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About Hermiston herald. (Hermiston, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 27, 2019)
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2019 HERMISTONHERALD.COM • A9 COLUMN I’m already revving up for some holiday joy have a confession to make — I’m already full steam ahead with the Christmas spirit. The early holiday displays at stores are a frequent complaint on social media — people chastise them for cashing in early with the shopping season. But I’m not referring to the commercialization of the season. I’m just simply talking about get- ting into the holiday spirit. I’ve been “fa la la la la-ing” driving down the street in my Jeep since before Halloween. While many peo- ple wait until Thanksgiving to break out the holiday tunes, I usually start hitting play on Tammy Nov. 1. However, a week or Malgesini so before the big candy grab, INSIDE MY SHOES my husband popped a CD into my player — and the rest is holiday history. “Songs of Christmas” is a collection of 10 instrumental carols played on acous- tic guitar by Carl Tosten. The musician, who grew up in eastern Washington, plays superbly on a DL Noble baritone gui- tar. While I don’t have fi ne-tuned ears for music, it seems to have a calming effect — much different than the screeching vocals and power chords of Twisted Sister. And, although the ‘80s metal band loudly proclaims in one of their hit songs, “We’re Not Gonna Take It” — they did. The band released “A Twisted Christmas” in 2006, taking their piece of the pie in regards to Christmas music sales. However, I think Neil Diamond is the one who really cashed in over the years with a handful of Christmas albums. In a 2016 interview with National Pub- lic Radio, Diamond said he was denied cel- ebrating Christmas traditions while grow- ing up Jewish. He called making Christmas albums “a joyful experience.” For me, lis- tening to his rugged baritone-bass voice lifts my spirits. Being married to Johnny Vinyl has many benefi ts — one of them is his interest in sharing his love for music. He has helped me amass quite the varied collection of Christmas tunes. But even beyond the music, I recently revived a holiday tradition. For many years, during the month of November I would refl ect back about people who had in some way touched my life during the year. I would then write them a little card of I from your local Real Estate Professionals Lezlee S. Gunsolley Principal Broker Pam Docken 541-561-5507 Cell: 541-571-0063 Office: 541-481-6262 705 S 1st St. Hermiston, OR 97838 Art Kegler, GRI Coldwell Banker Whitney and Associates Brocker HH fi le photo This year’s Echo Toy Run is in honor of organizer Al Sells, who died in a motorcycle crash in August. thanks. One person I can’t write a note to is Al Sells. An avid motorcycle rider, the Stan- fi eld man organized the Echo Toy Run the past 15 years. As the community editor, the eight weeks between Halloween and Christ- mas are my absolute busiest. I receive an extraordinary amount of emails, phone calls and drop-in visits about upcoming holiday activities. And each year, I always looked forward to visiting with Al. Wearing full leathers and bundled up with a scarf and Santa hat, he sauntered into the newsroom with a bright smile on his face and fl iers in hand. Always pleasant, we would chit-chat a bit and then Al would ask if I could get something in the paper about the upcoming toy run. “It’s the one good thing I do every year,” he often said. Al died in a motorcycle crash on Aug. 1 at age 55. It’s my hope that Al will be able to hear the collective rumble of engines as family, friends and bikers from across the region gather on Dec. 7 to hold the 16th annual Echo Toy Run in his memory. ——— Tammy Malgesini is the community edi- tor. Her column, Inside my Shoes, includes general musings about life. Contact her at tmalgesini@eastoregonian.com or 541-564-4539. American West Properties 541-720-2020 cell Molly Webb Principal Broker 541-969-4188 Kevin Hale, Broker 541-969-8243 cell 541-276-0021 office kevinhale@coldwellbankerwhit- Lee E Docken Principal Brocker Cell: 541-571-0062 Office: 541-481-6262 Randy Randall Principal Broker 541-561-4710 Jason VanNice, Broker Coldwell Banker Whitney and Associates 705 S 1st St. Hermiston, OR 97838 760-409-6842 cell 541-276-0021 office Jayice10@gmail.com WIN Dining Jerry Baker Broker, Coldwell Banker Whitney and Associates 541-969-6378 cell 541-276-0021 office Jbaker1959@gmail.com Saul Llamas Broker Cell: 541-720-8248 Office: 541-481-6262 from Wildhorse Resort & Casino Valued at $500 To enter, help a child in need by participating in the HAMLEY GIVING TREE! Now through December 14 See official rules. Some exclustions my apply. black friday sale STOREWIDE Hamley Western Store November 29 - December 2 Monday-Friday 10am-6pm / Saturday-Sunday 10am-5pm C o r n e r o f C o u r t & Ma i n • 541.278.1100 Management reserves all rights to alter, suspend or withdraw promotions/offers at any time. Some exclusions apply. While supplies last. Claresse O’Connor Timberline Realty 541-432-1234 Jed Hummell, Broker Coldwell Banker Whitney and Associates 541-969-2887 cell 541-276-0021 office jedhummell@gmail.com
