Eastern Oregon University, designated as Oregon’s Rural University in 2018, serves a vital role as an educational, cultural, and economic nexus for Eastern Oregon and other rural areas throughout Oregon. 
 
Founded in 1929 as Eastern Oregon Normal School, EON had over 200 men and women enrolled in the two-year certificate program in teacher education.  In 1932, EON was fully accredited as a teacher training program. The Oregon Legislature changed the name to Eastern Oregon College of Education in 1939.  In 1956, the words “of Education” were dropped and in 1973, the Oregon Legislature changed EOC’s name to Eastern Oregon State College.  Finally, in 1997, EOSC became Eastern Oregon University.
 
Throughout this time, Eastern Oregon University has evolved into a well-rounded institution offering the opportunity to learn in a small classroom setting.  With four colleges, students can choose from more than 30 academic programs, including sciences, humanities, teaching and business with undergraduate and graduate degrees awarded.
​

​Eastern Oregon University’s stated values revolve around altruism, civility, discovery, integrity, interdependence, and quality.  These values enhance their mission of guiding student inquiry through integrated, high-quality liberal arts and professional programs that lead to responsible and reflective action in a diverse and interconnected world.  In addition, Eastern Oregon University, as an educational, cultural, and scholarly center, connects the rural regions of Oregon to the wider world through partnerships with colleges, universities, agencies, and communities.
 
The goals of Eastern Oregon University are put forth in the “Strategic Framework:  The Ascent 2029.”  This includes six goals with two or three objectives for each, which are pathways toward achieving those goals.  EOU’s goals are:  (1) Student Success, (2) Transformational Education, (3) Grow the Number of Lives Impacted, (4) A Thriving University Community, (5) Relevance and Interconnection, and (6) Financial Sustainability.  For a more in-depth discussion of Eastern Oregon’s goals and the individual objectives, please check out:  https://www.eou.edu/about/mission.  You will also find EOU’s “Statement on Freedom of Expression,” which was developed through collaboration with the University Faculty Senate, the University Council, and the Associated Students of Eastern Oregon University (ASEOU).
 
As Oregon’s Rural University, Eastern Oregon University combines a beautiful setting and a small size with far-reaching academic and professional connections for a truly well-rounded and inclusive educational experience, as well as serving as an educational, economic, and cultural touchstone for La Grande and Northeast Oregon.

​Getting to Know the Library after a Long Absence
 
Local town libraries have always held a special place in my heart.  I grew up out in the middle of nowhere with an hour or more bus ride to and from school each way (depending on the weather, sobriety of the bus driver, etc.).  There were three TV channels and no internet. The nearest town of 900 hardy souls had an elementary, middle and high school all on one campus.  I was chosen as one of the elementary students to be able to use the high school library and, after I had read my way through that, once a week I was allowed to visit the town library during school hours.  It was my haven.  I always left the library with a stack of books almost as tall as I was. I read my way through history, biography, politics, and then I discovered Victoria Holt and Mary Stewart.  I prided myself on being able to judge how good, bad, or indifferent each book would be based on the cover art.   Being an omnivorous and passionate reader made me want to be a writer and it is fair to say that I would not be who I am today were it not for the Bellevue Township Public Library.
 
I had not been to our library in absolutely forever and, after seeing all of the events and services listed in their newsletter, I figured I had better hustle on down and check it out.  Cook Memorial Library is airy and spacious and welcoming.  Also welcoming was Ryan at the front desk, who quickly ascertained that I needed a new library card, as mine was woefully outdated.  This was an easy process and I now am able to access everything from books, audiotapes, computers, interlibrary loans, 3-D printing, and even a library of things.
 

​I haven’t had a chance to really dive into all of their services, but I did register for the SAGE interlibrary loan system and put a book on hold (I’m ninth in line)! I also signed up for their Wowbrary newsletter for my own personal copy, listing all of the library’s upcoming events and book clubs, along with new acquisitions and services. I was particularly intrigued by the “library of things”—a collection of items ranging from a telescope to learning kits for STEM and music and so much more.  The library also has free passes for museums around the state.  My sister and I actually used the museum passes to visit the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute and it was beyond wonderful!
 
My big takeaway after visiting Cook Memorial Library is that if you have children (or are a child at heart yourself), the library offers so much and is an absolutely magical place.  Somewhere in La Grande or the surrounding area, there is a child or grownup for whom the library is a solace, a gateway to adventure, an inspiration for a career, and a place to grow.  Cook Memorial Library is one of the notable factors that contributes to La Grande’s ambience and character.
 
Check out Cook Memorial Library’s website and find something that intrigues you:
https://www.cookmemoriallibrary.org/.
 

​Wheatland Insurance Center Is an independent employee-owned agency that has been serving Eastern Oregon since 1983.  In addition to the La Grande office, there are offices in 12 other NE Oregon cities, including Pendleton, Baker City, Kennewick, The Dalles, Heppner, and Hermiston, as well as Athena, Ione, Enterprise, Elgin, Condon, and Boardman. 
 
Through these offices, Wheatland Insurance Center offers a comprehensive selection of insurance products, including all types of business insurance, farm, ranch, and crop coverages; and coverage for public entities and nonprofits, as well as personal insurance including home, auto, and recreational vehicles.  Because Wheatland Insurance Center is an independent insurance company, they represent many outstanding property and casualty companies.  They also provide a variety of life, annuities, and group and individual health insurance services, along with long-term care and Medicare supplement policies.
 
Wheatland Insurance Center is committed to providing professional insurance services in the communities where their employees live and work.  Also, through the combined efforts of all members of the agency, Wheatland is dedicated to making a difference in each community where they have offices.  

​In La Grande, one of their signature events is the Annual Food Drive, with donations supporting local charitable organizations.  This year, they are accepting donations until December 14, 2022 and each person donating will be entered into a raffle for a $100 VISA gift card.
 
With their broad scope of insurance services and dedication to their communities, Wheatland Insurance Group’s will continue to serve those communities and secure their legacy of community service.
 

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! 

​Exciting things have been happening at Birddog Glass!  A design and blow your own glass pumpkin workshop has been going on.  Kevin is experimenting with new glassblowing techniques.  New old stock is now available in the Gallery.  This is all exciting news for the legions of admirers of Kevin Boylan’s glass creations.
 
Kevin Boylan, the artist behind Birddog Glass, is a glassblower and mixed media sculptor living and working in La Grande.  After graduating from Eastern Oregon University in 2003, Kevin studied under Tom Dimond, the renowned multimedia artist.  He now incorporates blown glass elements with mixed media sculpture, creating an abstract visual journal.
 
Kevin notes that, throughout the years, his work has evolved from his beginnings as a potter to a mixed media sculptor and glassblower. He derives his inspiration from exploring new mediums, learning new techniques, and examining his immediate surroundings, a process that almost always results in a nonobjective abstract form.
 
The common thread in his work, Kevin says, is a personal journal.  While his hands are creating an object that he has “overthought” without sketching, his mind is contemplating ideas, relationships, past experiences, or daily occurrences in his life.  He says that he might not know what the piece is about until he has completed it and had the chance to reflect on the process.  Because he uses internal reflection in many forms to create his work, he considers it to be self-portrait work, and his work going forward is more figurative.
 
Follow Kevin and Birddog Glass on Facebook and Instagram and marvel at all of the beauty that is produced!

La Grande Main Street Downtown Mission: To create an inviting, sustainable downtown rooted in La Grande’s history and culture, providing a vital center for commercial and community activities.
________________________________________________________________          
 Executive Director
Job Description
 
PROGRAM OVERVIEW:  
The Executive Director is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the daily activities and operations of the La Grande Main Street Downtown (LGMSD) organization. The Executive Director will work with the LGMSD Board of Directors, Program Partners, and Volunteer Committees to create a welcoming and economically diverse downtown rooted in La Grande’s history and culture, while using The Main Street Four-Point Approach.® 
 
The Four-Point Approach is a comprehensive means to rebuild a healthy downtown by addressing the economic challenges facing downtown, beautifying and restoring the historic heart of the community, and promoting the downtown with fun events and quality marketing. 
 
The position reports directly to the Board of Directors with limited supervision.
 
He or she is responsible for the development, conduct, execution and documentation of the downtown program.  The manager is the principal on-site staff person responsible for coordinating all program activities locally as well as representing the community regionally and nationally as appropriate.
 
The executive director supervises any necessary temporary or permanent employees, as well as professional consultants.  He or she participates in personnel and program evaluations.  The executive director maintains local program records and reports, establishes technical resource files and libraries and prepares regular reports for Oregon Main Street.  The executive director monitors the annual program budget and maintains financial records.
 
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  
The duties listed below are examples of the various type of work that may be performed by an individual serving as the Executive Director:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for the organization.
• Manage and disseminate inbound and outbound communication for the organization. ●           Assist the Board of Directors and each of the four standing Main Street Committees in developing both short and long-term work plans and/or projects. 
• Administers the Main Street Façade Program in partnership with the City of La Grande. 
• Apply for and administer grants as needed
• Create and maintain a working database of downtown business and property inventory. 
• Maintain the website and social media.

 

• Assist the Board of Directors and committees in implementation of work plan items including, but not limited to: 
  • Managing and tracking data related to the organization’s efforts, including membership, contact lists, building inventories, economic investment, downtown vacancies, jobs creation or retention, photo documentation, etc.
  • Encouraging appropriate visual improvements (utilizing historic preservation as a basis) to district business/property owners; 
  • Developing and implementing marketing strategies designed to recruit new businesses, retain existing business, and assist expanding businesses. o    Developing, planning, and staging marketing and promotional activities and events.
    
  •  Organize regular Board member and volunteer training. o         Maintaining and developing public and private relationships o   Fundraising, event planning, and grant writing.  o   Support the City of La Grande’s Economic Development Department in carrying out elements of the Urban Renewal Plan related to downtown revitalization.
  • Provide face-to-face communication with downtown stakeholders, including business and property owners. o Encourages a cooperative climate between downtown interests and local public officials.

 
QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor degree is preferred, though experience in program development and fundraising may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: The Main Street Four-Point Approach®, business/economic development, city/urban planning, marketing, historic preservation, community organizing, fundraising and/or volunteer management
• Experience in business retention, recruitment, and creation, real estate development, and marketing/public relations.
• Successful history of interaction with both the private and public sectors.
• Strategic thinker, problem solver and community collaboration builder.
• Excellent communication skills, well-organized, results-driven.
• Ability to effectively multi task and organize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated experience in non-profit fundraising via grant writing and resource development.
• Strong competency in use of Microsoft Office, social media, Website Design and Management, related to, but not limited to, communication and marketing.
• Ability to work independently and successfully with a volunteer Board of Directors and to accommodate a demanding yet flexible schedule including some evenings and weekends.
• Experience managing and understanding financial complexities of multiple projects and budgets.
• Experience fostering and maintaining strong relationships with civic leaders and a variety of community stakeholders.
• Exhibits good listening skills and can articulate and communicate a vision while inspiring others to embrace and achieve La Grande Main Street Downtown’s goals.
• Self-motivated and action-oriented.
• Flexible, creative and entrepreneurial with enthusiasm and energy.
• Possess or ability to obtain a valid Oregon driver’s license.

 
AREAS OF MAJOR TIME COMMITMENT

• Implement LGMSD Work Plan (Project Management).
• Oversee and coordinate the work of LGMSD volunteers and committees to implement Board approved workplans.
• Organizational Development.

 
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS 
The work environment and working conditions described are representative of those that are typical of the job and must be agreeable to an employee for him or her to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
A significant portion of the job requires an “on the street” presence downtown, with the executive director calling on businesses, property owners and other stakeholders. 
Some of this job is performed at downtown events including supervision of event setup, operation, and clean up.
Occasional travel includes local, regional and national meetings.
This position may regularly require evening and weekend work.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and infrequently lift and/or move up to 60 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Manual dexterity and coordination are required to perform the work. This is used while operating equipment such as computer keyboards and telephones.
 
SALARY AND BENEFITS  
The Executive Director’s position is a 40hr/wk. position with a salary range of $42,500-47,500, annually, depending on experience and qualifications.  8 paid holidays and 12 paid personal days annually will be offered in lieu of sick days/vacation days. $300 per month stipend for medical coverage   
The position will be open until filled. Please submit your application to either: 
 
jobsearchdowntown@gmail.com or 
La Grande Main Street Downtown
Attn:  HR
102 Depot Street
La Grande, OR  97850 

Historic La Grande, a vibrant rural community in Northeast Oregon, is seeking an EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR to coordinate downtown revitalization activities using the Main Street 4-Point Approach™.  The city of La Grande is located in one of the Nation’s most scenic and inviting recreational areas where friendly neighbors, a warm small town atmosphere and historic venues await new residents.  La Grande is located along Interstate 84, approximately 250 miles east of Portland and 175 miles west of Boise, Idaho.  Applicant should have excellent verbal and written communication skills, public relations and managerial abilities, with a strong administrative background.  Previous nonprofit experience desired, with a background in the areas of event planning, small business development, or volunteer recruitment and management.  Position requires a dynamic, outgoing team player with proven ability to multitask and work independently.  The applicant should have demonstrated experience working with and for a Board of Directors and committees.  Experience writing grants is desired and the position requires the ability to work with both the private and public sectors. 
​
This is a 40hr/wk. position with a salary range of $42,500- $47,500, annually, depending on experience and qualifications.  If interested please submit a resume, cover letter and three references.  The cover letter should include a concise summary of your work experience and how it is suited to Main Street and the revitalization of downtown La Grande.  The position will be open until filled.

Please submit your information:  jobsearchdowntown@gmail.com
​
or snail mail to
La Grande Main Street Downtown
Attn:  HR
102 Depot Street
La Grande, OR  97850

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!