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About Hermiston herald. (Hermiston, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 11, 2020)
COMMUNITY A6 • HERMISTONHERALD.COM WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2020 Family refl ects on a somber anniversary Candlelight vigil marks one-year anniversary of Graciela Garcia’s disappearance By JADE MCDOWELL NEWS EDITOR Family and friends of Graciela Garcia gathered at McKenzie Park in Hermis- ton on Saturday, Nov. 8, to mark the one-year anniver- sary of her disappearance. Garcia, 50, grew up in the area, graduating from Umatilla High School and eventually starting Careyes Beauty Salon, which she operated out of her home in Hermiston. She was last seen on Nov. 8, 2019, by her hus- band, according to police, who have described her dis- appearance as “extremely suspicious.” She was reported missing Nov. 11, 2019. During the vigil friends and family described Garcia as a fun-loving person who stayed positive in the face of adversity. They joined in prayer for answers and for her safe return, and lit can- dles in her honor. After the time for prayer, Jade McDowell/Hermiston Herald Participants hold candles at McKenzie Park during a vigil on Nov. 8, 2020, marking the one-year anniversary of Graciela Garcia’s disappearance in Hermiston. Below, stones with messages asking police to fi nd Graciela Garcia were laid on the front lawn of the Hermiston police station during the vigil. Jade McDowell/Hermiston Herald Graciela Garcia’s friends and family talk about her disappearance at a vigil on Nov. 8, 2020, in McKenzie Park in Hermiston, marking the one-year anniversary of the Hermiston woman’s disappearance. they made their way to the Hermiston Police Depart- ment’s headquarters, where they laid down painted stones with the message “#FindGracielaGarcia” on the lawn. They then made their way to Garcia’s home nearby and took turns laying red roses in her yard before spending time holding up signs with her information Hermiston church to host youth conference HERMISTON HERALD The Game Changer Youth Conference for stu- dents ages 10-21 is coming to New Hope Community Church, 1350 S. Highway 395, beginning Friday, Nov. 13. It is free to attend, and no registration is required. Sponsored by the Fellow- ship of Christian Athletes, and featuring John Kopta of the Power Team and rap art- ist George Moss, the confer- ence aims to promote student success by providing strate- gies to win with academics and athletics. Four sessions are offered: Friday, Nov. 13 from 6-7:15 p.m. or 7:45- 9:15 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 14 from 10:30 a.m. to noon; Sat- urday from 1:30-3 p.m.; and Saturday from 6-7:15 p.m. or 7:45-9 p.m. All those attend- ing must wear a face cover- ing at all times and socially distance. Each session is lim- ited to 100 participants. A 3-on-3 basketball tour- nament is available as part of the conference, and will be played at Eastside bas- ketball courts, 582 E. Main St., on Saturday beginning at 3 p.m. Those interested in competing must have a team put together and attend either Friday night session to sign up. For information, call Rod Bragato at 541-720-8104. Hermiston Altrusa awards scholarships HERMISTON HERALD Altrusa International of Hermiston has announced four recipients of the Linda Gilleese Memorial Scholarship. Cristal Artz, a third grade teacher at Desert View Elementary School in Herm- iston, received $1,000. Artz subbed in Hermiston for two years before being hired. She attends Western Gov- ernors University, work- ing toward her Masters in Teaching degree. Savannah Torres wants to return to Hermiston, after graduating from Oregon Health & Science University, to work as a medical/surgi- cal nurse. She has worked at a local fl ower shop, Sun Terrace and Good Shepherd Medical Center, as well as being a CNA at Regency. Torres received $1,000. Kelly De La Cruz also attends Western Gover- nors University, where she is working towards a bach- elor’s degree in accounting. She is a graduate of Herm- iston High School, where she became interested in accounting and is hoping to be hired by a local fi rm. She said her goal is to be a role model for her young daugh- ter and her brother, whom she is raising by herself after her mom died of cancer. De La Cruz received $500. Mariana Macias also attended HHS, as well as Blue Mountain Commu- nity College. She is a senior at Portland State Univer- sity with a major in account- ing and a minor in Spanish. She is attending school and working full-time to cover all of her living and school expenses. After graduating and interning in an account- ing fi rm, Macias hopes to open her own accounting fi rm. She received $500. Next spring brings more opportunity for Altrusa scholarships, as the Doro- thy Juve Scholarship will be available. Applicants should be enrolled in a post-high school program and be two- thirds fi nished with the pro- gram. Applicants are asked to provide a cover letter with information about their goals, work history, and need. They may reapply. Catholic Daughters celebrate 65-year member HERMISTON HERALD Arlene Burns, 92, the only surviving charter member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Our Lady of Angels Court #1692, was presented with her 65-year membership pin on Nov. 5 at her home in Hermiston. Father Skip Thompson offered a special blessing prior to the group enjoying dessert to celebrate Burns’ accomplishment. The 65-year anniversary for the court was on April 17, 2020, but due to corona- virus precautions the presen- tation was delayed. along Highway 395. Garcia is 5 feet, 4 inches tall and weighs approxi- mately 140 pounds. Anyone with any infor- mation pertaining to Gar- cia’s disappearance is encouraged to contact Hermiston Police Depart- ment at 541-567-5519. Echo School veterans celebration altered HERMISTON HERALD ECHO — Echo School’s annual Veter- ans Celebration sched- uled for Wednesday, Nov. 11, has been altered due to the governor’s “pause” on gatherings. The Veterans Assembly will kick off the event at 10 a.m. at the Echo School The most valuable and respected source of local news, advertising and information for our communities. CHURCH DIRECTORY Community Worship Featured this Week: The Full Gospel Home Church 235 SW 3rd • Phone 567-7678 Rev. Ed Baker - Rev. Nina Baker Sunday: Sunday School........10:00 am Worship...................11:00 am Evening Service........7:00 pm Wednesday Service..7:00 pm “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” 1 Pet. 5:7 LANDMARK BAPTIST CHURCH The Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Our Lady of Angels Court #1692, presented Arlene Burns, seated front, with a 65- year anniversary pin on Nov. 5, 2020, at her home. Stress and the Holidays www.hermistonlmbc.com 541-289-4774 Pastor David Dever First Christian Church “Grow Your Faith Through God” 567-3013 775 W. Highland Ave., Hermiston Join us for a FREE Lunch & Learn on handling stress during the holiday season! CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Sun. Bible Classes...................10:00am Sun. Worship Service..............11:00am Sun. Evening Worship..............6:00pm Wed. Prayer & Bible Study......6:00pm Sunday School...9:00 am Worship Service...10:30 am Getty Images NEW BEGINNINGS Worship Service 10:30 AM Sunday School 9:00 AM Pastor J.C. Barnett Children’s Church & Nursery Available 700 West Orchard Avenue P.O. Box 933 Hermiston, Oregon 125 E. Beech Ave. • 567-3232 Paul Burns/Contributed Photo football fi eld, 600 Gerone St., as planned, but will only be livestreamed on the Echo School District Facebook page. Only those directly involved in the assembly will be attending in person. For more information, contact Billie Parker at bjparker@echosd5.org or 541-376-8436. St. Johns Episcopal Church Join Us Us Join On Our Journey With Jesus. Join us on ZOOM 9:00 AM Sunday Email: chuckb@eotnet.net for link N.E. Gladys Ave & 7th, Hermiston PH: 567-6672 We are an all inclusive Church who welcomes all. Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church Iglesia Católica Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles 565 W. HERMISTON AVE. 565 W. HERMISTON AVE. To advertise in the Seventh-day Adventist Church Thursday, 12 November 12:00pm In-Person and Virtual options. Contact 541-667- 3509 or healthinfo@gshealth.org for more information or to register. Church Directory, please contact Audra Workman 541-564-4538 or email aworkman@eastoregonian.com Saturdays Sabbath School........9:30 a.m. Worship Service......11:00 a.m. English & Spanish Services 567-8241 Hermiston Jr. Academy 1300 NW Academy Lane, • Hermiston