Our Town North: Feb. 1, 2024

Update

Arts & Entertainment

Silver Falls School District considers $73 miilion bond for ballot – Page 6

Vol. 21 No. 3

Mount Angel’s Chesterton Academy stages Mary Poppins – Page 16

COMMUNITY NEWS Serving Mt. Angel, Silverton, and Scotts Mills

February 2024

Making arts education a priority – Page 15

Our Town P.O. Box 927 Mt. Angel, Or 97362

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Sports & Recreation

Silverton Hoops fast break – Page 20

Create With Us !

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Moving to a Retirement Community by a Happy Resident of Country Meadows Village Retirement Community

Moving was a scary prospect, but now I wonder why I was so anxious about what turned out to be the best thing I have done in a long while. I have lived alone for a year now. While I do speak to loved ones and friends on the phone, it’s not the same as physically being around people.

Last time family came to visit they suggested moving to a retirement community. I was so angry, I stubbornly crossed my arms and dug my heels in. I agreed to visit some communities and I could not believe how wonderful they were, not what I had imagined. I spoke with other residents, who said highly positive things about where they now live.

I fell in love with Country Meadows Village and decided that was where I wanted to be. All the residents I met while touring welcomed me with big smiles and words of encouragement. They appeared genuinely happy in their home. I cannot deny that I nearly changed my mind several times because it was hard to leave my home. But I was paying people to do yard work, housekeeping, keeping up the property, repairs, etc.

Once I moved into Country Meadows Village, I felt like a millstone had been lifted from my neck. Don’t get me wrong, it was hard to give up so many things at once and what I believed would be the end of my independence.

Boy was I wrong! It was a new beginning. Now I am surrounded by people I can relate to share memories with and spend time laughing with. I can eat meals whenever I want, and I don’t even have to cook them. There are so many things here to pass the time that sometimes I have trouble deciding.

I would recommend Country Meadows Village Retirement Community to anyone and have done so to some of my friends.

155 S. Evergreen Road, Woodburn

Grant Funding Helps the Silverton Arts Association bring more affordable art classes to our community - watch for ART FOR ALL offerings in our class lineup!

2/3 10-1p Beginning Watercolor - Red Cardinal 2/10 10-1p Playful Pet Portrait (Youth) 2/10 1:30-4:30p Playful Pet Portrait (Adult) 2/17, 2/24, 3/2, 3/9, 3/23 Drawing with Hollie (Youth - 2 age groups) 2/22 1:30-3:30p Beginning Zentangle 2/25 1:00-4:30p Mindful Art Making - Creative Tools for Navigating Life 3/2 10a-1p Abstracted Landscape Acrylic 3/16 10a-4p Window Collage & Painting with Glenda Goodrich 3/27, 3/28, 3/29 10a-2p Spring Break Art Camp (Youth)

See more information about these classes and register on our website!

www.silvertonarts.org • 503-873-2480 • 303 Coolidge Street

JULIE NIGHTINGALE Community Relations Director at Country Meadows Village

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Contents Something to Do Conversing in Italian makes for engaging passtime..............................4 Sustainable Silverton holds resiliency brainstorm session.............................. 5 First Citizen Awards announced............ 5 Something to Talk About Senior Center reschedules programs after freeze damage ...........................6 Update MASD elects novel approach to develop bond projects..................................... 8 SFSD considers $73M bond for May ballot..........................................8

Arts & Entertainment Mary Poppins on stage.......................16 Arts Association targets education...... 17 Civics 101 Parks on Silverton agenda.................18 The Forum............................... 19 Sports & Recreation Hoops rundown................................ 20 Follow Up FBYC drops bid for former dorms.......... 21

A Grin at the End.............22 Marketplace.......................23 On the Cover

Attendees of the Silverton Arts Association’s Winter Art Camp for Youth held in December 2023. ANNE PINKOWSKI

School district finance director accepts online academy position......................9 Something to Think About Mount Angel projected to grow by 30% by 2040............................................. 10

Datebook................................. 12

Clarification

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Passages................................. 14

Paula Mabry Editor & Publisher

Stephen Floyd Digital Editor & Reporter

Jim Kinghorn Advertising Director

Melissa Wagoner Reporter

DeeDe Williams Office Manager

Sara Morgan Datebook Editor

Tavis Bettoli-Lotten

Designer & Copy Editor

Janet Patterson

Distribution

Our Town mailed free to P.O. Box 927 Mount Angel, residents and businesses in OR 97362 the 97362, 97375, 97381 401 Oak St. Silverton, OR 97381 zip codes. Subscriptions for 503-845-9499 outside this area are ourtown.life@mtangelpub.com ourtownlive.com $48 annually.

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Our Town

, Buy One Get One FREE!

Exclusions Apply. Ask consultant. Order must be placed and paid for by February 28th, 2024.

James Day

Sports Editor & Reporter

Steve Beckner Custom Design

The deadline for placing an ad in the Feb. 15 issue is Feb. 5.

Thank you for spending time with Our Town.

Your comments and suggestions are always welcome.

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February 2024 • 3

Something to Do

La vita è bella Shared Italian heritage brings people together

By Melissa Wagoner Growing up, Craig Bazzi’s grandparents – immigrants from Northern Italy – spoke mostly Italian, as did their neighbors.

“But it wasn’t spoken in our home,” Bazzi recalled. And so, the language wasn’t something he ever learned.

Then, as an adult, he took a trip to Italy with his wife, to reconnect with distant relatives and to see the place his grandparents once lived.

“I found a lot of Europeans speak English, but not everyone,” he said. “And so, I had an interest in learning the language.”

Enrolling in classes through the popular online language platform Babbel, Bazzi began learning his family’s native language.

But it wasn’t the same as conversing in person.

Then he met Carlo Antinucci.

“He was born in Italy and grew up in South Africa,” Bazzi said of Antinucci’s history, which also includes a career in the

Italian Conversation Night Silver Falls Library 410 S. Water St., Silverton Wednesdays , 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Free. All Italian speakers and would-be Italian speakers welcome. opera, sung mostly in Italian. “He’s more fluent than I am.”

Despite their differences in language fluency, the two found they enjoyed practicing Italian and, in September, decided to open the experience up to the community through a weekly Italian Conversation Night held on Wednesdays, 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Silver Falls Library.

Carlo Antinucci, Pietro Sangiorgi and Craig Bazzi, participate in the Itialian Conversation Nights at the Silver Falls Library.

MELISSA WAGONER

including Pietro Sangiorgi – owner of The Curbside Italian Kitchen in Silverton.

“I was worried the first class or two because I felt responsible, but people just laughed and stumbled along,” Bazzi said.

“It’s a lot of beginners…”

“In the Italian class, I learn English and they learn Italian,” Sangiorgi said.

Hemoved to Silverton with his wife, Giulia Burato, and their daughter in the spring of 2023.

But there have been some native Italian speakers who have attended as well,

“Many people want to learn Italian and that’s good because I don’t speak English

Quality Dental Care in a Friendly Environment

well.”

An informal gathering of between 12 and 15 Italian language learners, the Conversation Nights are more of a study group than a class.

“It’s more of a social, voluntary thing,” Antinucci said. “If people can interact away from cell phones and technology, that’s the objective.”

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Resiliency Sustainable Silverton hosts conversation

By James Day

Sustainable Silverton is putting on an event on how communities such as Silverton can thrive in changing times.

The free event runs 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb., 8 at the Silver Falls Library, 410 S. Water St. Presenters in the “community conversation” will look at the examples of the 2020 wildfires and the 2021 ice storm. What helped community members stay resilient during those events will be a key thread of the presentation.

The event will be facilitated by Kelley Morehouse of Sustainable Silverton and Kayla Bordelon, a regional fire specialist with Oregon State Univercity’s Extension Service.

Morehouse said the format will feature participants talking in small facilitated groups and report to the whole group about what helped them most in difficult times, what helped them stay resilient? What could they have used to help them will be one of the key questions to be discussed, Morehouse said.

“This event is intended to be a conversation by individuals in the community of what they feel

First Citizen Awards to be presented Feb. 17

they have in place and what they may still need,” Morehouse told Our Town. “For example, in the case of evacuation, who thinks they have a place to go? In the case of bad air quality from smoke, who has air filters? Who has a safe place for their children to play in extreme heat or smoky days? Are there resources for families?”

The annual “celebration of Silverton’s amazing volunteer spirit” will be held Saturday, Feb. 17 in The Oregon Garden’s J. Frank Schmidt Pavilion, 879 W. Main St., Silverton. The event showcases what’s special in the Silverton community and the impact volunteerism can have in a small town.

The Feb. 8 event is a one-time session, Morehouse said, but the feedback from the conservation “will help us plan a Saturday, April 6 event on “Thriving in Changing Times: Tools for Adaptation,” at The Oregon Garden.”

Laura Wanker – First Citizen

Morehouse said that some of the questions and concerns of the community raised at the Feb. 8 event at the library also will be addressed on April 6 and at other upcoming events.

“On April 6 we will have experts in the field speaking to these concerns,” Morehouse said.

“Some of the issues are known already, but this first meeting is a chance for individuals to have a voice, and to bring up subjects of individual concern and ones overlooked. As we have heard said, no one person is as smart as all of us together.”

Honorees for 2023 include: John Friedrick – Distinguished Service Don and Debbie Bennett and The Home Place Restaurant - Judy Schmidt Lifetime Achievement Silverton Sidewalk Shindig - Club or Service Group of the Year Willamette Valley Bank - Business of the Year The evening, organized by the Silverton Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Willamette Valey Bank, includes dinner and award presentations.

Tickets are $45 and are available at www. silvertonchamber.org. Click on the Events tab and Feb. 17 or call 503-873-5615.

Profiles of the winners will appear in the Feb. 15 edition of Our Town.

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February 2024 • 5

Something To Talk About

Storm damage

Burst pipes wreak havoc on Senior Center

By James Day The Silverton Senior Center was heavily damaged during the recent ice storm and is currently closed until repairs can be made. Board President Jenny Ohren told Our Town that when officials returned to the Center on Jan. 18, after being closed during the ice event, “broken pipes in the attic” led to the collapse of a ceiling because of the water that was pouring out.

First Citizen

LAURA WANKER Business of the Year

Distinguished Service

WILLAMETTE VALLEY BANK

JOHN FRIEDRICK

Club/Service Group of the Year

Judy Schmidt Lifetime Achievement Award

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The center has a membership of nearly 600 people, according to the website.

Simone Stewart, incoming executive director for the Silverton Senior Center, shared additional information Jan. 24 on temporary locations for services, classes, and social gatherings.

SERVICES • Silver Angels Foot Clinic will be operating on Tuesdays and Wednesdays by appointment at Silverton Assembly of God, 437 North James St. Contact Leana 503-881-7033 to make an appointment.

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The center was scheduled to be used Saturday, Jan. 27, for a going-away party for long-time executive director Dodie Brockmap, who has retired. Ohren said that the affair has been postponed, with no word available on a possible new date or perhaps a new site.

It was unclear at presstime whether the Center’s insurance will cover the full extent of the repairs. In recent years the Center has struggled financially and has used its website and other media in an effort to raise awareness of its financial challenges.

An annual recognition of Silverton’s amazing volunteer spirit

Saturday Feb. 17

“There is extensive work to be completed before reopening,” Ohren said.

• AARP Tax Assist preparation will be available at Silver Falls Library on Saturdays.

• Bill Clubb massage will operate by appointment in his home studio in Salem. Book online.

CLASSES

6 • February 2024

• Low Impact Aerobic Exercise with Karen will be at Immanuel Lutheran Church gym, 303 N. Church St.

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Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays 9:30 -10:30 a.m. until further notice.

• Line Dancing will be at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 303 North Church St., in the gym on the first floor Wednesdaysn1-2 p.m. for more advanced dancers and 2-3 p.m. for beginners.

• Ageless Yoga is taking place on Saturdays, 9 a.m. at Total Body Health, 1099 N. First St. • Gail Gummin, Simple Qigong Instructor, will continue teaching the class in town. Contact Gail, 503-269-0641 for further details.

SOCIAL • Open Studio Painters that met at the Senior Center on Wednesday afternoons has made arrangements to continue to meet on Thursdays 10 a.m. -1 p.m. at the Silverton Arts Association classroom, 303 Coolidge St., Coolidge McClaine Park.

• Knit Wits will meet 10 a.m.

Wednesdays at Silverton Arts Association classroom, 303 Coolidge St. • Poker meets on Mondays, 10 a.m. in a private home at 210 Jerome St. and on Fridays at 11 a.m. in a private home at 823 Sun Valley Court.

• Bridge meets on 10 a.m. Tuesdays in a private home at 1109 Jaysie Dr. An additional meeting day is to be determined.

OTHER Silverton Genealogy Group will meet Feb.13 in the Program Room at Silver Falls Library, 410 South Water St. The Saturday morning free breakfast held at the Senior Center is suspended.

The new executive director of the Silverton Senior Center, Simone Stewart, has temporary office space provided by Bella Casa Real Estate, 216 E. Main St. Members can get information in person Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and 1 - 3 p.m. The senior center phone number soon will be forwarded to a phone she can answer. In the meantime, the best way to communicate is through email at director@silvertonseniors.org.

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RESIDENTIAL $599,900 Beautiful home w/ custom finishes~ Built in 2022~ 4bd/2ba~ 2508 SF~ Home is located in one of Silverton’s newest and sought after neighborhoods~ Home has amazing open space~ 2 separate living areas~ Views from living room~ 4th bedroom needs closet~ Seller is motivated~ Silverton~ Robin Kuhn 503-930-1896 MLS#806675 $579,900 4bd/2.5ba~ 2642 SF Tri-level style home located in beautiful neighorhood~ Close to hospital and downtown~ Home has a lot of • flexible space~ Upstairs bonus • room~ Partial finished shop space in basement w/ separate entrance~ Covered patio~ Oversized 2-car garage~ Low maintenance yard~ Silverton~ Robin Kuhn 503-930-1896 MLS#811526 • $570,000 Exquisite 3bd/2ba~ 1604 SF Single level~ Hardwood floors~ Custom cabinetry~ Backyard is a perfectly landscaped oasis~ Covered patio~ Fully fenced backyard~ Space for extra parking~ Electric gate~ Silverton Korinna Barcroft 503-851-1283 MLS#810831

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Here are organizations we donated to this past year: • Silverton Chamber of Commerce – Golf Tournament

• SACA Fundraiser Silent Auction Donation

• Silverton Project Graduation – Dodgeball Tournament

• Donation to Silent Auction Supporting Silverton High School Band

• Community Roots School – Auction Fundraiser • Silverton Senior Center – Lawn Maintenance • Silverton Senior Center – Yearly Yard Clean-up • Silverton Mural Society • Silverton Arts Festival • Silverton Sidewalk Shindig

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• Silverton Chamber of Commerce “Trick’r’Treat” • HART – Horses Adaptive Riding Therapy • Mid Valley Realtors Kids Christmas Party – Christmas Gifts for Foster Children in Marion County

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@harcourtssilverton February 2024 • 7

Update

Bond issues MASD initiates repair plans, SFSD goes back to voters to get funding MASD uses ‘progressive design build’

By Stephen Floyd The Mount Angel School District (MASD) is taking an exceptional approach to bond-funded facility improvements that prioritizes total costs over specific projects.

In December, the MASD Board voted to use a “progressive design build” strategy for $8.2 million in bond projects, which involves a designer and contractor collaborating on project plans.

This differs from the “hard bid” system of a designer creating a detailed scope of work and contractors bidding on the project.

During a special meeting of the board Dec. 27, 2023, Bob Collins with design consultants Otak said progressive design build gives the district “strong confidence” in project estimates.

The district advertised for a design/ construction team Jan. 24 and the board expects to award a contract during its regular meeting Feb. 8.

District voters overwhelmingly approved a $7 million facilities bond last year which was matched with a $4 million state grant, bringing available funds for improvements to $11 million.

Around $2.8 million in projects are going through the conventional bid process including the replacement of boilers at Mount Angel Middle School. The district was expected to

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award a contract Jan. 26, after Our Town press deadline.

Collins said Dec. 27 this hard bid process is more appropriate when a client knows exactly what they want out of a project. Because remaining bond projects were less defined – such as security and utility upgrades at all three schools – Collins said progressive design build would be a viable strategy.

He said, as designs were being developed, they could be checked against current marketplace conditions and the scope could be adjusted. He said this allows the district more control over costs than when a bid has been awarded and problems in the field require a change order.

Collins said, while a designer and contractor would be the primary collaborators, the district would provide its own input and would have final say on the finished scope.

Board Chair Andrea Pfau said this was good because the district had made guarantees about specific work and wants to honor those commitments to the community.

Collins said the process includes a guaranteed maximum price that is added to the contract when final designs are approved. He said this means, even if overruns are encountered during construction, the contractor would be obligated to keep the project in the black.

Will come to you & quote cost for repair.

8 • February 2024

During the district board’s Jan. 18 meeting, officials said this proposal would keep property tax rates on par with current rates for a construction bond for Phase II of SHS that expires in 2027.

No formal decision on the bond was made that night and the board planned to continue discussing the options during a Jan. 29 workshop.

The board plans to vote on a final bond proposal for the May ballot on Feb. 12.

SFSD started working toward a May bond after the failure of a $138 million facilities bond during last year’s November election.

Measure 24-486 would have funded facility improvements at all 11 schools in the district, including replacement of SMS at an estimated cost of $75 million. The measure was voted down by 55.76% of 7,902 total voters, with 50.6% voter turnout between Marion and Clackamas counties.

Board members said replacing SMS remains a significant priority due to concerns over structural safety and the high costs of ongoing maintenance.

During the Jan. 18 meeting Board Vice Chair Aaron Koch reiterated that the aging middle school remains “the biggest problem we have in our district.”

While SMS replacement was estimated at $75 million in the 2023 bond proposal, more recent estimates came in at around $71 million as the

construction market has cooled post-pandemic.

Officials also estimated it would cost around $8 million for critical updates at the high school, such as roof, HVAC and security improvements, for a total of $79 million in proposed projects.

Part of this funding would come from a $6 million state grant through the Oregon School Capital Improvement Matching Program, bringing the local bond total to $73 million for proposed projects. The district similarly qualified for a $4 million grant for last year’s bond, but passage of the bond was a condition to receive the grant.

Director of Finance & Operations Steve Nielsen said, if a $73 million bond was approved for a 28-year term, the impact on property taxes would be roughly $1.96 per $1,000 of assessed value.

This is the same rate as the Phase II construction bond for the high school, which will be paid off in June of 2027, and payments for the proposed bond would essentially replace the existing rate.

To pass a bond in May the board would need to convince at least 454 people who voted against the last bond to support this new effort, assuming turnout was the same. Last year many bond opponents expressed concerns about the high cost of the bond and about whether or not the district had taken precautions to prevent cost overruns and ensure transparency.

Board members said they hope a bond proposal that essentially keeps property tax rates unchanged will help address such concerns. Koch has also said, though the middle school directly serves students in the Silverton city limits, the entire district would be impacted if students were displaced by failure of those facilities.

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By Stephen Floyd The Silver Falls School District (SFSD) is discussing a possible $73 million facilities bond for the May 21 election to rebuild Silverton Middle School (SMS) and improve Silverton High School (SHS).

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Moving on Nielsen departing SFSD for online academy

By Stephen Floyd The Silver Falls School District (SFSD) has announced the departure of Director of Finance & Operations Steve Nielsen after he accepted a position with Oregon Charter Academy.

Nielsen is expected to remain with SFSD through mid-March and among other tasks will oversee finalization of a facilities bond proposal for the May 21 election, due to be submitted to the Marion County Elections Clerk March 1.

Nielsen served with SFSD for nine years and oversaw the district’s financial health and operations through turbulent times.

This included overseeing significant shifts in Oregon’s public retirement system and financial disruptions during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Superintendent Scott Drue said in a Jan.

18 press release Nielsen’s dedication and expertise were vital to maintaining the district’s fiscal integrity. Drue praised Nielsen’s “ability to see through complex issues and focus on what really matters – in our case, our students.” “(Nielsen) sets the standard for highquality, student-centered leadership,” said Drue. “He will be sincerely missed, and we wish him all the best in his new adventure. I know I can speak for all when I say that we are all better as a result of working with him.”

The district said it would soon initiate a process to fill the Director of Finance position and would be “committed to a thorough and transparent search.”

Oregon Charter Academy is a statewide, online K-12 program with offices in Mill City.

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February 2024 • 9

Something to Think About

30% growth Study predicts Mount Angel will near 4,750 residents by 2040

By Stephen Floyd

A recent housing analysis estimated the population of Mount Angel could grow 30% by 2040 compared to 2020 and said the city has enough buildable land to meet this need.

The analysis was approved Jan. 18 by the city’s Planning Commission and is scheduled to go before the City Council for final approval Feb. 5.

Mount Angel commissioned the analysis in 2022 to build upon research published in 2021 by Portland State University amid statewide efforts to address Oregon’s housing crisis.

Engineering and planning firm 3J Consulting conducted the study.

Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) could increase from 3,595 in 2020 to 4,727 in 2040, or 31.5%.

The study estimated this would require 86 acres of new residential development including 300 single-family houses, 62 townhomes/duplexes, 53 apartment units and 11 manufactured homes. An additional 22 acres would be needed for development of public facilities, roads, easements and similar land uses, bringing the target to 108 acres.

Estimates were based partly on income levels recorded in 2019 which showed 45% of Mount Angel households earned higher than the county median income, and 30% earned less than half the median.

The city’s goal was to inform policy related to residential development and growth, and enable property owners to make the best use of their land.

The study also examined median age (40 years old) and household size (2.58 persons), and found 40% of households were “rent-burdened” and spent more than 50% of earnings on housing.

According to the study, researchers believe the population within Mount Angel’s

The study said Mount Angel has more than enough land to fulfill its goal of

108 acres, with 245 acres of vacant buildable land within the UGB. This included 233 acres of low-density residential, six acres of high-density residential, and six acres of commercial which can allow residential use.

• A public information campaign informing residents of loans and grants for home rehabilitation, as well as opportunities for home refinancing.

Of this available land, 87 acres were classified as “part-vacant,” meaning there is an existing development but could be subdivided for additional developments.

Based on these findings, the study offered multiple recommendations for potential changes in city policy and practices including: • Relaxation of subdivision ordinances to draw in developers such as a reduction in minimum lot size.

• Encouraging mix-density developments, which make better use of odd-shaped parcels and drive down development costs.

• Encouraging development of accessory dwelling units, also called mother-in-law units.

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• Encouraging development of low- and moderate-cost housing.

• Conducting a fair housing audit periodically to ensure city policy is not creating an undue burden on protected classes.

• Planning for expansion of the UGB within the next 20 years to ensure buildable land remains available.

Residents interested in a copy of the plan may acquire one through Mount Angel City Hall, 5 N. Garfield St.

Maintenance

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The Courtroom & the Family Room By Gregg Harris

A

done in the hope of being “good enough” to earn God’s favor can be allowed as evidence in His courtroom. You stand guilty as charged and have only your own death to offer as payment for your guilt. You are doomed.

s we begin the New Year, I thought it would be helpful to expose two major errors that often distort the the Christian faith. Even those who are not yet Christians can recognize when these duel errors of Legalism and Lawlessness show up in the lives of those who believe the gospel concerning Jesus.

Legalism is where Christians mistakenly believe they still have to be “good enough” in order to maintain their salvation. Like the Pharisees of old, they try to put God in their debt by keeping His law. “I obeyed you God, now reward me.” Legalism leads either to self-righteousness or discouragement. It dishonors Christ by failing to rest in the sufficiency of what He has done for us by dying in our place on the cross.

Lawlessness, on the other hand, is where Christians presume upon the grace of God as a license to keep on sinning. They wrongly think that since they have been forgiven by trusting in what Jesus has done for them, they can continue living in sin as if sinning no longer matters to God. That is not true.

Both Legalism & Lawlessness Are Distortions of Christianity!

Both of these errors are wrong, but they are wrong for opposite reasons. They are like two ditches on either side of a country road. The road itself is living under the reign of a living Lord, Jesus Christ. He is not a set of rules.

He is a person, and His will for His people is real. We must obey Him, not in order to be saved, but because, by His grace, through faith, we are saved. We rest from our efforts to earn His favor while eagerly doing His will.

The crazy thing is that when one obsesses too much on staying out of the ditch of legalism, he tends to swerve quickly into the ditch of lawlessness, and visa versa.

This dilemma is resolved by what the Apostle Paul wrote in his second letter to a young pastor named Timothy. “Study to shew yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15 KJV). “Rightly dividing” God’s Word may sound scary, but the Bible requires us to know which passages apply to us at any given point in our lives. If we apply the right passages of God’s Truth to the right times and places, we can avoid both ditches and stay on the road of our salvation.

Three Major Divides God’s Word, the Bible, never changes. But thankfully we do change. We don’t have to remain in our sinful life forever. As we sing in the wonderful old hymn, Amazing Grace,

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But then, Jesus Christ, your great Attorney, addresses the Court. “Your Honor, if it please the Court, I have already paid this sinner’s debt. I shed my own blood on the cross for this rebel. As you know, I had no debt of my own to pay, and so, I have agreed to have my death applied to his account. He has put his faith in Me to be his Savior and Lord, and so, according to Your Law, he belongs to Me.” Gregg Harris, “D ue

l Ditch Avoider”

“Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.

I once was lost, but now I’m found.

Was blind but now I see.”

There is silence in the courtroom as the angels lean in to hear the verdict. “Case dismissed!” the Judge cries out. “The accused is free to go!” And so, the Judge of All the Earth has ruled in your favor. There is nothing more for you to say or do in the Courtroom Scene of God’s justice. Your chains are removed. Your guilt and shame have all been paid in full by Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. It is finished.

As we experience God’s amazing grace it transforms us.

Though we are “lost,” we can be “found.” ““Case dismissed!” the Judge cries Having been out.

“The accused is free to go!” And so, spiritually “blind” for the Judge of All the Earth has ruled in a time, we can now your favor. There is nothing more for you “see.” For that reason, not every to say or do in the Courtroom Scene of passage of Scripture God’s justice. Your chains are removed. can rightly apply to Your guilt and shame have all been paid us at the same time. in full by Christ’s death, burial and As we pass from death to life, different resurrection. It is finished.” verses will apply in different scenarios The Family Room Scene that I call “scenes.”

From the Courtroom Scene you are ushered The Search & Rescue Scene into the Family Room of God. With all When we are lost, and thinking God hates us, charges against you having been dropped, you are now “born-again” as a “child of God.” He is like a first-responder on a search and You are no longer “dead in your trespasses rescue mission. Jesus tells us in Luke 19:10 and sins.” You have “passed from death into “for the Son of Man has come to seek and to life” by receiving a new heart that is no longer save that which was lost.” Jesus is the “friend wicked and a new spirit as well (Ezek. 36:25of sinners.” If you are currently in this Search & Rescue Scene, God is calling you to repent 27). You are adopted into God’s family. and trust in Him. The Bible says, “The heart is So, you find yourself in the Family Room deceitful above all things, and desperately Scene where God is now your Heavenly wicked; Who can know it?” (Jer. 17:9). So, Father instead of your Judge. Jesus is now you cannot trust your own feelings. Trust God your older Brother and Lord. What could go instead. When you finally stop running from wrong? Well, actually, quite a bit can go Him and start trusting in Jesus to save you, wrong here if you are not taught correctly.

He will usher you into an entirely new scene This is where so many Christians get the where another set of Bible verses will apply. relationship wrong. The Family-Room Scene is where the twin errors of Legalism and The Courtroom Scene Lawlessness are most likely to show up. By God is the God of Justice. He must punish all mixing up which Bible verses apply to you those who rebel against His will. In the here you can end up in one ditch or the other.

Courtroom Scene of God’s justice, you will find yourself on trial. But nothing you have

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“Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth” Requires You to Study When Paul wrote, “rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Tim. 2:15) he probably had legalism and lawlessness in mind. A different set of verses apply in the Family Room Scene.

For example, if we apply the classic Courtroom Scene passage about having been “saved by grace through faith” “not of works lest anyone boast” (Eph. 2:8) to your new life in the Family Room Scene, you can mistakenly think you no longer have any responsibility to do what pleases God. This is the ditch of Lawlessness. This passage applies only to your justification by faith in the Courtroom Scene of God’s justice. It does NOT exempt you from seeking to please your Heavenly Father as a member of His loving Family. God has plans for you in His family.

In fact, we read in the very next verse, in Eph. 2:10, that “we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.” This passage speaks clearly to the Family Room Scene where God has “prepared good works for us to do.” Hebrews 12:5-11 tells us God even disciplines us as His children when we disobey Him. But He NEVER disowns us.

So, if you, as a believer in Christ, mistakenly apply Eph. 2:10 to your Court Room Scene, you are committing the error of thinking your “good works” somehow add support to your justification before God. They don’t. When you do that, you are swerving into the ditch of Legalism, thinking you can only keep your salvation by being “good enough” for God.

Staying on the Road So, there is a ditch on both sides of the road of the Christian life: Legalism on the one hand and Lawlessness on the other. Both distort the truth. The road itself is living under the reign of your Lord, Jesus Christ. What is His will for your new life? Show your love for Him by the way you love your neighbor (Rom. 13:8-10). That is your new life in God’s family.

So, apply the right verses to the right scenes, and you will stay on the road. Got questions?

Please call or text me at 503-926-1388.

Men’s Prayer Breakfast!

Every Thurs. morning 5:30-7:00 AM at 409 South Water Street, Silverton Join us as we study the Bible, pray for our city, challenge one another to grow in our faith & enjoy a great, free breakfast.

Please RSVP by text to 503-926-1388.

To help us publish these articles each month, go to NobleInn.org/articles. There you can also read all 12 of the articles published thus far.

February 2024 • 11

datebook 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, 421 S Water St.

Weekly Events Weekly Events Monday

Low Impact Aerobics, 9:30 a.m., Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 303 N Church St., Silverton. Silverton Senior Center members free. Non-members $5.

Repeats Wednesdays & Fridays.

SACA Food Pantry, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., SACA, 421 S Water St., Silverton.

Repeats 4 - 7 p.m. Tuesdays, 9 a.m.

- noon Thursdays. 503-873-3446, silvertonareacommunityaid.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 Silverton Recovery AA, noon - 1 p.m., 302 N Water St. Seven days a week.

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 Catholic Church, 211 W Center St., Silverton. Scoutmaster Dave Tacker, 760-644-3147, dave.tacker@gmail.com

Tuesday

Scotts Mills Food Boxes, 9 - 11 a.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 Mt. Angel Senior Meals, 10:30 - 11 a.m.

Delivery only. $3 donation suggested.

Repeats Thursdays. Ginger, 503-8459464.

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 Stories & STEAM, 4 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Listen to a story about the theme of the week, join in a project.

Snacks. Ages 5-12. Free. 971-370-5040

12 • February 2024

SACA Food Pantry, 4 - 7 p.m., SACA, 421 S Water St., Silverton. 503-873-3446, silvertonareacommunityaid.org Serenity Al-Anon Meeting, 5:30 p.m. Zoom. Repeats 10 a.m. Saturdays.

For Zoom link, call Barbara K, 503-2690952.

Cub Scout Pack 485, 6:30 p.m., St. Edward’s Catholic Church, 211 W Center St., Silverton. Boys and girls in kindergarten - fifth grade. Deb Hilterbrand, 971-3375925, silvertonpack485@gmail.com Growing Awareness, Nurturing Compassion, 7 - 8:30 p.m. Zoom. Secular presentation promoting mindfulness. No experience needed. Invitation for virtual gathering: compassionatepresence@ yahoo.com. 971-218-6641

Wednesday

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, 10:30 a.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Singing, stories, crafts, play.

Age 2 - 5 with family members. Free.

971-370-5040 Indoor Playtime, 11 a.m. - noon, Mt. Angel Public Library. Play with toys, spend time with friends. Free. 971-370-5040 Mission Benedict Food Pantry, 1 - 4 p.m., St. Joseph Shelter, 925 S Main St., Mt. Angel. Repeats Friday. 503-845-2468 Silver Chips Woodcarving Sessions, 1 - 3 p.m., Silverton Arts Association. All skill levels. 503-873-4512.

Line Dancing, 1 - 2 p.m. (beginners) 2 - 3 p.m. (advanced), Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 303 N Church St., Silverton. . 50 and older.

Mission of Hope Food Pantry, 2 - 4 p.m., Silver Creek Fellowship. 503-873-7353 Italian Conversations, 6 - 7:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. Come practice your Italian. All levels welcome. 503-873-8796 The Daniel Plan, 6:30 p.m., Silver Creek Fellowship. Wellness program. Info at scf. tv/danielplan. Sheila, 503-409-4498

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 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 listening skills, speaking, thinking, evaluating. Contact tmcommunicators@gmail.com for Zoom link.

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 LEGO Lab, 3 - 4:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. All ages. 503-845-6401

Saturday

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.

Open Art Studio, 9 a.m., Silverton Arts Association. 503-873-2480 Ageless Yoga, 9:30 a.m., Total Body Health Club, 1099 N First St., Silverton.

Geared toward those 50 and older, but all are welcome. A Silverton Senior Center event.

After-Season Indoor Market, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Silverton Friends Church, 229 Eureka Ave. Local produce, eggs, meats, artisan crafts. Free admission. Every Saturday except Holiday weekends. silvertonfarmersmarket.com Creciendo juntos/Growing Together Storytime, 1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. ¡Atrévete a acompañarnos aprender juntos! ¡Atreves de leyendo libros bilingües podríamos hacer lo!

Después abrirá una actividad para la familia. Through bilingual books and activities, learn simple words and phrases that help us communicate and grow together. 971-370-5040 Peaceful Heart Meditation, 2 - 3 p.m., Silverton Community Center. Yoga breathing, kirtan and yoga philosophy.

No experience required. Everyone welcome. Refreshments served. Free. peacefulheartkirtan@gmail.com

Thursday, Feb. 1 Silverton Kiwanis Club

Noon, Main St. Bistro, 201 E Main St., Silverton. Bi-monthly meeting of Silverton Kiwanis Club. New members welcome. Repeats Feb. 15. silvertonkiwanis.org

Critique Night

Yums Around the World

6:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library.

Was January’s smoke paprika new to you? Bring a copy of any recipes you discovered along with an optional sample. Nibble on snacks from Spain and be the first to receive February’s spice kit – Rosemary. Tasting is not recommended for people with allergies. Free. Teens and adults. 971-370-5040

Mary Poppins the Musical

7 p.m., Chesterton Academy of the Willamette Valley, 900 S Main St., Mt. Angel. Students perform the musical, “Mary Poppins.” Tickets for tonight’s preview are $8. Tickets for all other showings are $15 adults, $8 children age 5-17. Please, no children under 5. Repeats 7 p.m. Feb. 2-3; 2 p.m. Feb. 4. Tickets are available at chestertonwv.com/events, at the school office or at the door.

503-845-2727

Friday, Feb. 2 Groundhog Day Volksfest

1 - 10 p.m., Mt. Angel Festhalle, 500 NE Wilco Hwy. A Mt. Angel Celebration of German Sausage.

Live music, entertainment. Local craft brews, wines. Food, craft vendors. Face painting, balloon artistry. Volkswalks for all ages.

Tickets, good for all three days, are $10 for those 21 and older. Children under 21 are free. Repeats 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Feb. 3; 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Feb. 4. For complete list of activities, visit mtangelvolksfest.com.

Lego Lab

3 - 4:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library.

Build an original creation to be displayed in the library. All supplies provided.

Free. All ages. Repeats Feb. 9 & 23.

971-370-5040

First Friday in Silverton

7 – 9 p.m. Explore the historic downtown, have dinner, shop, browse galleries, boutiques. 503-873-5615, silvertonchamber.org

Lunaria First Friday

7 - 9 p.m., Lunaria Gallery, 113 N Water St., Silverton. Opening reception for February showings. Main Floor Gallery features “Adore? Adorn!,” a collection of garments, jewelry, accessories, cards and other gifts. Loft Gallery features artwork by visiting artist Fred Hartson.

Showings can be viewed 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily through Feb. 26. 503-873-7734, lunariagallery.com

7 - 8:30 p.m., Silverton Arts Association.

Bring your latest work for discussion, critique with other artists. 503-873-2480, silvertonarts.org

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Monday, Feb. 5 Abigail Scott DAR

10 a.m., Stayton United Methodist Church, 1450 SE Fern Ridge Road. Guest speaker is Kimberli Fitzgerald, historic preservation officer and city archaeologist for the City of Salem. Daughters of American Revolution meeting follows presentation.

All welcome. 503-508-8246

Silverton City Council

7 p.m., Silverton Council Chambers. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-873-5321, silverton.or.us

Tuesday, Feb. 6 Drawing Group

6 - 7:30 p.m., Silverton Arts Association.

Bring your own materials or some of the associations. Everyone is welcome. Repeats Feb. 20. 503-873-2480, silvertonarts.org

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, Feb. 7 Scotts Mills City Council

7 p.m., Scotts Mills City Hall, 265 Fourth St. Open to public. Agenda available.

503-873-5435

Thursday, Feb. 8

All-Ages Game Night

6 - 9 p.m., Silverton Grange, 201 Division St. Bring your favorite games. Children under 13 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. All ages welcome.

Free admission. 971-267-9364, silvertongrange@gmail.com

Sunday, Feb. 11 Brown House Tour

Silverton First Citizen Night

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

Silverton Zenith Women’s Club

10 a.m., Silver Falls Library. David Duncan presents “24,000 DNA Matches: Now What?” Please note location change. Membership: Kathy Valdez, 503-508-4251. ancestrydetectives.org

Ancestry Detectives

7 p.m., Silver Creek Fellowship. Local women discuss ways to fund, implement projects to benefit Silverton community.

Anyone interested is welcome. Social starts at 6:30 p.m. Barbara, 801-414-3875

Ukulele Play and Sing-Alongs

Teen Hangout

5 - 7 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Make friendship bracelets to wear or exchange for International Friendship Month. Light snacks provided. Grades 6-12. Free.

971-370-5040

The Next Friday

5 - 8 p.m., Mt. Angel. Businesses in Mt. Angel stay open with extra vendors, goodies, information, sales and more. discovermtangel@gmail.com

6:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. Come share what you are writing and listen to others works. Free, Ron Drake, 503-873-8796

Monday, Feb. 12

1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Measure and fold pages in an old book to create a beautiful heart inset. All supplies provided.

Repeats at 6 p.m. Teens and adults.

971-370-5040

Noon - 5 p.m., Silverton First Baptist Church, 229 Westfield St. Blood and power red donations. Appointments at redcrossblood.org

Silver Falls Writers Group

Mt. Angel Planning Commission

Tuesday, Feb. 13

Red Cross Blood Drive

1 - 6:30 p.m., Immanuel Lutheran Church, 303 N Church St., Silverton.

Appointments at redcrossblood.org.

Noon - 2 p.m., Brown House Event Center, 425 N First Ave., Stayton. Tour the historic Charles and Martha Brown House and the traveling exhibition, “Oregon 150 Years of Statehood: 150 Million Years in the Making.” $5/person.

Children under 18 are free. For a special reserved guided tour, call 503-769-8860.

The traveling exhibition can also be viewed 1 - 4 p.m. Feb. 14 and noon 2 p.m. Feb. 24. cmbrownhouse.org

Recycled Book Heart

Friday, Feb. 9

Red Cross Blood Drive

6 - 7:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. First 30 minutes is beginner’s ukulele lesson followed by play and sing-along time for all skill levels. Everyone is welcome.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Music provided. Bring ukulele.

Free. 503-873-8796

Silverton Planning Commission

7 p.m., Silverton Council Chambers.

Open to public. Agenda available.

503-874-2207, silverton.us.or

Wednesday, Feb. 14 Valentine’s Day Sci-Fi & Fantasy Book Club

6:30 p.m. Zoom. Discuss The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. Free. For Zoom invite, contact Ron Drake at Silver Falls Library, 503-873-8796

Thursday, Feb. 15 Book Discussion for Adults

7 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library.

Agenda available. Open to public.

503-845-9291

Friday, Feb. 16 Family Movie Night

4 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Enjoy The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (PG) while eating fresh, hot popcorn.

All ages. Free. 971-370-5040

6:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. Ann Altman helps painters to focus on the creation of a still life painting. Items provided as subject matter. All materials provided. All levels of experience are welcome. Signups required by calling 503-873-8796.

Monday, Feb. 26 Vigil for Peace

2:30 - 3:30 p.m., Towne Square Park, Silverton. Silverton People for Peace gather to advocate for peace, social justice issues on all levels of society including a focus on issues of current concern. Open to all. 503-873-5307

Silverton Council Work Session

6:30 p.m., Silverton Council Chambers.

Open to public. 503-874-2207, silverton.us.or

Saturday, Feb. 17

Tuesday, Feb. 27

6 - 9 p.m., Oregon Garden, 879 W Main St., Silverton. Night of dinner and celebration of volunteers and community supporters. Tickets, $45, available at silvertonchamber.org or at the Chamber office, 426 S Water St., Silverton.

6:30 p.m., Silverton Council Chambers.

Open to public. Agenda available. 503874-2207, silverton.us.or

Monday, Feb. 19 President’s Day Tuesday, Feb. 20

Affordable Housing Task Force

6:30 p.m., Silverton Council Chambers.

Open to public. 503-874-2207, silverton.us.or

Silver Falls Book Club

6:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. Discuss The Maid by Nita Prose. Everyone welcome. 503-873-8796

Wednesday, Feb. 21 Mt. Angel Library Advisory Board

6:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Help advise, recommend and advocate for the library. Any interested community member is welcome to attend. 971-370-5040

Thursday, Feb. 22

Pillar Candle Decorating

1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library.

Decorate a pillar candle using Sharpie markers and waxed paper. All supplies provided. Free. Teens and adults.

Repeats at 6 p.m. 971-370-5040

1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Discuss The Maid by Nita Prose. Copies available at the library. All adults welcome. Free.

971-370-5040

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Still Life Painting

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Silverton Planning Commission

Wednesday, Feb. 28 Virtual Film Discussion

7 p.m. Zoom. Watch The Great Dictator, available on Kanopy, and then join the Zoom meeting for a moderated discussion. For Zoom invite, contact Ron Drake at Silver Falls Library, 503-873-8796.

Thursday, Feb. 29 Teen Advisory Board/Book Club

4:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Teens help collaborate with the library on programs, collections, games and more.

Snacks provided. Book Club meets for the first 30 minutes to discuss Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna by Alda P Dobbs.

971-370-5040

Writers Group

6 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Gather and chat with fellow writers.

Bring up to three pages of your work to read and get feedback.

Adults and teens. Free.

971-370-5040 •••••••••••••••••••••

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.

February 2024 • 13

Passages

K. Donald Larson March 9, 1943 – Jan. 9, 2024 K. Donald Larson passed away from lymphoma in Silverton, Oregon on Jan. 9, 2024. The world lost a generous and kind man who was modest about the remarkable life he lived. He was known for his faith in God, strong moral compass, dependability, empathy, consistency, and strong work ethic.

He was born in Salt Lake CIty, Utah on March 9, 1943 to Rhoda Lee (Barclay) Larson and Sterling Emery Larson while his father was fighting in World War II. He didn’t see Don until he was two-and-a-half years old. He was the oldest child and big brother to his two sisters, Nancy and Janet. As a top student of Highland High School, he was one of three students in Utah to receive a congressional nomination to attend The United States Military Academy/West Point, New York.

Don was 18 and working at the Willow Creek bowling alley when he met his sweetheart, Karen. After he graduated from West Point in 1965, the couple married the next year, on July 29, in Salt Lake City. Only a year after being married, he was deployed as a 2nd Lieutenant artillery officer in the Vietnam War where he served until 1968. He rarely spoke about his time there and his family only recently learned about his Purple Heart award. His exposure to Agent Orange while fighting in Vietnam led to his battle of three different cancers throughout his life. Without complaint, he bravely faced his health challenges and never let them define him.

Karen and Don welcomed their first son, Don E., while he served as an Army Captain at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas in 1969. Don then resigned his military commission to attend dental school at Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland, Oregon from 1972-1975. Their daughter, Sonja, was born in 1973 and their second son, Eric, in 1976. Don opened his dental practice in Silverton in 1976 and retired in 2008 after 33 years.

Don volunteered in many community roles; as Rotary president, Scoutmaster, school board member, soccer coach and many positions in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As the Scoutmaster for ten years, he was known for leading the annual 50-mile hike.

During their 57 years of marriage, Karen and Don enjoyed long bike rides, including an annual tradition of riding nearly 100 miles from Silverton to the beach at Lincoln City. His other interests included reading, camping, hiking, cross country skiing, traveling, wood working, quilt square cutting, snorkeling, gardening, and his dogs. His happiest times were the precious moments spent with his children and grandkids.

Don is survived by his sisters, Nancy Larson-Powers (Joe), Janet Larson Barrus (Tracy); his wife, Karen; three children and their spouses: Don E. Larson (Tiffany), Sonja Barsky (Troy), and Eric Larson (Jill). He also leaves behind his nine grandchildren and their spouses: Hailey Larson Andreason (Caleb), Bennett Larson (Skye), Eliza Larson, Jonah Larson, Grant Larson, Alana Barsky, Ryan Barsky, Zola Larson, and Ella Larson.

Don wanted to be remembered with a celebration of life at a beautiful time of year. His family looks forward to gathering to honor him this summer.

Contributions can be made in his honor to The Wounded Warriors Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate/.

14 • February 2024

Marjorie Wilson July 25, 1934 – Jan. 15, 2024 Marjorie Wilson, 89, of Silverton, Oregon, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Jan. 15, 2024.

Born in Kansas, to James and Kathryn Mosolf, she moved to the Northwest at an early age and grew up in Salem, Oregon, attending Salem High School and University of Puget Sound.

In addition to raising five children, Marjorie was active in PTA, and worked at Englewood Elementary School, finishing her career as the Director of Summer Conferences at Willamette University in Salem.

She also enjoyed many hobbies and activities including dancing, sports (particularly baseball), traveling, stamping, reading on her Kindle, and gardening.

For Marjorie, family was her love. Having

her “chicks” all together and being the hub of activity brought her great joy.

On Sept. 18, 2010, Marjorie married Bob Wilson. They shared their faith and a great love for each other and for family.

They passed this love on and she will be greatly missed.

Marjorie is preceded in death by her son, Michael; and is survived by her husband, Bob, and his family; as well as her four children, Bill, Jim, Steve and Amy; 11 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

A service to celebrate her life and faith was held on Jan. 27 at Unger Funeral Chapel in Silverton, with Pastor Joe Hughes from Trinity Lutheran Church presiding.

Memorial gifts may be made to: American Cancer Society. Arrangements by Unger Funeral Chapel.

Ola Faye Hinsey March 16, 1931 – Jan. 8, 2024 Ola Faye (Russ) Hinsey was born on March 16, 1931, in Panhandle, Texas to Charles LeeRoy and Mabel Elizabeth Russ. She graduated in 1948 from Panhandle High School.

She graduated from West Texas State College where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1952.

In 1953, Ola Faye began her teaching career at Wyman Elementary School in Denver, Colorado. There she met William Cecil Hinsey. They married on Feb. 12, 1954. Ola Faye and Cecil were parents to three daughters, Kathy, Carol and Peggy.

The family from Denver to Eugene, Oregon in 1957 and settled in Silverton, Oregon in 1963. She taught at Eugene Field School in Silverton, retiring in 1989 after 24 years in the teaching profession.

She also enjoyed gardening, canning, and sewing, passing these passions on to future generations. Their Paradise Alley farm was a source of joy and bountiful fruit.

After retirement, Ola Faye and Cecil traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada, by van and RV. She really loved the Oregon Coast, watching the waves crash while looking for agates, glass floats, and bird watching.

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Ola Faye was grandma to Zachary, Jacynda, Dave, Tim, Ben, Matthew, and Adam. She enjoyed working on puzzles with the grandchildren as they ran roughshod around the farmhouse and barn. As time went on the tradition of running around the house with reckless abandon was passed on to great grandchildren, Sawyer, Harrison, Landon, Hazel, Wade, Jacob, Noah, and Iris.

Ola Faye is survived by her brother, Charley Russ of Panhandle, Texas; daughters, Carol Wnek (Mike) of Bremerton, Washington, and Peggy Kaney (Brian) of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; grandchildren, David Nickodemus (Beth), Timothy Nickodemus (Kim), Benjamin Nickodemus (Holly), Jacynda Wheeler (Chad), Zachary Wnek, Matthew Kaney (Caleb), and Adam Kaney; and great-grandchildren, Jacob, Noah and Iris Nickodemus, Sawyer, Harrison and Landon Wnek, Wade and Hazel Wheeler.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Cecil Hinsey; sisters, Maurine Russ, Laura Lee Adams, and Mary Sue Triplett; and daughter, Kathy Nickodemus.

A celebration of life service was held Jan. 27 at the Silverton United Methodist Church.

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Francine Lynch May 9, 1933 – Jan. 14, 2024

Marguerite ‘Margie’ Will

Francine (Deanie) Lynch, 90 of Silverton, Oregon passed away peacefully on Jan. 14, 2024. She was born May 9, 1933 in Wolbach, Nebraska to Arnold and Ella Marcoe. She was the couple’s fourth child out of seven children.

At age ten, her family moved to Oregon. She attended Silverton High School and graduated in 1951. Also in 1951, Francine married Albert Lynch. They were married for 40 years and had two children before his death in 1991.

Francine was active in community and church events. She was a lifelong member of the Silverton Methodist Church. She was a Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader. She also volunteered at Silverton Hospital at the gift shop and welcome desk, and for the Meals on Wheels program. In her later years, she sewed patterns on thousands of sack lunch bags for the Silverton Community Assistance program. She worked for the local telephone company and then had a small craft business in her home. She enjoyed gardening, traveling with family to England and Ireland, family get-togethers, and especially the cousin campouts.

She is survived by her son, Michael Lynch of Salem; granddaughters, Kari Martin and Ashley Lynch of Salem; great grandsons, Dylan Martin of Boston, and Brenden Martin of Florida; sister, Jody Debacon of Mount Angel; and brother, Arnold Marcoe of Salem; as well as many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Ella Olsen; father, Arnold Marcoe; husband, Albert Lynch; daughter, Debi Martin; brothers, Russell and David Marcoe of Silverton; and sisters, Nancy Elder of Silverton, and Beverly Haslebacher of Salem.

Graveside services will be held Friday, Feb. 2 at 2 p.m. at Valley View Cemetery in Silverton.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Silverton United Methodist Church on Saturday, Feb. 3 at 11:00 a.m. Contributions may be made to the Cancer Society or the Silverton Alumni scholarship fund.

In Memory Of …

Ann Boylan

Dec. 23, 1932 — Jan. 5, 2024

Stanley Hollin

Feb. 27, 1949 — Jan. 9, 2024

Victoria Raborn

July 29, 1954

Evelyn Marcum

March 17, 1929 — Jan. 12, 2024

Francine Lynch

May 9, 1933

— Jan. 14, 2024

Marjorie Wilson

July 25, 1934

— Jan. 15, 2024

Elsie Berning

Oct. 24, 1927 — Jan. 19, 2024

— Jan. 11, 2024

Born on May 19, 1993, Margie grew up in Silverton, Oregon. While her childhood was occasionally shadowed by health issues, Margie spent most of her time surrounded by friends, laughing together at sleepovers and running around the park which was down the street from her house. Margie and her family spent a good deal of quality time together, attending concerts and taking family trips to Hawaii. The Wills’ house was the go-to gathering spot for both Margie and her younger brother’s friends, kids walking freely through the front door to hang out in the backyard or raid the pantry (everybody knew that the Wills had the best snacks). Margie had the knack of making people feel immediately at home and welcomed – a gift that continued throughout her entire life.

Always a multi-talented individual and a social butterfly, Margie was involved in many clubs and activities throughout her school career. She played trumpet in band in elementary and middle school, performed in school plays and productions with the American Academy of Performing Arts Company (starring as Mary Poppins, Alice in Wonderland, and more), and participated in Speech and Debate. A natural and charismatic leader, Margie was highly involved in student government in high school. She was so involved with the operations of the high school that as the Pine Street campus in Silverton was finishing construction and preparing to open, Margie was given her own hardhat so she could safely escort people around campus. Margie graduated from Silverton High School in 2011.

Always the life of the party, Margie never met a stranger; she had a gift for bringing people together, and for making others feel deeply seen and loved. She was generous, quick-witted, and an incredible gift giver. Margie was a bright light who illuminated every room she was in, and her light, love, and laughter will be dearly missed.

Margie is survived by her father, Roger; her mother, Robin; and her beloved brother, Henry (Hank); her grandparents, George and Fran Will, and Sarah Linton; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. A devoted friend who made an impact wherever she went, Margie is also survived by countless friends and loved ones from across all areas of her life, including her high school friend group the FBMs (no, they won’t tell you what it stands for) Bonnie, Christine, Haley and Sophia.

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Marguerite Haley Will, known to all as Margie, passed away way too soon on Jan. 8 at her home in Hillsboro, Oregon after a lifelong battle with a rare liver disorder (glycogen storage disease). She was 30 years old.

After high school Margie had various jobs – she worked as a nanny, in the front office of Morel Ink, and as a support worker for Shangri-La human services.

What all of these jobs had in common was that Margie’s favorite part was the people she interacted with. A people person through and through, Margie truly found her people when she began her career at Costco in 2016. After working at various Costco locations throughout Oregon and Colorado, Margie became a Department Level Manager at the Hillsboro Costco in 2022. As a manager Margie was respected for her intelligence, compassion, and sense of humor. Margie loved her job, and she loved her Costco family even more.

See full obituaries at www.ungerfuneralchapel.com

190 Railroad Ave. • Mt. Angel 503-845-2592

May 19, 1993 – Jan. 8, 2024

229 Mill St. • Silverton 503-873-5141

A Celebration of Life gathering is tentatively scheduled for May 19, 2024, Margie’s birthday. More details forthcoming.

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February 2024 • 15

Arts & Entertainment

In the most delightful way Mary Poppins comes to Mount Angel

By Melissa Wagoner

Mary Poppins, the Musical

There is magic in the air at Chesterton Academy of the Willamette Valley – a private Catholic school located on South Main Street in Mount Angel – as the students prepare to present the school’s first musical performance, Mary Poppins.

Presented by Chesterton Academy of the Willamette Valley 900 South Main St., Mt. Angel Feb. 1-3, 7 p.m., Feb. 4, 2 p.m.

Tickets: $15 503-845-2727 www.chestertonwv.com/events

“I think most people who love the original Mary Poppins movie or books will find a lot of beloved moments that they recognize in this play,” theater teacher and director Gabrielle Merritt said.

Being a small school hasn’t stopped us from thinking big!”

The play has been an education.

Tasked with learning songs, dances and even acrobatics, the 23 cast members – including 19 upper-class students and four elementary/ middle school students – have been challenged in new ways.

Chesterton Academy cast members rehearsing for Mary Poppins.

“Since Chesterton Academy had never done a musical before, I was so excited for all the fun that comes with putting on a big show,” Merritt said. She is in her third year of teaching at the academy. “And Mary Poppins naturally lends itself to this big feel: the colorful set and costumes, the magic, the special effects, the action-packed cast. It has so much going for it; it is an easy show to love!”

Catherine Scheider, cast in the leading role, agrees.

MELISSA WAGONER

“I hope everyone in the audience gets sucked in,” she said.

“I’ve known [Mary Poppins] for many years and loved her very much. She’s so lovely and so mysteriously in charge. You love her and you can’t hold on to her.”

But creating the show’s magic hasn’t been easy.

“The question I am asked most is whether Mary Poppins will fly in our production,” Merritt said. “To hire a professional company to install flight rigging in our theater would cost thousands of dollars. But… we discovered a trick used in ancient Greek theater to give our Mary Poppins lift.

“I have done plays before,” Taylor Lange, who plays Bert, said. “But this is my first time in a musical and it’s been different. With all the other plays it’s more line based. This is getting all the musical cues correct.” It’s also been costume designing, set building and special effects production. For Merritt, with 15 years of experience as a school theater director, that’s what makes a theater class an important part of the school’s curriculum.

“There are a lot of things I think the students learn: how to work together as a team, how to stretch themselves creatively,” she said. “But I think what I’d most like to hear at the end is that they really had a lot of fun.”

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16 • February 2024

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Changes afoot Arts association focuses on education for 2024

By Melissa Wagoner

August Arts Festival put on pause

Award winning neon artist Anne Pinkowski is a fervent believer in the value of art education. When she and her husband, Dave Harris, moved from California to Silverton in 2022, she immediately joined the Silverton Arts Association (SAA), eventually taking on the role of programming director.

“I have a degree in Fine Art,” Pinkowski – who also works in mosaic and stained glass – said. “But I’ve slowly watched this thing that’s so important to me get diluted in schools… and it’s sad because it’s something that I’ve been doing my whole life. It’s a constant. It’s always been the arts and making art and the art community.”

Supportive of the SAA mission – which prominently features art education as a goal – Pinkowski recently joined forces with SAA Board Member Kate Durrant to obtain the grants necessary to increase the SAA’s educational programming in the coming year.

“It’s very important to be sustainable and to offer a living wage to the artists,” Pinkowski said of the need to obtain funding prior to the addition of classes.

“We have to be paying artists a living wage to live here.”

So far, Durrant’s grant writing efforts have been successful, with the Oregon Community Foundation contributing $16,000 in educational funding to support overall programming, an upcoming summer camp and the SAA’s Art in Silver Falls Schools program.

“Historically [outreach teacher] Angela McGraw was funded by a grant that we get every year,” Pinkowski

The Silverton Arts Association board has placed the August arts festival on pause for 2024.

Attendees at the Winter Art Camp for Youth in December. ANNE PINKOWSKI

Silverton Arts Association To become a member, view the current class and open studio schedule or to apply to become an art instructor visit silvertonarts.org.

While a recently posted help wanted ad for the festival drew several applications for a potential event manager, the board decided to use the energy of its volunteers to prioritize its central mission: to nurture, exhibit, inform, and promote appreciation and practice of the arts in the greater Silverton area.

Caling the festival “a beloved part of that work,” the association’s announcement went on to say this year, it is simply not possible for the board to run it alongside the many other programs planned.

Those programs include: • Grant-subsidized art classes for children, including a summer art camp.

• Free and open community arts space.

said, referencing the $4,000 annual contribution that enabled the SAA to provide art instruction to 965 students in the Silver Falls School District during the last school year.

Now, thanks to increased funding and the addition of another outreach teacher, John Frederick, that number is projected to grow.

• A resident artist program.

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• The second annual Silver Falls Film Festival, featuring local filmmakers and art center media students.

Although the board can’t offer the festival this year, it is actively exploring its future. Artists or vendors who have participated are encouraged to apply to Homer Davenport Days, at www. homerdavenport.com/homer-days/.

Those interested in promoting art in Silverton are encouraged to visit the art center, 303 Coolidge St. on Wednesdays, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. when SAA board president Jonathan Case volunteers and is available discuss future endeavors.

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“It’s part of the heart of the community,” Durrant agreed. “With all the other art presences, the piece that was missing was quality education.”

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“We need to have art here,” Pinkowski said. “We have a Mural Society that makes Silverton, Silverton. But where are they going to learn to paint?”

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• Art classes with arts association teachers in the public schools.

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February 2024 • 17

Civics 101

Parks planning Pickleball courts, lake trails to come before city soon

By James Day The City of Silverton’s work on a master plan for its parks is yielding immediate fruit. Two of its major pieces, a trail system at Pettit Lake and new pickleball courts near the skate park, could see design and construction contracts come before the city as early as next month.

The funds for both facilities have been secured.

They will largely be paid for out of the city parks systems development charges (SDCs) fund. SDCs are fees paid by developers to support infrastructure such as streets, sewers, sidewalks and parks. Urban renewal funds and community fundraising might also be part of the financing mix, Silverton City Manager Cory Misley told Our Town.

also feature an affordable housing component, with details still being developed for a 3.25-acre piece of the property at its northern edge along Davenport Lane, which likely will be extended, said Jason Gottgetreu, community development director.

The site, which slopes downhill from the elevated corner of Westfield and Main, and includes marshy areas, but Gottgetreu said that a preliminary wetland report indicated that the ditch and drainage area did not meet the threshold to be defined as wetlands. The report is being reviewed by the Department of State Lands.

The Pettit Lake trails will circle the reservoir, which is on the east side of Main, just south of The Oregon Garden and likely will extend west onto the dog park/ skate park property.

The 12.78-acre, city-owned property at the corner of Main Street and Westfield Street near The Oregon Garden likely will be able to accommodate up to six new pickleball courts, city officials said, although the ultimate configuration is subject to the final master plan being fine-tuned by city officials with input from an advisory committee.

Misley noted that the trail will have to connect to city property because of state land use rules, “so it’s reasonable to think it could be there near the dog park.”

The property for the envisioned pickleball courts, CBL #00013137 already includes the Silverton Senior Center, and may

The plan must go before state land use officials and the city’s Planning Commission and City Council before it

The parks master plan itself, meanwhile, which will be a collaboration between city officials and the 15-person parks and recreation master plan advisory committee, is due to be finished sometime this spring.

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• The mix of possible uses for a 40-acre park at the south end of town off of Ike Mooney Road. Disc golf and mountain biking are possible options. The property still must be annexed into the city, and Marion County approval is required.

• Finding ways to enhance and increase the city’s stock of sports fields. This likely will feature cooperative efforts with the Silver Falls School District and local clubs and might involve property at Robert Frost School and Silverton Middle School as well as a 20-acre parcel on Oak Street just northeast of town. That parcel is not yet owned by the city.

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18 • February 2024

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The Forum

How you can help Silverton’s theater I am the new owner of The Palace Theatre here in Silverton. I am enjoying my adventure in restoring this historic part of our community. It has not been easy, nor has it been inexpensive. Refurbishing the decor, repairing an aging building, upgrading the seating, replacing the sound system and investing in a top-of-the-line projector has not been cheap. But it’s good! Investing in this wonderful old theater is a labor of love.

Many people have asked me how they can help support this venture. This letter is my attempt to answer. First, it is very important to have as many people as possible regularly patronize our little theater. It is also very important that everyone honor our request to not to bring candy, snacks, sodas, or even bottles of water into the theater.

First, there are security issues, such as bringing alcohol into a public setting. This is a state law; we just need to follow it to keep ourselves out of trouble. Because of this, we have to check backpacks and oversized handbags at the door. If you cannot leave your backpacks and large bags at home or in the car, we have places to store them during the movie. We want everyone to be safe and to be respectful towards one another, and to be respectful of small businesses investing in this community.

Second, the movie industry is very rigid in protecting their creative and intellectual property and giving permission to exhibit it. The film companies place many requirements on theater owners including how long to show a movie and how much we must pay them per ticket. They can take upwards of 75% of each ticket sold as their licensing fee. That leaves independent theater operators like me with sometimes as little as 25 cents out of each dollar to cover the other operating costs of running a business. In order to ensure the long-term success of The Palace Theatre, it is necessary for our patrons to come prepared to buy their concessions from us, on-site. Our prices are competitive with all the big theaters in Salem. Without the support of this portion of our business, it would be cost-prohibitive to keep the doors open for very long.

It may be that under the previous management there was less oversight on the issue, but that also may have played a part in why they had to cease operating.

I write not to complain, but simply to be transparent. I request you to join me in making The Palace Theatre an ongoing success.

Folks who operate any kind of business in a small town are usually not doing it “just for the money.” We do it out of love for community, to contribute to the vitality of Silverton, and for us, love of movies.

So, thank you for your support, and thank you for understanding my need to make this request. Please make time in your weekly routine to “Pack the Palace” for the benefit of everyone.

Thomas Baham The Palace Theatre

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Thank you, Silverton!

Another opinion

The Silverton Zenith Woman’s Club thanks the community of Silverton for all the help they received for their 2023 Tree of Giving project. Together we were able to make Christmas a little brighter for 216 children in the Silver Falls School District.

This is in response to Mr. Harris’ “Happy New Week” advertisement in the Jan. 1 issue of Our Town. First, we want to commend him and the growing team of Christians from local Christian churches for the bold and, we are sure, expensive continuing Christian outreach to Silverton and beyond.

We wish to particularly thank: Hi-School Pharmacy, St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Silver Creek Fellowship and Wilco for displaying the trees and accepting/ storing individual gifts; Silverton Fire Department and Les Schwab for their toy drive; Silverton High School students for the gifts they purchased; the ladies who made and donated knitted scarfs and hats; and all the members of the community who generously donated money and/or purchased gifts for the children.

A special thank you to Immanuel Lutheran Church for the use of their gym to gather all gifts and toys, and for allowing us to use their facility for distribution of the gifts to families. If we have missed anyone, we apologize in advance. Blessings on all and we hope for happiness, healthiness, and prosperity in 2024!

Silverton Zenith Woman’s Club

Co-worker commitment I want to share specifically what Dr. Elizabeth Smith at [Legacy Medical Group] Mt. Angel did on Wednesday, Jan. 17 in order to round on unassigned babies at Legacy Silverton Medical Center.

She bundled up, with the help of her two little boys, then walked a little over a mile up and down a very icy gravel driveway to make it out to a road that had some plowing done, where a friend picked her up and took her to the hospital.

There were six little babies waiting for her when she arrived. She then stayed at the hospital all day, doing video visits for her LMG Mt. Angel patients while giving newborn babies the attention they needed. She was able to get a ride back home at 4:30 p.m., eight hours after her unassigned round shift was complete, when some thawing had happened.

I am grateful to have Dr. Smith on the LMG Mt. Angel team and feel so very blessed to belong to the community she serves with dedication and commitment.

Heather A. Sowa RN Clinic Manager, Legacy Medical Group – Mount Angel

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Our purpose in writing is to offer an alternative way of looking at what was presented under the title, “What is so special about Sunday?” The points were: 1. God began creation week by producing illumination. He said “Let there be light,” and there was some sort of unusual light as the sun wasn’t created until Wednesday. 2. Jesus rose from the dead on a Sunday morning, and 3. The Holy Spirit fell upon the fledgling church 50 days after Pentecost, which placed it on a Sunday morning. The comment was: “What is God telling us through all this?

That Sunday is a very special day.”

Yes, we agree about Sunday being a special day, however, in our opinion, there is another way of looking at the day of the week which God made special. Many references in the Bible show us that God named Saturday as His special day. For example, in Gen. 2:1-3, the Sabbath was set apart at creation. In Exodus 20: 8-11, the fourth commandment of the Decalog says to keep it holy.

(Interestingly, the Spanish name for Saturday is Sabado.)

In John 14:21 God says that “he that hath my commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me.” In Matthew 5:17, 18 Jesus made it plain that He didn’t come to change the law but to establish it. Mark 2:27, 28 notably statest that the Sabbath was given to the human race as a memorial to all mankind. And finally, in Revelation 12:17 His remnant people at the end of time – like the faithful through the ages – will keep His law – the Ten Commandments.

Yes, we agree with Mr. Harris that Sunday is a special day, but let us not forget that the Fourth Commandment of the Decalog in Exodus 20 instructs us to “remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.”

Enid & Arthur Hands Silverton

Submissions welcomed Letters to the editor can be directed to ourtown. life@mtangelpub.com or mailed to Editor, Our Town, P.O. Box 927, Mount Angel, OR 97362. It is recommended submissions be limited to fewer than 500 words. Our Town reserves the right to edit for clarity and space.

Anonymous letters will not be published, nor will letters that include personal attacks, use hate speech or advocate discrimination or violence.

February 2024 • 19

Sports & Recreation

Special squads The craziest piece of Jamie McCarty’s fiveyear run as Silverton boys hoops coach from 2017 through 2022 was that he was 69-1 in Mid-Willamette Conference games, a record of consistency that is almost blinding in its brilliance. And that one 2018-19 loss in OT at Corvallis was a strange beast, perhaps a column for another day.

McCarty stepped back from the program last year because of his school district administrative duties, but he is back in 2023-24 looking tanned, rested and ready.

The Foxes were 9-9 in league and 11-14 overall in 2022-23 under Tyler Allen, who now is at Central (and doing quite well with a 6-2 league record at Our Town’s presstime).

McCarty’s return has elevated the interest and intensity, sparked by an 11-point home win vs. defending champion Woodburn on Dec. 12. At presstime the No. 12 Foxes were 9-4 overall and 5-2 in league, in the middle of a 5-way fight for first involving No. 4 West Albany (7-1), No. 6 Woodburn (6-2), No. 16 Central (6-2) and No. 11 South Albany (5-2). The MWC gets four automatic berths in the Class 5A playoffs and with two statewide at-large bids available it’s possible (though still a bit early to be jabbering about it) that all five of those teams will wind up in the 16-team field.

This year’s Foxes are a blend of football players, soccer players and baseball players.

They have a high motor, love to take charges, are almost never outworked and

Foxes shining in boys, girls hoops who, like McCarty, left after the 2022-23 season because of scheduling challenges (Wold also is back, but now with the Stayton girls, another topic for a future column).

play joyful, suffocating defense. What they don’t have are the hoops assassins, like Cade Roth, David Gonzales and Neil Efimov who were on earlier McCarty teams. The defense would pound you to bits, Efimov would then drain five straight three-pointers and all of a sudden the Foxes led 32-7.

This year’s team won’t win like that, but it’s a lot of fun to watch. Tight end Brody Kuenzi is a beast in the low post, QB Sawyer Teeney and WR Elijah Howard are pestering you from the opening tip, Tyler Pooleon and Cade Wynn are allaround contributors, as is soccer player Elisha Short, and freshman Luke Horner looks primed for an excellent career.

Will the Foxes make it to the final eight at Linfield University, the sight of this year’s 5A tournament? I don’t see why not, making it only fair to note that McCarty won four 5A trophies in his earlier fiveyear run, with that fifth year shortened by COVID-19.

The girls squad, meanwhile, features a newness of its own. The Foxes won the 2016 Class 5A state title and were in the top 4 four other times under Tal Wold,

On for Wold came Alyssa Ogle, his top assistant. In year one she won the MWC title and took fourth at state. This year, featuring senior and PSU Viking to-be Kyleigh Brown as well as Olivia Boyd, a transfer post from Gervais who led the Cougs to a 2A title a year ago, Silverton at 7-0 is the last unbeaten team in MWC play and ranked No. 2 in Class 5A. The Foxes were in a four-way battle for league supremacy at Our Town’s presstime, with

No. 3 South Albany (6-1), No. 6 Corvallis (6-1) and No. 8 Crescent Valley (6-2) chasing Silverton.

Boyd has been a solid contributor in the post, Brown has been off-the-charts (she set a school record of 37 points vs. South Albany) and veterans Grace Hayashida, Brooklynn Pfeifer, Justina Semerikov and Alli Mansur are playing key roles.

Silverton always seemed to advance both teams to Gill for the 5A tournament. Will the Foxes take two teams to Linfield this season? The jury is out, but I would advise Silverton fans, to start looking into finding the best places to park near the Wildcats gym.

Sports Datebook Thursday, Feb. 1 Boys Basketball 7 p.m. Kennedy vs Salem Academy

Friday, Feb. 2 Boys Basketball 5:30 p.m. Silverton vs Lebanon

Girls Basketball

7 p.m. Silverton vs Lebanon

Tuesday, Feb. 6 Girls Basketball 4:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Culver

Boys Basketball

7 p.m. Silverton vs Central

Wednesday, Feb. 7 Wrestling

Tuesday, Feb. 20 Boys Basketball 7 p.m. Silverton vs Crescent Valley

6 p.m. Silverton vs Crescent Valley

Tuesday, Feb. 13 Boys Basketball 5:30 p.m. Silverton vs West Albany

Tuesday, Feb. 27 Boys Basketball

5:30 p.m. Silverton vs Dallas

Girls Basketball

7 p.m. Silverton vs Dallas

Girls Basketball

7 p.m. Silverton vs West Albany

Friday, Feb. 16 Boys Basketball

*Home varsity events only.

Visit osaa.org for complete schedules.

5:30 p.m. Silverton vs Corvallis

Girls Basketball BASKETBALL © ALEKSS / 123RF.COM

7 p.m. Silverton vs Corvallis

Dan Wilgus

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Follow Up

Not so fast

FEB. SILVER FALLS 2024 FAMILY YMCA

FBYC halts purchase of former dorm buildings

By Stephen Floyd Plans by Father Bernard Youth Center (FBYC) in Mount Angel to purchase the property currently housing St. Joseph’s Shelter have been terminated after negotiations fell through.

While the youth center hoped to finalize terms with owner Catholic Community Services (CCS) in December, parties remained far apart into the new year on sale price and use of the property.

Specifically CCS had required FBYC to take over responsibility for Casa Adele, a migrant housing program also on the property, according to FBYC Executive Director Sister Jeanine Tisot.

Tisot told Our Town Jan. 19 this was not something the youth center could commit to. The FBYC board decided to withdraw its offer “after a lot of conversation and discernment.”

“We are now re-evaluating our needs for dormitory space so we may continue our mission,” said Tisot.

FBYC currently leases limited dorm space at the property at 925 S. Main St. The purchase would have expanded its ability to offer retreats and mentorship programs.

In a statement to Our Town Jan. 22, CCS spokesperson Mona Hayes said both parties “worked hard and in good faith” and CCS wished negotiations had reached a successful conclusion.

“Catholic Community Services has an affinity with the FBYC mission and will continue to look for ways to work together in support of our ministries,” said Hayes.

As of press time the property remained listed for $2.2 million by SVN Commercial Advisors, including eight acres of land, three dorms and three outbuildings.

Spring Into Action Our Spring Youth Sports Registration is open!

The listing said it would be “wonderful” for a new owner to continue operating Casa Adele and related service programs.

The listing also said rental housing was the “highest and best use for the property” given residential growth projections for Mount Angel.

Micro Soccer: 3-5 year-olds Volleyball: Third – Sixth Grade Flag Football: First – Sixth Grade Middle School Track & Field: Sixth – Eighth Grade

CCS plans to relocate St. Joseph’s Shelter, a transitional housing program for families in crisis, down the road after finalizing the purchase of the nearby Queen of Angels Monastery in December.

The current site of the shelter was originally a complex of dorms built in the 1960s for Mt. Angel College, which had been founded by the Benedictine Sisters of Mt. Angel.

The college closed in the 1970s and in 1988 the Sisters founded St. Joseph’s Shelter at the site as well as Mission Benedict resource center, which will also relocate to the former monastery.

In 2013 the Sisters added Casa Adele, which offers low-cost housing for migrant workers and which is not slated for relocation.

CCS took over operations of these programs in 2017. In 2018 it purchased the former dorm property.

The Sisters entered discussions with CCS in 2023 to sell the monastery as well after the building no longer met their needs.

Toddler Time Tuesdays & Thursdays 8 - 11 am at the Community Center! Bring your kids to run around, slide and make friends in the Gym!

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Come check out Pickleball!

We play six days a week!

At the Pool Come check out our Aquacise classes!

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Questions? Contact JJ, Annika, Kristi or Lisa – lkearney@theyonline.org

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February 2024 • 21

A Grin at the End

‘Our next guest’ A fun idea to find out hidden reasons for annoyances I have an idea for a TV show.

$40,000 car to save a few pennies?

It would be called Who Thought That Was a Good Idea?

Engineer: Yes. It happens all the time in almost every company.

In it, I would sit at a kitchen table with a pot of coffee and two cups. Also sitting at the table would be my guest – an engineer, architect or other person who designs some of the crazy stuff we all encounter. I would pour my guest a cup of coffee, and we would talk.

Me: That’s why you have to have three hands and eight-inch-long fingers to fix a car?

My first guest would be an automotive engineer – specifically, the person who designs headlights on cars. Those guys must be nuts! I have on numerous occasions changed the headlight bulbs on a variety of cars. In some cars, it takes a couple of minutes.

In others, it can take up to two hours.

Changing a headlight bulb can involve removing a front fender or bumper, jacking up the car to access a screw behind the bumper, or being doublejointed. When my kids were little they always expanded their vocabulary when

they watched me work on a car – if you know what I mean.

My first question for the engineer would be: Who thought hiding headlights behind and under fenders and bumpers was a good idea?

Engineer: Well, I can tell you that the headlight we designed was easily accessible, but after the bean counters got a ahold of it, the design was turned into the Rube Goldberg nightmare you saw. They said the original design was too expensive and the company could save three cents by using the new design.

Engineer: Yep. That’s also why you need to take a car to a mechanic to do almost anything. Time was, almost anyone could do routine maintenance, including changing the oil and transmission fluid, adjusting the timing, swapping out spark plugs or anything short of major surgery…

Me: …And now it takes a Ph.D. to figure it out. I recently had to have something replaced on a car that I didn’t even know existed. And it took a mechanic two tries to fix it.

Me: Oh, I thought the canister was designed to keep the balance in my checking account down.

Engineer: That, too. But it’s a government thing. We just do what we’re told in that department.

Me: Great. Not only are MBAs redesigning cars, so are politicians.

Engineer: Pretty much.

Me: Well, I guess that settles that.

We need fewer bean counters and politicians and more engineers. For my next episode of Who Thought That Was a Good Idea? we will talk with the architect who designs public restrooms in sports arenas so they have all of the comfort and style of cattle barns.

Everything You Need, For Anything Yo Engineer: Well, a lot of it has to do with things government requires on cars, like evaporative canisters to keep the emissions down.

Engineer: Ha! I can’t wait for that one.

Public restrooms are the architectural equivalent of Edsels!

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Me: So you’re saying someone with a business degree redesigned your

Carl Sampson is a freelance writer and editor. He lives in Stayton.

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HELP WANTED PART-TIME ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE If you like a sense of community, building business relationships, and are comfortable talking with new people and using a computer and smartphone as necessary, we offer a flexible position in a calm but deadline-focused environment.

Mt. Angel Publishing, Inc. produces a variety of publications – from annual and quarterly magazines to weekly and monthly newspapers. Our publications build community and we’re proud of that role. We will train you in our publications and process, then give you an account list to manage and grow. The goal is to provide you with the tools to be successful and help build our business community.

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work. Initially hourly, compensation shifts to hourly-plus-commission as your assignments grow. Benefits include Paid Time Off and Sick Leave. The right candidate will possess good communication skills, be self-motivated and goal-oriented, and have reliable transportation.

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Resume to: paula.m@mtangelpub.com or Publisher, Mt. Angel Publishing, Inc., P.O. Box 927, Mt. Angel, OR 97362.

PART-TIME OFFICE ASSISTANT We are a family-owned funeral home in Silverton and Mt. Angel. This position represents the company with the public by telephone and in person and must be courteous and professional. You must be reliable, a team player, be able to multi-task and have knowledge with Microsoft Word and be able to pay attention to detail.

Schedule would be Monday, Thursday and Saturday working 20 hours a week. Also must be able to lift 70 lbs. If you think you would be a perfect fit, please e-mail your resume to info@ ungerfuneralchapel.com

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February 2024 • 23

Kirsten Barnes Broker 873-3545 ext. 326

Jason Marshall Broker 873-3545 ext 302

Meredith Wertz Broker, GRI 873-3545 ext. 324

Whitney Ulven Broker, GRI 503-873-3545 ext. 320

Ryan Wertz Principal Broker, GRI 873-3545 ext. 322

Mike Ulven Broker 503-873-3545 ext. 312

WWW.SILVERTONREALTY.COM

Chuck White Broker 873-3545 ext. 325

Mason Branstetter Principal Broker, GRI 873-3545 ext. 303

Becky Craig Principal Broker, GRI 873-3545 ext. 313

Michael Schmidt Principal Broker GRI 873-3545 ext. 314

Micha Christman Office Manager 873-1425

Sarah Sanders Property Manager 873-3545 ext. 311

Tayler Whitaker Secretary 873-3545 ext. 300

#T2789 SILVERTON MOBILE ESTATES $165,000

#T2792 FAIRY TALE COTTAGE $770,000

#T2807 BEAUTIFUL CUSTOM HOME $835,700

#T2808 IMMACULATE 1927 BUNGALOW $398,700

Known locally as ‘Fairy Tale Cottage’, one of Silverton’s best loved Historic Homes, built in 1935 in English Cottage style w/ turret entry & finial, clinker brick & slump stone façade, cedar shingle roof w/rolled gables, raked cedar siding, catches the attention of passers-by. Interior has original mahogany trim, double hung & leaded glass casement windows, oak hardwood floors, coved ceilings, custom cabinets, 14 rooms, 2 FP’s, B’fast nook.

Full basement. Wonderful street near park. Bonus room could be 4-BR. Call Michael at ext. 314 (WVMLS#808110)

Beautiful Custom Home in Abiqua Heights, all the extras that you would want in your home, fir trim with custom fir built ins, open kitchen to living room with gas fireplace and eat in kitchen, Plus formal dining and living room with custom built ins. Single level 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath with office and upstairs bonus room. Plus, pottery studio that has power, heat and water. Private backyard with partially covered deck, plus patio area to enjoy your tranquil water feature. Commons with pond,

Immaculate 1927 bungalow with modern amenities, close to downtown, 2 bedroom, 1 bath, 852 sqft with newer paint inside and out, flooring and updated kitchen.

Brand new roof, Professionally landscaped yard with many added features, several garden sheds, patio area, and access off of N 3rd Street. 2 lots included in the sale, room for additional improvements on the lot off N 3rd St. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext.

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Wow!! So many amazing updates in this home from the floor up! Newer roof, paint, flooring, cabinets, counters, fixtures, kitchen, bathrooms, plumbing and so much more. You will not find another one like this one in the desirable Silverton Mobile Estates. Conveniently and centrally located in the park. You must see this one. Call Becky at ext. 313 (WVMLS# 807664)

SILVERTON #T2789 SILVERTON MOBILE ESTATES 2 BR, 2 BA 1248 sqft Call Becky at ext. 313 $165,000 (WVMLS#807664)

#T2792 FAIRY TALE COTTAGE 3 BR, 2 BA 2997 sqft Call Michael at ext. 314 $770,000 (WVMLS#808110) #T2802 CLASSIC HISTORICAL SILVERTON 4 BR, 3 BA 3794 sqft Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext.

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#T2794 HIGHLY DESIRABLE COUNTRY PROPERTY 2 BR, 1.5 BA 1548 sqft 2.2 Acres. Salem.

Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $596,700

#T2761 GREAT OPPORTUNITY 1.66 Acres. Salem. Call Whitney at ext. 320 or Mike at ext. 312 $199,000 (WVMLS#800102)

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FOR RENT BROKERS ARE LICENSED IN OREGON

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SOLD – #T2803 WOODBURN SENIOR ESTATES 2 BR, 2 BA 1140 sqft. Woodburn. Call Meredith at ext.

324, Ryan at ext. 322 $258,700 (WVMLS#811216) #T2806 SINGLE LEVEL HOME 3 BR, 2.5 BA 1762 sqft. Keizer Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $447,800 (WVMLS#811435)

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