Our Town North: March 15, 2023

Molalla. MLS#796779

$799,000

Investors, 64.41 acres, 3 adjoining homesites, 2 @ 5 acres, 1 @ 54 acres. Kingston-Lyons Dr., Stayton. MLS#788228

$599,000 Beautiful renovated Craftsman Home, 4 bd, 2 ba. 1900 sq ft. on 1.30 acres. Outstanding Valley Views! 14448 Evans Valley Rd. NE, Silverton. MLS#792811

$645,000

3.85 acres. Prestige Estate property, path of progress potential. 835 Grouse St. NE, Silverton. Sellers will consider carrying a contract. MLS#770597

$535,000

3 bed, 1 ba. vintage home, on 4.41 acres. farm bldg. Dividable & buildable. On the edge of Silverton. 15056 Quall Rd., Silverton. MLS#799863

$595,000

114 acres buildable, Valley views! Standard septic approved. Quality Dory & Nekia soils. 42480 Mount Pleasant Dr., Scio. MLS#794562

$399,000

Farm style home, 4 bed, 1.5 ba., arched entries, private back yard, hot tub, raised garden beds. 1436 Pine St., Silverton. MLS#800716

$449,000

27.50 acres, creek, 30-year old timber. Excellent investment. Buildable. Crooked Finger Rd. Scotts Mills. MLS#785744

Price Reduced

$349,000

2 acres buildable homesite, views! Approved for standard septic & well. 7685 Dovich Ln SE, Turner. MLS#778883

$288,000

Excellent value! Ideal starter home, 2bed, 1 ba. 764 sq ft. Nice shop, near Silverton pool & park. 50x145 lot dimension. 108 Cowing St., Silverton. MLS#799081

SOLD! $335,000

Wooded 5 acres buildable/ septic approved, Marketable Timber, Option for seller financing. El Romar Dr., Scotts Mills. MLS#799939

$285,000

3.080 acres, private building site in city limits, maybe dividable. SW exposure. Standard Ave., Brownsville. MLS#777782

On the Cover

‘Teacher Meg’ Feicht keeps even the most fidgety kids spellbound. The beloved preschool teacher recently received Silverton’s Distinguished Service

SILVERTON AREA SENIORS, INC.

MARCH 2023 PROGRAMS

This Month

SHOE Faire

Saturday, March 11 from 10am - 2pm

All Shoes $5 pair. Plus Purses, Handbags and Belts too!

Donate gently used and brand-new items by March 9.

ALL Ages Welcome to come Shoe Shopping!

Dance to Live Music with SHANIKO

Saturday, March 4 at 6pm. $5 admission. Open to all ages who want to dance!

Mt. Angel-Silverton

Women’s Connection

Thursday, March 16 at 1pm.

Card Making Class Friday, March 17 at 6:30pm. $10.

All Member Meeting TBA

Exercise, Dance, Movement

Simple Qigong Set to Music: Senior Center: 9:45am, Tues/Thur, $8 (first class free)

Low Impact Exercise Class: 9:30 am Mon / Wed Free for members / $5 for nonmembers (donations gladly accepted)

Optimal Health Class: Wednesdays, Feb.1 & 8... RSVP to 503-269-0641

Weekly Drop In Activities

Coffee & Conversation: Mondays 10am

A new conversation every week!

Bridge: Mondays 10am

Poker: Mondays 12:30pm

Pinochle: Tuesdays / Fridays 12pm

Knit Wits: Wednesdays 10am

Open Art Studio: Wednesdays 1pm

Bingo: Thursdays 2pm 1 per card or 3/$2

American Sign Language: Thursdays, March 2 & 16, starts at 4:30. $20

Creative Crafts: Thursdays, Dates TBA Ukulele Song Circle: Fridays 1pm

Dominoes: Fridays 1pm

Once a Month

Dine Out Club: Wooden Nickel. Thursday, March 2 at 6pm. All seniors invited! Order off menu, pay independently Call 503-873-3093 by 5 pm to carpool.

Monthly Member Birthday Party: Friday, March 3 at 10am

SASI Board Meeting: Tuesday, March 14 at 5pm. RSVP 503-873-3093. Public welcome.

Ancestry Detective Meeting: Tuesday,Tuesday 14 at 10am

Services & Advice

welcome

Medicare 101 with Tim Kelley & Jeff Howard with Atrio Wednesday, March 22 at 1pm

United Healthcare Rep: Thursday, March 23 at 1pm

Mainstay Group at Methodist Church: Thursday, March 30 at 1pm – Bingo at 2pm

RN Foot Care: Tue & Wed by appointment only

suggestions are always welcome.

Lifetime Achievement

By Melissa Wagoner

Arlene Harris is a Silvertonian through and through.

Born at Silverton Hospital, Harris spent the majority of her life in her hometown, only leaving when it came time to attend the University of Washington, where she earned her degree as a Physical Therapist before returning home to get married and start her career.

“My fiancé at that time, he was a farmer, and so he planted me here,” she joked, adding, “I didn’t get very far in my life.”

It’s a statement that, in all seriousness, couldn’t be further from the truth. While it is accurate that Harris’ geographic wanderings were few, her personal accomplishments knew few bounds.

“I could write a book on all of Arlene’s contributions to this community,”

Angela Fischer wrote in a nomination to the Silverton Chamber of Commerce –who recently presented Harris with the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award.

The list of Harris’ community service roles is indeed lengthy, and nearly all of them stem from her nearly 50 year career in physical therapy.

“When I started people didn’t know what physical therapy was,” Harris recalled. “They thought I was some kind of nurse, which was all right.”

In fact, the field of Physical Therapy

was so new when Harris got her license that the number she received was 123 – indicating the number of physical therapists in the entire state at that time.

“There [weren’t] any therapists in the Silverton, Woodburn and Molalla areas,” Harris confirmed.

Which meant opening clinics of her own – one serving the Silverton and Mount Angel areas, the other serving Woodburn.

“I employed maybe 15 people in my two different clinics and then we had a contract with the hospital,” Harris said.

“I started at the hospital at the request of some doctors right when Medicare

was starting because they didn’t have any services for Physical Therapy… and it grew from there. It was a good experience.”

But it wasn’t the only unique partnership she formed.

“She set up rehab programs at Silverton Health, the Benedictine [Nursing Center], and a nursing home in Woodburn,” Fischer wrote. “Arlene also started the fitness screenings that are done before the annual Silverton Health Fun Run.”

Kept busy by these commitments, her work and the raising of three children, Harris nevertheless found time to volunteer in other areas as well, including the taskforce to rebuild the community pool, the St. Mary’s outreach programs to homebound individuals and prisons and the Silverton Rotary Club –which she discovered when she was still at university.

“When I was in college I had to do research on polio and do a presentation…It was on new techniques for polio victims,” Harris recalled. “I was invited to Rotary because they were doing the push for polio eradication in the world and that’s why I joined –because of the polio connection… then I was Director of Community Service for I don’t know how many years.”

Spearheading the Rotary’s “Clothes

for Kids” and “First Reader” programs as well as the annual Daddy Daughter Dance, the Hops and Vine Auction and the Strawberry Festival, Harris does not shy away from commitment.

“In this busy day and age, it’s rare to find an individual who is willing to donate their time and efforts,” Fischer wrote. “But it’s even harder to find one that is willing to assume the leadership role to coordinate those efforts and put in the extra time to see the project through.”

“Arlene has always been very community minded and very supportive of local nonprofit organizations…” Dodie Brockamp, Executive Director of the Silverton Senior Center, echoed. “I appreciate her in so many ways; her kind spirit, her giving nature and her dedication to the community, both as a business owner and community volunteer.”

“She is the consummate professional and civic servant,” former Rotary President Dixon Bledsoe pointed out, “humble as a human being can be.”

Which is perhaps why, when Harris herself was asked how it felt to receive community recognition for all her hard work she said, “This achievement award isn’t just me, it’s everybody I worked with, whether on a project with the community or in my profession. It really was people and not just me.”

Arlene Harris. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Distinguished Service Meg Feicht’s commitment recognized

By Brenna Wiegand

Meg Feicht – better known as Teacher

Meg to generations of kids and their families – was bestowed the Silverton Area Chamber of Commerce’s Distinguished Service Award for 2022 at its First Citizens Awards Gala on Feb. 25.

Feicht began leading classes focusing on kids and families nearly 25 years ago as a volunteer for the YMCA. About 17 years ago she signed on as teacher of Silverton Christian Preschool, housed at Silverton Friends Church.

“It is through these things that I found my passion,” Feicht said. “I have the best job in the whole world and love teaching preschool today just as much as I did on my first day.

“I love seeing the world through preschoolers’ eyes; their sense of wonder and their silliness and being able to experience their lightbulb moments,” she said. “They make me laugh every day.”

“She has answered my late-night texts

asking such things as how to deal with a toddler who won’t go to bed more often than I’d like to count,”

Briana Hupp said. “She cares deeply about all her students and keeps in touch with most of them.”

“She has taught us so much about how to be a parent and a good human,” said Haley Wiegand, whose son is a current student. “She leads her classroom and her relationships with empathy, and you can’t help but feel loved by her in even a short interaction.”

“Whenever I go up to her, Teacher Meg says, ‘June, you got so tall,’ and she hugs me,” said first-grader June, “…because I used to be smaller, and now I’ve grown bigger.”

Feicht said her father, Don Dolan, was an enduring example of a life well lived.

Dolan was the recipient of Silverton’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2005 First Citizen Banquet, just months before his passing.

“He gave of his time to families and kids and to the community, sometimes in big ways and sometimes in very small ways that nobody ever heard about,” Feicht said. “He used to say, ‘If you can give a little, do it.’ He really showed me what life is all about.”

Like father, like daughter.

“Meg has been a lifeline to the community for many years,” a nominator said.

“Whether it’s educating our littlest learners or coaching parents on how to successfully navigate through challenging situations, Teacher Meg has been there for all of us.

“Meg’s expertise and talent goes beyond the classroom,” it continues. “She has

volunteered for many organizations in town and is always the first to jump up and say, ‘I can help!’”

Feicht considers getting to know her students’ families as much a part of her job and every bit as important as teaching their kids.

“Parents are juggling lots of balls in the air and if there’s any way that we can help a little, let’s do it,” she said. “If there’s anything I can do to help guide or enjoy or celebrate family, I’m all about it.”

Hupp’s daughter Lucy sums up the sentiments of a multitude of children who’ve been lucky enough to have a spot at the little carpet surrounding Teacher Meg.

“I really love teacher Meg, and I’m sad I had to grow up,” the kindergartner said. “You make me feel happy as a clam.

“My favorite thing about Teacher Meg is that she will always be my teacher and I can always hug and love her.”

Meg Feicht (“Teacher Meg”). HALEY WIEGAND

Service Group of the Year

By Brenna Wiegand

Legacy Health Auxiliary was named Service Group of the Year by Silverton Area Chamber of Commerce at its First Citizen Award Gala Feb. 25.

The hospital auxiliary has been dedicated to raising funds for the Silverton Health Foundation and to serving the hospital, Legacy Silverton Medical Center, for 65 years and is still going strong.

“The auxiliary is composed of a cadre of dedicated individuals who donate their time and energy to Legacy Silverton Medical Center,” their nominator wrote. “It’s mission is to promote and advance the welfare of the medical center by serving as an advocate and ambassador for the organization, providing volunteer hours to support hospital projects, to raise funds for equipment and programs and by providing scholarships to students pursuing medical careers.

“A testament to the Auxiliary’s dedication is their members’ continuing service during the COVID-19 pandemic,”

it continues. “Once they were able to return to work at the hospital and in its clinics, volunteers donned their masks and stepped up to provide comfort to the community during an uncertain time.

“While we most think of frontline

Legacy Health Auxiliary awarded

working with volunteers for 19 years.

“It was nearly two years before they were able to operate the gift shop and espresso bar again, but they are a very creative auxiliary and came up with different ways to still support the hospital and staff during that time,” Seiler said. “I think one thing that really says a lot about our program is that we’ve got some really long-term volunteers that have been with us like Beverly Ferguson who’s been an active member for over 30 years, still making the cinnamon rolls she bolstered our first responders with during the COVID outbreak.”

workers as nurses, doctors and technicians, it’s important to remember that these people with big hearts also keep our community healthy.”

Kay Seiler, Legacy Silverton Medical Center’s Volunteer Coordinator, has been

The Auxiliary is the hospital’s No. 1 donor, raising more than $943,000 over the years. They’ve gotten behind every project the hospital has undertaken in some way or another and made sizable donations to many efforts including the first expansions to the Family Birth Center and the Emergency Department.

The group fund-raised their way to a $148,000 donation toward the current

Legacy Health Auxiliary President Cheryl Lorenz (center), Treasurer George Marino (on her left), and Volunteer Manager Kay Seiler (o her right) receive the Club of the Year award from Silverton Chamber of Commerce representatives. JIM KINGHORN

hospital expansion project that will add 21,000 square feet to the medical center footprint.

There are currently about 60 auxiliary members. Some make financial donations in lieu of hands-on service – whatever it takes to make the hospital successful. They’ve donated baby warmers to the Family Birth Center and purchased a CareVan vehicle for the hospital’s program that provides complimentary rides to and from medical appointments at Legacy Silverton Medical Center and its affiliated clinics. They welcome the first baby boy and girl of the New Year with handmade gifts and provide scholarships for local kids pursuing medical careers.

Auxiliary President Cheryl Lorenz joined the Auxiliary about 17 years ago.

“My first job was taking baby photos; it was great fun,” Lorenz said. “Then I moved on to working in espresso, and through all the bake sales and dinners and all kinds of other fund raisers I’ve met so many wonderful people; it’s just been fabulous.”

Lorenz currently manages the gift shop, keeping it staffed and deciding what to stock.

Auxiliary meetings often take the form of brainstorming sessions.

“One volunteer came up with a calendar that had something different for every day resulting in funds,” Lorenz said. “One day you might be asked to put aside a quarter for every pair of shoes in your closet; the next might be to give 50 cents if you’ve gone to Africa.

“When there was no contact with people during COVID we did butter braid fundraisers and those were great sellers.”

The award came as a pleasant surprise to the hardworking men and women of the Silverton Health Auxiliary.

“It’s wonderful because we love what we do and we appreciate everything that the hospital and Legacy does for us,” Lorenz said. “We try so hard; it was just great to just see that someone noticed our efforts.”

Holden retires from Oregon Garden Foundation Board

Founding Member and long-time advocate of The Oregon Garden, Verl Holden, retired from his position as a member of the Oregon Garden Foundation Board on Feb. 14. A well-respected nurseryman, horticultural innovator and owner of Holden Wholesale Growers, Holden first joined the Foundation Board in 2018, and after five years of faithful service has chosen to make his position available to a new generation of Garden advocates. Beyond his time as a board member, Holden has played an instrumental role in the success of the Garden dating back to its inception more than 25 years ago. It was he who first mowed down the pasture grass on what had previously been an Arabian horse farm, paving the way for the construction of the Garden.

Holden has been a tireless proponent of the Garden, using his 2022 induction ceremony into Oregon State University’s Agricultural Hall of Fame not to highlight his own achievements, but to share about the beauty and importance of The Oregon Garden.

In his outgoing remarks at his final board meeting, Holden shared a portion of a poem written by his late wife, Florence, etched on a granite monument beside her memorial bench at the Garden: “So I tie on my hat and sally forth with clippers, trowel and hoe, to the work that brings me joy.”

Holden’s board seat has been filled by another Silverton resident and nurseryman, Ken McVicker, who brings years of industry experience and business acumen to the table. McVicker is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Woodburn Nursery and Azaleas.

Verl Holden. SUBMITTED PHOTO

By Stephen Floyd

Former Silverton Mayor Kyle Palmer said The Lucky Leaf was a shoo-in for 2022 Business of the Year.

Though some may bristle at the notion of a cannabis dispensary being recognized for excellence, Palmer said the shop and co-owner Colby Jackson have risen above cynical stereotypes.

“Colby [Jackson] is a Silverton native and chose to make an investment here that probably would have been easier somewhere else,” said Palmer. “He’s operated a business that is as upstanding as any other despite some voices of concern, and he leaves no doubt that his heart is in supporting Silverton.”

The Lucky Leaf was honored as part of the Silverton Chamber of Commerce’s annual First Citizen Awards. A banquet to recognize the 2022 winners was held Feb. 25 at The Oregon Garden Frank Schmidt Pavilion. Ahead of the event, Jackson told Our Town he was surprised and humbled by the award, and felt like it was an affirmation of his decision to set up shop in Silverton.

“I feel very fortunate to be able to have this business in this town and do what we do, and being recognized in such a way feels really good,” he said.

Since opening in 2016, The Lucky Leaf has helped raise funds for multiple local community groups and projects. The business and Jackson helped lead efforts to raise $49,500 for phase II construction of the Silverton Skate Park, which was completed in 2021.

The Lucky Leaf has also helped customers in need, such as providing a pay-it-forward jar in the store for customers to contribute to the care of others. At other times they are able to offer products at-cost, given the burden medical treatments can often place on patient finances.

Jackson said the shop has also gained a reputation for being able to help those with medical needs navigate their options and find a solution that works.

“Whether it be cancer patients or people hard up for whatever medical reason, we try to help people,” he said. Palmer, who headed this year’s committee that selected awardees, said this level of community involvement is what made The Lucky Leaf stand out. The business was chosen from several nominees. Committee members saw it as an example of sustained and consistent community support.

Palmer said Jackson was “a terrific guy and a Silvertonian who genuinely cares.” Palmer added he hopes reservations about the cannabis industry will continue to decline as businesses like The Lucky Leaf show the positive impacts they have on communities.

“Cannabis is a legal product with an incredible range of medically beneficial applications and its availability in our community has helped many,” said Palmer. Jackson said his business would not have been a success without the support of his customers, saying, “without them, there’s no us.”

“Thank you for being such great customers and a good community to be in,” he said.

Jackson also thanked his employees and his long-serving manager, saying it was a big deal to find employees who care.

The Lucky Leaf cannabis dispensary in Silverton. STEPHEN FLOYD

$599,900 Coming Soon!

2bd/2ba~ 1489 SF~ 4.3 AC~ Single Story~ Additional room that could be used as 3rd bedroom~ Large enclosed pole barn w/ 4 bays (3 bays are paved)~ 2 car garage w/ addtl.

2 car carport~ Heavy duty lean-to~ Solid built w/ lots of potential! AR Zoned~ Silverton Valerie Boen 503-871-1667 MLS#801817

$275,000 Investors

Alert! 5bd/2ba~ 1512

SF~ Manufactured home on quiet cul-de-sac~ Reconfigured in ’90s to 5 bedroom~ Currently has long term tenants renting 3 of 5 rooms~ Keizer~ Donna Paradis 503-851-0998 MLS#801833

$1,499,900 Beautiful Custom Built! 3bd/3.5 ba~ 3558 SF~ 2 AC~ 10' Ceilings~ 8' walnut doors on main floor~ 16' Kitchen Island~ Bonus room above garage~ 2 wood fireplaces~ Views from decks~RV hookups w/electrical & sewer clean-out~ Oversized 3 car garage~ Generator ready! Seller can supply shop plans~ Silverton~ Robin Kuhn 503-930-1896 MLS#801214

$869,900 Spectacular Property! ~4bd/2.5 ba~ 1866 SF~ 2.27 AC~ Oak wood floors~Fireplace~Open Kitchen w/Granite~ Bonus room~OUTDOOR entertaining is next level! Stamped concrete~ Covered patio w/wet bar & fridge~ In ground heated fiberglass pool~ Fully fenced pool area~ Guest house w/ full bath makes for a great ADU or pool house~24x60 shop on separate meter~Woodburn~ Valerie Boen 503-871-1667 MLS#799229

$679,900 Private & Quiet acreage~ 4bd/2.5 ba~ 2043 SF~ 4.78 AC~ Tri-level style home~ Bonus room~ 4 stall barn~ Fenced & Crossed fenced~ Sublimity~ Robin Kuhn 503-930-1896 MLS#801384

Brenda Hull has lived in Salem for nearly 30 years and knows and loves the beautiful Willamette Valley well. She and her husband, Gary, have raised their two children in Salem.

Brenda is a transplant from Alberta where she was a show home designer/stager in Calgary before moving to Oregon.

Brenda will be able to help you stage and prepare your home for the market!

$395,000 Beautiful Single level home in quiet cul-de-sac~3bd/2ba~ 1525 SF~ Vaulted ceilings~ Large back yard & patio~Flat Driveway with RV/Boat pad~ Easy access to Hwy 22 ~ Stayton~ Kerry Hall 503-562-9102

MLS#801382

Local Owner Brokers Licensed in Oregon Office lic. #201207657

Local Owner Brokers Licensed in Oregon Office lic. #201207657

FOR LEASE $600/mo

609 Welch St, Silverton~ Private Lower level suite consisting of: a waiting area, reception room, treatment room & half bath~ First, Last & Security Deposit~ Contact: Donna Rash 503-871-0490

FOR LEASE $300-500/mo

Two office space available in Downtown~ Two upstairs space available~ One has views of the creek, the other of the street~ Both spaces are private and secure~ Contact: Korinna Barcroft 503-873-8600 or 503-851-1283

LAND & LOTS

$325,000 270.34 Special Rec Acres~ Beautiful & peaceful area! Wildlife galore~ Enjoy minimally by camping, hiking, hunting or picnicking~ Scio~ Donna Paradis 503-851-0998 MLS#773364

FOR RENT! $950/mo

Studio 256 SF ~ 16x16~ Bathroom & Kitchen ~ wash room/outbuilding w/ washer & dryer~ Located on 40 Acres~ Private & Secluded~ Utilities not included Silverton~ Contact: Korinna Barcroft 503-851-1283

SILVERTON, OR Give us a Call at 503-873-8600 or Visit nworg.com for more information

SILVERTON, OR Give us a Call at 503-873-8600 or Visit nworg.com for more information

119 N. WATER ST., SILVERTON 503-873-8600 harcourtssilverton.com @harcourtssilverton

Monday nights together

By Melissa Wagoner

There is just no telling who will be at Oak Street Church’s Monday Meals from one week to the next.

“There are people who come because they need food. There are people who come because they’re lonely. And there are people who come because they want to meet people,” Pastor John Friedrick said. It’s not the reason they are there that matters, it’s simply that they came.

“What Monday Meal is trying to accomplish is a more resilient community… no agenda,” Friedrick said. While the meal is held inside a church, everyone is welcome – regardless of religion – to enjoy a scratch-made meal in community.

“We don’t pray before the meal or preach. It’s not a gimmick,” he said.

“We’re a community that values hospitality and participation and trying not to be too hierarchical.”

In fact, it was with these goals in mind that Monday Meals initially began in 2008. Serving an average of 120 guests each week, the meals quickly became the place to meet for many families and groups of friends. Then in early 2020, with the COVID pandemic in full-swing, the Monday

Oak Street’s in-person dinners return

Monday Meal

Oak Street Church

502 Oak St., Silverton

Mondays, 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Free to all, in-person or to-go

To volunteer email  oakstchurch@gmail.com

“We’ve had almost too much volunteer help,” Friedrick admitted. “People are just glad to be back inside.

Meal like all indoor dining took a hit.

“We’ve never stopped the meal but we’ve just been doing take out,” Friedrick said. It’s been three long years, but finally the in-person version of the Monday Meal is back – much to Friedrick, and the entire volunteer staff’s delight.

“I would like to get the word out [to volunteers], that if it’s a slow night just be ready to just sit down and enjoy,” Friedrick said. “Because there are so many ways to participate.”

Friedrick is hopeful that now that the doors are open and the food is cooking, the community will return.

“People are always welcome,” Friedrick added. “Come have a dinner and see what it’s like.”

PIT Count Annual sheltering survey is about more than just the data

By Melissa Wagoner

On the last Wednesday of January each year volunteers across the state come together to provide government officials with a snapshot of the current unhoused population. The purpose of which is, according to Sheltering Silverton Program Director Megan Smith, “that statewide every year we can have a better idea about what’s needed for allocation in shelters.”

Shelters like the one in Silverton where, this year, those who are currently unhoused were welcomed into the Resource Center for a hot meal and a short conversation with one of four Point in Time (PIT) Count volunteers.

“We are lucky, living in a small town, to be able to put out the word and collect [numbers] here at the Resource Center,” Smith said. “In other places volunteers go out to campsites.”

Which was the case in Scotts Mills where, despite the town’s small size, volunteers were asked to hit the streets looking for places where unhoused individuals might have spent the night.

“I went to all the places that we have in the past had people staying and checked in to see if they were there,” first-time PIT Count volunteer Robin Fournier said. “I was surprised because I did not find anyone to count. We have had off and on in the past where people are staying in their cars and such around the area but I was not able to find anyone.”

In fact, none of the city’s three volunteers were able to locate a single unhoused individual.

“Next year I will volunteer again and go sign up for a different area so that I can be of more assistance,” Fournier said. She is the current Scotts Mills city manager. “Hoping I can not only serve Scotts Mills but maybe also Silverton.”

The count in Silverton, though it fluctuates from year to year, has yet to drop to zero.

“We have certainly seen the numbers go up and down,” Sheltering Silverton’s Founder and Executive Director, Sarah White confirmed, noting that while last year’s count was only five this year, “we officially counted 21, but we know several more.”

It’s impossible to achieve complete accuracy, especially considering the first question PIT Count volunteers are told to ask is, “Where did you sleep last night?” And the answer for many of those who are unhoused is – it’s complicated.

“[T]here are about twice that many who are sheltered but homeless, meaning that they are doubled up in homes, couch surfing, or living in RVs temporarily,” White said.

That’s one reason the PIT Count – a requirement by the Department of Housing and Urban Development for any community seeking federal homelessness assistance funds – is of less help to organizations like Sheltering Silverton, who instead rely on their own awareness of “sheltered and

unsheltered homelessness”.

“Silverton has a close-knit houseless community as well as a much smaller population than larger urban centers,” White pointed out. “In essence, we know who is out there. Currently most of the people who camp around town are coming in to access our day services or our shelter and are known to us.”

But that doesn’t mean the PIT Count isn’t worthwhile. In years past Sheltering Silverton has used the event as a way to not only provide the federal government with necessary data but also provide its clients with an increased level of services.

“Our PIT Count event was much simpler this year than in the past,” White said, citing staffing changes and a need to get this winter’s warming shelter up and running as the main reasons for the decreased level of care. “We plan to bring back our Connect event next year in which we bring in service providers, personal care providers, pet care, etc. to a large community space. This year we simply extended our operating hours, provided three great meals, and connected with folks in our space.”

That’s not to say that this year’s count didn’t go well.

“We were really pleased to connect with clients who haven’t engaged in services for a while,” White said. That connection, more than the data itself, is what Sheltering Silverton is all about.

Jay Horenstein and Rachel Anne Rapoza volunteering at Monday Meals. MELISSA WAGONER

Stacy M. Brueckner, DO Monica Henderson, FNP Joel S. Roberts, FNP

By James Day

The Future Foxes football and cheer program is heading into a new season with tons of momentum.

The program, which serves boys and girls in third through eighth grades while also offering camp opportunities for younger athletes, included 203 football players and 102 cheerleaders last season.

“As the program continues to grow,’ said board president Dan Mulick, “we need the community to help support us through volunteer opportunities. Our greatest need is board members and coaches. We have created several new board positions this year to help distribute the work load and create an opportunity for our program to grow. We have four current openings as well as five board members who are in their last year. We are looking for highly motivated, community focused parents who want to lead Future Foxes football and cheer through the next generation.

“We have an amazing group of coaches currently, but need to get new faces in to help with succession planning. If you are not up for coaching, there is ample opportunity to help with field set up, team admin support, and running the chains.”

Those interested in assisting should email

info@futurefoxesfootball.org. Registration for the season opens in April and closes in late July. The season starts the first full week of August.

A coaches clinic, hosted by Silverton High head coach Dan Lever, is set for May 20, 9 a.m. to noon at McGinnis Field.

“Our mission is to bring the community together through organized athletics and create a safe environment for our youth to develop.” Mulick said. “We work in partnership with the high school program, with the full support of Coach Lever. Our goal is to provide the foundation for these young kids to build from, so they will be cheering and playing at the highest level in high school.”

A group of Future Foxes cheerleaders is shown at a game at McGinnis Field. The Future Foxes program is gearing up for a new season and is looking for volunteer coaches and board members. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Something to Do Hive mentality

Kiwanis fundraiser bee returns as trivia match

By James Day

Silverton’s best fact-filled teams will battle it out for a good cause Friday, March 10 at the First Christian Church.

That night at 6 p.m. the Silverton Kiwanis’ fundraising Trivia Bee will be held, with the bulk of the funds raised going to the Silver Falls Library’s Dolly Parton Imagination Library program.

The event also will benefit the Silverton Pet Parade, Letters to Santa, swim lessons for third-graders and scholarships for graduating high school seniors.

The Parton program, which began in 1995, aims to boost childhood literacy. Approximately 200 kids, from infants through age five, are involved in the Silver Falls program, said library director Christy Davis. Each participant in the program receives an age-appropriate book sent directly to their home.

The Silverton Kiwanis held a spelling bee fundraiser for the Parton program in 2019, the program’s first year in Silverton. No events have been held since because of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the Silverton Elks Lodge assisting with grants to keep the Parton program funded.

The benefit is a team event, with 15 groups battling for the championship. Davis noted that early registration included teams named La Triviata, the Malted Mead Masters and Schrodinger’s Tacocat.

Fix and share at second annual Repair Fair

Silverton will host its second repair fair and share on Saturday, March 11. The event, which runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Silver Falls Library, 410 S. Water St., is a collaboration of the library, Sustainable Silverton and Marion County Environmental Services.

All work will be carried out inside the library except bicycle repairs, which will take place under an adjacent tent. The goal of the free event is to connect people who can repair stuff with people who have stuff that needs repairs. Types of items that can be brought to the event for repair/ fixing include small appliances, tools or items to be sharpened, bicycles, computers and tech items, clothing and textiles in need of repair. No hazardous materials, vehicles or weapons will be worked on.

Guests are expected to stay with their item so they can learn the repair process, which is designed to take

about 30 minutes. Also, if visitors know what part is needed to make repairs they should bring it to the fair.

Organizers also noted that they are  offering book covering (plastic covers custom cut for your favorite book) for the first 30 folks who request the service.

– James Day

Audience members can participate by playing trivia and winning prizes, buying points for your favorite teams during selected rounds, voting for best team name and team theme and the chance to bid on silent and live auction items including wine and desserts.

As of Our Town presstime there remained

openings for two more trivia teams. Call Davis (541-331-1897) or Lisa Santana (503-930-7793) if you are interested.

First Christian Church is located at 402 N. First St. in Silverton. Doors open at 6 p.m., the program starts at 6:30 p.m., and the evening is set to wind up at about 9 p.m.

Tickets are $25 in advance at BST Realty,

Silver Falls Library, Silverton Chamber of Commerce or through any Kiwanis member. Tickets at the door will be $30.

There will be appetizers served, as well as a cash bar.

For more information, go to silvertonkiwanis.org.

“It’s going to be a spectacle,” said Davis, “with lots of fun.”

Silvertonian, Bob Holowati, buzzing with enthusiasm at the 2019 spelling bee. The fundraiser, supporting Dolly Parton Imagination Library programs in Silverton, returns in 2023 as a trivia bee. COURTESY SILVERTON KIWANIS

A happy customer celebrates the repair of an antique lamp at the last year’s repair fair in Silverton. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Frequent Addresses

Mt. Angel Public Library, 290 E Charles St. Silverton High, 1456 Pine St., Silverton. 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

Monday

SACA Food Pantry, 9 a.m. - noon, SACA, 421 S Water St., Silverton. Repeats Thursdays 503-873-3446

Mt. Angel Community & Senior Center Store, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., 195 E Charles St. Repeats Tuesday - Saturday. 503-845-6998

Silverton Meals on Wheels, 11:30 a.m., Silverton Senior Center. Dine in or delivery available. $3 donation suggested. Monday - Friday. RSVP to Carol, 503-873-6906. Mt. Angel Senior Meals, 11:30 a.m. Delivery only. $3 donation suggested.

Repeats Thursdays. Ginger, 503-845-9464

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, 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 areas are welcome. Food donations welcome. Niki, 503-873-5059

Community Helpers Family Storytime, 10:30 a.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Age 2 - 5. Participate in songs, activities, stories with a special guest reader. Bi-lingual storytime March 28. 503-845-6401

Indoor Playtime, 11 a.m. - noon, Mt. Angel Public Library. Ages 2 - 5. All toys provided. 503-845-6401

Tune Tours, 2 - 5 p.m., Mt. Angel Theater & Stu.dio, 220 E Charles St. Live music, entertainment designed for music lovers and seniors. $10. Repeats Thursdays. Jon, 323-449-1183

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, 503-269-0952. Cub Scout Pack 485, 6:30 p.m., St. Edward’s Catholic Church, 211 W Center St., Silverton. Boys and girls in K - fifth grade. Deb, 971-337-5925, silvertonpack485@gmail.com

Mediation & Shared Dialog, 7 - 8:30 p.m. All spiritual traditions welcome. 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 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

APPY Hour, noon - 1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Drop in for assistance for electronic devices. All ages. Free. 503-845-6401

Mission Benedict Food Pantry, 1 - 4 p.m., St. Joseph Shelter, 925 S Main St., Mt. Angel. Repeats Friday. 503-845-2468

Line Dancing - Intermediate, 12:30 - 2 p.m., Silver Creek Fellowship. No registration required. Free; donations accepted for instructor. Open to all. Sheila, 503-409-4498 Silver Chips Woodcarving Sessions, 1 - 3 p.m., Silverton Arts Association. $2/week. All skill levels. 503-873-4512.

Mission of Hope Food Pantry, 2 - 4 p.m., Silver Creek Fellowship. 503-873-7353

Daniel Plan Journey Video Series, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Silver Creek Fellowship Church. Lifestyle program based on Biblical principals. In-person or online at scf.tv/daniel.plan. Free. Open to public. Sheila, 503-409-4498, shegrl50@hotmail.com

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

Open Art Studio, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Silverton Arts Association. 503-873-2480

TOPS (Take Pounds Off Sensibly), 6 p.m., United Methodist Church, 203 W Main St., Silverton. Weight loss with support, encouragement. First meeting free. Monthly dues $4. All welcome. David, 503-501-9824

Friday Toastmaster Club, 7:30 a.m., Zoom. Increase your listening skills, speaking, thinking and evaluating. Contact tmcommunicators@ gmail.com for Zoom link.

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

Tune Tours, 7 - 9 p.m., Mt. Angel Theater & Stu.dio, 220 E Charles St. Live music and entertainment specifically designed for music lovers and seniors, but all are welcome. $10. In association with Abiqua Studios & Tune Tours. Jon, 323-449-1183

Saturday

Open Art Studio, 9 a.m., Silverton Arts Association. 503-873-2480

After-Season Indoor Market, 10 a.m. - noon, Silverton Friends Church, 229 Eureka Ave. Free admission.

Saturday Free Lunch, noon - 1:30 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 500 N Second St., Silverton. Open to all. 503-939-3459

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

Wednesday, March 1

Caregiver Connection

1 - 2 p.m., Zoom. Free educational support group for unpaid family caregivers caring for a loved one 60 or older, or caring for a person living with dementia. For Zoom invite and register: 503-304-3432.

Soup Supper

6 - 7 p.m., Marquam United Methodist Church, 36971 S Highway 213, Mt. Angel. Free soup supper and Lenten program. All welcome. Repeats March 8, 15, 22, 29; April 5. 503-329-2153

Scotts Mills City Council

7 p.m., Scotts Mills City Hall, 265 Fourth St. Open to public. 503-873-5435

Thursday, March 2

Silverton Kiwanis Club

7 a.m., Main St. Bistro, 201 E Main St., Silverton. Silverton Kiwanis Club meeting. New members welcome. Repeats March 16. Read Across America

11 a.m. - 7 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday by completing a book-related scavenger hunt for a prize and creating a bookmark. Free. 503-845-6401

MS Word Editing Tools

1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Learn to use Word’s built-in editing features. Owning a computer is not required. Space is limited. Registration required by calling 503-845-6401.

Peace Education Program

6:30 p.m. Little Leaf Café, 111 N. Water St., Silverton. Ten-week workshop continues every Thursday, with facilitated sessions based on influential video series. Topics include joy, contentment, courage. Nonreligious, non-political. Free. 503-873-8215

Critique Night

7 - 8:30 p.m., Silverton Arts Association. Bring latest work for discussion, critique amongst other artists in the community. 503-873-2480, silvertonarts.org

Friday, March 3

Red Cross Blood Drive

Noon - 5 p.m., Silverton Elks Lodge, 300 High St. Call 800-733-2767 or email mack.fitzgerald@redcross.org for an appointment.

Craft Day

3:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Enjoy leftover crafts from this year’s storytimes. Ages 3 - 11. Free. 503-845-6401

Book Signing

5 p.m., Books-N-Time, 210 N Water St., Silverton. Oregon author Tommy Barton will sign his four fantasy and science fiction novels. 503-874-4311

First Friday in Silverton

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

Brush Creek Playhouse - MISadventures

7 p.m., Brush Creek Playhouse, 11535 NE Silverton Road, Silverton. Brush Creek presents its children and youth production of The Further MISadventures of the Seven Dwarfs. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for children, students, seniors. Tickets available at Books-N-Time, 210 N Water St., Ste. B, Silverton, or at the door. Repeats 7 p.m. March 4, March 10-11; 2 p.m. March 5, March 12. brushcreekplayhouse.com

Meet the Artists

7 - 9 p.m., Lunaria Gallery, 113 N Water St., Silverton. Opening reception for March showings. Main Floor Gallery features “Everything Old is New Again” by Dena Lynn. Exhibit open 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily through April 3. 503-873-7734

Monday, March 6

Daughters of the American Revolution

10 a.m., Stayton United Methodist Church, 1450 SE Fern Ridge Road. Guest speaker is HPR Diana Maul presenting “Revolutionary Women” in celebration of Women’s History Month. All are welcome. Refreshments served. Abigail Scott Duniway chapter serves the communities of East Marion County and Santiam Canyon. 503-689-6991

Silverton City Council

6:30 p.m., Council Chambers. Open to public. Agenda available. silverton.or.us

Mt. Angel City Council

7 p.m., Mount Angel Public Library. Open to public. 503-845-9291, ci.mt-angel.or.us

Tuesday, March 7

Stories & STEAM

3:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Listen to a classic story, join in a project. Age 6-12. Free. Today: Corduroy by Don Freedman. Make a Corduroy bear craft. 3/14: Harry and the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion. Step-by-step drawing class. 3/21: Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans. Make a yellow hat and bow. 3/28: The Little Red Hen by Paul Galdone. Make origami chickens. 503-845-6401

Drawing Group

6 - 7:30 p.m., Silverton Arts Association. Bring your own materials or use some of the associations. Everyone is welcome. Repeats: March 21. 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, March 8

Hodge Podge

1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Choose one of three leftover craft kits from the last year: paper quilling, shell shadow box or bird feeder. Adults only. Free. 503-845-6401

Sci-Fi & Fantasy Book Club

6:30 p.m. Zoom. Discuss Synchronicity by Jacob Gentry. Watch on Kanopy before Zoom. For additional information and Zoom invite, contact Ron Drake, Silver Falls Library, 503-873-8796

Thursday, March 9

Zenith Women’s Club

7 p.m., Silverton Elks Lodge, 300 High St. Local women come together to discuss ways to fund, implement projects benefiting Silverton community. Anyone interested is welcome. Barbara, 801-414-3875

Adult Trivia

7 p.m., Mt. Angel Public House, 210 E Charles St. Play solo or form a team of up to five adults; win prizes. Families welcome but children must leave by 9 p.m. 503-845-6401

Friday, March 10

LEGO Lab

3 - 4:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Build an original creations out of LEGOs to display in the library. All supplies provided. Free. All ages. Repeats March 31. 503-845-6401

Trivia Bee

6 p.m., Silverton First Christian Church, 402

N First St. Silverton Kiwanis wine and dessert auction. Watch trivia teams compete to win the coveted Bee trophy. Heavy appetizers with a cash bar. Tickets $25 in advance, $30 at door. Purchase tickets at BST Realty, Silver Falls Library or Silverton Chamber of Commerce. Lisa, Fundraiser for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. 503-930-7793. silvertonkiwanis.org

Saturday, March 11

Discovering the Scientist Within

8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Oregon State University. Participate in hands-on workshops and meet women scientists and engineers. Free event for girls in grade 6 - 8. Depart from Mt. Angel Public Library at 6:30 a.m. Pre-registration is required by March 3. 503-845-6401

Repair Fair & Share

11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Silver Falls Library.

Connecting people who need something repaired with people who can do it. Free. 503-873-8796

Sunday, March 12

Daylight Saving Begins

Remember to turn your clock one hour ahead.

Scotts Mills Historical Museum

1 - 5 p.m., 210 Grandview Ave. Open for public browsing. Free. Open by appointment by contacting Joe Plas, 503-871-9803. smahsmuseum@gmail.com

Monday, March 13

Mt. Angel School District

6:30 p.m., District Office, 730 E Marquam St., Mt. Angel. Agenda available. Open to public. 503-845-2345, masd91.org

Silver Falls School District

7 p.m., Silverton High. Open to public. 503-873-5303, silverfallsschools.org

Tuesday, March 14

Ancestry Detectives

10 a.m. - noon, Silverton Senior Center, 115 Westfield St. Guest speaker Tom O’Brien discusses “Learning About the World’s Largest Genealogy Website, FamilySearch.” Meeting also available on Zoom. Kathy, 503-508-4251, ancestrydetectives.org

Ukulele Play and Sing-Alongs

6 - 7:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library, 410 S Water St., Silverton. Gather to play and sing with ukuleles. Free. All ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Music is provided. 503-873-8796

Silverton Planning Commission

7 p.m., Council Chambers. Open to public. 503-874-2207, silverton.us.or

Wednesday, March 15

Lunch & Learn

11:30 a.m., Main Street Bistro, 201 E Main St., Silverton. Business professionals connect with fellow business professionals. There is no fee to attend; lunch is off the menu on your own. RSVP is encouraged to save a seat. Replaces regular Wednesday Business Group meeting. Sponsored by Silverton Chamber of Commerce. 503-873-5615

Volunteer Orientation

1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Are you a teen or adult interested in helping out at the library? Attending this event is the first stop. Call 503-845-6401 to register.

Repeats March 18.

French & Spanish Conversation

6:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. Practice French/Spanish with retired world language teacher Christmas Carroll. 30 minutes of French, 30 minutes of Spanish. Every third Wednesday through June. 503-873-8796

Thursday, March 16

Book Discussion for Adults

1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Discuss The Department of Rare Books and Special Collections by Eva Jurczyk. Copies available at the Circulation Desk. All welcome. 503-845-6401

Teen Advisory Board

4:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Teens, ages 12 - 18, can help collaborate with the library on programs, collections, games and more. Pizza provided. 503-845-6401

Silver Falls Writers’ Group

6:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library, 410 S Water St., Silverton. Writers share works and listen others’ writings. Ron Drake, 503-873-8796.

Mt. Angel Planning Commission

7 p.m., Mount Angel Public Library. Open to public. 503-845-9291, ci.mt-angel.or.us

Friday, March 17

St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day Movie

3:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Celebrate the day with special green treats and Disney’s The Luck of the Irish on the big screen. Free. All ages. 503845-6401

Saturday, March 18

Outdoor Work Party

9 a.m. - noon, Mt. Angel Public Library. Help get the outside of the library ready for spring: weed the flower beds, clean the courtyard, remove spider webs. Donuts, water and work gloves provided. All ages. 503-845-6401

Seedy Saturday

11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Silverton Grange, 201 Division St. Free seed exchange, plant sale and education opportunity to learn more about growing your own good, sustainability and self-resiliency. Families welcome. Children’s activities and prize drawings for gardening gift cards. silvertongrange.org

Monday, March 20

Spring Equinox

Tuesday, March 21

Silver Falls Book Club

6:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. Discuss A Girl from Yamhill by Beverly Cleary. Everyone is welcome. Free. 503-873-8796

Wednesday, March 22

Card Making for Adults

1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Create handmade cards for Easter or to celebrate spring using the library’s rubber stamps and decorative paper. Free. 503-845-6401

Virtual Film Discussion

7 p.m. Zoom. Watch Memento on Kanopy, and join in a moderated discussion about the film. For Zoom link, call Ron Drake, 503-873-8796.

Thursday, March 23

Spring Mini-Wreath Making

5:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Prepare for Spring Equinox by making a cottagecore mini-wreath. For teens and adults. Free. 503-845-6401

Friday, March 24

Virtual Reality

3 - 5 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Book a 30-minute time slot to experience a virtual reality program. A signed release must be on record. Age 13 and older. Free. RSVP: 503-845-6401

Monday, March 27

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

Wednesday, March 29

Geek Crafts

3 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Make a perler bead magnet using templates of your favorite characters from Pokémon, Disney, comic books, anime or video games. All supplies provided. Teens and adults. Free. 503-845-6401

Thursday, March 30

Spring Break Board Games

1 - 3 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Drop in and play board games. Free. Ages 5 - 12. 503-845-6401

Teen Card Game Night

4:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Enjoy a variety of card games and snacks. Ages 1218. Free. 503-845-6401

Writers Group

6 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Gather and chat with a group of fellow writers. Bring up to three pages of your work to read and get feedback on. Get tips on publishing and performing your work. Teens and adults. Free. 503-845-6401

Friday, March 31

Family Movie Night

5 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Watch Disney’s Turning Red (PG). Popcorn provided. All ages. Free. 503-845-6401

•••••••••••••••••••

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

Paid Advertisement

What’s the Real Problem?

There are various reasons why people might have difficulty believing that Christianity is true. These problems include:

1. A Lack of evidence: Some people find the claims of Christianity unconvincing especially when it comes to the existence o God and the supernatural events described in the Bible. It all seems unbelievable.

2.The Problem of Evil: The existence o evil and suffering in the world can be difficul for people to reconcile with the idea of an all-powerful and benevolent God

3.Religious Pluralism: In a world with many different religions, people struggle to accept the exclusivity claims of Christianity and the belief that Jesus is “the only way.”

4.Science & Reason: Some people see Christianity as incompatible with scientific and rational thinking, especially when it comes to topics such as the Big Bang, evolution, and the age of the Earth.

5.Personal Experiences With Christians: People's bad experiences with those who claim to be Christians can create personal resistance to believing Christianity is true

So, What’s Your Problem?

These are the 5 main reasons people are unable or unwilling to believe. The following is my attempt to respond to each problem.

1.Lack of Evidence: While it is true that faith in God requires some degree of trust, and the existence of God may not be fully provable through empirical evidence, there are many rational and reasonable arguments for the existence of God, and particularly for the truth claims of Christianity. For example, the very existence of anything at all supports the idea that it had to come from somewhere. Some, like Elon Musk, say they believe we are living in the computer simulation of some advanced civilization. Actually we are living in God’s reality. This universe had a beginning. It is still expanding, and so, that requires a Cause, which Christians believe to be God. Additionally, historical evidence supports the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, providing ample evidence for His divinity and the reliability of the Bible record.

The Problem of Evil: While the problem of evil can be difficult to reconcile with the

existence of an all-powerful loving God, Christians believe God is not the author or cause of evil. Evil is the result of our own rebellion against God. This world was once perfect. Now it’s not. Earthquakes, floods, droughts, famines, wars, and plagues are expressions of a world corrupted by mankind’s foolish rebellion against his Creator. In spite of the “Fall of Man,” and God’s judgment, Christians believe that God, in His mercy, uses even the most difficult and painful circumstances to ultimately bring about good in the lives of those who love Him (See Romans 8:28-29).

and that all people need the death-payment Jesus made on their behalf. While there is some truth and even beauty in nearly every religion, only Christianity can assure us of our being forgiven by God.

Science & Reason: While some Christians may reject certain scientific theories, most believe that true science, properly understood, is not in conflict with what the Bible reveals. All truth is God’s truth. Evolution can explain changes within a species, but it cannot explain the sudden explosions of new species. It also fails to answer our questions concerning the irreducible complexity of even the simplest single-cell organisms and the obvious fine-tuning of the universe to allow planet Earth to even exist and then to allow for the existence of life on Earth. Nor does it account for the

“All these intellectual and emotional problems are swept away when we turn to God with an open heart and ask Him to show us what is true. He reveals Himself to those who really want to know if He is there. But when we refuse to seek Him, it is often because we do not really want to find Him.”

amazing amount of information encoded into every strand of the DNA molecule. This logically requires a Coder to write such an intricate piece of software. Science began with Christians who believed a reasonable God created it all for us to explore.

Personal Experiences With Christians:

By Gregg Harris

and less yet in the corrupt lives of those who only want to use His name for sinful gain.

Christians believe that God guides anyone who honestly wants to know the truth to find out what really is true. It is this encounter with the Truth concerning Jesus Christ that transforms our hearts and causes us to be born again into God’s eternal family.

The Good News

All these intellectual and emotional problems are swept away when we turn to God with an open heart and ask Him to show us what is true. He reveals Himself to those who really want to know if He is there. But when we refuse to seek Him, it is often because we do not really want to find Him.

Jesus taught about this in the Gospel of John, chapter 3, verses 19 -20

“And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.”

According to Jesus, people refuse to come to Him because they know God disapproves of their sinful ways. Does that describe you? If so, that is the real problem. Don’t run away from the truth. Turn to God and He will forgive you.

“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32). Would you like to meet for coffee? Call me at 503-926-1388. I’ll be happy to buy.

Or meet me at our weekly breakfast at Main Street Bistro from 7 to 8:30 am every week.

Religious Pluralism: While it is true that there are many different religions in the world, Christians believe that the claims of Christianity are unique and compelling when given an unbiased hearing. Jesus claimed to be the only way to God (John 14:6) That is because only His life, death, and resurrection can provide a basis for God to forgive us. Christians believe that this salvation is available to all people, regardless of background or culture, that there is only one race— the human race—

Not all who claim to be Christians really are. Whenever Christianity has become dominant in a culture it has always attracted hypocrites who want only to use it as a means to get what they really want. Jesus was not like that. Neither are those who honestly follow Him. While personal experiences with nominal (i.e. fake, in name only) Christians can certainly offend, one’s faith must ultimately be grounded in God's revelation of Himself in the Bible and in the person of Jesus Christ Himself, not in the imperfect moral character of His followers

Weekly Men’s Breakfast

7 am to 8:30 am at Main Street Bistro, 201 E Main St, Silverton, OR Our Breakfast Host Will Be Gregg Harris

Just show up. Bring few friends.

Gregg Harris

Mediation continues Teachers, district seek to avoid impasse

By Stephen Floyd

The Silver Falls School District (SFSD) is headed to a third mediation session with its teachers’ union as collective bargaining continues nearly a year after it began.

Parties are scheduled to enter mediation again March 9 after sessions Feb. 7 and 13 did not result in finalized contract proposals. Both sides are allowed to declare an impasse as of Feb. 22, which would put an end to mediation in favor of a final offer, but said they are ready to continue toward a negotiated solution.

“We are optimistic that our language and compensation proposals are moving in the right direction,” said the Silver Falls Education Association (SFEA) on Facebook Feb. 20.

SFSD Assistant Superintendent Dan Busch told Our Town Feb. 17 he does not anticipate an impasse being declared. He said the district did not have further comment on mediation at that time. A Feb.

21 meeting of the School Board to offer public updates on negotiations was canceled.

Collective bargaining began in April 2022. Teachers are currently working under the previous expired contract. Roughly half of open articles had tentative agreements when mediation began. Parties were far apart on issues related to compensation, grievance procedures and class size.

After the Feb. 13 session, SFEA issued a public statement on Facebook, as well as before the School Board during its regular meeting that night, expressing frustration at the continued lack of progress.

“Today our bargaining team was told that our district administration refuses to respond to our class size proposal,” said SFEA.

“They have misrepresented what we have asked to our community. We have not proposed class caps, rather we have proposed class targets. This is unacceptable.”

SFEA said they began the Feb. 13 session focused on five contract articles related to grievances, teacher discipline, vacancies and

transfers, class size, and work year/work day. They said the district’s only counterproposal was at the end of the session related to a sixth article on teacher compensation. Negotiations were tense when mediation began due to a Jan. 24 broadcast by SFSD on ParentSquare. It detailed its bargaining position directly to the community. SFEA described the broadcast as misleading. It responded with infographics on Facebook describing their view of the numbers.

On Feb. 10, SFEA posted a chart highlighting how a majority of teachers under last year’s salary steps would qualify for benefits from Silverton Area Community Aid (SACA), if the teacher was the sole income earner for a household of three.

“There are only a few places on our salary schedule where a licensed staff member would not qualify for support,” said SFEA. “Several of our local teachers qualify for services and count on [SACA’s] help to put food on the table for their families. We are fighting for fair and regionally competitive

pay.”

On the 2021-22 Licensed Salary Schedule posted on Facebook salaries range from a Step 2 teacher with a Bachelor’s Degree at an annual $45,355 to a Step 18 holder of a PhD at $81,209.

The union has requested a 7 percent cost of living adjustment (COLA) for the current school year, plus a 5 percent COLA for both of the two following school years. As of the start of mediation, the district countered with a 3 percent COLA this year and 2.5 percent COLA the next two years.

Both parties have agreed to a proposal by the district for a $1,000 retention bonus, and an additional $50 per month in health insurance contributions.

According to the district’s Jan. 24 infographic, the union’s plan would cost the district around $1.1 million extra the first year, $1.4 million the next year and $2 million the third year. SFEA has said they are “willing to work and negotiate with the district” on this issue.

SFSD bond committee hosts four March infrastructure listening sessions

Silver Falls School District (SFSD) is inviting the community to a series of listening sessions as a Bond Advisory Committee considers the need for infrastructure funding.

Sessions are scheduled at schools throughout the district and will feature a presentation from members of the committee and opportunities for public feedback.

Three listening sessions have been held so far, with additional sessions

scheduled from 7 to 8:30 p.m. for:

• March 1 at Butte Creek Elementary School cafeteria;

• March 2 at Silverton Middle School gymnasium;

• March 15 at Scotts Mills School gym;

• March 16 at Pratum School cafeteria.

The committee was formed Sept. 12, 2022, by the SFSD Board to explore the possibility of asking voters for a facilities improvement bond to fund deferred

maintenance and building upgrades. Around 20 community members were appointed to work with district administrators, as well as construction and PR consultants, to create a recommendation for the board.

At the committee’s Jan. 19 meeting the Silverton Middle School plan was discussed. Replacement has an estimated cost of $75 million, renovating the current structure is estimated at $68 million. The possibility of upgrades district-wide to keep schools

“warm, safe and dry,” was estimated at a cost of $26 - $63 million, depending on how many projects are prioritized. The proposals will be discussed in-depth during the listening sessions. Public input will be considered when the committee meets again in April. A recommendation to the board is anticipated in May. A bond measure could be presented to voters as soon as the Nov. 7 General Election.

– Stephen Floyd

Arrests made

New charges in sex abuse case

A Silverton man is facing new charges of possession of child pornography as he prepares to stand trail for alleged sexual abuse in July.

Jaiden Ethan Davis, 23, was charged in Marion County Circuit Court Feb. 3 with 10 counts of first-degree encouraging child sex abuse, with each carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

He is set to stand trial July 17 on charges of first-degree sodomy, luring a minor and two counts of third degree sexual abuse. He has pleaded not guilty. If convicted he faces at least 100 months in prison.

Davis was first arrested Oct. 15, 2020, after allegedly abusing three male victims between June and September of 2019. One incident alleges forced sexual contact while the victim was physically incapacitated.

Man arrested for alleged abuse of teen

A Silverton man has been accused of sexually abusing a local teen and recording the alleged assaults.

Eli Freedom Fischer, 46, has been charged in Marion County Circuit Court with four counts each of seconddegree sexual abuse and using a child in a display of sexually explicit conduct.

He allegedly abused the victim, 16, in at least four separate incidents during December of 2022. Court records did not describe Fischer’s relationship to the victim.

If convicted he faces up to 20 years in prison. He was released on his own recognizance Jan. 29 with orders to appear in court and to have no contact with the victim.

Mount Angel man faces felony DUII charges

A Mount Angel man has been charged with felony DUII after his third DUII arrest in the last decade. If found guilty it could result in up to five years in prison.

Austin James Berning, 27, was charged Jan. 19 in Marion County Circuit Court with DUII, reckless endangering and reckless driving for an alleged drunk driving incident Dec. 19, 2022. Prosecutors claim he directly endangered the safety of a local woman.

Berning was first convicted of misdemeanor DUII in Clackamas County in 2015. He was convicted a second time in Marion County in 2016. Under Oregon law, an arrest for DUII after at least two prior convictions within ten years is charged as a class C felony punishable by up to five years in prison. It could also result in a lifetime driver’s license suspension.

Special district positions open

Local special districts will have open board positions during the May 16 Primary Election. The deadline to apply as a candidate and appear on the ballot is March 16.

Districts with open positions include:

• Mt. Angel School District (positions 1 and 4).

• Mt. Angel Fire District (positions 1, 2 and 3).

• Silver Falls School District (positions 1, 3, 6 and 7).

• Silverton Fire District (positions 1 and 5).

• Silver Falls Library District (three positions open).

For information, including how to apply, contact the Marion County Clerk’s Office at 503- 588-5225 or go to www.co.marion.or.us/CO.

Facebook.com/

iPods donated to Vets

Mt. Angel American Legion Post and Auxiliary #89 donated seven Apple iPods and music cards to the Oregon Veterans Home at Lebanon for use by the residents in the memory care unit. Each iPod will be loaded with veterans’ favorite music. Also included in the donation were hats, gloves and scarves, hand-knitted by Sherry Ipox, a Mount Angel resident.

Bills in legislature important for children

The legislative session has begun in Salem. One vital issue that readers may not be aware of is the need to pay parents to provide in-home care to their minor disabled children.

Paying parents to do this work (the State is currently willing to pay anyone to provide this care support except felons and parents) improves the health outcomes for disabled children, financially stabilizes families, and keeps kids out of institutionalized settings (saving the taxpayers a lot of money).

In other words, it’s good for children, it’s good for families, and it’s good for the State. Two bills are being presented on this issue during this session. Sen. Knopp’s (R) Bill 646 covers the most disabled children and provides the taxpayer with the greatest “bang for their buck.” For more info, readers can look up Advocates for Disability Supports.

– Andrea Lewis

– Martha and Jim Kosel

Making iPod donations were, from left, Jim and Martha Kosel and Wayne DeVore, with Bess Nichols from the Veterans Home accepting.

Keep up on specials, Music & More!

Saturdays & Sundays

Breakfast 9am to 1pm

Mimosa $5 • Mimosa Flights $18

Loaded Bloody Marys $5 ALL DAY

Sunday – Prime Rib starting at 5pm

Wednesdays

Flatbreads $9 • Wings $10 per lb. • Wine $5

Thursdays

Moscow Mules $3 All Day • Pasta Specials $10.95

Steak Night – Great Cuts at a Great Price

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A Cruise Ship on Land

As we take stock of our lifestyles and priorities in the New Year, you might be asking yourself if it’s time for you or your loved ones to transition into retirement living. The answer is up to you!

But we would like you to consider a few factors. Many people prefer to stay in their own homes until the decision to move is made for them. Maybe they can’t walk anymore, or they are recovering from an illness, injury or extended hospital stay. However, the transition from living at home to requiring nursing and 24-hour care can be a huge logistical and emotional shock.

By Melissa Wagoner

Silverton singer-songwriter Michael Paul Reed’s album, The Process of Illumination, has been a long time coming.

“We started recording this at my place to get some demo level stuff going in November 2021,” Reed recalled. “Then we decided to get a professional studio.”

But those statements only speak to the recording process, the music itself – which Reed describes as “a bunch of genres mixed” – has been evolving since Reed was just a kid discovering the kind of sounds he loved to hear.

“I was 12 or 13 when I got serious,” Reed said, recalling the first band to really capture his attention. “It’s a cliché thing to say, but I was heavy into Nirvana. Being able to play a guitar and sing at the same time seemed like magic. I wanted to do that magic.”

Initially self-taught, Reed eventually went on to take classes at the University of Wisconsin, to seek out music internships around the country and to develop a relationship with other musicians that has been lifelong.

“I definitely like to revert back to the younger me when I’m songwriting – the one that didn’t know all the rules,” Reed laughed. “But it would have been impossible for me [to get where I am] without all of that instruction.”

The Process of Illumination

Michael Paul Reed album

Listen to the single, “Sea Seventeen,” now on streaming platforms.

Watch “The Glow,” music video at  www.michaelpaulreed.com

Album release party at Silver Falls Brewery, Saturday, March 11: 5 p.m. opener, Mathieu Raney; 6 p.m. full album performance

CD available at Soundstream Music in Silverton and Tuff Shark Records in Stayton.

He also would not be where he is now – releasing a professionally produced, full-length album and music video on March 11, 2023 – without the help of his bandmates; drummer, Michele Lynn, and bassist, Ted Larson.

“I always wanted a band,” Reed said.

“I am completely street taught,” Lynn, who grew up steeped in the music culture of New Orleans, said. “I play a billion things.”

Small Group Strength Training

Instead, consider moving sooner rather than later. Many residents have told us that living at Country Meadows Village is like enjoying “a cruise ship on land.” In addition to our full-service restaurant with locally-sourced produce and housekeeping and gardening services, we also offer exercises classes and health lectures; we host live entertainment, parties, dances, and happy hours; and we organize outings to local sites and shops. Living here is fun! We want our residents to be able to take advantage of all we have to offer.

If you’re wondering when the right time might be, ask yourself if you’re tired of driving and endless home maintenance; if you want to make new friends; or even if you’d rather just stop cooking! Our skilled, trained, and dedicated staff will then be on hand for you.

Call and schedule an appointment today! I’d love to meet you and show you around our beautiful Retirement Community.

Call for a tour! I’d love to meet you.

155 S. Evergreen Road, Woodburn

503-982-2221 CountryMeadowsVillage.com

Silverton band releases professionally produced album

That’s not an exaggeration. An accomplished pianist, bassist, singer, dancer and drummer, Lynn has a knack for describing the music on the band’s new album.

“It all has the Michael Paul Reed sound to it,” she began. “It’s like a jazz-elevated rock. It’s got all the jazz cords in it and the jazz chord progression. And then there’s blues in it too.”

A sneak peek of the album’s single, “Sea Seventeen,” is currently available for listening on all streaming devices, along with a snapshot of the band’s first music video, “The Glow,” which can be viewed on their website,  www.michaelpaulreed.com

But the real show will take place Saturday, March 11 when the band will celebrate the release of the full album with a concert at Silver Falls Brewery.

“Mathieu Raney is going to open from 5 to 6 p.m.,” Reed said. “He’s a great artist. Then we’ll go on at 6 p.m. and play through the record.”

And for those who cannot make the opening night celebration, the CD will be available at Soundstream Music in Silverton and Tuff Shark Records in Stayton.

“We have a party track on every one of our albums,” Lynn shared. “So, you have to get the full album to have all of the fun.”

The band: Ted Larson, Michele Lynn and Michael Paul Reed. COURTESY OF MICHAEL PAUL REED

James Popwell, Jr.

Jim was born to James and Peggy Popwell in Montgomery, Alabama on Jan. 11, 1952. After moving with his family to Hawkinsville, Georgia, at the age of one, Jim enjoyed a wonderful childhood being the big brother to two sisters, Connie and Brenda.

He was a member at First Baptist Church for many years and a member of the 1970 graduating class at Hawkinsville High School. Upon graduation

“Little Jim” (as he was affectionately known) joined the National Guard. After his service he began working as an engineer helping James Popwell, “Big Jim” run several of his busineses at Mid-State Cable TV, WCEH Radio and P&P Technologies, just to name a few.

Together they helped local businesses with products that needed to be built and he became a mentor to many others in their technological endeavors. Little Jim was an avid reader, but his true passion was electronics. He even built one of his first computers in Pulaski County, Georgia. In his later years he picked back up his childhood love of building and rebuilding go-carts and even began racing them himself well into his 60s. Other hobbies included tennis, baseball, flying, scuba diving and riding motorcycles.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, James D. Popwell, Sr.; mother, Peggy Popwell Lowery; and sister, Brenda Popwell Conley.

“A sweet selfless man who came into our family’s lives in 2005 via my braveness of exploring online dating, namely, eHarmony. He was on the East Coast almost, Hawkinsville, Georgia and me being on the West Coast, Silverton Oregon. We had both lost our spouses and that is maybe what brought us together because we were both hurting from the loss of our loved ones.

“Jim was an exceptionally smart man. He read schematic manuals just for interest. He would tear perfectly good electronics and appliances apart just to see how they ran. There wasn’t anything electronic or mechanical that Jim couldn’t figure out. Jim and his father had a radio station in Hawkinsville, Georgia that Jim automated before people actually knew what it was all about… Jim tackled everything head-on. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t reason out with his brain and fierce determination and grit. If he was asked about figuring something out – anything out – he was fully in on it. To say he had tunnel vision is an understatement!! I can only envision how he drove people crazy before he came to Oregon that final time in 2005.

“Jim wanted to get married immediately when we met and I said, ‘Why, we’re older? And we have families of our own.’ But finally in January 2022 on his birthday, on the way home from a family vacation in Yellowstone, we stopped in Jerome, Idaho and I am so grateful we did… We got married there and came on home and it was before we knew that he was sick.”

“We are very grateful for our time with our Jimbo.”

He leaves his wife, Sandi; his bonus daughter, Sonia; a bonus son, Michael; grandchildren, Briana & Matthew Landau and Katelyn, and grandsons, Jordyn and Lethin; four great grandchildren all here in Oregon and Washington; his sister, Connie, and her five children in Georgia; his adopted daughter, Janna, and her two children in Georgia.

“Everyone is devastated by the loss of this beautiful human being.”

Arrangements made by Unger Funeral Chapel – Silverton.

Passages

Richard Hoblitt

Aug. 12, 1944 – Feb. 2, 2023

After many years and multiple serious health conditions, Richard Hoblitt passed away on Feb. 2, 2023. He tackled all his health issues head-on with determination and beat the odds repeatedly.

He was born in Silverton, Oregon on Aug. 12, 1944 to Lowell and Mabel Hoblitt. After attending Silverton schools, he enlisted into the Navy at age 17.  He was assigned to the USS Currituck, a seaplane tender. He was assigned to the same ship his entire four years in the Navy. He traveled to many locations in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam. He was still in contact with several of his Navy buddies.

After his discharge, he returned to Silverton where he met his future bride, Bonnie Cornwell. They were married on March 10, 1967. He attended auto body school and worked most of his working life in the auto body trade as a painter, body repair, heavy truck repair and shop foreman.

In 2003, Richard and Bonnie were able to fulfill our dream of full time RV living. They sold everything they owned and took off in a diesel pusher motor home. They both enjoyed this for five years until health issues made traveling too difficult. They bought a house back in their hometown of Silverton in 2006, which gave them many projects to work on fixing up the house.

Richard was such a talented fabricator, fix anything type of guy that he could do most anything around the house, cars, etc. He had lots of hobbies and interests over the years: photography, fly fishing, fly tying, motorcycles, woodworking, machine shop fabricating, welding, RC car building from scratch and RV camping. Richard and Bonnie were fortunate to go on nine cruises and many trips to Kauai, Oahu and the Oregon Coast.

There is comfort that his pain and suffering are gone.  He was a true fighter to the end. Richard’s family wish to thank his wonderful medical team, Drs. Paul Huun, John Strother and staff, Martin Johnson, and Kevin Thompson. Their efforts allowed the family more time with him.

Richard is survived by wife, Bonnie; brother-in-law, Dan Cornwell; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by both his parents, as well as sisters, Linda and Gayle.

At his request there will be no formal service. His wish would be for everyone to enjoy life, do what makes you happy and have a drink in his memory.

Contributions would be welcomed to Vietnam Veterans of America or The International Myeloma Foundation.  Services by Unger Funeral Chapel.

– Sandi

Nancy Ethel Barnes

Oct. 2, 1942 – Jan. 26, 2023

In a small maternity home in Hubbard, Oregon, Nancy Ethel (Steffen) Barnes was born to Louie and Ethel (Reding) Steffen on Oct.2, 1942. Their first child, they brought her home to a farm just outside of Woodburn, Oregon. They eventually had two more children, Melvin and Bill.

Nancy went to St. Luke’s School in Woodburn, followed by Mt. Angel Academy and Mt. Angel College.

After receiving her Masters of Library Science, Nancy moved around as a professional librarian. She worked for the U.S. Navy in Alaska, along with several other civilian posts in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.

In 1969, Nancy married Richard Benton Barnes. They lived most of their lives in Idaho. Having met through square dancing, they spent their entire marriage perfecting their craft, traveling to different events and helping others learn to dance. Their visits to ‘The Valley’ were always looked forward to by Nancy’s family. She always had a beautiful square dance dress to show off. After her husband’s death in 2005, she moved back to Woodburn to live with her mother, Ethel Steffen, until her death in 2012; she then moved to Silverton.

Earl Russell Ghiglia

July 11, 1936 – Jan. 28, 2023

A highly intelligent conversationalist, Nancy was voraciously interested in genealogy. She was also an excellent artist; favorite mediums were oils, wood, and fabrics. Her all-time favorite pastime, however, was reading. She loved just about any genre.

Nancy loved nothing more than visiting with people. Up until her last few years, when too much noise and too many people bothered her, she loved holidays and family gatherings. She really enjoyed being around her extended Steffen family; welcoming in new babies was especially fun for her. Having never had children of her own, this brought her great happiness.

Nancy made friends with neighbors while living in an apartment in Silverton, Oregon, especially Jose, Valeria and their children. She always enjoyed visits with her Schwan lady, Susan, and her favorite Meals On Wheels gal, Koreen. When Nancy moved to Mount Angel Towers in July, she made a few close friends.

Nancy died at Mount Angel Towers on Jan. 26, 2023.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her youngest brother, Bill Steffen.

Dale Alvin Kuenzi

Dec. 18, 1944 – Jan. 30, 2023

Dale A. Kuenzi, 78 was born in Silverton, Oregon to Ernest and Lena (Stadeli) Kuenzi on Dec. 18, 1944 and passed away on Jan. 30, 2023 due to complications from a lung disease.

After graduating from OSU with a degree in food science, he served in the army for two years. He spent his career in the food safety industry working at Gregg Food Products and Oregon Department of Agriculture while farming on the side. After retirement, he found joy being involved with the family farm and spending time with family.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra

(Klopfenstein) of 52 years; his four children, Rebecca (Tim) Berning, Roger Kuenzi, Leon Kuenzi and Jeff (Kyla) Kuenzi; his grandchildren, Lydia, Isaac, Isabel and Ethan Berning and Cassie Kuenzi; his siblings, Anna (Leonard) Edelman, Raymond (Eileen) Kuenzi, Mabel (Glenn) Yutzie, and Pauline Kuenzi. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Lawrence Kuenzi and Eldon Kuenzi; and his sister, Lilly May Gould. He was loved by all and will be greatly missed.

Private services were held on Feb. 2.

Earl Russell “Russ” Ghiglia, 86, passed away on Jan. 28, 2023 peacefully in his home in Silverton, Oregon surrounded by family. He was born on July 11, 1936, to John and Viola Ghiglia in Glendale, California, the youngest of two. Russ was raised in the San Fernando Valley, California area. He graduated from San Fernando High School in 1955, where he excelled at football. Upon graduation Russ served in the Army National Guard. He married Margaret Rose Gwaltney on Feb. 2, 1957 in Silverton. They had a son, John, and a daughter, Carolyn. Russ built a family construction business starting in 1972, which continues today as a third generation family business. Russ loved spending time with his family and dog, General. He was a great outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing and camping.

Russ was preceded in death by his son, John. He is survived by wife, Margaret of Silverton; daughter, Carolyn Tjaarda of Silverton; sonin-law, Tom Tjaarda of Silverton; daughter-in-law, Alice Ghiglia; grandsons: Josh and significant other, Darcy, of Marquam; Andrew and his wife, Devon, of Mount Angel; Adam and wife, Kasondra, of Aumsville; Grant and his wife, Alicia, of Silverton; great grandchildren: Haili, Trevor, Kiersten, Emily, Brook, Blake, Riley, Brody, Spencer, Carter; and an extended loving family.

Memorial services were held Feb. 4 at First Baptist Church in Silverton. Donations can be accepted in his honor at the Oregon Hunters Association or First Baptist Church of Silverton. Arrangements by Unger Funeral Chapel in Silverton.

Aqua Foxes capture first district title

“We just had an amazing year,” said Silverton High swimming coach Lucky Rogers

What else could he say? Rogers’ Aqua Foxes, who historically have used their huge turnouts, depth and relay strength to even up the odds against schools with a high volume of club participants, won the Mid-Willamette Conference district girls title Feb. 10-11 at Osborn Aquatic Center in Corvallis.

The Aqua Foxes totaled 388 points, 18 more than Crescent Valley. Silverton’s boys, meanwhile, took 3rd with 262 points, trailing Crescent Valley and West Albany.

“I always expect us to perform very well at districts, but this year was amazing,” said Rogers, who collected the first district title in his eight years leading the swim program. “We totally outperformed what I thought we were capable of  – boys and girls.”

Leading the way for the girls was Catherine Hyde, who won the 100 free and 100 back. It was the fourth consecutive backstroke district title for Hyde, who closed out her high school career with school records in six of the eight individual races as well as being a participant on two of the three relay record-holders.

“She participated in 16 events at state, the most possible and first Aqua Fox to do so,” Rogers said.

“That is also because of her wonderful teammates – can’t do relays without them.”

The heralded Aqua Foxes depth once again proved crucial at districts. Silverton swimmers won seven consolation/B finals, earning 63 team points. Rogers noted that the C.V. girls had 12 swimmers competing on the meet’s second day, while the Foxes had 17.

At the Feb. 17-18 state meet at the Tualatin Hills Aquatic Center in Beaverton, Silverton’s boys, led by freshman Nolan Horner, finished eighth with 12 points, while the girls were 11th with four.

Horner took fourth in both the 50 free and 100 free and helped the 200 free relay team to fifth place and the 200 medley relay team to sixth. Joining him on the free relay were Cade Mantie, Carter Daniel and Sawyer Beckman, while Joey Walker, Nathan Barnes and Beckman also swam on the medley foursome. Hyde, meanwhile, took third in the 100 free to account for the girls team points.

Kennedy sent one swimmer, Cameron Miller, who finished fifth in the 100 back and sixth in the 100 butterfly to earn the Trojans team points.

Wrestling: Kennedy, led by 113-pound champion Adam Beltran, captured second place in the 15-team Class

2A-1A Special District 1 championships at Knappa. It was the second consecutive district championship for Beltran, who was named most outstanding wrestler for the lower weights. Beltran also recorded a lightning quick nine-second pin in the championship match.

13 of coach Dewey Enos’ 20 wrestlers finished in the top 6 in their weight classes. In addition to Beltran they are Timmy Fennimore (5th at 106), Kira Boitano (4th at 106), Julio Reyes Hernandez (6th at 113), Jesus Espinoza (3rd at 120), Angel Lopez (6th at 126), Grant Bruner (4th at 145), Zach Talbot (5th at 152), T-Boy Este (6th at 152), Maverick Maynard (6th at 182), Matthew Chapman (4th at 195) and Daniel Lopez Sanchez (6th at 220).

Silverton, meanwhile, took 4th in the Class 5A Mid-Willamette Conference district meet at the Salem Armory behind Dallas, West Albany and Lebanon.

“Districts went well,” Foxes coach Jared Wilson told Our Town. “There are always some great wins and some heartbreakers at culminating wrestling tournaments. Overall, I’m proud of how hard everyone competed.”

Brash Henderson (220) and Oscar Marks (160) captured district titles, while Bo Zurcher (132), Joshua Jones (152) and Steven King (182) finished second. Kingston Meadors (3rd, 106), Dalton Richie (4th, 285) and Zachary Lulich (5th, 195) all contributed valuable team points.

Wilson had strong words of praise for Jones and Lulich.

“Lulich was unseeded and took fifth,” Wilson said. “He came back and beat some kids that he lost to previously this season. It’s always great to see kids out wrestle their seed. And Joshua Jones beat a kid in the semis that he had lost to twice before to get to the finals.”

Kennedy and Silverton’s boys and girls teams wrestled in the OSAA state championships in Portland after Our Town’s presstime. See our March 15 edition for the results.

Boys Basketball: Kennedy is one win away from a return to the Class 2A state tournament in Pendleton. The No. 2 Trojans captured the Tri-River Conference title with a pulse-pounding 55-53 win at Santiam on Feb. 18 and hosted Portland Christian after Our Town’s presstime in the first round of the playoffs.

The matchup with No. 15 Portland Christian marks the first state playoff game at home in coach Karl Schmidtman’s 11 years at the school. “We’re excited to be in this position,” Schmidtman told Our Town, “and we’re hoping to play well and give us a chance in Pendleton.”

The Trojans advanced to Pendleton a year ago as the No. 9 seed and lost to No. 1 Western Christian and No. 12 Bonanza.

Kennedy, which lost to Santiam by three and seven points during the regular season, built up a 43-30 lead in the third matchup and then held on for dear life as the Wolverines rallied to tie it at 45-45 on a Quentin Clark three-pointer with 4:24 left. But the Trojans steadied

Catherine Hyde.

Sports Datebook Home Game Varsity Contests

Friday, March 17

Boys Tennis

4 p.m. Silverton vs Philomath

Wednesday, March 22 Boys Tennis

4 p.m. Silverton vs Molalla

SILVER

Middle School Track

Monday, March 13 Girls Tennis

4 p.m. Silverton vs Stayton Baseball

5 p.m. Silverton vs Roosevelt

Wednesday, March 15

Softball

5 p.m. Silverton vs Sprague

Saturday, March 18 Baseball

2 p.m. Kennedy vs Warrenton

Monday, March 20 Girls Tennis

4 p.m. Silverton vs McNary

Tuesday,

March 21

Baseball

5 p.m. Silverton vs Mountain View

the ship behind six points from Brett Boen down the stretch. Boen finished with 18 points and was supported by 12 from Charlie Beyer and eight from Ethan Kleinschmit

The all-Tri-River Conference team was announced after the title game, with Kennedy earning five spots. Kleinschmit made the first team, Boen the second, Charlie Beyer the third and Luke Beyer and William Schaecher received honorable mention.

Girls Basketball: Silverton was two wins away from a Mid-Willamette Conference title at Our Town press time. The Foxes were 14-2 in league play, ranked No. 2 in Class 5A and all

Thursday, March 23 Softball

4:30 p.m. Silverton vs Yamhill-Carlton

5 p.m. Silverton vs West Linn

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

Contact Kristi Horner with questions. khorner@theYonline.org 503-339-5595

K-6 Track will be offered in the Summer

Spring Sports

Adult Basketball

Ages 6 to 99 at the Community Center. FREE! for Members.

Punch Card: $20 for 10 days of play.

Tuesday: 5 p.m. • Thursday: 7:30 p.m.

Sunday: 1 p.m.

(pick-up style basketball games to 11)

but assured of a home match in the first round of the playoffs. Junior guard Kyleigh Brown continues to shine for the Foxes. She scored 32 points in a 61-29 home win vs. Corvallis on Feb. 17 and 31 more in a 52-40 loss Feb. 21 at Crescent Valley.

Alumni Watch: Former Foxes swimmer Maggie Kelley helped Linfield University take home the women’s team title in the Northwest Conference championships, held Feb. 9-12 in Federal Way, Washington. Kelley, a junior, took seventh in the 50 free, eighth in the 100 free and swam legs on the 400 free relay and 200 free relay squads, both of which finished first.

Pickleball

All ages at the Community Center. Free for Members/ Punch card $20.00 for 10 days of play/ $3.00 drop in rate

Monday, Thursday, Friday & Sunday mornings 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m

-

Toddler Tuesdays

Birth – 5 years old at the Community Center Tuesday 9 a.m - 12 p.m. FREE!

Bikes, Mats, Trampoline, Slide… Space for the Kids!

Swim Lessons Are Open!

Group Lessons for Ages 3-5 offered twice a week on Monday & Wednesday or Tuesday & Thursday. Pick a time that works for you: 10:00, 10:45 or 11:30. Private Lessons Weekends: 12 - 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Spring Break Pool Schedule

Lessons in the mornings and evenings. Open Swim hours 1-3 p.m.

www.theyonline.org

601 Miller St., Silverton

FLAG FOOTBALL • VOLLEYBALL • MICRO SOCCER

TENNIS © MIKE FLIPPO / 123RF.COM, GLOVE © SHUTSWIS / 123RF.COM, BALL © TAKASHI HONMA / 123RF.COM

Weather and money

By Carl Sampson

It’s been said that only a meteorologist and an economist can tell you with absolute certainty today why they were wrong yesterday.

In the case of the meteorologist, I am reminded of how bizarre things have gotten every time I look out the window. In the case of the economist, I am reminded of that every time I read a newspaper.

First, the weather. There was once a weatherman on a Philadelphia television station who tracked the accuracy of his forecasts by calculating his “batting average.” After about three weeks he stopped. Had he been playing baseball, his batting average was so low he couldn’t get on a minor league team. He couldn’t even make it as a bat boy.

Meteorologists also invent or redefine words. By now we are familiar with the “atmospheric river,” also known as a storm, and the “cyclone bomb,” also known as a blizzard. They also blame

Terminology adds to general consternation

When we get a week of gorgeous weather, climate change is never mentioned.

almost nothing aimed at reducing inflation. It raises taxes on corporations, subsidizes electric cars and all sorts of other stuff.

every storm on “climate change.” I suppose the public relations department at the weather service wanted to jazz things up.

To my knowledge, storms have happened since Day 1. Tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards, droughts – they’ve all been part of the weather picture. The Dust Bowl in the 1930s was a six-year drought on the prairies of the U.S. and Canada that destroyed thousands of farms. These days, though, it would have to be called a “super drought,” like the 20-year super drought in California that no one knew about until a few years ago. The Dust Bowl also would have been blamed on climate change, if it had been around back then.

By the way, did you ever notice that only bad things are blamed on climate change?

I know climate change is a thing. It always has been; only the speed of climate change is different. I just think the weather forecasters are getting too loose with their newly invented words. Then there are economists, who think in terms of widgets and interest rates. They say inflation is getting out of hand because the prices of things are increasing. They sit in their fancy offices in Washington, D.C., and New York trying to avoid the economic elephant in the room. Congress has for years been spraying down the U.S. economy with trillions of dollars. First, it was aimed at keeping the wheels turning as governors shut down businesses out of fear of COVID-19. Fair enough. The death of an economy, especially by self-inflicted wounds, was to be avoided.

But then Congress and the administration kept on spraying money. And get a load of the last big bill’s name: the Inflation Reduction Act. When you read it, there is

Since this bill was signed into law in January, my electric rates have gone up 15%, and my natural gas rates are going up a total of 25% by this spring. I suppose the gas company is spreading out the increases so I don’t have a stroke when I see my bill. Oh, and interest rates are going up, too. So Congress – with the help of state governments – is causing inflation to go up, even as the Federal Reserve Bank increases interest rates, adding to inflation. All of which is crazy-making. Congress needs take a deep breath and stop spending and they will find that everything will settle down, despite what the economists say.

And the sun will come out, despite what the meteorologists say.

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

SERVICES

HOUSE CLEANING

JOBS WANTED

Many references, experience. Please call Tammy at 503-873-6401. Scotts Mills, Silverton and Mt. Angel areas preferred.

GOT STUFF U WANT

GONE? From yard debris to scrap metal. From garage sale leftovers to rental clear outs. We repurpose, recycle, reuse or donate what we can. Call and find out what we can do for you. $20 minimum. Keith 503-502-3462

JESSE’S LAWN SERVICE & HANDYMAN Pruning, edging, trimming, blackberry cleaning, gutter cleaning, arborvitae, moss treatment, yard cleanup, stump grinding, powerwashing, haulaway. 503-871-7869

HANDYMAN & HOME REPAIR SERVICE

Installation and repair of fencing, decks,doors, gutter cleaning, moss removal, power washing, yard debris removal. CCB# 206637 Call Ryan 503-881-3802

Place your ad in Marketplace 503-845-9499

$695,000 530 Edgewood Dr., Silverton. 4bd,

#T2761 GREAT OPPORTUNITY $199,000

Bring your creativity and ideas to this property! What a great opportunity to own a property that feels secluded and private, yet is located close to town. Buyer to do due diligence regarding usability of the property. Call Whitney at ext. 320, Mike at ext. 312 (WVMLS#800102)

#T2766 UNDER CONSTRUCTION $715,000

NEW HOME! Pick Your Own Finishes! This home is currently being offered w/ the options to, accept or change, the following fixtures & finishes. See samples of Builder’s choices on-site. The home is about 85% complete & can be finished in approx. 30 days. The home was built as dual living / generational living in mind. It is a 3BR, 2.5BA, w/ approx. 2756sqft & an attached Accessory Dwelling Unit w/ an additional 1BR, 1BA, 519sqft. Sits on city limit line. ADU can be rented for income. Call Michael at ext. 314 (WVMLS#801697)

#T2764 NEW CONSTRUCTION $699,900

SILVERTON

#T2762 PIONEER VILLAGE

4 BR, 2.5 BA 2577 sqft Call Chuck at ext. 325 or Becky at ext. 313 $719,900 (WVMLS#800765)

#T2763 PIONEER VILLAGE

4 BR, 2.5 BA 2577 sqft Call Chuck at ext. 325 or Becky at ext. 313 $719,900 (WVMLS#800756)

#T2764 NEW CONSTRUCTION

3 BR, 2.5 BA 2083 sqft Call Chuck at ext. 325 or Becky at ext. 313 $699,900 (WVMLS#800758)

#T2751 50+ ACRE FARM

3 BR, 1 BA 1624 sqft Call Michael at ext. 314

$849,000 (WVMLS#798210)

#T2760 – CLASSIC 1920’s HOME

COUNTRY/ACREAGE

#T2751 50+ ACRE FARM

3 BR, 1 BA 1624 sqft Call Michael at ext. 314

$849,000 (WVMLS#798210)

#T2761 GREAT OPPORTUNITY

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

#T2765 WONDERFUL CABIN

1 BR, 1 BA 1300 sqft Call Meredith at ext. 324 or Ryan at ext. 322 $568,900 (WVMLS#800821)

New construction in Pioneer Village! Check this beautiful home with quality finishes with entire living area on one level! Great room w/gas fireplace, dining area & open kitchen w/ island. Includes 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths. Master suite & bath w/ large walk-in closet, mudroom off utility area, and covered patio. Exterior is totally fenced and landscaped with irrigation system. RV pad next to garage provides space for extra parking. Call Chuck at ext. 325 or Becky at ext. 313 (WVMLS#800758) 503.873.3545

3 BR, 1.5 BA 1328 sqft Call Whitney at ext. 320 or Mike at ext. 312 $431,000 (WVMLS#800099)

NEW! – #T2766 UNDER CONSTRUCTION

4 BR, 3.5 BA 3275 sqft Call Michael at ext. 314

$715,000 (WVMLS#801697)

#T2761 GREAT OPPORTUNITY

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

RENTALS

Available in Silverton and Surrounding Areas. For Rental Info Call Sarah at 873-3545 ext. 311 or Micha at 503-873-1425 or Check Our Website.

Chuck White Broker 873-3545 ext. 325

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

Kirsten Barnes Broker 873-3545 ext. 326

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

Mike Ulven Broker 503-873-3545 ext. 312 WWW.SILVERTONREALTY.COM

Meredith Wertz Broker, GRI 873-3545 ext. 324

Ryan Wertz Broker, GRI 873-3545 ext. 322

Sarah Sanders Property Manager 873-3545 ext. 311

Micha Christman Office Manager 873-1425

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

Michael Schmidt Principal Broker GRI 873-3545 ext. 314

Tayler Whitaker Secretary 873-3545 ext. 300

Jason Marshall Broker 873-3545 ext 302