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About Cottage Grove sentinel. (Cottage Grove, Or.) 1909-current | View Entire Issue (July 17, 2019)
COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL | WEDNESDAY, JULY 17, 2019 | 5A Pet Tips ‘n’ Tales Betty Kaiser’s Chatter Box: Remembering Miss Neely — she was a pistol! Betty Kaiser T oday’s column is one of fond remembrances of Jan Neely, a beloved girls’ athletic coach and teach- er who taught at Cottage Grove High School from 1952-1987. A Christian, she passed from this world into heav- en on June 16, at the age of 92. Her former students and co-workers will tell you that she is gone but not for- gotten. Their memories in- spired this column. She still means a lot to her students and co-work- ers. For instance, if you walk around the Cottage Grove High School cam- pus, you will find yourself on the Coach Neely Fitness Trail. A plaque was placed there in 2012 in honor of this very respected teacher by a group of her former students. At the dedication, she received a personal tour of the trail in a golf cart. Janice Jean and her twin sister, Jean Janice, were born on June 16, 1927, in Grants Pass, Ore. They both graduated from the University of Oregon and later earned master’s de- grees from the University of Washington. They both taught wom- en’s physical education. Jean lived in La Grande for 30 years where she was a teacher at Eastern Ore- gon College until she re- tired and moved to Cottage Grove with Jan. She passed away in 2009. Former Athletics Direc- tor Jerry Braunberger was fresh out of college when he came to CGHS in 1961. He and his wife, Sherrie, fond- ly remember Jan’s warm greeting and acceptance of them. Soon, Jan was orga- nizing activities for the fac- ulty wives — most memo- rably, a weekly badminton group that continued for years. Sherrie remembers that, “Jan set up the group and taught us how to play but she was hard to beat!” Jerry said he really got to know her when they coached track together (along with softball, soccer, lacrosse, etc.) He stressed that she was well-liked and developed strong relation- ships with her students. Whatever she did, her emphasis was always on the importance of physical ac- tivity for all ages. She would encourage all ages to exer- cise by saying, “You need to be active for a busy life.” Jerry said that Miss Neely was an equal opportunist for women in sports — even in an era when girls’ sports in school were far less important than the boys. He added that, “She was an excellent teacher and extremely dedicated She was a dynamo!” After hearing from grad- uates of several CGHS eras, it’s evident she coached, taught, mentored, encour- aged, supported and moti- vated her students all while teaching them new skills. I think it’s fair to say that she was a superstar teacher to her students. One with a sense of humor. As you will learn from the following comments about their “Miss Neely,” you might also say that she taught with love. Cheryl R. from the class of 1966 says: “Growing up there were three wom- en who deeply influenced me: my mother, my pater- nal grandmother and Miss Neely. She was not only a wonderful teacher, coach and advisor, but also a won- derful role model to me and to hundreds of young wom- en. She always inspired us to do our best and be our best version of ourselves. I know I am a better person for having her in my life.” Janece N., also from the Class of 1966, said, ”I have wonderful memories of Miss Neely ... definitely a woman before her time!” Jan S., also from the Class of 1966 says: “My memo- ries include powerful words to describe the role model she was for me - dedicat- ed, motivational, positive influence, genuine, caring and she paved the way for girls’ athletics by the way she positively interacted with people. She provided an unbelievable experience in physical education with a curriculum involving bas- ketball, volleyball, tennis, softball, gymnastics, fenc- ing, archery, etc. I chose elementary teaching for my life-long career and Miss Neely was a definite inspi- ration and role model in my life!” One member of the class of 1959 recalls how kind and caring Miss Neely was while her PE teacher. It was this teenager’s senior year. She fell in love, got mar- ried and became pregnant. Morning sickness made it impossible for her to keep up in soccer. Miss Neely noticed, didn’t ask ques- tions but suggested that her student “Go sit on the side- lines and learn by watch- ing.” Now that’s teaching with compassion. Finally, Marie L. (class of 1957), has some hilari- ous stories of trips that the various teams took to out of town sporting events. There were no buses for girl athletes, so parents and Miss Neely did the driving. To pass the time, the girls would come prepared with prankster signs to flash out the back window. A cou- ple of their favorites read, “Help! We’re being Kid- napped!” or “Single Driver.” They were afraid to put up the one that said, “Drunk Driver.” As they giggled, Miss Neely would just say, “What are you girls doing now?” and keep on driving to the next GAA meet. Today, all agree that they are grateful for hav- ing known her. She was an excellent teacher, mentor, role model and friend who greatly influenced their lives forever. There were many formal accolades and awards for her but as one former student said, “She was a pistol and got things done!” Now you have to wonder what kind of athletics she is organizing in heaven. There will be a Celebra- tion of Life service for Miss Janice Jean Neely at River- side Community Church of God, this Saturday, July 20, at 2 p.m. Contact Betty Kaiser’s Chatterbox at 942-1317 or email bchatty@bettykaiser. com LORANE NEWS Contributed by Lil Thompson IMPROVISIATIONAL THEATER ^LLRJSHZZ^P[O /V^HYK (UKYLH/\TTLS JULY 7,14,21,28 & AUG 4,11 From 6-8PM $60 ·····!····· OPAL CENTER FOR ARTS & EDUCATION ,4HPU:[*V[[HNL.YV]L VWHSJLU[LYJNVYN 6-day weather forecast for The Sentinel • The Crow Car Show was great with 145 car en- tries and an incredible Kid- zone. The Crow Booster Club issued a big “thank you” to all who came — it showed great support for our district students. • Lorane Grange meets tomorrow, July 18, at 7 p.m. Final plans for the fair booth are on the agenda and its potluck snacks. • The Lane County Fair is next week, July 24-28. The first day is Grange Day, with free cookies, coffee and water for those who stroll through the pavilion enjoying the Grange booth displays. All kids age 10 and under get in free dressed up as veggies or fruits on this day. • The Community-wide Garage/Yard Sale in Lorane is Aug. 3. It’s free this year to be on the map. Email Louise at LoraneSale@ya- hoo.com to be put on the list. Anyone wanting to rent a table at the Grange can contact Jeri Porter at 641-942-2448. Tables are $10 for the day. • The second Sunday in August is the annual Community Potluck Pic- nic at the Grange at noon, but come early and visit. Then, the annual Lorane Volunteer Fire Department Ice Cream Social will take place at the fire hall from 1 to 5 p.m. Come enjoy de- licious pies and ice cream, visit and take in all the ac- tivities. THURSDAY FRIDAY 81° | 53° 80° | 52° Transmissions Plus & Partly Cloudy Sunny AUTOMOTIVE SPECIALTIES SATURDAY SUNDAY PRACTICING THE ART OF TRANSMISSION REPAIR SERVICE SINCE 1991 82° | 54° 82° | 54° Sunny Sunny MONDAY TUESDAY 87° | 57° Sunny 85° | 57° Sunny Prepare more than a policy to plan in event of disaster. Manual & Automatic Transmission Repair Tune ups 30-60-90K Services Brakes, belts, hoses and cooling system services Muffl ers & Custom Exhaust All makes and models. We can develop your business’ emergency plan. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE AFFORDABLY Call today (541) 942-0555. PayneWest.com/Cottage-Grove WE LIVE IN THE SAME TOWN WE WORK IN “WE MAKE SHIFT HAPPEN!” www.automotivespecialties.biz DUSTIN TULLAR & RUSS OWENS 541-942-8022 • COTTAGE GROVE By Mary Ellen “Angel Scribe” Pet Emergency purr-paredness Christine planned ahead on how to save her dog, Dolly, and herself in case of a natural disaster. I n light of recent natural disasters, I interviewed Christine who was taking the “bull by the horns” to be paw-pared for an emergency. “I need to plan ahead for several reasons,” said Chris- tine Ballantine, founder of the Western Canada Pe- kingese Club, whose reasons were, “My artificial hip, seven flights of stairs and saving my seven-and-a-half- pound Pekingese, Dolly. So, I took a Humane Society pet emergency class. Everyone hopes they will never have to use their emergency kits, but it is better to be prepared and not use it. Having a list on hand in case of a natural disaster is paramount because once an evac- uation is ordered, panic supersedes normal thinking.” And those with pets need to paw-pare extras. TIPS: “I can endure hardship, but knowing I was not pre- pared to help my dog would add to the devastation of an evacuation,” said Christine. Her “flight” bag is an airline under-seat “Sherpa” bag with an over-the-shoulder strap. She placed crate pads, pee pads and a dog blanket on the bottom. She includ- ed clean up items such as: A small terry towel, paper towels, poop bags, grooming brush, collapsible dishes, a plastic bag with a week’s worth of dry food, treats, bis- cuits, a couple of leashes tied to the handle and a pet first aid kit. The extra leashes are in case you find a roving animal to help. Dog toys were included along with a safe chewy to keep her busy and her teeth clean and her spare dog- gie water bottle with attached dish. Christine includes bagged water in her own grab-n-go bag for them both; and both bags are in her front hall closet near the door. In a plastic Ziploc bag, include the following: Cop- ies of your pet’s vaccination certificates, vet’s address, photographs of both your pet and you together, pet’s microchip number and an identification tag attached to a light buckle collar to place on your pet. The Sherpa bag also has home information in it. You and your pets can be housed separately at an evacuation center, so ID is a paramount requirement with proper fitting buckle collars. Make your own by using a black marker and cardboard wrapped in heavy see-through packing tape. Include an out-of-the area friend’s contact information in case you are incapaci- tated/hospitalized. “I also have a small collapsible, fold-up exercise pen with a floor,” said Christine. “I also included Dolly’s medications and children’s liquid Benadryl for any al- lergic reaction, Polysporin antibiotic cream, non-ste- roid veterinary eye antibiotic and saline solution plus Kaopectate and measured medicine syringes. I keep exercise pens and ‘Vari-Kennel’ crates in my car. I am prepared to help other pets if needed. A Rubbermaid tub in my car holds canned pet food with pull tab tops (and a can opener.)” Internet pet First Aid classes, emergency kit ideas and supplies for both pets and people at https://shopsafe- typroducts.ca/first-aid-kits/first-aid-kits/pet-kit-38 or online at www.shopsafetyproducts.ca/emergency-pre- paredness/emergency-preparedness-kits Extra Tips: • Have a carrier for each pet, their vet records, toys, towel, favorite blanket and a photo of each animal in case one escapes. Have them microchipped. • Include cleanup products for carsick animals, and purr-chase harnesses for cats because they can’t be car- ried or left in carriers for days on end. • Floods: Bungee cord pet cage to floatation device like swimming kick board or a cooler. Retired fire chief, Dan Olsen, adds, “We also have a bottle of hydrogen peroxide (for cuts and scratches), duct tape (for emergency repairs), paper towel rolls and toilet paper. We use a ‘grab and go’ backpack for pet and people essentials with a small cooler and five gallon bucket (with lid) in the car with supplies.” • You can find the Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) pet webpage at https://www.fema.gov/help- ing-pets. Share your fur-avorite pet memory or adventure at angelscribe@msn.com. Visit Pet Tips ‘n’ Tales on Face- book at/www.facebook.com/PetTipsandTales Humane Society for Neuter/Spay Assistance Program. 541-942-2789
