12-31-2009
Reflections: Inside my shoes the past year
By TAMMY MALGESINI
East Oregonian
I get no respect.
OK, that's a little strong, but I just finished up my first full year as the community editor of the East Oregonian and some of my co-workers don't always view the community page as real news.
These are the same people who readily read (if not write in) the cop log, which certainly isn't Pulitzer Prize writing.
This past fall during a newsroom meeting, Samantha Bates asked if I was writing a precede story on the new exhibit at Crow's Shadow Institute of the Arts.
"Are you talking about the one with Adnan Charara?" I asked.
She didn't remember the name but knew the artist did some brightly colored monoprints.
"That was in Friday's paper - thanks for reading," I said with a laugh.
Photographer E.J. Harris then said, "Oh yeah, I saw that."
Surprised, I said at least a photographer read my story.
"I didn't read it, I just saw the photos in Daily Photos," he responded.
On another recent occasion, Erin Mills, who sits across the room from me in the Hermiston Bureau, opened the paper and exclaimed, "Oh my god, there's no page 3A."
For those of you not familiar with the layout of the EO, page 3A is typically reserved for local news. However, on this particular day the community page graced that space.
"Yeah, it skips from page two and goes directly to page four," I responded in a monotone voice.
"You know what I mean," Erin stammered.
Despite sometimes being dissed by co-workers, there are people out there who respect the community page.
Shortly after I became the community editor, I was talking to EO Publishing Co. Board Chairman Mike Forrester at the company Christmas party.
"The community page is very important - years ago it was called the society page," he said.
And there's a host of people who make my job easier. Near the top of the list is Roberta Lavadour, director of Pendleton Center for the Arts.
She's great about sending press releases. And what earns her a gold star is the accompanying photos are high resolution. So on the rare occasion when I'm twiddling my thumbs pondering how I'm going to fill some space, I'll shoot off an e-mail to see if she has anything she wants to get in.
Another invaluable contributor is Robert Luke of Lukes Photos. There's good reason he received the Community Service Award from the Hermiston Chamber of Commerce in January.
Additionally, people like Erin Heideman of Ione and Carol Michael of Boardman are among the regular contributors to Your EO News. Thanks to their submissions, I rarely have to send out YEON alerts to the rest of the news team.
News Assistant Renee Struthers-Hogge is awesome in putting together the various calendars and forwarding e-mails I may not have. She also keeps me entertained by throwing in an occasional image of me with a moose - thanks to the magic of Photoshop.
And last, but certainly not least, there's Terry Murry, the former community editor who took me under her wing.
Early in my days at the EO, she would call me as deadline loomed with what I called, "Tips from Terry."
And very quietly she would say things like:
"When you're including a quote, put it in a new paragraph."
"Only in very rare circumstances is it appropriate to start a sentence with a number."
"You need to remember to put your story in the right style."
And my personal favorite, "Remember to set off nonessential phrases with commas."
Growing up with ADHD and the bulk of my professional career consisting of clinical writing - all commas were nonessential.
Even though Terry's a Red Sox fan and still owes me a case of Pepsi, some pizza and a feral cat, I truly appreciate her mentorship, which prepared me to step inside her shoes.
__
Tammy Malgesini is the EO community editor. Her column, Inside my shoes, appears twice a month. You can reach her at tmalgesini@eastoregonian.com or 541-564-4539.
Showing posts with label E.J. Harris. Show all posts
Showing posts with label E.J. Harris. Show all posts
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Mr. Bracher's Wild Ride, and other musings of a green reporter
4/30/2008
Inside My Shoes: Mr. Bracher's Wild Ride, and other musings of a green reporter
By TAMMY MALGESINI
The East Oregonian
For just over two years, I've driven all over and beyond "Les Schwab Country," covering Morrow and Gilliam counties and even venturing into Sherman and Wheeler counties while working for the East Oregonian.
After learning my beat was going to substantially shrink as I join the new Hermiston Herald team, following the announcement that the East Oregonian Publishing Co. was purchasing The Herald from Western Communications, Inc., I began to reflect on my time with the EO.
Since Chief Photographer E.J. Harris said it was his goal to be mentioned in each of my columns, I must say the most memorable story I've covered was a fire on Cliff Bracher's property, near Juniper Canyon last September.
When Cliff came down in one of his farm rigs to get extra supplies, E.J. asked if we could gain access to do a story.
"Not in that," Cliff responded after looking at E.J.'s car.
Cliff offered to take us in his rig.
I coined the adventure, "Mr. Bracher's Wild Ride." It was insane! Cliff drove over scrub brush taller than me.
Periodically, Cliff stopped to give instructions, food and water to his crew fighting the fire.
We'd scramble out of the truck - E.J. snapping photos and me talking to whoever was there.
And quicker than a hot ember in scrub brush, Cliff would climb back into his truck - a cue it was time to move on.
As soon as the passenger door closed, Cliff hit the gas, while E.J. and I frantically tried to fasten our seat belts. It was one wild ride!
Being a Saturday reporter, I've enjoy traveling all over our circulation area, covering events.
Senior Reporter Kathy Aney once said she'd have a hard time doing some of the "fluff" stories I've been assigned.
That's OK; I often received positive feedback from those so-called fluff stories.
Publisher George Murdock said it most eloquently or at least the easiest to understand, "You have a wonderful ability to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear."
Not bad for someone who, until the Pendleton Cattle Baron's weekend, didn't know the difference between a gelding and stallion and once asked someone what "dress age" was during a 4-H equestrian competition.
And last, but not least one of my favorite parts of the job has been getting out into the communities in my beat.
When my husband and I first moved here, we only planned on staying for two years. I figured I could endure Wranglers and rodeos that long, while John gained teaching experience.
Mike Royer, who I graduated with at George Fox College, was teaching and coaching at Heppner.
I told John, "Well at least we didn't end up in Heppner."
My attitude changed, as I've grown to love Morrow County and its residents and public officials.
As mundane and boring as some public meetings can be, the folks of Morrow County have an innate ability to get business done, while still providing material for my stand-up comedy routines.
I've had the privilege to work with one of the finest news teams a rookie reporter could ask for. They provided me guidance - sometimes with a "we've told you before" sound in their voice, but always in an effort to assist in honing my skills.
And while I'll always cherish the memories during my tenure with the EO, I'm looking forward to working for the hometown paper in the place I've lived nearly half my life.
*****
When I asked Deputy Managing Editor what the difference between a gelding and stallion, he so eloquently said one still has his "junk" and the other doesn't. Dave had done a column about not being married and asked others why they thought that was. Well, I reminded him of this and told him my husband (who's obviously married) refers to his anatomy as "the family jewels." And Dave (who's not married) referred to it as junk. Hmmmm
Inside My Shoes: Mr. Bracher's Wild Ride, and other musings of a green reporter
By TAMMY MALGESINI
The East Oregonian
For just over two years, I've driven all over and beyond "Les Schwab Country," covering Morrow and Gilliam counties and even venturing into Sherman and Wheeler counties while working for the East Oregonian.
After learning my beat was going to substantially shrink as I join the new Hermiston Herald team, following the announcement that the East Oregonian Publishing Co. was purchasing The Herald from Western Communications, Inc., I began to reflect on my time with the EO.
Since Chief Photographer E.J. Harris said it was his goal to be mentioned in each of my columns, I must say the most memorable story I've covered was a fire on Cliff Bracher's property, near Juniper Canyon last September.
When Cliff came down in one of his farm rigs to get extra supplies, E.J. asked if we could gain access to do a story.
"Not in that," Cliff responded after looking at E.J.'s car.
Cliff offered to take us in his rig.
I coined the adventure, "Mr. Bracher's Wild Ride." It was insane! Cliff drove over scrub brush taller than me.
Periodically, Cliff stopped to give instructions, food and water to his crew fighting the fire.
We'd scramble out of the truck - E.J. snapping photos and me talking to whoever was there.
And quicker than a hot ember in scrub brush, Cliff would climb back into his truck - a cue it was time to move on.
As soon as the passenger door closed, Cliff hit the gas, while E.J. and I frantically tried to fasten our seat belts. It was one wild ride!
Being a Saturday reporter, I've enjoy traveling all over our circulation area, covering events.
Senior Reporter Kathy Aney once said she'd have a hard time doing some of the "fluff" stories I've been assigned.
That's OK; I often received positive feedback from those so-called fluff stories.
Publisher George Murdock said it most eloquently or at least the easiest to understand, "You have a wonderful ability to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear."
Not bad for someone who, until the Pendleton Cattle Baron's weekend, didn't know the difference between a gelding and stallion and once asked someone what "dress age" was during a 4-H equestrian competition.
And last, but not least one of my favorite parts of the job has been getting out into the communities in my beat.
When my husband and I first moved here, we only planned on staying for two years. I figured I could endure Wranglers and rodeos that long, while John gained teaching experience.
Mike Royer, who I graduated with at George Fox College, was teaching and coaching at Heppner.
I told John, "Well at least we didn't end up in Heppner."
My attitude changed, as I've grown to love Morrow County and its residents and public officials.
As mundane and boring as some public meetings can be, the folks of Morrow County have an innate ability to get business done, while still providing material for my stand-up comedy routines.
I've had the privilege to work with one of the finest news teams a rookie reporter could ask for. They provided me guidance - sometimes with a "we've told you before" sound in their voice, but always in an effort to assist in honing my skills.
And while I'll always cherish the memories during my tenure with the EO, I'm looking forward to working for the hometown paper in the place I've lived nearly half my life.
*****
When I asked Deputy Managing Editor what the difference between a gelding and stallion, he so eloquently said one still has his "junk" and the other doesn't. Dave had done a column about not being married and asked others why they thought that was. Well, I reminded him of this and told him my husband (who's obviously married) refers to his anatomy as "the family jewels." And Dave (who's not married) referred to it as junk. Hmmmm
Delta Dawn I ain't
2/17/2008
Inside my shoes: Delta Dawn I ain't
By TAMMY MALGESINI
The East Oregonian
Despite the fact I can't carry a tune and typically only sing in the privacy of my car or the shower, the East Oregonian's Chief Photographer E.J. Harris talked me into performing karaoke at The Hut Restaurant & Lounge in Pendleton.
He told me to truly delve into my story, I really needed to experience it.
Before I knew it, I was signed up to sing Helen Reddy's hit, "Delta Dawn."
Even though I wasn't too keen on the idea, I kept wondering when my turn would come up. It seemed like an eternity passed before Barb Bonson called my name.
"They're back, are you ready?" she asked.
I turned to see not only E.J., but also Dave Sager, EO deputy managing editor. Little did I know, as I continued to conduct interviews, E.J. slipped out and picked up Dave and asked Barb to hold off calling my name until they arrived for my debut.
As I walked up to the control panel, I began to have second (and third) thoughts, but figured at the very least this made E.J. and I even for a previous prank I pulled on him.
I knew I was in trouble when DeeAnna Dickinson told me they had three rules. As she began to rattle off the expectations, I suddenly panicked. With attention deficit hyperactive disorder, I have a difficult time with multiple directions.
"Number one, don't touch the buttons: Barb has all the power - she will turn you on. Two, don't put your hand above the rubber," DeeAnna said as she motioned to a rim at the base of the mic. "And three ... blah, blah blah."
My capacity for new information was maxed and I had no idea what rule number three was. Thinking it might be relevant, I asked her to repeat it.
"It's a directional mic, so sing from the top and not the side," she said.
In retrospect, it may have served me well to have ignored that one - then people couldn't have heard me.
Afterwards, as I walked back to the table, people politely clapped.
I asked E.J. what he thought.
"You were right," he said regarding my singing inability.
I then asked Dave, who politely said, "You got a very big applause."
However, this was none too comforting since I had already been told people clap either because you're good or they're glad it's over.
I looked Dave squarely in the eyes and said, "Remember when I was brutally honest with you about why you're not married yet when you were doing that column? I want you to be honest with me."
"Voice lessons wouldn't hurt," he said.
Based on this experience, I have no idea what possessed me to try another song.
However, the other patrons encouraged me and Barb said now that she knew what key to use, it would be better. Yeah, that was comforting - I knew it couldn't be worse.
After an hour I found myself singing "Dark Lady," by Cher.
E.J. said it was better than my first song and Dave gave me a thumbs up.
"That was your song," Dave said.
Dave suggested I ask EO sports writer Justin Chartrey, who also had dropped by, his thoughts.
"I don't want to be interviewed," Justin said.
Then I asked Lance Zodrow, one of the regulars, what he thought."So, should I keep my day job?"
"You should keep your day job, but keep doing this - you're entertaining," he said.
Ah, yes, I'm part of the family now.
*****
The copy desk edited part of this column due to space in the print edition. When I first asked Justin what he thought I had a hard time hearing him. When I said, "What?" E.J. said, "He said, 'I don't want to be rude.'" Justin quickly disputed E.J.'s interpretation.
*****
This comment was posted on the EO Web site:
Posted: Monday, February 18, 2008 Article comment by: DeeAnna Dickinson
You did a great job Tammy. and it only gets better. we really enjoyed having you there, hope to see you again!
*****
Against my better judgment, I did do it again. In honor of Sager's going away party, I (attempted) to sing, "Bang, Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down" by Cher.
Then the next day when the song came on the CD player in my car I called Dave's desk line and sang on his voice mail. Because nothing is sacred in the newsroom, it was promptly played on speaker phone for all to hear.
Inside my shoes: Delta Dawn I ain't
By TAMMY MALGESINI
The East Oregonian
Despite the fact I can't carry a tune and typically only sing in the privacy of my car or the shower, the East Oregonian's Chief Photographer E.J. Harris talked me into performing karaoke at The Hut Restaurant & Lounge in Pendleton.
He told me to truly delve into my story, I really needed to experience it.
Before I knew it, I was signed up to sing Helen Reddy's hit, "Delta Dawn."
Even though I wasn't too keen on the idea, I kept wondering when my turn would come up. It seemed like an eternity passed before Barb Bonson called my name.
"They're back, are you ready?" she asked.
I turned to see not only E.J., but also Dave Sager, EO deputy managing editor. Little did I know, as I continued to conduct interviews, E.J. slipped out and picked up Dave and asked Barb to hold off calling my name until they arrived for my debut.
As I walked up to the control panel, I began to have second (and third) thoughts, but figured at the very least this made E.J. and I even for a previous prank I pulled on him.
I knew I was in trouble when DeeAnna Dickinson told me they had three rules. As she began to rattle off the expectations, I suddenly panicked. With attention deficit hyperactive disorder, I have a difficult time with multiple directions.
"Number one, don't touch the buttons: Barb has all the power - she will turn you on. Two, don't put your hand above the rubber," DeeAnna said as she motioned to a rim at the base of the mic. "And three ... blah, blah blah."
My capacity for new information was maxed and I had no idea what rule number three was. Thinking it might be relevant, I asked her to repeat it.
"It's a directional mic, so sing from the top and not the side," she said.
In retrospect, it may have served me well to have ignored that one - then people couldn't have heard me.
Afterwards, as I walked back to the table, people politely clapped.
I asked E.J. what he thought.
"You were right," he said regarding my singing inability.
I then asked Dave, who politely said, "You got a very big applause."
However, this was none too comforting since I had already been told people clap either because you're good or they're glad it's over.
I looked Dave squarely in the eyes and said, "Remember when I was brutally honest with you about why you're not married yet when you were doing that column? I want you to be honest with me."
"Voice lessons wouldn't hurt," he said.
Based on this experience, I have no idea what possessed me to try another song.
However, the other patrons encouraged me and Barb said now that she knew what key to use, it would be better. Yeah, that was comforting - I knew it couldn't be worse.
After an hour I found myself singing "Dark Lady," by Cher.
E.J. said it was better than my first song and Dave gave me a thumbs up.
"That was your song," Dave said.
Dave suggested I ask EO sports writer Justin Chartrey, who also had dropped by, his thoughts.
"I don't want to be interviewed," Justin said.
Then I asked Lance Zodrow, one of the regulars, what he thought."So, should I keep my day job?"
"You should keep your day job, but keep doing this - you're entertaining," he said.
Ah, yes, I'm part of the family now.
*****
The copy desk edited part of this column due to space in the print edition. When I first asked Justin what he thought I had a hard time hearing him. When I said, "What?" E.J. said, "He said, 'I don't want to be rude.'" Justin quickly disputed E.J.'s interpretation.
*****
This comment was posted on the EO Web site:
Posted: Monday, February 18, 2008 Article comment by: DeeAnna Dickinson
You did a great job Tammy. and it only gets better. we really enjoyed having you there, hope to see you again!
*****
Against my better judgment, I did do it again. In honor of Sager's going away party, I (attempted) to sing, "Bang, Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down" by Cher.
Then the next day when the song came on the CD player in my car I called Dave's desk line and sang on his voice mail. Because nothing is sacred in the newsroom, it was promptly played on speaker phone for all to hear.
False alarm or co-worker prank?
1/27/2008
Inside My Shoes: False alarm or co-worker prank?
By TAMMY MALGESINI
The East Oregonian
Was there really a fire? That question started to pop into my head as I kept hitting dead ends in trying to gain information.
It all started around 7:45 p.m. Jan. 15 when I received a call from Assistant Editor Dean Brickey.
Dean, who obviously was calling it an early night, already was in his pajamas when he received a call from West Sports Editor Daniel Wattenburger.
Daniel had sketchy details, but I was told there was a city hall on fire. Dean asked me to drive to Hermiston City Hall to see if anything was happening there.
As I walked out of the newsroom, I drew in a deep breath, but other than the smell of wood-burning stoves, it didn't smell like fire.
As I sat in the parking lot at City Hall, I called Dean and told him everything was quiet in Hermiston, but I would call Hermiston Fire and Emergency Services because if there was a structure fire surely others would be called for mutual aid.
No one answered at the fire department, so I called the Hermiston Police Department to see if they had received any calls - they hadn't. After assuring them everything was fine at Hermiston City Hall, I started to drive away.
But I couldn't let it go. If there was a city hall on fire, I had to be there.
I then received a call from one of our photojournalists, Nicole Barker. She told me Daniel heard the fire was at a city hall and the roof was collapsing. She then added he heard Irrigon Rural Fire Department was responding, but said they were 25 minutes out.
I may not be that great at geography, but in my mind that narrowed the choices to Hermiston and Boardman. And since I already knew everything in H-town was fine, I thought, "It has to be Boardman."
For a fleeting moment, I thought, "This isn't really happening. It's (Chief Photographer) E.J. (Harris) getting back at me for a prank I pulled on him."
After getting him good with an earlier prank, much to the delight of Deputy Managing Editor Dave Sager, E.J. said he'd get me back. And he told me I wouldn't even know he was doing it.
He said he'd call me sometime in the evening and tell me there was a fire somewhere and to meet him there. I thought, "I wonder if he pulled Daniel into his little prank."
But that thought passed because if there was a fire I needed to be there.I attempted to call Boardman Mayor Ed Glenn to find out if he knew anything about his City Hall. After getting several busy signals, I scrapped that idea - anyone who's familiar with Ed knows he can shoot the breeze for a while.
I then called Utility Clerk Jackie McCauley (my cell phone is a virtual Dex telephone book). I told her my dilemma and she offered to drive to City Hall to see what was happening, so I didn't have to drive all the way there if it was nothing.
I drove back to the newsroom, but I wasn't satisfied to merely sit and wait for Jackie's call. I decided to call Barb Huwe, former owner of Huwe's Has It All, in Irrigon. I've learned that if something's happening in North Morrow County, she usually has information - or at least knows someone who does.
She told me her husband, Wayne, who is a volunteer firefighter, was at a city council meeting, but she had expected him back already. This fueled my suspicions that there must indeed be a fire and I should start heading to Boardman.
About that time, Jackie called me back and said it was a fire training exercise for mutual aid between the Boardman and Irrigon fire departments and Boardman City Hall was the site of the exercise.
I'm grateful Boardman City Hall wasn't on fire. I also appreciate those who helped me discern it wasn't, but I'm still wondering when E.J. will make good on his threat.
-----
Tammy Malgesini is a reporter for the East Oregonian. She can be reached at 564-4539 or tmalgesini@eastoregonian.com.
Inside My Shoes: False alarm or co-worker prank?
By TAMMY MALGESINI
The East Oregonian
Was there really a fire? That question started to pop into my head as I kept hitting dead ends in trying to gain information.
It all started around 7:45 p.m. Jan. 15 when I received a call from Assistant Editor Dean Brickey.
Dean, who obviously was calling it an early night, already was in his pajamas when he received a call from West Sports Editor Daniel Wattenburger.
Daniel had sketchy details, but I was told there was a city hall on fire. Dean asked me to drive to Hermiston City Hall to see if anything was happening there.
As I walked out of the newsroom, I drew in a deep breath, but other than the smell of wood-burning stoves, it didn't smell like fire.
As I sat in the parking lot at City Hall, I called Dean and told him everything was quiet in Hermiston, but I would call Hermiston Fire and Emergency Services because if there was a structure fire surely others would be called for mutual aid.
No one answered at the fire department, so I called the Hermiston Police Department to see if they had received any calls - they hadn't. After assuring them everything was fine at Hermiston City Hall, I started to drive away.
But I couldn't let it go. If there was a city hall on fire, I had to be there.
I then received a call from one of our photojournalists, Nicole Barker. She told me Daniel heard the fire was at a city hall and the roof was collapsing. She then added he heard Irrigon Rural Fire Department was responding, but said they were 25 minutes out.
I may not be that great at geography, but in my mind that narrowed the choices to Hermiston and Boardman. And since I already knew everything in H-town was fine, I thought, "It has to be Boardman."
For a fleeting moment, I thought, "This isn't really happening. It's (Chief Photographer) E.J. (Harris) getting back at me for a prank I pulled on him."
After getting him good with an earlier prank, much to the delight of Deputy Managing Editor Dave Sager, E.J. said he'd get me back. And he told me I wouldn't even know he was doing it.
He said he'd call me sometime in the evening and tell me there was a fire somewhere and to meet him there. I thought, "I wonder if he pulled Daniel into his little prank."
But that thought passed because if there was a fire I needed to be there.I attempted to call Boardman Mayor Ed Glenn to find out if he knew anything about his City Hall. After getting several busy signals, I scrapped that idea - anyone who's familiar with Ed knows he can shoot the breeze for a while.
I then called Utility Clerk Jackie McCauley (my cell phone is a virtual Dex telephone book). I told her my dilemma and she offered to drive to City Hall to see what was happening, so I didn't have to drive all the way there if it was nothing.
I drove back to the newsroom, but I wasn't satisfied to merely sit and wait for Jackie's call. I decided to call Barb Huwe, former owner of Huwe's Has It All, in Irrigon. I've learned that if something's happening in North Morrow County, she usually has information - or at least knows someone who does.
She told me her husband, Wayne, who is a volunteer firefighter, was at a city council meeting, but she had expected him back already. This fueled my suspicions that there must indeed be a fire and I should start heading to Boardman.
About that time, Jackie called me back and said it was a fire training exercise for mutual aid between the Boardman and Irrigon fire departments and Boardman City Hall was the site of the exercise.
I'm grateful Boardman City Hall wasn't on fire. I also appreciate those who helped me discern it wasn't, but I'm still wondering when E.J. will make good on his threat.
-----
Tammy Malgesini is a reporter for the East Oregonian. She can be reached at 564-4539 or tmalgesini@eastoregonian.com.
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