Western Christian/Perrydale scored twice early and responded to a Taft High charge Wednesday for a 4-2 Special District 2 boys soccer victory.
“We came back out the second half ready to play and applying pressure better,” Taft coach Ryan Ulicni said. “We had some fantastic individual foot work and skill from captain Edson Fuentes, who put us on the board right away.”
Co-captain William Calderon scored Taft’s second goal on an assist from Jose Flores.
“Major credit to captain William Brooks, who had some outstanding saves to keep us in the game,” Ulicni said. “His quick reflexes and leadership on the field is a big factor to the positive attitude.”
First-place Western Christian improved to 4-1-1, 4-0-1 with the victory, while the Tigers fell to 3-2-1, 2-1-1.
Taft returns to the pitch at 3:30 p.m. Friday at home against Gervais.
“With a these boys only having one day to prepare for another game, the feeling they had coming off the bus showed me they are ready to put in the work,” Ulicni said.
Samaritan Health Services invites community members to register for the upcoming Adult Focused Mental Health First Aid course on Tuesday, Oct. 23, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital.
You may know CPR or the Heimlich maneuver, but do you know how to respond when someone says they are thinking about suicide? Mental Health First Aid is a free eight-hour training that provides participants with the tools to identify signs of a mental health problem or crisis and get help for a person in need.
This course uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to offer initial help in a mental health crisis and connect people to the appropriate professional, peer, social and self-help care. The program also teaches the common risk factors and warning signs of specific illnesses like anxiety, depression, substance use, bipolar disorder, eating disorders and schizophrenia.
Boone Marker has served Lincoln City in many ways since joining the Community Center staff in 2015 (Cohen and Park)
Calling the Shots
Things move fast in the circles the spirited character with the colorful name of Boone Marker travels.
Mere days ago, a reporter was about to type a final period on a feature story detailing the many worthy accomplishments and outstanding qualities the personable 34-year-old sports enthusiast has brought to Lincoln City in less than three years of residence.
Stop the presses!
On Tuesday, the former Lincoln City Community Center program supervisor was named to the newly created position of Recreation Supervisor (formerly known as Center director), replacing Gail Kimberling, who recently retired after more than a decade of unprecedented service.
“His experience, enthusiasm and expertise in recreation, past success in city parks and recreation programming, and leadership role in the community and with staff make him a good fit with our department,” Parks & Recreation Department Director Jeanne Sprague said.
Born in Albany and raised in Salem-Keizer, the 2002 McNary High graduate came to Lincoln City in the fall of 2015 after a co-worker recommended the Community Center’s recreation program supervisor position after meeting Kimberling at an Oregon Recreation & Park Association conference. Marker met with Kimberling and interviewed the following week.
“Two weeks later I began my career here . . . Nov. 30, 2015,” he said.
Son of Ben Marker, mother Amy and stepdad Dale Slater, the animated sports fan has three sisters — Tina, Jennifer and Mariesha (and brother-in law Derek). He owns an associate’s degree from Chemeketa Community College, a bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies from Western Oregon and an MBA from the University of Phoenix.
“I love working and watching the growth of the kids who play sports,” Marker said. “Youth sports help pave a way and teach so many values to kids growing up. After working in youth sports since I was 18, and running a successful sports program in Salem, Lincoln City was a great opportunity for me.”
In his short time on the Coast, Marker has coached fifth- and sixth-grade boys and girls basketball, indoor soccer, middle school track and field, youth volleyball, youth league softball and high school softball and volleyball. He has coached volleyball since he was 19, including 12 years of high school, a “Little Spikers” clinic, and competitive travel and college softball.
“I’m most proud of the youth volleyball program . . . the kids involved and the growth we have had as a program.” he said. “I hope to see great volleyball funnel into Taft High in the next few years.”
Perhaps Marker’s crowning achievement to date has been “National Night Out,” a community-building campaign staged in early August at Kirtsis Park to promote police partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.
“I grew up going to a neighborhood block party and I had the idea to have one in Lincoln City,” he said. “With partnership with Lincoln City Police we had live music, a dunk tank, free food, games and much more.”
Marker has also been deeply involved in projects such as “Touch-A-Truck,” “Movie in the Park,” building the float for this year’s Portland Grand Floral Parade, starting adult kickball and volleyball leagues and improving the youth sports leagues, camps and after-school programs.
“Boone has demonstrated numerous times his solid ability to organize and lead the community,” Sprague said.
Marker credited his parents and family, coaches Gib Gilmore, Roland Herrera, Jeff Auvinen and Tom Smythe, supervisors Skip Collins, Jason Caldwell and Kimberling for playing key roles in his development as a leader and supervisor.
“Boone has been an excellent addition to the Lincoln City community,” said former Taft High Principal Majalise Tolan, now Lincoln County School District Improvement and Secondary Curriculum Administrator. “He goes above and beyond to find ways to engage youth and adults in our community.”
Marker started his recreation career in 2005 as a branch manager for Boys & Girls Club of Salem, Marion & Polk counties, moving his way up to athletic director. In early 2015, he joined the City of Salem as recreation leader.
“Boone is a high-energy hard worker.” said Melinda Mokalla, recreation specialist for the City of Salem Public Works Department, who got to know Marker at the Boys & Girls Club. “His enthusiasm for youth sports and life is hard to match.”
In his spare time, the energetic redhead volunteers with many groups, such as the School District, Kiwanis Club, Family Promise and more. He also serves as a public address announcer, master of ceremonies, radio guest, sportswriter and referee.
“Though relatively young, Boone had impressive experience in the field of recreation,” Kimberling said. “In addition to his experience, Boone had great confidence in his ability to take on a new position in a new community.”
Marker said his vision includes maintaining a positive environment and building participation in expansive adult and youth sports and recreation programs.
“Boone is incredibly organized,” Tolan said. “He goes above and beyond to ease the life of his volunteer coaches and finds time in his schedule to volunteer with high school programs and also watch students he has coached as they move up through their life as a Tiger.”
Kimberling, who retired last week, met Marker when he applied for the recreation program supervisor position following the departure of Karl McShane, a former Taft High coach who left to work for the School District.
Kimberling said Marker’s first request was to be known as “Coach Boone,” “which told me a lot about the positive, respectful relationships he wanted to develop with co-workers, parents, coaches and youngsters.”
Kimberling said “Coach Boone” met and exceeded all expectations.
“Coaching has been a large part of my life, and I remember asking Gail if my email could be ‘Coach Boone,’” Marker said. “After she agreed, I agreed to come to Lincoln City. I was welcomed by the community and did my best to embed myself in Lincoln City.”
It wasn’t long before Boone made his mark on the community he has grown to love and appreciate.
“He was a pure joy to have on our team,” Kimberling said “Boone always has a ‘can-do’ attitude. No task is too small or too large. Dress up as ‘Cap’n Barnacle’ and build a float, no problem! Learn about pool pumps, OK! Mediate between agencies, check! Coach that extra team and run a camp, sign him up! Boone is not shy about creating new programs, asking for sponsorships, recruiting volunteers or facing the City Council.”
It’s a role Marker cherishes from his newly appointed point-guard position.
“Creating a positive experience is what I was taught growing up, and I try to provide that atmosphere in all sports programs,” Marker said. “More importantly, I love being a part of our community. Lincoln City is special, and I’m fortunate to be a part of it.”
Applications to fill vacancies on the Lincoln County Special Transportation Advisory Committee (STAC) are being sought through Oct. 5 by the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners.
The committee oversees grant money provided by the State’s Special Transportation Fund Program (STF), which provides revenue in support of transportation services for Seniors and people with disabilities of any age.
The Oregon Legislature has intended that STF funds be used to provide transportation services needed to access health, education, work, and social/recreational opportunities so that Seniors and people with disabilities may live as independently and productively as possible. The funds may be used for any purpose directly related to transportation services, including transit operations, capital equipment, planning, travel training and other transit-related purposes.
STAC meetings are held at least twice a year. Membership duration is three years.
In addition to evaluating transportation services to persons residing in Lincoln County who are elderly or are persons with disabilities, the STAC also identifies and advocates for transportation needs and services that affect the welfare of all residents of Lincoln County.
STAC Committee membership consists of at least five individuals to be appointed by the Board of Commissioners. Applicants need to meet at one of the following categories to be eligible for committee membership:
1) Elderly users of transportation services;
2) Disabled users of transportation services;
3) Providers of elderly or disabled transportation services;
4) Representatives of elderly;
5) Representatives of disabled;
6) Elderly individuals living in an area of the district or county where there are no public transportation services
7) Disabled individuals living in an area of the district or county where there are no public transportation services.
Applications are available at Lincoln County Transit Office, the Board of Commissioners Office, or online at the County’s website:
Caitlyn Rundstrom tips one over the net in a game earlier this season (File photo by Heather Hatton)
Taft High stretched Clatskanie to the limit in a Coastal Range League road volleyball match pitting winless teams Tuesday before falling in five sets.
“We had moments of greatness that helped us win two of the sets,” Taft coach Kelsey Hart said. “But we were down several key players due to injuries and other reasons. We definitely needed some of their experience on the court tonight.”
Taft fell to 0-7 overall and 0-2 in league play, while Clatskanie improved to 1-6, 1-1.
“The girls did a good job stepping into roles that they aren’t as familiar or comfortable with, so I am proud of them for that,” Hart said. “It was a hard- fought game, and we’re all upset over how it ended. I’m hoping that this close loss helps push us to practice harder and leave it all on the court as we continue on in our season.”
Taft returns to action at 6 p.m. Thursday at home against Nestucca.
Sera Fina, 42, was taken into custody and lodged at the Lincoln County Jail on a child abduction warrant and fugitive complaint Tuesday after being found with her 11-year-old biological daughter near Beverly Beach State Park.
Bail was set at $150,000.
Kaia Fina
Newport Area Command received information regarding a missing child, Kaia Fina, from Orange County, Calif., who was possibly in the Lincoln County area.
Her foster parent was last to have seen Kaia on Sept. 6 at approximately 10:30 p.m. in San Clemente, Calif., and reported her missing. An attempt to locate was provided to law enforcement agencies with descriptions and vehicle information for Sera Fina, who had an active felony warrant for child abduction.
Oregon State Police, Newport Police Department, Lincoln City Police Department and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s office spent the majority of Monday, Sept, 17, trying to locate Kaia and Sera Fina in a black 2007 BMW. At approximately 7:40 p.m., a trooper conducting a welfare check on a 2006 Lincoln Navigator parked on the shoulder of U.S. Highway 101 near Beverly Beach identified Kaia and Sera from photos from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
The Department of Human Services responded to care for Kaia. It was discovered Sera Fina had recently purchased the vehicle they were found in and no longer had the suspect vehicle.
Boone Marker’s “enthusiasm, energy and passion” were rewarded Tuesday with his hiring as Lincoln City Parks and Recreation Department Recreation Supervisor.
“Boone brings a wide knowledge of sports, recreation, community partnerships, leadership and teamwork to our Department,” Lincoln City Parks and Recreation Department Director Jeanne Sprague said. “His enthusiasm, energy and passion for incorporating recreation into our community is a big plus.”
Marker, 34, started his recreation career in 2005 as branch manager for Boys & Girls Club of Salem, Marion & Polk counties, moving his way up to athletic director. He joined the City of Salem as recreation leader in early 2015.
Marker was hired by the Lincoln City Community Center in November 2015, coordinating and supervising its sports leagues, camps, after-school program and all sports programs. Marker owns a master’s degree in business administration.
In his spare time, Marker volunteers with many groups, such as with the Lincoln City School District as a sports announcer, coach and referee. He works with the Kiwanis, Family Promise and many more.
Marker has also coached numerous Parks & Recreation sports such as softball, basketball, volleyball, flag football, ping pong, etc.
Marker said he plans to meet with staff and the public during his first few weeks as recreation supervisor to discuss his visions and goals.
The nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) has been postponed until Oct. 3 due to ongoing response efforts to Hurricane Florence. The test will be conducted by FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
In Oregon, the WEA portion of the test commences at 11:18 a.m. Pacific Time, and the EAS portion follows at 11:20 a.m. Pacific Time. The test will assess the operational readiness of the infrastructure for distribution of a national message and determine whether improvements are needed.
The test was originally scheduled to take place this Thursday, Sept. 20, although FEMA held Oct. 3 as a back-up date. According to FEMA, a backup date was planned in case of widespread severe weather or other significant events on the primary test date.
Taft junior Ella Knott was one of many Tigers wondering what went wrong Monday in a 7-0 defeat (File photo by Lon French)
The Taft High girls soccer team played what Coach Joey Arce-Torres succinctly called “our worst match of the season” Monday in a 7-0 league loss at Westside Christian/Perrydale.
“The kids came out flat and hesitant,” he said as the Tigers (1-5, 1-4 Class 3A/2A/1A Special District 2) behind 5-0 by halftime against the Eagles (3-2-1, 2-2-1). “We had much stronger play and recognition of assignments during the second half.”
Taft returns to action at 4:15 p.m. Thursday at home in a league match with Gervais.
Additional quotes from Coach Arce-Torres:
“It was a super-frustrating match for all concerned. The kids didn’t look ready to participate at game time. With a young squad, finding the fine line regarding too loose or scared and uptight was apparent. We had kids under the weather and some returning from long layoffs.
“Monday matches create a unique problem not practicing for days and the big layoff. Grass fields also bring large challenges to our young athletes for we can’t duplicate the surface. Our mesa is short grass and burnt, the field today and last week were tall grass and mud — way different and requiring time on field to adjust.
“I’m hoping we can regroup and come out Thursday and play our style of soccer.”
Photo illustration by Justin Werner (Photo by Garry Knight)
Funding for the Lincoln City Warming Shelter was slashed Monday from $45,000 to $4,600 — a 90 percent decrease — after just 38 percent of the aid organization’s $12,000 request was approved by the Lincoln City City Council.
Voting to drastically reduce grant funding and rewarding the money to other agencies were Councilors Dick Anderson, Judy Casper, Diana Hinton, Riley Hoagland and Susan Wahlke. Mayor Don Williams did not participate or vote as he had recused himself.
Monday’s vote granted 14 other agencies a total of over $40,000 more than they received last year. Other than the Warming Shelter, none of the other 22 agencies that requested money received less than they got last year. Approximately $214,000 was requested and $150,000 recommended and approved by the Council.
Warming Shelter Board President Patrick Alexander acknowledged the Warming Shelter has received feedback about concerns that led the City to decide against fully funding the $12,000 grant request.
“We are working to address those as we prepare for this year’s shelter season,” he said.
Alexander said the facility appreciated the City’s grant of $45,000 last year, but felt a request for that amount wouldn’t be sustained in the future.
“Rather than seek a similar amount in this year’s budget, the Board decided to pursue a strategy of approaching five separate governmental and charitable entities and seeking roughly 20 percent of our operational costs from each,” he said. “The $4,600 awarded by Council this year will be a great help as we pursue our core mission of preserving life and health during the cold winter months.”
The $40,400 in funding reduction was distributed to 14 agencies, including several that received 200 percent more than last year. Councilor Anderson expressed “surprise” that these agencies “got more than they asked for.”
Anderson also expressed dismay that local aid organization Shiloh the Gathering Place Ministries received $45,000 this year even though it “didn’t even spend” $14,000 of the $45,000 it received last year and “still has $43,000 in reserves.”
Outside Agency Requests for Funding
Click to enlarge
To review these agency’s requests, the City Council created a subcommittee on July 9, and appointed Councilors Casper, Hinton and Hoagland to the committee. The committee met on July 31 in what was identified as a “public” meeting, but no minutes or recording of the meeting have been provided to the public.
On June 20, the Lincoln County Commissioners gave $12,400 to the Warming Shelter for 2018, and asked Lincoln City to match the County’s grant, according to Warming Shelter Program Director Amanda Cherryholmes. She said she does not know why the City did not honor the County’s request.
Taft Warming Shelter
Local aid organization Family Promise received the full $10,000 it requested this year. Anderson, and his wife, Susan, have been actively involved with Family Promise, but Anderson did not declare a conflict of interest before voting to fund the organization. Mayor Williams declared a conflict of interest and recused himself from the deliberations, as he rents his building in Taft to the Warming Shelter.
Since opening in November 2017, the Shelter’s resource center has provided more than 6,806 meals, 1,071 showers, 357 loads of laundry, 40 bus tickets and 15 birth certificates to its daytime clients. The Shelter provided 396 overnight stays last year, providing 1,179 meals to its guests.
In addition, it provides warm clothes, shoes, toiletry and feminine hygiene products free of charge. The Shelter also offers job placement services, mental health and housing assistance, and works closely with Safeway, rehabilitation centers, and county and state assistance agencies. It also partners with hair stylists and dentists to provide free care on selected dates throughout the year.
Cherryholmes said she has asked City Recorder Cathy Steere several times to allow her to give a short presentation to the City Council but hasn’t received approval.
Based on a recommendation from Anderson, $3,000 was reallocated from Oceana Family Literacy and $2,000 from Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) to the Taft High 7-12 Booster Club.
The Lincoln City Resource Center & Emergency Warming Shelter is located at 1206 SE 48th Place, past Shuckers, in Taft. The shelter’s resource center is open for assistance or donations from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
To volunteer or donate, contact Sharon Padilla at 541-992-5748, or Cherryholmes at 206-713-8234/[email protected]/P.O Box 198, Lincoln City, OR 97367, or visit LincolnCityWarmingShelter.com for more information.
Homepage is awaiting response to its request for comment from Councilors regarding this story
Mere days ago, a reporter was about to type a final period on a feature story detailing the many worthy accomplishments and outstanding qualities the personable 34-year-old sports enthusiast has brought to Lincoln City in less than three years of residence.
Perhaps Marker’s crowning achievement to date has been “National Night Out,” a community-building campaign staged in early August at Kirtsis Park to promote police partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.
