School board discussion on the failed bond and placing it again on the next November ballot
By Anne Scheck
Trammart News Service
The $90 million school-bond defeat in the recent election may be an indication that a lot more intensive campaign of information should be waged – and not necessarily a sign that a smaller bond would find more support the next time around.
That seemed to be the consensus of a discussion among Central District School Board members at a work session Monday night. The tentative conclusion seemed to differ from that of the district’s Facilities Committee.
School Board Vice President Susan Graham reported that the Facilities Committee – the group that helped spread the word this fall on the need for a bond – had recommended that a bond with a lower dollar amount might find more favor with voters, particularly if it was shown to place priority on addressing deferred maintenance.
In what she termed a “debriefing” from the Facilities Committee, which is comprised largely of community members, Graham noted support was voiced for a smaller bond that’s “very focused on the immediate needs” of infrastructure, ranging from playground refurbishment to interior building repairs.
Graham added that the committee suggested a second, larger bond could be created for rebuilding Monmouth Elementary School, which would allow more time to educate voters about why there may be a need to completely replace the school.
Board members Peggy Clyne and Donn Wahl pointed out that the public might be confused by the concept of two different bonds, when one alone would cover the entire cost of what’s required.
The safety risks at Monmouth Elementary School weren’t clear to many, observed Board Member Melanie Landon-Hays, who explained that the issue seemed to be “danced around” rather than plainly stated. “We were very polite,” she said.
“Obviously, we didn’t communicate effectively,” Wahl agreed.
If the bond is brought back nearly a year after its first, recent ballot, there would be a “bigger runway” of several months to prepare the community for another vote, Graham said.
After the meeting, Polk County Commissioner Jeremy Gordon, who resides in Falls City, was asked in a separate interview whether he could identify the reason for success of the five-year local option in Falls City, the only place where a levy or bond was approved in Polk County this past November. It won a majority of the votes.
Gordon stressed that it was a different kind of levy – one that provided extra activities and offerings in the schools, including additions for math, literacy and music.
However, it did have a winning formula: community-wide support and parental involvement in the program and substantial family engagement before the ballots were even printed. “I cannot imagine not having it as an available resource,” Gordon said. ▪
By Anne Scheck
Trammart News Service
The $90 million school-bond defeat in the recent election may be an indication that a lot more intensive campaign of information should be waged – and not necessarily a sign that a smaller bond would find more support the next time around.
That seemed to be the consensus of a discussion among Central District School Board members at a work session Monday night. The tentative conclusion seemed to differ from that of the district’s Facilities Committee.
School Board Vice President Susan Graham reported that the Facilities Committee – the group that helped spread the word this fall on the need for a bond – had recommended that a bond with a lower dollar amount might find more favor with voters, particularly if it was shown to place priority on addressing deferred maintenance.
In what she termed a “debriefing” from the Facilities Committee, which is comprised largely of community members, Graham noted support was voiced for a smaller bond that’s “very focused on the immediate needs” of infrastructure, ranging from playground refurbishment to interior building repairs.
Graham added that the committee suggested a second, larger bond could be created for rebuilding Monmouth Elementary School, which would allow more time to educate voters about why there may be a need to completely replace the school.
Board members Peggy Clyne and Donn Wahl pointed out that the public might be confused by the concept of two different bonds, when one alone would cover the entire cost of what’s required.
The safety risks at Monmouth Elementary School weren’t clear to many, observed Board Member Melanie Landon-Hays, who explained that the issue seemed to be “danced around” rather than plainly stated. “We were very polite,” she said.
“Obviously, we didn’t communicate effectively,” Wahl agreed.
If the bond is brought back nearly a year after its first, recent ballot, there would be a “bigger runway” of several months to prepare the community for another vote, Graham said.
After the meeting, Polk County Commissioner Jeremy Gordon, who resides in Falls City, was asked in a separate interview whether he could identify the reason for success of the five-year local option in Falls City, the only place where a levy or bond was approved in Polk County this past November. It won a majority of the votes.
Gordon stressed that it was a different kind of levy – one that provided extra activities and offerings in the schools, including additions for math, literacy and music.
However, it did have a winning formula: community-wide support and parental involvement in the program and substantial family engagement before the ballots were even printed. “I cannot imagine not having it as an available resource,” Gordon said. ▪
Mental, physical strengths propel Panther runner
By Lance Masterson
For Trammart News Service
Ty Cirino defines “taking it easy” differently than how most of us define it.
Last month’s NXR Regional Championships in Idaho marked the end of the Central High junior’s cross country season and the beginning of a week-long break from running. Resting isn’t easy for someone who finds more comfort in perpetual motion.
Like a volcano about to erupt, Cirino was active while at rest. But instead of running 50 to 60 miles over seven days, per his more usual routine, he spent his down time climbing the rock wall at Western Oregon University, hiking and going on long bike rides.
“It’s definitely weird,” he said of the hiatus. “I wanted to run so bad. But I had to remember that it’s good to take a break, mentally and physically.”
Which doesn’t mean he has to like it.
“It’s really hard to go a week without running. That’s because I’ve been doing it for such a long time,” Cirino said. “To me, it’s just kind of how I keep myself mentally, I wouldn’t say happy, but it’s kind of my source of joy … I love it.”
With the break over, Cirino returns to his source of joy. The indoor track season starts soon. It is followed by spring track. It doesn’t matter if the Panther is running in circles or up and down hills, he is an elite talent.
Cirino is the school’s record-holder in an astounding six events: the 3,000 and 5,000 meters in cross country, the 800, 1,500, 3,000 and 5,000 meters in track.
His list of accomplishments also includes multiple high finishes at state along with district titles in the 3,000 meters (both in track and cross country). In fact, Cirino is the two-time defending Mid-Willamette Conference champion in cross country.
It depends on the season as to which is his favorite.
“During cross country season, I feel like I like … the longer races. I like cross country because it’s half mental, half physical.,” he said. “But during track, it’s fun to run those faster times, in the 800 especially, when you’re running under two minutes.”
Small wonder track programs from the universities of Oregon, Portland, Tennessee and Michigan are among those in contact with him. He does not know yet where he will run collegiately since he’s still weighing options. No matter his choice, meeting academic requirements won’t be a problem. One of the advantages of having a 4.0 grade point average.
“It would be awesome to stay close to home, if I receive an offer that I think is reasonable,” he said. “But I have no problem going out of state. It would be a fun thing to experience.”
Physical Education teacher Eli Cirino is Ty’s coach and father. Eli’s been around talented athletes his entire career. He knows what separates the very good from the great.
“Ty is average height, lean and strong with a natural long, efficient stride,” Eli said. “But he is blessed with an incredible cardiorespiratory system.”
This combination helps explains why Ty excelled at other sports that require stamina, such as basketball and soccer. He played basketball for Central through his sophomore year.
But one real advantage is Ty’s mental and physical toughness. As strenuous as his workouts are, other runners do as much. What they often don’t do are the little things.
“After every workout, I do strides, and stretching, and baths (for recovery). It’s a lot of that kind of stuff,” Ty said. “When it comes to race time, it’s hard for anybody to really lock in for a race and be able to run your fastest. I feel like I’ve gotten better over the years at getting myself in a zone to compete at my fullest.”
Nor do other runners tolerate pain as well.
“Ty has a unique relationship with pain when it comes to running. He told me once that he got to a certain place on a course and ‘shut off the pain.’ His pain tolerance is one of his greatest gifts,” Eli Cirino said. “It is essential to his success and something that all elite distance runners have.”
Ty relied on this “gift” during the final mile at this year’s state cross country championship.
“I was in a weird spot when I just didn’t have anything to motivate me except for finishing. It was a real mental battle for the last mile, and I was hurting physically,” he said. “It took a lot of mental strength to be able to finish that race.”
That strength led him to a fourth-place finish.
Another truism about competitive running is that familiarity breeds confidence. It can also mitigate some of the pain.
“I’ll go out for a run, and 10 miles is still a long run. I don’t feel runs get shorter the more you run,” Cirino said. “It’s just, again, the mental aspect of it … So those 50-mile weeks, it’s definitely not a walk in the park. It’s still work. But you know you’ve done it so many times that you get to a point, and you know you’ve done it, so you just power through it.”
One wouldn’t realize the competitor that lurks within by watching Cirino run. He possesses a cloak of serenity that seems to wear every step. It’s an aura his father has noticed.
“Mentally, Ty is very competitive, but seems to maintain a calm, mindful approach, not allowing himself to get too excited with a win or down when he doesn’t,” Eli Cirino said.
That’s partly because effort is important to the runner. “You hear people say ... if you go out and race your hardest there’s nothing you can be mad about … That’s what I try to do every race, just draw and run as hard as I can,” Cirino said. “Obviously, there’s strategy to a race. But if I feel I put my best effort out there, if I feel I gave a good effort, then there’s nothing I can change. It’s just how it is that day.”
Which isn’t to say Ty is without lofty ambition. In fact, it’s the opposite.
“Fighting for first place (at state) is my goal. I know there are some fast guys out there. But
my goal is to always be at the top,” he said. “To progress and get my times up there with the (fastest) guys.” ▪
By Lance Masterson
For Trammart News Service
Ty Cirino defines “taking it easy” differently than how most of us define it.
Last month’s NXR Regional Championships in Idaho marked the end of the Central High junior’s cross country season and the beginning of a week-long break from running. Resting isn’t easy for someone who finds more comfort in perpetual motion.
Like a volcano about to erupt, Cirino was active while at rest. But instead of running 50 to 60 miles over seven days, per his more usual routine, he spent his down time climbing the rock wall at Western Oregon University, hiking and going on long bike rides.
“It’s definitely weird,” he said of the hiatus. “I wanted to run so bad. But I had to remember that it’s good to take a break, mentally and physically.”
Which doesn’t mean he has to like it.
“It’s really hard to go a week without running. That’s because I’ve been doing it for such a long time,” Cirino said. “To me, it’s just kind of how I keep myself mentally, I wouldn’t say happy, but it’s kind of my source of joy … I love it.”
With the break over, Cirino returns to his source of joy. The indoor track season starts soon. It is followed by spring track. It doesn’t matter if the Panther is running in circles or up and down hills, he is an elite talent.
Cirino is the school’s record-holder in an astounding six events: the 3,000 and 5,000 meters in cross country, the 800, 1,500, 3,000 and 5,000 meters in track.
His list of accomplishments also includes multiple high finishes at state along with district titles in the 3,000 meters (both in track and cross country). In fact, Cirino is the two-time defending Mid-Willamette Conference champion in cross country.
It depends on the season as to which is his favorite.
“During cross country season, I feel like I like … the longer races. I like cross country because it’s half mental, half physical.,” he said. “But during track, it’s fun to run those faster times, in the 800 especially, when you’re running under two minutes.”
Small wonder track programs from the universities of Oregon, Portland, Tennessee and Michigan are among those in contact with him. He does not know yet where he will run collegiately since he’s still weighing options. No matter his choice, meeting academic requirements won’t be a problem. One of the advantages of having a 4.0 grade point average.
“It would be awesome to stay close to home, if I receive an offer that I think is reasonable,” he said. “But I have no problem going out of state. It would be a fun thing to experience.”
Physical Education teacher Eli Cirino is Ty’s coach and father. Eli’s been around talented athletes his entire career. He knows what separates the very good from the great.
“Ty is average height, lean and strong with a natural long, efficient stride,” Eli said. “But he is blessed with an incredible cardiorespiratory system.”
This combination helps explains why Ty excelled at other sports that require stamina, such as basketball and soccer. He played basketball for Central through his sophomore year.
But one real advantage is Ty’s mental and physical toughness. As strenuous as his workouts are, other runners do as much. What they often don’t do are the little things.
“After every workout, I do strides, and stretching, and baths (for recovery). It’s a lot of that kind of stuff,” Ty said. “When it comes to race time, it’s hard for anybody to really lock in for a race and be able to run your fastest. I feel like I’ve gotten better over the years at getting myself in a zone to compete at my fullest.”
Nor do other runners tolerate pain as well.
“Ty has a unique relationship with pain when it comes to running. He told me once that he got to a certain place on a course and ‘shut off the pain.’ His pain tolerance is one of his greatest gifts,” Eli Cirino said. “It is essential to his success and something that all elite distance runners have.”
Ty relied on this “gift” during the final mile at this year’s state cross country championship.
“I was in a weird spot when I just didn’t have anything to motivate me except for finishing. It was a real mental battle for the last mile, and I was hurting physically,” he said. “It took a lot of mental strength to be able to finish that race.”
That strength led him to a fourth-place finish.
Another truism about competitive running is that familiarity breeds confidence. It can also mitigate some of the pain.
“I’ll go out for a run, and 10 miles is still a long run. I don’t feel runs get shorter the more you run,” Cirino said. “It’s just, again, the mental aspect of it … So those 50-mile weeks, it’s definitely not a walk in the park. It’s still work. But you know you’ve done it so many times that you get to a point, and you know you’ve done it, so you just power through it.”
One wouldn’t realize the competitor that lurks within by watching Cirino run. He possesses a cloak of serenity that seems to wear every step. It’s an aura his father has noticed.
“Mentally, Ty is very competitive, but seems to maintain a calm, mindful approach, not allowing himself to get too excited with a win or down when he doesn’t,” Eli Cirino said.
That’s partly because effort is important to the runner. “You hear people say ... if you go out and race your hardest there’s nothing you can be mad about … That’s what I try to do every race, just draw and run as hard as I can,” Cirino said. “Obviously, there’s strategy to a race. But if I feel I put my best effort out there, if I feel I gave a good effort, then there’s nothing I can change. It’s just how it is that day.”
Which isn’t to say Ty is without lofty ambition. In fact, it’s the opposite.
“Fighting for first place (at state) is my goal. I know there are some fast guys out there. But
my goal is to always be at the top,” he said. “To progress and get my times up there with the (fastest) guys.” ▪
Katie Schaub at Ovenbird Bakery gets a big thank you from master gardeners
When the Polk County Master Gardeners Association wanted to thank Katie Schaub, the owner-operator of Ovenbird Bakery, a thank-you card simply wasn’t enough. PCGMA member Lorena Elliott contacted Trammart News for a photo opportunity and a follow-up article on the woman she described as a maker of “amazing cupcakes” and a remarkable community asset. In the article below, which was edited for brevity, Elliott wrote a poignant account of why PCMGA is so grateful to this local baker and her bakery. --AS
By Lorena Elliott
Guest article for Trammart News Service
Many thanks to Katie Schaub. The Polk County Master Gardeners Association purchased delectable chocolate and carrot cupcakes for their annual graduation and award celebration with real flower décor on top of the buttercream frosting.
It’s the third year the group has enjoyed the cupcakes as their dessert for the occasion -- and PCMGA plans to serve them next year, as well.
Katie has over 30 years of baking experience, and she had made more than 200 wedding cakes.
The celebratory cupcakes were a special, much-appreciated part of the recent PCMGA event. The PCMGA, which has about 70 volunteer members, added a dozen more members this year with the recent graduation. The PCMGA is affiliated with the Oregon State University Extension Office; It serves the county with solid training in science-based, sustainable gardening and lifelong love of learning.
In Independence, the PCMGA is responsible for the maintenance and propagation at Inspiration Garden at Mt. Fir Park.
(Elliott is the lead volunteer for the Herb Area during the PCMGA’s annual plant sale at the Polk County Fairgrounds and she volunteers at the Extension Office Master Gardener Help Desk in Dallas. She is also the editor of Polk Weed, Polk County Master Gardener Newsletter, which is published monthly.) ▪
When the Polk County Master Gardeners Association wanted to thank Katie Schaub, the owner-operator of Ovenbird Bakery, a thank-you card simply wasn’t enough. PCGMA member Lorena Elliott contacted Trammart News for a photo opportunity and a follow-up article on the woman she described as a maker of “amazing cupcakes” and a remarkable community asset. In the article below, which was edited for brevity, Elliott wrote a poignant account of why PCMGA is so grateful to this local baker and her bakery. --AS
By Lorena Elliott
Guest article for Trammart News Service
Many thanks to Katie Schaub. The Polk County Master Gardeners Association purchased delectable chocolate and carrot cupcakes for their annual graduation and award celebration with real flower décor on top of the buttercream frosting.
It’s the third year the group has enjoyed the cupcakes as their dessert for the occasion -- and PCMGA plans to serve them next year, as well.
Katie has over 30 years of baking experience, and she had made more than 200 wedding cakes.
The celebratory cupcakes were a special, much-appreciated part of the recent PCMGA event. The PCMGA, which has about 70 volunteer members, added a dozen more members this year with the recent graduation. The PCMGA is affiliated with the Oregon State University Extension Office; It serves the county with solid training in science-based, sustainable gardening and lifelong love of learning.
In Independence, the PCMGA is responsible for the maintenance and propagation at Inspiration Garden at Mt. Fir Park.
(Elliott is the lead volunteer for the Herb Area during the PCMGA’s annual plant sale at the Polk County Fairgrounds and she volunteers at the Extension Office Master Gardener Help Desk in Dallas. She is also the editor of Polk Weed, Polk County Master Gardener Newsletter, which is published monthly.) ▪
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