On the evening of Oct. 8, the high school volleyball team played their last home game of the season. It was a very moving, emotional night for those in the stands and on the team. What set the tone for the evening occurred before the game even began. Coach Jaecee Hoctor was surprised with the recognition of her 20 years of coaching high school volleyball. She’s been an outstanding coach and mentor all these years and took her team to State nine times, in addition to many League and District championships. A full account of the ceremony can be found in Principal Bev Scott’s The Eagles View weekly newsletter on the Glenwood School website and Facebook page. There were tears of pride in the audience, the coaches, some of the players, and, although she might deny it, one of the referees. What a well-deserved honor.
Once the game began, Lakewood played hard and well, but, in the end, Lyle came out the winner. But there were no tears over the loss. The Lakewood girls, down to just seven players their last few games, just got stronger and more unified as the season neared the end. It was heartwarming to see the bond those seven girls had. They weren’t just team mates; they were good friends.
After the game, Jaecee and Coach Jade, along with the current players and past players, gathered for hugs and group photos out on the floor. Many of the parents of the players and members of Jaecee’s family also came out to let her know how much she is valued and appreciated. Thank you for 20 seasons, Coach Hoctor.
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Last week I wrote about the importance of mailing your ballot early if you choose mailing rather than using the drop box. I contacted our postal clerk, Dianna Dillenburg regarding hand canceling ballots so they are postmarked the day you take them to the Glenwood post office. Dianna said she received a directive that instructs all postmasters and postal clerks to hand cancel every ballot that is deposited in the mail in the post office. I also spoke to the county auditor, Heather Jobe. She said the drop boxes are very secure and our county has never had any problems with any of the boxes since they first were put into use.
Our ballots should be arriving soon and the election is less than 1 ½ weeks from now. Whatever your voting preferences, it’s very important for all ballots to be counted. If you do have any questions about elections please contact Mrs. Jobe at the auditor’s office.
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The annual Glenwood Community Trunk or Treat is scheduled for Halloween evening from 4-7 p.m. The Glenwood General Store will be serving hot clam chowder and chili, the Glenwood Station will serve hot cocoa and hotdogs, and will also award prizes for best costumes. The Glenwood Women’s Club will award prizes for the best car trunks, hatchbacks, truck beds, and maybe even a motorcycle, side by side, or 4-wheeler. The Fire Department will be there, not only to provide safety, but to greet the kids and let them look at the fire trucks. The few blocks of Main Street will be blocked off so the kids can safely run around from vehicle to vehicle, Station, and Store.
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This year’s Columbia Gorge Community Choir Christmas concerts are scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 5 beginning at 7 p.m. at the Hood River Valley Christian Church and Sunday. Dec. 6 at 4 p.m. at the Grace Baptist Church in White Salmon. This is a great opportunity to listen to beautiful Christmas music fairly close to home.
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Once again, the aspen trees in our valley are turning beautiful colors of reds, oranges, and yellows, especially as you enter the valley along the BZ-Glenwood highway corridor bordering the Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge. The vine maples and others are also turning. By the time you read this, the larch trees might also be golden.
I love these “brr” months when the fall colors brighten our valley so beautifully. It’s well worth the drive to take in this beautiful scenery and enjoy lunch or dinner here in Glenwood at the Glenwood General Store or Glenwood Station.
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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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