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