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About East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 8, 2019)
REGION Friday, February 8, 2019 East Oregonian A3 PHS to build new greenhouse By ANTONIO SIERRA East Oregonian Three years after Ore- gon voters passed Measure 98 to boost career technical education, Pendleton High School is seeing that fund- ing bear fruit. And even if it doesn’t bear fruit, it’s all but assured to grow some sort of edible greenery. Using a Measure 98 High School Success grant, the Pendleton School District is ordering a new greenhouse for the high school, a move that is expected to bolster multiple Career and Techni- cal Education programs. Pendleton High School Principal Curt Thompson said the 24-by-48-foot facil- ity will be located south of the student parking lot with the expectation that it will be completed before the start of the 2019-20 school year. Michelle Jones, the dis- trict’s director of business services, said the green- house will cost $37,000. The Pendleton school board was set to approve a contract with Kirby Nagelhout Con- struction Co. on Tuesday, but inclement weather can- celed the meeting. When the greenhouse is completed, it should be an asset to Kylee Jensen, the high school’s agriculture instructor. Photo courtesy of the Pendleton School District An example of the greenhouse model Pendleton High School will use when it builds the facility later this year. Although Pendleton High School already has an active greenhouse, it isn’t sufficient for the agriculture program’s future ambitions. “It’s the size of a closet,” Jensen said. She said that the new greenhouse will benefit plant science, and crop and soil science classes, where students are often sent in shifts to the old greenhouse to do hands-on work. When the new greenhouse is open to students, Jensen said she may be able to spend whole class periods allowing stu- dents to work with their plants or crops. Additionally, Jensen said institutional knowledge of how certain facets of the old greenhouse works, like its watering system, has dwin- dled due to teacher and staff turnover. Jensen said agricul- tural curriculum is like a three-ring Venn diagram that includes the classroom, Future Farmers of America, and supervised agricultural activities. The latter is an agri- cultural project outside of the classroom or lab space that can revolve around a job placement, entrepre- neurship, or agriscience. Completed projects can be used to help students earn degrees through the FFA. While PHS students who live on a farm or ranch can put together an agricultural experience at their own homes, Jensen said in-town children don’t always have access to such a space. But the larger space the new greenhouse will pro- vide will allow students to work on and display things like a hydroponic system for their agricultural experi- ences, Jensen said. The agriculture instruc- tor also expects the new greenhouse will expand the program’s fundraising prowess. Jensen said the agricul- ture program doesn’t have the space to grow things for a plant sale, but that would change under the new greenhouse. Money from any plants the school sold from the greenhouse would be pumped right back into the agriculture program. The high school also hopes that the greenhouse can help with other CTE programs. Thompson said the culi- nary program is interested in using the facility to grow vegetables and herbs for their dishes, allowing them to create a farm-to-table experience. And while cold snaps like the one Eastern Ore- gon is currently experienc- ing can be brutal for farms across the region, the new greenhouse will have tem- perature controls so that stu- dents can continue to work on their plants throughout the cold weather months. Organic farmers seek support from Oregon legislators By GEORGE PLAVEN EO Media Group SALEM — Organic farmers gathered Feb. 6 at the Oregon State Capi- tol to meet with legislators and push for support of an industry that annually gen- erates $350 million in farm gate sales. They are asking the Leg- islature to formalize a state Organic Advisory Coun- cil, and set aside money in the budget for four full-time positions dedicated to help- ing farmers transition to organic practices and certi- fying organic farms. Organic Valley, the nation’s largest organic farm cooperative, hosted the event, which included a reception featuring remarks from Gov. Kate Brown. Last August, Brown and U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley visited the Organic Valley creamery in McMinnville, which opened in 2017 with $350,000 in support from the state’s Strategic Reserve Fund. Brown said she is com- mitted to maintaining Ore- gon as a leader in organic agriculture. The state cur- rently ranks ninth overall with 864 organic businesses. “I am very excited about this sector in Oregon’s agri- cultural economy,” Brown said. “We know it is a very valuable component of the agricultural sector.” Overall, Oregon farm- ers generate more than $4.5 billion in annual farm gate sales and services. Other event spon- sors included the Organic Trade Association, Oregon Organic Coalition, Organic Materials Review Insti- tute, Oregon Tilth, Oregon State University College of Agricultural Sciences, OSU Extension, Friends of Fam- ily Farmers, Mountain Rose Herbs, Organically Grown Company and Humming- bird Wholesale. Destiny Theatres Fri - Tue, Feb. 8, 2019 - Feb. 12, 2019 Subject to change. Check times daily. Hermiston Stadium 8 Hwy 395 & Theatre Ln - 567-1556 MoviesInHermiston.com L EGO M OVIE 2 (PG) Capital Press Photo/George Plaven From left, Steve Pierson, Sara Pierson and Susan Pierson, of Sar-Ben Farms in St. Paul, met with legislators and spoke during a reception Feb. 6 promoting organic agriculture at the Oregon Capitol. Organic producers also spent time meeting with lawmakers, highlighting their businesses and advo- cating for a greater voice in policy decisions. The Organic Advisory Coun- cil would be made up of farmers, researchers, retail- ers and distributors, meet- ing quarterly and providing input on proposals affecting the industry. Farmers must demon- strate they are using organic practices on their land and animals for at least three years before they can be certified organic. The four newly created positions would focus on assisting certified and transitioning organic operations, and may be associated with OSU, the Oregon Department of Agriculture or another non- profit organization. Melissa Collman, a fourth-generation dairy farmer who runs Cloud Cap Farms in Boring, said she PACIFIC NORTHWEST ALASKA, WASHINGTON, OREGON, IDAHO, MONTANA REACH 3 million Pacific Northwesterners with just One Call! n PNDC CLASSIFIED - Daily Newspapers 29 newspapers - 1,187,980 circulation Number of words: 25 l Extra word cost: $10 Cost: $540 (Runs 3 consecutive days including wkds.) Exhibit tears open on Valentine’s Day Marie Noorani creates paper art East Oregonian An artist from Richland, Washington, who creates paper art is featured in an upcoming exhibit at Betty Feves Memorial Gallery. Marie Noorani presents “How It Looks on Paper” with an opening reception Thursday, Feb. 14 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. The gallery is located in Pioneer Hall at Blue Mountain Community College, 2411 N.W. Carden Ave., Pendleton. There is no admission charge. Noorani both creates and destroys as she takes apart and reassembles to make each piece. “I thoughtfully create paper from natural fibers, recycled material, and small organic matter,” Noorani said. “Then, I destroy it. I spray it with ink, soak it in wax, tear it by hand, and cut it with razors.” The artist then subjects the artwork to heat, holds it under weights and pierces it with wires. Although 27 newspapers - 1,016,864 circulation Size: 2x2 (3.25”x2”) Cost: 1x 2x2: $1,050 2/8 - 2/10 Cineplex Show Times $5 Classic Movie 2/13 • 12pm PALE RIDER THE LEGO MOVIE 2: THE SECOND PART (PG) 12:00* 2:20* 7:10 4:40 9:30 COLD PURSUIT (R) 1:20* 4:00 6:40 9:20 T HE P RODIGY (R-17) GLASS (PG13) 1:00* 4:10 7:00 9:50 BRIEFLY Forensic artist to address Christian writers’ conference SALEM — Carrie Stuart Parks is the keynote speaker for the Oregon Christian Writers’ winter conference. An award-winning novelist and internationally known forensic artist, Parks will speak on the topic “Grow and Become a Better Writer.” Open to writers of all genres and levels, the event is Saturday, Feb. 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Chemeketa Community College, 4000 Lancaster Drive N.E., Salem. Afternoon workshops include author platforms, cri- tique group membership, writing creative nonfiction and audiobooks. In a second conference presentation, Parks will share the story of her writing career and lessons she has learned along the way. She will discuss how she has used her forensic art background and professional cases in her writing and how she came to be mentored by Frank Peretti. Registration for the conference is $25 to $75. For more information or to register, visit www.oregonchristian- writers.org. For questions, contact business@oregon- christianwriters.org. The most valuable and respected source of local news, advertising and information for our communities. www.eomediagroup.com LIVE MUSIC 9:00 PM More info: Cecelia@cnpa.com or call (916) 288-6011 Troat your Swoothoart to Dinnor T hursday , F ebruary 14 Valontine Dinnor Spocials SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8 Acousta Noir 8 S . E . CO U RT, P E N D L E TO N • 5 4 1 . 278 .1 1 0 0 We’re proud to present new work by Cory Peeke Feb. 7-29 Fire Roasted Salmon with Mango Salsa Slow Roasted Prime Rib T HE U PSIDE (PG-13) THE UPSIDE (PG13) 1:10* 4:20 7:00 9:40 K ID W HO W OULD B E K ING (PG) AQUAMAN (PG13) 3:50* 9:30 G LASS (PG-13) THE FAVOURITE (R) 6:50 FREE Admission THE KID WHO WOULD BE KING (PG) 12:50* made possible through the generous support of A D OG ’ S W AY H OME (PG) $5. 50 Tuesdays** **ALL DAY TUESDAY, MOST MOVIES. Check ONLINE for more information! moved by the inherent fra- gility and vulnerability of the medium, Noorani then compassionately and imperfectly reassembles the parts into her own iron- ically beautiful Franken- stein, she said. Noorani has exhibited nationally and internation- ally and has work in the permanent collection at Columbia Basin College. She also recently received an award at the AMAT- ERAS Paper Arts Festival at the Royal Palace of Cul- ture in Sofia, Bulgaria. “How it Looks on Paper” runs through March 14. The gallery is open Mon- day through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and by appointment. For more information, contact gallery director Lori Sams at 541- 278-5952, lsams@bluecc. edu or visit www.bluecc. edu/community/feves-art- gallery. For the artist’s web- site, go to www.marien- oorani.com. ——— Contact Community Editor Tammy Malgesini at tmalgesini@eastorego- nian.com or 541-564-4539 n PNDN 2x2 DISPLAY - Daily Newspapers C OLD P URSUIT (R-17) M ISS B ALA (PG-13) spent the morning meet- ing with Sen. Alan Olsen, R-Canby, and Sen. Herman Baertschiger Jr., R-Grants Pass, and felt their message was well-received. “We just want to remain relevant and competitive,” Collman said. “We’re doing the best we can to bring a healthy product to market.” Cloud Cap Farms is one of 39 Oregon dairy farms that have joined Organic Valley. The co-op paid $56 million to the farms in 2018, and produced 7.6 mil- lion pounds of butter and 12 million pounds of milk powder at the McMinnville creamery. Collman said the farm milks 200 cows, and grazes the animals on open pas- ture. While they do not have many inputs, Collman said additional research could help them with issues, such as weed management, help- ing to produce a better and healthier product. “Our cows already do so well in this area,” she said. “But the resources we need would go into managing our grass to keep it at that better quality.” Steve Pierson, of Sar- Ben Farms in St. Paul, is on the Organic Valley board of directors. He said legislators who support organic agri- culture are also helping to keep small family farms in business, which has a ripple effect in rural communities. “If you look at what’s happening to the rural econ- omy, there are fewer and fewer farms to support the local businesses,” Pierson said. “It’s just a downward economic spiral in those communities.” Pierson said transition- ing to organic in 2005 and joining Organic Valley has allowed the farm to remain profitable, and all three of his kids — Kevin, Ryan and Sara — have returned to the farm after graduating from OSU. Sara Pierson, 23, said she could not imagine life any other way. “I’m excited to raise my own family there, and hope- fully see them become the sixth generation at our fam- ily dairy,” she said. Contributed photo Richland artist Marie Noorani, who creates paper art, presents “How It Looks on Paper.” The exhibit opens Feb. 14 at Betty Feves Memorial Gallery at BMCC in Pendleton. * Matinee Pricing wildhorseresort.com • 541-966-1850 Pendleton, OR I-84 - Exit 216 Special Valentine Cocktails & Desserts Call For Reservations 541.278.1100 SALOON OPENS AT 4PM • DINNER BEGINNING AT 5PM H AMLEY S TEAK H OUSE COURT & MAIN • DOWNTOWN PENDLETON info: pendletonarts.org