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Dini Schultz working at Piknik Vintage Teahouse, the Silverton establishment her mother Regan Schultz opened in early December. MELISSA
On the Cover Our Town investigates how teenage homeless is handled in Silverton.
Our Town P.O. Box 927 Mount Angel, OR 97362 401 Oak St. Silverton, OR 97381 503-845-9499 ourtown.life@mtangelpub.com ourtownlive.com
Our Town mailed free to residents and businesses in the 97362, 97375, 97381 zip codes. Subscriptions for outside this area are $60 annually. Deadline for ads or submissions for the Jan. 15 issue is Jan. 6. Thank you for spending time with Our Town. Your comments and suggestions are always welcome. Above
WAGONER
Homeless camping
By James Day
The Silverton City Council has tentatively selected a site on Westfield Street for the city’s designated homeless camping site.
Councilors voted 4-3 for the city-owned site near Main Street at a four-hour meeting at City Hall Dec. 16. The property also contains the Silverton Senior Center, the dog park and the skate park. Pickleball courts and an affordable housing complex are also planned for the parcel, which is adjacent to Robert Frost Elementary School.
The council has been debating site selection for a possible homeless camp over multiple meetings, driven by encouragement from its legal advisers to establish both a site and rules for camping as a result of recent legal decisions and case law.
The camping site would be available on nights when Sheltering Silverton is full.
Councilors also have considered sites at park property off of Ike Mooney Road at the south end of town, a sliver of property
next to the Public Works compound on McClaine Street that includes Sheltering Silverton’s operation, and the site of the former dog park on A Street just north of the new city hall.
The Ike Mooney site was quickly rejected as too isolated, the Public Works site seemed fraught with possible conflicts with the Sheltering Silverton operation, and A Street was deemed too close to downtown.
No councilors appeared to strongly favor any site. Westfield was selected because it appeared to pose fewer negatives.
“We could choose to do nothing, but that would expose the city to possible liability,”
Mayor Jason Freilinger said. “I’m not sold on any location. I’m going to pick the best one among the choices that I have and people are going to criticize me no matter which way we go.”
The vote does not bind the city to the Westfield selection. The motion made by Councilor Jess Miller directs city staff to find the best location on Westfield for camping, with future discussions and votes likely.
Councilors Eric Hammond, April Newton and Mayor Jason Freilinger joined Miller in the 4-3 vote. It was opposed by Councilors Elvi Cuellar Sutton, Marie Traeger and Matt Gaitan.
Sarah White, Sheltering Silverton’s executive director, and board member John Friedrick, addressed the council during public comment. Friedrick read a statement in which Sheltering Silverton noted its continuing opposition to camping near its operation, while also noting its concern about the “criminalization of homelessness.”
The group, which has taken the lead on cleaning up homeless camps in Silverton, also asserted that if the Public Works site were opened to camping Sheltering Silverton “would bear the brunt of the negativity” the camp might produce.
In other highlights from the meeting:
Election: As part of its consent agenda the council approved the certification of the Nov. 5 results by the Marion County Elections office. The results showed that Freilinger was re-elected mayor and Sutton
and Gatain were re-elected to council seats. Joining the council will be former Mayor and Councilor Kyle Palmer, who replaces the outgoing Miller. The new council will be sworn in on Monday, Jan. 6.
Water Treatment Plant: Public Works director Travis Sperle presented an update on plans to upgrade the city’s water treatment operations. One unit was installed in 1957 and the other in 1982. A similar effort stalled in 2022 when construction bids came in more than $3 million above what the city had budgeted. The main source of funding was to be a $9.5 million loan from Business Oregon. Those funds still are available, although Sperle noted that the cost of the project has climbed to the $15-$17 million range. No timetable on when the city might move forward with the upgrades was available.
Tree code: Councilors heard a progress report from Jason Gottgetreu, community development director, on the creation of a new trees chapter in the development code. continued on page 9
Progressive repairs MASD saves $250K
By Stephen Floyd
The Mt. Angel School District has managed to save a quarter million dollars during Phase 1 of its bond projects during 2024 and will be able to dedicate those funds to Phase 2 this year.
During the Nov. 12, 2024, meeting of the MASD Board, Superintendent Rachel Stucky reported accounts had been reconciled for Phase 1 and the district experienced roughly $250,000 in savings.
Stucky said these funds could be set aside for projects this summer, though the board would need to take separate action to finalize any such decision.
She said the savings were “a very great thing” and a direct result of the “progressive design build” process the board chose over the conventional bid process.
Voters approved a $7 million facilities bond in 2023 which was matched with a $4 million state grant, bringing available funds for improvements to $11 million.
In December 2023 the board voted to use the
progressive design build strategy, whereby a designer and contractor collaborate so cost estimates and project scope could be adjusted along the way.
The board correctly anticipated this would save money, as opposed to the conventional process of receiving cost estimates and awarding contacts after designs were completed.
A few of the bond-supported projects did employ the conventional bid process, such as installing new boilers at Mt. Angel Middle School. These projects were seen as needing to be completed promptly.
Other projects -- like new windows and water damage repairs at the St. Mary’s School library, renovated bathrooms at John F. Kennedy High School, and lighting and roof repairs at the bus barn -- had a longer timeline and employed the progressive design build.
Projects expected during 2025 include security and utility upgrades at the elementary, middle and high school, and replacement of exterior siding and insulation at St. Mary’s.
MASD avoids sharp PERS increase
The Mt. Angel School District has managed to dodge a sharp increase in state-required employee retirement contributions next year as other districts brace for significant hikes.
During the Dec. 9 meeting of the MASD Board, Business Manager Kristi Brackinreed said the increase in contributions would be roughly $100,000 for the 2025-26 school year.
Brackinreed said costs for the Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) change with each fiscal biennium, and the projected increase was in line with what had already been estimated by the district.
“This is our normal course of business and we’re just kind of steady,” she said. “...At this point, PERS is not going to be a reason for us to have to do budget cuts.”
This differs significantly from other districts in the state, who saw sharp increases. The Silver Falls School District has estimated a $2.5 million increase in contributions next year.
Brackinreed said the difference between MASD and SFSD came down to a funding strategy known as side accounts, which use investment interest to defray PERS costs. Related investments have underperformed and districts depending on side accounts have been required to pay larger percentages to make up for the lost revenue.
– Stephen Floyd
Something to Think About Homeless teens
By James Day
In early September staff and board members of Sheltering Silverton appeared before the Silverton City Council. The reason for the visit was to discuss the issue of setting up a camping site on city property for members of the homeless community who don’t fit under the Sheltering Silverton umbrella or those who are knocking on the door when the shelter is full.
Councilors praised the work of the organization, which began in 2016 as a temperature activated, 10-bed shelter in the sanctuary of a local church. Today, Sheltering Silverton, with funding from the state and the city and a widening net of partners, operates a shelter complex on the grounds of the Silverton’s Public Works compound and serves a wide variety of clients: men, women, families and veterans.
But there is no place at the inn for homeless teens.
Just as homeless adults can wind up couch surfing, living in their cars, shacking up with friends and camping in the woods, homeless teenagers find themselves in the same situations in numbers that are frustratingly difficult to track. Yet even low estimates send out a shocking signal that something needs to be done.
The problem
The state tracks homeless teens school district by school district as part of the federal McKinney Vento program. Over the past few years the Silver Falls School District has had up to 100 or more students experience homelessness at some time during the school year.
Sarah White, Sheltering Silverton’s founder and executive director of Sheltering Silverton told Our Town that based on her organization’s experience: “At any point in time there are three to 10 teenagers in Silverton who are unaccompanied and need a safe, consistent place to sleep and many more who could benefit from services directly geared toward minors.”
Some of the barriers to working with teens are state emancipation laws, custody issues, and lack of documents and records such as a social security number, birth certificate or state ID.
Marion and Polk counties manage 15 beds
City, school district, shelter seek solutions
for teens, but the shelters are in Salem and Monmouth, making transportation for Silver Falls students a challenge.
Kim Kellison, the interim superintendent of the Silver Falls School District told Our Town “at the district we understand the challenges that our students are facing regarding housing instability, and we provide support through our community liaison, counselors, teachers, administrators, and social worker. We have a great counseling team in the district, and Yolanda Zavala, Enez Bradford and Jennifer Hannan have been instrumental in finding resources and support for our students.
“I will add that our funding often is not sufficient to cover the needs of our families and we rely on our local partners for additional support.”
That funding also has been reduced in the wake of the budget crisis the Silver Falls district has been battling its way through in the past year. Much of the work on coping with homelessness among Silverton-area teens falls on the staff at Sequoia Falls Academy, the school district’s alternative education campus on North Water Street.
Hannan, the veteran counselor and behavioral health advocate who serves as the administrator at the facility, told Our Town that the budget crisis led to a 30% staff reduction at Sequoia Falls and a 50% reduction in social service staff districtwide.
“Staff and students at Sequoia fully support the very difficult decisions that had to be made,” Hannan said of the budget outcome, “but unfortunately those decisions do result in fewer resources to support our most vulnerable populations, including our homeless youth.”
Hannan also noted that although many students who have experienced housing issues are referred to Sequoia Falls, just as many or more continue to attend Silverton High School. And there are a wide variety of reasons in addition to housing that can lead to a student being referred to Sequoia.
Hannan said in early December that 22 of the 50 students at Sequoia face housing issues.
When asked about the McKinney Vento numbers, Hannan said they only begin to tell the story.
“I know that the numbers are not accurate,” she said. “As a general rule we are working with families in crisis who are struggling to hold things together and provide as much stability and consistency as possible for their children. There is a prevalent fear that reporting homelessness will lead to [Oregon Department of Human Services], school, law enforcement, or another agency interference and more disruption and instability for the students and family.
“Just this week [this was November] we met with a family of an unaccompanied minor and as a result of that meeting flagged him McKinney Vento. A verification is required at the district level and during that verification call the parent who refused to disclose the living situation. The parent feared that disclosing to someone from ‘the district’ that he didn’t have a home here would result in him not being allowed to continue his education. That is just one example of a well-intended safeguard that creates a flaw in the identification system.”
Interview and group meeting
As part of this examination of the issue, Our Town participated in a 90-minute, not-for-attribution discussion with Sequoia Falls and district staffers in September and also spent a morning in November at Sequoia Falls interviewing a student who was formerly homeless and participating in the campus’ regularly scheduled Thursday morning “group meeting.” No students are named. The one-on-one interview
was facilitated by district social worker Michaela Straub. Here are excerpts:
“My grades were awful. It [homelessness] plays a role in how you feel inside, how comfortable you are… it’s hard not being able to go home. My dad passed away. I spent time couch hopping with my mom. I stayed at other people’s houses. I also slept in a car a couple of times. It’s confusing. You don’t really know what’s going on. I grew up with parents on drugs. Food banks [SACA was mentioned] have been incredibly helpful. If there is a will there’s a way. You figure it out. Sometimes you sacrifice your dignity.
“I struggled in school. Failed classes. I fixed my GPA because I haven’t had to move. Sequoia was one of the leading factors [in success]. I know that the staff working here are doing the best they can for me. I’m living with family friends. It’s stable sometimes. I have good sources of support.
“College? I just started the [research] process this month [November]. I want to stay in Oregon and study finance or business at a four-year school.”
Michaela notes that the student still has issues with health insurance. There is a mediator involved, which makes it hard to go to class or find time to go to the doctor. Also, there is a custody situation in the family.
The student is asked about being good at “figuring things out.”
“I didn’t have a choice. When you really have to figure something out you have to find something. People take that for granted. People don’t understand what it’s like to NOT have options.”
Present for the group meeting, which took place in an airy, spacious great room at Sequoia Falls with couches and comfy chairs, were interim superintendent Kellison, Hannan and Straub and Sequoia Falls staffers Sheila Zervas Nielsen and Helen Thomas as well as 20 or so students. Only a couple of the students spoke. Here are excerpts:
Hannan: Age can be an issue. Things are harder to do until you are 18 and eligible for programs.
Nielsen: Sometimes food boxes require a parent to be there.
Student: A kid gets kicked out of his grandparents’ house. He finds a couch.
Sequoia Falls Academy on North Water Street. The alternative education facility plays a key role in the Silver Falls School District’s work involving homeless students. JAMES DAY
He runs away to a friend’s house. That becomes unstable. He tries another friend. He has to leave again and camp in a backyard. Then, he’s in the bushes in a tent behind the school.
Nielsen: These kids don’t want to be a burden. They want to succeed in school. They don’t want to go to a food bank. It can be hard to ask for help. These are some of the most resilient people in the community.
Hannan: Sometimes there is no shower. No one wants to go to school in dirty clothes. Kids are fearful of being identified as homeless.
Student: It can be overwhelming. So much info coming in.
Thomas: Kids can come to school but still have things they are dealing with. Where is your homework [or the place and time to complete it]?
Student: If you don’t get enough sleep how are you supposed to get through school and the rest of your day?
Student: My sister was 17 and got kicked out. Nowhere to stay. Trying to arrange for college. If you don’t have support to help you through it your life can feel like’s it’s pretty much over.
Student: My grades were tanking just because I was worried about having a place to stay.
Thomas: It’s hard for adults to recognize when students are struggling.
Student: And even if a teacher knows you are struggling with housing it’s not easy to know how does a homeless student feel? No shower. No place to brush your teeth.
Student: Sometimes there are a lot of house rules. You have to be super respectful of what other people are going through. Where am I going to sleep? What am I going to eat? Those questions outweigh everything else.
Straub: It’s amazing how resilient students have to be. They shouldn’t have to do that.
Student: Sequoia encourages you not to give up.
Kellison: It’s hard for people to ask for help.
Straub: And if they ask for help and it doesn’t happen… so why bother? Barriers, barriers, barriers, barriers.
The search for solutions
Sheltering Silverton’s White, in the last of three lengthy email exchanges with Our Town, said “we have shifted our focus to prioritizing a teen shelter as the need is steady and growing. This is the most underserved demographic in our community and we want to make sure that within the next couple of years we do run up a safe, effective shelter for teens.
“We have been working with regional partners to make that happen. Our focus is on finding an appropriate space and making a way for those partners to come in and run the shelter.
$1,550,000
“You asked about barriers. The threshold for licensing and funding a shelter for unaccompanied minors is significantly higher than it is for adults. DHS would be managing our licensing and they have more strict guidance on the facilities and operations. We have been in conversation with DHS about what that could look like here in Silverton and they have been eager to offer support, as the need is so high. Operational funding is also in question.”
State, city and local money have helped greatly in Sheltering Silverton building the infrastructure it has, the 20 permanent beds and other amenities at the Silverton Public Works compound, plus the case management, eviction-prevention work and referrals it engages in on a daily basis.
White said she hopes to work with the home youth services operation of the MidWillamette Valley Community Action Agency in Salem on a Silverton teen shelter.
“We applied for roughly $1 million in funding through the state,” White said, noting that “they are experienced with teen shelters and were willing to manage the operations.”
Unfortunately, that grant request was not approved “but we hope it will be in the future,” White said.
“Our goal at Sheltering Silverton is to lead the community effort to create a space for the shelter. Ideally, this would be a partnership with the city, but we have nothing nailed down. Then we would advocate for community support and serve as liaisons to another organization that will run the program once the build or acquisition of a property is complete. This is all a ways out, but we are trying to keep the conversation going.”
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Sex offender facing prison after December arrest
A sex offender is facing numerous new charges after allegedly attempting to coerce an underaged female into sex.
Gary Alan Breunle, 50, of Silverton, was arrested Dec. 10 for offenses allegedly occurring in Silverton between January and July 2024.
According to charging documents in Marion County Circuit Court, Breunle allegedly sent the victim multiple pornographic videos to induce her to have sex. He also allegedly forced unwanted physical contact on the victim including an attempt at sexual intercourse.
Breunle is also accused of providing alcohol and marijuana to the victim although she was less than 21 years old.
He has been charged with six counts of luring a minor, two counts each of harassment, furnishing alcohol to a person under 21, and unlawful delivery of marijuana, and one count of attempted second-degree sexual abuse.
If convicted, Breunle faces up to five years in prison on his highest count. Dec. 12 prosecutors filed notice of their intent to
rely on enhancement factors such as the numerous offenses and Breunle’s criminal history.
In 2020 he was sentenced to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty to first-degree invasion of personal privacy for taking nude images of three female victims without their knowledge or consent. The sentence required he register as a sex offender.
As of press time Breunle remained in the Marion County Jail on $100,000 bail.
Additional theft convictions
Additional convictions have been recorded for a Silverton man for a series of high-value thefts from hardware stores in Portland and Albany. No extra time was added to his current sentence.
Elton Bud Ralston, 41, pleaded no contest Oct. 30 in Linn County Circuit Court to first-degree theft, computer crime and driving with a suspended license. He then pleaded guilty Nov. 12 in Multnomah County Circuit Court to first-degree theft (four counts) and suspended driving (two counts).
He received a 24-month prison sentence, to run concurrent with the 36 months he received after accepting a plea deal in related
cases in other jurisdictions July 11.
Ralston was accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars in merchandise from Home Depot and Lowes stores in Multnomah, Marion, Yamhill, Washington and Linn counties during the first half of 2023. He would replace the UPC barcodes of high-dollar items with those of lower-cost merchandise and use self-checkout to leave the store while appearing to have paid full price. According to court records, losses to the stores totaled more than $41,500.
Prosecutors seek revocation of parole for serial offender
A Silverton man sentenced to probation for stealing from a local business and a nonprofit could be heading to prison after allegedly committing new offenses.
Craig Steven Fisher, 53, was arrested Nov. 3 by the Silverton Police Department for allegedly stealing a bicycle that day and burglarizing a residence six days prior.
According to a police report, Fisher allegedly broke into a Silverton woman’s covered garage Oct. 28 while she was on vacation and stole nearly $3,000 in belongings. Then on Nov. 3 he allegedly
stole a student’s bicycle outside Silverton High School worth more than $1,000.
He has been charged in Marion County Circuit Court with two counts of firstdegree theft, and is due back in court on these charges Jan. 10, 2025.
Fisher is currently on probation for separate convictions of first-degree theft, which is set to expire in September of 2026. In September of 2022 he pleaded guilty to stealing more than $1,000 worth of dehumidifiers from John’s Waterproofing. He also pleaded guilty to stealing a trailer from Paralyzed Veterans of America on Feb. 19. The trailer and its contents were valued at more than $5,000.
On Nov. 21 prosecutors filed a motion to revoke his probation over the new offenses. According to his sentencing in the trailer case, revocation would result in a 13-month prison sentence plus any additional time imposed in the dehumidifier case.
New trial denied in lawsuit
A Silverton woman who lost a $10 million negligence lawsuit against Legacy Health in August has been denied a second trial after accusing the hospital of unfairly delaying evidence.
are so grateful for all our customers who allow us to serve the community we live in and love. We pray you all have a wonderful holiday season and a blessed New Year!
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On Dec. 2, Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Judith Matarazzo denied a motion in Richards vs. Legacy Health, et al. for a new trial after a jury cleared the hospital of wrongdoing Aug. 28.
Plaintiff Tamarie Richards filed the motion Oct. 10 claiming Legacy unfairly withheld key evidence until 10 days prior to the trial, denying her legal team time to prepare vital witnesses and documents.
Richards filed suit April 23, 2021, claiming she has experienced chronic pain since implantation of a recalled pelvic mesh device during a surgery April 29, 2019.
The hospital denied any knowledge of a recall at the time of the surgery and said Richards had given informed consent to use the device.
Legacy opposed the new motion on Oct.14 and said Richards provided no examples of misconduct or procedural errors, or new evidence to change the outcome of the trial.
Matarazzo’s order said Richards’ arguments did not meet the standards for granting a new trial, and said even if they did, the facts of the case taken in total would not justify a new trial.
-- Stephen Floyd
Silverton City Council
continued from page 4
The goal is to ensure that city code is in line with the clear and objective requirements of housing developments. A key goal will be to regulate how trees are preserved during the development process. Developers would be given credit for preserving larger trees such as oaks, maples and Douglas firs that give the site a greater tree canopy.
Main Street: Councilors unanimously approved a $400,000 contract with the MacKay Sposito urban planning firm for design work for the block of Main between Water and First streets and the park that will be built at the south end of the City Hall complex.
Affordable Housing: On a 5-2 vote councilors approved an updated design plan for an affordable housing complex on 2.5 acres of city-owned land on Westfield Street near the dog park and the Senior Center. Hacienda Development of Portland presented three options, one of 36 units and 68 bedrooms, one of 42 units and 72 bedrooms and one of 53 units and 88 bedrooms. All three versions would include 61-65 parking spaces. The council approved option 3.
Quality Dental Care in a Friendly Environment
Frequent Addresses
Mt. Angel Public Library, 290 E Charles St. Silver Creek Fellowship, 822 NE Industrial Way, Silverton. Silver Falls Library, 410 S Water St. Silverton Arts Association, 303 Coolidge St. Silverton Community Center/Council Chambers, 410 N Water St. Weekly Events
Monday
Silverton 50+ Center, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., 115 Westfield St. Seniors 50 and older. Daily, weekly, monthly events. 503-873-3093, silvertonseniors.org
Mt. Angel Community & Senior Center Store, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., 195 E Charles St. Repeats Tuesday - Saturday. Volunteers needed. 503-845-6998 Meals on Wheels Lunch, 11:30 a.m., Silverton 50+ Center. $3 suggested donation. Make reservations three days in advance by calling 503-873-6906. Repeats Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Silverton Recovery AA, noon - 1 p.m., 302 N Water St. Seven days a week. Scotts Mills Food Boxes, 4 - 6 p.m., Scotts Mills Community Center, 298 Fourth St. Residents in Scotts Mills/ Butte Creek/Monitor rural areas are welcome. Food donations welcome. Niki Barber, 503-873-5059
Free Monday Dinner, 5:30 - 7 p.m., Oak Street Church, 502 Oak St., Silverton. Indoor, sit-down dinner. To-go meals also available. All are welcome. Free. 503-873-5446, oakstchurch@gmail.com
Boy Scouts Troop 485, 7 - 8:30 p.m., St. Edward’s Episcopal Church, 211 W Center St., Silverton. Scoutmaster Dave Tacker, 760-644-3147, dave.tacker@ gmail.com
Bible Study, 10 a.m. - noon, Silverton First Christian Church, 402 N First St. All welcome. 503-873-6620
APPY Hour, noon - 1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Drop in for technical assistance for electronic devices. All ages. Free. 971-370-5040
Silverton Mainstay, 1 - 4 p.m., Silverton United Methodist Church, 203 W Main St. Community space and activities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Repeats Thursdays. silvertonmainstay.org
Explorer’s Lab, 4 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Listen to a story about the theme of the month, join in a project. Snacks. Ages 5-12. Free. 971-370-5040
Cub Scout Pack 485, 6:30 p.m., St. Edward’s Episcopal Church, 211 W Center St., Silverton. Boys and girls in kindergarten - fifth grade. Elisha Kirsch, 503-507-6087
Silverton Business Group, 8 a.m., Silver Falls Brewery, 207 Jersey St., Silverton. Networking meeting of the Silverton business community hosted by Silverton Chamber of Commerce. Everyone welcome. silvertonchamber.org
Quilters Group, 9 a.m. - noon, Trinity Lutheran Church, 500 N Second Ave., Silverton. trinitysilverton@gmail.com
Family Storytime & Indoor Playtime, 10:30 a.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Discover the magic of the season with winter-themed stories and creative crafts, followed by indoor playtime. Ages 2 - 5 w/ adult. Free. 971-370-5040
Mission Benedict Food Pantry, 1 - 4 p.m., St. Joseph Shelter, 925 S Main St., Mt. Angel. Repeats Friday. 503-873-7645
Silver Chips Woodcarving Sessions, 14 p.m., Silverton Arts Association. All skill levels. 503-873-7645
Mission of Hope Food Pantry, 2 - 4 p.m., Silver Creek Fellowship. 503-873-7353
Thursday
Community Coffee, 7 - 9 a.m., Scotts Mills Community Center, 298 Fourth St. Free. Yoga, 9 a.m., Silver Creek Fellowship. Open to all. Sheila, 503-409-4498
Thursday Painters, 10 a.m. - noon, Silverton Arts Association. Join other artists for open studio time. All kinds of art forms are welcome. Free. 503-873-2480
TOPS (Take Pounds Off Sensibly), 6 p.m., United Methodist Church, 203 W Main St., Silverton. Weight loss with continued support, encouragement. First meeting free. Monthly dues $4. All welcome. David, 503-501-9824
Friday
Toastmaster Club, 7:30 a.m., Zoom. Increase your listening skills, speaking, thinking and evaluating. Contact tmcommunicators@gmail.com for Zoom link.
Mt. Angel Model Railroad, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., The Depot, 90 W College St., Mt. Angel. Lionel (O-gauge), HO-gauge, N-gauge model layouts on display. All ages welcome. Free.
Silvertones Community Singers, 10:30 a.m., Silverton United Methodist Church, 203 Main St., Silverton. Anyone who loves to sing is welcome. Tomi, 503-873-2033
Saturday Serenity Al-Anon Family Group, 10 a.m., Zoom. For families and friends of alcoholics. Zoom link: Janet.h.salem23@gmail.com
The Art of Mindfulness, 2 p.m. Silverton Art Association. Connecting mind, heart, and body. Listen, meditate, contemplate, share thoughts. 971-218-6641
Creciendo Juntos/Growing Together
Storytime, 3 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Únase a nosotros para leer libros sobre muñecos de nieve y osos polares. Join us to read books about snowmen and polar bears all month long. Families welcome. Free. 971-370-5040
Just for Today Al-Anon Family Group, 6:30 p.m., Silverton Coffee Club, 302 N Water St. For families and friends of alcoholics.
Wednesday, Jan. 1
New Year’s Day
Thursday, Jan. 2
Stuffed Animal Sleepover
11 a.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Drop off your stuffed animal and pick them up Jan. 3. When you drop off your stuffie, kick off the fun with a special craft and storytime together. All ages. Free. 971-370-5040
Silverton Kiwanis Club
Noon, Main St. Bistro, 201 E Main St., Silverton. Bi-monthly meeting of Silverton Kiwanis Club. New members welcome. Repeats Jan. 16. silvertonkiwanis.org
Critique Night
7 - 8:30 p.m., Silverton Arts Association. Bring your latest work for discussion and critique amongst other artists in the community. Free. Open to all. 503-873-2480, silvertonarts.org
Friday, Jan. 3
Tea of the Month
11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. In honor of Jane Austen’s upcoming 250th birthday, the library is celebrating with a year of tea. A new tea will be featured starting the first Friday of every month. Free. All ages. 971-370-5040
Family Movie
2 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Relax and watch Despiciable Me 4, with fresh-popped popcorn. All ages. Free. 971-370-5040
Lunaria Opening Reception
6 - 8 p.m., Lunaria Gallery, 113 N Water St., Silverton. Meet the artists of the eighth annual “Home is Where The HeART Is,” a juried show of area artists celebrating the idea of home in the Main Floor Gallery. Loft Gallery features “Wild Things, the Creatures that Surround Us,” oil paintings by Patti McNutt. Shows available for viewing during Lunaria’s open hours, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily, through Feb. 3. 503-873-7734, lunariagallery.com
Monday, Jan. 6
Daughters of American Revolution
10 a.m., Stayton United Methodist Church, 1450 Fern Ridge Road. All welcome for a program on General Lafayette’s Farewell Tour. Refreshments served. 503-508-8246
Military Sexual Trauma Support
6 - 7:30 p.m. Zoom. For those who have served in the military, Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve members who have experienced Military Sexual Trauma. Group is facilitated by veterans and former service members with shared experience. Participants are welcome regardless of gender, discharge status or veteran status. Info: info@ namimultnomah.org, 503-228-5692. Repeats Jan. 20.
Silverton City Council
7 p.m., Council Chambers. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-873-5321, silverton.or.us
Mt. Angel City Council
7 p.m., Mount Angel Public Library. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-845-9291, ci.mt-angel.or.us
Tuesday, Jan. 7
Mt. Angel American Legion
6:30 p.m., Legion Hall, 740 E College St., Mt. Angel. All veterans are welcome. Masks optional. Jim, 503-845-6119
Wednesday, Jan. 8
Italian Conversations
6 - 7:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. Come practice your Italian with Craig Bazzi and Carlo Antinucci. All levels welcome. Free.
Repeats Jan. 22. 503-873-8796
Scotts Mills City Council
7 p.m., Scotts Mills City Hall, 265 Fourth St. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-873-5435
Virtual Film Discussion
7 p.m. Zoom. Watch The Whale, available on Kanopy on your own and join for a moderated discussion. For Zoom invite, contact Ron Drake at Silver Falls Library, 503-873-8796.
Thursday, Jan. 9
Veteran Services Drop-in
9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Silverton 50+ Center. VSO Eddie Granger on hand to answer questions, advise and educate individuals and groups on what benefits are available from federal, state, county and local resources. Help for veterans and family members in completing and filing benefit or survivor benefits claims. 503-873-3093
Glass Magnet Craft
1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Create glass magnets with papers and water color-designed cardstock sealed under a round cabochon and finished with a magnet. Feel free to bring your own papers or images for a custom design, or use the provided supplies. Adults & teens. Free. Repeats at 6 p.m. 971-370-5040
Friday, Jan. 10
LEGO Lab
3 - 4:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Build an original creation to display in the library. All supplies provided. Free. All ages. Repeats Jan. 24 and 31.
All-Ages Game Night
6 - 9 p.m., Silverton Grange, 201 Division St. Bring your favorite games. A responsible adult must accompany children under 13. All ages welcome. Free admission. 971-267-9364, silvertongrange@gmail.com
Saturday, Jan. 11
Flea Market
9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Silverton Elks Lodge, 300 High St. Free admission. 503-873-4567
Monday, Jan. 13
Mt. Angel School District
6:30 p.m., District Office, 730 E Marquam St., Mt. Angel. Agenda available. Open to public. 503-845-2345, masd91.org
Silver Falls School District
7 p.m., Silverton High, 1456 Pine St. Agenda available. Open to public. 503-873-5303, silverfallsschools.org
Tuesday, Jan. 14
Ancestry Detectives
10 a.m., Silver Falls Library. Learn about writing family history when it involves controversial ancestors or events. Membership: Kathy Valdez, 503-508-4251. ancestrydetectives.org
Ukulele Play and Sing-Alongs
6 - 7:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. The first 30 minutes is beginner’s ukulele lesson followed by play and sing-along time for all skill levels. Music is provided but don’t forget to bring your ukulele. 503-873-8796
Silverton Planning Commission
7 p.m., Council Chambers. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-874-2207, silverton.us.or
Wednesday, Jan. 15
Red Cross Blood Drive
8:15 a.m. - 2 p.m., Silverton High, 1456 Pine St. For appointments visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-3767.
Mt. Angel Library Advisory
6:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. The Library Advisory Board meets four times per year and exists to advise, recommend and advocate for the library. Any interested community member is welcome. 971-370-5040
Thursday, Jan. 16
Mt. Angel Book Club
1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Discuss Pulling the Chariot of the Sun, a memoir of a childhood kidnapping by Shane McCrae. Copies available at Circulation Desk. Adults. Free. 971-370-5040
Silver Falls Writers Group
6:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. Writers share works in progress. All welcome. Ron, 503-873-8796
Mt. Angel Planning Commission
7 p.m., Mount Angel Public Library. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-845-9291, ci.mt-angel.or.us
Friday, Jan. 17
Red Cross Blood Drive
Noon - 5 p.m., Silverton First Baptist Church, 229 Westfield St. For appointments visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-3767.
Teen Hangout
5 - 7 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Try your hand at watercolors and learn how to prepare butter noodles. Teens. Free. 971-370-5040
Monday, Jan. 20
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
MLK Observance Vigil
2:30 - 3:30 p.m., Town Square Park, Silverton. Silverton People of Peace honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and make his message relevant to today’s peace and social justice challenges. Features signs with quotes from Dr. King’s speech. Open to all. 503-873-5307, robertjsisk@yahoo.com
MLK Observance
Tuesday, Jan. 28
Lunar New Year Project
6 p.m., Silverton Grange, 201 Division St. Community potluck followed by a keynote speaker and readings with open mic and sing-alongs. Sponsored by Silverton Grange, Silverton People for Peace and KBOO Community Radio. Information at silvertongrange. org, on Facebook at “Silverton Grange” and “Silverton People for Peace” or 503-873-5307.
Tuesday, Jan. 21
Silver Falls Book Club
6:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. Discuss Dear Mrs. Bird by AJ Pearce. All welcome. 503-873-8796
Thursday, Jan. 23
A Taste of History
6:15 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Explore 12 treats from throughout history and across the world as you taste your way through the Universal Yums Holiday Box. Limited seating; register early by calling 971-370-5040
Saturday, Jan. 25
Silverton First Citizen Awards Gala
6 - 9 p.m., Festhalle, 500 NE Wilco Hwy., Mt. Angel. A celebration of volunteers and community supporters of Silverton. Hosted by Silverton Chamber of Commerce. Tickets are $50 each, and include a catered dinner by the Wooden Nickel. Tickets at silvertonchamber.org. To reserve a table, call the Chamber at 503-873-5615. Premier title sponsor: Willamette Valley Bank.
Monday, Jan. 27
Red Cross Blood Drive
11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Mount Angel Abbey, 1 Abbey Dr., St. Benedict. For appointments visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-3767.
Mt. Angel Public Library. Celebrate the Lunar New Year – Year of the Snake. Stop by the library to pick up a Lunar New Year activity packet for kids while supplies last. Free. All ages. 971-370-5040
PFLAG Silverton
7 p.m., Oak Street Church, 502 Oak St., Silverton. Everyone welcome. Under 18 must have parent/ guardian. Christy, 541-786-1613, silvertonpflag@ gmail.com
Wednesday, Jan. 29
Trivia Night
7 p.m., Pub 210 East, 210 E. Charles St., Mt. Angel. Test your knowledge and have fun with friends in the community. Play solo or form a team of up to five people. Sponsored by Mt. Angel Public Library. 971-370-5040
Thursday, Jan. 30
TAB/Book Club
4:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Discuss the book, Freewater by Amina Luqman-Dawson. Book copies available at the Circulation Desk. Afterward, we’ll meet for our monthly Teen Advisory Board (TAB) meeting. Snacks provided. 971-370-5040
Writers Workshop
6 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Chat with fellow writers and get feedback. Bring up to three pages of your work. Fun writing with prompts. Adults and teens. Free. 971-370-5040
Friday, Jan. 31
Volksfest
1 p.m. - midnight, Festhalle, 500 NE Wilco Hwy., Mt. Angel. Live music, dancing, Volkswalks, Gigglebritches, Mt. Angel Sausage Co.’s sausage eating contest, NW Dubs Cruise-In and more. Family-friendly. Admission is $15/person; those under 21 are free. Repeats 11 a.m. - midnight Feb. 1 and 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Feb. 2. Tickets at mtangelvolksfest.com. Sponsored by Mt. Angel Chamber of Commerce.
Datebook Submission Information
To get your events and fundraisers published in Our Town, send your releases – including date, time, location, activity, cost, contact information – to datebook@mtangelpub.com. Or drop them off at 401 Oak St., Silverton.
Happy New Year? No! Happy New Week!
The New Year has arrived once again and many will be making “New Year’s Resolutions” to achieve some personal goals in the coming year. Social Scientists tell us that the most common resolutions include losing weight, exercising more, eating healthier, saving money, and quitting smoking. All good goals.
But according to a 2007 study by Richard Wiseman from the University of Bristol involving 3,000 people, 88% of those who set New Year's Resolutions fail. That leaves only 12% who succeed, and that’s not good. Are we stuck with these poor results, or is there a better way to improve our lives? Yes there is. I call them “New Week’s Resolutions.”
They’ve Been There All Along
The idea is based on The Creation Story. In the first two chapters of Genesis we find Sunday’s Illumination and the 7-day week. Together these principles change our lives.
In Gen. 1:3 we read that God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. This happened on Sunday, the first day of the week. Then, jumping to chapter 2, we find in Gen. 2:1 that the heavens and the earth were finished in six days and on the seventh day God rested.
The point we need to see in these two passages is that God started the week on Sunday with light and then ended the week on the seventh day. By making the 7th day the end of the week, God created the 7-day week itself, and it’s been rotating ever since. Sunday is the first day of every 7-day week.
So, Here Is Why It Matters.
The only way to experience continuity and stability in a world that is constantly in motion is by establishing cycles and rotations within all that motion. From the smallest atom to the largest galaxy, it’s all moving in circles. We have the rotation of the Earth on its axis to mark our 24-hour day. We have the routine phases of the Moon to mark the general length of our lunar months. And we have the orbit of the earth around the Sun to mark the 365.25 days of our year. But where do we find the week? No celestial body marks it.
The 7-day week exists only in the mind of God. He created it when He concluded His work on the sixth day and then proclaimed the 7th day to be a day of rest. Since God was not tired, this “day of rest” was actually made for mankind (Mark 2:27). But that’s how the 7-day week began, whether we believe in God or not.
Now the 7-day week happens to be the ideal unit of time for living a balanced and productive life. A single day is too short to adequately address all the important areas
GraciousCross.org
and relationships of our lives. The month is too long to plan effectively because too many things change by the end of a month. But the 7-day week is perfect. It offers us a practical unit of time. We can balance each week by focusing each day on one or two key areas of life, and then, just as God did, we can “call it a day.” The 7-day week is a perfect routine
mountain-top, as it were, where we can see our lives from God’s higher perspective. From this weekly “mountain top” we can respond to every important relationship we have with greater wisdom. We can plan more effectively to give an appropriate amount of time (not equal time!) to each area. We can respond to each responsibility within the wise routine of our brand new 7-day week. Sunday becomes “the springboard” of our entire life, one week at a time. We can dive into each new Monday with greater grace and purpose.
Plan in the Afterglow of Worship
Because this is true, it makes sense to plan each new week in the afterglow of Sunday’s worship. This is what I advise everyone to do whether or not you are a Christian. First, find yourself a faithful, Bible-believing, Bible-
“This 7-day weekly approach to planning is an example of how biblical principles can make our lives better even before we believe God is there. The Bible is filled with such wisdom.”
What’s So Special About Sunday?
When Christ rose from the dead on that first Easter Sunday morning, Christians began gathering to worship Him on Sundays. It’s not the Sabbath (That’s still Saturday). Sunday is “the Lord’s Day.” But there is more going on here. As we saw, God began His Creation Week with Sunday’s illumination. He said “Let there be light” and there was light. But that wasn’t the illumination of the Sun. The Sun didn’t show up until Wednesday! So, that light must have been a spiritual light, and it burst forth on the first Sunday morning in history.
But wait! There’s more! As I said, Jesus rose from the dead on a Sunday morning (Luke 24:1). And then the Holy Spirit filled the fledgling church with His power on another Sunday called Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4). So, what is God telling us through all of this?
I believe God is showing us, by all three of these Sunday events, that Sunday, the Lord’s Day is a very special day. It serves us even today as a day of spiritual illumination, a day to remember Christ’s redemption, and a day to be filled and refilled with the Holy Spirit of God. Gathering to worship God on Sunday lifts us up out of our fast-paced, complicated circumstances to stand upon a spiritual
teaching evangelical church nearby. Then, get into the routine of attending that church’s Sunday worship services each week. Worship God as best you know how. Don’t miss out on the benefits of gathering with people who love God, and who will also love you and your family if you will just give them a chance. While you are there, seek God with all your heart, and you will find Him.
Then Take Time to Plan Your Week.
On each Sunday evening, slip away by yourself (or along with your spouse), to plan your new week in the light of all you received that morning: a Sunday full of illumination, redemption and spiritual empowerment. Make that Sunday the springboard of your new week. Let God lift you up to such heights that you can see what matters most. Then write those plans down. Be ready to dive into Monday. And remember, whether you use this “spring board” or not, you’ll still end up in Monday morning’s water. So take the plunge.
Make “New Week’s Resolutions.” They work far better than any “New Year’s Resolutions.” Rather than waiting for another New Year to roll around, renew your weekly resolutions every Sunday. If you fail one week, you can always recommit for the next week. And then for the next. You’ll get 52 tries at making progress toward the goals you set in every area of your life. This approach really works.
By Gregg Harris
Give God The Credit He Is Due.
This weekly approach to planning is an example of how biblical principles can make our lives better even before we believe God is there. The Bible is filled with such wisdom. It would be a shame for you to enjoy the temporal benefits of God’s wisdom while missing out on the eternal benefits He offers you. If you haven’t yet been saved, you need to be before it’s too late. Jesus’ life, death, burial, and resurrection have already paid for all the sins of those who trust in Him. You can be forgiven, and even be adopted into God’s eternal family. Whatever else you may believe, don’t miss out on that. Repent. Trust in the only One who can save you from the punishment your sins deserve. Believe in your heart that Jesus died in your place and rose from the dead. And when you do, He will give you far more than just a better way to live. He will give you an entirely new life. Questions? Call or text me at 971-370-0967.
Looking for a church? Visit us at Gracious Cross Reformed Church. We believe the Bible is the Word of God. We rejoice in the Doctrines of Grace, and we believe the gifts of the Holy Spirit continue to operate today. We gather on Sunday mornings at 10:00am in northeast Salem. Gregg Harris, the author of this article, is a teaching pastor at our church. Learn more at www.graciouscross.org.
have an impact on our community for Christ.
Gregg Harris, Teaching Pastor at
The Hive Affordable childcare
By Melissa Wagoner
McKensy Graetzer knows all too well how difficult it is for working parents to afford after-school childcare. Before giving birth to twins she worked full-time at Chase Bank and had planned to return.
“But it didn’t make sense to go back to work,” she said, recalling her discovery that, while she liked her job, her paycheck would only just cover daycare costs. “And so, I’ve been trying to work from home.”
It’s a plight she knows that many parents face, and not just those with infants or toddlers like hers, but with school-aged children as well. Which is how the idea for The Hive – a place for children in grades three through eight to hang out with their friends after school in a supervised environment, at no cost to their parents –came about.
“Our mission statement is, a safe and inclusive place for kids to come and be kids,” Graetzer’s mother and partner in the endeavor, Jill Lounsbury, said. “We’ll have a bus stop. But it’s kind of come and go and drop in. Parents have to make the arrangements with their kids.”
And they need to pre-register on the website www.thehivesilverton.org/.
“We can have up to 45 kids with our program right now,” Lounsbury said. “And so far, we have had nothing but positive feedback.”
The Hive is scheduled to be open Tuesdays through Thursdays, 3 to 5:30 p.m. starting Jan. 7. The after-school program’s curriculum will be overseen by former daycare teacher, Tess Larson, who will not only provide a variety of snacks and games but crafts and STEM projects as well.
“We also want to encourage people who have gifts or talents they want to share to come in,” Lounsbury said. And there will be unstructured time for the
The Hive
St. Edward’s Episcopal Church 211 W. Center St., Silverton
For students in grades 3 through 8
Opening Tuesday, Jan. 7
Tuesday through Thursday 3 to 5:30 p.m.
Register or donate at www.thehivesilverton.org
kids as well.
“We got an air hockey/pool table donated and we have a TV,” Lounsbury listed.
Adding, “We want the kids to feel comfortable and have a good time.”
The goal is to give kids who might otherwise be home alone a place to “thrive both academically and socially.”
“We’re offering childcare to people who need it to make a positive impact on the community,” Graetzer said.
But the organizers can’t do it alone. They need both donations and volunteers.
“The challenge is to support the program,” Lounsbury said. “Because we can’t continue doing it for free without income coming in.”
While the group is planning to hold fundraisers – the first of which was a wreath decorating class on Dec.14 – they are also hoping for community support through their website.
“The smallest donation helps,” Larson said. “Even if it’s $10.”
The hope is a year from now
The Hive will still be going strong.
“I hope we’re still offering free childcare,” Graetzer said.
To which Lounsbury added, “The best we can do is try.”
Thank You!
Adopt-A-Family Project with ELIZABETH HOKE MEMORIAL FUND
The generosity of this community helped us GIVE Christmas to a family of six. A special thanks to:
Sheila Sitzman • Mike Day • Rosi Green & Amerititle
Vera Satern • Harcourts North America
Sarah Noelle • David & Angela Leikem • Donna Paradis
$899,900 Country Setting on 1.370 Acres. South Abiqua area near Silverton, 2595 sqft home built in 2004, large shop, paved parking and room for RV. Rosie Wilgus 503-409-8779
MLS#822770
$545,000 Single level home with 11 ft ceilings, 3-car garage, 3 bedrooms plus a den. Wood Flooring and quality cabinetry. Pioneer Village, Silverton. Valerie Kofstad 503-871-1667
MLS#819628
$819,900 Park-like setting with mature landscaping, 2248 sqft, 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home on 0.98 acres. 24x48 shop. Oregon City. Sheila Sitzman 303-885-0679
MLS#24513971
$420,000 Dream of being an Investor? Solid and updated w/ 12 foot ceilings, stained concrete floors. Tenants already in place. Mt. Angel. Valerie Kofstad 503-871-1667
MLS#821330
$725,000 Located on Evergreen Golf Course! Rare find, 2313 Sqft on 2 acres in Mt. Angel. Master suite w/ remodeled bathroom, soaking tub, skylights & walk-in closet. Valerie Kofstad 503-871-1667
MLS#819659
$358,000 White cabinets in a charming kitchen! Lots of updates, new heat pump and water heater 2024. Large fenced backyard. Detached garage. Salem. Rosie Wilgus 503-409-8779
MLS#823778
Jill Lounsburgy, McKensy Graetzer and Tess Larson, organizers of The Hive, a free after school program in Silverton. MELISSA WAGONER
Phone and Internet Discounts Available to CenturyLink Customers
The Oregon Public Utility Commission designated CenturyLink as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier within its service area for universal service purposes. CenturyLink’s basic local service rates for residential voice lines are $25.80-$27.00 per month and business services are $42.00 per month. Specific rates will be provided upon request.
CenturyLink participates in the Lifeline program, which makes residential telephone or qualifying broadband service more affordable to eligible low-income individuals and families. Eligible customers may qualify for Lifeline discounts of $5.25/month for voice or bundled voice service or $9.25/month for qualifying broadband or broadband bundles. Residents who live on federally recognized Tribal Lands may qualify for additional Tribal benefits if they participate in certain additional federal eligibility programs. The Lifeline discount is available for only one telephone or qualifying broadband service per household, which can be either a wireline or wireless service. Broadband speeds must be at least 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload to qualify.
A household is defined as any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address and share income and expenses. Services are not transferable, and only eligible consumers may enroll in these programs. Consumers who willfully make false statements to obtain these discounts can be punished by fine or imprisonment and can be barred from these programs.
If you live in a CenturyLink service area, visit https://www.centurylink. com/aboutus/community/communitydevelopment/lifeline.html for additional information about applying for these programs or call 1-800-2014099 with questions.
Passages
David Richter March 4, 1957 – Dec. 6, 2024
David P. Richter, 67, of Silverton, Oregon, passed away on Dec. 6, 2024. Dave was born on March 4, 1957.
He was born to Selvin and Margaret Richter in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, where he grew up surrounded by a large extended family. He attended school in Fergus Falls from grade school through high school. After starting college at Moorhead State University, Dave took a break to join the U.S. Army, driven by a strong desire to serve others. During his time in the army, he discovered the area he would come to love most – being stationed at Fort Lewis and Fort Vancouver introduced him to the Pacific Northwest.
inspired him to find ways to help those in need. At Immanuel Lutheran Church he worked tirelessly to connect the congregation with opportunities to support Silverton Area Community Aid. He was proud of the generosity the church members showed in helping their community.
As time passed, Dave and Barb watched with pride as their daughters started their own adventures. Marta and Cody Voeller, and Anna and Matt Denise, brought great joy to Dave’s life. The new additions gave Dave a moment of guy time amidst all the girls.
After completing his service, Dave returned to finish his degree at Moorhead State and began working at Medallion Cabinetry, a company he deeply admired for its products. He held many roles over the years.
In 1985, Dave married Barb Searles, and together they were blessed with two daughters, Marta and Anna. The family started their life in Arlington, Minnesota, where they built a warm and loving home. In 2000, Dave accepted a position in Oregon, fulfilling his dream of living in the Northwest.
Dave was active in many organizations over the years, including Lions and local food banks, both in Minnesota and Oregon. His love of service and his strong faith
Dave’s life was taken by Lewy Body Dementia. In addition to his immediate family, Dave is survived by his brother, Sam (Shirley) Richter of Fergus Falls, Minnesota; his sister, Carol Hanson of Dalton, Minnesota; nephews, Joshua Richter, Dan Richter, Matt Richter and Michael Hanson; niece, Stephanie Lunde along with aunts, uncles and many friends.
The family would like to thank everyone who supported Dave during the last few years of his journey. The kindness and generosity shown brought comfort to them all and made a difficult time bearable. Memorials can be given to Immanuel Luteran of Silverton, SACA, and Serenity Hospice of Salem, Oregon.
A memorial service was held at Immanuel Lutheran in Silverton on Dec. 15.
William Lewis Davisson July 20, 1942
William “Bill” Lewis Davisson, born in Eugene, Oregon, on July 20, 1942, passed away from a heart attack on Dec. 10, 2024. He was 82 years old. He was preceded in death by his wife, Beth Davisson (Castle). He is survived by his daughters, Amy Galetzka (John), Rachel Davisson, Sarah Davisson; son, Brett Davisson (Jena); grandchildren, Paige, Maggie, Ashlyn, Hunter, and Nadia; and brother, Gary Davisson (Linda).
– Dec. 10, 2024
Bill grew up in Springfield, Oregon, part of a hard working family. He and his younger brother Gary got involved in sports with the neighborhood kids, which led to a lifetime love of sports, especially basketball and baseball. After graduating from Springfield High School in 1960, he jumped in a car with some friends and headed to Western Oregon University (then called OCE). There he played baseball and majored in Social Science and studied to become a teacher.
In 1967, not long after graduation, he was hired to teach social studies at Silverton Union High School. He would stay there for the next 35 years. Over the course of his career he taught Government, Economics, History, Psychology and Sociology. With the exception of the last few years of his career, he coached football and baseball. His dedication to both the sport and the school would be recognized in 1999 with the naming of the Varsity baseball field, Davisson Field.
In 1972 he married Beth Castle. Over the course of their 45-year marriage, they provided a warm and loving home for their children and grandchildren.
Bill was faithfully engaged in Labish Evangelical Church and then Emmanuel Bible Church during his adult life, serving in various ways. His faith grew stronger throughout his life, especially after Beth died in 2018. Anyone who knew them as a couple, knew that she was the one that kept them busy and connected with others.
But to everyone’s surprise, Bill became a bit of a social butterfly around the community after her death. It was not uncommon to see him multiple times a day somewhere around town: going to see his grandchildren, drinking coffee with his morning crew downtown, parked at the baseball field doing his crossword puzzle, playing trivia at The Gallon House, catching up with old friends and former students, or watching whatever sports practice was happening at the time. Just like Beth, he remained thankful and faithful right up to the end.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 4 at 10:30 a.m. at Emmanuel Bible Church, 8512 Sunnyview Road NE, Salem. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bill’s name to Emmanuel Bible Church (https:// ebcsalem.tpsdb.com/Give/onlinegiving) or to the SHS Baseball program through the Silver Fox Foundation.
Larsen Dec. 11, 1940 Dec. 10, 2024
Gregory Nagel Feb. 2, 1956 Dec. 11, 2024
Ronald Umbenhower Feb. 22, 1956 Dec. 16, 2024
Terry Newton April 28, 2024 Dec. 19, 2024 www.ungerfuneralchapel.com
By Melissa Wagoner
Growing up in England, Regan Schultz fell in love with tea shops and the tea culture.
“It gives a little more space for time,” she said, describing the ceremony inherent in the measuring, steeping and straining of tea leaves for a pot of tea. “And I’m not a huge coffee drinker, although I do love a good cappuccino.”
And now both are readily available in her new business, the Piknik Vintage Teahouse, on North First Street in Silverton.
“I want to make getting a cup of tea more of an option,” she said. “Because it gives room for conversations.”
Opening its doors to customers for the first time on Dec. 9, the teahouse offers a variety of organic teas sourced from around the globe and served by either the cup or the pot alongside a variety of locally baked pastries and a handful of coffees.
“It’s a place for people to feel like they can sit and catch up,” Schultz said of the ambiance, which she has carefully curated with the help of thrifted antiques, including a baker’s table from the 1940s, which she has remade into a bar, and a myriad of delicate tea sets from England
Now Offering Same Day CROWNS
Piknik Vintage Teahouse
Tea, coffee, baked goods, bulk tea, gift items as well as private parties
106 N. First St., Suite B, Silverton
Tuesday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
To book a private high tea party call 503-509-0441 or email hello@piknik.cafe. www.piknik.cafe
and Japan that were brought out of storage and put to use.
“When we lived in England, they actually use their teacups and tea sets,” she pointed out.
And the same goes for the selection of picnic baskets displayed on the shelves.
“I collect picnic baskets,” Schultz said. “I
think they’re highly underrated.”
Which is why she has taken the traditional high tea – a British tradition involving tea, scones, sandwiches and cake – and turned it on its head.
“We’ll do private tea parties, picnicstyle,” she said. “It’s a picnic-style high tea. It’ll be three tiers, with cucumber sandwiches, scones, cakes and cookies and bottomless tea.”
Accepting private tea party reservations for Saturdays from 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. for a minimum of five guests and a maximum of 15, Schultz envisions birthday parties, bridal and baby showers and gatherings of friends.
“Someone is doing a Chinese New Year party,” she said. “They just need to call or email us about availability.”
Or stop by the teahouse.
“Have a cup of tea,” she urged. “Because everyone needs a cup of tea and something sweet.”
Regan Schultz, owner of the Piknik Vintage Teahouse in Silverton. SUBMITTED PHOTO
Sports & Recreation
Boys basketall Teams hoping for playoff runs
The Silverton boys basketball team is 1-1 in the early going while playing under new coach David Morgan, who is in his seventh year with the program. The Foxes were 16-9 a year ago under Jamie McCarty and came within one game of qualifying for the Class 5A tournament.
Morgan, a McNary High of Keizer graduate, came to Silverton after coaching Siletz Valley for 10 years, including a Class 1A state title win in 2011. He also served four years as an assistant at Central.
tournament and with our inexperience had to sort of learn on the fly.”
Ah, inexperience. Kennedy was 18-9 a year ago and came within one road game at Stanfield, round trip 450 miles, of qualifying for the Class 2A tournament. Four key contributors, Elijah Traeger, Jeremiah Traeger, Brody Kleinschmit and Cole Vogel graduated and returning point guard Jaydon Estrada is out with a football knee injury. Schmidtman thus is sending out a greener squad.
Friday, Jan. 3
Boys Basketball
5:30 p.m. Silverton vs Dallas
Girls Basketball
7 p.m. Silverton vs Dallas
Saturday, Jan. 4
Girls Basketball
2:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Umpqua Valley Christian
Boys Basketball
4 p.m. Kennedy vs Umpqua Valley Christian
Tuesday, Jan. 21
Swimming
4 p.m. Silverton vs Dallas, Central
Wednesday, Jan. 22
Girls Basketball
5:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Salem Academy
Wrestling
6 p.m. Silverton vs McKay
Boys Basketball
7 p.m. Kennedy vs Salem Academy
“Practice is going well,” Morgan told Our Town. “We have a great group of guys that work hard every day and bring a positive attitude.”
Morgan has some solid pieces returning, including post Brody Kuenzi, guards Elisha Short and Sawyer Teeney and three-point sharpshooter Tristan Keopadapsy Morgan noted that Sam Haugen, who swung between varsity and JV a year ago, is “ready to step into a larger role this year.”
Also in the mix is sophomore guard Luke Horner, who saw significant time as a freshman.
“I know the guys are anxious to go out and compete and work hard on the floor,” Morgan said. “We have had many conversations as a team about representing ourselves, our family, our school, and our community to the best of our ability.”
The Foxes start Mid-Willamette Conference play on Friday, Jan. 3 against visiting Dallas. The MWC campaign is an 18-game grind, with four league teams advancing automatically to the state playoffs. Two other teams statewide will receive at-large berths. The MWC sent five teams to the round of 16 a year ago, with league champion Woodburn taking third and West Albany fourth.
This year’s final eight will take place again at Linfield University’s Teddy Wilson Gym in McMinnville.
Kennedy: The Trojans were 2-5 overall and 2-1 in the Tri-River Conference at presstime.
“I believe that we are better than our record so far would suggest,” veteran coach Karl Schmidtman told Our Town. “We played some tough 3A teams in our opening
“We just have a couple players that were a part of the main rotation last year that are back on the team this year,” Schmidtman said. “Brandon Sucich started some games and played a lot last year as a freshman. He returns with the most experience as a sophomore. We have Gio Vaquera who also got some significant minutes at times last year as well.”
Other players have been stepping up, the coach said.
“We have been happy with some of our less experienced guys and the contributions they have made so far,” Schmidtman said. “Henry Beyer is a junior and was voted as a captain. He did see some limited time on varsity last year, but he has a much larger role this year. He is a great rebounder and defender and as the season progresses, I think he will be one of our best shooters too. Kody Graves has been improving a ton in the early part of the season and he is one of the best passing big men in the league. He has been vital to us on defense too.”
The Tri-River sent three teams to Pendleton for the 2A tournament a year ago. Western Christian won the title, with Regis finishing fourth. Willamette, now playing in Class 3A, went 0-2, with losses to Regis and runner-up Portland Christian. In addition to Kennedy, two other TRC teams, Colton and Gervais, finished one game away from state.
“We have a very tough league again with top teams like Western Christian and Regis leading the way,” Schmidtman said. “But Santiam and Salem Academy are also going to be tough on any given night. We hope to be in the mix for a top five spot in the league and give ourselves a chance to play in the league playoffs with the hope of snagging a state playoff berth again this year. We can be a playoff team I think.”
Tuesday, Jan. 7
Swimming
4 p.m. Silverton vs Lebanon
Boys Basketball
5:30 p.m. Silverton vs West Albany
Girls Basketball
Friday, Jan. 24
Boys Basketball
7 p.m. Silverton vs West Albany
Wednesday, Jan. 8
Wrestling
6 p.m. Silverton vs Woodburn
Friday, Jan. 10
Girls Basketball
5:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Regis
Wrestling
6 p.m. Kennedy vs Jefferson, Lowell
Boys Basketball
7 p.m. Kennedy vs Regis
Tuesday, Jan. 14
Boys Basketball
5:30 p.m. Silverton vs Lebanon
Girls Basketball
7 p.m. Silverton vs Lebanon
Friday, Jan. 17
Boys Basketball
5:30 p.m. Silverton vs Central
7 p.m. Kennedy vs Delphian
Girls Basketball
5:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Delphian
7 p.m. Silverton vs Central
5:30 p.m. Silverton vs South Albany
Girls Basketball
7 p.m. Silverton vs South Albany
Monday, Jan. 27
Wrestling
TBD Kennedy vs Gervais/ St. Paul, Regis, Santiam, Colton
Tuesday, Jan. 28
Boys Basketball
5:30 p.m. Silverton vs McKay
Girls Basketball
7 p.m. Silverton vs McKay
Wednesday, Jan. 29
Girls Basketball
5:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Chemawa
Wrestling
7 p.m. Silverton vs Lebanon
Boys Basketball
7 p.m. Kennedy vs Chemawa
Thursday, Jan. 30
Swimming
4:30 p.m. Silverton vs McKay
Friday, Jan. 31
Girls Wrestling
3 p.m. Silverton Jack Berger
Girls Invitational
For up-to-date schedules, visit
As I write this I am in the midst of doing something I’ve never really done before. I’m retiring – and this time I mean it.
Fifty years ago, I wrote my first freelance story. It was about the new volunteer fire department that was forming in Ester, Alaska. Since they didn’t have a fire house yet, members of the new department met in the Howling Dog Saloon. They had their meeting and I got my interviews for the story and took a few photos. Then I had a beer with them, went back home and wrote the story and developed the photos. It appeared in The All Alaska Weekly, a newspaper published in Fairbanks. The owner, a guy named Tom Snapp, wrote out a check for $100 and I have been involved in journalism ever since. I have worked at the largest newspaper in Alaska, and the smallest. I’ve published a newspaper in rural Minnesota and edited a newspaper that covered agriculture across 400,000 square miles of the West.
I have interviewed a lot of crazy people, too, and not just politicians. One was a defrocked priest who made wine out of
powdered milk. Another thought the rain would stop if we just cut down all of the trees.
And I’ve loved (almost) every minute of it.
I’ve retired before, too, but I always found my way back into a newsroom. This time, however, I probably will stay retired, at least for a while.
It’s just that I can’t stop. Working, that is. I’m one of those guys who can’t sit still. I can do it for a while, but then I start to twitch and look for something to do.
It might be messing with the cars, or working on the house, or God knows what else. The odds of me sitting around and doing nothing hover between slim and none.
But overall, my goal is to dial down my work life and dial up my relaxing life. The 10- and 11-hour days have gotten the best of me. When I get home I am usually too tired to do fun stuff. Or anything else, for that matter.
To me, that’s the time to pull the plug.
The question I need to answer is, what do I plan to do instead of work? Here’s my list.
• Write two books. I’ve been thinking about them for years. Now’s the time to do it. Just like my other books, they won’t sell, but writing them will keep me off the street.
• Keep writing columns and compile them in a book, or shopping bag, so my kids can have them if they need to start a fire. I’ve written weekly or monthly columns since 1992, so I have a lot of them. You do the math.
• I started a little side gig on ebay buying and selling autographed photos of movie stars, so I’ll keep that going. Let me know if you’re in the market for a signed photo of Raquel Welch.
• I have been lax in exercising. Most days I get in a walk, or two, but I need to step it up. Watch out, Arnold Schwarzenegger!
Speaking of which, we have a big pile of firewood in need of splitting. Watch out, Paul Bunyan!
Travel is also on the list. I have an “I” list of places I want to go. It’s all of the countries that start with the letter “I” –Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Israel, India and Indonesia.
I also love to take road trips. My wife and I have friends and relatives all over the place, so some day we’ll just hop in the Honda and head out.
I also like to pick up new skills. I’m too old to learn to fly a plane, so I’m looking for something equally interesting. Like bull-riding.
Carl Sampson is retiring from his “day job,” not his column. He lives in Stayton.
GENERAL
FOUND High quality Master lock on Lewis & First in Silverton. If you know combination you may claim it. 971-718-7329
PASTOR CHUCK BALDWIN
Liberty Fellowship, Kalispell, Montana satellite group Sundays, 1:30 p.m. Call Kristen, 503-990-4584
HELP WANTED
VOLUNTEER WITH MEALS ON WHEELS NORTHWEST!
Make a meaningful impact in the Mount Angel community by volunteering with Meals
on Wheels Northwest. We are seeking compassionate individuals to dedicate a few hours of their time to help package and deliver meals to homebound seniors in need of nutritious food. Your efforts will not only provide nourishment but also brighten the day of those who need it most!
Thursdays (flexible availability), 10:30 am – 12:00 pm. Position: Driver. Location: Mt. Angel Community Center. 195 E. Charles St., Mt. Angel. We can’t wait to welcome you to our team and make a difference together! Contact Ginger at 503-845-9464.
SERVICES
HANDYMAN & HOME REPAIR
SERVICE Installation and repair of fencing, decks,doors, gutter cleaning, moss removal, power washing, yard debris removal.
CCB# 206637 Call Ryan 503-881-3802
GOT STUFF YOU WANT GONE? From yard debris to scrap metal-From garage sale left overs to rental clear outs. We repurpose, recycle, reuse, or donate what we can. Call and find out what we can do for you. $20 Minimum. Call Keith 503-502-3462
#T2849 WONDERFUL SINGLE LEVEL
$698,700 3 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath with open open kitchen layout, with family room that overlooks the backyard with covered outdoor space. So many nice features to this 1960’s home with original wood floors throughout most of the home. Updated kitchen with modern amenities, granite countertops, newer cabinets, lots of storage. Lots of fruit trees, larger yard for all your gardening needs, shop that is set up for all your hobby needs. Property was upgraded to a geothermal HVAC. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 (WVMLS#821912)
#T2840 NORTH FORK PROPERTY 3 BR, 1 BA 1941 sqft. Lyons. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $348,700 (WVMLS#820296)
#T2856
CORNER LOT $518,700
Mt. Angel orner lot in a quiet neighborhood, 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, single level home w/ 2034 sqft, living room w/ wood burning fireplace, dining area open to a remodeled kitchen, triple pane windows. Potential for dual living, addl. living room, w/ a kitchenette off the living room, newer free standing gas stove, plus a single car garage that has been converted to storage. Carport for parking. Covered patio area, private backyard and workstation area and wood storage. Oversized lot and room for RV parking. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 (WVMLS#823593)
#T2856 CORNER LOT 3 BR, 2.5 BA 2034 sqft. Mt. Angel Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $518,700 (WVMLS#823593)
BARELAND/LOTS
#T2841 OVER 100FT OF ABIQUA FRONTAGE 1.35 Acres. Silverton. Call Michael at ext. 314 $475,000 (WVMLS#820496)
#T2816 2 BUILDABLE LOTS .45 Acres. Silverton. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $109,900 (WVMLS#814998)
#T2827 GREAT OPPORTUNITY 1.66 Acres. Salem. Call Whitney at ext. 320 or Mike at ext. 312 $194,000 (WVMLS#817231)
#T2832 BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME 2.93 Acres. Silverton. Call Whitney at ext. 320 or Mike at ext. 312 $399,000 (WVMLS#817735)
#T2848 PERFECT CREEK FRONTAGE 1.76 Acres. Silverton. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $418,300 (WVMLS#821913)
#T2853 RARE BUILDING SITE .49 Acres Call Chuck at ext. 325 $150,000 (WVMLS#822413)
#T2841
OVER 100FT OF ABIQUA
FRONTAGE $475,000 Owner just removed underbrush. Level build site. Mature trees along creek. Surveyed in 2023. Only a 10 min drive to Silverton. New well produces an amazing 80 gallons per minutes when drilled. Driveway permit finalized with Marion County. Septic Site approved with Marion County. Power and phone at the street. Ready for you to submit your home plans for a permit and start building. Ask about references for local Home Designers and General Contractors. Call Micheal at ext. 314 (WVMLS#820496)
#T2857 WELL MAINTAINED 55+ HOME $130,000 Well maintained manufactured home with tons of yard space. Located in the desirable 55 and over community, Silverton Mobile Estates. Plenty of storage with built-ins and 3 sheds. 2 driveways with 2 separate car ports. Large main suite with bathroom and walk-in closet. 2 full bathrooms with walk in showers. Mini-splits and forced air HVAC systems. Leaf guard gutter system and other updates through-out. Don’t wait! Call Becky at ext. 313 (WVMLS#823771)
#T2829 SO MUCH POTENTIAL 4 BR, 1 BA 1572 sqft Call
at ext. 324, Ryan at ext.
$
(WVMLS#817252) #T2828 BEAUTIFUL HOME 3 BR, 2 BA 1546 sqft Call Chuck at ext. 325 $539,900 (WVMLS#816834)
#T2854 SILVER CREEK FRONTAGE 3 BR, 3 BA 2596 sqft Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $599,900 (WVMLS#822615)
NEW! – #T2857 WELL MAINTAINED 55+ HOME 2 BR, 2 BA 1060 sqft Call Becky at ext. 313 $130,000 (WVMLS#823771)
