Seating outside for lunch was limited due to the rain showers. Attendees at the WPC looked far and wide for places to perch themselves while devouring their bento box lunches. I had managed a corner of a couch and was merrily munching away when my couch partner got up and moved. “Perfect”, I heard someone behind me say and a woman with dark hair and deep brown eyes sat down beside me. I recognized her from hearing her speak and seeing her photo in publications from OHSU. I am sure we had been introduced before.
“Julie Carter, I am Carol Clupny from Hermiston, Oregon.”
I recalled she was connected to Pendleton and that became the basis of our chat. The differences in the two communities just about 30 miles apart is amazing. Pendleton is populated by a lot of old families. The city is hemmed in for development by the river valley and hills surrounding it.
Hermiston is a relatively new community, being developed during the time irrigation came to the desert and continuing its expansion through the building of McNary dam. Hermiston is sprawled. Trim neighborhoods are in “the bowl” and businesses line highway 395 north and south of town.
I told Julie how much her work was appreciated by the Parkinson Community and recalled that she had been recognized at the 2016 WPC.
And then our time together was interrupted by the next session starting and Julie was off to present.
Retired, and still working for the cause. That would be Julie Carter ARN.
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