PIO

Foundation presents $42,000 in grants to local nonprofits

By DAVID HAYES Itemizer-Observer

Bob Brannigan loves the spring, especially since it represents a time of year his organization Dallas Community Foundation gets to help grow other local non-profits.

“My

That was the night Brautigam turned his words into action. First, he researched how to write and format a screenplay. Then, he began pounding the keys. That was 13 years ago.

“It took me about a year and a half to write ‘Revenge is a Must,” which was actually my first project,” he said.

Brautigam was comfortable enough with the screenplay to send it to a high school friend, Bret Harrison, an actor with more than 30 screen credits to his name.

“Bret looked at it, sent me an email back, and I’ll never forget

See BRAUTIGAM, page A8

The DCF presented $42,000 in grants last week to 24 organizations offering their services in the Dallas area.

“This is a really wonderful time of the year for the foundation to recognize all of the fine work going on in the Dallas community that

your organizations are putting forward. We are very proud to support each and every one of you,” said Brannigan, board president of DCF.

In the next few months, he added, the DCF will also be presenting just under $40,000 in scholarships to students in the Dallas School District.

While not every organization had a representative present to accept the grant, those who attended expressed their gratitude.

Glenda Dunaway, of Bambinos of Oregon, said the non-profit will use their $2,000 grant to purchase “pullups” and wipes, which the

organization offers mothers in need, in addition to diapers and formula. She said in 2021, Bambinos gave away 237 packs of diapers. This year that number rose to 1,321

See GRANT, page A6

Community honors Vietnam veterans Mar. 29

By DAVID HAYES Itemizer-Observer

Once a year, community members gather around for an informal ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in the plaza of Riverview Park on March 29

The memorial was erected in Independence on July 4, 1984, and is believed to be the oldest in the state of Oregon.

Leading this year’s observance were members of the American Legion Post 33. Post adjutant Steven Russell said 31 of their members are Vietnam veterans.

He explained that while the first Vietnam Veterans’ Day observance was unofficially held in 1975, it wasn’t until 2017 the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act was signed into law.

To mark last Friday’s ceremony, Independence Mayor John McArdle read a proclamation from the City Council that read in part, “This anniversary presents the opportunity to honor and thank our Vietnam Veterans for their brave, courageous military service and sacrifice.”

First taste of Easter

First taste of Easter First taste of Easter

Jason Little, 9 months, hasn’t quite gotten the hang of his first Easter Egg Hunt at the Monmouth Christian Church event Saturday at Central High School. For more Easter photos, go to page B8.

By DAVID HAYES Itemizer-Observer

A block off Main Street in Monmouth, sits an unassuming historical home that has been repurposed for a new generation in need.

The two-story home was rechristened “David’s House” last week, paying homage to youth homelessness advocate David Buntjer, who lost his own battle with chronic homelessness.

McArdle said at the outset while he was not a veteran, his father was a career sergeant major, so he learned a lot of things, including an appreciation of those who were sent to Vietnam.

“I want to say, we’re here today to recognize your service, your commitment and the commitment of all of you. Not just those that when you were serving overseas, but when you came back,” McArdle said.

See HONOR, page A3

Buntjer was a member of Backbone, a youth-led organization tasked with developing a transitional housing plan for the unhoused youth within Polk County.

While the ribbon cutting ceremony March 27 may have been rain soaked, spirits could not be dampened marking the home’s opening, bringing to fruition years of effort.

See HOME, page A2

PHOTO BY DAVID HAYES

Representatives from the many organizations who helped bring David’s House to fruition cut the ribbon March 27, celebrating the opening of the youth transitional housing.

PHOTO BY DAVID HAYES

is April 10

On May 25, the Oregon

The USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region has published an interactive story map highlighting co-stewardship work occurring between American Indian Tribes and National Forests across Oregon and Washington. This includes The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde combining efforts with the The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians for the Camas Prairie Restoration project.

“The Pacific Northwest is home to many Indigenous peoples and their cultures, traditions, and knowledge continue to define the Pacific Northwest today,” said Kristine Harper, Tribal Relations Specialist for the Pacific Northwest Region of the Forest Service and enrolled member of the Tlingit and Haida Indians of Alaska.

“This story map displays how we are working with Tribal governments to incorporate this knowledge into our projects and activities across the region.”

The Forest Service is responsible for millions of acres of federal land where Tribes have reserved the right to hunt, fish, and pray by ratified treaties and agreements with the United States. The Forest Service is tasked with managing these landscapes to be sustainable for future generations, which includes the

Dallas Library’s Free Seed Library returns

The Dallas Library is again offering free seed packages to the community through their “Free Seed Library.” Planting season is here. The Dallas Library has a variety of seeds available, including flowers, vegetables and herbs. The library is offering eight seed packages per family. The seed packages are sorted, which makes it easier to choose. The adventurous types can choose two sealed mystery bags instead. The mystery bags contain four seed packages each. The seeds were donated by Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, Portland Nursery, Territorial Seed Co., Turtle Tree Seed, Adaptive Seeds, Victory Seed Co., Marion & Polk Food Share, and Snake River Seed Cooperative. Seeds are available while supplies last.

Dallas Library presents free showing of Marx Brothers’ “Duck Soup”

The Dallas Library hosts a free movie night for adults at 6:30 p.m. April 4, the classic Marx Brothers comedy, “Duck Soup.” By the end of the night you’ll all be singing “Hail Freedonia” as Rufus T Firefly, Chicolini, and Pinky defeat Trentino and the forces of Sylvania. This classic comedy pits the Marx brothers Groucho, Harpo, Chico, and yes, even Zeppo against the forces of war, politics, and love. It is madness, rapid fire banter, slapstick, and loads of fun for the evening. The film is considered one of the Marx Brothers greatest films. The Groucho and Harpo mirror scene in the movie has been imitated but never topped.

Everyone gets a prize, and one person will get our ultimate movie themed prize. Popcorn will be provided free of charge. Bring a friend, spouse, or date and come mingle with other Dallas movie lovers and enjoy the evening. This is a free event. You can find details about the event at www.facebook. com/dallaslibraryoregon.

natural and cultural resources they provide.

In the Pacific Northwest, the Forest Service has invested in co-stewardship opportunities with Tribes to collectively address the forest health and resilience challenges impacting the national forests and grasslands. The region’s new interactive story map highlights various initiatives and project work that the Forest Service has underway in partnership with Tribal governments in a manner that recognizes Tribal treaties, reserved rights and Indigenous knowledge. The story map will be updated as additional co-stewardship agreements are developed and project activities progress.

Camas Prairie, located on the Sweet Home Ranger District, has been a special focus between the Forest Service, The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians and The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde for over 25 years. Both Tribes have participated in the ongoing protection and restoration of Camas Prairie through native seed collection and propagation, invasive plant management, tree density management, and prescribed burning. The Forest Service and Tribal governments continued this partnership around Camas Prairie in October 2023 to successfully

Home

David’s House offers Temporary home for unhoused youth

From Page A1

Polk County Commissioner Jeremy Gordon, a board member of the Mid Willamette Valley Community Action Agency, spoke at the event, saying he was excited to celebrate the first housing program for youth in Polk County.

“This is a big deal. I remember back in 2021 when I first became commissioner, I was asked by a League of American Voters in an interview when are we going to get a youth shelter? I thought that was a very good question. I didn’t have an answer,” Gordon said.

He said it just so happened at the same time Marion Polk County was one of 33 communities selected in the U.S. to engage in a Youth Homeless Demonstration Program Project, with the goal to prevent and end youth homelessness in our community.

“In their plan, Backbone emphasized the need to keep youth in their community, that they will have the most success and chose where they will live. That is where their supports are, where their schools are, friends are, where their support structure are. That’s important to youth who will stay in David’s House,” Gordon said.

Representatives were present and thanked for their help to open David’ House, including the city of Monmouth, Polk County Family

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

co-implement a seven-acre prescribed burn.

“By taking time to understand the deep connections that Indigenous Nations have with their ancestral homelands, we can make a greater difference in conserving our shared natural resources over the long-term,” said Merv George, Deputy Regional Forester for the Pacific Northwest Region of the Forest Service. “This co-stewardship approach helps us better honor treaty and other reserved rights and protect Tribal history and culture, while also increasing

Community Outreach, Mid Willamette Valley Community Action Agency and the Polk County Community Development Corporation.

Christopher Lopez, Associate Director Home Youth Services, a part of Mid Willamette Valley Community Action Agency, said the house, more than 120 years old, was purchased from the Jaffer family.

“They’re pillars of the community. Teachers, politically involved, amazing volunteers,” Lopez said of the Jaffer family.

He explained that Polk County CDC helped fund the purchase of the house and HUD’s Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program will provide ongoing funding for its operations.

The house currently has room for five youth aged 14-18, with plans to expand that to 10 in the future. Lopez said David’s House is a transitional home, unlike the

our ability to accomplish our mission.”

As an agency of the USDA, the Forest Service continually strives to be more diverse, open, and inclusive. This story map represents meaningful ways the Forest Service is living out the agency’s federal trust responsibility to conserve the treasured landscapes now and into the future. This is an important part of the agency’s overall commitment to strengthen nation-to-nation relationships, honor American Indian Tribal history and culture, and respect Tribal sovereignty.

emergency shelter for youth, Taylor’s House, in Salem.

“The difference being not a ‘I need somewhere to stay, where can I go right now?’ This is a gap between those emergency short term services and long term permanent supportive housing,” Lopez said. Unhoused youth, or anyone in need, can get assessment through Poor Needed Entry portal, that assigns them a community service provider. Lopez said that assessment matches them with a program according to their needs.

Being a transitional home, youth will be able to stay at David’s House for up to two years, based on need, Lopez said. The home has “navigators” who will work with youth’s needs to determine what their long-term plans look like. Lopez said that aid can fit within “three buckets” – long term foster care, emancipation or self sufficiency, such as their renting own space, or family reunification.

Additional information about the Forest Service’s Tribal Action Plan is available on the agency’s website at www. fs.usda.gov/working-with-us/ tribal-relations.

For additional information about the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region’s Tribal Relations Program go to www.fs.usda.gov/main/r6/ workingtogether/tribalrelations. The Tribal Relations Interactive Story Map is available at https://arcg. is/1HTyDm0.

For more information about the USDA Forest Service go to www.fs.usda.gov.

David’s House will have 13 full-time staff, 24/7, but only youth will sleep on site, Lopez said.

“The home is like any normal home a kid will grow up in. It is intentionally located in a neighborhood. Just steps away from trolly. Near Central School District. Near the skate park. Near all the wonderful amenities that Monmouth and Independence have to support youth in their community,” Lopez said.

“It is a long time coming. Youth work is incredibly important. The vast majority of individuals who end up chronically homeless as adults, experience homelessness as youth. We are providing those resources in a prevention aspect to prevent youth who are currently couch surfing, sleeping in a car, doing whatever they can, from ending up on the streets,” he added. “We’re really excited to be here. Just really grateful for the community’s support.”

Grand Ronde Tribal members work with the Siletz Tribal members and the USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region to perform a recent controlled burn of the Camas Prairie.

and petty disagreements, there comes along that person who gives you hope that the whole world hasn’t gone completely corrupt. Someone who gives of their time, talent and treasure, with no thought of recompense or recognition. Terry James Wilson is that kind of person. TJ is his nickname name and that’s what his friends call him.

Born in Tyler, Texas, in 1980, the only child of Billy and Nancy Wilson, he will tell you he grew up with ease and plenty. He was your typical only child with affluent parents who held good jobs and did not withhold from their only son. That upbringing did not seem to spoil this guy who has a heart of gold. TJ had no desire to go to college after high school and started his own business, Wilson Construction, an oil field construction and fabrication business. And, of course, included in that business were hotrods

that they tinkered on in spare time. That became a magnet for youngsters who loved hotrods as well.

So Tuesday nights became “Hot Dog and Hot Rod nights” for the local teens. It grew from three to 25 youth. It was during this time that TJ had an epiphany. ”Hmmm, maybe I AM interested in furthering my education and making a difference in the lives of young people,” TJ mused.

So he embarked on the journey to fulfill his significant purpose. He looked around Texas for a fit, but nothing materialized. Out of the clear blue, a principal from an Oregon school brought him first to Burns, then he moved to Salem and he finally landed in Timber Town a little over three years ago and has actually lit the shop on fire with some amazing innovations.

In 2022, the shop was dedicated to an alumnus and named The Steve Bobb Auto Shop. The club has been named Willamina Kustoms,

and it has become renowned. When I asked him which place he has loved the most, TJ smiled and said, ”Right here, Right now.”

He credits the administration at Willamina High School for believing in and getting behind his vision from day one. And he is adamant that it has been the kids who have made the program a roaring success.

What started out as a normal run of the mill welding-manufacturing class, has become a program that has, through generous grants, designed and built a 53-foot. concession trailer and toy hauler. It has been built from the ground up by the students in eighth through 12th grade in 36 weeks.

Students in his class who have struggled with traditional academic classroom learning, have soared to excellence under his tutelage. Students who could have dropped out of school, have found a place to belong and excel.

“They own it,” TJ exclaimed.

It hasn’t been easy keeping them engaged, day by day, week by week, but they have hung in there and finished projects and gone to car shows and worked concessions. It has been a team effort all the way.

The welding program has morphed into a “design and build” program. A graphics program began with all the equipment to design banners and T-shirts. The food trailer has sparked interest in the culinary field. So that has prompted a cooking class, which then has prompted a business class for bookkeeping. Again, TJ gives all the credit to the youth who have implemented these programs and keep them alive and well.

These students have become very well known now because of their accomplishments and the vendors and salespeople who visit Willamina Kustoms know them by name. TJ said any one of them could land a job with any of these companies tomorrow if they were 18 years old. And isn’t this what school should be

A student enrolled in Willamina Kustoms works on the exterior components of a trailer.

about? I am so grateful that my grandchildren have had this opportunity. Thank you TJ Wilson and Willamina High School for this outstanding and incredible program.

TJ has a goal to fund tool purchases for the students. If

this article has inspired you to be a part of something unusually grand and worthwhile, please donate to Willamina Kustoms in care of Willamina High School. And please call the school to schedule a tour at (503) 876-2545.

WOU alum Michael Waller highlights social work career

Western Oregon University highlights the accomplishments of alumnus Michael Waller, 2008. Waller received a bachelor’s degree in social science from Western, leading him to a career in social work.

Western introduced Waller to his two passions which are acting and sociology. Waller shares that he always knew he wanted to help people and

Honor

Community members gather to honor Veterans

From Page A1

“The people who designed this (memorial) were veterans. The people who designed this whole upper park memorial were Vietnam veterans. So many of you continue to be active in the community, whether to help with city commissions, helping with the American Legion, helping with schools, churches, friends, service is part of what you do.”

The group next welcomed State Rep. Paul Evans, himself a retired, 20-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He told the crowd of more than 30 assembled that while growing up with his dad and his buddies who fought in Vietnam, it took him a while to truly understand their sacrifice and continued service to the community when they returned.

“I just left an event in Salem where the state is saying what should have been said 50 years ago,” Evans said, referencing a groundbreaking ceremony for a Vietnam War Memorial on the Oregon State Capitol grounds.

while at Western, learned there were a multitude of avenues he could take. Currently, he is a school social worker at McDaniel High School in Portland and a working actor.

“One of the biggest things I learned at Western was to take chances. I did not believe that I could get into some of the things I’m into today. I was introduced to some staff at

Western who really challenged me,” Waller said. “They challenged me to have critical thinking and I wouldn’t be where I’m at without it. I recommend Western to everyone.”

Waller’s story is a testament to Western’s commitment to supporting students in discovering and following their passions. His dedication to

supporting youth through social work exemplifies the impactful contributions that Western alumni make to society, showcasing the values of compassion, leadership, and excellence instilled by their alma mater. Watch Michael Waller’s success story online at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=LMdfXH8W3lc.

“Thank you for coming home and thank you for your service. My generation of veterans both benefitted from all the work you did to make sure veterans were appreciated better and that your service actually did something very important.” Evans said Vietnam was the first war America fought not knowing if it could but won, but was important to fight anyway.

“We have since learned sometimes you have to fight those battles that may not be won to win the larger war so that people can have freedom and liberty and justice,” Evans said.

American Legion Commander Billy Whisenant spoke next, referencing Evans’ mention the war was not won.

“I remember an old bumper sticker that said, ‘We were winning when we left,’” Whisenant said.

He then updated the crowd gathered about the American Legion’s efforts to get the traveling Vietnam War Memorial Wall “The Wall That Heals” to Independence.

Whisenant said he recently met with The Wall That Heals program director Kathy Miller. The wall, a ¾ scale replica of the Vietnam War Memorial

Wall in Washington, D.C. Currently in Merced, California, The Wall That Heals tours 30 cities per year. Whisenant said if organizers can get it within 800 miles next year, they’ll try to add Independence to the tour.

“The meeting with Miller was very fortunate for me. They know that we’re interested. She’s very supportive of our community. I told her about folks who are enthusiastic about bringing wall here,” he said.

PHOTO BY DAVID HAYES

Independence Mayor John McArdle reads a City Council proclamation honoring Vietnam veterans March 29 at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in the plaza of Riverview Park. The monument is believed to be the oldest Vietnam Memorial in the state of Oregon.

7 Tips On How To Stop Constant Worrying In Your Life

By: STAN POPOVICH

Do you find yourself worrying about everything that is going on around you?

It can be very tiring and depressing to constantly worry about your family, your job, your health, and everything else that is happening. Having things out of your control is very scary.

As a result, here are 7 tips on how to overcome the cycle of worry and fear in your life.

1. Focus on the facts of your situation; not your thoughts: When people are stressed out, they rely on their fearful and depressing thoughts. Your fearful thoughts are exaggerated and are not based on reality. When you are anxious, focus on the facts of your current situation and not on what you think.

2. You can’t predict the future: Remember that no one can predict the future with one hundred percent certainty. Even if the thing that you are afraid of does happen, there are circumstances and factors that you can’t predict which can be used to your advantage.

For example, you miss the deadline for a project you have been working on. Everything you feared is coming true. Suddenly, your boss tells you that the deadline is extended and that he forgot to tell you the day before. This unknown factor changes everything.

3. Take a break: Take a deep breath and try to find something to do to get your mind off of your anxieties and stresses. A person could take a walk, listen to some music, read the newspaper, watch TV, play on the computer, or do an activity

By LUCIE WINBORNE

• Modern brunch was first proposed in 1895 as a post-hangover meal.

• Quetzalcoatlus, the largest known flying animal, was as tall as a giraffe and may have used its powerful forelimbs to pole-vault into the sky.

• Cathay Williams became the first African-American woman to serve in the U.S. Army in 1866. Since women were barred from joining the military at the time, she enlisted as a man under the pseudonym William Cathay.

• In Australia, weed whackers are called whipper snippers.

that will give them a fresh perspective on things. This will distract you from your current worries.

4. Take it one day at a time: Instead of worrying about how you will get through the rest of the week or month, focus on today. Each day can provide us with different opportunities to learn new things and that includes learning how to deal with your problems.

5. Learn how to manage your thoughts: Challenge your negative thinking with positive statements and realistic thinking. When encountering thoughts that make you fearful, challenge those thoughts by asking yourself questions that will maintain objectivity and common sense.

6. Things change over time: Regardless of your circumstances, your current situation will not stay the same. Everything changes over time. Knowing that your situation will improve will help give you the confidence that things will get better.

7. Get some help: Sometimes, it helps to be able to talk to someone about your stressful situations. Talking to a trusted friend, counselor, or clergyman can give you additional advice and insights on how to deal with the fear of the unknown. Remember that there is nothing wrong in asking for assistance.

Stan is the author of “A Layman’s Guide to Managing Fear” which covers a variety of techniques that can drastically improve your mental health. For more information, please visit Stan’s website at http://www. managingfear.com

Thank you for enlightening tour of the jail

I wanted to say thank you to Sheriff Mark Garton for including us in a tour of the Polk County Jail. My wife and I were impressed with how well maintained and clean that it was. I also noticed how quiet it was. Very calming atmosphere. I was also impressed with the state of the art technology in use. A building with over 115 inmates staffed with only 5 deputies. All doors operated remotely from a control room, and all contacts and records recorded electronically. No paper work.

Also learned I that through a grant the sheriff was able to upgrade old security cameras to state of the art technology.

Very efficient. I highly recommend this tour.

Gary Weis Dallas

LETTERS POLICY

The Polk County Itemizer-Observer encourages readers to submit letters to the editor for the weekly opinion page. Factual letters of on all topics

or misleading statements. Letters attacking an individual, rather than an expressed opinion are not acceptable. Letters attacking a class of people based on their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or age will also be rejected. The opinions expressed in letters are “the voice of the letter writer,” and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Polk County Itemizer-Observer, its staff, publisher or advertisers. — To send a letter: Mail: Editor, Polk County Itemizer-Observer, P.O. Box 108, Dallas, OR 97338. Email: ionews@polkio.com. Office: 147 SE Court St., Dallas.

TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH:

Slower Heart Rates Are More Common in Athletes

• Beaver College changed its name to Arcadia in 2001, partly because anti-porn filters blocked access to its website.

• The human body emits visible light, but it’s not visible to the naked eye.

• The FBI dubbed Ted Kaczynski “The Unabomber” because his early mail bombs were sent to universities (UN) and airlines (A).

• As astronauts spend months traveling to Mars, their eyeballs may change shape. Some scientists believe that’s due to the pressure from fluids that won’t drain from their heads, thanks to the low-gravity environment.

• President Thomas Jefferson hated formal affairs so much that he would often greet foreign dignitaries in his pajamas.

• Newborn babies have nearly 100 more bones than full-grown adults.

• The Antikythera mechanism, discovered by sponge divers in 1900, is sometimes called the world’s first analog computer. Designed to calculate dates and predict astronomical phenomena, it was so advanced nothing surpassed it for nearly 1,500 years.

Thought for the Day: “If we open a quarrel between past and present, we shall find that we have lost the future.”

– Winston Churchill

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have a question about a resting heart rate, specifically when it is considered too slow for one’s health. I am a 67-year-old male who, from an early age to the present time, has always been physically active every day. Now retired, I feel a great sense of accomplishment when I work out. The endorphin boosts and benefits to my body are my daily rewards.

Recently, I received a fitness watch that tracks my heart rate. My nightly sleep sessions show a range of 39-58 bpm over the past month. During a dental visit a while ago, I was told by the hygienist that she knew of an athlete who died in his sleep, and his heart rate was so slow that it just stopped. Is this possible? -- D.M.

ANSWER: This really wasn’t a great thing for the hygienist to say, as there is very little truth to it. Most people who exercise do have a slower heart rate, and it’s a good sign of a healthy heart. However, some older people can develop heart block when the electrical impulse from the natural pacemaker of the

heart fails to pass to the ventricles. This is an occasional cause of sudden cardiac death. Your heart rate suggests, to me, that it’s more likely the healthy heart rate of an athlete than it is a disease of the electrical conduction system, but a visit with your regular doctor or cardiologist can separate this through a simple electrocardiogram in most cases. Some people just have slow heart rates, but they can be treated with a pacemaker if they’re symptomatic.

***

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 79-year-old man with diabetes and high blood pressure. What are your thoughts on taking a supplement designed for horses by humans? My son-in-law takes l teaspoon of this every other day for building his body and suggests that it might help me. -- Anon.

ANSWER: Please don’t take products designed for other animals. The dosing that is healthy for some animals can be toxic for others. I looked up the product -- it contains vitamins and minerals that are important for humans, but the dosing isn’t right. Supplements are not an effective treatment for diabetes or high blood pressure. Strong data show that people who eat well don’t benefit much, or at all, from vitamin and mineral supplementation, but if you choose to do so, choose one designed for humans, not horses.

***

DEAR DR. ROACH: I read your recent column on overactive bladders. Like many middle-aged and older women, I’ve progressively had more and more trouble with frequent urination and bladder control. I saw a urologist who diagnosed me with bladder spasms. I got very good improvement on an expensive drug called Myrbetriq.

A few years later, an abdominal scan done for another reason revealed a large uterine fibroid. I eventually had a hysterectomy a year ago. Now at 75, I don’t have any bladder spasms and don’t take any medication. -- C.J.R.

ANSWER: Fibroid tumors and other pelvic masses can press on the bladder and cause symptoms that feel like an overactive bladder. These aren’t common causes, but I am glad you wrote in about this cause and that your symptoms have gone away after surgery. Since the medicine worked, I suspect that the mechanical pressure of the fibroid triggered bladder contractions.

Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual questions, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to

ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell. edu. (c) 2024 North America Synd., Inc. All Rights Reserved

Wednesday, April 3

• 8 a.m. - Yoga, Monmouth Senior Center

• 9 a.m. – Polk County Commissioners meeting, Polk County Commissioners’ Conference Room, 850 Main St., Dallas

• 9 a.m. - Stretch Exercise, Monmouth Senior Center

• 9:30 a.m.Independence Municipal Court, City Hall, 555 South Main St.

• 10 a.m. – Four Handed Pinochle, Dallas Area Senior Center

• 10 a.m. - Tai Chi, Monmouth Senior Center

• 10:30 a.m. - Little Bitty Storytime, for babies and young toddlers, Dallas Public Library, 950 Main St.

• 6:30 p.m. - Music Jam, Monmouth Senior Center

• 7 p.m. - Monmouth Planning Commission meeting, Volunteer Hall, 144 South Warren St.

Thursday, April 4

• 8 a.m. - Yoga, Monmouth Senior Center

• 9 a.m. Monmouth Senior Center Day Trips:

Amity

• 10 a.m. - Cards/ Table Games, Dallas Area Senior Center

• 10:15 a.m. - Low Impact Exercise, Dallas Area Senior Center

• 10:30 a.m. - Songs, bounces and rhymes, for ages under 2, Monmouth Public Library, 168 Ecols St. S.

• 10:30 a.m. - Housing and Belonging: “How do we decide who ‘belongs’ in our community?”, Monmouth Public Library, 168 Ecols St. S.

• 10:30 a.m. - Children’s Storytime, for ages 5 and under, Dallas Public Library, 950 Main St.

• 11 a.m. - Simple games/Walking Club, Monmouth Senior Center

• 11:15 a.m., - Low Impact Exercise, Dallas Area Senior Center

• 11:30 a.m. - Lunch Bunch, Dallas Area Senior Center

• 12 p.m. - Bridge, Dallas Area Senior Center

• 12 p.m. - Pinochle, Monmouth Senior Center

• 1 p.m. - Knitting/ Needle Craft, Monmouth Senior Center

• 6:30 p.m.Connecting Loose Threads, Monmouth Senior Center

• 6:30 p.m. - Free Movie Night for Adults: The classic Marx Brothers movie, “Duck Soup,” Dallas Public Library, 950 Main St.

Friday, April 5

• 8 a.m. - Yoga, Monmouth Senior Center

Polk County Democrats meet April 4

when the cap is reached or on April 26. The camp fee is $60. The four week Spring Soccer Camp is May 13 through June 3, from 5:30-7 p.m.. at the Roger Jordan Park near the Dallas Aquatic Park. Kindergarteners through second graders meet on Mondays and third through fifth graders meet on Wednesdays.

For more information, contact the Kids Inc. office at (503) 623-6419 or kidsincoffice@gmail.com.

The Polk County Democrats meet the first Thursday each month at 6:30 P.M. via Zoom. Join them April 4 to hear from Sen. Elizabeth Steiner, candidate for Oregon State Treasurer, and Polk County Commissioner Jeremy Gordon, who will discuss Polk County homelessness issues (and touch on the Dallas project). To receive the link to this meeting and be on their email reminders for future Zoom meetings go to www. polkdems.org. Sign up under “Newsletter” (scroll down, Step 2).

• 9 a.m. - Stretch Exercise, Monmouth Senior Center

• 10 a.m. - Writers Workshop/Drawing For Fun, Monmouth Senior Center

• 10 a.m. – Six handed Pinochle/Art Workshop/ Listening Ear, Dallas Area Senior Center

• 10:30 a.m. - Baby Sign Time, Monmouth Public Library, 168 Ecols St. S.

• 1 p.m. - Tai Chi w/ Cheryl/Bingo, Monmouth Senior Center

• 3 p.m. - Free Family Move: “Migration,” Independence Public Library

• 6 p.m. - Live Music: Midnight Express, Redgate Winery, 8175 Buena Vista Road, Independence

• 6:30 p.m. - Acoustic Music Jam, Guthrie Park, 4320 Kings Valley Highway S.

Saturday, April 6

• 8:30 a.m. - Friends of the Senior Center Pancake Breakfast, Monmouth Senior Center, 180 S. Warren St.

• 10 a.m. - Friends of the Library Book Sale, fill up a bag for $5, Independence old library location, 311 Monmouth St.

• 6 p.m. - Live Music: Bush Pilots, Redgate

Polk County Republican Women meet April 4

The Polk County Republican Women’s Club monthly meeting is at 11:30 a.m. April 4 at Westside Pacific Family Restaurant and Saloon, located at 670 S Pacific Highway W in Rickreall. Several candidates for office will be speaking.

Rickreall Grange debuts Jumble

Junction Mall April 5

Rickreall Grange presents the grand opening of the Jumble Junction, April 5-7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The new vendor mall features more than 18 vendors in the upstairs at Rickreall Grange, located at 280 Min St., Rickreall. There will be free refreshments and snacks, a raffle and giveaways, 10%25% off select vendors. Learn more about Jumble Junction on Facebook or email jumblejunctionmall@gmail.com.

WOU welcomes guest speaker Isaac Ford to Jensen Lecture Series

Isaac Ford Jr. will be as the speaker for Western Oregon University’s Jensen Lecture Series on April 4 in the Columbia Room in the Werner University Center. The public is invited to attend a reception at 5 p.m. followed by the lecture at 5:30 p.m. Ford’s book signing will take place after the lecture.

Ford is an author, independent diversity and inclusion consultant, motivational

Winery, 8175 Buena Vista Road, Independence

• 7 p.m. - Live Music: Stephen Reynolds, Golden Hop Saloon, 133 C St., Independence

Sunday, April 7

• 2 p.m. - Live Music: Orvil Ivie, Redgate Winery, 8175 Buena Vista Road, Independence

Monday, April 8

• 8 a.m. - Yoga, Monmouth Senior Center

• 8:30 a.m. - Dallas Area Senior Center Board of Directors meeting

• 9 a.m. - Stretch Exercise, Monmouth Senior Center

• 10 a.m. - Cards/table games, Dallas Senior Center

• 10 a.m. - ASL Class/ Hand & Foot, Monmouth Senior Center

• 1 p.m. - Tai Chi w/ Cheryl, Monmouth Senior Center

• 4 p.m. - Youth Coding League, for 5th-8th graders, Independence Library

• 4 p.m. - Age-Friendly Older Adult Listening Session, Monmouth Senior Center

• 6:30 p.m. - New Horizons Orchestra, Monmouth Senior Center

speaker and CEO of Isaac Ford Jr. & Associates, LLC., specializing in motivational speaking and diversity and inclusion training. The title of his lecture is “Up from the Bottom: Reflections of Forgiveness and Perseverance,” which is based on his memoir “Up From the Bottom,” which tells the story of trauma, tragedy and triumph and demonstrates the power of the human spirit to defy the odds regardless of one’s circumstances.

Scouts Troop 288 hosts meet and greet April 9

Scouts Troop 288, a linked boys and girls scout troop with separate scout leaders involved in the community, welcome you to join them on April 9, at 6:30 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 320 S. Fir Villa Road, for a meet and greet. There will be stations where the scouts will be teaching knot tying, first aid, how to set up a tent and other activities. The troop is looking for youth 5th to 12th grade, who enjoy the outdoors, being involved in the community, and are not scared to earn merit badges or Scout ranks. For more information, go to www.dallastroop288.org.

Polk County Republicans meet April 11

The Polk County Republicans monthly meeting is at 6:30 p.m. April 11 at in the Dallas High School library, 1250 SE Holman Ave.

Tuesday, April 9

• 8 a.m. - Yoga, Monmouth Senior Center

• 9 a.m. – Polk County Commissioners Work Session, Polk County Commissioners’ Conference Room, 950 Main St., Dallas

• 10:15 a.m., - Low Impact Exercise, Dallas

Area Senior Center

• 10:30 a.m. - Children’s Storytime, for ages 5 and under, Dallas Public Library, 950 Main St.

• 10:30 a.m. - Family Storytime, Monmouth Public Library, 168 Ecols St. S.

• 11 a.m. - Alzheimer’s Support Group, Dallas Area Senior Center

• 11:15 a.m., - Low Impact Exercise, Dallas Area Senior Center

• 12 p.m. - Pinochle/ Ponytail, Monmouth Senior Center

• 1 p.m. - Healthy Soul, Dallas Area Senior Center

• 6 p.m. - Belly Dancing for Fun & Fitness, Monmouth Senior Center

• 6:30 p.m.Independence City Council meeting, City Hall, 555 South Main St.

• 7 p.m. - Dallas Planning Commission meeting, City Hall, 187 SE Court St.

• 7:30 p.m. - Basics of Social Dance, Monmouth Senior Center

The guest speaker will be Kim Williams, candidate for Polk County Clerk.

Tickets on sale

now for Women’s Club annual tea party April 27

The GFWC Polk County Service Club is hosting their annual tea party April 27 from 1-3 p.m. at the historic Independence Women’s Club, 340 S. Third St. This year’s theme is Beauty and the Beast. There will be prizes for the best themed hats for adults and kids. There will also be raffles, auctions, great food and fun. Tickets are $25 for ages 13 and older, $15 for 12 and under, or $125 for a full table of six. Tickets are available online at https://givebox. com/524610

Heritage Museum’s hosts exhibit on “radiant rocks”

The Heritage Museum’s latest exhibit “Radiant Rocks: Unveiling the Hidden Glow of Fluorescent Minerals” runs April 18 through May 18. Local rock hound and Clackamette Mineral and Gem Club member Bob Oblack worked with local carpenter and contractor Ken Fetters to bring this exhibit to Independence. The Heritage Museum is located at 281 S. 2nd St. Learn more at www. orheritage.org.

Monmouth Senior Center hosts Spring

Tea April 20

Celebrate the new season at the Friends of the Monmouth

Wednesday, April 10

• 7 a.m. - Library Board meeting, Monmouth Public Library, 168 Ecols St. S.

• 8 a.m. - Yoga, Monmouth Senior Center

• 9 a.m. – Polk County Commissioners meeting, Polk County Commissioners’ Conference Room, 850 Main St., Dallas

• 9 a.m. - Stretch Exercise, Monmouth Senior Center

• 9:30 a.m.Independence Municipal Court, City Hall, 555 South Main St.

• 10 a.m. – Four Handed Pinochle, Dallas Area Senior Center

• 10 a.m. - Tai Chi, Monmouth Senior Center

• 3 p.m. - Craft with a Cop, Monmouth Public Library, 168 Ecols St. S.

• 5:30 p.m. - Heritage Museum Advisory Board meeting, 281 S. 2nd St.

• 5:30 p.m. - Marion and Polk County Republicans host conservative candidates, Green Villa Barn, 3215 Independence Highway, for questions call (503) 580-3716

• 6 p.m. - Parks & Recreation Board meeting, Monmouth Public Works, 401 Hogan Road

• 6:30 p.m. - Music Jam, Monmouth Senior Center

Senior Center’s annual Spring Tea, April 20 from 1-3 p.m. Celebrate renewal and new beginnings with delicious food, tea, music, and friends. Tickets are $30 at the Monmouth Senior Community Center. Cash/check only please. For questions, contact Angie at (602) 819-1208.

IDA hosts new event The Puddle Hopper April 20

The Independence Downtown Association presents the new event, The Puddle Hopper, on April 20. This day-long event celebrates Oregon’s April weather, downtown fun, and shopping and eating local. The day includes a hunt for the Golden Umbrella, a decorated downtown and a ticketed evening reception. For more information, go to info@downtownindependence.com.

Master Gardeners host tour of Inspiration Garden April 20

The OSU Extension Services presents Trees for Small Spaces: A tour of Inspiration Gardens with Polk County Master Gardeners on April 20 at 10 a.m. Rain or shine, this free drop-in event is on mixed paved and packed gravel surface. Dress for the weather.

Meet at the Gathering Space at Inspiration Garden at Mt. Fir Park, 799 F. St., in Independence. For more information, go to https://beav. es/ciK.

Timothy Roy Mance

Aug. 25, 1948 - Mar. 16, 2024

Timothy Roy Mance, born Aug. 25, 1948, to Nickolas and Edith Mance in Aberdeen, Washington, went to be with his Lord and Savior March 16, 2024.

Tim is preceded in death by his parents, Nicholas and Edith, and brothers Richard and Dennis. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Linda; children Robert (Tonya), Jeff (Stephanie), Michael (Casandra), Misty (Dave), Carl (Rashelle), Steven (Abby), and Michael (Alethea); brother Milton (Kathy); sister Darlene (Dave); 17 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Tim had a prominent and successful career in the broadcast television industry holding the hard-earned title of director, Regional OperationsWest. Tim had many friends and colleagues in the industry that admired him and looked up to him for support and guidance and he was well known in the broadcast television industry.

Tim loved his family, his country, and our Lord Jesus Christ. He was a father to many and loved by many more.

Grant Foundation presents $42,000 in grants to local nonprofits

From Page A1

“The need has skyrocketed. Thankfully we’ve had the provisions to do it. This donation will also go toward purchasing pull-ups that are not donated as often as their other supplies,” Dunaway said.

She added last year they were able to help 441 individual babies, 250 of them new clients.

“We have a repeat of 2.7, which is huge for us, because that means they’re not dependent on Bambinos. Rather, we’re helping them get past that slump and help them move on.”

Jason Macpherson, Senior Development director, Cascade Pacific Council Boy Scouts of America, said the organization will use its $1,200 to help bring back the Cub Scouts to Dallas, which essentially went away during COVID.

“We want to relaunch Scouting for the youngest kids. Make sure there is a legacy of Scouting here again. That will help with community service, Eagle Scout projects and helping kids do

Richard

Edward North

Jan. 11, 1930 - Mar. 24, 2024

Richard Edward North passed away on March 24 at the age of 94. He was born Jan. 11, 1930 in Omaha, Nebraska, to Homer and Anna (Campbell) North. Richard had served in the Army and he later worked for Hewlett-Packard as an electronic engineer. Richard was an avid bridge player, a private pilot and hiker. He enjoyed sail boating, fishing and hunting and photography. Once he was engaged in a project he excelled. He made his arrows and strings for his hobby of archery. RVing was his forte, often ending up in surprising places with awesome views. He was a ham radio operator, talking to people all over the world. He loved classical music. He was well read, well-spoken and well loved. In all of his working life, being a teacher was the most satisfying. He was truly “one of a kind.”

Richard is survived by his children, Teresa North and Steven North, and his wife Suzanne and her children David Mason and Mark Mason.

their best and to become great citizens of this community and this country,” McPherson said.

Eddie Nelson, Dallas Food Bank director, said the $5,000 the Dallas Emergency Food Corporation received will be used to purchase protein items for families, from eggs and milk, to peanut butter and tuna fish.

“We have seen such an increase in the need for food.

Monday (March 25) we had 40 families visit our food bank. Yesterday (March 26) we had 42. That’s a lot. We used to see 15-20. The need is just really out there. We serve about 400 families a year, more than 3,000 individuals. We see a lot of seniors and a lot of kids,” Nelson said.

“We appreciate all you do to service our community,” she told Brannigan. Helping to meet the needs of the Food Bank clients is the Dallas Youth Garden. Dean Anderson accepted a $900 grant to pay for equipment and supplies for the 2024 season.

He said the garden, now in its 12th year, will hire 12 interns from the community, in grades 9-12 and teach them basic job skills through sustainable gardening.

“Each intern plans, plants, maintains and harvests their own 25-by-50-foot garden

A funeral service with military honors will be Thursday, April 4 at 11 a.m. at Bollman’s Tribute Center.

www.

BollmansTributeCenter.com.

Eric Von Enderle, Sr.

Oct. 9, 1957 - Feb. 19, 2024

Eric Von Enderle, Sr. was born Oct. 9, 1957, in Pasadena, California. He was born to parents, Frank and Delia Enderle, and is survived by his sister, Linda “Sis” Powell and five children. Eric, 66, died unexpectedly from a heart condition Feb. 19, 2024, in Salem, Oregon.

Eric was the proud parent of Anna (and Andrew), Ericson (and Shana), Jeffrey (and Lindsey), Heather (and Zack), and Alex. His eight grandchildren Amy Beth, Ella Margaret, Hannah, Whade, Kimber, Kenzie, Penelope, and Maverick were the joy of his life.

It was his special mission to ensure they were always treated to cookies or sweets while he tuned up their bike, or fixed whatever other item they brought to him for help. To his grandkids (and kids) “Pepa could fix anything.”

From educating you on the proper lumens for your lighting (car headlights, to interior light bulbs, and even headlamps for camping), to

with produce that will be donated to Polk Family Community Outreach Department and the Dallas Food Bank,” Anderson said. “Last year we hired 11 interns and donated over 4,200 pounds of produce.”

Sherry Fitch was one of original eight members that started the Kindness Club of Dallas in 2017, doing “non-random” acts of kindness. She said the Kindness Club started assembling Friday backpacks for 11 alternative high school kids and weekend food. Within two years, they were providing weekend food for the whole school district.

“We’re now serving 215 kids. So, we’re really stretched,” she said. “We’re still able to provide Friday food, clothing, shoes if needed and hygiene products. We’re very proud of what we do.”

Finally, Trina Fowler, speaking for Salem Free Clinics, accepted $3,750 to support Polk County Free Clinic. Fowler said. Salem Free Clinics is all about having equitable health care for all people.

“We’ve been in Dallas for 12 years and have just moved to Monmouth in the new Polk County Community Services building. The beauty of that is our patients now get to walk into a beautiful lobby

teaching you how to drive a boat and back up a trailer, our dad was there to guide us on it all.

Growing up in Southern California, he had endless stories of his Baja off-road racing hobby and general teenage shenanigans. Eric attended college at Dominican University, before beginning a decades-long career in radiology. Wanting to spend more time with his growing children, he made a pivot in his career to handyman-style contractor.

He had a love of planes, and aviation, which only soared when he obtained his private pilot’s license and would take each of his kids on flights around the Willamette Valley. He retired last year and committed to full-time professional Pepa. These days he kept his calendar up to date, to ensure that he never missed an event with his kids or grandkids.

A celebration of Eric’s life will be held Saturday, April 6, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Bollman’s Tribute Center (287 SW Washington St. Dallas, Oregon). In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in his honor.

Rose Marie Epple

Oct. 5, 1947 – Mar. 25, 2024

On the morning of March

and actual exam rooms,” she said.

Polk County Free Clinic had been using Sunday classrooms at Trinity Lutheran Church for those 12 years. Last year proved to be a challenge for their organization.

“Not as many in Dallas have been needing our service,” Fowler said. “Most have been in Monmouth. Now we’ll be right there in that location to be able to service families in Monmouth better.” She added the new facility can offer access to 12 specialties, including dermatology, podiatry and gynecology.

The full list of nonprofits to receive a Dallas Community Foundation Grant were:

- Bambinos, Oregon: $2,000 to purchase pullups and wipes.

- Cascade Pacific Council Boy Scouts of America: $1,200 for launching Cub Scouts in Dallas. Support for initial six-week startup period, scholarship assistance for up to 1/3 participants for registration fees, handbooks and uniforms, and a 50% subsidy for summer camp fees.

- Community Mediation

Services: $1,500 for Accessibility and Reporting Project, to pay phone, internet expenses and software license fees.

25, 2024, Rose Marie Epple passed into eternity. She leaves behind her loving husband, Dr. James Epple; three beloved children - Jason, Jessica and Jaime; as well as eight grandchildren she adored.

The Epples lived in Monmouth for 40 years while Jim practiced dentistry.

Rose Marie was an exquisite cook and an incredible gardener. She was happiest surrounded by her family and traveling the world. She also found great joy sharing her love of nature, books and card making with her dear friends.

Our beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend is missed beyond words and will hold a place in our hearts forever.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish to remember Rose Marie with a donation, please consider Florence Food Share, Siuslaw Outreach Service or the American Red Cross.

Charlene Karlye Rogers

Charlene Karlye Rogers, born in Vancouver, Washington, in 1944, left to be with her Savior on Jan. 26, 2024, at Salem Hospital. She is survived by her husband, John Grewe, of Dallas, Oregon; sons Brent McNeil of Albany, Oregon,

- Dallas Area Seniors: $1,000 for administrative and overhead expenses.

- Dallas Downtown Association: $1,000 to pay for Farmer’s Market infrastructure and equipment for accessibility.

- Dallas Education Foundation: $4,000 to provide small grants to teachers in the Dallas School District for Supplies, resources and other materials to improve educational outcomes. - Dallas Emergency Food Corporation: $5,000 to purchase protein enriched foods and personal care products to supplement food boxes distributed to low-income families.

- Dallas United Methodist Church: $1,000 for support of their Creation Vacation Program.

- Dallas Youth Garden: $900 to purchase equipment and supplies for the 2024 season.

- Family Building Blocks: $1,000 to support staffing and materials for their therapeutic classroom program and home visitation services in Dallas.

- Friends of the Dallas Public Library: $1,450 to purchase large print materials and audiobooks on CD for seniors and the visually impaired.

- Kids, Inc. of Dallas: $2,000 for sports scholarships

and Zan Tuck of Longview, Washington; four granddaughters, a grandson, and a great-granddaughter. A memorial service will be held on April 6, 2024, at 1 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 320 Fir Villa Road, Dallas, Oregon. A reception will follow concluding the service for family and friends. Bollman’s Tribute Center is caring for the family.

Tim Higgins

Tim Higgins, a 1988 graduate of Dallas High School, died Jan. 13, 2024. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 2 p.m. at Woodburn United Methodist Church, 700 N Cascade Drive, Woodburn, Oregon, 97071.

for families in need and sports equipment.

- Kindness Club of Dallas: $3,900 to purchase fresh produce for the Friday Bad Distribution Program.

- Liberty House: $3,200 to support the work of the Prevention Services Team to provide child abuse prevention education in Dallas at no cost.

- Marion & Polk Early Learning Hub, Inc.: $1,500 to launch the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program in Dallas.

- Polk County Family and Community Outreach: $5,000 to provide funds for supporting housing related needs for individuals and families in Dallas.

- Salem Free Clinics: $3,750 to support Polk Community’s Free Clinics costs of providing free patient appointments for residents from Dallas.

- SMART Reading: $1,000 to purchase books for distribution to SMART reading program students at Lyle and Oakdale Heights elementary schools.

- Western Oregon University: $1,600 to support a two-day Code Can Dance STEM+ Arts residency for up to 200 students at LaCreole Middle School in 2024

INVESTIGATING THE BIBLE:

Why did Jesus kill a fig tree?

By DAVID CARLSON PASTOR

Jesus performed a lesser known miracle near the end of his earthly ministry. He was hungry when returning to Jerusalem with his disciples.

“Seeing a fig tree growing by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, ‘May you never bear fruit again!’ Immediately the tree withered.” (Matthew 21:1819, New International Version used throughout).

Why did Jesus kill a fruitless tree?

Jesus did not act from selfish anger. He lived by obedience to God’s words. In his first test, Satan taunted him after forty days of fasting: “… If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.

Jesus answered, ‘It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God’”. (Matthew 4:4).

Jesus had already performed many miracles, transforming water to fine wine, calming storms, walking on water, healing all illnesses and diseases, and resurrecting a man after he had been dead four days. His prayer could have lifted a mountain, tossing it 15 miles to the nearest sea with destruction to animals, plants, and even humans. He could have made the tree immediately bear fruit. However, John the Baptist had used unfruitful trees to chastise unrepentant Jews: “…every tree that does not produce good fruit will be

cut down and thrown into the fire.” (Luke 3:9)

With this withered tree, the disciples pondered a decisive act on a single tree. Growing by a roadside, it probably was a volunteer tree, not personal property.

Jesus explained the purpose of his strange miracle: “…I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” (Matthew 21:21-22).

The lesson: It is right to ask God for a miracle.

This story raises a hard question about prayer. Many

have pleaded with God for miracles with no success: A job is not gained, cancer returns, a loved one dies. Is it the lack of faith? Jesus taught that prayers must align with God’s will.

Before his crucifixion, Jesus fervently prayed, “…My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39).

The bitter cup of a painful death still came to Jesus. John Wooden, a UCLA basketball coach, was a man of faith and is known as the greatest coach ever for winning seven consecutive national championships. One of his former players wrote that Coach Wooden said this about prayer, “Sometimes the answer is no.”

Harris Faulker wrote in her book “Faith Still Moves Mountains” about a sunny April day, 2019, on the New England coast. A teenage boy and girl enjoyed the white sandy beach on their senior day off. They decided it would be fun to swim 500 yards across the ocean to Anastasia Island. They didn’t know the National Weather Service had issued a highwinds-and-wave warning.

Less than one hundred yards out, the wind-driven current pulled them out to sea. They tried to swim back to shore, but the waves carried them out farther. Two hours passed and the boy began to cramp. They prayed desperately to God, “Please send something to save us.”

A mile away, Eric Wagner and his friends were cruising in his 53-foot motor yacht to his New Jersey home. Soon, one of the friends heard screams. Searching the ocean, they saw two bobbing dots 200 yards away. They quickly turned around, came alongside the youth, and helped them aboard. The boy’s lips were white. In a few more minutes, they would have slipped silently beneath the waves. That day God said, “Yes”.

[Brief bio: Mr. Pastor (yes, that is his last name, not his profession) is a Polk County, Oregon resident and graduate of Bethel Theological Seminary in Minnesota (M.Div., M.Th.).]

Polk County Worship Directory

DALLAS

Bahá’í Faith — Building a Better World: “Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch. Deal ye one with another with the utmost love and harmony, with friendliness and fellowship.” — Bahá’u’lláh. All are warmly invited to an interfaith gathering on the last Sunday of each month at 2:00. You are encouraged to share any quotations, prayers, poems, and songs related to the theme for the month. For details call 971-804-5943 or 503-269-3333. (Please leave a message for call back.)

More about the Bahá’í Faith: www.bahai.org or www.bahaisofsalem.org

Dallas Alliance Church — 775 E. Ellendale, Dallas, 503-623-2265, email dacoffice@dallasalliance.org; hours 9am to 3pm, Tu - Th, Closed for lunch 121pm; Lead Pastor — Gerad Neely, Youth/Children’s Director — Miriam Lawson; Every Sunday classes for all ages at 9:15am, Morning Worship at 9:00am-10:30am., (Nursery provided for self-serve use during those times); Tuesdays: Youth Night 7:00pm in Ediger Hall and All church Prayer 7pm in Sanctuary; Wednesdays: Adult Prayer Meeting 1:00pm. Call for info on other ministries. Web: dallasalliance.org

Dallas Church — PO Box 462, Dallas, OR 97338, 503-623-2711. Worship

Gatherings: Sundays 9am & 10:30am. Meeting at 450 SE Washington St., Dallas OR 97338. Atmosphere is relaxed, families and children welcome, come as you are, current music & relevant teaching about Jesus. Pastor: Ben Bauman. www. dallaschurch.org

Dallas Church of Christ — 691 NE Kings Valley Hwy, Dallas, 503-623-879.

Sundays: 9:30am Bible Classes for all, 10:30am Worship, 2:00pm Group Bible Talk, Wednesdays: 6:30pm Bible Study. Come to any, come to them all! Individual Bible studies gladly made by appointment. Web:dallaschurchofchrist.com.

Dallas Evangelical Church — A Place of Hope and Healing: 783 SW Church Street, Dallas Oregon, across from the Post Office. Find us on Facebook: on page DallasEC, MyDallasEC Friends and www.dallasec.org. Join us on Sundays in person or on Zoom for weekly Bible Study and Worship Service. We worship in a contemporary, casual format. Sunday Services: Bible Study 9:00 AM; Worship Service 10:00 AM, zoom room 228-034-850. Celebrate Recovery (a Christ Based 12 Step Program) is also on Sundays and starts with Dinner 5:00 PM; Large Group (Worship) 6:00 PM, and small groups at 7PM. We have a Community Clothing Closet: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, & Sat 9 AM - Noon; Thurs Nights 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Step Studies are often starting or ending all year and meeting at various times. Message phone 503-6233778. Find us on Facebook: DallasEC or join MyDallasEC Friends. You can email pastor Dave at pastor.dave@dallasec.org

Dallas Foursquare Church — Located at 976 SW Hayter St., on the corner of Washington and Hayter. Senior Pastor: Darrin Hausler. Worship Gatherings: Sundays at 10:00 a.m., Youth Home Groups: Sunday evenings from 6-8:00 p.m. Please call for locations. We are a multi-generational church with a heart for our community. Our mission is to Love God and Love People to Extend His Kingdom. For more info call us at 503-623-8277 or visit us online at dallasfour.com.

Evangelical Bible Church — 1175 S.E. Howe St., Dallas 503-623-2331. Senior Pastor Troy Bassham, Youth Pastor Andrew Wheeler, Administrative Pastor Mike Fast. Sunday services 9:00am & 10:30am. Awana 6:30pm Wednesday. Weekly Prayer meeting 6:30pm Wednesday. Women’s Bible Study Thursday 9:30 am & 6:30 pm. Men’s Bible Study Thursday 6:30pm. Compass Middle School Youth Group Thursday 6:30pm. Forged High School Youth Group Tuesday 6:30pm. Live Streamed services via facebook and youtube @EBCDallas.

Grace Community Church — 598 E. Ellendale Ave. Dallas, 503-623-4961. Lead

Pastor- Dave Bertolini, Sunday Worship Gatherings 9:00am, with Nursery-5th Grade programs, Youth Life Groups, and scheduled Sunday School Classes running concurrently & 10:45am, with Nursery-5th Grade programs, and scheduled Sunday School Classes, running concurrently.

Live Stream our 10:45am service at www.graceindallas.online.church Visit our Website at www.graceindallas.org for office hours, sermon downloads, event information, and more!

House of His Presence — House of His Presence, located at 177 SW Oak St. in Dallas, welcomes all who are seeking to know God intimately and live life abundantly. We believe God transforms us into the image of Jesus Christ as we encounter His Holiness, Righteousness and Truth through His manifested presence, worship and the Word of God. Sunday morning service at 10:30 am, visit the website for ongoing ministries during the week. For more information call 503-420-4612 Website www. houseofhispresence.net

Living Word Faith Fellowship — 830 SE Shelton Street, Dallas, 503-623-9062.

Pastor Ray Huff. Sunday Prayer 9:30am, Worship 10:00am, Children’s Church (during service, nursery provided). Wednesday Prayer 6:30pm, Worship 7:00pm. Men’s fellowship second Saturday, Pastor Ray Huff is in charge of men’s fellowship. Call for info 503-623-9062.

Salt Creek Baptist Church — 15075 Salt Creek Rd, Dallas, 503-623-2976. Lead Pastor David Curtis, Family Pastor Josiah Buhler. Sunday School 9:30am. Sunday morning Worship Gathering 10:50am. Nursery provided for worship services. Classes for all ages. Wednesday Middle and High School youth at 6:30pm. Please call for information about other meetings or visit our website at www.saltcreekchurch.org.

Seventh-Day Adventist Church — 589 SW Birch St PO Box 450 Dallas, Or 97338 503-623-5872 Pastor Les Jones, Services on Saturday: Sabbath School 9:30 am, Worship Service 11 am Study and Prayer Wednesday 7pm Office hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9am to noon Community Services for food and clothing

Wednesday 10am to 1pm.

St. Philip Catholic Church — Fr. Michael P. Johnston, Pastor Pastor Email: mpjinpdx@yahoo.com | 825 S.W. Mill Street, Dallas, OR 97338 Phone: (503) 623.2440 - www.stphilorg.org.

Liturgical Schedule

Monday- Wednesday - 5:30 p.m. Mass

Thursday - 8:00 a.m. ( No Mass on Friday)

Saturday Vigil Mass - 5:30 p.m.

Sunday Masses - 8:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m.

Coffee and Donuts will be served after Sunday services

St. Thomas Episcopal Church — Welcome! Our church is located at 1486 SW Levens St., Dallas. Our Web site is: stthomasdallasor.org. or look us up on Facebook. Everyone is welcome to come and be a part of our congregation on Sundays for the 10:00AM service or find us live on Facebook.

Our services for the next 2 weeks:

April 7 - Morning Prayer

April 14 - Fr. Tony Petrotta

May God Bless you and your families this coming month

Trinity Lutheran Church — 320 SE Fir Villa Rd, Dallas. All are welcome! Adult Bible Study 8:45am Sundays, Worship Service 10:00am, coffee hour with treats after service. Nursery available for parents to use. Play area for small children in sanctuary during worship service. Youth Group HS/MS 11:30am Sundays. Bible Study Wednesdays 1:00pm. Contact us at 503-623-2233 or at questionsdallastlc@gmail. com. Online at, dallastlc.org and streamed on Youtube @trinitylutheranchurch6821. Check it out! Office open M-F 10:00am-2:00pm.

Because God first loved us, we celebrate the gifts of Christ through worship, service, and community.

United Methodist Church — a church with Open Hearts, Open Minds & Open Doors, 565 SE LaCreole Dr, Dallas, 503-623-2481. Pastor Rev. Ruth Marsh. Inperson Sunday morning worship at 10 a.m. Go to the website at: umcdallas.wixsite. com/dallas-umc for additional information.

Valley Life Center (Assemblies of God) — 1795 SE Miller Ave., Dallas. Lead Pastor: Chris Barker; Youth: Jeff Anderson; Children: Crystal Barker; Worship/Media: Jesse Ceballos. Sunday Service is at 10:00 am and online streaming at 10:00 am (www. valleylife.love.) On Wednesdays at 6:30 pm, there is Men’s Bible Study, Ladies Bible Study, Ignite Youth, Rangers Boys Club, Mpact Girls Club, Rainbows, and nursery care. For more information, contact us at www.vallelylife.love, info@valleylifecenter. com or 503-623-4116.

FALLS CITY

Seventh-Day Adventist Church — 205 N. Main, Falls City 97344, 503-7873907. Services on Saturday: Sabbath School 10:00am; Worship Service 11:10am. Community Service Center Food Bank: Second Wednesday, 11am-3pm, Fourth Sunday, 11am-3pm.

INDEPENDENCE

Christ The King Church — Service on Sundays10 am 155 C St, Independence OR 97351 . 503-551-9516 or visit us at www.ctkindependence.com.

Cornerstone Church of God — 4395 Independence Hwy, Independence, 503838-5119. Sunday Service and Children’s Church 9:30am Nursery available. Wednesday Kids Klubs 6:30pm. Thursday Adult Bible Study 6:30pm

First Baptist Church — A warm friendly church that cares about you! Located at 1505 Monmouth St., Independence (across from Central High School); 503-8381001. Senior Pastor Michael Parks. Sundays: Worship Service 11am Wednesdays: AWANA 7pm (during the school year). Thursdays: Youth Group 6:15pm. Join us for small groups and life groups throughout the week. First Baptist Church has ministries for children, youth, adults, families and seniors, throughout the week. Check us out at www.independencefirstbaptist.com

St. Patrick Parish, Catholic — 1275 E. St., Independence, 503-838-1242. Father Francisco Bringuela. Saturday Masses: 5pm English Vigil & 7pm Spanish.

Sunday Masses: 9am English & 11:30am Spanish. Daily Masses: Monday 9:30am Communion Service. 9am Tuesday and Thursday Spanish, Wednesday and Friday English. Sacrament of Reconciliation: Saturday 3:30pm - 4:30pm or by appointment. Faith Formation: Monday 6:45pm -8:15pm Middle & High School. Tue: 6:45pm8:15pm. Grades 1-4. Youth Group Thur. 6:30pm. WOU Campus Ministry: Mass Sunday 5pm at 315 Knox St., Monmouth. Tuesday 7pm Fellowship.

MONMOUTH

Christ’s Church Methodist & Presbyterian United — Come care and share with us. 412 Clay St. W, Monmouth, 503-838-1724. Pastor Steve Mitchell. Worship Service 11:15am Call for information on small groups.

Cultivate Community Church — We exist to cultivate a community of people who love Jesus, each other, and our cities, joining God in the renewal of all things. We meet at 655 S. Pacific Hwy (Hwy 99), Monmouth. Just south of Bi-Mart. Our Sunday service is at 10:00am. Celebrate Recovery meets Tuesdays at 7pm. Missional Community groups meet in homes throughout the week. Call the church at 503838-1369. Come join us!

Monmouth Christian Church — 969 Church St W, Monmouth 97361. Office hours M-T 9a-4p. Phone: 503-838-1145. Join us for services on Sundays, 9am & 11am. Live ONLINE Service 11am. Please visit our website for more info or on how to join our online service. WWW.MYMCC.CC

St. Hilda’s Episcopal Church — 245 Main St. West, Monmouth. Contact Information: sthildaschurch1@gmail.com. Sunday Worship (Eucharist) 10:00 AM followed by fellowship. Our church services are reverent and relaxed. Our purpose is God’s worship. 7:00 PM Wednesday, Evening Prayer online, contact us thru the email address above for access codes. Walk our labyrinth – behind the parking lot, it’s still in development, but it works. Follow us on our Facebook page; St Hilda’s Episcopal Church, Monmouth Or.

Brautigam

13 years later

From Page A1

what his email said. At the end of the email, it said for your first screenplay this is really, really good. You just have to do this, this and this,” Brautigam recalled. “That really was all the encouragement I needed.”

Later, “Revenge is a Must” impressed others. Amazon Kindle was so impressed it converted the screenplay into a book, available online beginning today. Netflix is turning it into a series.

Brautigam has three other screenplays - “Lost Meaning of Loyalty,” “Incarcerated” and “City of Grave” - being turned into books by Amazon Kindle as well. Six other projects are outlined and ready for development.

“Let’s just say I haven’t wasted too much time in the years I’ve been doing this,” Brautigam said.

The writer was doing more than writing.

“During a five- or six-year span I ended up writing four screenplays,” he said. “But I also started networking with a bunch of people in the industry. I developed relationships to the point where I started to fly down to (Los Angeles) to meet with people.”

At one time, he said, it appeared his second screenplay, “Lost Me a Loyalty,” would be the first of his projects to get the Hollywood treatment.

“We ended up getting a $24 million budget. Got the money into an escrow account from investors. We were about to go cast. We were going to get a director. And about a couple of days before we started that process - I was two, three weeks away from signing paperwork - the writers’ strike happened,” Brautigam said as to why the project was shelved. “Didn’t go into a big-time depression. But I was depressed and frustrated and didn’t really know if I wanted to keep doing it.”

of great friendships and memories of being out there and coaching out there. Just wish we could have kept it going.”

Brautigam was writing screenplays while coaching and raising a family. To say he was busy is an understatement.

“You’re just finding any time that you can to write. Whether it’s waking up early in the morning or staying up late at night. The process for me was waking up early, 5 o’clock, getting stuff done for about two hours. Going to work for eight hours. Coming home. Either coaching my kids or coaching the high school team. You get done around 6 or 7. You’ve got to eat. You want to spend time with the family, soon 9 o’clock rolls around. So from 9 o’clock to 2 o’clock in the morning, almost every day for the last eight years, you write,” he said. “It’s been a grind.”

What there isn’t time for is self-doubt. Brautigam has invested too much in the last 13 years.

“I have to believe in myself at the same time to justify all the time I’ve put into this work. It’s been a lot,” he said. Brautigam is not surprised with his success.

“If someone were to tell me that (I would be successful) five years ago, my reaction would be that I can definitely see that I’m capable of doing that,” he said. “But I could also go the other way and say, no, I can see it not happening. Just because of how crazy the industry is. It’s a cutthroat industry and there’s a lot of competition.”

Talent aside, the secret to Brautigam’s success is almost a cliche.

“You hear all the catchy phrases. Don’t give up on your dreams. All that kind of stuff. There’s truth to that. I have been really relentless. As far as the networking, as far as the writing, I have really, honestly, in the last eight or nine years, haven’t taken any time off,” he said. “It’s just been go, go, go.”

All the way to Hollywood and beyond.

His depression didn’t linger, however.

“About two or three days after (the project was shelved) I got a phone call from Amazon Kindle offering to make ‘Revenge is a Must’ into a book. Then they requested my other three screenplays. They read those, and within 24 hours they called back and asked if they could make those into books as well. So that’s how it all happened,” Brautigam said. Though the author was far from excited about taking the call, at first.

“The funny part about getting the call from Amazon is that I thought they had messed up on delivering a package to my house. So I answered the phone very salty,” he said.

“And then it was, like, hi, my name is Ray, and I’m from Amazon Kindle. It took me a while to sort of figure out why they were calling.”

The fact Brautigam was ready and waiting with four screenplays when Kindle called was good planning on his part. From his research, he knew the importance of creating a profile.

“What they meant by that was to have more than one project available. So if they do like a project, they’re going to ask what else you have,” he said. “I think that was probably the smartest thing I did.”

Brautigam is known locally as a former coach of the Dallas High School varsity girls basketball team. He coached here from 2006 to

2017. He played college ball at Western Oregon University and Lane Community College.

“I took the (coaching) job because I loved basketball. Found out later (Dallas) had only won about three games in the previous two years, and that the program was in disarray,” he said. “We built that program up to win a couple of conference championships. We were a top 10 team in the state every year.”

The Dragons reached the state semifinals his final year.

“I knew that my time was over for coaching, and that I was sort of going onto the next chapter of my life. And part of the decision of not coaching was to take on this screenwriting, book author career,” he said. “I have a lot

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

David Brautigam, who coached the Dallas High School varsity girls basketball team from 2006-17, displays of poster of his new book, “Revenge is a Must,” now available on Amazon.

•

School

Thursday

Panthers bid for conference title begins Friday

By LANCE MASTERSON For The Itemizer-Observer

One goal for the Panthers’ baseball team as it heads into Mid-Willamette Conference play is to maintain its focus. “We have so many talented teams in this league. We have to take each two-game series one series at a time. Then see where we end up,” said coach Ben Kramer of the league.

“But this team has high expectations….They expect to win a lot of ball games and be right there at the end. To have a chance at a conference championship.”

Not to mention a return trip to the state playoffs. Central lost in the opening round a year ago. It was the team’s first postseason trip in several years. That experience could pay dividends this season.

Playoff experience “is huge. That group had played a ton of baseball together. A couple of years there we fell short of the playoffs. Just didn’t win a game or two where we let it slip out of our hands,” said Kramer of past teams. “But getting back to the playoffs and, honestly, realizing what that higher level of competition is like is great for them. Because now they know what it takes.”

Kramer added the Panthers look fundamentally sound as it prepares for the conference opener against Lebanon.

“We have a lot of experienced pitchers. Guys that have pitched in some big time varsity games for us,” he said.

“Offensively, we have shown we’re a pretty complete group. Nine guys that handle the bat well, hit situationally and drive the ball around the park.”

One thing for certain: The Panthers won’t be lacking arms.

“In our program we tell everybody that they’re a pitcher. Everybody gets a shot at it. Everybody works at it,” Kramer said. “We don’t want to find ourselves in a situation where we don’t have anybody to go to. We’ve got, right now, probably 12 guys we feel comfortable can get up there and throw strikes. It’s just a matter of finding who is feeling good that day. Who is throwing strikes and competing.”

Senior Isaiah Sanchez added the team’s pitchers must not get complacent.

“I want to see consistency, from me and the other guys that pitch. Just throwing strikes. Putting the ball in play,” Sanchez said. Sanchez likes what he sees when the Panthers are at bat.

“Our aggressiveness at the plate is really good,” he said.

And in the field.

“Our defense is also really good. We’re a well-rounded team,” he added.

The core of the team is Sanchez and the seven other seniors. The roster also includes eight non-seniors, including five freshmen, competing for playing time. Kramer said he will start

the team’s nine best players, regardless of grade.

“Our seniors have done an incredible job of embracing our young kids. Not just the freshmen, but the whole program. Bringing them along. Teaching them how we do things. But also recognizing that the younger players are pretty dang good ballplayers,” Kramer said. “So they’ve earned a lot of respect, those young guys, and shown they fit right in. That’s a huge testament to our seniors.”

Plus, it’s not as if the younger and older players entered the season as strangers.

“We’ve known each other forever,” freshman JT Girod said. “It’s not like we’re a group of freshmen, a group of seniors, group of juniors, or whatever it is. We’re just a group of guys playing baseball.”

Girod, a pitcher/infielder, is up to the challenge of playing above his age.

“No, there was never any surprise,” he said when asked about making varsity. “I’ve been working for this, always.”

Girod and another freshman, Joe Mendazona, played for a 14-U national all-star team last summer. Mendazona entered last weekend’s Nelson Spring Break Tournament as one of the Panther’ hottest hitters.

“We played national schedules. We played against some of the best guys in the

country. So we’ve played at a pretty high level,” Girod said of the pair. “We’re ready.”

The pair also joined forces with the team’s other freshmen - Santi Alarcon, Jackson Barba and Easton Herbert - to win a Junior Baseball of Oregon state title a few years ago.

Girod’s confidence extends to the team’s chances this season.

“We’re looking pretty good. It’s not looking like we’re going to get smacked at any point,” he said. “We’re looking to go pretty deep. I’m excited.”

Sixteen players comprise the Panthers’ roster. Seniors not mentioned include Andrew Taufa’asau, Andrew Eames, Derek Britton, Cody Vinson, Lane Peyton, Emilio Reyna and Isiah Ruiz.

Rounding out the roster are sophomores Owen Baker and Moses Garcia, and junior Josh Rech. So far, so good for this mixture of old and young. Central won six of eight games during the preseason. The two losses came against Beaverton, ranked seventh in Class 6A, at the tournament. Their wins there came against Newberg, for a second time this preseason, and Nelson. Their other wins came against Forest Grove, Hillsboro and Franklin. Conference play begins Friday against Lebanon at home. First pitch is 5 p.m. The series concludes in Lebanon Monday, also at 5 p.m.

Wolves’ women’s+ rugby 7s team headed to program’s first qualifier

By LANCE MASTERSON For The Itemizer-Observer

Moore

Emily

• West Albany @ Softball, 4:30 p.m.

• Baseball @ West Albany, 5 p.m.

Monday

• Softball @ Corvallis, 4:30 p.m.

• West Albany @ Baseball, 5 p.m.

Tuesday

• Track, Woodburn @ Central, 4 p.m.

CLASS 1A

FALLS CITY HIGH SCHOOL

Thursday

• Track @ St. Paul Buckaroo Roundup, 3:30 p.m.

PERRYDALE HIGH SCHOOL

Thursday

• Track @ St. Paul Buckaroo Roundup, 3:30 p.m.

didn’t say good-bye to competition when she hung up her track spikes. Instead, she said hello to a different challenge.

“I began running competitively in third grade and took it as far as my sophomore year of college,” Moore said. But, “I (still) needed something competitive in my life.”

That desire, that something, was satisfied once she joined the Western Oregon women’s+ 7s rugby club team.

“Seeing how successful our men’s team was I figured our women’s team had as much potential. I was right,” Moore said. “I’m glad I took a chance with rugby, seeing as though it is completely different from any sport I’ve ever practiced and competed in. I’ve been addicted ever since I first learned the basics.”

The men’s team added to its reputation by clinching a spot at the National 7s Collegiate Rugby Championships later this month.

The women’s team will make it a Western Oregon sweep if they win the Fool’s

Gold Qualifier Tournament, set for Saturday at Boise State University. Also competing are Willamette University, College of Idaho and University of Idaho.

Results from the round robin determine which two teams make the finals. The winner of that match qualifies for nationals, set for Friday through Sunday, April 26-28, at the Maryland SoccerPlex in Boyds.

This is the women’s team’s only chance to qualify for the national tournament.

Just getting to Boise rewrites the history book for women’s+ rugby at Western Oregon.

“This is the first opportunity our women’s+ club has had the chance to showcase our skills in a playoff tournament,” Moore said. “Which means the pressure is on us to perform at our best and take everything our coach and previous experience have taught us, and bring it to the pitch…. We have a lot to offer. This is our best opportunity to prove we have what it takes.”

Moore lauded the sport’s competitiveness and

camaraderie, even when so much is at stake. “I never imagined people would want to laugh together and converse together after trucking each other multiple times during the game,” she said. “It’s as though a switch is turned on during a game where these people are not your friends, they are your opponents. That switch is then flipped off immediately afterwards, where you can now laugh together and get to know one another as people.”

The Wolves are 5-3-1 on the season. Practices have focused on cardio and fitness work while fine-tuning ball-handling skills.

Fitness is a priority, given the demands of the sport and the fact there’s nine women on the roster. Five of these players are new to the sport.

“The rookies, they’ve picked everything up. They picked up the fundamentals and the basics,” WOU coach Nic Smith said. She noted her rookies have come to rugby having played other sports, such as softball, cheer and track. So they’re familiar with competition.

Smith was introduced to rugby while in her native Mississippi. She moved to Oregon in 2012. “Found out there was a club in Salem. Played with them for a little bit. But stopped playing because I hurt myself,” Smith said. “Ended up coming to Western as a student last winter. Found out there was a rugby club and decided to join it. At the time, I was like 37. So I was like, I am too old to be out there with these 19 and 20 year olds.” Then the former coach stepped down and Smith applied for the position.

“I feel very fortunate that I got it,” she said. “And now, here I am.”

Smith is still registered as a player and could enter the field of battle if necessary. Though she’s reluctant

See

PHOTO BY LANCE MASTERSON Joe Mendazona is one of five freshmen on the Panthers varsity roster. He was also one of the team’s leading hitters headed into last weekend’s tournament.

PHOTO BY ELLIOTT VAUGHN

Estela Miranda-Aguilar in action for the Western Oregon women’s+ rugby 7s team. The team is at Boise State University this weekend for the Fool’s Gold National Qualifier Tournament.

50 years ago

Apr. 3, 1974

Council takes on task of program for the elderly

The Dallas City Council adopted a resolution Monday night to accept the contracting responsibility for a new nutritional and social program for the elderly. The program will provide an estimated 80 persons with free noon meals, five days per week, at the LaCreole Manor social hall on Walnut Street. The program is funded through federal Health Education and Welfare grant funds totaling $36,000 for the remainder of 1974, and is similar to those in operation at Woodburn, Sheridan and Salem. Dallas will have no actual money outlay for the program, but will oversee the contracts which provide for the preparation of the food.

Perrydale FFA chapter attends the state convention

The Perrydale chapter of the Future Farmers of America recently attended the state FFA Convention held at Ontario, Oregon. Denny Wilfong received the State Proficiency Award and the Soil and Water Management Award. Mark Bell was the chapter’s candidate for State Farmer. Pam Scharf was awarded first place for her record books on production and Mark Bell was awarded first place for his record book on work placement. District

proficiency awards were awarded to Bobby Martin for crops; Mark Bell for work placement; and Denny Wilfong for home improvement and soil and water management.

Alcohol related incidents big job for Dallas police

Dallas police officers took a total of 70 persons into custody in 1973 for alcohol related crimes and incidents. These statistics were revealed this week in a report summarizing all alcohol related offenses committed in Dallas during the past year. The offenses were broken down into 10 categories including: driving under the influence of liquor, driving under the influence of liquor (.15 per cent alcohol level or more); furnishing liquor to minors; disorderly conduct; resisting an officer; trespassing; minor in possession of liquor; detoxification; public indecency; and public intoxication.

DHS spiker score at WU relays

Several Dallas High School trackmen turned in impressive performances Saturday at the 24th annual Willamette Relays. The popular event, conducted at McCulloch Stadium under chilly conditions, drew in 200 spikers from 50 Oregon and Southwest Washington High Schools. Dallas competitors included Larry Bryant (4th in Statesman Mile), Bob Smith

(4th with a 10.4 100 yd. dash), Mark Michaels (3rd in second heat of high hurdles), and Scott Michaels an overall fourth (177-10) in the javelin.

40 years ago

Apr. 4, 1984

Dallas qualifies for state meet

Dallas High School qualified 15 of 29 possible spots at the District 4 Speech Contest Friday and Saturday at Western Oregon State College, the largest contingent Dallas has ever advanced to the state tournament.

Capturing first were Peter and

Bill Messer and Jill

Friesen

and

cross examination debate; Julie Dunkin and Lynne Burns in Oxford debate; Mike Bliven and David Hagen in LincolnDouglas debate; Peter and Bill Messer in impromptu speaking; Bliven in extemporaneous speaking; Yomnick in serious reading, and Pam Baimbridge in expository reading. Placing second and also qualifying for the state championship tournament were Burns in poetry reading, Richard Nelson in radio commentary, Sue Rassmussen in serious dramatic interpretation and Karen Nielsen in expository speaking.

Kids Inc. meet a big success

The second annual Dallas Kids Inc. Wrestling Tournament was termed a “success” after raising about $2,500 for the program Saturday at Dallas High School. The event featured 317 competitors, more than tripling the total from a year ago. Dallas wrestling coach Paul Oliff credited tournament director Sue Foster and 103 other volunteers for the meet’s success. Kids Inc entered 39 wrestlers in the tournament. Three of those emerged as individual champions –Andy Foster, 105 pounds in the 13-14 age group; Jeff

Shonda Smith of Dallas is Miss Sheridan Rodeo

Miss Sheridan Rodeo

1984 is Shonda Smith of Dallas with Tami Taylor of Willamina selected as alternate. Smith isn’t a newcomer to the Sheridan Rodeo Court. As alternate to the Centennial Court in 1980, she spent the season as one of the two princesses. Shonda, a 1980 graduate of Dallas High School, is currently a senior at OSU majoring in medical technology

Apr. 3 - Apr. 10 Answer key. Puzzles can be found on page B3

Yomnick

Matt

in

Peterson, 138 pounds, 15-16 age group; and Tony Oliff, 149 ½ pounds, 15-16 age group.

Math-a-thon winners at

Elementary School are (front row, left to right) Donna Manner, Theresa Shea, Amber Gordon, and Heidi Van Well; (middle row) Tamara Freeman and Shea Coreson, and (back row) Ryan Gordon, Erika Scholz, Jeanna McKibben, Troy Daulton and Jacob Stauffer. Students completed math books and collected pledges for more than $600 in the program that raises

Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a childhood cancer research center.

MOMENTS IN TIME

• On March 25, 2017, the world’s largest banana split made its debut in Innisfail, Australia. Concocted with 40,000 bananas, it stretched for an astounding 5 miles long. No word on the number of calories it contained.

• On March 26, 1971, East Pakistan declared its independence from Pakistan, forming Bangladesh, which started an eight-month-long war between Pakistan and the newly-formed state. As many as 3 million people lost their lives in the conflict.

• On March 27, 1989, the groundbreaking soap opera “Generations” aired on NBCTV, making it the first U.S. African-American show of its kind. Focusing on the relationship between two Chicago families, one white and one Black, the series tackled difficult subjects, including sickle cell anemia, racial bias and hate crimes, but failed to find a wide audience and was canceled in 1991.

• On March 28, 1949, English astronomer Fred Hoyle coined the term “Big Bang” during a BBC radio interview, though he also refuted the scientific theory, remarking in a later interview with the network that “the reason why scientists like the ‘big bang’ is because they are overshadowed by the Book of Genesis. It is deep within the psyche of most scientists to believe in the first page of Genesis.”

• On March 29, 1984, the city of Baltimore refused to replace its antiquated stadium, so the owner of the Baltimore Colts decided to up and leave the state. The team loaded up all their equipment into 15 trucks, moved to Indiana, and renamed themselves the Indianapolis Colts.

• On March 30, 1842, inhaled sulfuric ether was used as an anesthetic for the first time, by American surgeon Crawford Williamson Long, the first obstetric anesthetist, in Athens, Georgia. Long was also a cousin of Western legend Doc Holliday, and may have operated on Doc’s cleft lip.

• On March 31, 1923, the first dance marathon took place in New York City, with dance instructor Alma Cummings setting a new record at the Audubon Ballroom by hoofing it for 27 hours with six different partners. In just three weeks, her feat would be surpassed at least nine times across the U.S.

TRIVIA TEST

By FIFI RODRIGUEZ

1. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: When did April Fools’ Day come into being?

2. GEOGRAPHY: In which nation is the Great Victoria

3.

4.

Puzzle answers on page B2

97338-9549 Original Borrower

WANDA RITCHEY 3095

MISTLETOE RD DALLAS, OR

97338-9549 Original Borrower For Sale Information Call: 916-939-0772 or Login to: www.nationwideposting.com

In construing this notice, the singular includes the plural, the word “grantor” includes any successor in interest to this grantor as well as any other person owing an obligation, the performance of which is secured by the trust deed, and the words “trustee” and “beneficiary” include their respective successors in interest, if any. Pursuant to Oregon Law, this sale will not be deemed final until the Trustee’s deed has been issued by QUALITY

LOAN SERVICE CORPORATION. If any irregularities are discovered within 10 days of the date of this sale, the trustee will rescind the sale, return the buyer’s money and take further action as necessary.

If the sale is set aside for any reason, including if the Trustee is unable to convey title, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the monies paid to the Trustee. This shall be the Purchaser’s sole and exclusive remedy. The purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Trustor, the Trustee, the Beneficiary, the Beneficiary’s Agent, or the Beneficiary’s Attorney. If you have previously been discharged through bankruptcy, you may have been released of personal liability for this loan in which case this letter is intended to exercise the note holders right’s against the real property only. As required by law, you are hereby notified that a negative credit report reflecting on your credit record may be submitted to a credit report agency if you fail to fulfill the terms of your credit obligations. Without limiting the trustee’s disclaimer of representations or

97338-9549 Original Borrower

WANDA RITCHEY 3095

MISTLETOE RD DALLAS, OR

97338-9549 Original Borrower

For

Drive. A resident was warned for the excessive noise.

• At 7:40 p.m., a report of suspicious activity on Park Street. An officer found three Juveniles had been chasing a deer through the complainant’s yard.

• At 8:56 p.m., a report that someone stole a basketball on Kings Valley Highway.

• At 10:55 p.m., a report of a suspicious vehicle. A subject was speaking to a friend in the car.

• At 11:44 p.m., Carl Weathers was arrested and charged with criminal trespass on Court Street and was lodged at Polk County Jail.

Sunday, March 24

• At 9:58 a.m., a report of suspicious activity on Main Street.

• At 11:09 a.m., a report of a suspicious person on Main Street. An individual was just waiting for a ride.

Monday, March 25

• At 12 .a.m, a report of suspicious activity on Maple Street. Subjects were moving items into storage.

•

•

•

•

•

was cited and released for theft 3.

Friday, March 22

• At 3:22 a.m., a report of a fight on Court Street. Jonathan Gutierrez and Aarren Haylett were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and assault.

• At 10:59 a.m., a report that someone hit and broke off a truck’s mirror on Hankel Street. There was no suspect information.

• At 6 p.m., a report of theft on Kings Valley Highway. Kendra Carte was cited and released for theft 2.

Saturday, March 23

• At 12:45 a.m., a report of noise at a party on Elmwood

• At 1:34 a.m., a report of a domestic disturbance on Oregon Trail Drive. A subject was intoxicated and loud. No crimes were reported.

• At 2:55 a.m., a noise complaint on Uglow Avenue. Resident agreed to not walk around her apartment for the night.

• At 7:18 a.m., a noise complaint of loud music from an idling vehicle on Oregon Avenue. Officers discovered a subject had remote started the vehicle and didn’t realize his music was turned up.

Tuesday, March 26

• At 9:21 a.m., a report of trespassing on Academy Street. An unhoused person agreed to be gone within 20 minutes.

• At 11:58 a.m., a report that someone stole a dolly and a barbecue grill from Walmart.

• At 2:46 p.m., Harley Self was cited and released for theft 2 and criminal mischief 2.

• At 6:16 pm, a report of a suspicious person on Ellendale Avenue. An unhoused person was pacing with a rock in his hand. The subject was warned for his behavior.

Wednesday, March 27

• At 10:38 a.m., a report of the theft of two Buzz Ball drinks on Washington Street.

• At 11:42 a.m., a report of theft of more than $1,200 in cash on Court Street.

Independence Police Department

Thursday, March 21

• At 1 a.m., a report of suspicious activity on Main Street.

• At 8:36 a.m., officers issued an ordinance violation on Main Street.

• At 1:36 p.m., officers issued an ordinance violation on Stearman Street.

• At 7:25 p.m., a report of harassment on Main Street. Officers called and advised the suspect to stop sending threatening text messages.

• At 8:37 p.m., a report of a suspicious vehicle on C Street. The responding officer warned multiple vehicle owners of park hours.

• At 9:08 p.m., a catalytic converter was reported stolen on C Street.

• At 9:33 pm, a report of a domestic disturbance on 7th Street. Individuals were threatening the resident. The investigation is ongoing.

• At 9:41 p.m., a report of suspicious activity on Monmouth Street.

• At 10:09 p.m., a noise complaint of juveniles playing basketball on Deann Drive. The youth agreed to call it a night.

Friday, March 22

• At 10:23 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from M&S Car Sales on Independence Highway. There was no suspect information.

• At 11:54 a.m., a report of assault on 4th Street. A suspect pounded on a door and pushed down an elderly male.

Frank Edward Coleman Jr. was arrested and charged with harassment.

• At 3:07 pm, a report of menacing on Monmouth Street. Jefferey Jayden Anderson was arrested and charged with menacing after pointing a CO2 BB gun at another person. The BB gun was seized.

• At 3:46 p.m., someone reported finding needles in

Riverview Park. An officer located three large, uncapped needles and collected them for destruction.

Saturday, March 23

• At 12:11 a.m., a report of a suspicious vehicle on 2nd Street.

• At 1:08 a.m., a report of criminal mischief on Independence Highway. A car’s ignition was punched, likely in an attempted car theft. There was no suspect information.

• At 9:04 p.m., officers investigated a report of shots heard on E Street. A witness told the officers they had seen aerial fireworks.

• At 9:27 p.m., a report of an intoxicated male on Monmouth Street. Officers gave a man and his wife a courtesy transport.

Sunday, March 24

• At 3 p.m., a tool box, valued at $139.99 was reported stolen on Monmouth Street.

• At 5:34 p.m., a report of a suspicious vehicle on 7th Street. Officers discovered an individual who had a drained battery, but had someone coming to jump the vehicle.

• At 8:56 p.m., a report of a vehicle doing donuts on Monmouth Street. An suspect had just left when an officer arrived.

Monday, March 25

• At 10:56 a.m., a report of fraud on Monmouth Street.

• At 12:16 p.m., a report of theft on Monmouth Street.

Tuesday, March 26

• At 1:38 a.m., a report of suspicious activity on Monmouth Street. A car was parked for 10-15 minutes, then sped by and threw eggs at complainants vehicle.

• At 8:14 a.m., a report of a stolen vehicle on Log Cabin Street.

• At 9:49 a.m., a report of suspicious activity on Main Street.

• At 10:39 a.m., a report of harassment on Main Street.

• At 2:33 p.m., officers investigated a report of shots fired on F Street. They found it to be a nail gun in use.

• At 5:37 p.m., a report of trespassing on Monmouth Independence Highway.

• At 8:39 p.m., a report of a suspicious person on Ecols Street.

• At 8:51 p.m., a report of assault on Pacific Highway.

Wednesday, March 27

• At 10:14 p.m., a report of a domestic disturbance. Carla Rodriguez was arrested and charged with strangulation.

• At 11:47 p.m., subject reported a suspicious person followed them home after a road rage incident on Scott Court.

Monmouth Police Department

• Payton Maull, 20, was arrested March 19 and charged with robbery 3, disorderly conduct 2, theft 2, unlawful entry into a vehicle, and harassment.

• Daniel Goodwin, 37, was arrested on an outstanding warrant March 20 and was also charged with possession of a weapon.

• Austin C Goacher, 27, was arrested March 27 on three outstanding warrants.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office

• Charles William Askov was arrested March 26 and charged with burglary 2, criminal mischief 2, theft 3 and criminal trespass 2.

• Cody Lynn Boudreaux was arrested March 26 and charged with post prison violation.

• Angel Martinez Brambila was arrested March 26 and placed on hold for Benton County (first degree child sex abuse/second degree abuse).

• Christopher Robin Diecks was arrested March 22 and charged with violation of restraining order, failure to appear (trespass 2) and contempt of court.

• Victor Hugo Gil was arrested March 22 and charged with two counts of failure to appear (fraud use credit card, theft 3).

• Austin Christopher Goacher was arrested March 27 and charged with failure to appear (giving false information to a police officer) and was placed on hold for both Washington County (fail to register) and the Oregon State Parole Board (sex abuse 2).

• Isaac James Griffin was arrested March 26 and placed on hold for Benton County (rape 1, sex abuse 2).

• Ryan Charles Hicinbothom was arrested March 28 and charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

• Russell Allen Littleton was arrested March 27 and charged with post prison violation (failure to appear).

• Theodore Henry Lometo was arrested March 22 and charged with animal abuse 1, aggravated animal abuse 1 and theft 1.

• Kellan James McClenaghan was arrested March 26 and placed on hold for U.S. Marshals (dangerous drugs).

• Thomas Nealy McKeown III was arrested March 28 and placed on hold for Benton County.

• Gary Wade Ronning was arrested March 26 and placed on hold for U.S. Marshals (felon in possession of a firearm, coercing/enticing a minor).

• Denise Merrie Bader was arrested March 24 and charged with post prison violation (larceny from mail/mail theft).

• Cherelle Dawne Beierly was arrested March 28 and charged with failure to appear (theft).

• Goldie Elizabeth Bly was arrested March 28 and placed on hold for Lincoln County hold (failure to appear – two counts of DUII).

• Stephanie Grace Early was arrested was arrested March 28 and charged with post prison violation (burglary 2).

• Tamara Gonzalez-Valdivia was arrested March 26 and placed on hold for U.S. Marshals (parole violation – drugs).

• Summer Dawn Ludvigson was arrested March 23 and failure to appear (interfering w/ a peace officer).

• Geraldlynn Kapualani Peterson was arrested March 24 and charged with post prison violation (elude police) and was placed on hold for Marion County (interfering with police officers).

• Alex Cameron Greig was arrested March 28 and was placed on hold for Benton County (attempted murder 1, assault 1).

Happily Hunting Easter Eggs Happily Hunting Easter Eggs

Happily Hunting Easter Eggs

Readers share their images from the many regional Easter egg hunts.

WOU

Wolves’ women’s rugby team headed to program’s first qualifier

From Page B1

“My eligibility is there. But I only play if we’re down a person. My place is on the side,” she said. “Every once in a while I’ll sub in for

another team that’s playing against another team just so I can stay on top of it and still have that experience. Because I really do miss playing. Being able to hit people, that’s a great outlet.” Smith wants to build her roster to at least 14 players. She is constantly networking with other programs and doing outreach to recruit players. It’s a tougher sell on the West Coast than it is on the East Coast, where rugby is more popular. But change is coming.

“World Rugby projects that by the year 2026, 40 percent of all rugby players will be female,” Smith said. “So there’s a huge demand for it. It’s getting there, for sure. Being a part of that growth is really important to me.

competing consistently,” Main said. “But at the small college level in the Northwest, there’s just fewer teams. A lot of the teams that we had going into COVID have not rebounded.” But the sport will get a boost this summer, as rugby 7s players will be competing for gold at the Paris Olympics.

salemhealth.org/cancer to classify herself as a player-coach.

According to Andy Main, associate director, campus recreation, women’s+ 7s rugby numbers, at least regionally, have yet to bounce back from pre-COVID numbers.

“So I think teams that have emerged from COVID and built their program back up to the level that at least they’re

Rounding out the WOU’s women’s+ team’s schedule are trips to Reed College, Portland, on April 13, and to Willamette University on April 20.

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