Well, I did it!  Finishing the Shuffle was probably one of the proudest moments of my life—and this is a life that includes living in NYC, driving through a mine field in the Golan Heights, and wandering around the south of China solo.  As a person grows older, they tend to dwell in their comfort zones for longer periods of time.  I have never been a “sporty” person.  I did do a stint of competitive bodybuilding in my 40s, but only to deal with body image issues.  In my mind, it was a lot easier to train for a competition than spend years on a shrink’s couch.

So, when the Shamrock Shuffle came up, I thought, “Why not!”  It is way out of my comfort zone.  I’ve never done anything resembling this before, and it would be a show of support for LGMSD and something interesting to write about for the blog!
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I chose the 5K, because I generally walk around 3 miles a day just navigating life.  And it was a walk.  The advertising stated it could be run, walked, skipped, danced, or any other chosen form of ambulation.  My “training” consisted of walking some errands (weather permitting), monitoring the Weather Channel (I am a bit of a weenie about bad weather), and plotting how I would stage my escape should I chicken out. 

The day dawned not horrible in the weather department, but cold and very windy. I made my way to the course clad in my stoutest tights, the official tee-shirt, my seldom worn walking shoes, my winter coat, and a sturdy hat.  Just in case, in my typical over-planning fashion, I took a small backpack containing a pair of known comfortable orthopedic shoes and some Polartec pants.

​Angie Harris, the race organizer, had everything running like clockwork!  I was signed in and received my chip number.  It was still cold and windy, so I decided to go with the backpack.  Everyone else was dressed like they were running a race.  I was dressed like I was embarking on an Arctic expedition.  But no matter—I started out by actually running!  That pace slowed to a brisk walk, but it was quite nice.  There were lots of young moms with small children in strollers, a wonderful assortment of dogs of varied breeds, and most people were just walking.  The Shuffle took us through some old familiar neighborhoods, up a not-too-formidable hill, and even through one of the last remaining mounds of snow in La Grande.  The EOU men’s and women’s wrestling teams pointed the way in strategic locations along the route. About halfway through, when I had hit a small wall and was looking around for a cab, two young women from the team had a boom box playing a lively Justin Bieber song, inspiring me to dance a couple of steps and carry on.

​I carried on, spying a Little Free Library I had not known existed along the way, and finished in a spritely fashion.  I garnered a blue ribbon for being first (and only) in my division, had my picture taken by Josh of Beyond the Lens Photography, and went home feeling pretty darn spunky!

​Moral of the story:  From time to time, walk out of your comfort zone, no matter your age or circumstance.  You will find it incredibly empowering.  However, a word of caution—do not thoroughly clean your house the next day.  You’ll feel okay then, but, the second-day aches will manifest!

​I’ve been meaning to take a class or two at Art Center East for like forever…this past week, I finally pulled it all together and joined ACE.  Even before this, I had been debating about which class to take.  A lot of what I was intrigued by was for the under 14 set (make of that what you will).  I finally narrowed it down to wood block printing and painting lilies in the style of Georgia O’Keeffe.  Figuring that my innate klutziness would lead to some sort of amusing emergency room story, I eliminated the wood block printing (you have to carve your block) and opted for Georgia O’Keeffe.  I hadn’t painting anything except walls and cabinets since I was 12, but as a tween, I was actually a somewhat decent painter in acrylics and water colors.  My sister said it was probably like riding a bicycle, so I should just go for it!

The class was being taught by Teaching Artist Corrina Stadler and promised to be an enjoyable evening (from 6 to 9 PM), where I would be meeting new people and “exploring painting in a fun, no-pressure environment,” with complimentary food and beverages provided.  I was familiar with Corrina, as she had just curated the Art in the Library exhibit, ”The Utopia of Stillness,” and her selections showed discernment and inherent taste.

The big evening finally arrived.  I was, of course, early and had a chance to chat with Corrina.  People began trickling in and we all introduced ourselves and partook of the food and drink on offer (two bottles of wine, cheese, deli turkey, and crackers).  It turned out that most of the participants were honest-to-goodness artists, with one woman being an art teacher whose work is in galleries in Baker City.  She and her friend came from Burns and French Glen respectively to take care of some business and participate in this class.  Everyone seemed lovely and nonjudgmental, so I abandoned most of my self-consciousness and went for it. 
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Instead of the lily advertised, we were going to paint an O’Keeffe red poppy—Valentine’s Day coming up and all that.  Corrina taught in a stepwise fashion with color layering and I hewed that line for about 10 minutes.  I kind of went off on my own little journey and ended up finishing in about an hour. “Gee,” said Corrina, “you do work fast.”  I kept adding little touches and dinking away at it until even I just said “leave it be…it’s done!” So, I helped clean up the studio and chatted with folks while admiring their work.  

The finished work above...and a close up below...

Bottom line…Georgia O’Keeffe is not the easiest artist to try to reproduce exactly, but it is not difficult to add your own personality to her basic concept.  I am rather proud of my work (or not totally embarrassed), considering my backstory and artistic companions for the evening.  So, if you want to explore something new, meet some great people, and step out of your comfort zone, I highly recommending checking out the incredibly wide array of classes at Art Center East by going to their website at https://artcentereast.org/.
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Next month, I have decided to venture even further out of my comfort zone and enter the Shamrock Shuffle 5K/10K on Saturday, March 18th, hosted by La Grande Main Street.  Check back and see how your intrepid blogger fares.

My Big Saturday About Town
 
On Saturday, November 12th, I decided to take in some fun local events---a reading at Liberty Theatre Café by Lara Messersmith-Glavin from her book of essays and the Pray for Snow Block Party put on by Blue Mountain Outfitters. 
 
Sizing up the situation after having decided that my two events kind of dovetailed, I figured it would be best to walk—it is only about five or six blocks from my house to each event.  Granted, it was just a tad chilly but, hey, no problem, I grew up in the Midwest. 

​Clad in my winter garb, I first ambled over to the Pray for Snow Party hosted by Blue Mountain Outfitters and organized by McLaughlin Events and Marketing. It was incredibly lively with folks chatting, visiting the food and beer vendors (Side A, Raul’s, and Terminal Gravity), and wandering through the newly refurbished and thoughtfully arranged Blue Mountain Outfitters with live music provided by Fading Sage, a Pendleton-based cover band performing rock covers from the 1970’s to the early 2000s.  There was even a vintage snowsuit contest!  Owners Mike and Trier Craig have done a grand job with the ambience and choice of products.
 
Take a look at the store on their website at https://bluemtnoutfitters.com/ and drop by 1124 Adams for a browse through the spacious display areas and well-curated products.
 
 ​After checking out the EOU Outdoor Adventure booth and chatting with the folks from Anthony Lakes, I headed over to the Liberty Theatre Café to check out Lara’s reading from her book of essays, SPIRIT THINGS.  Lara’s mother, Stephanie, is a friend of mine and, having have heard so much about Lara and her talents, this was a not-to-be-missed event.  

​This upcoming weekend and Monday (Halloween) are full of fun things to do in Downtown La Grande.  I have rounded up some exciting things going on in and around downtown in the following days:
 
Ongoing at Le Bebe Cakes:  A Halloween Pumpkin Decorating Contest has been ongoing since October 1st.  The contest will close on October 29th and judging will take place on that day at 3 PM with awards in three age groups.  For more information, please call 541-963-2253.
 
Also at Le Bebe Cakes, there is an October High Tea Event on October 29th, with tea times at 11 AM and 1 PM.  Costumes are encouraged, and all ages welcome.  RSVP at 541-805-0248.
 
Grand Lumiere Events at 1101 Washington presents an enchanted evening of fun, food and mystery on October 28th at 7 PM with “Hocus Pocus,” a murder mystery costume dinner, catered by Le Bebe Cakes Bakery.  There will be a no-host bar and a costume contest.  There is limited seating, so RSVP at 963-2253.
 
Art Center East’s Annual Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead exhibit and community celebration will open with a community celebration on October 28, 2022.  The exhibit features artworks created by K-12 studies from throughout Union County inspired by Mexican folk-art traditions associated with Dia de los Muertos. For more information, check out their website at https://artcentereast.org/events/dia-de-los-muertos/ or call 541-624-2800.
 
Rounding out the Halloween festivities, on October 31st from 4 to 6:30 PM, La Grande Main Street will host Trick or Treat Downtown.  Adams Avenue between 4th and Greenwood will be closed to traffic for safe trick or treating with local businesses and organizations handing out treats.  There will also be costume contests and other bunches of fun stuff!  For more information, please call 541-963-1223.
 
Happy Halloween season to all! 

The coming up weeks are chock full of fun things to do in Downtown La Grande.  The following is a roundup of some of the many exciting things going on in and around downtown in the next couple of weeks:
 
Ongoing at Le Bebe Cakes:  A Halloween Pumpkin Decorating Contest has been ongoing since October 1st.  The contest will close on October 29th and judging will take place on that day at 3 PM with awards in three age groups.  For more information, please call 541-963-2253.
 
Also at Le Bebe Cakes, two October High Tea Events, one on October 22nd and the other on October 29th, with tea times at 11 AM and 1 PM.  Costumes encouraged, and all ages welcome.  RSVP at 541-805-0248.
 
Grand Lumiere Events at 1101 Washington presents an enchanted evening of fun, food and mystery on October 21st, 22nd, and 28th at 7 PM with “Hocus Pocus,” a murder mystery costume dinner, catered by Le Bebe Cakes Bakery.  There will be a no-host bar and a costume contest.  There is limited seating, so RSVP at 963-2253.
 
On October 22nd at 2 PM, Petsense and La Grande Parks & Recreation will host the “Doggy Howl-a-Ween” Costume Party at Riverside Dog Park.  There will be prizes, treats and an obstacle course.  For more information, please call 541-962-1352.
 
Rounding out the Halloween festivities, on October 31st from 4 to 6:30 PM, La Grande Main Street will host Trick or Treat Downtown.  Adams Avenue between 4th and Greenwood will be closed to traffic for safe trick or treating with local businesses and organizations handing out treats.  There will also be costume contests and other bunches of fun stuff!  For more information, please call 541-963-1223.
 
Happy Halloween season to all! 

As summer winds down, La Grande is chockablock with things to do this weekend and beyond.  Start out your Saturday with a visit to the Farmer’s Market at Max Square, open from 9 AM to noon.  The harvest season is in full swing, so there is so much on offer, you might need a small cart to get it all home!
 
For those folks who are in a toe-tapping frame of mind, the second annual Eastern Oregon Country Music Festival has expanded to two nights—August 26th and 27th.  The music begins at 6:00 PM each day at the Union County Fair Grounds.  For information, ticket prices, and musical lineup, please visit the festival website at eocountrymusicfest.com.  This year’s festival also features a Semi-Truck show, which is free with the purchase of a concert ticket.
 
Prior to the music, the Blue Mountain Ranch Rodeo is taking place both days at Maverick’s Riding Club, right next to the fairgrounds.  For participant and attendee information, please call 541-379-0675. 
 
For even more music, on Saturday, August 26th, starting at 7:30 PM, Side A at 1219 Washington, is hosting Wes Youssi & the Country Champs.  This Oregon-based band plays original country compositions and guarantee an evening of upbeat entertainment. Check out their sound and style at their website (wesyoussimusic.com) and then head over to Side A!
 
Starting on September 1st, “Sip, Shop, Repeat, Local,” sponsored by the Union County Chamber of Commerce, will be returning to Downtown La Grande. For this event, shops stay open late on the first Thursday of every month.  Participants start by purchasing a commemorative tumbler for $10 at the Chamber office (207 Depot) from 4 to 7 PM.  The tumbler acts as a coupon for at least 25 businesses, with the walk taking place from 5 to 8 PM.  For more information, please call the Union County Chamber of Commerce at 541-963-8588.

​Have a great weekend!

​A Drive-In Adventure
 
A couple of weeks ago, I decided it was about time that I experienced one of La Grande’s unique spots.  The La Grande Drive-In is one of the three remaining drive-ins in Oregon, and I have been meaning to do this for years.  Either the timing was off, the movies weren’t up my alley, or, later, my car radio did not work.  Finally, all of the stars converged—I had Saturday night open, I really wanted to see this movie, and my new-to-me car had a functioning radio.
 
Upon arriving at dusk, it was heartening to have to wait in a line to get in.  The folks of La Grande are still enjoying this rare treasure.  I found my chosen place, marked by the ghost poles of the old speakers, and tuned in to the designated FM station.  The sound quality was excellent and the “visit the snack bar” inducements were right out of my childhood.  In fact, I grew up during the last heyday of the drive-in, where they came equipped with restaurants, laundromats, and any number of conveniences.  The La Grande Drive-In has a far-ranging snack bar, from nachos to the more common movie fare, and it is probably the most sanitary place I have seen in a long time (including the restrooms).
 
The first film on offer (and the reason for my adventure) was “Hank: Paws of Fury.”  I am a huge fan of anthropomorphism (talking animals being invested with human characteristics) and this quest of a dog trying to become a samurai in a land of cats is a perfect embodiment of the form.  There is enough swashbuckling adventure to enchant younger audiences, but for the grownup crowd, the film is an homage to anime, Star Wars, the Marvel Comic Universe, and especially “Blazing Saddles.”  Just perfect!
 
I did not stay for the second feature, because I kind of expire at 11:00 PM, but the La Grande Drive-In provided the quintessential trip down memory lane and a really funny movie in the bargain.  It is also a great place for a family outing, since the kiddos have the great outdoors to watch the movie from, and the whole gang can have a great time.

The Granada Theatre has had a long and storied tenure in La Grande, spanning almost the entire history of cinema.  Opened as the Star Theatre in 1917 by Messrs. Meyers and Leiter, the ownership of the theatre and the building housing it changed hands numerous times.  In the fall of 1929, the Star Theatre was razed to make way for the construction of a “modern, specifically built theatre.”  Records at that time noted the owner to be a 23-year-old man by the name of Francis Greulich.  Mr. Greulich had founded La Grande Theatres and in 1928, he acquired what was to be the Granada Theatre.  That work was finished in November of 1929, just in time for the showing of what would be the second talking picture to entertain the cinephiles of La Grande.  According to accounts from the time, it was done in a Spanish theme with “crimson and gold found in the rich carpeting with comfortable, carefully arranged seats and gorgeous drapes.”

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​Over the years, the Granada has undergone many upgrades and renovations, but has remained in the hands of the Greulich family. In 1952, the theatre added 800 staggered seats and a 20 x 30- foot veneer plastic screen.  In 1953, the family purchased the La Grande Drive-In, which is still now showing a double feature each night in the summer after the sun goes down, one of only three still operational drive-ins in Oregon.  Always on the cutting edge, in 1974 the Greulichs completely renovated the theatre, turning it into a 2-screen multiplex.  In 1994, another renovation upgraded the Granada to a 3-creen multiplex.  New luxury rocker seats were installed in 2010, and the following year saw the deployment of all-digital Christie projectors, new Dolby 750 Surround Sound and Dolby 3D with all of the film projection equipment replaced.  Finally, in 2013, the La Grande Drive-In updated to Christie Digital Projection and new audio.
 
Throughout the years under the Greulich family, starting with Francis and carrying on down through four generations with the operation of La Grande Theatres, has entertained the movie-going public of La Grande for over a century and carry on with that mission in the future.  

​On Tuesday, I highlighted Reynolds Park, La Grande’s pocket park.  Today, I am presenting the story of Max Square, the gathering place for Downtown and beyond for events as varied as the Farmer’s Market, political events, musical events, and the Christmas Eve Tree Lighting.
 
On the corner of Adams Avenue and Fourth Street, Max Square arose out of the ashes of a fire in November of 1987 that destroyed the WC Grandy Building at 1001 Adams Avenue.  Seven businesses had been destroyed and the entire two-block radius had to be evacuated.  The owner chose not to rebuild and, before long, the Friends of La Grande Main Street began a multi-year fundraising drive to purchase the property and convert it into a park.
 
It took six years of selling homemade strawberry shortcake at all community events and offering engraved bricks to adorn the park, but finally the $90,000 to purchase the land was raised.  The intrepid group then approached Norm Paullus, the La Grande City engineer, and he designed the park.  Extensive landscape was planted and Boise Cascade donated and installed the first community Christmas tree. Now each year, a new tree is donated by different concerns that is lighted and decorated each year at an event put on by La Grande Main Street.
 
Throughout the years, Max Square has evolved and changed.  It was named in honor of Maxine Cook, a generous benefactor to La Grande.  In 2002, Cast Iron Mary was recreated by local sculptor Ralph Moore and placed at the park entrance.  Originally placed by the Women’s Christian Temperance Union in 1904, the statue and drinking fountain meant to discourage saloon visits, was destroyed in a hit and run accident in 1922 by a local bootlegger—irony lives.
 
Max Square is available to rent for private events and also plays host to many community gatherings.  I went to the Farmer’s Market on both Tuesday afternoon and Sunday morning and delighted in the variety of goods and produce on offer.  Max Square has been a lovely fixture in La Grande for many years and contributes so much to a feeling of community in our Downtown.

My biweekly jaunt into Downtown La Grande took in our two parks—Max Square and Reynolds Park.  I assumed I would cruise by each park, enjoy what they both had to offer, and report on my experience.  When I did this with a visit to Farmer’s Market in Max Square and a sack lunch at Reynolds Park, I grew curious as to each park’s origin story.  Doing a little Internet research and reaching out to long-time La Grande residents, I stumbled onto two incredibly interesting stories.
 
Today, I am presenting the Reynolds Park story and on Thursday, Max Square’s interesting backstory will be highlighted, along with my experiences there.
 
At 0.1 acre, located on the south side of the City’s parking lot adjacent to the Reynolds Building on Washington Avenue, Reynolds Park is Downtown’s “pocket park”  What started as an Eagle Scout project in 1986 has evolved into a native plant garden for pollinators with benches installed, all maintained by dedicated volunteers. 
 
After the initial installation, over the years the park had lost some of its luster.  Several years ago, Katie Boula stepped in as a volunteer and transformed the wee park into the gem it is today. She was helped in her efforts by the La Grande Parks and Recreation Department, La Grande Main Street, the Blue Mountains Conservancy, and the Native Plant Society.  The park now includes at least a dozen native species, the two small benches, and one full-size bench, and an interpretive sign. These native plants, which are pollinators that attract birds and insects, enable the garden to be mostly self-sustaining.
 
What a delightful little space this is!  Enough shade is available so I could comfortably sit on one of the benches and enjoy my lunch. Reynolds Park might not be the smallest park in the state (that honor goes to Mill Ends Park in Portland—in fact that park is the smallest in the world), but it is a charming and delightful place to enjoy a meal, stop and chat with friends, or spend some time reading a good book.