Welcome to Hermiston, Oregon, a town beautifully infused with a spirit of community and agricultural abundance. This lively town offers a unique charm that transforms ordinary living into an extraordinary experience. Known as the "Watermelon Capital of the World," Hermiston celebrates with juicy enthusiasm, bringing people together at the annual Watermelon Festival, a testament to the town’s warm-hearted and inclusive community spirit.
Beyond its celebrated melons, Hermiston is a place where local tradition meets modern convenience. Residents enjoy the vibrant farmer's markets, enriched by Eastern Oregon's fertile lands, offering a taste of freshness that's hard to beat. With its location in the heart of the Columbia Basin, Hermiston boasts outdoor adventures aplenty, from fishing and boating to hiking in its stunning natural landscapes.
The town's welcoming atmosphere extends to its educational opportunities and thriving local businesses. Families find comfort in the outstanding schools, and young entrepreneurs feel encouragement from a community that supports innovation and growth. Hermiston’s peaceful streets echo the friendliness of neighbors who look out for one another and invite you to be part of this flourishing...
Hermiston, Oregon
4 | HelloHermiston, Oregon • Winter Issue
Hermiston, Oregon: Where Community Spirit Shines Bright
Welcome to Hermiston, Oregon, a town beautifully infused with a spirit of community and agricultural abundance. This lively town offers a unique charm that transforms ordinary living into an extraordinary experience. Known as the "Watermelon Capital of the World," Hermiston celebrates with juicy enthusiasm, bringing people together at the annual Watermelon Festival, a testament to the town’s warm-hearted and inclusive community spirit.
Beyond its celebrated melons, Hermiston is a place where local tradition meets modern convenience. Residents enjoy the vibrant farmer's markets, enriched by Eastern Oregon's fertile lands, offering a taste of freshness that's hard to beat. With its location in the heart of the Columbia Basin, Hermiston boasts outdoor adventures aplenty, from fishing and boating to hiking in its stunning natural landscapes.
The town's welcoming atmosphere extends to its educational opportunities and thriving local businesses. Families find comfort in the outstanding schools, and young entrepreneurs feel encouragement from a community that supports innovation and growth. Hermiston’s peaceful streets echo the friendliness of neighbors who look out for one another and invite you to be part of this flourishing tapestry.
In Hermiston, a blend of tradition, growth, and community creates a life that's not only sweet but profoundly fulfilling—come see what makes Hermiston shine so bright.
Hello Hermiston, Oregon • Winter Issue |5
Hermiston, Oregon
Foster an Environment of Respect and Dignity
In senior living communities, respect and dignity are not abstract goals; they are part of the everyday standard of care. Residents are not just patients or clients. They are individuals with histories, opinions, preferences, and rights. Their care should reflect that reality in every interaction.
Staff members in high-quality communities are trained in what’s often called person-centered care. This approach encourages caregivers to learn about each resident’s routines, communication style, and personal values. The goal is not only to assist but to support people in living their lives with
6 | HelloHermiston, Oregon • Winter Issue
Foster an Environment of Respect and Dignity
In senior living communities, respect and dignity are not abstract goals; they are part of the everyday standard of care. Residents are not just patients or clients. They are individuals with histories, opinions, preferences, and rights. Their care should reflect that reality in every interaction.
Staff members in high-quality communities are trained in what’s often called person-centered care. This approach encourages caregivers to learn about each resident’s routines, communication style, and personal values. The goal is not only to assist but to support people in living their lives with meaning and autonomy. That means asking before helping, offering choices wherever possible, and being mindful of privacy and independence. Whether a resident prefers to wake up early, eat certain foods, or decorate their space a certain way, those preferences matter. They’re not trivial; they’re part of who the person is.
When residents are treated with consistent respect, they are more likely to feel safe, understood, and willing to participate in their care. It’s not just about comfort, it’s about well-being, both emotional and physical.
Respectful care also involves communication. Staff should speak clearly and directly to residents, not about them in the third person. They should listen without rushing and explain care steps in advance, making room for questions. These details build trust and reduce confusion or anxiety.
Dignity shows up in how communities handle private matters, too, like medication, hygiene, or health discussions. Staff should knock before entering, cover residents appropriately, and maintain confidentiality at all times. Families also play a role by being present, asking questions, and ensuring their loved one’s voice is included in care planning.
When these practices are built into a community’s culture, they don’t feel like extra effort; they feel natural. Residents respond by staying more engaged, more open, and more empowered. Over time, the environment becomes one of mutual respect, which benefits not just the individual but the whole community. Everyone deserves care that honors their identity. That means more than just meeting medical needs; it means preserving dignity, encouraging choice, and creating a place where people are seen for who they are.
Matt Clinton
meaning and autonomy. That means asking before helping, offering choices wherever possible, and being mindful of privacy and independence. Whether a resident prefers to wake up early, eat certain foods, or decorate their space a certain way, those preferences matter. They’re not trivial; they’re part of who the person is.
When residents are treated with consistent respect, they are more likely to feel safe, understood, and willing to participate in their care. It’s not just about comfort, it’s about well-being, both emotional and physical.Respectful care also involves communication. Staff should speak clearly and directly to residents, not about them in the third person. They should listen without rushing and explain care steps in advance, making room for questions. These details build trust and reduce confusion or anxiety.Dignity shows up in how communities handle private matters, too, like medication, hygiene, or health discussions. Staff...
When residents are treated with consistent respect, they are more likely to feel safe, understood, and willing to participate in the...
About the Author
Matt Clinton is the executive director of Sun Terrace Hermiston. Matt and his professional care team offer Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Respite Care. Their commitment to bringing independence to living and quality to life is experienced by each and every resident.
HelloHermiston, Oregon • Winter Issue |7
FEATURED STORY
Preserving The Flavor of Memories: A Guide to Safeguarding Family Recipes
by Cherie Bumpaous
In every family, certain recipes are treasured more than any heirloom. They're the secret ingredient to gatherings, evoking memories and flavors that bind generations. Some believe that family recipes, passed down through generations, contribute significantly to our sense of identity and heritage.When serving heartwarming meals, it is important to preserve culinary treasures. Family recipes are a tangible link to the past, offering a taste of history and tradition that can be savored and shared with future generations.To ensure these recipes are
8 | HelloHermiston, Oregon • Winter Issue
Cherie Bumpaous
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Cherie Bumpaous has owned The Pheasant Blue Collar Bar & Grill in Hermiston, OR, since 2005, continuing her family's legacy of hospitality. Under her leadership, the restaurant remains a cherished community gathering place.
not lost, start by documenting them. Go beyond the ingredients and methods; include stories or memories associated with each recipe to capture its essence fully. Utilizing digital platforms can make sharing and preserving these recipes easier, making sure they withstand the test of time.Consider organizing cooking sessions with older family members. Not only does this help in accurate documentation, but it also allows for a hands-on transfer of techniques that are often not written down, preserving the authenticity of each dish.By taking steps to safeguard these culinary
Hello Hermiston, Oregon • Winter Issue |9
Preserving The Flavor of Memories: A Guide to Safeguarding Family Recipes
In every family, certain recipes are treasured more than any heirloom. They're the secret ingredient to gatherings, evoking memories and flavors that bind generations. Some believe that family recipes, passed down through generations, contribute significantly to our sense of identity and heritage.
When serving heartwarming meals, it is important to preserve culinary treasures. Family recipes are a tangible link to the past, offering a taste of history and tradition that can be savored and shared with future generations.
To ensure these recipes are not lost, start by documenting them. Go beyond the ingredients and methods; include stories or memories associated with each recipe to capture its essence fully. Utilizing digital platforms can make sharing and preserving these recipes easier, making sure they withstand the test of time.
Consider organizing cooking sessions with older family members. Not only does this help in accurate documentation, but it also allows for a hands-on transfer of techniques that are often not written down, preserving the authenticity of each dish.
By taking steps to safeguard these culinary heirlooms, we ensure that the flavors and stories that have shaped our lives continue to inspire and nourish generations to come.
Some believethat family recipes, passeddown through generations, contributesignificantly to oursense of identity andheritage.
heirlooms, we ensure that the flavors and stories that have shaped our lives continue to inspire and nourish generations to come.
