Some of our Glenwood cowgirls were honored last Saturday at an awards banquet in Hermiston for their achievements in the 2023 Western States Junior Rodeo Association season.
In the Junior Girls division, Jocee Hoctor received an award for third place in breakaway roping. Riley Rickman received awards for second place in breakaway roping and sixth in goat tying. Bailey Rickman received her awards for fourth in pole bending and third in goat tying.
While the Rickman sisters don’t live in Glenwood, we consider them Glenwood kids because of their family and friends in the community. Once in a while you can see those sisters out working cattle here in the valley with the Hoctors and other ranchers. These three Junior division cowgirls really know what they’re doing on horseback, for sure.
Joslyn Arnold received a special award for fastest time for the season in the Senior Girls breakaway with an outstanding 1.97 time. Joslyn is also one of Glenwood’s High School Rodeo stars, in her final year of high school competition. She is standing high in the rankings so far in this 2023-24 season.
Jentry Hoctor, competing in the Peewee Girls division, did not win an award, but she improved her times very well with each rodeo and finished in the high middle of the large group of contestants. She really enjoyed her first season of junior rodeo competition and I know we’ll be hearing a lot more about that little cowgirl in the years to come. She is also sporting a nice WSJRA jacket.
Little Rigynn Mengarelli-Walker, a first grader, competed in the youngest division, the Cow Kids. She started the season somewhat tentatively but really gained confidence with each rodeo on her good horse Martin. She received a bucket full of horse grooming supplies and a WSJRA jacket for her efforts this year. We are so proud of these cowgirls for working hard and letting people know that our Glenwood cowgirls are a force to be reckoned with.
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Trunk or Treat on Main Street was a great success again this year. The weather cooperated and the kids could safely run up and down Main Street, visiting every “trunk” plus the Glenwood Station, Glenwood Fire Department truck, Glenwood General Store, the old Bird Creek Inn, and the Women’s Club table on the store porch.
The Station provided delicious refreshments and awarded prizes to Serenity for scariest costume and to Sophia, Ava, and Luca for best posters.
The General Store served delicious hot clam chowder and chili. I think that clam chowder tastes better each year and it sure hit the spot on a cool night. Annette Tomeo brought homemade rolls fresh from her oven to go with the chili and chowder. Claude also had a nice fire in a safe fire pit near the picnic tables so people could sit down by the fire to enjoy the tasty food.
The store had a carved pumpkin contest in the old gas station. There was a three-way tie for the 12 and under category. Prizes went to Easton Gray, Austin Garrett, and Araya Kofoed. In the 13 and over category, the Tomeo brothers, Tomei and Christian, each received first place prizes.
The Glaskis, owners of the old Bird Creek Inn, opened the former tavern’s doors, handed out goodie bags with candy and homemade cookies and provided a nice warming space heater for people to gather around if they needed to warm up a bit.
The Women’s Club awarded prizes, based on popular vote, for best trunks and best costumes.
This year, tiny little Pacen Stephens, the cutest little rooster you ever did see, and Tomei Tomeo, a tall banana, tied for first place in the kids’ division.
Todd French was great as Mr. Todd from Peter Rabbit. Many never guessed who it was behind that fox mask, but the little kids who watch that cute TV show sure knew who the character was. Todd received the prize in the adult division.
The Jackson family was awarded best trunk and Jody and Carl LaMarr received second place in that division for their well-decorated 4-wheeler.
It does take a village to make something like this so special and we are very fortunate to live in this fun, caring “village.” A huge thanks to the Glenwood General Store, Glenwood Station, Glenwood Fire Department, Annette Tomeo, the Glaskis, the County Road Department employees and all those with “trunks” for making such a fun, memorable night for our Glenwood kids and their parents.
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Here’s another reminder that the annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner Potluck will be held on Sunday, Nov. 19 at 4 p.m. in the Glenwood School multi-purpose room. This is always a great time to gather as a community to visit and celebrate the many blessings of the past year. According to Jennifer Hallenbeck, Pioneer Memorial Community Church will provide turkey, ham, stuffing, potatoes, and rolls. Please bring your favorite side dish, salad or dessert to share. All are welcome. Contact Pastor Butch and Jennifer at 509-364-3517 if you have any questions.
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Mary Pierce writes about the community of Glenwood every other week in Columbia Gorge News. Please send any news items to gmpierce09@gmail.com.
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