Mother’s Day is upon us and I would be remiss if I did not mention the significance of the day for myself personally and for all of us in our region.

The influence of my own mother on my career and life is hard to measure, as I am sure it is for most of us. My mom made sure I kept my focus when I needed to and was there when I needed her for support.

As a parent and a husband, I understand much better than I ever did how big a role our mothers play in this journey we are on and I hope that this weekend everyone who can will take the time out to honor their mothers. Mother’s Day should be a day of celebration and a day to reflect back on all of those memories that, in the end, keep us very close.

So, this weekend makes sure you take the time to honor your mom. We need our mothers and we need to make sure their hard work – and, let’s face it, it is hard work to raise a family – is recognized and celebrated.

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If you missed one or more issues of The Observer this week, here are a couple of items you might have missed.

Davis Carbaugh did a nice update on the completion of the forest management project at the Mount Emily Recreation Area. Several trails were damaged as part of the work, primarily with ruts from machinery on the Bridleway and Lower Hotshot trails. Logs and limbs from the northern section of the work area were moved to the lower Bridleway area. The soil damage has drawn criticism from a number of residents.

Davis also did a profile on a new service group being organized by the Veterans of Foreign War High Valley Post 4060. The new group will be open to all first responders, including military, firefighters, law enforcement and emergency medical technicians. The group will be managed by its members, opening the doors for assistance and camaraderie among all those who serve or have served their countries and their communities, military and civilian.

Dick Mason also took a look at the free much program in the La Grande School District and how the end of a universal free lunch program, put in place in March 2020, will impact the local district.

Coming up in the next week, look for a story on the Union County Adult Treatment Court Alumni Association to host first annual Shine a Light Recovery Walk/Illumination fundraiser event to honor those who have lost lives due to drugs/alcohol.

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As always, I want to take this opportunity to thank our subscribers for their support. We can’t do this work without you.