY TIME, 10:30-11 a.m., Stanfield Public Li- brary, 180 W. Coe Ave., Stanfield. (541-449-1254) BOARDMAN SENIOR MEAL SERVICE, 12 p.m., Boardman Senior Center, 100 Tatone St., Boardman. Cost is $4 for seniors 55 and over or $5 for adults. (541- 481-3257) PENDLETON SENIOR MEAL SERVICE, 12 p.m., Pendleton Senior Center, 510 S.W. 10th St., Pendleton. Costs $3.50 or $6 for those under 60. Pool, puz- zles, crafts, snacks, Second Time Around thrift store 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For Meals On Wheels, call 541- 276-1926. (541-276-7101) HERMISTON SENIOR MEAL SERVICE, 12 p.m., Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church par- ish hall, 565 W. Hermiston Ave., Hermiston. Cost is $4 for adults, free for children 10 and under, $4 for Meals on Wheels. Extra 50 cents for utensils/dishes. Bus service to parish hall by donation. (541-567-3582) ATHENA TUESDAY MAR- KET, 4-7 p.m., Dugger Park, Main Street, Athena. Local vendors fea- turing food, crafts and more. Ven- dor spaces are free. (April McKen- na or Katie Zmuda 541-310-9557) CRAFTERNOONS, 4:15 p.m., Pendleton Public Library, 502 S.W. Dorion Ave., Pendleton. Drop in for a group or individual craft project. All ages. (541-966- 0380) Page 3A Hermiston School District staff and members of the public are encouraged to sit in on the district’s interview process for an interim superintendent. The district is looking for someone to fill in for Super- intendent Fred Maiocco after Maiocco announced at a school board meeting Monday that he leaves July 24 to serve a 15 to 18 month tour of duty in Europe with the U.S. Army Reserves. Interviews for the posi- tion will take place July 24 in the school district offices at 305 SW 11th Street. If two candidates are inter- viewed, the interviews will take place at 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. If three candidates are interviewed the interviews will take place at 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. A news release by the district said the interviews will be a formal process, not the meet-and-greet the public is used to attending for principals. Attendees are encouraged to sit through the full interview process for all candidates, then provide written feedback on cards that will be available. School board chair Karen Sherman said in a statement that she encouraged as members of the community as possible to attend. “Selecting an interim superintendent is a very important function for the board, and is one that should not be taken lightly,” she said. “The superin- tendent position is very visible in our schools and community. The board feels that it’s imperative that we include stakeholders in the process.” BRIEFLY Mystery water coming from excess groundwater HERMISTON — Water flowing from a catch basin on the corner of Southwest Seventh Street and Division Avenue is coming from an “abundance of groundwater” according to Hermiston street superintendent Ron Sivey. The water has been flowing along the side of the road down to Highland Avenue for about six days. Sivey said the subdivision there has tile pipes to collect groundwater, and the system is working as it should as the pipes overflow. He said the excess groundwater may be a combination of the unusually wet winter and spring and extra irrigation on a field. The city will work to determine if there are any blockages that are contributing to the overflow. “There’s nothing to be concerned about at this point,” he said. Fire causes minor damage to trailer A fire caused minor damage Thursday afternoon to a trailer at Buttercreek Apartments on Southwest 11th Street, Hermiston. No one was injured. Umatilla County Fire District Battalion Chief Jimmy Davis said the cause of the fire was under investigation, but fire officials think it may have been due to a cigarette. Davis said the fire burned through one part of the floor of the trailer, causing minimal damage. SAGE Center hosts ice cream event BOARDMAN — In celebration of National Ice Cream Day, the SAGE Center in Boardman is offering a great deal. All day Sunday, when visitors to the center buy a scoop of Tillamook ice cream a second scoop is free. The SAGE Center is located at 101 Olson Road, and showcases Eastern Oregon agriculture with interactive displays and informative exhibits designed for all ages. Summer hours of operation are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, call the center at 541-481- 7243 or browse events online at www.visitsage. com. River exploration offered for teens HERMISTON — Teens ages 13-17 are invited to explore the Columbia River with the help of the Army Corps of Engineers and Hermiston Parks and Recreation. Teen River Exploration Day is Thursday, July 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It includes a variety of river recreational activities, water safety and much more. A ranger for the Corps will be on hand to provide instruction, and personal flotation devices will be provided, but all participants must know how to swim. Lunch will be provided. The cost is $25 for Hermiston residents and $31 for non-residents. Participants will meet at Hermiston City Hall, 180 N.E. Second St. Deadline to register is Friday. For more information, or to sign up, visit the parks office at city hall, or call 541-567-5521. The Fire returns to arts center PENDLETON — A Scottish quartet that’s sold out the Pendleton Center for the Arts with their previous appearances is back again this month. Rebecca Lomnicky, David Brewer and Adam Hendey from The Fire will perform Friday, July 21 at 7 p.m. at the arts center, 214 N. Main St. Rebecca Lomnicky began playing classical violin and piano at age five, discovering Scottish fiddle music a few short years later. She will be joined by David Brewer, a multi- instrumental musician who performs with acclaimed Celtic band Molly’s Revenge, and Adam Hendey, also a multi-in- strumentalist and composer who performs across the U.S., U.K. and Ireland with Molly’s Revenge and other groups. Tickets are $15, available by calling the arts center at 541-278-9201. For more information, visit www.pendletonarts.org.
