Vinisthesia debuts in Cottage Grove
CINDY WEELDREYER
Cottage Grove Sentinel
Vinisthesia is a creative mix of wine, music, and the senses.
Iris Vineyard’s Spring Release Party held in June attracted 140 wine lovers eager to mix and mingle and sample its newest wines - with a creative twist called Vinisthesia.
The brainchild of local musician Forest Mountain Lion, he describes it as “a unique experience that captures a wine’s emotion and character in a tiny piece of music that lasts just as long as the taste of one sip and creates a multi-sensory experience.
“I can hear the taste of each wine and I play them as a flourishing cascade of
notes on the piano – rushing highs, trembling lows, and the tension of harmony, dissonance and rhythm at the heart of a good wine’s originality,” Lion said.
He explained the word “vinisthesia” was born from the Italian word vini, for wines, and the rare phenomenon of synesthesia, where two or more of the five senses meld into one.
Growing up on rural property west of Cottage Grove he developed a love of nature, music and wine. Forest said Cottage Grove was an ideal place to grow up.
“It felt a little slow sometimes as a young person, but after living in
VINISTHESIA cont. on page 3
Local woman sentenced to prison following threats against coworkers
STAFF REPORT
Cottage Grove Sentinel
A Cottage Grove, Oregon woman has been sentenced to federal prison for threatening violence against her coworkers on Facebook.
Elizabeth Ballestros West, 56, was sentenced July 16, to six months and three weeks in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. According to court documents, in late September 2023, the FBI received an anonymous tip that West was threatening coworkers on Facebook. Later, in November 2023, the
FBI learned West had established an account on X (formerly known as Twitter) that she used to post and repost memes, videos and statements containing violent messages targeting particular ethnic groups. Several of West’s posts included what appeared to be self-produced photos of firearms including several handguns, a shotgun, and an AR-style assault rifle.
On January 3, 2024, West admitted to posting and reposting messages on X that contained hateful and violent rhetoric. West also admitted to possessing multiple shotguns and AR-15 assault rifles at her Cottage Grove
residence.
One week later, on January 9, 2024, the FBI executed federal search warrants on West’s person, vehicle, and residence. They located and seized 12 handguns, 16 rifles, thousands of rounds of ammunition and firearm accessories, and a journal that appeared to contain writings and drawings that included additional hateful and violent statements.
On January 12, 2024, West was charged by criminal complaint with transmitting a threat in interstate commerce and arrested by the FBI the same day at her workplace in Eugene. Approximately one week later,
on January 18, 2024, a federal grand jury in Eugene indicted West on the same charge. On May 29, 2024, West pleaded guilty. This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Cottage Grove Police Department, Eugene Police Department, and Lane County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Adam E. Delph, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Law enforcement search for ‘armed and dangerous’ suspected
STAFF REPORT
Cottage Grove Sentinel
In June, a deceased female was located in the Cottage Grove area who appeared to be the victim of homicide.
Lane County Sheriff’s detectives identified the victim as a missing person, Rozaleena Faith Rasmussen, 29, from Cottage Grove.
Detectives identified the suspect as Anthony Wesley Tyrrell, 31, of Cottage Grove. A nationwide warrant has been issued for
Tyrrell’s arrest. He is described as a white male adult with brown hair, brown eyes, weighing approximately 165 pounds and standing approximately 5’9” tall. He was last seen with his head shaved and wearing a white shirt, black trench coat, black pants, and black boots.
Tyrrell is considered armed and dangerous.
Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call 911 and avoid approaching or contacting him.
The police blotter relates to the public record of incidents as reported by law enforcement agencies. All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Information printed is preliminary and subject to change. For specific details about cases listed, contact the appropriate law enforcement agency.
Cottage Grove
Monday, July 8
• 01:59: Suspicious subject, 1500 block Hwy 99
• 02:51: Suspicious condition, 1800 block Harvey Rd.
• 06:10: Alarm, 400 block N. 14th St.
• 09:12: Abandoned vehicle, M/Dogwood
• 10:37: Illegal camping, 1400 block N. Douglas St.
• 10:48: Business check, 1200 block Hwy 99
• 11:01: Fraud, 200 block Columbia Ct.
• 11:12: Fire, Gibbs/Cherry
• 11:47: Abandoned vehicle, 3000 block Row River Rd.
• 12:32: Disorderly subject, 1300 block E. Main St.
• 13:31: Animal info, 1500 block Gateway Blvd.
• 14:45: Welfare check, 500 block E. Main St.
• 15:53: Disturbance, 200 block Gateway Blvd.
• 16:48: Ambulance, 1500 block Daugherty Ave.
• 18:12: Business check, 1200 block Gateway Blvd.
• 18:40: Motor vehicle crash, 34000 block Row River Rd.
• 19:17: Disturbance, River Rd/Grimes
• 19:38: Warrant service, 400 block E. Main St.
• 20:42: Welfare check, 1200 block Hwy 99
• 21:11: Suspicious condition, 1300 block E. Main St.
• 21:47: Fire, 200 block N. 12th St.
• 22:00: Suspicious subject, 100 block S. 10th St.
• 22:02: Assault, 1200 block Gateway Blvd.
• 23:10: Welfare check, 1700 block S. 10th St.
• 23:12: Found dog, 100 block Village Dr.
• 23:17: Disorderly subject, 100 block S. 2nd St.
• 23:49: Suspicious vehicle, 100 block M St.
TUESDAY, JULY 9
• 00:17: Suspicious condition, 200 block Cherry Ct.
• 05:43: Suspicious condition, 500 block Landess Rd.
• 05:47: Trespass, 600 block Washington Ave.
• 06:37: Business check, 1200 block E. Main St.
• 08:01: Trespass, Lane/Pennoyer
• 08:08: Suspicious subject, 400 block N. 14th St.
• 09:15: Criminal mischief, 100 block Village Dr.
• 09:55: Trespass, 1200 block Hwy 99
• 11:26: Welfare check, 1200 block E. Harrison Ave.
• 12:42: Ambulance, 1000 block E. Van Buren Ave.
• 13:11: Found property, 1400 block N. Douglas St.
• 13:35: Motor vehicle crash, Main/16th St.
• 13:48: Found property, Row River Rd/Jim Wright Way
• 14:22: Suspicious condition, 500 block E. Main St.
• 14:33: Alarm, 1100 block W. Main St.
• 14:41: Suspicious vehicle, 1100 block E. Main St.
• 15:14: Welfare check, 300 block E. Madison Ave.
• 15:19: Missing juvenile, 400 block Monroe Ave.
• 15:51: Theft, 1300 block Pennoyer Ave.
• 16:02: Found property, 100 block S. River Rd.
• 16:44: Alarm, 1500 block S. 4th St.
• 16:54: Alarm, 100 block Village Dr.
• 17:46: Info, 100 block E. Jackson Ave.
• 17:56: Theft, 1500 block S. 4th St.
POLICE BLOTTER
• 18:06: Warrant service, 400 block E. Main St.
• 19:06: Assault, 300 block S. 5th St.
• 19:42: Missing juvenile located, 400 block Main St.
• 19:49: Business check, 1200 block E. Main St.
• 21:01: Suspicious condition, 3200 block Row River Rd.
• 22:08: Welfare check, 500 block Patrick Lp.
• 22:50: Warrant service, 700 block Hwy 99
WEDNESDAY, JULY 10
• 00:51: Welfare check, 300 block S. 5th St.
• 02:00: Warrant service, 400 block E. Main St.
• 06:16: Suspicious condition, 200 block E. Main St.
• 08:43: Abandoned vehicle, M/Dogwood
• 10:09: Suspicious condition, 200 block N. 12th St.
• 10:11: Warrant service, 400 block E. Main St.
• 11:25: Business check, 1600 block E. Main St.
• 12:19: Business check, 1200 block Hwy 99
• 13:02: Welfare check, 1000 block E. Main St.
• 13:03: Illegal parking, 200 block Cherry Ct.
• 13:27: Harassment, 1500 block Edison Ave.
• 14:35: Dog at large, 1300 block E. Main St.
• 15:10: Suspicious vehicle, 600 block N. 9th St.
• 15:12: Info, 200 block Columbia Ct.
• 15:13: Ambulance, 800 block S. 3rd St.
• 15:21: Illegal parking, 1800 block W. Main St.
• 17:15: Warrant service, 400 block E. Main St.
• 17:20: Disturbance, 700 block Gibbs Ave.
• 18:39: Trespass, 1200 block Hwy 99
• 19:15: Warrant service, 500 block E. Madison Ave.
• 20:26: Trespass, 900 block Row River Rd.
• 22:24: Disorderly subject, 100 block N. 16th St.
• 22:30: Alarm, 1500 block Gateway Blvd.
• 22:56: Disorderly subject, 1300 block E. Main St.
Thursday, July 11
• 01:04: Suspicious vehicle, 1500 block E. Main St.
• 01:10: Child abuse, 200 block Cherry Ct.
• 02:56: Business check, 900 block E. Main St.
• 06:36: Disorderly subject, 1300 block E. Main St.
• 06:57: Alarm, 1500 block Gateway Blvd.
• 07:05: Harassment, 900 block South T St.
• 08:09: Agency assist, 77000 block S. 6th St.
• 11:08: Stolen vehicle, 2300 block E. Main St.
• 12:02: Found dog, 1200 block Hwy 99
• 12:49: Suspicious condition, 300 block N. 10th St.
• 13:44: Ambulance, 1400 block Daugherty Ave.
• 14:26: Welfare check, 900 block S. 6th St.
• 17:49: Citizen assist, 400 block E. Main St.
• 19:47: Disturbance, 100 block S. 3rd St.
• 21:58: Suspicious vehicle, 500 block Gateway Blvd.
• 22:29: Nuisance, 100 block S. 10th St.
• 22:49: Warrant service, 400 block E. Main St.
FRIDAY, JULY 12
• 00:38: Found property, 400 block E. Main St.
• 03:42: Welfare check, 800 block Pierce Ave.
• 08:47: Fire, 400 block N. Douglas St.
• 09:04: Illegal camping, 400 block E. Main St.
• 10:00: Suspicious vehicle, 100 block South M St.
• 10:26: Suspicious condition, 1100 block E. Main St.
• 11:06: Abandoned vehicle, Hwy 99/Pennoyer
• 11:38: Abandoned vehicle, 100 block Davis Pl.
• 12:23: Civil issue, 1500 block Carobelle Ct.
• 12:26: Info, 100 block Gateway Blvd.
• 16:17: Welfare check, 1600 block Curry Ave.
• 16:26: Abandoned vehicle, 700 block South 1st St.
• 16:50: Fraud, 600 block Wilson Ave.
• 17:56: Welfare check, 3200 block Row River Rd.
• 18:11: Animal info, 100 block Gateway Blvd.
• 18:35: Person stop, 100 block Hwy 99
• 20:14: Disorderly subject, 200 block Davidson Ave.
• 21:20: Ambulance, 200 block South R St.
• 23:19: Citizen assist, 1300 block E. Main St.
• 23:40: Alarm, 1500 block Gateway Blvd.
SATURDAY, JULY 13
• 00:38: Welfare check, 700 block S. 13th St.
• 04:01: Suspicious condition, 37000 block Row River Rd.
• 06:42: Suspicious vehicle, 200 block N. 12th St.
• 06:49: Alarm, 1500 block Gateway Blvd.
• 07:12: Suspicious vehicle, 1000 block Adams Ave.
• 07:34: Suspicious vehicle, 1200 block Gateway Blvd.
• 08:55: Disorderly subject, 900 block E. Main St.
• 09:22: Suspicious subject, 1200 block E. Main St.
• 09:26: Fire, 1500 block Village Dr.
• 09:49: Suspicious vehicle, 700 block Row River Rd.
• 13:24: Dog at large, 1400 block N. Douglas St.
• 13:27: Animal info, 1500 block Gateway Blvd.
• 13:38: Civil, 900 block South T St.
• 15:05: Warrant service, 800 block South 1st St.
• 15:26: Welfare check, 37000 block Row River Rd.
• 16:10: Trespass, 1200 block Gateway Blvd.
• 17:43: Disorderly subject, 700 block E. Main St.
• 18:31: Suspicious vehicle, 2000 block E. Madison Ave.
• 18:57: Suspicious vehicle, 1200 block Gateway Blvd.
• 22:13: Suspicious condition, 200 block N. 12th St.
• 22:45: Nuisance, 2000 block S. 6th St.
• 22:46: Disturbance, 1500 block Hwy 99
• 23:59: Shots fired, 100 block S. 10th St.
SUNDAY, JULY 14
• 00:36: Harassment, 400 block E. Main St.
• 03:46: Agency assist, 800 block Monroe Ave.
• 04:16: Trespass, 76000 block Mosby Creek
• 06:58: Mental, 500 block S. 15th St.
• 09:48: Welfare check, 400 block Main St.
• 11:22: Suspicious vehicle, 1500 block E. Main St.
• 11:29: Suspicious subject, 600 block S. 5th St.
• 12:02: Dog at large, 1300 block E. Jefferson Ave.
• 12:24: Suspicious condition, 300 block E. Monroe Ave.
• 12:42: Motor vehicle crash, 1300 block S. 6th St.
• 14:17: Criminal mischief, 500 block Landess Rd.
• 15:04: Welfare check, 1500 block Gateway Blvd.
• 15:09: Death investigation, 700 block S. 12th St.
• 16:28: Disorderly subject, 1200 block Bryant Ave.
• 16:57: Welfare check, 1100 block Lord Ave.
• 18:20: Suspicious condition, 1100 block Ostrander Ln.
• 19:30: Welfare check, 1500 block Village Dr.
• 20:26: Order violation, 900 block South T St.
• 20:57: Harassment, 1500 block Harvey Ln.
• 22:23: Citizen assist, 1300 block E. Main St.
• 23:49: Suspicious subject, 1100 block E. Chamberlain Ave.
PHOTO Courtesy from LCSO
Anthony Wesley Tyrrell is considered armed and dangerous.
Slow population growth, early retirements impact in Oregon
STAFF REPORT
Cottage Grove Sentinel
A new report from the Oregon Employment Department illustrates the impact of slow population growth and increasing retirements in the state.
• The youngest members of the large Baby Boom Generation, born between 1946 and 1964, turn 60 years old in 2024.
•Workers in this age group have been, and are expected to continue, shifting into retirement and taking their skills and experience with them.
• In 1990, one out of 10 Oregon job holders was age 55 or older. By 2022, that share grew to 24%.
• In 2023, the number of Oregonians not in the labor force due to retirement reached 786,000, an all-time high. Over the past decade, the number of Oregonians not in the labor force due to retirement grew by 160,000 or 26%.
• The workforce is aging nationally as well, but Oregon has been at a workforce advantage in boosting its labor force.
cities and seeing what that does to people, I realized growing up in a quiet place gave me the mental space to become a creative person and an ability to be meditative, introspective and to think critically.’
He is the only child of Julie Marchini and Eric Resener, who have been married for 47 years. Serving wine at the dinner table was commonplace for their family.
His mother said her son’s musical giftedness appeared early in his life.
“He participated in a University of Oregon School of Music toddler event and loved it,” she said. “When he was four he began playing a guitar. He took piano lessons and immediately wanted to improvise. In the fifth grade he bought a drum set and taught himself to play it.”
She added, “He played the trombone at Lincoln Middle School. In high school, he bought an electric guitar at a garage sale and became proficient at both the acoustic and electric guitars.”
The 2008 Cottage Grove High School graduate was voted “Most Interesting” by his fellow seniors. He said when he was young he discovered a sense of intrinsic motivation to teach himself instruments and it has never left him. He continues to hone his craft by trying to listen and follow what brings him the most joy.
He frequently plays at local music venues with violinist Annmarie “Anumi” Hoffman and bass player Jacob Sellars. He describes the band’s music genre as progressive folk rock.
Decades of population growth – driven primarily by net in-migration – has helped fuel labor force growth, even as the workforce has aged and overall labor force participation rates have generally declined.
• Oregon’s population grew by 40% between 1993 and 2023, compared with 30% for the U.S.
• Oregon’s natural increase in population turned negative in 2021 and 2022, with fewer births than deaths, as the COVID-19 pandemic met the long-term trends of an aging population and lower birth rates.
• In 2021, for the first time in almost four decades, population estimates showed negative net migration, and an overall decline in Oregon’s population.
• The declines in natural increase, net migration, and population have contributed to slower labor force growth. Slower gains may be somewhat offset by greater labor force participation among the existing population.
• Oregon’s labor force participation
After high school his love of wine deepened. He said he could “hear” the taste of each wine and would play them as a flourishing cascade of notes on the piano.
“The concept for Vinisthesia started forming a long time ago,” Forest said. “It wasn’t something I came up with consciously. I would just notice that often when I would try a wine, especially reds, I would want to interpret its tonal range and emotion on the piano. I’ve been doing it for friends and at parties forever.”
Iris Vineyards’ wines were a favorite at his family’s dinner table. So it was the first winery he pitched his Vinisthesia concept to. General Manager David Cordtz. said he was initially skeptical after the first phone call but was intrigued enough to invite a longtime lover of Iris wines to a meeting with him and Winemaker Aaron Lieberman to learn more about this unique wine tasting musical experience.
“I loved it because it was an intuitive musical musing that enhanced the wine tasting experience for our release party guests. “I’ve been in the wine business for 50 years and I’d never heard of this,” Cordtz said. “I think pairing music and wine at local vineyards could be something successful for him and fun for the consumer.
There were three wines involved in the Release Party: 2023 Pinot Gris Willamette Valley, 2022 C Block Pinot Noir and 2020 House Call red blend.
Inside the winery’s cavernous warehouse on Palmer Avenue the
mer, it will inevitably get hotter and drier, presenting an even greater risk of catastrophic wildfires. The best way to limit wildfire impacts on our communities, natural areas, and first responders is to be aware of the conditions and prevent wildfires from starting.” Kotek is urging Oregonians to follow the instructions and evacuation levels issued by emergency officials, subscribe to emergency alerts on ORAlert. gov, have an evacuation plan, prepare a go-kit, and stay aware of changing conditions.
The state of emergency directs the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) to support and aid several state, county and tribal agencies. The National Guard will also deploy firefighting resources as needed, according to reports As of late last week, there 18 wildfires burning across Oregon. See the State of Emergency Declaration at: https://drive.google.com/ file/d/1QM0zbYPdDG_ ULZwuSCVkTfbW10XspChg/view?pli=1
invited guests milled about sampling food and enjoying a glass of wine. For each of the three pairings, attendees gathered near the piano, raised their glasses, took a sip, then Forest played his brief musical tune. The response, particularly for the first one, was overwhelmingly positive.
“I think the launch party went really well,” Forest said. “I loved watching people’s faces when they realized that it actually makes sense. The feedback was that people agreed each sound signature intuitively fit with each wine. By doing Vinisthesia as a group, we were all experiencing the same emotion from both the wine and the music at once. I think it is amazing that we can all find we’re speaking the same language in some mysterious way.”
His vision for his unique business is to make the Vinisthesia experience available to all interested wineries. He encourages vineyards to display their wines’ sound signatures on their website to intrigue new customers and offer the experience in their tasting room or in the homes of wine club members.
Lion’s next performances:
• Coast Fork Brewing: August 3, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Axe and Fiddle: August 15, 8-10 p.m.
• Forest Mountain Lion may be reached at forestmountainlion.com, or call 541-255-6723.
New music coming soon! Check out the Best of Forest Mountain Lion playlist on Spotify.
For more information visit www.vinisthesia.com
rate was 62.4% in 2023, the highest in a decade. That’s still well below the peak of 68.9% in 1998.
During periods like the past couple of years, where low unemployment and relatively large numbers of job openings are paired with slow labor force growth, that creates a tighter labor market for Oregon employers. That makes it harder for employers to find enough workers to fill all their job openings, according to the Oregon Employment Department.
These dynamics may have also contributed to Oregon’s slower job growth in recent years compared to the U.S. Nationally, total nonfarm payroll employment expanded by 3.4% between 2019 and 2023, while Oregon’s expanded jobs by 1.2%.
This is a change; typically, Oregon’s job (and labor force) growth exceeds the nation’s over business cycles. If recent labor force and unemployment trends continue, they might further limit Oregon’s growth potential relative to historic norms and the nation. More details are available in the full report at QualityInfo.org.
Oregon youth suicide data shows action needed
STAFF REPORT Country Media, Inc.
FAST FACT
Despite culturally responsive suicide prevention efforts, racial inequities remain.
The Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA) Youth Suicide Intervention and Prevention Plan (YSIPP) annual report shows the risk of youth suicide continues to be a concern in Oregon, particularly for youth of color.
The report contains new analysis of 2022 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) death by suicide data.
By the numbers In 2022, the most recent year of finalized data from the CDC, 109 Oregon youth ages 24 and younger died by suicide, Oregon’s first year-to-year increase since 2018. Despite the 2022 increase (up from 95 deaths in 2021), there were 16% fewer youth deaths in 2022 compared with a peak of 129 deaths in 2018. Moreover, preliminary data, which will not be finalized until spring 2025, suggest that 2023 will not see a further yearto-year increase in youth suicide rates.
The 2022 data show that Oregon had the 12th highest youth suicide rate in the U.S. Suicide remains the second-leading cause of death in Oregon among this age group.
The YSIPP annual report
Aaron Hamill, born January 23,1956 passed away July 17, 2024.
James Cecil Bradley, 88, of Eugene, Oregon, passed away on July 14, 2024. Arrangements are in the care of Sunset Hills Funeral Home, Crematorium & Cemetery.
Orville Dee Withrow, 88, of Yoncalla, Oregon, passed away on July 14, 2024. Arrangements in the care of Smith-LundMills Funeral Chapel and Crematorium.
Christy Lynn Smyles 62, of Eugene, Oregon passed away July 6, 2024. Arrangements are in the care of Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel and Crematorium.
also highlights Oregon’s investments in this area, including support for statewide programming in youth suicide prevention, intervention and postvention services. The report details important advances in youth suicide prevention in Oregon, such as the addition of 343 suicide prevention trainers in the state, including 67 who speak languages other than English.
“We have made some progress to create a system of suicide prevention that is better connected and better resourced. Yet, the tragedy of youth suicide remains. We need to do more, particularly for young people of color,” OHA Behavioral Health Director Ebony Clarke stated in a letter to Oregonians accompanying the report.
Data highlighted in the report show that stark racial disparities remain, both in Oregon and nationwide. Oregon deaths by suicide for youth identified as white have decreased overall since the overall peak in 2018, but the number of suicides for youth of other races and ethnicities either remained similar to 2018 or have increased.
Hope, help, and strength OHA’s suicide prevention team, along with the hundreds of suicide prevention trainers, advocates, community members and champions around the state, including the
Oregon Alliance to Prevent Suicide, are working to implement key initiatives for youth suicide prevention discussed in the YSIPP.
This includes programming that supports young people to find hope, help and strength, training programs to teach youth-serving adults how to recognize warning signs of suicide, and advanced skills training for providers to be equipped to help clients heal from thoughts of suicide.
OHA officials and the agency’s partners said they are also working hard to launch culturally specific initiatives to increase protective factors that support youth in Oregon. In 2023-24, these efforts have included: Tribal prevention programs amplifying “culture as prevention” and hosting train-the-trainers for OHA’s “Big River” youth suicide prevention programming, which is available across the state at low or no cost.
Black, African and African American youth-serving adults creating and sustaining the Black Youth Suicide Prevention Coalition, which is helping to bring healing to Black communities and creating spaces for young people to gather and feel a sense of belonging.
Oregon also was one of eight states invited to participate in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adminis-
DEATH NOTICES
Patricia Maud Dickey 94, of Cottage Grove, Oregon passed away June 28, 2024. Memorial service will be held at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Cottage Grove, August 31, 2024 at 1:00 PM. Arrangements are in the care of Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel and Crematorium.
Jesse Lee Rodgers, 48, of Eugene, Oregon passed away on July 16, 2024. Arrangements in the care of Sunset Hills Funeral Home, Crematorium & Cemetery.
Celebration of Life for Alan Doolittle
When: July 27th Time: 11:00 a.m.
Where: Dorena Grange It will be Potluck feel free to bring a dish.
A shining star has left this world. Brooks lived in Cottage Grove for over 40 years. Her husband, Fred, died in 2022. She had 2 sons, Eli and Zander and 7 grandchildren. Brooks has been staying with her “chosen” family in Greenville, SC, since March of this year. Her best friend, Tamera Thompson, made sure Brooks had fun and happy times despite not feeling well much of the time. Her Greenville family will always miss her infectious personality and the love she shared with all of us.
tration (SAMHSA) Black Youth Suicide Prevention Initiative Policy Academy, which was highlighted as a key “Health Equity in Suicide Prevention” strategy in the federal government’s recently released 10-year 2024 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention.
OHA infused an additional $500,000 of funding to increase the availability of suicide prevention training and trainers who are Latino/a/x, Spanish-speaking or both.
Oregon’s suicide prevention leaders said they are also working with Joyce Chu and Chris Weaver of the Culture & Suicide Prevention Institute, to infuse their cultural theory and model for suicide prevention into
existing trainings, policies and programming.
This work, which will increase attention to culturally specific risk and protective factors in Oregon’s suicide prevention efforts, is also an equity initiative highlighted in the 2024 National Strategy.
“Thanks to our community partners and leaders, we’ve recognized how important it is to also focus on the cultural strengths and wisdom that have been passed on for generations across communities. As we do work in this way, we experience a bit of healing ourselves,” OHA’s Equity and Inclusion Division Interim Director Alfonso Ramirez said, reflecting on the power of suicide prevention that centers
Brooks Owre
Brooks Ann Owre, age 68 of Cottage Grove passed on July 14, 2024, with her sister Robin by her side.
2/14/1956 - 7/14/2024
Brooks is survived by two sons, Eli (Jackie) Owre and Alexander (Amelia) Owre, her father Richard Hill, her brother Tom (Cici) Hill, sisters, Paige (Greg) Boyce and Robin (Eileen) BeachHill, her grandchildren Ryder, Storm, Reef, Atlas, Atti, Lucas, and Lila. She is predeceased by her mother Gretchen Hill and husband Fred Owre.
Brooks was born in California and graduated from Carpinteria High School. After moving to Cottage Grove, she was busy
connections to culture and belonging.
Resources If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available 24/7. Call or text 988 or chat online at 988Lifeline. org.
Specialized support is also available through the Veterans Crisis Line (press 1 or text 838255), in Spanish (press 2 or text “AYUDA” to 988) and for LGBTQIA2S+ youth and young adults (press 3 or text “PRIDE” to 988). 988 is also available for individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing through American Sign Language videophone services.
raising two children while also serving the community as an early childhood educator. Brooks dedicated herself to nurturing the minds and hearts of young children, imparting knowledge and kindness. Her patience and creativity touched the lives of many, leaving an indelible mark on the community. A skilled gardener, she transformed every patch of earth she touched into a canvas of vibrant colors and fragrant blooms. Her garden was not just a hobby but a sanctuary where she found solace and joy, nurturing both her flowers and her spirit with equal tenderness. Brooks will be missed by her family and friends.
*Label hooves and horns with your goats name, owner name, and contact info with a permanent in
Housing First is not just about housing
JENNIFER FERRAEZ Sentinel Guest Column
I have been working in the field of social services and mental health for 30 years now.
Lately I have been shocked by the misconception of a critical concept applied in Lane County for transitioning people out of homelessness. The term “Housing First” was initially discussed in the 1990’s as an innovative idea for moving homeless off the streets as quickly as possible.
The first two years (2005-2007) that Housing First was implemented as a federal policy under the George W. Bush administration, our country saw a 30% reduction in homelessness. Since then, Housing First has been guiding federal homeless programs.
In this concept, people
do not need to have their lives perfectly in order before moving inside. They could be given a room in low income, transitional housing with supportive services on site. The second part is absolutely critical. The model works because there are supportive services on site to bridge people to resources in the broader community. This is the alternative to continuing to do what us homeless outreach clinicians called “chase management” on the street, attempting to help people support people in an unstable environment. It’s about meeting people “where they’re at,” rather than waiting for them to have perfectly well thought out transition plans in place and documentation (ID, birth certification, applications) necessary to move into low-income housing. Frankly, the sickest people
out there do not even know they are sick. Outreach is necessary to connect and build trust.
The critical piece that appears to be often falling by the wayside is the ingredient of supportive services in conjunction with housing. Without supportive services onsite, housing for the chronic homeless can do more harm than good. Upon initially moving inside, individuals can tend to shrink inside themselves, becoming fearful of the outside world.
Without a collaborative relationship, those providing the housing become nothing more jail wardens, overseeing the continued unraveling of human life. Now alone within four walls, the pain that first landed them on the streets can become unbearable, combined with the recent experience of the trauma of
the streets added to this. Without support, many individuals are overcome with anxiety and depression. People will remain in “survival mode,” emotionally reacting, rather than thoughtfully responding. Without assistance to learn healthy coping skills, they may turn to unhealthy relationships with people and/or substances which eventually return them to the streets.
It is necessary that professionals and mentors from the community assist with mental health, substance abuse recovery, and physical health. All parts of a human being—body, mind, and spirit must be addressed in order to create lasting change. Individuals need to be assisted in exploring and moving forward with life goals. By holding people accountable to their higher-self, we are empowering
them! Expecting someone to reintegrate back into society without support is like expecting someone who just lost a leg to navigate the world without a crutch or wheelchair, except this wound cannot be seen by the naked eye.
It is a soul wound.
Lastly, it appears that another term needs to be clarified. In a recent City Council meeting our Mayor Solesbee seems to have unintentionally misused the word “homesteading.”
In the state of Oregon homesteading refers to people being allowed to create a home on a designated piece of land with the agreement they would follow through with the requirement of cultivating the land for five years (Homestead Act of 1862).
Our town was founded by homesteaders at a time when the stranger was more than welcomed to help
create a new community, building the infrastructure needed in a young town.
Our neighbors in the current homeless “camps” are not homesteaders. They are mostly people simply attempting to find the next level of stability in their lives, but without the proper resources and structure described above.
It is important in this difficult times of making decisions about the most vulnerable in our community with limited resources in a small town that we understand the terms of which we speak. It is also important that we acknowledge frustrations on both sides, encouraging citizens to listen to each other, and collaborate with each other to work towards a solution. Jennifer Ferraez, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Cottage Grove.
Improving access to rural health care
JEFF MERKLEY Sentinel Guest Column
Rural health care is an urgent challenge in Oregon. Approximately 35 percent of Oregonians live in rural and frontier communities compared to just 15 percent of the U.S. population. But, too often, we rely on one-size-fits-all approaches that don’t work well in rural communities. So, here’s what I’m doing to help improve access to health care on Oregon’s coast and across the state. I worked across the aisle to create the new Office of Rural Health at the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC). This office is responsible for tailoring health care delivery strategies to the unique needs of rural areas, including developing rural-first programs rather than trying to adapt urban programs to rural settings.
I’m also pushing the federal government – as Oregon’s representative on the U.S. Senate spending committee – to keep investing in rural health care. In March, I secured $2 million for a new chemotherapy clinic in Curry County, where chemotherapy services are not currently offered. This means folks will no longer need to travel hundreds of miles outside of their communities for care.
And, after hearing too
many heartbreaking stories of addiction and overdose deaths from fentanyl and other drugs from folks around our state, I made sure that Congress invested $145 billion in the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program in fiscal year 2024 to combat addiction across the country.
As the husband of a nurse, I know that many health care providers in rural areas are overworked and underpaid, clocking too many hours, caring for too many patients, and traveling too many miles to provide care. That’s a recipe for burnout – and workforce shortages only make a bad health care situation worse.
That’s why I reintroduced the Future Advancement of
Academic Nursing (FAAN) Act to train and retain more nurses. And I’ve reintroduced the Nurse Overtime and Patient Safety Act to require hospitals and other providers who participate in Medicare to limit mandatory overtime for nurses, so these new nurses don’t burn out and leave the profession.
Telehealth has also been a game-changer for rural health care. Some Oregonians in rural areas have to drive hundreds of miles each way for basic care – and sometimes even farther to see a specialist.
Telehealth brings that care to them. It’s particularly powerful for mental health care, connecting those in isolated areas with the quality care and support
FAST FACT
Gov. Kotex said her plan to boost funding by estimated $515 million over current service level follows through on commitment to address K-12 education funding.
STAFF REPORT
Cottage Grove Sentinel
Governor Tina Kotek has unveiled a proposal to boost the current service level (CSL) for the State School Fund by an estimated $515 million above the original CSL calculation for the 2025-27 biennium.
The State School Fund (SSF) is the primary source of state funding for K-12 public education. Current service level is the amount of money needed in the upcoming biennium to continue existing authorized programs.
“Across the country, school districts are facing budget shortages caused by the expiration of federal pandemic relief dollars, declining enrollment, increasing costs due to inflation, and many other factors,” Kotek said. “In response to the way these issues are impacting Oregon students, educators and administrators, I committed
to reviewing and updating the methods of how the State funds public schools.
“We are working to be a stronger, more accurate and predictable funder of K-12 public education across Oregon. This effort is part of my priority to ensure we are moving the needle on improving education outcomes for our students, from improving early literacy rates to preventing learning loss to increasing graduation rates. And, ultimately it’s about more than just resources – it’s about the specific outcomes.”
Representatives from the Governor’s Office, Oregon Department of Education (ODE), and the Chief Financial Office (CFO) presented this information July 14 to the legislative Joint Task Force On Statewide Educator Salary Schedules. This estimate will be updated prior to the 2025 legislative session.
Below are the three steps the Governor is directing agencies to take in order to increase funding:
1. Budget Distribution - 49/51 Split: For the last decade, the State of Oregon has budgeted SSF distributions to school districts on a 50/50 split over a two-year
period (meaning districts received 50% of funds in year 1 and 50% of funds in year 2). This proposal changes the distribution to a 49/51 split.
This will increase the CSL calculation for the next biennium because CSL is built off the funding available in the second year, which increases when districts receive 51% in the second year, compared to 50% previously, according to Kotek.
The change will also support school districts in planning to cover rising costs that occur in the second year of the biennium after the SSF has already been set.
Preliminary Estimate: $217 million increase in the CSL for the 2025-27 biennium.
2. Compensation Costs: The State’s method to account for compensation costs of teachers, administrators, and classified staff is based on a model that looks back at 20 years of historical data. This model has proven to be very accurate (more than 98%) in calculating actual compensation costs, based on the information school districts submit to ODE. That
also means the State has historically been within 2 percentage points of being completely accurate.
The Governor’s direction to close the gap between projected compensation costs and actual compensation costs over the last 10 years – instead of 20 years – will increase the SSF CSL. The 10-year period gives us more accurate and more recent data than 20 years. This one-time increase will reflect an even more precise compensation projection and leads to the largest funding increase in the proposal. It’s also important to note that this change will roll forward into future two-year budget cycles.
Preliminary Estimate: $240 million increase in the CSL for the 2025-27 biennium.
3. Local Property Tax Revenue: SSF funding to districts represent a combination of local revenue (34%) and state revenue (66%). The State’s historical practice doesn’t include fluctuations in local property tax revenue in the second year of the biennium. This limits the State’s ability to accurately account for the level of resources available
they need to thrive. And it’s better for many health care providers, allowing them to spend less time traveling and more time treating patients. Making telehealth work effectively is yet another reason I believe that highspeed internet has to reach every town and every household across our state. To accomplish that, I supported the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that included the Broadband Equity, Access, and Development program, which is investing nearly $700 million to expand broadband in Oregon alone. And the American Rescue Plan is providing another 17,000 broadband connections across our state. These investments will connect communities and improve rural health care. These are just a few ways I’m pushing to improve rural health care on the coast and across our state. I’ll keep fighting for more resources so that all Oregonians can access the health care they need, no matter where they live.
Governor Kotek Unveils Proposal to Boost State School Fund
for our schools.
Going forward, the Governor has directed State agencies to account for annual information for projected local revenue, with the goal of increasing accuracy and precision.
Preliminary Estimate: $55 million increase in the CSL for the 2025-27 biennium. Follow developments at cgsentinel.com and in the Wednesday print editions of The Sentinel.
EDITOR
JEFF MERKLEY
Classified
LADD CONSTRUCTION, LLC New or remodel, decks, siding, windows, doors, shops, fences. 541-913-1541 ccb# 239015.
CG24-3002 AUCTION NOTICE
Green Gables Mini Storage will be conducting an online lien auction for the following storage units due to non payment. Auction will be posted at Bid13.com and will begin at 11:00am on 7/22/24 and end at 12:00pm 7/31/24. All units must be cleaned out by 5:00pm 8/3/24. Minimum charge for all units will be $50.00. The following list of units will be sold to highest bidder and are all subject to current tenant paying past due amounts in full prior to end of sale on auction end date. Stephani McTaggart C-104 10x10, Kent Waller B-8 10x20, Jennifer Carr C-64 5x10, Kathy Self D-26 10x15.
CGS24-3003 AUCTION NOTICE
COTTAGE GROVE MINI STORAGE, 1520 HWY 99 N, COTTAGE GROVE, OR 97424.
AUCTION: August 10, 2024 PROMPTLY AT 11:00 A.M. COTTAGE GROVE MINI STORAGE IN ACCORDANCE WITH ORS 87.162 WILL OFFER FOR PUBLIC AUCTION THE FOLLOWING UNITS FOR NON-PAYMENT OF RENT AND OTHER FEES. 1. Debbie Whetham # B-067, #2 Stephen Woodruff # E-264, D-076, #3 Elasah Smith # D-249, #4 Jaylon Christian # F-118, #5 Shannon Tennison G-102. UNLESS PAYMENT IN FULL IS MADE BEFORE TIME OF AUCTION @ 1520 HWY 99 N, COTTAGE GROVE, OR 97424. SEALED BIDS ON ENTIRE UNIT DUE IN OFFICE AT 11:30 A.M. “CASH ONLY”
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CGS24-3001 TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE TS No.: 175911 APN: 0496149 Reference is made to that certain deed made by Eric T. Brekstad and Nila A. Brekstad, as tenants by the entirety as Grantor to Quality Loan Service, Corp of WA., as Trustee, in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as designated nominee for Nationstar Mortgage LLC D/B/A Mr. Cooper as Beneficiary, dated 01/12/2022, recorded 01/21/2022, in the official records of Lane County, Oregon as Instrument No. 2022-003234 in Book xx, Page xx covering the following described real property situated in said County and State, to wit: LOT 41, TERRITORIAL PARK, AS PLATTED AND RECORDED IN BOOK 14, PAGE 10, LANE COUNTY OREGON PLAT RECORDS, IN THE COUNTY OF LANE AND STATE OF OREGON. Commonly known as: 89354 Fern Dr, Elmira, OR 97437 The current beneficiary is Matrix Financial Services Corporation pursuant to assignment of deed of trust recorded on 06/21/2024 as Inst No. 2024-017174 in the records of Lane, Oregon. The beneficiary has elected and directed successor trustee to sell the said real property to satisfy the obligations secured by said trust deed and notice has been recorded pursuant to Section 86.752(3) of Oregon Revised Statutes: the default for which the foreclosure is made is the grantor’s failure to: Make the monthly payments commencing with the payment due on 02/01/2024 and continuing each month until this trust deed is reinstated or goes to trustee’s sale; plus a late charge on each installment not paid within fifteen days following the payment due date; trustee’s fees and other costs and expenses associated with this foreclosure and any further breach of any term or condition contained in subject note and deed of trust. 1. By the reason of said default the
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beneficiary has declared all obligations secured by said deed of trust immediately due and payable, said sums being the following, to wit: Principal balance of: $481,943.02; 2. Interest through 07/02/2024 in the amount of: $9,085.93 3. Escrow Advances in the amount of: $8,172.93 4. Total Fees in the amount of: $137.00 5. Late Charges in the Amount of: $347.34 6. Rec Corp Adv Balance in the amount of: $60.00 7. Together with the interest thereon at the rate 3.7500000% per annum until paid; plus all accrued late charges thereon; and all trustee’s fees, foreclosure costs and any sums advanced by the beneficiary pursuant to the terms of said deed of trust . The principal sum of $481,943.02 together with the interest thereon at the rate 3.7500000% per annum from 01/01/2024 until paid; plus all accrued late charges thereon; and all trustee’s fees, foreclosure costs and any sums advanced by the beneficiary pursuant to the terms of said deed of trust. Whereof, notice hereby is given that the undersigned trustee will on 11/06/2024 at the hour of 1:00 PM, Standard of Time, as established by Section 187.110, Oregon Revised Statutes, at the front entrance to the Lane County Courthouse, 125 East 8th Avenue, Eugene, OR 97401, County of Lane, State of Oregon, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash the interest in the said described real property which the grantor had or had power to convey at the time of the execution by him of the said trust deed, together with any interest which the grantor or his successors in interest acquired after the execution of said trust deed, to satisfy the foregoing obligations thereby secured (and the costs and expenses of sale, including a reasonable charge by the trustee). Notice is further given that any person named in Section 86.778 of Oregon Revised Statutes;
has the right to have the foreclosure proceeding dismissed and the trust deed reinstated by payment to the beneficiary of the entire amount then due (other than such portion of said principal as would not then be due had no default occurred), together with the costs, trustee’s and attorney’s fees and curing any other default complained of in the Notice of Default by tendering the performance required under the obligation or trust deed, at any time prior to five days before the date last set for the sale. In construing this, the masculine gender includes the feminine and the successor in interest to the grantor as well as any other person owing obligation, the performance of which is secured by said trust deed; the words “trustee” and “beneficiary” include their respective successors in interest, if any. Pursuant to Oregon Law, this sale will not be deemed final until the Trustee’s deed has been issued by Prime Recon LLC. If any irregularities are discovered within 10 days of the date of this sale, the trustee will rescind the sale, return the buyer’s money and take further action as necessary. If the sale is set aside for any reason, including if the trustee is unable to convey title, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the monies paid to the Trustee. This shall be the Purchaser’s sole and exclusive remedy. The purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Trustor, the Trustee, the Beneficiary, the Beneficiary’s Agent, or the Beneficiary’s Attorney. Also, please be advised that pursuant to the terms stated on the Deed of Trust and Note, the beneficiary is allowed to conduct property inspections while there is a default. This shall serve as notice that the beneficiary shall be conducting property inspections on the referenced property. Without limiting the trustee’s disclaimer of representations or
warranties, Oregon law requires the trustee to state in this notice that some residential property sold at a trustee’s sale may have been used in manufacturing methamphetamines, the chemical components of which are known to be toxic. Prospective purchasers of residential property should be aware of this potential danger before deciding to place a bid for this property at the trustee’s sale. NOTICE TO RESIDENTIAL TENANTS The property in which you are living is in foreclosure. A foreclosure sale is scheduled for 11/06/2024 (date). The date of this sale may be postponed. Unless the lender that is foreclosing on this property is paid before the sale date, the foreclosure will go through and someone new will own this property. After the sale, the new owner is required to provide you with contact information and notice that the sale took place. The following information applies to you only if you are a bona fide tenant occupying and renting this property as a residential dwelling under a legitimate rental agreement. The information does not apply to you if you own this property or if you are not a bona fide residential tenant. If the foreclosure sale goes through, the new owner will have the right to require you to move out. Before the new owner can require you to move, the new owner must provide you with written notice that specifies the date by which you must move out. If you do not leave before the move-out date, the new owner can have the sheriff remove you from the property after a court hearing. You will receive notice of the court hearing. PROTECTION FROM EVICTION IF YOU ARE A BONA FIDE TENANT OCCUPYING AND RENTING THIS PROPERTY AS A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO CONTINUE LIVING IN THIS PROPERTY AFTER THE FORECLOSURE SALE FOR: • 60
DEADLINE
Deadline for all classified and legal ads is the Wednesday one week prior to to the following Wednesday Publication date. Any ads received after Wednesday 5:00 p.m. will not appear until two weeks after submission date.
DAYS FROM THE DATE YOU ARE GIVEN A WRITTEN TERMINATION NOTICE, IF YOU HAVE A FIXED TERM LEASE; OR • AT LEAST 30 DAYS FROM THE DATE YOU ARE GIVEN A WRITTEN TERMINATION NOTICE, IF YOU HAVE A MONTH-TOMONTH OR WEEK-TO-WEEK RENTAL AGREEMENT. If the new owner wants to move in and use this property as a primary residence, the new owner can give you written notice and require you to move out after 30 days, even though you have a fixed term lease with more than 30 days left. You must be provided with at least 30 days’ written notice after the foreclosure sale before you can be required to move. A bona fide tenant is a residential tenant who is not the borrower (property owner) or a child, spouse or parent of the borrower, and whose rental agreement: • Is the result of an arm’s-length transaction; • Requires the payment of rent that is not substantially less than fair market rent for the property, unless the rent is reduced or subsidized due to a federal, state or local subsidy; and • Was entered into prior to the date of the foreclosure sale. ABOUT YOUR TENANCY BETWEEN NOW
Advertising Representatives
Country Media has immediate openings for Reporters to cover the news that matters to our communities. Successful applicants will have an enthusiasm to cover enterprise journalism, civic meetings, school news, community events, and more. You’ll be writing for multimedia platforms including print, social media, and websites. If writing is your passion, this is the job for you! Positions are Full-time. We will also consider applicants for freelance work.
We offer an above average wage with paid holidays, health insurance, paid vacation, sick leave, and more!
Submit your resume and cover letter today to Executive Editor, jwarren@countrymedia.net.
Country Media has immediate openings for advertising representatives. Sales experience is preferred, but not required for the right person. You do need to enjoy meeting people and learning about their business needs, and you must be able to ask for the sale! You must be dependable, with reliable transportation. You should have the drive to succeed in a goal-oriented, highly accountable fun environment.
We offer a competitive wage plus unlimited commission potential. This is a full-time job, Monday through Friday! Benefits include paid holidays, health insurance, paid vacation, sick leave, and more!
Submit your resume and cover letter today to Director of Sales, fperea@countrymedia.net.
the foreclosure sale is not responsible to you for any deposit or prepaid rent you paid to your landlord. ABOUT YOUR TENANCY AFTER THE FORECLOSURE SALE The new owner that buys this property at the foreclosure sale may be willing to allow you to stay as a tenant instead of requiring you to move out after 30 or 60 days. After the sale, you should receive a written notice informing you that the sale took place and giving you the new owner’s name and contact information. You should contact the new owner if you would like to stay. If the new owner accepts rent from you, signs a new residential rental agreement with you or does not notify you in writing within 30 days after the date of the foreclosure sale that you must move out, the new owner becomes your new landlord and must maintain the property. Otherwise: • You do not owe rent;
• The new owner is not your landlord and is not responsi-
ble for maintaining the property on your behalf; and • You must move out by the date the new owner specifies in a notice to you. The new owner may offer to pay your moving expenses and any other costs or amounts you and the new owner agree on in exchange for your agreement to leave the premises in less than 30 or 60 days. You should speak with a lawyer to fully understand your rights before making any decisions regarding your tenancy. IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR ANY PERSON TO TRY TO FORCE YOU TO LEAVE YOUR DWELLING UNIT WITHOUT FIRST GIVING YOU WRITTEN NOTICE AND GOING TO COURT TO EVICT YOU. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR RIGHTS, YOU SHOULD CONSULT A LAWYER. If you believe you need legal assistance, contact the Oregon State Bar and ask for the lawyer referral service. Contact information for the Oregon State Bar is included with this notice. If you do not have enough money to pay a lawyer and are otherwise eligible, you may be able to receive legal assistance for free. Information about whom to contact for free legal assistance is included with this notice. OREGON STATE BAR, 16037 S.W. Upper Boones Ferry Road, Tigard Oregon 97224, Phone (503) 6200222, Toll-free 1-800-4528260 Website: http://www. oregonlawhelp.org NOTICE TO VETERANS If the recipient of this notice is a veteran of the armed forces, assistance may be available from a county veterans’ service officer or community action agency. Contact information for a service officer appointed for the county in which you live and contact information for a community action agency that serves the area where you live may be obtained by calling a 2-1-1 in-
formation service. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act requires that we state the following: this is an attempt to collect, and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. If a discharge has been obtained by any party through bankruptcy proceedings: This shall not be construed to be an attempt to collect the outstanding indebtedness or hold you personally liable for the debt. This letter is intended to exercise the note holders right’s against the real property only. Dated: 07/05/2024
Prime Recon LLC By: Devin Ormonde, Assistant Vice President Prime Recon LLC
27368 Via Industria, Ste 201 Temecula, CA 92590 Phone number for the Trustee: (888) 725-4142 A-4820541
07/17/2024, 07/24/2024, 07/31/2024, 08/07/2024 Find us on Facebook Cottage Grove Senti nel
LEO Jul 23/Aug 23
Leo, are you ready to take your project to the next level? Brainstorm with a coworker about the best way to get ahead and make a mark with this endeavor.
VIRGO
Aug 24/Sept 22
It could be time for a move and you just aren’t ready to admit it, Virgo. You may have gotten comfortable in one place, but a move could prove the right decision.
LIBRA
Sept 23/Oct 23
Libra, there are a lot of ideas swimming around in your head. You may need to put some things down on paper to see what really might be worth doing in the days to come.
SCORPIO
Oct 24/Nov 22
Connect with a friend or even your partner for an intimate dinner this week. You’ve been moving in different circles and it’s time to get on the same page.
SAGITTARIUS
Nov 23/Dec 21
Invite people to stop by and cheer you up, Sagittarius. You’ve been going through a rough patch and there’s nothing like happy faces and new perspectives to bring about a smile.
CAPRICORN
Dec 22/Jan 20
Capricorn, be sure to check your bank account pretty regularly; otherwise, you may lose track of spending and get yourself into a financial mess that could be tough to get out of.
AQUARIUS
Jan 21/Feb 18
Aquarius, you may be your own worst enemy this week, especially as it pertains to thinking that someone may be trying to cause trouble with you at work. Get the facts before acting.
PISCES
Feb 19/Mar 20
Pisces, there is a process to everything.
Remain patient and stay the course no matter how excited you are. Rest assured that things will work out if you can hang in there.
ARIES
Mar 21/Apr 20
Don’t rush in and act combative this week, Aries. Take a more delicate approach to convince others to see things your way. As the saying goes, “You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.”
TAURUS
Apr 21/May 21
Are you feeling like you may want to be a wellness warrior of late, Taurus? Start by taking inventory of the foods in your home and making some healthier changes.
GEMINI
May 22/Jun 21
Gemini, if you are looking to make a few new friends, ask others to connect you with like-minded individuals. You never know who you might meet until you give it a try.
CANCER
Jun 22/Jul 22
Cancer, if a delicate issue has been troubling you, reach out to someone you can trust and begin to talk things through. You will likely feel better just getting things out.
Sundays: 11a (all ages welcome) Mondays: 5:30p (6th-12th grades)
Our Lady of Perpetual Help and St. Philip Benizi Catholic Churches 1025. N. 19th St. 541-942-3420 Father John J. Boyle Holy Mass: Saturday Vigil – 5:30 pm Sunday – 10:30 am For weekday and Holy Day of Obligation schedule see website OLPHCG.net
Confession: 4 PM to 5 PM Saturdays or by appointment St. Philip Benizi, Creswell 552 Holbrook Lane Sunday 8 am
St. Andrews Episcopal Church 1301 W. Main • 541-767-9050 Rev. Lawrence Crumb “Scripture, Tradition, Reason” Worship: Sunday 10:30am All Welcome
Seventh-day Adventist Church 820 South 10th Street 541-942-5213
Pastor: James D. Boram Bible Study: Saturday, 9:15 am Worship Service: Saturday, 10:40 Mid-week Service: Wednesday, 1:00
Trinity Lutheran Church 6th & Quincy • 541-942-2373 Pastor: James L. Markus Sunday School &
SVA’s tradition of positively shaping lives
CINDY WEELDREYER
Cottage Grove Sentinel
For more than a quarter of a century, South Valley Athletics (SVA) has positively shaped the lives of thousands of young people by building character and confidence, by promoting good health through nutrition and exercise, and by instilling the value of teamwork and commitment, according to organizers.
The young athletes then became parents and contributing members to society. Some are still involved with this nonprofit organization coaching and supporting their children and grandchildren, the SVA organizers said, adding that community support for child safety is the taproot of youth sports in Cottage Grove.
History
The late Marcia Allen, a chief historian for many decades, described participating in a Red Cross training as a child and learning to swim in the icy cold water of the Coast Fork of the Willamette River near the Chambers Covered Bridge. After five tragic drowning accidents in the mid-1950s, community leaders and families realized the need for a swimming pool to teach every student in the South Lane School District how to swim. It’s a school district commitment that continues to this day.
ty. They enroll their children in our programs because they know the value of what we do for the mental and emotional develop of their most prized possessions. They nourish their kids, not only physically with good food, but also by setting the basis for healthy emotional and mental thought patters and how to be good, committed and kind teammates.”
In 1955, an outdoor pool was constructed behind Cottage Grove High School on Eighth Street with a generous donation from local lumberman Warren Daugherty. Just over a decade later, the outdoor pool was enclosed and the Aqua Lions Aquatic Center now bears his name.
In addition to swimming, baseball leagues kept kids involved in sports. In the late 1970s, Cottage Grove Recreation expanded sports offerings for young people and in the mid-2000s it became South Valley Athletics (SVA).
Today, SVA offers young athletes volleyball and soccer in the fall, cheer and basketball in the spring and has recently begun offering T-ball and various camps in the summer.
According to SVA Program Director Tom Perkins, the program roughly 2000 youth and families participate in the organization’s activities. Most games are played on school district property: soccer at the high school, volleyball, basketball and cheer at the middle school and Harrison School and T-ball at Bohemia School.
“We could not do what we do without the partnership we have with South Lane School District,” Perkins said. “We have a very good working relationship with them that is built upon many years of cooperation to support our kids.”
Perkins said parents play a huge part in everything the organization does. Many of the parents volunteer to coach, or help out at the fields, or transport kids to and from SVA events.
“Parents are our main customer,” he said. “They give us feedback on how we can better serve our communi-
Funding SVA’s 2024 budget is $195,306.00. It relies on sports fees and generous grants. The grants allowed the nonprofit to hire Perkins as its executive director and expand its program offerings. For some low-income families and others with multiple children the fees can be a big expense. Fundraisers, such as Sunday afternoon Bingo at the Coast Fork Brewery, raise money for scholarships so all kids can play.
Perkins said the organization’s vision is to promote the general welfare of youth and adults in the City of Cottage Grove and its surrounding environs by providing recreational services, facilities, and activities.
The biggest challenge the nonprofit faces is adequate space to serve the recreation needs of our growing community, according to Perkins.
“We constantly struggle to find funding to continue to grow our programs,” he said.
The community can help by volunteering, helping with fundraisers and grant-writing, and by donating sports equipment, Perkins said.
Finding personal satisfaction
In 2007, Perkins began coaching his children’s teams. He was later invited to serve on the board of directors.
He said he found a lot of personal satisfaction from volunteering and SVA was a perfect fit for him because of all of the good mentors and coaches he had, including his father, Fred Perkins, who was a longtime official in youth sports. He said working and volunteering for a youth nonprofit is one of the most rewarding experiences
Cottage Grove
Local WEATHER
WEDNESDAY, JULY 24
Mostly Sunny - High 87°/Low 51°
THURSDAY, JULY 25
Partly Cloudy - High 85°/Low 50°
FRIDAY, JULY 26
Partly Cloudy - High 85°/Low 51°
SATURDAY, JULY 27
Sunny - High 87°/Low 52°
SUNDAY, JULY 28
Sunny - High 88°/Low 53°
MONDAY, JULY 29
Mostly Sunny - High 90°/Low 55°
TUESDAY, JULY 30
Sunny - High 90°/Low 55°
of his life.
“Working with youth and the community is a labor of love and the positive effects are long-lasting and generational. The impact one good mentor can have on a life can produce a ripple effect that grows and spreads exponentially,” Perkins said.
Next step South Valley Athletics is part of a coalition seeking to establish a recreation district within the boundaries of the South Lane School District. Its leadership believes it would support happy, healthy thriving lifestyles for adults and children in South Lane County. It would also provide the opportunity to expand its current programs as either a partner organization or potentially the proposed district would be managed by SVA.
SVA Vice President Sa-
mantha Duncan owns the Health Hub on Main Street and is taking the lead on SVA’s involvement in this project.
“We are supportive of the growth of recreation opportunities in Cottage Grove and see the need for a properly coordinated and run Parks and Rec district for our community,” Duncan said. “As a nonprofit organization, we rely on grant funding, registration fees, fundraisers and individual donations to support our programs and operation. A special district would provide a permanent source of funding for community recreation that would allow for more flexibility, growth and long-term planning.”
“Cottage Grove not only needs a parks and recreation district, but we deserve it,” Duncan added.
Perkins said there are many memorable moments he cherishes from being involved in youth sports and recreation. He said there is one moment he will always remember.”
“I was volunteering at Senior Night several years ago. I heard a kid from the back of the room say, ‘That’s the best soccer coach I ever had!’ I looked up to see a kid I’d coached several years before in youth soccer and he was celebrating his high school graduation. He had a huge smile on his face and came up and gave me a hug. Now, I know I’m not very knowledgeable about soccer, but I had made a positive impression on this kid, and it felt pretty darn good. Those little moments are full payment for volunteering. ” Follow developments online at cgsentinel.com and in the Wednesday print editions of The Sentinel
Courtesy photo from South Valley Athletics
Coaches Dewey Epperson, left, and Tom Perkins briefing heir young basketball players.
Courtesy photo from South Valley Athletics The Hornets T-ball Team gives a cheer for their coach Aaron Vale.
Courtesy photo from South Valley Athletics
Parker Evans, Carolyn Reyna, and Penelope Smith are soccer enthusiasts and said they are happy SVA gives them the opportunity to play.