New Book by Local Author Spotlights Hoover’s Forgotten Humanitarian Work
NEWBERG, Ore. — Newberg author and Hoover-Minthorn Museum tour guide Sheri King has published a new book that shines a light on a little-known chapter of Herbert Hoover’s life—and its connection to Oregon.
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Titled H is for Hoover: A Hero to the Hungry, the 79-page book introduces readers to Hoover’s international relief efforts during and after World War I, long before he became the 31st president of the United States. King traces how Hoover’s time in Newberg as a young boy helped shape his later humanitarian work.
“Seven out of 10 people who visit the museum know nothing about that part of his life,” King said. “Because Hoover is so tied to the Great Depression, the rest of his life was overshadowed for many years.”
King said the book was written for fellow Oregonians who might want a more personal, accessible entry point into Hoover’s legacy.
“I’m just a local citizen who was blown away by what I learned,” she said.
The book is available on Amazon, and King hopes to offer local copies soon.
Juliette’s House Facility Dog Featured on CNN, Fundraiser Launched
MCMINNVILLE, Ore. — Juliette’s House in McMinnville is raising funds to support its child abuse intervention services through a summer raffle honoring its facility dog, Mac.
Mac, trained by Assistance Dogs Northwest, assists children during forensic interviews and medical exams by providing a calming presence. The dog is part of the Clinical Services team at Juliette’s House and has been used in trauma-informed care throughout Yamhill County.
Earlier this month, Mac and Clinical Services Director Julie Siepmann were featured in a live CNN interview highlighting the national role of facility dogs in courtroom and clinical settings.
In response to recent federal funding cuts and billing policy changes, Juliette’s House launched Mac’s Summer Raffle. All proceeds will benefit The Promise Fund, which supports trauma recovery, mental health care, clinical services, and prevention education.
Each $50 donation earns one raffle entry. Prizes include a LEGOLAND California trip, local wine experiences, Wings and Waves passes, and gift cards to area businesses. Monthly donors receive additional entries based on giving level.
More information is available at www.julietteshouse.org.
Chehalem Skatepark Undergoing Resurfacing Repairs
NEWBERG, Ore. — Chehalem Skatepark at Ewing Young Park is undergoing phased resurfacing and repairs beginning the week of July 21, according to the Chehalem Park and Recreation District.
The project, contracted to Aero Concrete LLC for $30,000, includes filling cracks and patching worn sections of the skatebowl surface. In the first phase, portions of the bowl will close for about one week while repairs are made, though some areas will remain open for skating. The second phase will require a full bowl closure for an additional week to allow for sealing.
Repairs include pressure-washing and drying the surface, filling cracks with silica sand and epoxy, applying cement to larger patches, grinding the repairs flush, and sealing the entire bowl.
The rest of Ewing Young Park—including the BMX track, disc golf course, and dog park—will remain open during construction.
More information is available on the Chehalem Skatepark webpage.
Safety Town Camp Returns Aug. 4 With Focus on Safety Education
NEWBERG, Ore. — Chehalem Park and Recreation District, in partnership with Newberg-Dundee Police, will host its annual Safety Town Camp from Aug. 4 to Aug. 8 at the Chehalem Youth Building and Armory.
The week-long day camp runs from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. daily and is designed to teach children a variety of safety topics through interactive instruction. Topics include personal safety, water and fire safety, pedestrian and bicycle rules, poison prevention, and school bus safety.
Participants will receive a Safety Town T-shirt and backpack on the first day and will take a supervised school bus ride as part of the curriculum. Families are encouraged to attend a graduation event on the final day.
Campers should bring a bike helmet labeled with their name, a nut-free snack in a disposable bag, and wear closed-toe shoes. Additional guidelines request that personal items not be brought to camp.
Registration is open online. A limited number of counselor positions are also available.
