+HSSQHU*D]HWWH7LPHV+HSSQHU2UHJRQ Wednesday, November 22, 2023 7+5((
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libelous. The GT reserves the right to edit. The GT is not responsible for accuracy of statements made in letters. Any letters expressing thanks
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TURKEY TRIALS
I’ve known a few
turkeys in my life. Even
dated a few (rarely suc-
cessfully). So the idea of
creating a home for them
(the Thanksgiving kind)
on my little acreage took
a bit of thought. I needed
some questions answered
before I attempted their care
and containment. What do
they eat? Are they kind to
chickens and farm ladies?
Do they really have a sin-
gle digit IQ, and do they
really drown in the rain?
Since turkey-keepers were
in short supply in my area,
I received very little help
with my search. Most folks
were of the opinion that the
birds were not worth mess-
ing with. They could only
regurgitate a most unkind
description of “Dumbest
Creatures on Earth?”. Not
one to encourage these sorts
of disparaging remarks, I
would answer “But maybe
they aren’t ALL like that.
Maybe it’s a small percent-
age. I mean, what if that’s
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of turkeys from the shallow
end of the gene pool giving
the whole species a bad
rap?” These comments usu-
ally elicited looks of pity.
Seems I’ve gotten those
looks before, quite possibly
back in my dating years.
So, I began planning
my Turkey Farm. I put my
money on the fact that ev-
eryone deserves a chance
and they all can’t be that
stupid. I would start small
and work my way up to
supplying the whole town
with their Thanksgiving
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birds would suffice since
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After hearing the general
public’s opinion on raising
the Dumbest Creatures on
Earth, I believed the chance
of losing my cash crop to
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slim.
Now the search was on.
Since most turkeys don’t
come with degrees or even
diplomas, I had to go with
what was available and
hope for the Brightest and
The Best. Before long, I
was the proud owner of two
Toms and one hen. I would
sharpen my turkey-raising
skills on these lucky birds
and quickly expand my
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The next few weeks and
months were filled with
excitement and anticipation
as my little flock grew.
Though the “ugly duckling”
stage seemed to last a little
longer than my other poul-
try breeds…quite a bit lon-
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became fully feathered and
began making those endear-
ing turkey sounds we’re all
familiar with. They gobbled
in the morning. They gob-
bled at night. In fact, turned
out they rarely DIDN’T
gobble. It appeared Tom
and his sidekick Jerry were
really the talkers. Trixy was
a bit stoic. The boys tried
so hard to get her attention,
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out their chests, do their
gobble thing, which I’m
sure is the equivalent to our
human mating call “Hey
baby….watch this”, and
wait for her eager response.
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null and void. She was not
impressed. I’m sure they
were quite perplexed at her
lack of enthusiasm. If only
they had a mirror. What she
saw, but they didn’t, was
that the beautiful array of
feathers they thought were
on display had been whit-
tled down to almost nothing
by a couple turkey-chasing
cow dogs. Little did they
know that they each had
been robbed of all but one
lonely feather. Yes….one.
The sight of those turkeys
strutting their stuff, only
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gone from Harley to Moped
was bit painful to watch.
So, was my adventure
a success? Success is a
relative term. Some peo-
ple view any attempt at
conquering a new skill
as success, whether that
particular skill is mastered
or not. Sometimes, things
like turkey farms or rela-
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the looming question, and
though nobody drowned
under my care, yes….they
really are that stupid.
eloquently on his own mil-
itary experiences that I’m
sure other soldiers in the
audience could relate to.
The HHS Chorus and
their selection of patriotic
songs were outstanding
this year and of course,
the luncheon served by
the students is always a
highlight for Veterans and
their guests.
Giving tree goes up
in Les Schwab
As a former HHS gradu-
ate, I’m proud to live in a
community whose local
high school takes the time
each year to remember
and honor all those who
serve and have served.
Please know how much it
is really appreciated.
Chris Brown
Heppner Oregon
The Neighborhood
Centers’ Giving
Tree and Kids’
Shopping Day
This is our favorite organization would like to
time of the year for the adopt a family please let
Neighborhood
Center. the Neighborhood Center
This is the time when know as soon as possible
our communities come so we can match you to a
together to give to others so family.
they can have a wonderful
Another event for
Christmas.
our client families is The
The Giving Tree will Kid’s Shopping Day.
be decorated at Heppner This activity helps the
Market Fresh the day after children in these families
Thanksgiving.
to
experience
giving
The ornaments on Christmas gifts to their
the tree will be gift siblings and parents. This
suggestions for those on LVGL൵HUHQWWKLV\HDUDVWKH
the Neighborhood Center’s shopping will be at the St.
list of families who qualify Patrick’s Senior Center.
for food baskets. Children High school students
from these families have will help arrange the gift
chosen a need and a choices and clean the
wanted gift. Often these dining hall after the event.
are clothes, furniture, This year’s Shopping
or a toy. These are all Day will be December
anonymous gifts from our 10 th between 10:00 a.m.
and 3:00 p.m.
Times
generous communities.
If you would like to for families will be by
give a child, up to the age prearranged appointment.
If your family is on
of 18 still living at home,
please take an ornament our client list, return
By Susie Crosbey from IURP WKH WUHH DQG IXO¿OO your applications to the
Prineville
the requests. Bring the Neighborhood Center by
wrapped gifts to the November 16, 2023. If
Neighborhood
Center you want to contribute
by December 18 th . The to these events, please
1HLJKERUKRRG&HQWHUVWD൵ bring donations to the
I would like to public-
will give the gifts to the Neighborhood Center by
ly thank Heppner High
families. Please include December 8 th . New gifts
School (HHS) for another the ornaments with your and monetary donations
ZRQGHUIXOMRELQKRQRULQJ gifts. If your family, work are always welcome.
local Veterans at the Cele- group, church or civic
bration on November 9 th .
ALL NEWS AND ADVERTISEMENT DEADLINE:
My family has served in
combat units in the US
Army for three consecu-
tive generations (WWII,
Vietnam, Afghanistan), so
as Veterans we do un-
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service to this nation.
Principal Gerry, your
students were very polite,
and respectful, and asked
good questions about what
it means to be a Veteran.
I would like to publicly
recognize Jeannie Collins
for her tireless support in
orchestrating this event
again, and her work is
This house is ready to go. Recently updated
windows, kitchen and bathroom. Heat on demand
most appreciated by all
water heater, new paint, fridge, washer, dryer and
who attended. Thanks
dishwasher. Large back yard. Within walking
also to Ken Grieb for his
distance of the Heppner pool, high school and
“roll call” duties, and Mr.
VRIWEDOO¿HOG485 W Morgan St. MLS#: 23328135
Mike McCabe who spoke
“A Veterans
Thank You”
MONDAYS AT 5:00 P.M.
The Heppner Les Schwab’s giving tree. - Contributed Photo
Giving Tree -Contributed Photo
The holiday season
in South Morrow County
brings with it numerous op-
portunities for the residents
to come together and spread
Christmas cheer to those
less fortunate. One such
way to contribute to the
spirit of giving is through
the giving trees located at
Heppner Les Schwab. This
is the fourth year for the
giving tree at Heppner Les
Schwab. While many Les
Schwab locations partici-
pate in toy drives, the Hep-
pner branch partners with
the Department of Human
Services (DHS) to provide
Christmas gifts for children
in foster care in the county.
Those wishing to provide
a gift or two can pick a tag
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the unwrapped gift to Les
Schwab. DHS staff will
collect the gifts, wrap them,
and distribute them to foster
children in Morrow County.
The tree will be put up right
after Thanksgiving and will
be available until the 12 th of
December.
($562)
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So
$140,000
$26,000
Lot For Sale
$275000
177 N. Main
P.O. Box 337
Heppner, OR 97836
Chris@sykesrealestate.net
Broker
Chris Sykes
541-215-2274
$380,000
Price Reduction
9.09 ACRES
A beautifully remodeled 2-story home in Heppner.
This spacious residence boasts approx 2,400 square
feet of space, featuring 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms.
This house has undergone extensive renovations, with
almost everything being brand new. New dry wall,
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windows. 510 S Main St. Heppner MLS#: 23687525
177 N. Main
P.O. Box 337
Heppner, OR 97836
Chris@sykesrealestate.net
Broker
Chris Sykes
541-215-2274
For sale: Prime commercial lot on Main Street,
Heppner, Oregon. Property presents a golden
opportunity to establish your presence in a vibrant
community. Embrace the potential and seize this
chance to make your mark in Heppner, Oregon. Act
now and turn your visions into reality. Main St MLS#:
23022056
177 N. Main
P.O. Box 337
Heppner, OR 97836
Chris@sykesrealestate.net
Broker
Chris Sykes
541-215-2274
Secluded mountain property! Don’t miss out
on this incredible opportunity to own your own
mountain property. Whether you’re looking
for a hunting retreat or a permanent residence,
this property has it all. With approximately
9.09 acres of land and a private pond you can
embrace the beauty of nature and create a life
of serenity in the mountains you’ve always
desired. MLS#:23510132
177 N. Main
P.O. Box 337
Heppner, OR 97836
Chris@sykesrealestate.net