Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/39903
2A Daily News – Monday, August 22, 2011 Community people&events Graduate — Mortensen You just never know Early morning routine: Jack, my dog, and I are taking our walk. His leash is in my hand, my headphones are clamped over my ears; I am absorbed in the back-and-forth of my favorite podcast. Jack and I; just doin' our thing. The neighborhood is residential; no major thoroughfares, so I'm quite cognizant of the large diesel truck that rattles up next to us and slows down. Matching my pace, the driver waves at me. I assume he's just being friendly so I return the action, figuring he knows me from my decades of living in a smaller community. Courtesy photo Brina Marie Mortensen, daughter of Rod and Vicki Mortensen of Red Bluff graduated with a PhD in Civil Engineering from UC Davis on June 9. Brina is the granddaughter of Teddy Mortensen and of Joye and the late Homer Whitten all of Red Bluff. Starting in January 2012, Dr. Mortensen will be a professor and researcher in the field of geotechnical engi- neering at North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC. For her PhD, Brina Mortensen researched "Bio-Mediated Soil Improvement and the Effect of Cementation on the Identi- fication, Behavior, Improvement, and Perfor- mance of Sand." Pictured with Brina at the commencement are her fellow research team members and doctorial colleagues, Brian Martinez and Robbie Jaeger, and their advisor. Professor Jason DeJong of UC Davis. SECRET WITNESS 529-1268 A program of Tehama County Neighborhood Watch Program, Inc. Setting it straight –––––––– It is the policy of the Daily News to correct as quickly as possible all errors in fact that have been published in the newspaper. If you feel a factual error has been made in a news story, call the news department at 527-2153. He gestures again, this time I recognize he's motioning me to come over. Pulling Jack's leash in tight, we walk on to the street and approach the open passenger win- dow. The white truck's interior is clean, uncluttered, and modern, with a flat screen in the center of the dashboard. As for its only pas- senger, he appears to be in his for- ties, healthy, short-cropped hair, and brandishing a smile as big as the vehicle and as warm as its motor. Leaning toward me across the center console, he opens, "You probably don't remember me…" He's correct. "…About 25 years ago, I applied for a job working for you. You did- n't hire me." "I'm sorry." A slight rumbling of anxiety bubbles in my belly. Is this some form of latent workplace revenge? "No need to apologize," he quickly adds, waiving away the thought with his hand. "You were very nice and polite. You told me that you thought I was overqualified and that I would get bored, and you felt my talents would be better used elsewhere. I took your advice." The truck continues its diesel clattering, I move in closer to hear better. "I wanted you know that I now run this com- pany; it's worth a few million dollars. I'm really happy how things turned out. You were right." Pleased (and Scott Q. Marcus relieved), I respond, "Oh! I'm glad. Maybe YOU should hire ME." His laugh is warm, friendly, and relaxed. I suddenly feel like I'm talking to an old friend. "I see you with your wife walk- ing your dog, and I keep meaning to tell you how grateful I am. But it never seemed the right time — until now." "Thank you for doing so. I'm really delighted it worked out so well. It's nice to know." Cars line up and are then forced to drive around us, so, as much as I'm now enjoying this unexpected interlude, I'm self- conscious, and figure I better move on. Before I can, he adds, "Sometimes the Lord pushes you in directions through the people you meet. You are one of those people." He pauses and looks me in the eyes. "Thank you." With that, we shook hands through the window, said good- bye, and the truck disap- peared around the corner. I remained a statue in the road, and reflected on what just happened. I was humbled, uplifted, hon- ored, and — in some way — I had a more pro- nounced sense of purpose. I don't know how else to explain it. We never know, do we, when an action we take will affect someone else in a profound manner? We take care of our fami- lies, and ourselves, and in between we try to do our best to treat others with respect and dignity, hoping and praying it all turns out well in the end. Once in awhile, we are lucky enough to find out it did. What we do matters – in ways we might never even begin to know. Scott "Q" Marcus is a professional speaker and the CRP of www.ThisTimeIMeanIt.com, a website for people and organizations who are frustrated with making promises and are ready to make a change. Sign up for his free newsletter at the site or friend him at facebook.com/thistimeimeanit. He is also available for coaching and speaking engagements at 707.442.6243 or scottq@scottqmarcus.com. Women's group presents two scholarships Courtesy photo D NEWSAILY HOW TO REACH US RED BLUFF TEHAMACOUNTY THE VOICE OF TEHAMA COUNTY SINCE 1885 VOLUME 126, NUMBER 234 On the Web: www.redbluffdailynews.com MAIN OFFICE: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Main Phone (530) 527-2151 Outside area 800-479-6397 545 Diamond Ave. Red Bluff, CA 96080 ______________________ Fax: (530) 527-5774 ______________________ Mail: Red Bluff Daily News P.O. Box 220 Red Bluff, CA 96080 CUSTOMER SERVICE: Subscription & delivery Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (530) 527-2151, Ext. 1 subscription rates (All prices include all applicable taxes) Monday through Saturday $9.59 four weeks Rural Rate $10.69 four weeks Business & professional rate $2.21 four weeks, Monday-Friday By mail: In Tehama County $12.29 four weeks All others $16.23 four weeks (USPS 458-200) Published Monday through Saturday except Sunday, by California Newspaper Partnership. Home delivery NEWS News Tip Hotline: 527-2153 FAX: (530) 527-9251 E-mail: clerk@redbluffdailynews.com Daytime: Sports: Obituaries: Tours: (530) 527-2151 Ext. 109 Ext. 103 Ext. 112 After hours:(530) 527-2153 ______________________ ADVERTISING Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Display: 527-2151 Ext. 122 Classified: 527-2151 Ext. 103 Online (530) 527-2151 Ext. 133 FAX: (530) 527-5774 E-mail: advertise@redbluffdailynews.com SPECIAL PAGES ON THE FOLLOWING DAYS Mondays: Kids Corner Tuesdays: Employment Wednesdays: Business Thursdays: Entertainment Fridays: Select TV Saturdays: Farm, Religion Publisher & Advertising Director: Greg Stevens gstevens@redbluffdailynews.com Editor: Chip Thompson editor@redbluffdailynews.com Sports Editor: Rich Greene sports@redbluffdailynews.com Circulation Manager: Kathy Hogan khogan@redbluffdailynews.com Production Manager: Sandy Valdivia sandy@redbluffdailynews.com POSTMASTER SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO: PO BOX 220, RED BLUFF CA 96080 newspaper of general circulation, County of Tehama, Superior Court Decree 9670, May 25, 1955 © 2011 Daily News Postage Paid Periodicals The Red Bluff Daily News is an adjudicated daily COMMUNITY CLIPS Military - Burley Army Pvt. Nicholas B. Burley has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. During the nine weeks of training, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, core values and traditions. Additional training included develop- ment of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experiencing use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crew- man. Burley is the son of Tammy Olmstead of Red Bluff and Mike Burley of Foresthill. He is a 2009 graduate of Red Bluff Union High School. Quilters to meet tonight The Sun Country Quilters Guild will meet at 7 p.m. on Aug. 22, at the Red Bluff Community and Senior Center, 1500 S. Jackson St. 90 years ago... Real Jackass Is Allowed To Pass With His Hee Haw A truckload of jackass was transported through Red Bluff last Saturday without being taken in charge, although it was not the fault of the local authorities. It is reported here that it was caught at Redding, was examined and released, on the theory that there is nothing in the Volstead Act concerning the brand on the animal or that can measure the extent of its kick. — Aug. 22, 1921 The group will be having a Friendship and More program, consisting of five teachers presenting 'Show Me How' whom will be giving quilting information. There will also be a sale tables set up towards the end of the meeting by members who will be selling quilting fabrics and supplies at great prices. Interested quilters my join the guild for a half year membership fee of $15 or attend the meeting for $5. More information is available by contacting Sun Country Quilters at P.O. Box 8266, Red Bluff, Ca. 96080, or at the website www.suncountryquilters.com. Volunteers sought • The Tehama County Transit Agency Board is seeking volunteer drivers to help provide transportation to and from non emergency medical appointments. Mileage is reimbursed. Information is available from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Wednesday at 385-2200. • The Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program at Passages Adult Resource Center has ongo- ing recruitment for volunteers to be advocates on behalf of Medicare beneficiaries. Volunteers help to explain Medicare benefits and serve as advocates to help Medicare patients access the health care benefits. Infor- mation and application packets are available at 898- 6716. • The Tehama County Team of the Long-Term Care Ombudsmen needs volunteers to become advocates for residents in skilled nursing and residential care facili- ties for the elderly. Training is provided. Information is available at 898-5923. K W I K K U T S Family Hair Salon 1064 South Main St., Red Bluff • 529-3540 with coupon $200 REGULAR HAIRCUT off Not good with other offers Reg. $13.95 Expires 8/31/11 ENGLAND'S BOOKKEEPING SERVICES Check Book Balance Email acownteen@yahoo.com Call or Text 530 739-9413 Financial Statements Payroll Sales Tax The Wonder Broads Red Hat group had a suc- cessful year raising money for its first scholarship fund.The group is pleased and excited to pre- sent two schol- arship awards for $500 each to Erin Eicholtz and Kathleen Parks. Congratulations to the recipients and the Wonder Broads.