A collection of colorful vegetables and fruits, decorated with students' handprints, decorates the playground at Philomath Primary School.
The artistic filling of the closed space was celebrated with a special holiday on September 13, timed to coincide with the school's open day.
Artist Jen Hernandez collaborated with arts and crafts space Maxtivity for a mural project that was part of the elementary school's spring residency program. The mural complements a new garden created on the property as part of Oregon State University's Food Heroes program.
The mural includes a list of contributors and reads: “Our garden mural celebrates delicious, healthy food. The 2022-2023 Philomath Primary School students drew lots.
Hernandez and retired school principal Brian Traylor cut the ribbon.
PES Director Eric Beasley thanked Maxtivity for supporting art and food heroes through OSU Extension Services providing hands-on training at the job park.
The grand opening includes free garden supplies, popcorn and music. The school's mascot, the Philadelphia Falcon, even made a special appearance at the celebration.
The ranch also features an outdoor classroom thanks to Philomath High School student Tanner Dowless's Eagle Scout project.
Hernandez, who lives in Corvallis, details the process of painting with PES on his website.
“The goal of this project is to inspire students to think about healthy eating, learn more about the mural painting process, and create unforgettable memories at school,” Hernandez wrote.
Maxtivity visited the school to speak with students and discuss what they would like to see in the mural.
“Students created colorful lists of foods, plants and insects, as well as the school mascot (the blue eagle) and some important school symbols, such as gold tennis shoes,” Hernandez wrote.
In addition to Maxtivity and the OSU Extension Food Hero program, other participants include the Philomath Elementary Parent Teacher Organization, Philomath Open Studios, Republic Services and the Philomath Community Foundation.
Clemens' second indoor playground
Plans to build an indoor playground at Clemens Elementary School have been under consideration for several years, and the project reached its limit in recent months. The initial concept for the RFP process went significantly over budget. So he made a second offer, and it was again too high.
The school board briefly discussed the project earlier this year, and one of its members, Joe Dilley, called it an additional facility that needs to be implemented.
“Our plan is to put out a request for proposals in October so construction can begin as soon as the school year ends,” Abby Couture, principal at Clemens Elementary School, told the school board last week. “We have additional resources for this. »
Freshman Melissa Mularski, along with Clemens senior adviser Mallory Crane, contacted the board at its Sept. 21 meeting to see if a temporary solution could be worked out.
Mularski said K-1 children need to run and play outside. During breaks, students do not even have access to libraries or indoor gyms where other activities are held. This is why students get stuck in class and have to solve puzzles.
Mularski said, “On the third day of the black day, we all went crazy.”
So could there be a short-term solution until a permanent structure becomes a reality?
“I suggest renting a tent, maybe for a special event or something, and putting it on the roof so the kids can get out and get some fresh air,” Mularski said.
Mularski said the Corvallis school district did the same during the pandemic and construction. Several ideas were floated at the meeting, and ultimately school board President Rick Wells gave Mularski the green light to conduct a feasibility and cost study and present the details to the school district to see if it could be implemented.
3. Frolic and Rodeo won awards
The Northwest Professional Rodeo Association recently announced its 2023 awards, and Philomath Frolic and Rodeo were among the winners.
The Frolic was named Best Independent Rodeo in the $1,000 and Up category at this year's three-day show, July 6-8. In addition, announcer Scott Allen, who worked for several years at the Philomath Rodeo, was named announcer of the year.
Since its founding in 1983, Philomath has earned a reputation as one of Oregon's best rodeos. That same year, Carl, Walt and Paul Skirvin proposed using the Skirvin Farms property on South 13th Street as a rodeo venue. The rodeo arena was built in a matter of weeks and has undergone several improvements over the years.
The Philomath Frolic and Rodeo has been consistently recognized by the NPRA as one of the top rodeos on the circuit for decades.
Other 2023 winners include Newport Rodeo (Best Fair Rodeo - $500 or less), DC Fair & Rodeo in St. Louis. St. Helens (best fair rodeo - $600 to $900) and High Desert Stampede in Redmond (best fair rodeo - $1,000+). added), Clallam County Fair & Rodeo in Port Angeles, WA (Best New Rodeo), Grays Harbor Horse Rodeo in Elma, WA (Best Independent Rodeo - Extra $500 or Less), Tillamook County Rodeo (Best Independent Rodeo 600 dollars). -additional $900), Oregon Trail Pro Rodeo at Heppner (Best Barrel Course), JJ Harrison (Contract of the Year) and Gold Buckle Rodeo Co.
(Brad Fuqua is editor/publisher of Philomath News. He can be reached at News@PhilomathNews.com.)
