A2
Wallowa County Chieftain
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Wednesday, July 17, 2019
Where’d that word come from? The origin of ‘ooops!’
CORVALLIS – While
researching a book on the
cultural history of animal
diseases, Ray Malewitz
encountered a reference
to the Great Epizootic of
1872, the most widespread
and destructive horse fl u
epidemic in North Ameri-
can history.
During
the
same
research, Malewitz, an
associate professor in the
School of Writing, Lit-
erature, and Film at Ore-
gon State University, came
across the word “ooper-
zootics,” which he came to
learn means a fi t of crazi-
ness in humans.
This led him to wonder:
Are these two words related
to the word “oops?”
He consulted the Oxford
English Dictionary. The
editors note that oops may
be a shortened version
of “up-a-daisy and later
“upsidaisy,” which adults
since at least the 18th cen-
tury have cooed when pro-
pelling small children in the
air. The fi rst known use of
the word “oops,” dictionary
editors recorded, occurred
in a humorous horse racing
column in the Washington
Post in 1921.
“A horse racing col-
umn,” Malewitz remem-
bered thinking. “I thought
that was strange. Horses
keep coming up.”
He dug deeper. Working
with Anne Bahde at the Spe-
cial Collections & Archives
Research Center at Oregon
State, Malewitz searched
The word “oops” likely originated from “ooperzootics” a word
that is aligned with a serious horse disease of the late 19th
century.
digitized newspaper collec-
tions for all references to the
word “oops” beginning in
1872.
That search revealed
the gradual shortening of
the word “ooperzootics”
to “oops” between 1872
and 1921. In keeping with
equine history, Malewitz
also uncovered a cartoon
from 1909 that depicted a
disoriented horse shouting
“Whee!-Oop” after ingesting
locoweeds, which produce a
toxin harmful to the animals.
In a recent paper “On the
Origin of “Oops!”: The Lan-
guage and Literature of Ani-
mal Disease,” which was
published in the journal Crit-
ical Inquiry, Malewitz argues
that the horse’s exclamation
connects to newly coined
viral phrases of the time,
including
“ooperzootics”
and the related “oopazooty.”
Both phrases, he shows,
are variants of the veterinary
terms “epizooty,” a wide-
spread disease affecting ani-
mals,” and “epizootic,” an
adjective that describes the
disease, which were popular-
ized by the Great Epizootic
of 1872. Because this epi-
zootic ground horse-driven
transportation to a halt,
humans were often thrust
into positions of animals—
pushing carts and drag-
ging trams around American
cities.
This cross-over of ani-
mal and human worlds led to
a great deal of surprise and
laughter on the streets, and,
he argues, a new world to
express this surprise. Given
the long-standing associ-
ation between horses and
epizootics or ooperzootics,
Malewitz argues it is rea-
sonable to assume that oops
entered the English language
by way of this animal dis-
ease before migrating to its
current usage as a marker of
human foibles.
He plans to let the editors
of the Oxford English Dic-
tionary know of his fi ndings
with hopes they will update
their dictionary entry for
oops.
Malewitz’s
ongoing
research brings together his
interests in the creative inter-
section of the liberal arts and
natural sciences. His forth-
coming book will offer a
historical framework for
understanding current dis-
ease outbreaks in animals,
including avian fl us, white
nose syndrome in bats and
chronic wasting disease,
which impacts deer, elk and
moose.
In an era of rapidly chang-
ing climate, these epizootic
outbreaks are expected to
increase as animals respond
to changing geological con-
ditions by changing their
migration patterns and in the
process encountering new
kinds of illnesses. According
to Malewitz, these changes
are leading many people to
rethink our ethical responsi-
bilities towards the animals
in our communities.
Malewitz understands the
“oops” story is also about
the goofi ness of word ori-
gins. But, he hopes it will
make people think about
the enduring, often surpris-
ing, connections between the
lives of humans and the lives
of animals.
“I don’t believe this will
change the world, but I
hope this strange story of an
everyday word will get peo-
ple to consider how animal
diseases have shaped and
will continue to shape our
culture,” he said.
OBITUARIES
Gordon Martin Osborn
January 18, 1935–June 22, 2019
Gordon M. Osborn
passed away June 22,
2019, at Wallowa Memo-
rial Hospital. He grew up
in Wallowa, and he was
part of the Wal-
lowa 1951 and
1952
champi-
onship football
teams.
(They
even
played
the Washington
champions and
beat them.) He
later graduated
from Wallowa
High
School.
After graduation from high
school he attended Eastern
Oregon State College for
two years, and then grad-
uated with a Bachelor Sci-
ence in biology from Uni-
versity of Oregon. He
received a Master Science
at Montana (Missoula) in
human physiology. And
then earned a teaching
degree from the University
of Oregon.
Gordon worked many
summers with the For-
est Service in Wallowa
County.
He married Lorene A
Grant on June 19, 1960 at
Community Church.
He was a science
teacher and coach at Mer-
cer Island High School for
30 years.
He coached track and
soccer. Taught summer
camp with some of the
original Seattle Sounders
professional soccer team
at Fort Warden Washing-
ton. He was summer coor-
dinator working with Seat-
tle Parks. He
enjoyed scuba
diving in Puget
Sound and work-
ing with kids at
camps and parks.
He refereed sum-
mer youth base-
ball, where his
instant
replay
memory proved
useful.
He is survived by his
wife Lorene Osborn of
Enterprise, daughter Pen-
ney Reed of Union, Ore-
gon, son Gordon L. Osborn
of Mill Creek, Washington,
son Edward J. Osborn of
Snohomish, Washington,
and fi ve grandchildren.
He was predeceased
by his parents, J. Elmer
and Mabel Osborn, his
aunt, Marjorie Martin,
and his half brother, Jack
Osborn. His great-grand-
parents, Alonso and Issa-
bella Wagner were among
the founders of the City of
Enterprise.
Memorial
service
will be held at Commu-
nity Connection at 1 p.m.,
Sunday July 21. Potluck
following.
Memorial
donations
to Wallowa Memorial
Hospital.
Leo Vernon Gorbett
August 10, 1933-June 15, 2019
WHAT’S HAPPENING
THURSDAY, JULY 18
KICKBOXING
FITNESS
CLASS: 5:15 a.m. The Vault in
Enterprise. Hurricane Point
Fitness. No experience nec-
essary. Certifi ed instructors.
541-398-2131.
PILATES IN WALLOWA:
9 a.m. Wallowa Senior Cen-
ter. Sponsored by Community
Connection.
TAI CHI: 9 a.m. Enterprise
Senior Center.
LEGAL AID SERVICES: Start-
ing at 9 a.m. Enterprise Senior
Center. Free legal advice for
low-income and senior citi-
zens. For appointment, call
1-800-843-1115, ext. 201.
WINE GLASS PAINTING:
9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Josephy Cen-
ter. Free wine glass painting
lesson with Kodi McCleary. All
materials provided and the
result is donated to the Wal-
lowa Valley Festival of Arts
opening night festivities.
LIBRARY STORY TIMES:
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Enter-
prise City Library. Parents and
children 0-5. Circle time, sto-
ry-time and activity at the
Library.
FREE SUMMER LUNCH IN
THE PARK: Noon to 12:30 p.m.
Monday through Thursday.
For children 0-18. At Wallowa,
Enterprise and Joseph parks.
Sponsored by Building Healthy
Families.
WALLOWA COUNTY CHESS
CLUB: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Jose-
phy Center, Joseph. Free. Tour-
ists and players of all levels are
welcome.
THIRD THURSDAY FARMERS
MARKET: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Next
to the Courthouse Concert
Series. WIC, SNAP, Double Up
Food Bucks & Veggie Rx vouch-
ers accepted.
COURTHOUSE CONCERT
SERIES: 5:30 p.m. Courthouse
gazebo, Enterprise. Free out-
PET OF
K
THE WEE
door musical gathering.
FRIDAY, JULY 19
ZUMBA: 6:30 a.m. The Place,
Joseph. No experience needed.
Instructor: Tammi Chapman.
PARENT/CHILD
PLAY-
GROUPS:
9:30 a.m.
to
10:30 a.m. Building Healthy
Families. Targeting parents and
children 0-5. Songs, stories,
snacks and activities focusing
on developing kindergarten
readiness skills.
RESTORATIVE
YOGA:
9:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Above
the Lostine Tavern in Lostine. A
gentle style of yoga. Instructor:
Esther Petrocine. salutations-
studio.com
FOOD GIVEAWAY: 11:30 a.m.
Wallowa Senior Center in Wal-
lowa, 11 a.m. Enterprise Senior
Center and noon at The Place
in Joseph. Sponsored by Wal-
lowa Fresh Food Alliance. Per-
ishable food available.
LOWER VALLEY FARMERS
MARKET: Noon to 6 p.m. Held
indoors, on Main Street, across
from Wallowa Food City in Wal-
lowa. Produce, eggs, grass fed
beef, handcrafted items.
DISCOVERY WALK: 3:30 p.m.
to 5:30 p.m. Leave from Wal-
lowology. Family friendly! Free.
FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT:
8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wallowa
Lake State Park, campground
program area.
SATURDAY, JULY 20
WALLOWA COUNTY FARM-
ERS MARKET: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Next to Stein Distillery in
Joseph. Fresh local food, hand-
made arts & crafts, live music
and community. WIC, SNAP,
Double Up Food Bucks & Veg-
gie Rx vouchers accepted.
ZUMBA GOLD: 9 a.m. 30
minute seated class; 9:30 a.m.
standing class. Enterprise
Senior Center. A fi tness class
Brought to
you by,
Meet Bonnie
& Clyde
Siblings, born May 1, 2019.
Bonnie, a black and white
female. Clyde, an orange and
white male. Both lovable and
very friendly. Bonnie is more
outgoing and playful while
Clyde is quiet and laid back.
Both are up-to-date on
vaccinations, de-worming and
litter box trained. Ready for
loving homes.
Available for Adoption
Contact Elaine at 541-263-1148
SEE THE EXPANDED ONLINE CALENDAR AT
EASTERNOREGONEVENTS.COM
for seniors that combines
Latin dance music with fi t-
ness moves. A doctor’s note
releasing you to participate in
Zumba Gold is required. Call
Becky McAuliff e for info at
541-263-0224.
ART ON THE MORAINE: Join
artists Jakob Hasslacher and
Chris Antemann on a tour of the
LH Project and Lola Hasslacher
Preserve on Wallowa Lake’s
East Moraine. Free. Presented
by Wallowa Land Trust. For
more info: info@wallowaland-
trust.org or 541-426-2042.
DISCOVERY WALK: 9:30 a.m.
to 11:30 a.m. Leave from Wal-
lowa Lake Lodge. Family
friendly! Free. Sponsored by
Wallowology.
LOWER VALLEY FARMERS
MARKET: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Held
indoors, on Main Street, across
from Wallowa Food City in Wal-
lowa. Produce, eggs, grass fed
beef, handcrafted items.
SUNDAY, JULY 21
LOWER VALLEY FARMERS
MARKET: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Held
indoors, on Main Street, across
from Wallowa Food City in Wal-
lowa. Produce, eggs, grass fed
beef, handcrafted items.
BINGO: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. VFW
Hall, Enterprise.
MONDAY, JULY 22
ZUMBA: 6:30 a.m. The Place,
Joseph. No experience needed.
Instructor: Tammi Chapman.
FREE SUMMER LUNCH IN
THE PARK: Noon to 12:30 p.m.
Monday through Thursday.
For children 0-18. At Wallowa,
Enterprise and Joseph parks.
Sponsored by Building Healthy
Families.
TUESDAY, JULY 23
PILATES IN WALLOWA:
9 a.m. Wallowa Senior Center.
SEWING GROUP: 10 a.m.
Includes a free spay or neuter
http://www.wallowacountyhumanesociety.org/
WEDNESDAY, JULY 24
CHIEF JOSEPH DAYS –
JULY 24 – JULY 27: Four days
of action packed rodeos
and western entertainment.
Parades, dances, and much
more. www.chiefj osephdays.
com/
ZUMBA: 6:30 a.m. The Place,
Joseph. No experience needed.
Instructor: Tammi Chapman.
FOOD GIVEAWAY: 11:30 a.m.
Wallowa Senior Center in Wal-
lowa, 11 a.m. Enterprise Senior
Center and noon at The Place
in Joseph. Sponsored by Wal-
lowa Fresh Food Alliance. Per-
ishable food available.
ROTARY CLUB OF WAL-
LOWA COUNTY: Noon, St. Kath-
erine Catholic Church, 301 E.
Garfi eld St., Enterprise. Public
is invited.
FREE SUMMER LUNCH IN
THE PARK: Noon to 12:30 p.m.
Monday through Thursday.
For children 0-18. At Wallowa,
Enterprise and Joseph parks.
Sponsored by Building Healthy
Families.
TERMINAL GRAVITY PRES-
ENTS: YOU KNEW MEAN WHEN:
7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Terminal Grav-
ity, Enterprise. Nationally tour-
ing from Ouray, Colorado play-
ing indie folk-rock.
Do you have a passion to
care
for have
older a adults
Do you
passion and
to
care for with
older disabilities?
adults and
people
people with disabilities?
Care for adults
in your home or
as a separate
business.
Lisa Barlow,
541-889-7553 Ext 655
or Tony Boyd
541-963-7276 Ext 342
Adult Foster Home
Licensors
$45 adoption fee
to 3 p.m. Wallowa Senior Cen-
ter, 204 E. 2nd St., Wallowa.
Sponsored by Community
Connection.
TAI CHI: 9 a.m. Enterprise
Senior Center.
DIABETES CLINIC: 11 a.m.
to 1:30 p.m. Wallowa Senior
Center.
FREE SUMMER LUNCH IN
THE PARK: Noon to 12:30 p.m.
Monday through Thursday.
For children 0-18. At Wallowa,
Enterprise and Joseph parks.
Sponsored by Building Healthy
Families.
Leo Vernon Gorbett, age
85, of Cove, died June 15,
2019 at his home. A cele-
bration of life will be held
on July 27, 2019
at
1:00 p.m.
at Red Bridge
Park followed
by a potluck.
Arrangements
are entrusted to
Daniels~Knopp
Funeral,
Cre-
mation & Life
Celebration Center in La
Grande.
Leo was born on August
10, 1933, the son of Rolin
and Elna (Henderson) Gor-
bett in Promise, Oregon.
He attended a one room
school house in Prom-
ise through the 3rd grade
then moved to another
one room school house in
Lone Pine through the 6th
grade. The rest of his edu-
cation was at Wallowa
where he graduated from
high school in 1951. He
served his country with the
United States Army from
1954 until 1956. In 1959
he married Bonnie Pul-
len. She preceded him in
death in 1972. In 1973 he
married Susan Courtnay in
Wallowa. He was a rancher
in Wallowa County until
1991 when they moved to
Cove to ranch
there. He loved
horses and the
outdoors, enjoy-
ing
hunting,
fi shing, camp-
ing and moun-
tain trips. He
enjoyed
guns
and
shooting
and was a member of the
NRA.
Survivors include his
wife, Susan Gorbett of
Cove; children, Wes Gor-
bett of Cove, Randy Gor-
bett of Bonney Lake, Wash-
ington, June McElhaney of
Cove and Don Gorbett of
Halfway; brother, Homer
Gorbett of Cove; sister,
Darlene Stubblefi eld of
Baker City; seven grand-
children; four great grand-
children and other relatives
and friends. He was pre-
ceded in death by brothers,
Wayne and Verl.
In lieu of fl owers those
who wish may make con-
tributions in his memory to
Cove FFA Chapter.
ABOUT OBITUARIES
Obituaries are accepted from family members or a funeral home. Information
submitted is subject to editing. Obituaries that exceed 400 words will be referred
to the advertising department for paid memorials. Send obituaries by email to
editor@wallowa.com; fax to 541-426-3921 or mail to P.O. Box 338, Enterprise,
OR 97828. Deadline to submit an obituary is 10 a.m. Monday for publication the
same week. Obituaries submitted after deadline will be queued for publication
in the next edition. Info: 541-426-4567.
Weather Forecast
Courtesy of Weather Underground • wunderground.com
High Low
Conditions
July 18
75
41
Partly Cloudy
July 19
72
43
Sunny
July 20
77
48
Sunny
July 21
85
53
Sunny
July 22
89
56
Mostly sunny
July 23
88
57
Partly cloudy
July 24
87
56
Mostly sunny
Phases of the moon
July 24
July 31
Aug. 7
Aug. 15
Last Quarter
New Moon
1st Quarter
Full Moon
WALLOWA COUNTY SUNRISE & SUNSET JULY 18–24
(from the U.S. Naval Observatory)
THUR
FRI
SAT
SUN
MON
TUES
WED
5:17
8:33
5:18
8:32
5:19
8:31
5:20
8:31
5:21
8:30
5:23
8:29
5:24
8:28