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About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 1, 2023)
Heppner Cross Country Boys and Girls advances to state 50¢ VOL. 143 NO. 44 8 Pages Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Morrow County, Heppner, Oregon Pioneer Memorial Hospice Celebrates 20 years of Service with Luncheon for the community In a world where com- passion, comfort, and care seldom take center stage, a group of unsung heroes deserve our heartfelt thanks – hospice professionals, volunteers, and family care- givers. These dedicated individuals work tirelessly to provide end-of-life care and support to patients and families during one of life’s most challenging journeys. Pioneer Memorial Hospice is part of Morrow County Health District and gained Medicare certification in 2003 through the guidance and diligence of our original chaplain and volunteer coordinator, Carolyn Willey, and our original hospice director, Robanai Disque. November is National Hospice Month, and Pio- neer Memorial Hospice is celebrating 20 years of ser- vice to the community by honoring the many people who have provided comfort in the face of pain, hope in the midst of despair, and peace at the end of life’s journey. Their sacrifice and dedication have been immeasurable gifts to those in need. Hospice nurses, doc- tors, aides, social workers, counselors, volunteers, and many others go above and beyond to ensure that pa- tients facing life-limiting illnesses can find peace, comfort, and dignity in their final days. Their service is not just a job; it’s a calling driven by empathy and a deep sense of purpose. “We hope all the friends of Hos- pice will come.” said retired Hospice Director Molly Rhea. “We have many colleagues, volunteers, and family caregivers through- out Morrow and Gilliam counties, and we want to recognize their contribution to building the exceptional program in this area.” The care provided by hospice professionals ex- tends far beyond medical treatment. They also offer emotional support, guid- ance, and companionship to patients and their fami- lies, helping them navigate end-of-life care’s physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges. Their presence brings solace and reassur- ance during times of uncer- tainty and grief. Not only do hospice professionals and volun- teers need to be celebrated, but also the family caregiv- ers dedicated to their loved ones in the last months of life. “It’s crucial to recog- nize their remarkable com- mitment. Countless times, we marvel at the families that come together to help in the caregiving,” states Jerry Conklin, Pioneer Memorial Hospice’s Chaplain. “Their unwavering commitment to sustaining the quality of life for those facing life’s end is a testament to the strength of the human spirit.” If you have been in- volved in Hospice as a volunteer, a professional, or a caregiver, or would like to celebrate and learn more about Hospice and how you can become involved, we are thrilled to invite you to the 20th Anniversary Cel- ebration Luncheon of Pio- neer Memorial Hospice on Wednesday, November 8th at 12:00 pm at St. Patrick’s Center in Heppner. Please join us as we commemorate two decades of providing compassionate care and support to those in need. Please RSVP to (541)-676-2946 by Friday, November 3 rd , to ensure we have a spot reserved for you. “We look forward to celebrating this significant milestone with you.” states former Hospice Director Molly Rhea. “If you cannot attend, thank you for your incredible service. Your work leaves an indelible mark on the lives of those you touch, and for that, we are grateful.” Lexington revamps its Woolery Project Town Hall parking lot host a Successful Heppner boys and girls cross country team. -Contributed photo Heppner Boys and Girls have qualified for the state championships in 2A Cross Country. The team will be competing at Lane Commu- nity College on Saturday, November 4th. While the boys automatically secured their spot by finishing 2nd at Districts, the girls re- ceived a wild card entry. Lily Nichols and Grady Greenwood both clinched -Continued to PAGE EIGHT Dance is in session Nov. 8 th Dance instructor Paige Counsell - Photo by Annalynn Black By Annalynn Black Heppner is buzzing with excitement as The Element dance company makes its grand entrance. The brainchild of the tal- ented and ambitious Paige Counsell, a mere 20 years old, this dance company has already started accepting registrations for children aged 3 to 15 and starts No- vember 8 th Paige’s love affair with dance began at the age of 8 at Dance Unlimited in Hermiston. Since then, she has embraced various dance styles such as hip-hop, tap, ballet, contemporary, and jazz. Out of all these genres, jazz, and contemporary hold a special place in her heart, igniting her passion for movement and expres- sion. Driven by her enthusi- -Continued to PAGE EIGHT Oktoberfest auction Senior Matters Wendy West speaking at the 9th annual Oktoberfest - Contributed Photo Lexington Town Hall new parking lot - Contributed Photo By Annalynn Black In a triumph for the town of Lexington, a much-needed renovation project has reached its suc- cessful completion, bring- ing a breath of fresh air to the community. The state of both the Town Hall and Fire Hall parking lots had been a pressing concern, threatening the safety and accessibility of these vital public spaces. Thanks to a timely grant from the Wil- low Creek Valley Economic Development group and the AWS In Communities Eastern Oregon Fund, the town was able to revamp the parking lots. Another grant from AWS enabled the town to upgrade the garage door of the Fire Hall, ensuring a heightened level of security for both the firefighters and the public. The core objectives of this endeavor aimed at en- hancing the safety of public access, implementing clear signage to define parking areas and ADA-compliant spaces, as well as creating appropriate driveways for the Fire Hall, and granting an unimpeded right of way for fire trucks in emergen- cies. It is undeniable that the completion of this project holds value for the residents of Lexington. The Town Hall serves as a hub of community activities and a conduit for conducting business. By addressing the pressing issues with the parking lots, Lexington can now provide a welcoming and accessible space for its citizens. The town’s com- mitment to its residents’ needs and its proactive approach to securing grants acts as a standard for other towns seeking to revitalize their infrastructure. The Ninth Annual Ok- toberfest Auction and Din- ner, hosted at the American Legion Hall in Ione, proved to be an astounding success for The Woolery Project. Though the event did not draw a large crowd, the at- tendees more than compen- sated with their immense generosity and unwaver- ing enthusiasm. Thanks to their support, The Woolery Project achieved its most successful fundraiser to date, enabling them to make a considerable contribution of $10,000 to Anderson and Perry for the building site plans and engineering work. The runners of the Woolery Project and Okto- berfest extend their heart- felt gratitude to all those who attended the event, as well as those who generous- ly sponsored and donated to this noble cause. It is thanks to your unwavering support that The Woolery Project has made such remarkable progress. They would also like to extend a special note of appreciation to the dedicated students from Ar- lington High School. Their invaluable assistance with overseeing raffles, manag- ing auctions, and helping with the cleanup after the event played a vital role in its smooth operation. The Senior Health In- surance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program is a valu- able resource for individu- als enrolled in Medicare. Covering the entire state of Oregon, SHIBA consists of a network of well-trained counselors who specialize in providing guidance and assistance to seniors nav- igating the complexities of Medicare. Among the dedicated representatives is Edgar Chavez-Lopez, who serves as a local SHIBA representative based out of Good Shepherd in Herm- iston. Recognizing the im- portance of educating se- niors about their Medicare options, Mr. Chavez-Lopez will be speaking at the senior lunch on Tuesday, November 7th, starting at 11:30 AM. During his visit, Mr. Chavez-Lopez will be available until 2 PM to address any questions or concerns individuals may have regarding their Medicare coverage. With the Medicare open enroll- ment period spanning from October 15th to December 7th, this event presents an opportune moment for at- tendees to seek clarification on any uncertainties they may have. The senior lunch, held weekly, takes place at the St. Patrick’s Apartments meeting room, located at 190 N Main St. in Heppner, Oregon. Lunch commences at 11:30 AM every Tuesday and is provided free of charge for individuals aged 60 and above. A nominal fee of $5 is requested for those under the age of 60, and any voluntary donations are greatly appreciated. For seniors seeking guidance to make the most informed decisions about their Medicare coverage, Mr. Chavez-Lopez’s pres- ence at the senior lunch provides an invaluable op- portunity to address any questions or concerns they may have. As the open enrollment period draws near, it is crucial to take advantage of these resourc- es and ensure that you are well-informed about your Medicare options. CALL 541-989-8221 ext 204 for more information
