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About Wallowa County chieftain. (Enterprise, Wallowa County, Or.) 1943-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 7, 2018)
Wallowa County Chieftain Opinion/News wallowa.com Planning the ice rink’s future GUEST I was disheartened to read in the Chieftain that some folks think that the Wallowa Valley Community Ice Rink has been closed for lack of effort or motivation on the part of those who volunteer to maintain it. Many people may not know that everything about the rink –– the fund- raising, the setup, the maintenance and the takedown –– comes from an all-vol- unteer force. These volunteers have jobs, families and busy lives outside of the rink. Some of us even take time off work and use vacation hours to get things run- ning or to address emergencies at the rink. In addition, there is a huge contingent of unsung heroes when it comes to main- taining the rink. Several times this year, I drove over to the rink after work and found that some person or group of peo- ple had shoveled the ice. This is at least a two hour undertaking for one person. I would be remiss not to mention the members of the rink committee and hockey team. Without their enthusi- asm and continued persistent efforts, the rink would disappear. Thank you all, and the many others who put in count- less hours, donated money and equip- ment and bought advertisements to keep things going. As Paul mentioned last week in his column, it truly has been the fault of weather that the rink has been so infre- quently open. Following any rain, sleet or snow event during warm conditions, it takes at least eight volunteer hours to get the ice back into safe and usable condition. COLUMN Ryan Oberhelman When it is sleeting and snowing every day for two straight weeks and the daytime highs are above 30, it is simply not possible to keep the rink open. I will offer these suggestions: If you enjoy the rink and want to see it open more, there is a concerted effort by the rink committee and the City of Enterprise to acquire funding to make improvements that will offer a longer and more consistent skating season. We hope to build a covered structure over the rink to protect it from precipi- tation, put a slab of concrete underneath it to prevent cracking and heaving and purchase a tractor-pulled Zamboni to turn resurfacing from a two-hour ordeal into a five-minute chore. However, none of this can happen unless our potential funders are over- whelmed with a sense that the entire community uses, enjoys and benefits from this rink. If everyone who uses the rink (including kids) took five minutes to write a letter about what the rink means to them and why they support a better facility, we have a good shot at secur- ing the funds necessary to make consis- tent quality skating a reality in the near future in Wallowa County. Describe the value that the rink brings to your life. Then, explain how frustrated and sad you are that you couldn’t skate as often as you wanted. Ask for help funding our rink to solve this issue. Give these letters to the folks at the Enterprise City Hall. They will keep them on file to use every time we apply for a grant or solicit a private funder. Flood our Facebook page with photos that you have taken at the rink. Families and kids with smiling faces are hard for funders to turn down. Also, we will begin circulating a peti- tion soon to show large-scale community support for this project. Stay tuned. Talk to your elected officials and let them know that the rink is important to you and your quality of life. These folks want to support projects that make you and your family happy and healthy, but they need to know that you want these projects in the first place. Spread the word. Tell everyone you know that now is the time to get on board and get a community-wide effort to improve the rink. A couple minutes of effort from everyone to voice their sup- port is the most persuasive way to con- vince others that we deserve better rink facilities. And lastly, thank you for using the rink, taking care of it and most of all enjoying it. It might not be until Decem- ber, but I can’t wait to see you all back out on the ice. Ryan Oberhelman is leader of the Wallowa Valley Community Ice Rink Committee. Elk continue to be problem in the county I found the recent “Year in Review” photo of elk on feed in the Troy area interesting. The fact that the state can find the funding to feed elk in the Troy and North Powder areas year after year and yet plead lack of resources or take no responsibility when elk were starving and raiding hay barns during last year’s severe winter does not make good man- agement sense. Following the trial in Circuit Court on charges of illegal elk killing (plea bar- gained), I was led to believe that a com- mittee was to be formed or meeting to be held to seek changes in the elk manage- ment policy. Because it does not appear at this time that the 2018 winter will be as severe as 2017, the nonimpacted observer might conclude that the problem has gone away. Nothing could be further from the truth. Upward of 400 head of elk come to the lower valley each summer commenc- ing around Aug. 10 and continuing until the first Bull Elk Rifle Season in the fall. This migration has been occurring for at least the past 30 years. At the onset of the hunting season, the elk tend to leave the irrigated ground to travel a few miles north where they continue to feed on pri- vate land. In addition, around 50 cow elk now come to the lower valley in early spring to have their calves. Many of these ani- mals stay in the valley all summer. I will admit that I am somewhat biased on this issue since I have suffered consid- erable financial losses due to elk damage over the past 30 years. Local game biolo- LETTERS to the EDITOR gists are well aware of these issues. It is a bit tiring to be asked two to three times a week by friends traveling Hwy. 82 past my property, “how are your elk doing” or “your elk herd looks like they are in good shape.” At the same time, the state sells tags or raffles permits to fund their budget while expecting the private landowner to raise their product. In my humble opinion, it is time for the state to take the lead in developing new management guidelines for elk. Per- haps it is time to elevate the elk depreda- tion problem to the same level as the wolf program where payments are being mage to individuals who have suffered damage attributable to wolf pack or do wolves rank higher than elk in policy? I and other landowners are awaiting positive action and leadership on these issues by the state, although after 30-plus years, I am not holding my breath. Dale F. Johnson Wallowa Joseph student’s project went above-and-beyond I recently had the pleasure of work- ing (long-distance) with a young woman, Alexis Sykora, a Joseph Charter School Senior. For her senior project, Alexis first organized a kindergarten to 8th grade Jog-A-Thon, conveying the message that exercise is important as well as fun. The kids were divided into grade- groups, and she had prizes for two kids in each group –– one for the most laps and one for the person who raised the most money. Now, here’s the rest of the story: Alexis then used the money she raised to purchase athletic shoes to be given to students at her school who might other- wise not be able to have them. She has already given away part of her inventory and she had enough money left for her project to be continued throughout the year or even after she graduates. She told me, “It is important to me because sports and staying active have been a part of my life, and I want all kids to be able to participate and feel confident.” Not only did she conceive this idea, she used extremely persuasive negoti- ating skills to acquire a large discount from a reputable athletic shoe manufac- turer. She did the shopping herself over Christmas vacation, and she continues to be a star performer on the Joseph Girls’ Basketball Team. Congratulations, Alexis, I have no doubt you are going to be a huge success in whatever you do in your future, and it makes my heart smile to see some- one with such foresight, compassion and ambition. This was no easy feat. Susan Benson Sturm Newberg, Ore. Sturm is a graduate of Joseph High School and lists her occupation as “pole dancing instructor at the nursing home.” February 7, 2018 A5 Living longer with your Valentine F ebruary is Heart Health Month. It’s also the month with Valentine’s Day in it. The connection? Love your heart. Your heart is prob- ably one of the hardest work- ing muscles in the human body. It’s responsible for circulating oxygenated blood throughout your body, to nourish all vital organs and cells. According to the Library of Congress, the human heart has the capability of beating three billion times during the life span of an average per- son. Yet, many people neglect their heart. In America, heart dis- ease and high blood pressure are on the rise. Heart disease among women is increas- ing and heart disease, accord- ing to healthfinder.gov, is the leading cause of death in men and women. Both of these, high blood pressure and heart disease, for the most part, with lifestyle changes, are preventable. You may think it is too early to think about the heart health of your children, but it’s never too early to estab- lish lifelong eating and phys- ical activity habits that will ensure your children grow up to be healthy adults. Cardiovascular disease is actually a group of diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels. It can start early in life, but being active can decrease the risk of develop- ing this disease. An active child is also one that will listen in school, sleep better, build healthy bones and muscles and have better self-esteem. Here are some things that will help your heart stay healthy and will ensure you enjoy many more Valentine’s Days with those you love: If you smoke, one of the lifestyle changes you can make is to quit. Maintaining a desirable and healthy weight will also help stave off future heart problems. Being phys- ically active, even for as few as 30 minutes a day on most days of the week will also reap rewards Eat a diet low in satu- rated fat. An example of sat- urated fat is butter or the white marbling found in most red meats. Protein choices should mainly come from lean sources (i.e. poultry or fish as well as dried beans and legumes.) Eggs, once thought to be a no-no, can be a part of a healthy diet. The same thing is true of dairy choices. Healthier choices come from the fat- free or low-fat section. If you currently use whole milk and the idea of going “low-fat” is not in the picture, try mix- ing whole milk with one per- cent or two percent and grad- ually transition to a lower fat option. EATING HEALTHY Ann Bloom In recipes calling for cheese, a little goes a long way, so use full-fat cheeses in moderation. It goes without saying that fruits and vegetables are a big part of a diet to combat the development of heart disease. These two food groups can be consumed fresh, frozen, canned, pureed or dried. If using canned fruit look for those canned products without added sugar. For juice, drink juice that says it is made from 100 percent juice. Many juices have the word “drink” after them. These contain little, if any, real fruit juice and no fiber. High blood pressure and heart disease, for the most part, with lifestyle changes, are preventable. Finally, from the grain group (i.e. cereals, grains, bread) aim to make half of your daily grain intake of the whole variety. Whole grains contain all the parts of the grain, the parts with the nutri- ents and are a healthier choice than refined grain products that are overly processed and have the nutrients removed. Whole grain products will say the words “made from whole grains” or contains “100 percent whole grain.” If in doubt, check the nutrition label on the package. And, as always, if you have questions or concerns about your health, you are encouraged to consult your primary care physician or health care provider. By staying physically active, and making a few dietary and lifestyle changes, you and your children can enjoy the benefits of good health. And, remember, little things do add up! Happy Valentine’s Day! Ann Bloom is a nutri- tion program assistant for the OSU Extension Service in Wallowa County. She can be contacted at 541-426-3143. Wolfe appointed to new commission to protect farm, ranch lands Woody Wolfe of Wal- lowa is one of 12 members appointed to the new Oregon Agricultural Heritage Com- mission, a program approved by the legislature in 2017 to help ensure well-managed working lands can be passed down to the next generation and kept in production. Wolfe, a farmer from Wal- lowa, was recommended by the Oregon Board of Agricul- ture and will serve a three- year initial term. The Oregon Agricultural Heritage Com- mission held its first meeting in Prineville, Ore., Feb. 1. Wolfe is a sixth-generation Wallowa County native and farmer and entrepre- neur. Over the years, he has found ways to main- tain and expand his Woody Wolfe operation in a period when farm ground is increas- ingly sold for development and converted to nonproduc- tive uses. He has worked land con- servation into his business plan, completing two conser- vation easements with Wal- lowa Land Trust in 2011 and Planning a get-away? 2017, protecting 463 acres. These easements will ensure the family farm remains in production while conserving key wildlife habitat. In addition to serving on the Wallowa County Grain Growers Board for nine years, he currently serves on the Wal- lowa School Board. Woody lives with his wife of 15 years, Megan, and their sons, Liam and Weston, on their family farm. “This commission is a shining example of Orego- nians coming together around a common goal -- to pro- tect Oregon’s rich natural resources and agricultural her- Without assistance in passing on that farmland, we might lose it from agriculture forever.” — Mary Anne Cooper Oregon Farm Bureau itage,” said Kelley Beamer, executive director of the Coa- lition of Oregon Land Trusts. “We are conservationists. We are ranchers. We are farm- ers. We are fishermen. We are hunters. And we are Ore- gonians. And we all have the same goal: to see Oregon’s resources sustained for future generations,” The new program will help Oregon farmers and ranchers access federal funding from the U.S. Department of Agri- culture specifically for agri- cultural easements on work- ing lands. A working land easement pays farmers in exchange for development rights, keeping the land in production while preventing development and fragmenta- tion of the land. “With the average age of Oregon farmers and ranch- ers at 60 — higher than it’s ever been — and a mas- sive transfer of agricultural lands looming over the next two decades, we found it imperative to get ahead of the issue,” said Mary Anne Cooper of the Oregon Farm Bureau. “Without assistance in passing on that farmland, we might lose it from agricul- ture forever.” The Oregon legislature approved the Oregon Agri- cultural Heritage Program bill during its 2017 session, and Governor Kate Brown signed it into law on Sept. 19. ~ Romance at the Lake ~ PASSPORT PHOTOS in my Joseph studio. 24-hour turn-around for prints. December-January Special: $35 for two different images, sized and printed to meet U.S. Passport requirements. Call for appointment! ELLEN MORRIS BISHOP NATURE’S LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHICS 103 N. Main Street, Ste 5, Joseph * 541 398-1810 (voice or text) paleobishop@gmail.com www.natureslightphotographics.com Valentine’s Dinner Best for Women Dinner choice of: Steak Oscar ~ $38 I Greek Salmon ~ $24 I Roasted Acorn Squash ~ $24 Fellowship Award - $2,000 Wednesday February 14, 2018 Includes dessert and a glass of champagne Gail Swart will be playing the piano during dinner Come make a memory! Call (541) 432-9821 to make your reservation and dinner choice Application deadline March 1, 2018 Soroptimist, P.O. Box 127, Enterprise, OR 97828 For More Information call 541-263- 0663