Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Polk County itemizer observer. (Dallas, Or) 1992-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 11, 2017)
Polk County Living Polk County Itemizer-Observer • January 11, 2017 9A WEDDINGS MI TOWN We’re deep into midwin- ter in MI Town and it seems like springtime is a distant faraway dream. It’s hard to think about sunshine and flowers when there’s frost on everything in sight. Most of us don’t want to venture far from the fireplace or a chair by a sunny window. Cats are welcome companions, once they settle in our laps for a long nap. — Once again, during the Christmas holidays we both looked for a bayberry can- dle to burn on New Year’s Day (or eve, depending on whatever tradition you’ve been told), searching just about everywhere to no avail. I stopped in at Petals and Vines and of course, Maggie pointed me right to one of her beautiful displays, and there was the perfect bay- P ATTY T AYLOR D UTCHER Columnist berry candle. Just another reminder that we don’t need to go far from home to find those special good things to make our lives more com- plete. — The Monmouth Senior Center’s open house is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 19, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sue Teal, center volunteers and the MI Chamber of Commerce invite everyone to attend this community event, to see all the new construction and other changes that have been made. The ribbon-cutting will be at noon, so that peo- ple who are working in the community can attend. — Students are busy with school activities and winter sports. It’s always a lot of fun to attend the various games and events, and to cheer for our children and those of our friends and neighbors. It’s easy to catch enthusiasm and energy from just being around younger people. As always, our local schools are eager for volun- teers in all their programs, and it’s another great way to chase away those midwinter blues. — Winter term has begun for Western Oregon Univer- sity students, and the calen- dar is full of ongoing events and classes for everyone. MI Town residents have an ex- cellent opportunity to meet Hernandez-Connor students from all over the world, and to help them feel welcome in our community. Language barriers all but disappear when people take the time to listen and try to understand one another. Many of our Asian students have never been far away from the small towns they call home. A friendly smile and a warm handshake can make all the difference. — Those of us who have col- lege students for neighbors can welcome them to their houses or apartments with a plate of cookies, and we can take that opportunity to get to know them a little better. And the students can take a few moments to learn about our community and their neighbors, too. We can all be good neighbors with a little time and effort on every- body’s part. PEDEE NEWS It was a heartbreaking Christmas Eve for Jerry and Jo Dhoogie, whose store, Bridgeport Gardens right off K i n g s Va l l e y Hi g h w a y, burned to the ground that night. The loss was total. With the massive clean-up that looms ahead, obviously, that means they are not open for business, although Jo will continue to keep the Azure co-op business going with a few minor adjust- ments. If she doesn’t get re- minders out, contact her for dates and times when or- ders are due. They greatly appreciated all who volun- teered to help with the cleanup and will be getting a cleanup party together soon, weather permitting. They’ll let everyone know when. — Meanwhile, Bob and Lynda Schnekenburger A RLENE K OVASH Columnist spent two weeks in San Jose del Cabo enjoying the warm sun and watching it rise in the east, something they are unable to do at home be- cause of the hill in that di- rection. They explored the coast line and went snorkeling, and on one trip saw a group of at least one hundred mantas jumping from the water and splashing back down as they traveled across the bay. They loved the Mexican food and the friendly hospi- tality of the people, and said they could easily live there because of the wonderful weather. It was hard to come back to ice, snow and freez- ing weather. — Over 120 people attended the children’s Christmas program at the Pedee Church candlelight service on Christmas Eve. The play, directed by Heather Traglia and Heidi Russell, was “Room At The Inn” and the cast included Nic Heller (not a kid) as the inn keeper, Al- lana Russell as the innkeep- er’s wife, Liam Castle as Joseph, and Abigail Russell as Mary. Alex Russell, Leo Mellein, and Parker Crowe were shepherds and Kailey and Lilah Traglia, Aliyah Russell, and Kalina Brother- ton were angels, and Wynnie Russell and Joy Castle were sheep. The scene even included a dog, Kindan Brotherton. After the play the congrega- tion sang Christmas carols, which sounded wonderful with that crowd. As is the tradition, the group then lit candles and sang Silent Night in the darkened sanc- tuary, which always seems magical on Christmas Eve — a beautiful way to welcome in the birth of Christ. — Last week Suzanne Bur- bank attended Wilco’s lead- ership conference in Sun River, which concluded with an awards banquet. Much to her surprise, she was given the President’s Award for her outstanding work as cloth- ing buyer in developing and improving the clothing de- partments for Wilco’s 18 stores. She very much ap- preciated the recognition for her work. She was also rec- ognized for her 25 years as a Wilco employee. Alex Hernandez, of Albany, and Leahgrace Connor, of Dallas, were married on Dec. 16, 2016, by the bride’s fa- ther, Jerry Connor, at Calvary Chapel in Cor- vallis. Leahgrace is the daughter of Jerry and Lucinda Connor, of Dallas. Alex is the son of Augie and Amy Her- nandez, of Albany. The bride and groom both attended Santiam Christian, and after graduating, both now attend Linn Benton Com- munity College. The groom aspires to be an Air Force pilot and the bride a teacher. The maid of honor was Cy Schaefer. Bridesmaids were Sabrina Schaefer and Madison Hernandez. The best man was Thien Nguyen. Groomsmen were Ben Winnett and Jerome Connor. The couple honeymooned in Canada for a week and will be making their home in Philomath. COMMUNITY CALENDAR Continued from page 8A — WEDNESDAY, JAN. 18 • Helping Hands Emergency Food Bank — 10 a.m. to noon, Monmouth Christian Church, 959 Church St. W., Monmouth. For eligible community members; available every Wednesday. 541-404-6517. • Willamette Valley Food Assistance Program Food Bank — 1:30 to 6:30 p.m., 888 Monmouth Cutoff Road, Building E, Dallas. Weekly distribution for eligible community members. 503-831-5634. • Day-2-Day Diabetes Support Group — 3 to 4 p.m., West Valley Hospital (main conference room inside main entrance), 525 SE Washington St., Dallas. 503-623-7323. • Brew and BS: The New Testament — 7 p.m., St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 1486 SW Levens St., Dallas. A lecture series on New Testament figures. Bring brew of choice – coffee, tea, chai, beer, wine, cider. 435-503-4304. 24 hour Service WE’RE SPREADING THE NEWS! Polk County is in the direct path of the eclipse which will take place in August 2017. Making it the best place to view the eclipse from. People are anticipating 50,000 visitors to our area next August. Will you be ready? Stories in our planning guide will include: • Pre-planning. What you need to know before you rent your room or property. • Traffic issues. • Security issues. • Events already planned. • Volunteer opportunities ...and much more! Call Heidi 503-623-2373, ext. 115, Rachel ext. 110, or Karen ext. 118. Advertise in our planning guide! All ads include FREE color. Size .....................................................Price 1/8 page (3.667” x 2.25”)................................$75 1/4 page (3.667” x 4.678”) ...........................$130 1/2 vertical (3.667” x 9.5”) ............................$270 1/2 horizontal (7.5” x 4.678”) ........................$270 Full page (7.5” x 9.5”)...................................$330 Deadline is Feb. 2 ~ Publishes Feb. 15 Itemizer-Observer 147 SE Court St, Dallas ~ 503-623-2373 ~ www.polkio.com Pick up & Drop Off
