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About Hermiston herald. (Hermiston, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (July 12, 2017)
A8 • HERMISTONHERALD.COM WEDNESDAY, JULY 12, 2017 Our Community E-mail your community news items to: community@hermistonherald.com Developing a new plan Health challenges inspire local woman to pursue Library exhibit features Ozark Hippie’s watercolors By TAMMY MALGESINI COMMUNITY EDITOR PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY LUKE BARNES When the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and lu- pus got progressively worse, Kim La Plant went with Plan B. This past fall, the Hermis- ton woman, whose art mon- iker is Ozark Hippie, was sitting outside trying to de- cide what to do. As her phys- ical pain increased, La Plant knew it was time to make some changes. “Plan A was working. Plan B was the art,” she ex- plained. “I said, ‘I guess I’m going to go with Plan B.’” While pondering what path to take, La Plant looked down and saw what she de- scribed as a “really cool leaf.” She had some Dollar Tree watercolors leftover from a project with kids at church and decided to pick up a brush and paint the leaf. Her husband, Brian, was immediately taken aback at how realistic the painting was. With his encourage- ment, La Plant dove into her artwork “There are times I dream a painting and if I don’t get up and paint it, I can’t sleep,” she said. Naturally creative, La Plant has never taken formal art classes. She previously worked mostly with char- coal, acrylics, carving and woodworking, as well as re-purposing all kinds of ob- jects. Watercolors, she said, are easier to work with and she instantly fell in love with the medium. Members of Jilli’s Silly Walkers, including Jillian Smalley, Kristi Smalley and Mark Smalley, hold a banner while participating in the seventh annual Northwest Run/Walk for Epilepsy in Hermiston. La Plant, aka Ozark Hippie “I’ve always been crafty,” she said. “I can literally take something out of someone’s garbage and make something of it.” Growing up in Arkansas in a house without running water or electricity, La Plant knows how to live simply and make the most of resources available. Initially, she con- tinued to use inexpensive art supplies — making due with what was available. After selling a commis- sioned piece, she purchased higher quality paper. In addi- tion, a friend she had helped with some interior design work gave La Plant some higher quality paints and brushes. “I was using the best I could get, but it was a huge difference,” she said. La Plant is still trying to figure out her direction with her artwork. Shortly after getting into watercolors, Badder Israel, a tattoo artist from New York City who was opening a shop in Ken- newick, asked La Plant to display some of her pieces in his shop’s art gallery. Instead of attending the opening show, she merely dropped off a number of paintings and left. Content to spend time in her studio — an old 1993 Bluebird school bus from Epilepsy Walk takes steps against disease HERMISTON HERALD CONTRIBUTED BY OZARK HIPPIE “The Bond of Hope,” a watercolor by Ozark Hippie — aka Kim La Plant. The Hermiston woman is the featured artist for the month July at the Hermiston Public Library. the Stanfield School District — gardening or hanging out with her animals and hus- band, La Plant hasn’t devel- oped a marketing plan. After repeated requests from Sheri Konningrud, La Plant finally relented and drove Plan B (the bus’s moniker) to Pur- ple Ridge Lavender Festival. The La Plants hung out in the vendor area and sold some of her work to festival-goers. When recently contacted by the Hermiston Public Li- brary about displaying her work for the July exhibit, La Plant immediately said yes. “I’ve had other people ask me to have my art places and I hesitate,” she said. “But I’m a book person. I love the li- brary.” It should come as no sur- prise that La Plant’s first in- spiration to create art came after reading. With no sup- plies at her disposal, the 9-year-old borrowed some colored pencils from school and used an old piece of wood as a canvas. She drew a scene with a cottage after reading “The Hobbit.” “I kind of drew what I thought it looked like,” she said. The Hermiston Public Library is located at 235 E. Gladys Ave. It’s open Mon- day through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday/ Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. La Plant’s work will re- main on display throughout the month. An artist’s recep- tion will be announced. For more information about the library exhibit, call 541-567-2882. To learn more about La Plant and her work, search Facebook for “Ozark Hippie.” ——— La Plant previously worked as the office coordi- nator at the Hermiston Her- ald. Shane L. Larson, a re- search associate professor at CIERA — the Center for Interdisciplinary Explora- tion and Research in Astro- physics at the Adler Plan- etarium in Chicago — has presented yearly lectures in Pendleton. During his talk, the former La Grande man will explore some of the important ways that eclips- es have helped in develop- ing a better understanding of the Earth and its place in the Cosmos. “We’ll review the basics of total solar eclipses, and talk about what to expect and how to safely enjoy the eclipse with your friends and family,” Larson said. Stand in the Shadow of the Moon is Sunday, July 16 from 6-8 p.m. at The Prodigal Son Brewery & Pub, 230 S.E. Court Ave., Pendleton. There is no ad- mission charge. People who would like to dine at the pub are asked to do so before or after the presen- tation , as food will not be served in the theater. For more information, contact Matthew Barnes at mhbvalcar@gmail.com or 541-276-6090. For more about Larson, visit www. writescience.wordpress. com. July 20. Transportation can be arranged. Parents are encouraged to register their kids at www.winacity.com or by calling 541-720-7808. More than 75 people enjoyed a leisurely 1-mile stroll beginning at McK- enzie Park during the Northwest Run/Walk for Epilepsy in Hermiston In its seventh year, the June 17 event aims to raise money, awareness and support for people who live with epilepsy/ seizure disorders. After completing the walk, the participants gathered in front of The Arc Building for a short presentation. The Arc president Michele Keitzke shared information about the services offered by the Northwest Epilepsy Foun- dation, including provid- ing medications for home- less people with seizure disorders. Next on the program was a testimonial by Yaya Martinez, mother of 22-month-old, Alexia, who was diagnosed with a seizure disorder shortly after birth. Martinez shared that her daughter is her “Epi- lepsy Hero” for continu- ing to grow and thrive despite the challenges of living with this complex disorder that impacts one in 26 people. The crowd, including many fami- ly and friends sporting bright pink “Team Alex- ia” T-shirts, cheered when Martinez declared that, due to medications, Alex- ia had been seizure-free for one year. The event raised more than $7,000, which is split between the Epilep- sy Foundation and The Arc Umatilla County. Prior to the walk, coffee was provided by Dutch Bros. Coffee along with fruit provided by Fiesta Foods. Many local busi- nesses provided a variety of items resulting in door prizes for all participants. “It is truly amazing how this community em- braces this event every year,” said Keitzke. For more information about epilepsy, visit www. epilepsynw.org. IN BRIEF Summer reading builds fun The summer reading program is continuing at the Echo Public Library. The activities take place Fridays at 2 p.m. With a theme of “Build A Better World,” activities are Fri- days at 2 p.m. The topics for upcoming programs are: Build Cork “Log” Cabins (July 14), Fairies: Make fairy houses (July 21) and Manners (July 28). Also, participants should turn in their reading logs during the July 28 pro- gram. The closing celebration is Aug. 4 at 2 p.m. with a party, awards and a presen- tation by Christopher Lee- brick, an award-winning Oregon storyteller. It will be held in the city hall au- ditorium. For more information, call 541-376-8411. Expo event connects military veterans Live entertainment, mil- itary displays, a food tent, a kids’ area and information- al booths are featured at the Veteran Benefit Expo. Organized by the Ore- gon Department of Veter- ans’ Affairs, more than 75 booths will provide infor- mation about services avail- able to veterans and their families. The event, which rotates venues each year, also features a career fair. The expo is Saturday, July 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Deschutes Fair & Expo Center in Redmond. There is no admission charge. The entertainment line- up includes the acoustic/ folk sounds of DD214s, the rockin’ of Got Your Six and multi-faceted entertainer/ comedian Juan Canopii. For more information, contact Tyler Francke at 503-373-2389, tyler. francke@state.or.us or visit www.expo.oregondva.com. Sensory shows offer special movie viewing A special screening of “Despicable Me 3” pro- vides a comfortable atmo- sphere with the lights up a little, the volume down and the flexibility for audience members to move around. The Arc of Umatil- la County in conjunction with Hermiston Stadium 8 Cinema offers the sen- sory-friendly showing. Those with special needs and their families or care- givers are invited to attend. The special show time is Saturday, July 15 with the doors opening at 10 a.m. at 355 W. Theater Lane, off Highway 395 in Herm- iston. The movie starts at 10:30 a.m. and costs $5 per person. The Arc advocates for the rights of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For more information about programs, services and ac- tivities, call 541-567-7615 or visit www.facebook. com/arcofumatillacounty. Astronomer to shed light on eclipses An upcoming astrono- my talk will provide insight about the Aug. 21 total so- lar eclipse. Living Faith plans kids’ pep rally Children ages 3-12 are invited to participate in a faith-based kids’ festival. Victory! The Ultimate Pep Rally kicks off Sunday, July 16 from 6-8:30 p.m. at Living Faith Church, 1611 Diagonal Blvd., Hermiston. The free event continues nightly through Thursday, Cunnington belts out tunes in park series Known for her sultry vocal tone, Melissa Cun- nington is a professional vocalist who studied vocal music in college and has performed in several en- sembles for years around the country. Living and teaching in Milton-Freewater, Cun- nington frequently per- forms in the area and is the featured performer for the Monday, July 17 Music in the Parks. The free concert starts at 7 p.m. at Irrigon Marina Park. People are en- couraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair. In addition, food will be available for purchase. Cunnington’s musical interests and genres include jazz, blues, rhythm & blues and pop. Her ability to change from soft and sultry to full-on belting is some- thing that audiences look forward to hearing. Music in the Parks series alternates between Board- man and Irrigon marina parks each Monday though Aug. 14. For more infor- mation, call Tami Sherer at 541-571-0844. To hear Cunnington’s voice, visit www.reverbnation.com/ melissacunnington. Strike out against domestic violence The public is invited to roll a strike during a bowling event to raise money for a local non- profit organization. In its fifth year, the Domestic Violence Ser- vices Bowl-A-Thon is Saturday, July 22, from 6-8 p.m. at Desert Lanes, 1545 N. First St., Herm- iston. The cost is $30 per bowler or $120 for a team of four. The fee in- cludes three games and shoe rental. It’s open to all ages, and prizes will be given. In addition, raf- fle tickets are $1 each or six for $5 for some great prizes. The annual fundraiser helps support the organi- zation’s efforts in giving victims of domestic, dat- ing and sexual violence, and stalking the support and resources to become survivors. For more information or to register, call 541- 276-3322 or visit www. dvs-or.org. IS PROUD TO BE THE TITLE SPONSOR GOLF TOURNAMENT GOLFING FOR A CAUSE SATURDAY, JULY 15, 2017 BIG RIVER GOLF COURSE Silver Sponsors: SCRAMBLE FOR FOOD $60.00 ENTRY FEE: PRIZES ON EVERY HOLE! Includes greens fee for 18 holes, pastries before & lunch after the tournament OPEN TO MEN & WOMEN OF ALL SKILL LEVELS Four person Scramble • Limited to fi rst 120 golfers 8:00am: Check-in opens. Teams & hole assignments announced. 9:00am: Shot gun start Conclusion of tournament: Lunch, awards ceremony Please contact Big River Golf Course to reserve a cart at 541-922-3006. (carts are not included in the entry fee) For more information, contact Dave Hughes at 541-571-7293.
