Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, August 30, 2023 -- THREE
~ Letters to the Editor ~
Good News Only by Doris Brosnan
The Heppner Gazette Times will print all letters to the Editor with the
following criteria met: letters submitted to the newspaper will need to
have the name of the sender along with a legible signature. We are also
requesting that you provide your address and a phone number where you
can be reached. The address and phone number will only be used for
verification and will not be printed in the newspaper. Letters may not
be libelous. The GT reserves the right to edit. The GT is not responsible
for accuracy of statements made in letters. Any letters expressing thanks
will be placed in the classifieds under “Card of Thanks” at a cost of $10.
Email to editor@rapidserve.net or upload to Heppner.net.
Camille Sykes and son, Oscar Gonzales, Milwaukie,
OR, visited Camille’s parents/Oscar’s grandparents, Da-
vid and April Sykes, in Heppner this past week. While
in Heppner, Oscar went swimming at the Willow Creek
Water Park with grandma and cousins, Waylon and Sophie
Sykes, did some back-to-school shopping at Murray’s
and Dollar General, enjoyed eating out at Bucknum’s
and the pizza parlor, taking walks around town, getting a
back-to-school haircut at Blondees and playing at Water-
land Field. He helped celebrate Waylon’s fifth birthday,
along with Sophie, aunt and uncle, Chris and Rachel
Sykes, Heppner, uncle Andrew Sykes, Pendleton, uncle
Will, aunt Myndi, cousins Logan and Brennah, College
Place, uncle Scott Archer, Condon, grandpa, Mark Parm,
Pendleton, and David and April. Oscar’s dad is Eddie
Gonzales, Milwaukie.
Frank Di Salvo visited son Carmelo Di Salvo and his
wife Andrea and their three children in Lexington this
past week. He visited from Norfolk, VA, where he and his
wife recently moved after a lifetime spent in Buffalo, NY.
“Papa,” as he is known to his grandkids, is the namesake
of his grandson, Frank Joseph Di Salvo II. Frank and the
Di Salvos enjoyed cooking Italian food, visiting with the
Miles in-laws, playing with the family’s menagerie of pets
and an afternoon at the Ione pool as part of Frank’s visit.
Last Wednesday, JoAnne Burleson’s son Warren
came for a four-day visit, which gave the West Orego-
nian time to become a little better acquainted with our
community and a few more Heppnerites/Heppnerians (?).
His nephew—JoAnne’s grandson, Jimmy, also from the
Portland area—joined the twosome on Friday but just for
most of the day as his tight schedule only allowed time
for a brief visit and the taking away of some items Jo had
offered him. He promised to return soon.
Last Saturday, my daughter Darci Brosnan and my
granddaughter Amy arrived with a huge gift: they had
brought my sister Edie Morris, from Lake Oswego, with
them for a two-night stay! Although we tried, we never
did figure out how many years had passed since Edie’s
last visit to Heppner, but agreed that this was a gigantic
treat for both of us. A drive about town offered several
surprises as we reminisced about growing-up years. A
visit with Shirley George was a bonus for Edie, who
used to babysit her and her three siblings, the Jack and
Ruth VanWinkle family. A drive to Anson Wright Park on
Sunday enabled Edie to also visit with our brother Bob
Morris and his wife Elizabeth, who hosts at the park. As
the threesome departed on Monday morning, hopes were
high for a repeat visit.
Last Saturday was also the Father Gerry Condon
Memorial Golf Tournament. Over 20 golf enthusiasts
enjoyed the toasty weather, the camaraderie and good-na-
tured competition, and the table of good foods after play.
Tying for first place were the Tom Wolff – Karen Wolff
– Steve Puntenney – Jan Puntenney foursome and the
Rick Johnston – Larry Lutcher – Scott Johnston team.
(Rick explains that Fr. Condon was always part of their
foursome, “until he moved on,” which is when Brian
Kollman joined them but was not able to play this year.)
Winning the prize for youngest participant was Mack
Sweeney. The proceeds from the entry fees are support
for the Knights of Columbus scholarship fund.
Mack and his brother, Keller, who also golfed,
brought 12 of their homing pigeons to the tournament,
and in memory of Father Condon, in front of all the
players, they released the pigeons. Rick Johnston reports
that that was the highlight of the whole day, as the birds
“headed towards the heavens, circled around a few times,
and then turned together to head where they knew they
were going.” All flyers made a safe return to their Rhea
Creek home, and the boys’ father, Cam, reports that the
youngsters “are not afraid to let their pigeons go from
any distance” because they are confident that they will
return safely.
Many readers will remember Ed Groshens, who
graduated from HHS in 1958. Two weeks ago, Ed stayed
in Heppner as he was traveling through to several points
east. Last Saturday, Ed had again stayed in Heppner, on
his way back home in Florence. His overnights gave Ed
time to visit some local spots, including the Elks and
Murray’s, and run into familiar faces. One such was Bill
Doherty. Ed said last Saturday that seeing Bill immediate-
ly took Ed back to 1960: Ed was in the Army, stationed in
Stuttgart, Germany. He and three buddies were on leave,
headed for the Vatican because his friends were Catholic
and had arranged for an audience with Pope John. They
travelled through France, with time for visiting the Eiffel
Tower. On the second floor of the Tower, Ed heard some-
thing like “Hey, Groshens!!” What a surprise to see the
East Oregonian from just down the road, Bill Doherty!
Ed said that he always appreciates his visits to Heppner
and is even considering moving back someday.
Thanks to JoAnne, Ed, Cam, April and Andrea for
contributing this week and giving us readers a pleasant
pause! A note to dbrosnan123@gmail.com or a call to
541-223-1490 is all it takes to add your good news!
Hope good news comes to everyone reading this
column!
Archive pro-
vides poignant
reminder of
father
The “archives” feature
in the 8/16/23 edition was
a poignant reminder of my
father’s way of getting a
point across. The opening
paragraph of the 1973 letter
made clear that he respected
Mr. Joiner’s skill in pro-
ducing the newspaper and
appreciated the way news
was reported.
What followed, howev-
er, was a vivid example of
the challenge many faced
when talking with him. Was
he chuckling at the shock of
the chicken who was just
minding its business look-
ing for lunch when it was
accosted by tons of steel?
Or was he questioning Er-
nie’s country driving skills,
since he had relocated from
a more metropolitan area?
Even if he was “razz-
ing” because it was a hu-
morous event, there was
often a deeper, serious
question or moral of the sto-
ry. As much as those con-
versations drove me crazy
as his daughter, as an adult
I miss that level of social
skill. Don’t get me wrong.
The man was quite capable
of getting directly to the
point when necessary, and
the message always came
through loud and clear.
His preferred style, when
circumstances allowed, was
to let people figure it out in
their own time with a little
bit of humor thrown in. I’m
thankful that I got to benefit
from that humor and guid-
ance, and that you saw fit to
re-publish the letter. I hope
it brought a little humor to
folks and maybe provoked
some deeper thinking.
Karla Gray
Yakima WA
Emperor of
Empathy
Some people have the
gift of empathy. They can
very easily relate and put
themselves in the difficult
circumstances of others,
finding it easy to feel their
pain and bring words of
comfort.
I’ve recently heard our
President described as one
who cares very deeply for
others and who has a repu-
tation as such. This admirer
even gave him the highly
esteemed title of Empathiz-
er in Chief. I actually prefer
Emperor of Empathy…. has
a better ring to it.
Well, since most of us
could use a little help in
the empathy department,
I figured I’d take a few
notes from Mr. Empathy
and see exactly how to do
it effectively.
So here are some sug-
gested responses in case
you find yourself with the
opportunity to show empa-
thy toward some unfortu-
nate folks. These responses
will assuredly make you
a “ten” on the empathizer
scale and maybe even on
the same level as Emperor
Biden, which is what we
should all strive for.
1) To a Holocaust sur-
vivor: “I was on a train
once. Had to stand in line
forever. But that was before
I had my 68 Corvette.”
2) To the parent of a
missing child: “Once I lost
my dog. Thought I’d never
find him. Once we got him
fixed, he quit running off.”
3) To someone who
has lost everything they
own in a fire: “Hey, I got
seven hundred bucks for
you man. Don’t spend it all
in one place. Ha ha.”
4) To a grieving par-
ent: “My cat almost died.”
5) To a p r e g n a n t
woman during a difficult
childbirth: “Shoulda had an
abortion. They’re free in
most places now ya know.”
6) To someone who
just lost their job: “Hey I
got someone fired with a
quick phone call. Don’t
mess with The Big Guy.”
7) To a veteran who
is a double amputee: “Holy
cow. Looks like you don’t
have a leg to stand
on.”
8) To your grand-
child: “Who are you?”
9) To thousands of
people mourning the loss
of their loved ones, whose
remains will most likely
never be recovered. “No
comment.”
Another way to display
the utmost empathy is to
make up a story about your
own experience. It can be as
fake and far-fetched as you
make it. Just have fun with
it. Include enough details
to make yourself the center
of the story so as to divert
the attention from the one
deserving your empathy.
Hopefully, you’ll have
several opportunities soon
to put these suggestions into
practice.
“Rejoice with those
who rejoice; mourn with
those who mourn” Romans
12:15.
Susie Crosby
Prineville, OR
Seniors Matter menus
for September
On Sept. 5, South Mor-
row County Seniors Matter
will be serving Beef Stro-
ganoff, rice, green beans,
dinner roll and dessert at its
Tuesday lunch.
Other September meals
are:
Sept. 12—Baked Ziti,
garden salad and dressing,
cheddar garlic biscuits and
dessert.
Sept. 19—Biscuits and
Gravy, scrambled eggs and
dessert.
Sept. 26—Tamale cas-
serole, garden salad and
dessert.
Meals are served at
11:30 a.m. every Tuesday at
St. Patrick’s Senior Center
in Heppner. Seniors 60 and
above may donate what
they can toward the cost
of the meal. Those 60 and
younger are asked for a
suggested donation of $5.
No to-go plates or de-
livery are offered at this
time, but diners may bring
empty containers for a por-
tion to take home.
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Over the Tee Cup
It was windy and slightly
cooler but still a little “mug-
gy” for the seven ladies who
played golf at the Willow
Creek Country Club Tuesday,
Aug. 29.
Low gross of the field on
the ladies play day went to
Virginia Grant.
Tiffany Clement had low
net of the field.
Karen Thompson, Pat
Dougherty and Sharon Harri-
son each had least putts.
For flight C, Kris Lindner
DEADLINE:
FRIDAY
AT 5PM
had low gross and Jackie Alls-
tott low net.
In upcoming events, the
Eddie Skow Tournament is
planned for Sept. 5 and 12.
Spiritually Speaking
Father Thankachan Joseph
St. Mary’s Catholic Church Wasco
Discipleship in the concept of
Christ
In the first reading for this coming Sunday, we hear
from Jeremiah (20:7-9), grumbling and complaining to
God about the incredible mission he has been given.
“Lord, you have seduced me! Daily I am a laughingstock!
… The word of the Lord has meant for me insult, derision,
all day long.”
Jeremiah was called to be a prophet as a very young
man, probably even as a teenager, unwelcome in most so-
cieties, but especially in a society that valued the wisdom
only of old men. Besides, he was called even though he
seems to have had a speech impediment.
He was called to be a prophet of doom. The people
had to be reminded of their evil ways and the need to
repent or else they would face destruction. Jeremiah’s
reward for his message was to be accused of treason. He
was tired of being God’s prophet, yet he felt strongly the
call to be a prophet. “There seems a fire burning in my
heart … and the effort to restrain it wearies me.”
In Jeremiah, as in all who are called, there is faith and
doubt existing together. Why can’t God make life simpler
and easier for his faithful ones?
In this week’s Gospel reading from St. Matthew
(16:21-27), Jesus informs His disciples for the first time
that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the
elders, chief priests, and the scribes and be killed, and
on the third day be raised. Actually, the disciples did not
grasp it properly, and Peter comes on their behalf, takes
Jesus aside, and objects. That plan does not make any
sense to him. Still puffed up with the pride of his own
success, still holding in his hands the keys he has just
received, Peter asserts himself with boldness: “God forbid
that, Lord, this must never happen to you” (Mt 16:23).
Peter is clear and concise. He’s also dead wrong. Jesus
turns on Peter with a real force. “Get behind me, Satan,”
Jesus says. The rock on which the church is to stand
speaks out and crumbles. Success collapses into failures
when the first of the apostles stands on the side of Satan.
At this juncture Jesus gives a discourse on discipleship
and the cost of discipleship, the theme of this Sunday.
The concept of Messiah that Peter was thinking about
was a glorious triumphant Messiah who would come in
grandeur and with a show of power to set Israel free. But
Jesus foretold of a Messiah who would be a suffering
servant, humble and meek, stripped of all power, obedi-
ent unto death. Peter just could not stomach the idea of
a suffering Messiah, so he takes Jesus aside and tries to
reason with Him. The cross is too frightening a prospect,
isn’t there a more palatable way of presenting it? Can’t
there be a compromise, a little watering down to make
it acceptable?
In response to Peter, Jesus reacts strongly to his
advice: “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle in
my path, because the way you think is not God’s way
but man’s.”
Peter was making two mistakes. First of all, he did not
listen to the full destiny of Jesus. The mention of being
raised on the third day passed over his head unheard. His
second mistake was to dictate what God’s will should
be, something most of us do all the time. This mistake
could have serious consequences, so Jesus puts Peter in
his place.
Peter, who was earlier called the rock, is now called
a stumbling stone, Satan, the tempter. Jesus attacks him
violently to teach Peter in this hard and blunt way to seek
new directions of thinking and of living. Peter had faith
but not yet that faith that gives the unconditional answer,
“I am ready,” to God’s demanding word.
To conclude the reflections of the day, from the Gos-
pel of Matthew (16:26): “What profit would there be for
one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what
can one give in exchange for his life?” This calls us as
disciples to put Christ first in everything:
A) Prioritize: Lk. 10:38-42 (Jesus commended Mary
because she chose the good, important things. Like Mary,
you must make a decision to put Christ before everything.)
B) Set Your Mind on Heaven: Col. 3:1-2 (Set your
cares and affections on heavenly things. Don’t be too
absorbed with earthly goals. Instead, make heaven your
goal.)
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