October 8, 2007
Helping Hands
No pie, but plenty of serving
Great ideas just need to take a rest sometimes.We got word
this week that the annual “Eat Dessert First” pie contest would
take a year off. (For more, click
here.)
Brian and Karen Shortt of Hood River put massive energy into
the project each fall since 2001. The contest has benefited
Helping Hands Against Violence, a cause that the Shortts — and
hundreds of pie bakers — truly believe in.
The Shortts tastefully staged the ever-growing contest, with
nary a crusty moment, filling each event with humor and passion.
They created a recipe for true community action; we’ll miss
the contest, but rather than lament the lack of a pie contest
this year, the community can give thanks to the Shortts’ hard
work, and look to such ideas as inspiration for more ways to
come together and have fun while helping others.
Flags lowered
Graham McMahon
Gov. Ted Kulongoski ordered all flags at public institutions
be flown at half-staff throughout Oregon, Friday, Oct. 5, in
honor of Army Cpl. Graham McMahon.
McMahon, 22, of Independence, died Sept. 19 from respiratory
failure in Balad, Iraq. He was assigned to the 4-9 Infantry
Company, 4th Brigade Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry
Division, (Multi-National Division-North).
“Corporal McMahon was a dedicated citizen and an outstanding
Oregonian,” said Gov. Kulongoski. “His service to his country
and to Oregon was exemplary, and in this moment of grief we
stand together with his community to support one another.”
