‘Random’ process results in jury duty, again

By Tammy Malgesini

Staff Writer

Published on January 23, 2018 5:54PM

Four out of six staff writers in the news department will have the jury message line on speed dial during the month of February.

What are the odds? With the random process for jury duty, it seems the stars aligned in some bizarre fashion for this to occur.

I found out a few days after the new year that I was being summoned as a juror in the Umatilla County Circuit Court. My husband, John, came bounding up the stairs with an envelope in hand.

I didn’t even have to look at it. I knew.

I’m not the only one who doesn’t warmly embrace performing this civic duty. The Honorable Thomas Balmer, chief justice of the Oregon Supreme Court, acknowledges this fact.

“I know that jury service can be inconvenient but it’s an important and essential part of our democracy,” he said in a “Juror Experience Video.”

I must say, actually finding that video was grounds for serving the Umatilla & Morrow County Circuit Courts with “contempt of internet.” After clinking the link, I was greeted with the dreaded “404 Page Not Found” message.

With persistence, I finally found the video and watched the nearly 19-minute presentation. I’m not sure how long ago it was created, but they may want to consider updating it. Among those talking about the importance of jurors was Bernice Barnett, former Lincoln County district attorney, who hasn’t been in that role for more than a decade.

My husband and I have been summoned multiple times over the years. For a process that’s random, that seems odd — especially when numerous people tell me they’ve never served.

It’s not so much that I mind serving — if I actually got to sit in one of the 12 special seats. I’ve only been ushered into the courtroom on two occasions for the actual jury selection process.

However, I’ve had to drag myself out of bed on countless occasions and chug a sufficient amount of Pepsi in order to keep my eyes open — only to show up and be told the jury trial wasn’t happening. When I whined about that on Facebook, one of my old high school buddies responded.

“Thank you for your service! The jury system would not work without you,” wrote Martin Alvey.

As a trial lawyer, Martin knows first-hand how important the process is. And honestly, if I found myself in a courtroom, I would want people sitting in the jury box who took their responsibility seriously.

In August 2013, Judge Dan Hill expressed his gratitude for the jurors being there and being wiling to serve before excusing us. I appreciated that he took the time to come in to address us rather than sending in a court clerk to convey the message.

I truly do understand the importance of jury duty. In reality, it’s just a minor inconvenience. Considering all the rights and freedoms I have as a citizen of this country, the least I can do is be willing to perform this important civic duty.

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Tammy Malgesini is the community editor. Her column, Inside my Shoes, includes general musings about life. Contact her at tmalgesini@eastoregonian.com or 541-564-4539.

Resolving to be more like my dog

Community editor Tammy Malgesini bases her New Year’s resolutions on what she admires about her dogs.

By Tammy Malgesini

Staff Writer

Published on January 2, 2018 4:52PM

What’s the point of making a New Year’s resolution?

Most studies indicate the majority of people that actually make resolutions don’t achieve them. For those who do decide to make New Year’s resolutions, it’s suggested to only tackle one. And according to a recent poll from Marist College in New York, the most popular is “being a better person.”

Studies show that dog owners can take a lesson from their canine kids in regards to becoming better people. So, in 2018 I will take cues from the General, my somewhat quirky 5-year-old German shepherd, and Lucifer, my husband’s majestic 8-year-old German shepherd. In the coming year, I will follow their lead by incorporating the following into my life:

•RELAX: According to the American Kennel Club, dogs typically sleep about 50 percent of the time. While I’m not going to sleep half the year away, I will further embrace the value of naps. Also, relaxing will include slowing down and taking time for myself — whether that’s reading, taking a walk or engaging in other hobbies.

•EXCITEMENT: Even though Lucifer and the General’s lives are pretty routine, they enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of daily walks. In addition, the General’s exuberant yelp when he realizes he gets to hang out with me at work is absolutely priceless.

While I can’t promise that I’ll howl with excitement, I’ll look for ways to spice up routine activities. Although I won’t feel compelled to mark everything along the way, I will attempt to stop and smell the flowers, which is going to be extremely exciting this spring. As one of my Christmas gifts, John revealed that he purchased and planted more than two dozen tulip bulbs.

•SIMPLE THINGS: Whether it’s riding shotgun to the store or getting leftovers from a dinner out, our dogs are thrilled by little things. While I thoroughly look forward to taking trips and going out for special occasions, I will take steps to initiate small things that touch the lives of others — meeting my friends for coffee, making a favorite meal for my husband and regularly sending cards or letters to my parents.

•BOUNDARIES: John and I have found that our dogs respond better with structure. It reduces acting out and behavioral issues. For me, it’s important to maintain boundaries regarding relationships and workloads.

When I’m feeling stress or have too much on my plate, I don’t dig holes in the yard or tear up a newspaper. However, rather than trying to be superwoman while my blood pressure skyrockets, it will be much healthier for me to talk about what’s happening and sometimes saying no.

•UNCONDITIONAL LOVE: Regardless if I’m happy or sad, my dogs are there for me. They don’t care if I’m having a bad hair day, if I haven’t showered or if I’ve put on five pounds. They love me. Period.

While I won’t be wagging my tail or licking other’s faces, I can certainly take a big lesson from Lucifer and the General in expressing love, care and concern to those in my pack, including my husband, parents and my chosen sisters.

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Tammy Malgesini is the community editor. Her column, Inside my Shoes, includes general musings about life. Contact her at tmalgesini@eastoregonian.com or 541-564-4539.