City Council Meeting
December 12, 2019 @ 6:00 pm
The public is always welcome to attend. If possible, please let City Hall know in advance if you would like to be on the agenda for any items.
Mayor's Message:
I recently had the honor of judging the Pie Contest at Athena's Chamber of Commerce sponsored Fall Festival. Despite the day being a bit cool and breezy, I was struck by the people I watched. No one who was there looked grumpy or unhappy. I saw lots of smiles and people talking with each other and just generally enjoying the experience. In a small town, our human resources are limited, but I never want to overlook those like April McKenna, Katie Zmuda, or Chris McBean - who gave of their own time to make this event possible. Don't be afraid to jump in and volunteer even an hour of your time to help with events - Trunk or Treat is coming up for the kids in our town next. Ask what you can do to help. I know you will have fun! Studies have shown that people who give in service to others are happier and live longer. Who doesn't want to live a long and healthy life?! Can't wait for the Holiday Bazaar which will be here before we know it. Until then, don't forget to be grateful for our small but awesome town. Anyone can find something to argue or complain about, but the happy folks work harder to find the good things. Happy Fall!
GEM Theater Gets New Mural
In August of 1928, film director F.W. Murnau filmed the wheat harvest scenes of the Fox silent feature film "City Girl" in Thorn Hollow, five miles from the Gem.
The film used local harvesting crews and livestock. We knew a lady whose husband was one of the farmhands and remembered visiting the filming.
The layout of our mural is based upon an original "City Girl" lobby card. The images are local harvest scenes that were promotional images for the film.
The mural was produced and installed by John Sasser of Integrity Design and Copyworks, Walla Walla WA.
Holiday Bazaar
December 7, 2019
9:00-3:00
Come join us at the Athena Holiday Bazaar. Santa will be visiting again this year from 12:00-2:00. Shopping, Holiday Projects for the Kids, Food, and Fun. Enter to win locally donated Raffle Prizes!
Bridge Project
Beginning next week citizens will see fencing placed and 3rd street marked for the beginning of the 3rd street bridge replacement. This is a combined effort with the Umatilla Basin Watershed Council, Umatilla County, CTUIR Board of Trustees and the City of Athena. Rod Anderson is the General Contractor for the project. Work will begin September 3rd and is expected to last approximately 2 months. Third street from Hwy 11 past the bridge will be closed to both vehicle and foot traffic during this time. Please make other travel arrangements if you normally use 3rd street to enter or exit from Athena. Signage will be placed on Hwy 11 before the east and west exits into Athena so motorists are aware of the road closure and can adjust their routes. The project was scheduled for this time of year because water flows in Wildhorse Creek are low, and there would be minimum impact harvest vehicles. We appreciate your understanding and patience.
Nancy Parker Earns OAMR Award
Congratulations to Nancy Parker for winning the OAMR President's Award of Distinction. This award is to given to the member who has contributed greatly and has performed exceptional work for OAMR. Nancy has been extremely involved in many OAMR programs, committees, and she sits on the Board of Directors from Region VII. Please congratulate Nancy when you see her out and about!
Caledonian Days
July 10, 11, 12, 2020.
Come join us the 2nd weekend in July for our annual celebration of our Scottish heritage! To get involved or find out details please email Sue Friese at: athenacaledoniangames@gmail.com or 541-566-3880.
