One of the more rewarding slices of my life is the Twin Rivers Rotary chapter of Springfield – specifically, the members and weekly guest presenters. Next week we’ll celebrate the turning of our calendar, signaling a new year for our chapter. John has been a jovial and energetic president the past few years, and Mary will step into that role. Les and Dianne are graciously hosting the annual shindig. Our recent guests have included “Block Party” Ben, Sonya (Bring), and UO and Gonzaga track legend Pat. Speaking of sports legends, Cody, who sponsors “Athlete of the Week” in the High School Sports Zone, discussed his career as a track athlete and coach, and his transition to an insurance agent at a recent Rotary meeting. …
One of our Rotary chapter’s regular service initiatives involves work at Willamalane, usually with landscaping and beautification. Spenser, who oversees recreation sports for Willamalane, chatted with me last week regarding ways to cover youth sports during the summer. In light of that, State Farm is converting the “Athlete of the Week” into a “Team of the Week” this summer (check it out on Page 11). … Appreciate Larry’s support of hyper-local journalism; he’s purchased several gift subscriptions and bought an ad promoting Memorial Day events. …
Had the opportunity to work with Melissa on the Megga Hunt this year, along with Dani and Whitney. …
We’ve worked closely with Jake and Knight on our Drifters coverage. The team, now in its fifth year of wood-bat baseball in the West Coast League, is sponsoring the Summer Sports Zone. The Drifters’ community-focused mission aligns perfectly with ours. The Chronicle will be at the July 12 game, just before the league’s all-star break. Stop by our booth and say hello. …
We’ve been fortunate to add a few contributors to our team, including photographers Ben (Bold. Cool. Marketing) and Gary. Tristan is joining us from Lane Community College as an intern and we’ve already been strategizing about taking advantage of his computer knowledge. UO alums Eli and Seth have made significant contributions to our high school sports coverage. We are also welcoming a trusted, veteran local journalist – Steve, well-known to many readers who followed his coverage of UO Ducks football and basketball for The Register-Guard over many years. He now brings decades of credible reporting and in-depth storytelling to our coverage of high school sports. …
Adon, Addi, baby Suni, Ron, and I enjoyed ourselves at Springfield High’s athletics boosters banquet. Bekah makes it look easy and is always great to work with, and we loved the centerpieces at our banquet table the past two years. … Same with Tiffany, who leads the Creswell Bulldogs boosters group. We donated framed photos by our photographers for the silent auctions. …
I met Rob at Homestead Furniture in Cottage Grove. It was fun reminiscing about the days when furniture stores would buy full-page ads in newspapers around all the holidays. … Enjoyed a breakfast at the New Day Bakery with Tony from KRVM. Appreciate his support and counsel on a variety of topics.…
The 3rd annual North Star Volleyball Jamboree is taking shape. The tournament, which rotates its location each year, is at Cottage Grove High on Aug. 27; it was Springfield the first year and Pleasant Hill last year. Bob, owner of Nothing Bundt Cakes, is supplying 75 mini-bundts again this year, and Micki at Papa Murphy’s is providing pizza for the pre-jamboree luncheon. Garrett (Lions athletic director) and Abby (volleyball coach) have been great partners organizing everything and making both gyms available for competition. We’ve also been working with Sebastion of Stencil & Stitch and on the swag bag and commemorative T-shirts. The Chronicle Foundation is the presenting sponsor. … Had coffee and chatted online with a few folks supporting equestrian and Thurston athletics, including Jennifer, Melissa, and Sara. …
Congratulations to Andrew, a BNI chapter teammate who was first appointed and then elected to the Springfield City Council Ward 5 position. … It was a pleasure, as usual, working with Simon and Sheryl on the annual Family Relief Nursery gala. …
A conversation with Callee helped lead to discussions with Nancy and Beatrice of the League of Women Voters, which ultimately led to the launch of the Policy Periscope page that publishes the first week of every month. It’s an opportunity to take a non-partisan dive into a policy that affects our lives, and the ideas that are being discussed to shape that policy. …
The Chronicle partnered to host a pre-election candidate forum at the Creswell Grange. Lots of familiar faces in a packed house, including Martin, Ed, former Mayor Dave, Ronni, and, of course, the candidates: Jake, Heather, and Bob.
Noel Nash is publisher of The Chronicle.
