Still writing, changing hats

12/3/2008

Inside My Shoes

Still writing, changing hats

By TAMMY MALGESINI

The Hermiston Herald

Being part of a smaller news team at The Hermiston Herald has provided me opportunities to expand my horizons, including regularly writing columns, taking more photos, taking video footage, doing radio and even pinch-hitting in sports.

Sarah Britain, our former photojournalist, was great to work with. She was encouraging and I gained a lot of skills and insight - assisting me in honing my photography skills. Although, I took no offense when she said, "Even a monkey can take mug shots," I reminded her of it every chance I got.

However, one of the best parts of the job has been working with fellow reporter Karen Hutchinson-Talaski.

When the East Oregonian Publishing Company announced the purchase of the Herald from Western Communications, I was told I was being designated as arts and entertainment editor/reporter. My beat also included community, religion and Hermiston and Echo school districts; however, the first thing I worked on was convincing Karen to apply for a job.

Karen had worked for the Herald under the old company for five years and I ran into her often covering the same stories while I was with the East Oregonian. During these encounters we often stood or sat side-by-side.

Such was the case when covering a particular court hearing last October. I didn't want Karen to hear me as I quietly whispered to the mother of one of the defendants to see if she was willing to talk to me after the hearing.

Sure, I respected Karen as a reporter, but face it; she was writing for "the other paper."

I called her several hours after the sale had been announced. I knew it had to be tough news to receive. I called her as a friend and then encouraged her to apply for a position, saying, "You are The Hermiston Herald."

I told her she'd be working with me - evidently that didn't send her running the other way.

As you read this, I'm still sitting at my same desk, with the same phone number, however, I'm back writing for the EO - where I got my start in journalism. I think I knew someday I'd return to the EO, because I kept my shirts and hats.

The funny thing is Terry Murry, the EO's former community editor, had encouraged me to apply for her job when she turned in her notice. I told her I wasn't interested. If the truth be known, I honestly didn't think I could fill her shoes.

Three days later I had a meeting with EO Editor George Murdock and Herald Editor Dean Brickey. It was at that time they told me I was going to the Herald.

For the last seven months, being responsible for What's Up? (and the now defunct A&E) is what I needed to gain the experience and confidence I needed. I appreciate Dean for affording me that opportunity.

And while I look forward to the challenge before me, I'll always cherish the memories of working for the hometown paper of the place I've lived for nearly half my life.
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Tammy Malgesini worked for the Hermiston Herald for the past seven months. She can be reached at (541) 564-4539 or tmalgesini@eastoregonian.com.

Seed-spitting proves side-splitting fun

Tammy Malgesini competes in the Watermelon Seed Spiting Contest at the Umatilla County Fair. Sarah Britain/The Hermiston Herald

8/20/2008

Seed-spitting proves side-splitting fun
By TAMMY MALGESINI
Inside My Shoes

I am the spit queen. OK, so maybe spitting isn't that lady-like, but growing up, I preferred my brother's Hot Wheels over dolls and my first major purchase as a child was a baseball glove.

After attending fairs in Umatilla, Morrow, Sherman and Gilliam counties last year, I've seen my share of watermelon seed spitting contests. After hearing about this year's contest sponsored by the Hermiston Watermelon Growers at the Umatilla County Fair, I embarked on a rigorous training routine.

Just before the fair, when Mayor Bob Severson brought a watermelon into the newsroom, I dug a dozen seeds out and practiced different techniques in the hallway.

Later after telling advertising consultant Shannon Paxton that I planned to enter the contest, we went outside and I practiced more. Spitting alongside Shannon pushed me to look for ways to perfect my technique.

Then Friday night of fair week, I decided I needed to get one more workout under my belt. Since I didn't have a watermelon, I initially practiced with sunflower seeds. However, I soon realized I needed watermelon seeds to get a real feel.

After driving to Safeway, I could only find seedless melons, so I headed down the highway, only to find Bellinger Farms closed.

I de­cided to drive out Loop Road toward Hermiston Melon Co. After knocking on a couple of doors, I decided I would go ahead a get a melon and pay the Walchlis later.

Arriving at the Coke Stage Saturday morning, I quickly filled out my slip and then sat back and sized up the other women. I figured Susie Stuvland and Linda Morgan would be my stiffest competition.

I then picked six seeds. Even though the contest included just three attempts, I wanted a couple of extra in case I dropped one. I periodically popped them in my mouth to keep them moist.

As luck would have it, I was the last woman to step to the line. Linda (16 feet) and Susie (18 feet) were within my range, so I knew I would have to dig deep to out spit them to win a hat or T-shirt and bragging rights.

After using my asthma inhaler, I turned my baseball hat backwards and stepped up to the line. I began rocking back and forth several times. I took a deep breath, rocked forward and upward and launched my first seed 20 feet - enough to clinch the victory.

When co-worker Karen Hutchinson-Talaski asked where I was going, instead of responding, Disneyland, I said, "I'm going to the Morrow County Fair."

But my first stop is the Walchli's place.
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Tammy Malgesini is a reporter for The Hermiston Herald. Readers may e-mail her at tmalgesini@hermistonherald.com.

Letting my fingers do the walking

7/3/2008

Letting my fingers do the walking

By TAMMY MALGESINI
The Hermiston Herald
Inside My Shoes

Next to a pen and paper, the telephone is one of the most essential tools of a journalist.

But, I must admit I dial wrong numbers regularly. So often, in fact, it's almost a sport. And it doesn't matter if it's local or long-distance. Really, what's four more numbers - other than additional charges on the bill?

Before you start thinking, "Oh, she must be dyslexic," I must tell you I PURPOSELY dial every wrong number I call. I can't help it if the person at the other end of the fiber optics (or whatever it is these days that connects me with another human being after punching in a sequence of numbers) isn't the person I wanted to talk to.

I'm not easily deterred either. If you think you're safe because you have an unlisted number, think again. I've surprised many people - leaving them wondering how I got their phone number.

Several of my friends have said I'm like a dog after a bone when it comes to following up on news leads.

And, like I said earlier, I'm not philosophically opposed to calling wrong numbers. If the person I'm looking for has a common name, I merely begin systematically calling numbers listed under that name - either until I can reach the person or I've exhausted all known resources.

During some of the recent remodeling of our office space, Photojournalist Sarah Britain's phone didn't ring when people called her direct-dial number. After she tried futilely to call her cell phone from her desk phone, only to get the generic office numbers, she gave up.

I saw this as a challenge. Unbeknownst to General Manager Jeanne Hoffman, I began dialing all numbers that weren't assigned to someone else in the office. Jeanne was warmed up and ready to play softball after going from one ringing phone to the next throughout the newsroom and office only to hear a dial tone or the sound of someone hanging up.

I've had various responses when I call people - everything from being immediately hung-up on to not being able to hang up.

Most of the time I identify myself to whomever answers, while other times I merely ask for the person I want to talk to.

Recently when I called Kurt Bendixsen, I thought his wife, Susie, recognized my voice, so I merely asked, "Is Kurt available?

"When she said no, I said, "This is Tammy Malgesini from The Hermiston Herald."

Susie then told me he was there; she just thought I was a telemarketer. So when Kurt picked up the line I asked him if he wanted to buy something.

Just when you thought it was safe to answer the phone ...
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Tammy Malgesini is a reporter at The Hermiston Herald. Readers may call her at (541) 564-4539, but don't be surprised if she asks a lot of questions.