Our Town North: March 1, 2024

By James Day

The new Silverton Civic Center, a yearslong $19.5 million project, likely will not open until late April, city officials said.

Our Town participated in a tour of the building Feb. 15, along with project manager Jason Gottgetreu, the city’s community development director, new city manager Cory Misley and Luis Mendoza of Compass Project Solutions, which is providing consulting services on the construction.

The exterior of the building is virtually finished. The landscaping and storm water retention facilities are in place. The parking lot is finished, although electrical vehicle charging stations need to be added. Inside it’s a different story, with a series of dominos that have yet to fall into place to bring the project closer to completion.

“Finishing the electric service components is a key element that is still being impacted by supply chain/equipment delivery issues,” Gottgetreu said in a posttour email exchange.

Also, finishing off the inside of the building is required before the furniture, which has been ordered, can be installed.

Some other items of interest:

• At the east end of the building sits a huge generator that was delivered 60 weeks late … and was the wrong color.

• The city is using wood reclaimed from the old Eugene Field School – as well as

a Douglas fir tree that had to be removed from the property – in several spots in the building, including the new council chambers on the second floor. Beams and other wooden components of the building use the innovative mass plywood panel technology.

• Employees will not completely fill the building once it opens. Some areas could be modified in the future should the city staff size increase.

• The new building is 26,000 square feet,

a sizable increase from the 9,000 square feet in the current City Hall about a half mile south of the new building. The city staff has outgrown the old building, which also is seismically unsafe. The new building will house most city staff, with the main exception of Public Works. Most of the space will be used by the Silverton Police Department.

• The project is currently about 4% over its projected $14.75 million construction budget. The building originally was

set to open in July of 2023, but it has experienced a steady stream of delays, including supply chain issues, work that had to be redone and even emails that went missing.

• The south end of the former Eugene Field property has been seeded but no other development has taken place. The area is slated for parks use, with work updating the city’s parks and recreation master plan to include the ultimate mix of amenities on the site.

Silverton Community Development Director Jason Gottgetreu points out the features of a ground-floor entry area of the new Silverton Civic Center. The building is tentatively set to open in late April. JAMES DAY

Round two Silver Falls School District proposes scaled-down $73M bond

By Stephen Floyd

The Silver Falls School District (SFSD) Board has approved a $73 million bond measure for the May 21 ballot with hopes of wooing voters who rejected a $138 million bond last November.

In a 6-1 vote Feb. 12, the board agreed to ask voters to consider a bond that would replace Silverton Middle School and provide critical upgrades at Silverton High School.

If passed, the bond would be paired with a $6 million state grant. If the bond fails the district would not qualify for the grant.

Prior to the vote, board members said they took into account criticisms that the previous bond was too expensive and residents could not afford the tax increase. The current proposal would keep property taxes virtually unchanged after an existing bond

for Phase II of SHS expires in 2027, roughly $1.96 per $1,000 of assessed value.

Vice Chair Aaron Koch said the $73 million bond addresses critical facility needs while also providing voters with a proposal he described as “costneutral.”

“We’re doing our best to hear from our community,” said Koch.

On Nov. 7, 2023, voters rejected Measure 24-486 with 55.76% disapproval. The $138 million bond would have addressed critical infrastructure needs at all 11 schools in the district, including a new building for Silverton Middle School.

After the measure failed, district officials weighed whether or not a follow-up proposal in May of 2024 would be realistic, given the heavy opposition to the bond and the short turnaround time. The board said they

had momentum and public feedback after the November election, and that the deteriorating SMS campus was a critical problem, so they chose to scale down the prior bond.

One difference with this election is the board wants to emphasize how a “No” vote could impact the fate of the current SMS building. The district spends around an additional $100,000 each year to maintain the facility, and if a need arose to decommission the building hundreds of students would be displaced.

“If we don’t replace Silverton Middle School, the general fund will keep bleeding and we may have to make some drastic changes in how we educate our students,” Board Chair Jennifer Traeger said.

The sole “no” votec came from Board Member Tom Buchholz, who said the proposal was unlikely to sway

voters who struck down the previous bond. He recommended a $6 million bond for improvements at SHS, to be paired with the state grant, and said this would be a “base hit” voters could get behind rather than an attempted “home run”.

Buchholz said he would likely vote yes on the measure itself in May, but said as a board member he could not support the $73 million proposal when he saw an alternative.

District resident Karl Dettwyler, who led a PAC opposing the $138 million bond, told the board during public comment he thought the $73 million bond would be “challenging” to pass. Dettwyler said the $6 million proposal would do more to generate community positivity and allow time for the district to confer with concerned voters before proposing a larger bond in 2027.

Bridging language

By Melissa Wagoner

On average, Mt. Angel School District enrolls three multilingual learners, whose first language is neither English nor Spanish, each year. But during the 2022-2023 school year, the district welcomed 25.

“A lot of students in this group are somehow related to each other,” William Holman – the district’s English Language Development Program Teacher on special assignment – said of the influx. It was both unexpected and challenging.

But the timing couldn’t have been better, because those new enrollments just happened to coincide with the addition of another new face – Holman’s. She came on board thanks to funding from House Bill 3499, aimed at improving the K-12 education of English language learners statewide.

“I don’t know what we would have done

Mount Angel schools employees new software

without this money,” Director of Special Services Erica Gordon said.

Not only did it provide the district with Holman’s position, it also allowed him to purchase new, state-of-the art translation programming that has enabled those students, who are at an English acquisition level of one or below, to participate fully in mainstream classes – something that was nearly impossible before.

“It’s really quite incredible,” Holman said of the equipment. It consists of an iPad installed with real time translation software, a highly sensitive bone microphone headset for the student and a lapel microphone for the teacher.

“The teacher starts the session with a code and that speaks to the iPad,” Holman explained. Then, once the student has chosen a primary language, each word the teacher says becomes translated both in the students’ ear and

on the iPad’s screen.

“It’s not perfectly on time and it’s not 100 percent,” Holman said. “It’s AI, so it struggles with names. But it’s more efficient than having a human being come in.”

“And it’s less stigmatizing,” Gordon added. “The students in class are really thankful because they have a way to interact.”

Equipped with the ability to translate from both teacher to student and from student to teacher, the program also allows students to participate in class by asking the teacher questions and conversing with fellow students.

“It’s better socially,” Holman confirmed. “It’s very natural and non-obtrusive.”

And it allows students who are just beginning to learn the English language to keep up on their other studies as well.

“We want them to progress in their

native language while they work on acquiring English,” Gordon said. “And that generally happens pretty quickly, depending on their former education, usually they learn in a year and a half to two years.”

At which time the translation software becomes unnecessary.

“Living bilingually and thinking bilingually is very tiring,” Holman said of the students’ natural drive to learn English as quickly as possible. Already proving successful after the first year of use, the new software is only one of the ways Holman and Gordon are working to make the Mt. Angel School District more welcoming to students –of all cultures and languages.

“If kids and families don’t feel like they belong then they aren’t going to be successful,” Gordon explained. “We want to consider all the demographics… we want to go from good to great.”

Hot start Kennedy welding room proving huge success

By James Day

Six months since its opening on the Kennedy High School campus the new welding room already is producing dividends.

Fundraising for the facility, which opened at the beginning of the school year, has reached $145,000, said John Gooley, the Mt. Angel Community Foundation vice-president and Withers Lumber executive who led the campaign.

The additional funds (the facility opened after raising $90,000) have allowed the shop to purchase a portable storage shed, and the program’s continuing relationship with Chemeketa Community College reeled in a vintage Piranha cutter, which looks like a giant stapler.

The welding program students also sold arts and crafts and plants at the FFA booth at Volksfest in February.

The booth collected $2,500 during the three-day run of the event, with the welding program items selling out at the end of day two.

Items produced by the welding students for Volksfest included boot racks, coat racks, metal wall art, bottle openers, valentine candy bouquets, wooden laser heart and square jewelry boxes, wine racks and wine carriers.

The welding students are planning to ramp up

production of craft items this spring to be sold at Oktoberfest in September.

The program also has produced its first award-winner. Kennedy sent eight students to an agricultural expo hosted by Linn-Benton Community College in Albany, with junior Cody Pistulka taking home first place in metal inert gas welding. Also participating in the competition were Brody Kleinschmit (eighth in gas metal arc welding), Elsie Jonas (sixth in shield metal arc welding), Brody Morgan (fourth in combo, tungsten inert

gas and gas metal arc), Evan Wyatt (shield metal arc), Dreyson Crum (shield metal arc) and Briar Morgan (gas metal arc).

In addition to the success in competition, Kennedy welding students also have entered the job market. Pistulka is working part-time for Wurdinger Recycling, where he has advanced to working in the firm’s computer program, learning critical thinking and writing skills.

“He just kept moving up,” teacher Korrie Shull said. “He’s a great kid. He’s going to go far.”

Also, Kennedy senior Oscar Gonzalez has been hired part-time by GEM Equipment of Mount Angel, a key sponsor of the project whose support resulted in the room being named for the firm.

The room was bustling with activity the day Our Town visited. There are two sections of the classes, taught by Shull and Kennedy alum Alex Snegirev, which serve more than 20 students.

Jessica Brenden, the Kennedy principal, and district superintendent Rachel Stucky joined the tour, with Brenden noting that the school might look to expand the program if budget and other details can be worked out.

“These students are qualified to move into jobs right now,” Stucky said. “I love it.”

Kennedy senior welding student Oscar Gonzalez with teacher Alex Snegirev in the welding room.

Joe & Dana Giegerich

$1,325,000 Single level home 3 bd. 3ba. + income producing daycare facility, $4K monthly lease income. 6868 Cascade Hwy NE, Silverton. MLS#813290

$940,000 40.83 acres, 3 bedrooms, 1 ba. lodge style home, 24x48 shop with water & power. 20 yr. plus timber, borders BLM. Seller contract. 20739 Hazelnut Ridge Rd. NE, Scotts Mills. MLS#802816

$598,000 Beautiful renovated historic home, 4bd 2 ba. 1,960 sq. ft. on 1.140 level acres. T n G wood floors, Shop + storage Bldg. Many upgrades! 36937 S. Hwy 213, Mt. Angel. MLS#809889

$1,350,000 Private Estate on 31.32 acres, 5 bd, 2ba. 2562 sq. ft. Timber framed home, Greenhouses, Timber. 5952 Peaks View Rd. NE Scotts Mills, 97375. MLS#808546

$645,000 Under Contract 3.85 acres. Prestige Estate property, path of progress potential. 835 Grouse St. NE, Silverton. Sellers will consider carrying a contract MLS#770597

$465,000 Dual living, log home, 3bd. 2 ba. & MFG home with 3bd. 1.5 ba., on 1.06 ac parcel, sm. wood shop/ garden shed. 215 Fourth St., Scotts Mills MLS#804645

NEW! $425,000 3.12 acres, buildable level ground for your dream home. Seasonal creek, desirable location.

MLS#813274

$375,000 Rosemary Way lots: 601, 605 & 611 MLS#810425; 615, 619 & 623 MLS#810404. Builder, Developer! Located in Monitor Road Estates. Desirable location in Silverton. These lots will require wetland remediation. Buyer must have a development plan.

$299,000 2 acres buildable! Approved for standard septic. Water well. Seller will carry contract. 7685 Dovich Ln SE, Turner. MLS#778883

$127,500 Buildable residential lot, 7650 sq. ft. Property has iconic water tower on it. 617 Keene Ave. Silverton. MLS#802507

Devastating loss

By Stephen Floyd

Iconic local business Silver Falls Country Store has burned down after suddenly catching fire during the early hours of Feb. 16.

No one was injured, however, the building at 172 Silver Falls Drive was a total loss.

Chief Brandon Hamilton with the Drakes Crossing Fire District said crews were called around 1:05 a.m. and when they arrived the building was already fully involved. Hamilton said it then became a “defensive fire” and they prioritized the safety of nearby structures.

A fire investigation is underway by the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office. On Feb. 23 a spokesperson for the office told Our Town the fire appears to be accidental. A complete report on the cause is expected by the end of March.

Drakes Crossing was assisted by Silverton Fire District and Mt. Angel Fire District.

Junay Johanson, who co-owns the business with husband Dan’el Barker, told Our Town she was grateful to firefighters and to the community members who have poured out their support. Johanson said the loss of the store hit especially hard because they had been making preparations to celebrate their tenth anniversary in April.

“That was, without a doubt, a milestone that we were so excited to be approaching,” she said, “and now, depending on what happens with our timeline, we may not even have cleanup complete before then.”

Johanson and Barker purchased the property in 2014. The previous store, The Dial Station, had sat closed for roughly a year. The couple envisioned it as a community hub, with good meals for locals, supplies for hunters and hikers, and convenience shopping for tourists.

It became that and more, with customers greeted by name when they walked in and Johanson and Barker taking time to talk and get to know them. The business was also known for their “Sasquatch Burgers” sign by the road,

Your emergency is our emergency.

catching the eyes of many visitors to nearby Silver Falls State Park.

At the time of the fire, they were selling local handmade hats, fundraising for elk crossing signs on local roads, and holding a geocache art contest for kids and adults.

Johanson said the fire destroyed artwork depicting Silver Falls, a handmade bigfoot sightings map, and an irreplaceable book containing stories by customers about bigfoot and the paranormal.

Outside the store itself, another loss has been the wellbeing of employees. Johanson said, though they filed for unemployment, that process can be a hassle and she is concerned this could needlessly stress them out.

Johanson said they are hoping to rebuild and are in the process of working with insurance and local governments to determine next steps. She said the new building may look different on the outside but will still have that welcoming vibe inside because the customers and neighbors who created it are around.

“I believe it will still be a place where neighbors can come together, birthdays can be celebrated, and everyone feels welcome and accepted,” said Johanson. “We sincerely hope that that will never change.”

When life hangs in the balance, Salem Health is here for you. From the moment you arrive, our staff and providers push themselves to the limit with a single-minded determination to help. That’s what they expect for their families, and it’s what you can expect for yours.

That’s care with respect.

By the time firefighters arrived the store was fully engulfed in flames. SUBMITTED PHOTO

The Forum

I work in a local nonprofit. It has been a wonderful experience that has allowed me to get to know members of the community who I otherwise wouldn’t have crossed paths with. I am grateful for this opportunity and for the privilege that it is to be able to live in Silverton.

I am a transplant, like many of my clients, like many of the donors, and so many of the most active members of this town. … I truly believe we can all work together to make Silverton a more inclusive town.

I hold on to the hope that there’s more of us who care about our fellow human beings, not just the ones whose skin color is similar to their own. I force myself to believe that in a town that has so many churches, there is hope... I know so many who see beyond the politics, and what drives them is their compassion, kindness and (sense of) justice. This is why it’s so hard to even type this letter, but I believe the only way to acknowledge there is a problem is by speaking of it.

Days ago, I had a conversation with new neighbors. A teenager and her sister who were waiting for mom started to chat with me. (One says she) is doing online school because she doesn’t want to be called the n-word. (She) knows that if it happened in her old school in a bigger town, it must happen here. I stayed quiet but my heart broke. I wanted to say: “This won’t happen here, people are nice here” but … I remember stories from years ago of other kids being victims of racism to the point where the family had to move.  Next, she begins to tell me about how … she and her mom and sister were out on a walk and they (asked someone if) the local cinema would be showing the latest

version of The Color Purple. The person answering said no, and attributed it to racism…

…This is the time to change the conversation. Do we only want to listen when the white man is the savior? The good? The main character?

I look at this publication and while I find hope in some stories of goodness, all I see are white people looking back at me. Where’s the Hispanic community that is a KEY part of our food chain? Where are the Asian and the African families or individuals that I know are here? Hiding, quietly, obeying the white man’s law to not offend, to not be visible, to not be victims? Is this what I want to teach my child? To stay silent when a fellow human being is being mistreated or not welcome? To allow this level of racism to exist in the community that I am a part of? Hard “No’s”.

We must all want our children to live in peace, to feel a sense of belonging, and purpose, and to feel safe. What we need is more effort, and more conversations about racism, inclusion, and the lack of diversity we see in our town. We could start with more stories featuring people of color… WE need to believe that we are working together for future generations, (so they can) live full, dignified lives no matter what we all may look like or where we come from. We can only benefit from each other’s perspectives and stories. We can only become more peaceful, less lonely, and more connected.

Miriam Ponce Silverton

Pharmacy bill needs your immediate support

Your pharmacies are asking for your help: it only takes a few moments and it needs to be done ASAP please contact your state legislature about HB4149 . Call your pharmacy or me if you need help or want more information.

The State Legislature is the only body responsible for regulating Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) in Oregon; the only group who is responsible for policy that ensures accessible, affordable health care.

While PBMs play a significant and entrenched role in the healthcare system, increasing amounts of studies and reports – including an audit by the Secretary of State – have revealed detrimental business practices, and opaque contracts. This is causing direct harm to Oregon patients and pharmacies.

Without strong regulations, such as licensing and transparency measures, patients experience higher out of pocket costs, delays in accessing treatments and increasingly limited choices in pharmacies; nearly 40 have closed in the last year. If you are lucky enough to

have a pharmacy, wait times and long lines are not the fault of the pharmacist. Blame the PBM that does not allow drugs to be kept in stock, additional staff to be hired, and for the subsequent closing of your local pharmacy.

Legislative reform is essential to ensure PBMs operate in a manner that prioritizes the interests of patients and promotes a competitive and fair marketplace. Effective PBM reform can lower healthcare costs, improve medication adherence, and enhance overall health outcomes for individuals and communities across the state. Changes that benefit patients, pharmacies, and the healthcare system as a whole. Together, we can ensure that healthcare remains accessible, affordable, and equitable for all Oregonians.

Legislators in Salem need to immediately prioritize the strongest possible version of HB 4149 and work toward implementing meaningful reform.

Amber Grant RPH Silverton Pill Box

Submissions welcomed

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

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

“Whitney and Mike were fantastic, very knowledgeable of the

and had the connections to make sure my first time home buying experience was a great one! Happy to have worked with them!”

Something to Do

Chronicled Bible Study group seeks to reach audiences through movies

By Brenna Wiegand

A group of local men who came together for a Bible Study are finding ways to reach out to their community. They call themselves the Noble Men of Oregon.

They meet weekly at Noble Inn, owned by study leader Gregg Harris and his wife Bonnie. Built by June Drake in 1904, the historic home is now a Christian bed and breakfast retreat, offering free stays to foreign missionaries and pastors in need of some R&R.

“We came across Isaiah 32:8 where it says, ‘The noble man makes noble plans and by noble deeds he stands’ –that’s where it comes from, and that’s what we want to be,” group member Lance Kamstra said. “We decided to start making some noble plans and doing noble deeds.”

They started with a citywide ice cream social in July, and, when Thomas and Erika Baham bought and restored the Palace Theatre, approached them about conducting a free monthly showing of family friendly movies.

The Bahams, who reopened the Palace Dec. 15 after purchasing it last spring, liked the idea.

“We had an available day, so I said let’s do it,” Thomas Baham said. “They chose the Chronicles of Narnia for their first movie[s] and [they’re] a great choice.”

Kamstra said the movie night gives more people the opportunity to take in the new theater.

“It’s amazing,” Kamstra said. “The whole concession area and restrooms have been revamped and made easier to access; they’ve put in reclining seats, an $80,000 sound system, a new screen and a $100,000 projector.”

The Noble Men select and underwrite the cost of these private showings and plan the agenda of the day.

“Gregg Harris will give a gospel presentation and we’ll be publicizing our efforts as the Noble Men,” Kamstra

Free family-friendly films

Showings every first Tuesday at 2 and 7 p.m.

Free admittance, first come, first served: 237 seats

The Chronicles of Narnia trilogy

• March 5: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

• April 2: Prince Caspian

• May 7: Voyage of the Dawn Treader

said. “We might sing; we might pray… It’s going to be a Christ-centered event, which goes along with our tagline, ‘Impacting our community for Christ.’

“We are also hoping that the church community gets involved.”

Both the 2 p.m. matinee and the 7 p.m. showings are first come, first served, so the first 237 people to arrive will gain admittance.

Kamstra said the matinee is a nice option for seniors who don’t want to drive at night, though all are welcome to either showing. Future plans may include adding another screening geared to high schoolers.

Gregg Harris, Don von Weller, Greg Hoffman, Lance Kamstra and Scott Stebbins of the Noble Men of Oregon. BRENNA WIEGAND

Frequent Addresses

Mt. Angel Public Library, 290 E Charles St. Silver Creek Fellowship, 822 NE Industrial Way, Silverton. Silver Falls Library, 410 S Water St. Silverton Arts Association, 303 Coolidge St. Silverton Community Center/Council Chambers, 421 S Water St.

Weekly Events

Monday

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

SACA Food Pantry, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., SACA, 421 S Water St., Silverton. Repeats 4 - 7 p.m. Tuesdays, 9 a.m. - noon

Thursdays. 503-873-3446

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

Silverton Recovery AA, noon - 1 p.m., 302 N Water St. Seven days a week.

Free Monday Dinner, 5:30 - 7 p.m., Oak Street Church, 502 Oak St., Silverton. Sitdown dinner. To-go meals available. All welcome. Free. 503-873-5446

Boy Scouts Troop 485, 7 - 8:30 p.m., St. Edward’s Catholic Church, 211 W Center St., Silverton. Scoutmaster Dave Tacker, 760-644-3147, dave.tacker@gmail.com

Tuesday

Scotts Mills Food Boxes, 9 - 11 a.m., Scotts Mills Community Center, 298 Fourth St. Residents in Scotts Mills/ Butte Creek/Monitor areas welcome. Donations welcome. Niki , 503-873-5059

Silverton Senior Center Gentle Yoga, 9:30 a.m., Immanuel Lutheran Church, 303 N Church St., Silverton. silvertonseniors.org

Mt. Angel Senior Meals, 10:30 - 11 a.m. Delivery only. $3 donation suggested. Repeats Thurs. Ginger, 503-845-9464. APPY Hour, noon - 1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Drop in for technical assistance for electronic devices. All ages. Free. 971-370-5040

Silverton Mainstay, 1 - 4 p.m., Silverton United Methodist Church, 203 W Main St. Community space and activities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Repeats Thursdays. silvertonmainstay.org

Stories & STEAM, 4 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Listen to a story about the theme of the week, join in a project. Snacks. Ages 5-12. Free. 971-370-5040 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 Hilterbrand, 971-337-5925

Growing Awareness, Nurturing Compassion, 7 - 8:30 p.m. Zoom. Secular presentation promoting mindfulness. No experience needed. Invitation for virtual gathering: compassionatepresence@yahoo. com. 971-218-6641

Wednesday

Silverton Business Group, 8 a.m., Silver Falls Brewery, 207 Jersey St., Silverton. Networking meeting of Silverton business community hosted by Silverton Chamber of Commerce. silvertonchamber.org

Quilters Group, 9 a.m. - noon, Trinity Lutheran Church, 500 N Second Ave., Silverton. trinitysilverton@gmail.com

Silverton Senior Center Knit Wits, 10 a.m. - noon, Silvertowne Apartment Clubhouse, 115 Mill St., No. 47, Silverton.

Family Storytime, 10:30 a.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Singing, stories, crafts. Age 2 - 5 with family members. 971-370-5040

Indoor Playtime, 11 a.m. - noon, Mt. Angel Public Library. Play with toys, spend time with friends. Free. 971-370-5040

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

Silver Chips Woodcarving Sessions, 1 - 3 p.m., Silverton Arts Association. All skill levels. 503-873-4512.

Silverton Senior Center Line Dancing, 1 - 2 p.m. (beginners) 2 - 3 p.m. (advanced), Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 303 N Church St., Silverton. silvertonseniors.org

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

Italian Conversations, 6 - 7:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. Practice Italian. All levels welcome. 503-873-8796

The Daniel Plan, 6:30 p.m., Silver Creek Fellowship. Wellness program. Info at scf.tv/ danielplan. Sheila, 503-409-4498

Thursday

Community Coffee, 7 - 9 a.m., Scotts Mills Community Center, 298 Fourth St. Free. Yoga, 9 a.m., Silver Creek Fellowship. Open to all. Sheila, 503-409-4498

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

Friday

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

Mt. Angel Model Railroad, 9 a.m.3 p.m., The Depot, 90 W College St., Mt. Angel. Lionel (O-gauge), HO-gauge, N-gauge model layouts on display. All ages welcome. Free. Silvertones Community Singers, 10:30 a.m., Silverton United Methodist Church, 203 Main St. Open to all. Tomi, 503-873-2033

Saturday

Open Art Studio, 9 a.m., Silverton Arts Association, 303 Coolidge St. 503-873-2480

Silverton Senior Center

Jack & The Beanstalk

7 p.m., Brush Creek Playhouse, 11535 NE Silverton Road, Silverton. Brush Creek Playhouse opens its 2024 season with its annual children and youth production, Jack & The Beanstalk. Reserved seat tickets at https://our.show/ bcp-beanstalk/. $12 for adults and $10 for children, seniors 60 and older and students. Performances repeat 7 p.m. March 2, 8-9, 15-16; 2 p.m. March 3, 10, 16, 17.

Ageless Yoga, 9:30 a.m., Total Body Health Club, 1099 N First St., Silverton. silvertonseniors.org

After-Season Indoor Market, 10 a.m.

- 12:30 p.m., Silverton Friends Church, 229 Eureka Ave. Local produce, eggs, meats, artisan crafts. Free admission. silvertonfarmersmarket.com

Creciendo juntos/Growing Together

Storytime, 1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. ¡Atrévete a acompañarnos aprender juntos! ¡Atreves de leyendo libros bilingües podríamos hacer lo! Después abrirá una actividad para la familia. Through bilingual books and activities, learn simple words and phrases that help us communicate and grow together. 971-370-5040 Peaceful Heart Meditation, 2 - 3 p.m., Silverton Community Center. Yoga breathing, kirtan, philosophy. No experience required. Everyone welcome. Free. peacefulheartkirtan@gmail.com

Friday, March 1

Lego Lab

3 - 4:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Build an original creation out of Legos. All ages. Repeats March 8. 503-370-5040 Meet SSC Executive Director

4 - 6 p.m., Bella Casa Real Estate, 216 E Main St., Silverton. Meet new Silverton Senior Center director Simone Stewart. silvertonseniors.org

First Friday in Silverton

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

Lunaria Opening Reception

7 - 9 p.m., Lunaria Gallery, 113 N Water St., Silverton. Meet the artists for the March showings. Main Floor Gallery is “Garden of Edible Delights - Taste and See,” paintings and drawings by Carolyn Johnson-Bell. Loft Gallery is “Along the Path,” landscape paintings by Cynthia Herron and Julie Jeanseau. Art can be viewed 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily until March 31. 503-873-7734, lunariagallery.com

brushcreekplayhouse.com

Monday, March 4

Daughters of the American Revolution

10 a.m., Stayton United Methodist Church, 1450 SE Fern Ridge Road. Guest speaker Tracy Duerst of Oregon Women for Agriculture of Marion - Clackamas chapters will discuss women in today’s agriculture. Abigail Scott Duniway chapter meeting following presentation. All are welcome. 503-508-8246

Silverton City Council

7 p.m., Council Chamber, 421 S Water St., Silverton. Open to public. 503-873-5321

Tuesday, March 5

Drawing Group

6 - 7:30 p.m., Silverton Arts Association. Bring materials or use some of the associations. Everyone welcome. Repeats: March 19. 503-873-2480

Ukulele Play and Sing-Alongs

6 - 7:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. First 30 minutes is beginner’s ukulele lesson followed by play and sing-along time for all skill levels. Everyone welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Music provided. Bring ukulele. 503-873-8796

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 6

Caregiver Connection

1 - 2 p.m., Zoom. Free educational support for unpaid family caregivers caring for a loved one 60 years of age or older, or caring for a person living with dementia. For Zoom invite and register, contact Julie, 503-304-3432 or julie.mendez@nwsds.org

Scotts Mills City Council

7 p.m., Scotts Mills City Hall, 265 Fourth St. Open to public. Agenda available. 503873-5435

Thursday, March 7

Silverton Kiwanis Club

Noon, Main St. Bistro, 201 E Main St., Silverton. Bi-monthly meeting of Silverton Kiwanis Club. New members welcome. Repeats March 21. silvertonkiwanis.org

Author Cheryl Gill

6:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Local author Cheryl Gill speaks about her new book, A Very Simple Estate Planning Guide That Goes Beyond Creating a Will. Free. Books available for purchase. 503-370-5040

Critique Night

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

Friday, March 8

Red Cross Blood Drive

Noon - 5 p.m., Silverton Elks Lodge, 300 High St. Appts at redcrossblood.org.

The Next Friday

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

Kiwanis Trivia Bee

6 p.m., First Christian Church, 402 N First St., Silverton. Watch trivia teams compete to win the Bee trophy. Appetizers with a cash bar and auction. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at BST Realty, Silver Falls Library and Silverton Chamber of Commerce.

silvertonkiwanis.org

All-Ages Game Night

6 - 9 p.m., Silverton Grange, 201 Division St. Bring your favorite games. Children under 13 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. All ages welcome. Free admission. 971-267-9364, silvertongrange@gmail.com

Saturday, March 9

Seedy Saturday

11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Silverton Grange, 201 Division St. “Welcoming Neighbors,” a garden seed exchange, plant sale, children’s activities, garden supply vendors, educational resources. Have perennials that need to be divided or extra plant starts? Drop them off March 8 between 5 - 7 p.m. or bring them Saturday for the grange to sell. Proceeds benefit the grange. silvertongrange@gmail.com

Winter Bash

3 - 5 p.m., Mt. Angel Middle School, 460 E Marquam St. Crafts, games, food. Free. Grades 6-8. Sponsored by Mt. Angel Public Library. 503-370-5040

Silver Falls Owl Prowl

5 - 7:30 p.m., Silver Falls State Park, 20024 SE Silver Falls Hwy., Sublimity. Indoor presentation, “All About Owls” and an owl pellet dissection activity. After sunset, embark on a half-mile round trip hike to call for owls. May not be suitable for children under 5. Free; registration and $5 parking permit required. Reservations required by visiting stateparks.oregon.gov and searching “Silver Falls State Park.”

Sunday, March 10

Daylight Saving Time

Remember to turn your clock ahead 1 hour.

Scotts Mills Historical Museum

1 - 5 p.m., 210 Grandview Ave. Open for public browsing. Free. Open by appointment by contacting Joe, 503871-9803, smahsmuseum@gmail.com

Monday, March 11

Mt. Angel School District

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

Silver Falls School District

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

Tuesday, March 12

Ancestry Detectives

10 a.m. - noon, Silver Falls Library. David L. Bruey will present “How I Did This!,” namely writing a genealogical history titled The Ancestry of Amelia Marilla Morley: The Morleys Reach Ohio. Open to all. adsteering@ancestrydetectives.org

Thursday, March 14

Red Cross Blood Drive

8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Kennedy High, 890 E Marquam St., Mt. Angel. Appointments at redcrossblood.org.

Painted Rocks

1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Gather to paint “Choose Kind” decorative rocks to keep or display around town. All ages. Free. Repeats at 6 p.m. 503-370-5040

Zenith Women’s Club

7 p.m., Silver Creek Fellowship. GFWC members discuss ways to fund, implement project that benefit Silverton community. Barbara, 801-414-3875

LGBTQ+ Peer Support

7 - 8:30 p.m. Zoom. Peer-led mental health young adult support group for LGBTQ2SIA+ individuals ages 18-30. Free on a drop-in basis. Sponsored by National Alliance on Mental Illness. Visit tinyurl.com/yalgbtqgroup to register. Repeats March 28.

Friday, March 15

Family Movie Night

4 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Watch Wonka (PG), Willy Wonka’s origin story on the big screen while enjoying hot popcorn. All ages. Free. 503-370-5040

Sunday, March 17

St. Patrick’s Day

Monday, March 18

Silverton City Council Work Session

7 p.m., Council Chamber, 421 S Water St., Silverton. Open to public. 503-873-5321

Mt. Angel City Council

7 p.m., Mount Angel Public Library. Open to public. 503-845-9291

Tuesday, March 19

Alzheimer’s Seminar

1 - 2 p.m., Santiam Hospital, 1401 N 10th Ave., Stayton. Learn about Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Free. Register at alz.org/crf or 800-272-3900.

Silver Falls Library Book Club

7 - 8:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. Discuss The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner. All welcome. 503-897-8796

Wednesday, March 20

Won’t You Be My Neighbor Day

11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Celebrate Mr. Roger’s birthday. Pick up an activity packet at the library and help spread love and kindness throughout the neighborhood. All ages. Free. 503-370-5040

Dementia Care Conversations

1 - 2 p.m. Zoom. Free group for unpaid caregivers providing support to a loved one living with dementia. To register, contact group facilitator Julie Mendez at 503-304-3432 or julie. mendez@nwsds.org

Thursday, March 21

Book Discussion for Adults

1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Discuss Horse by Geraldine Brooks. Copies available at the circulation desk. Everyone welcome. 503-370-5040

Silver Falls Writers Group

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

Mt. Angel Planning Commission

7 p.m., Mount Angel Public Library. Open to public. 503-845-9291

Friday, March 22

Ukrainian Egg Decorating

1 - 3 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Create beautiful Ukrainian eggs (Pysanki) using hot wax and paint with Daniela Mahoney. Participants take home two boxed eggs. Teens & adults. Space is limited; registration is required by calling 503-370-5040. No late arrivals and participants must stay the entire time.

Teen Hangout

5 - 7 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Create art. Light snacks provided. Grades 6-12. Free. 503-370-5040

Monday, March 25

Vigil for Peace

Tuesday, March 26

STEM Challenge

Noon - 4 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Build a structure out of everyday materials and see how much weight it can bear.

Ages 5-12. Free. 503-370-5040

Wednesday, March 27

Crazy Crafts

Noon - 4 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. The library’s craft cabinet open for you to create a masterpiece. Ages 5-12. Free. 503-370-5040

Virtual Film Discussion

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

Friends of Silver Falls Library

6 - 7 p.m., Silverton Falls Library. Friends of Silver Falls board meeting. Open to public. silverfallslibrary.org

Thursday, March 28

Robot Races

Noon - 4 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Build a robot from a kit and race others.

Ages 5-12. Free. 503-370-5040

Teen Advisory Board/Book Club

4:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Teens (grades 6-12) collaborate with library on programs, collections, games. Book Club meets for first 30 minutes to discuss I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetysi. Copies available at circulation desk. 971-370-5040

Friday, March 29

Lego Lab & Oversized Games

Noon - 4 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Build a Lego creation or play the life-sized version of games like Kerplunk!, Chinese checkers, dominoes or Yahtzee. Ages 5-12. Free.

Saturday, March 30

Easter Egg Hunt

Noon, Scotts Mills County Park, 475 Crooked Finger Road. Easter egg hunt for children age 12 and under. Hosted and sponsored by Scotts Mills Community Center. Hunt starts promptly at noon.

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 Open to all. 503-873-5307

Sunday, March 31

Easter Resurrection Sunrise Celebration

7 a.m., Butte Creek Scout Ranch, 13462 S Butte Creek Road, Scotts Mills. A message by Josiah Muhr and singing led by Crook Finger Band. Breakfast of ham and eggs follows. Bring fruit or pasties if you’d like to contribute food. Sponsored by Scotts Mill Friends Church. All are welcome.

Paid Advertisement

The Only Way Back to God

The good news concerning Jesus Christ can be summed up in a single verse. It’s found in the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans, chapter 6 and verse 23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

To illustrate what this verse teaches us I will

Fortunately for us, this verse does not end there. Our situation is not entirely hopeless because God is both good and merciful. The

done in our life. Everyone will get the wages they deserve. Everyone has sinned against God in one way or another, so our sin has separated us from the God who created us. It’s like a vast canyon has been created between us and God. This gap is so deep and so wide that no one will ever be able to

God’s righteous judgement. We are stuck.

But this gift of God is not merely a longer life on forever with God in the eternity of heaven.

This gift of God is free, but it is only available through one way and that way is a Person. It is Jesus Christ. By putting our faith, that is

This gift has been made possible because Jesus agreed to die in our place on the cross. When He died all our sins were paid for by His death on our behalf. He died for

the vast canyon. We can come back to God only because of what Jesus has done for us. This free gift is received by faith when we repent of our sins and believe the good news of what Jesus has accomplished for us. But if we do not trust Jesus enough to actually obey Him as our Lord we still don’t really trust Him. It is the Lord who saves us, so He cannot be our Savior if He is not our Lord. So, there you have it in one simple verse illustrated on one napkin. What keeps you from believing it and accepting God’s free gift? Talk to Him about it. He is there and He will not turn you away. If you have any questions, or would like for me to pray with you, please call 503-926-1388 anytime.

Come join me for a free Men’s Prayer Breakfast at Noble Inn, at 409 S. Water St., every Thursday morning from 5:30 to 7 am. Join the team that helps me publish these gospel articles each month. Call 503-926-1388 to RSVP to attend each week.

FREE TICKET

Family-Friendly Movies on the First Tuesday of Each Month

The Palace Theater

Tuesday Mar. 5th Movie

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

PG, 2PM & 7PM

First Come, First Served

Sponsored by NobleMenOfOregon.org

Gregg Harris, “Please cross this bridge when you get to it.”

* Thanks to The Navigators for developing this simple way of presenting the gospel. Learn more at www.navigators.org/resource/one-verse-evangelism And also to my wife, Bonnie, for drawing the napkin art.

By Melissa Wagoner

In 2011, when Elise Trask decided to get married on the farm where she grew up, she not only gained a husband, she gained a career as well.

“That got our wheels turning,” Trask’s sister and business partner, Clarissa Rapacz, said, recalling how that wedding – held amongst a field of flowers –became the first of many, thanks to the creation of a special new event space they called The Farm on Golden Hill.

“When my grandparents were growing crops, everyone said we lived on a hill of gold, everything grew so well, but we always called it ‘the farm’,” Rapacz said of the name she and Trask created by combining the two endearments. “It’s been special to us to keep it in the family because we grew up in these fields.”

Passed down through five generations

– and counting – the 40-acre farm, located on Kaufman Road in Silverton, has been home to numerous crops throughout its history including grass seed, strawberries and flowers. But it’s the rustic outbuildings – especially the arched wooden barn, built in the 1940s – that have made The Farm on Golden Hill the perfect venue for memorable events.

“Our old equipment shed is now the groomsman’s space with an old fridge that matches one that used to be used as a toolbox.” Rapacz said. “We’ve tried to stay true to utilizing what’s on the farm.”

And that includes the fertile soil which, in 2018, saw the introduction of seven acres of chardonnay grapevines.

“Our parents were looking at a crop to put in that’s more permanent,” Rapacz said of the choice. “And it’s been a fun family experiment.”

So much so, that the vineyard has continued to expand with the addition of Pinot noir and Riesling during the past six years.

“Now we do dessert wine, Riesling and we’re toying with sparkling,” Rapacz said. “And now we have enough wine to have a tasting room.”

The first new structure built on the property in some time, the combination tasting room and event space opened its doors to the public on Feb. 10 for a wine

and chocolate pairing.

“Part of what we love about the bar is the warmth and old wood,” Rapacz said, gesturing toward the new building’s high, paneled ceiling. “So, we tried to bring that in here and keep it neutral with the colors and textures.”

Because the plan for the new venue is that it will be truly multipurpose – open for wine tasting on Fridays and Sundays from 12 to 4 p.m., weddings on Saturdays and corporate and smaller functions during the week.

“And we designed it for year-around use,” Rapacz said, pointing to the row of French doors dividing the event space – which has the capacity to host 299 guests – from the large outdoor patio overlooking the vines. “We want a very indoor-outdoor experience.”

The sisters are also excited to host their own events, which will give the community a chance to try The Farm on Golden Hill’s namesake wine and enjoy the new space.

“March 2 we’re having a Princess Tea Party Fundraiser for a special girl we know,” Rapacz began. “Then a Sip and Shop on April 6. And on the first weekend in October, we always do our Harvest Party.” These events are just some of the ways Rapacz and Trask hope to connect with the community, sharing the place they love.

“People say, ‘I drive by and never knew this was out here,’” Rapacz said. “It’s been really fun to get people up here to see the view.”  For venue information or event tickets:  www.thefarmongoldenhill.com.

Buy • Sell • Auction • Rentals

$850,000

bath & W/D

hole~ Wintertime

Steps to creek~ Garden area~ Chicken Coop~ Scotts Mills~ Donna Paradis 503-851-0998 MLS#813185

$579,900 4bd/ 2.5ba ~ 2642 SF~ Upstairs bonus room~shop space in partial finished basement~ Oversized two car garage~ Low maintenance yard~ Home has a lot of flexible space~ Close to hospital & downtown~ Silverton~ Robin Kuhn 503-930-1896 MLS#811526

$415,000 3bd/2ba~ 1848 SF~ .52 acre~ manufactured home built in 2001~ Two fireplaces~ Separate family & living spaces~Territorial views~Lot is fenced~ Two car garage~ Shed~ Scotts Mills~ Donna Paradis 503-851-0998 MLS#812011

$315,000 Move in ready! 5bd/2ba~

1512 SF Manufactured home on owned land~ No space fee~ New roof in 2023, gutters, LVP flooring & baseboards throughout~Carport space for 2 cars w/ additional street parking available~Partially fenced yard~ Tool shed~Keizer~ Donna Paradis 503-851-0998 MLS#812646

$289,000 Build your dream home on this 2.01 buildable acre lot~ Septic approved~ Fenced~ Views of Mt. Jefferson~Salem~ Jackson Sherwood 971-343-2475 MLS#812711

$599,900 Custom built home in one of Silverton’s newest and sought after neighborhoods~ 4bd/2ba~2508 SF~Open space & plenty of light~Two separate living areas~ Views from living room~Primary bedroom is upstairs~ Big family room~ 4th bedroom needs closet~ Sellers are motivated!! Silverton~ Robin Kuhn 503-930-1896 MLS#806675

$460,000 Creek Frontage! 2bd/ 1ba~1328 SF~ .21 acre~ Upstairs bonus room~ 1 block from historic down town~ Zoned to allow duplex or ADU (plan subject to city approval)~ Seller offering $15,000 buyer credit for rate buy down or CC~ Silverton~ Valerie Boen 503-871-1667 MLS#810541

$339,000 Darling single level cottage w/charm throughout! 3bd/1ba~ 1255 SF~ Shop/shed is 13x15~ Salem~ Robin Kuhn 503-930-1896 MLS#812986

$307,000 Endless possibilities for this corner charming single level! 1bd/1ba~ 1248 SF w/upstairs bonus space that could be a second bedroom~ Chicken Coop~Covered patio~ Silverton~ Christy Cordova 541-786-1613 MLS#811515

Elise Trask and Clarissa Rapacz, owners of The Farm on Golden Hill. SUBMITTED PHOTO

By Melissa Wagoner

Growing up, Michael Turner knew that his Hungarian grandmother, Lici, was a Holocaust survivor and that both her parents and sister were killed in Auschwitz. But it wasn’t something Lici talked about – at least not with her grandson.

“When I was in high school, some video producers came and interviewed my grandma about her experiences in the Holocaust…” Turner recalled, “and it was life-altering for me to see that a camera could get her to open up about something that private.”

That event forever changed what Turner knew about his grandmother, but it also introduced him to a new passion – filmmaking.

“That was my first time seeing a camera setup, the lights, testing the sound equipment. There was just something special about it,” Turner recalled.

Inspired, Turner began taking video productions classes, first in high school and then in college, where he immersed himself in the study of documentaries.

“‘Documentary’ at that time was a very niche genre, seen as educational or boring,” Turner said. “It wasn’t until college that I started seeing documentaries that were funny, poetic, complex, more personal than anything I’d seen in feature filmmaking. I’ve been following that path ever since.”

And he’s been experiencing success, initially with the award-winning documentary, The Way We Talk – which chronicles Turner’s own experience with stuttering – and now through Monument, an exploration, not only of his grandmother’s experience of the Holocaust, but of his own journey toward understanding.

“The film is me following in her footsteps, to places she talked about in her interviews, and talking to people who could tell me about what happened, and what it means to

remember these people who are no longer here,” Turner said. “Why is it important? What lessons can we learn for today? It was a very emotional experience for me.”

And the project itself – born out of the grief he felt in the aftermath of the mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in 2018 – felt timely.

“My daughter was two and the world she was growing up in seemed to be getting scarier and scarier…” Turner explained. Remembering, “the morning after the shooting, scenes and ideas started pouring out – memories of my grandma, things she’d said, my ideas of what it meant to be Jewish, how it affects you as a kid to learn about the Holocaust, that shattering of innocence… that feeling that the world is not the place you had imagined it to be.”

Unable to question Lici herself – she died in 2011 –Turner was forced to rely on an album of photos taken before the war, the original videotaped interviews, and a memorial Lici had inexplicably commissioned in her hometown of Sarvar, Hungary in 1996.

“My grandma never talked with us about what happened to her and her family, how they lived and how they died, but she’d created this memorial,” Turner said, “and I had

this feeling like she made it for us to go find it when we were ready. When I needed it. And after the Tree of Life shooting, feeling all this anxiety about the world my daughter was growing up in, I needed it.”

And it began to feel like the world needed it as well.

“The 2020 protests for racial justice happened while we were working on the film, and suddenly monuments went from an obscure subject to being talked about every night on the news,” Turner recalled. “People were having conversations about what a monument was for… why did this particular person get a monument, whereas this individual did not. ” Suddenly, the documentary began to take shape.

Turner flew to Hungary with his producer, Alfred Lee. They visited Sarvar and the monument.

“We spent ten days there filming with anyone who would talk to us, and slowly got a picture of how the Holocaust is remembered in Hungary – or rather, how the government tries to erase that part of history from the national conversation,” Turner said. “It was very eye-opening for me and made me look at how our country remembers (or tries to forget) the most troubling parts of our history.”

Now complete, Monument has been screened at festivals across the country including the Miami Jewish Film Festival. Turner is sharing it with his own community of Silverton, too. The Palace Theatre will hold a special screening on Thursday, March 14 at 6 p.m. It will also be shown at Salem Cinema on Sunday, March 24 at 6 p.m. More info is at monumentfilm.org.

“I hope that they can learn about what happened and recognize its echoes in the world today. It feels very urgent to me. I don’t know if we’ll ever be able as a species to not fear and hate people who are different than us, but if we learn about these patterns, I hope that we will be better equipped to recognize bigotry and intolerance when we see it, and stand up for the vulnerable.”

Documentarian Michael Turner and a portrait of his grandmother, Lici, the subject of his new work, Monument SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Fix it! Repair event set for March 16 at Silver Falls Library

By James Day

Sustainable Silverton is hosting a Repair Fair and Share from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, at the Silver Falls Library, 410 S. Water St.

Free services to be offered at the event include small appliance repair, simple jewelry repair, sewing and textile repair, house plant consulting, simple bike repairs and tech assistance with computers/phones/tablets/electronics and tool and knife sharpening.

Those intending to participate should go to https://forms.gle/TzfxbB2tsYJEgD237 and register. Participants are asked to identify what type of repairs they are seeking when they sign up to make it easier for the volunteer corps to have the right assistance available the day of the fair.

Sustainable Silverton also hosted a community conversation on resiliency on Feb. 8 at the library.

Presenters looked at the examples of the 2020 wildfires and the 2021 ice

storm. What helped community members stay resilient during those events was a key thread of the presentation.

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

More than 50 people were on hand, with many participants saying that more individual preparedness would have been extremely helpful. Some families were stuck with no electricity for five to ten days, without generators or ways to save their food from spoiling, no way to keep their critical medicines refrigerated and no way to stay warm.

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

Morehouse said that some of the questions and concerns of the community

raised at the Feb. 8 event at the library also will be addressed on April 6 and at other upcoming events.

A happy customer claps her hands in delight after a Repair Fair volunteer successfully repaired her antique lamp at last year’s event in Coolidge McClaine Park.

A volunteer works with a customer on a bullhorn at last year’s Repair Fair. This year’s event is Saturday, March 16, at the Silver Falls Public Library. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Passages

Linda & David Gerlits celebrate 50th wedding anniversary

David and Linda (Esser) Gerlits of Silverton, Oregon will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on March 23, 2024. They were married on March 23, 1974, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Silverton by the bride’s cousin, Father Michael Sprauer. The bridesmaids wore green polyester dresses, and the groomsmen wore their hair long.

Both Dave and Linda are life-long residents of Silverton. Dave worked for many years as a bus driver and short order cook at the Towne House before taking a job with the State, driving a mail shuttle. Linda worked at the local Redman Homes, Inc. before

taking a payroll job with Willamette University in Salem. The happy couple are enjoying their retirement years with Pinochle parties, jigsaw puzzles, gardening, delicious naps, and the occasional popcorn dinner.

Dave and Linda have three children, Lisa Gerlits (Michiel Nankman), Kevin Gerlits (Therese Fennimore), and Jolene (Nigel) Shook, all living in Silverton; seven grandchildren, Alexander, Annabel, and Mieke Nankman, Alana and Emmett Gerlits, and Rainier and baby Duncan Shook. They are also about to welcome an eighth grandchild from the Shook family.

Sister Mechtilde Fennimore, OSB

March 12, 1930 – Jan. 25, 2024

Sister Mechtilde Fennimore, OSB, a long-time member of Queen of Angels Monastery, died in the morning of Jan. 25, 2024 at Providence Benedictine Nursing Center’s Orchard House, Mount Angel, Oregon. She was 93 years old. She was a Benedictine Sister for 74 years.

Sister Mechtilde was born on a farm near Mount Angel to Edgar Fennimore and Madeline (Gilman) Fennimore and given the name Charmaine. She was the only girl in a family of five brothers: Charles, Emmett, Gilman, Edgar, and Cyril, all of whom are deceased.

Sister Mechtilde was baptized and received the sacraments at St. Mary Church in Mount Angel. She attended Thomas Public School and high school at Mt. Angel Academy, graduating in 1948. She was accepted into the Benedictine community on Aug. 9, 1947, and became a novice on Feb. 10, 1948. She professed her vows on Feb. 10, 1950, taking the name Sister Mechtilde.

In Sister Mechtilde’s early years she took care of the bee hives, farm and garden; served as director of housing for Sisters and guests; kitchen manager for the monastery and the Mt. Angel College cafeteria, 1950-1970; sub-prioress from 1968-1977 and 2005-2007; infirmary director, 19712001; monastic council, 2002 and 20062012; the monastic community owner’s representative for the renovation and building projects of 1986, 1996 and 1998; and in her last years (until 2015) she was procurator, kitchen coordinator, and maintenance director.

She is survived by her many nieces and nephews, cousins and her monastic community, the Benedictine Sisters of Mount Angel.

A vigil was held on Jan. 30 in the chapel at Orchard House, with receiving and viewing held on Jan. 31 at the Queen of Angels. Gifts can be sent to Benedictine Sisters, 840 S. Main St., Mt. Angel, OR 97362.

Donna Lois (Upjohn) Brown

Jan. 17, 1924 –Jan. 28, 2024

Donna was born 100 years ago in Salem, Oregon.

As a girl, Donna was involved in 4-H. She raised rabbits, knitted, and became a talented seamstress, as was her mother.

As a teenager Donna enjoyed band concerts at Wilson Park in Salem and roller skating at Mellow Moon Roller Rink located on the west bank of the Willamette River. After closing time she drove over to White’s Restaurant on Commercial Street for a milk shake, hamburger or coke. Other times she would attend football games.

Dating with Kenneth was interrupted by World War II. He returned from the European Theater and they were married a year later in June of 1948.

The couple moved to Silverton, where Kenneth established a law office. They raised four children, Ken (Jody) of Tualatin, Oregon; Bill (Jane) of Silverton, Oregon; Barbara of Cloverdale, Oregon, and Harriet of Sacramento, California.

In 1944, Donna graduated from North Salem High School. She dated Kenneth Elton Brown who lived across the street and graduated the same year.

At Oregon State College in Corvallis she was a member of Tri-Delta Sorority. In 1946 she graduated with a degree in General Science.

After her children were in school, Donna returned to college to earn her teaching certificate. Then she enjoyed teaching at Silver Crest Elementary School for 16 years. Kenneth passed away in 1982. Her six siblings also preceded her in death.

Donna’s hobbies were drawing, woodcarving, reading, crossword puzzles, and watching Jeopardy.

She is survived by her four children, three grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

Sister Theresa Henscheid, OSB

Oct. 26, 1935 – Jan. 26, 2024

Sister Theresa Henscheid, OSB, a long-time member of Queen of Angels Monastery, died in the afternoon of Jan. 26, 2024, at Providence Benedictine Nursing Center, Mount Angel, Oregon. She was 88 years old.

Sister Theresa was the second child born to Carl Henscheid and Dorothy (Rausch) Henscheid, the second of 14 children: James, Margaret (Sister Theresa), Annette, Betty Mae, Thomas, Helen, John, Leonard, Paul, Andrew, Rose Mary, Joseph, Patricia, and Victor.

Sister Theresa was assigned in 1956 to serve as a nurse’s aide in the newly established Benedictine Village Home, forerunner to the Benedictine Nursing Center. In 1968 she attended Nursing School in Vancouver, Washington receiving her nursing degree in 1970 and continued her service in Benedictine Nursing Center and later joined the Benedictine Home Health department from 1989-2000. She served for 40 years at the nursing center.

Sister Theresa was baptized in St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Rupert, Idaho, and participated in all church activities with her family. She attended the public grade school and high school and graduated in 1954. That same summer she entered Queen of Angels Monastery. She made her temporary profession on July 11, 1956, and her perpetual profession on July 11, 1959. She was a Benedictine Sister for 68 years.

Sister Theresa is predeceased by her parents and her older brother, James. She is survived by her sisters, brothers, her many nieces and nephews, cousins and her monastic community, the Benedictine Sisters of Mount Angel.

A vigil was celebrated on Feb. 7, in the chapel at Orchard House,. with receiving and viewing on Feb. 8 at the Queen of Angels Chapel. Gifts can be sent to Benedictine Sisters, 840 S. Main St., Mt. Angel, OR 97362.

Beverly Jean Ferguson Aug. 31, 1944 – Feb. 6, 2024

Beverly Jean Ferguson of Silverton passed away Feb. 6, 2024, after a short illness.

Beverly was born Aug. 31, 1944 to Rochus and Catherine Weigel. She grew up in Molalla and graduated from high school in 1962.

After high school she attended Mt. Angel College.

Beverly was preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Carol, Dianna and Joyce.

On June 5, 1964, she married her high school sweetheart, Larry Ferguson. Beverly and Larry lived their entire married lives in the Marquam, Mount Angel and Silverton areas.

Beverly was a homemaker and had a deep love for family and friends. She especially loved the family camping and fishing trips to Detroit Lake and family reunions. In her later years she walked 10,000 plus steps each day, was an avid reader, golfer, flower gardener and attended Beaver basketball games.

She was raised a Catholic and made sure

the family was at mass each week. Her faith taught her to help others by volunteering at her church and the local schools. She especially loved to volunteer with the Silverton Hospital Auxiliary, where she worked at the espresso bar, the family waiting room, and was also chairperson of the Scholarship Committee for many years.

She is survived by her husband, Larry; sons, Mark (Cathy) of Madras, David of Silverton, and daughter Amy Lewis (Dave) of Corvallis; grandchildren Justine Buchanan (Clint) of Prineville, Jessie Smith (John) of Madras, and Henry and Rose Lewis of Corvallis; great granddaughters Sara Jean Buchanan and Morgan Ann Smith; and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Silverton Health Auxiliary Scholarship Fund in her memory.

Services were held at St. Paul Catholic Church in Silverton on Feb. 9 followed by burial at Miller Cemetery.

Lenore Teresa Rose Vetsch Schaecher

July 26, 1930 – Feb. 3, 2024

Lenore Teresa Rose Vetsch

Schaecher, age 93, of Mount Angel, Oregon, passed on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024.

Lenore was born the youngest of 10 to Adolph and Katherine Vetsch on a farm in Bluffton, Alberta, Canada where she grew up and completed her education.

Anyone who knew her would remember both her sweetness, and her spunk. It was that kind of spirit that led to a move far from home at just 18 years old, following her best friend and older sister Helen, landing herself in her life-long home in Mount Angel, Oregon.

Judy, Lou, Teresa, Renee, Pat, Dale and Steven.

From the moment Lenore established roots in Mount Angel, she dedicated her life to her family and her faith. At St. Mary’s Church she served as a lector, eucharistic minister, flower arranger, teacher of catechism and RCIA classes, and most notably, serving over 50 years in the church choir.

She was a talented seamstress, sewing over 20 wedding dresses for young brides in town among many other things. She also served as the smiling face behind the counter at the drugstore in Mount Angel.

Our beloved Jere Wayne White passed away peacefully in his home on Jan. 22, 2024, with his husband Gary Richmond and best friend Francine Marie by his side, after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 64 years old.

Jere was born on July 14, 1959, in Amarillo, Texas to parents Jere and Barbara White. He grew up in Panhandle, Texas with his older sister, Kim. Jere received a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Angelo State University then went on to receive a Masters of Divinity at Phillips University Seminary in Enid, Oklahoma in 1988. In Enid he met his husband of 35 years, Gary Richmond.

In 1990 Jere and Gary moved to Oregon where Jere finished his formal education with a Master of Library Science from Emporia State University. He enjoyed a 28-year career with Multnomah County library as a librarian, where he created an outreach program providing library services for shut ins.

Jere and Gary made their home in the St. John’s neighborhood of Portland for 28 years before escaping Portland and relocating to Mount Angel, Oregon in 2021.

Jere loved traveling the world with his husband, collecting pre-Columbian art, and had a passion for beautiful things, particularly anything 18 karat or better! Ruby was his favorite gemstone, and he wore many throughout his life. Jere was a very generous man and supported many charities, including Habitat for Humanity, Heifer International and most recently the Mount Angel Public Library.

Jere leaves behind his loving husband, Gary; their three cherished dogs Ben, Benny and Joey; his very best friend in the world, Francine Marie; his sister, Kim Sterling, and her husband Steve; his nephew, Colby Sterling, and his wife Marci; niece, Kelly Neumeyer, and her husband Drew; his grandnieces and nephews and many close personal friends.

Jere, you will be loved beyond forever.

11, 2024

Nancy Bleakney June 21,1936 — Feb. 19, 2024

While visiting Helen, Lenore was introduced to Wilbert “Bill” Schaecher at a wedding in town. Soon after, he asked her to a dance. The sparks flew, an engagement followed, and those sparks turned to fireworks as they were married on July 4, 1949 at St. Mary’s Church.

Lenore and Bill had eight children: Rick,

She is survived by her eight loving children, 21 grandchildren, and 45 great grandchildren.

Her final day was spent peacefully in bed, surrounded by loved ones in a room filled with musical farewells and tender goodbyes.

Arrangements by Unger Funeral Chapel.

Timothy L Yount

Daniel Hailey

Tuesdays

Wednesdays Flatbreads $9

Thursdays

Winter wrapup

Silverton finished 11th as a team at the Class 5A state wrestling championships Feb. 22-24 at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Portland.

Leading the way for the Foxes was junior 285-pounder Brash Henderson, who dominated his weight class on the way to his first state championship. Henderson, who took second last year at 220 pounds, scored two pins and a 12-5 major decision to reach the finals, where he faced Isaac Jordan of Lebanon and scored a 3-1 victory.

Fridays Margarita Flights Taco Flights

Saturdays & Sundays Breakfast 9am to 1pm Mimosa Flights Bloody Marys $5 ALL DAY

Sunday only –

The Foxes scored 67 team points, with junior Bo Zurcher taking third at 157 pounds via a fall against Jesse Hernandez in the final. Also scoring points for Silverton were Kingston Meadors (126), Ezequiel AgalaLiago (150), Mitchell Magill (175) and Ethan Graham (190).

The Silverton girls finished 20th in Class 6A-5A with 29 points, led by fifth-place finishers McKayla Bonham (125) and Ella Lulich (190). Bonham pinned Kassidy Hadden of Thurston  in her match for fifth, while Lulich won by fall against Katelyn Dow of Thurston.

Earlier, the Silverton boys took fourth place with 203.5 points at the Mid-Willamette district meet Feb. 16-17 at the Salem Armory Auditorium. Perennial power Dallas ran away with the team crown with 500.5 points, 220 ahead of runner-up West Albany. Henderson and Zurcher won district titles, while Graham was 2nd, Meadors and Agala-Liago took third and Magill was fourth.

Kennedy, meanwhile, scored eight points in the boys Class 2A/1A state meet, with Julio Reyes Hernandez (120) and 285-pounder Evan Wyatt participating. Both wrestlers finished third in the district meet at Toledo on Feb. 10. Senior Isaac Berning, who finished with a sterling 27-7 record in his first season on the mat, took fifth at districts at 190 pounds, as did 175-pounder Creo Walker Grant Bruner (165) and Angel Lopez (120) took sixth, while the Trojans finished 7th as a team with 93 points.

Swimming: Both Silverton teams finished in the top 12 at the Class 5A state championships Feb. 16-17 at the Tualatin Hills Aquatic Center, with coach Lucky Rogers telling Our Town “this is better than I had envisioned when the season started, so a good season.”

The boys finished with eight points, good for tenth place, with the girls totaling three points and a 12th-place finish.

Sophomore Nolan Horner took fifth in both the 50 and 100 free and broke a 1989 school record in the longer race, where he swam 50.15. Also breaking the school record was the boys 400 free relay team, which finished

fifth in 3:26.22. Horner was joined by freshman Hunter Siewell and juniors Joey Walker and Carter Daniel on the record-setting relay foursome.

Sophomore Breeza Rodriguez sparked the girls for the Aqua Foxes, finishing sixth in the 100 backstroke in a personal best 1:03.42. Silverton’s 200 free relay quartet of juniors Kailea Buckley and Cordelia Bay  and senior Ella Mantie and sophomore Khylee Howell also took sixth in 1:48.58.

In the Mid-Willamette Conference district meet Feb. 9-10 at the Osborn Aquatic Center in Corvallis the girls took second place, just five points behind champion West Albany. The boys were third behind West Albany and Crescent Valley. Horner broke the school record in the 50 free with a 22.43 while taking third. Bay (second in 100 free) and Rodriguez (second in 100 back) paced the girls, who took second despite not winning an event.

The girls went 8-0 in league dual meets, with the boys finishing 6-2. Rodriguez and Horner earned the two team MVP awards, with senior Evie Smith taking home the Dennis Downey Award for the most inspirational swimmer.

Volleyball: Silverton standout Alexis Haury signed her letter-of-intent to play in college for the University of Washington at a ceremony in the school library.

Haury, a two-time all-state pick and 2022 MidWillamette Conference player of the year, ended her career as the school leader in kills (season and career), aces (season and career) and the career leader in both assists and digs.

“Alexis is the most talented volleyball player I’ve had the chance to work with, but she is also one of the most humble and academic focused young women I have ever met,” Foxes coach Kirsten Barnes told Our Town

Silverton volleyball standout Alexis Haury is flanked by her parents, sister, Ella, and her grandmother on Feb. 12 at her signing ceremony. Haury will play college volleyball at the University of Washington. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Brash Henderson. JAMES DAY

Monday, March 11

Boys Tennis

4 p.m. Silverton vs Stayton

Girls Tennis

4 p.m. Silverton vs Stayton Baseball

4:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Santiam Baseball

TBD Silverton vs McNary

Tuesday, March 12

Softball

4:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Santiam

Wednesday, March 13

Softball

TBD Silverton vs Lake Oswego

Baseball

5 p.m. Silverton vs Barlow

Friday, March 15

Softball

4:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Regis

Saturday, March 16

Softball

5 p.m. Silverton vs Tualatin

Monday, March 18

Boys Tennis

4 p.m. Silverton vs McNary

Friday, March 22

Softball

4 p.m. Silverton vs Mountain View

* Home varsity events only. Visit osaa.org for complete schedules.

Silverton finished 12-8 last fall and advanced to the round of 16 of the Class 5A playoffs before falling to eventual state runner-up Bend.

Boys Basketball: Kennedy finished its season 18-9 after falling to Stanfield 56-45 on Feb. 23, in the Class 2A playoffs. The loss left the Trojans one game short of a return to Pendleton for the Class 2A tournament. Kennedy finished third a year ago. The Trojans were 11-5 in the Tri-River Conference, losing twice to Regis and twice to Western Christian in the league season. Western is the top seed and Regis is No. 2 in the 2A tournament.

Umpires: The Oregon Athletic Officials

Association and the Oregon School Activities Association are recruiting officials for the high school spring sports seasons. There is an immediate need for umpires in baseball and softball.

Becoming a high school official has several benefits including staying involved in athletics, maintaining good physical condition and earning money, according to OAOA Executive Director Jack Folliard.

“Oregon has an urgent need for officials in all sports,” Folliard said. “Officials provide valuable service to high schools and students, make a positive impact in the community and build relationships.”

Those interested should visit  www.newofficials.org/.

I have never paid much attention to the weather. After all, what’s the point? There is absolutely nothing I can do about it. Plus, the weather forecast is always more of a best guess than a guarantee. Even the meteorologists seem confounded. We’re supposed to be in the middle of an El Niño. In general, that means we should be having a dry and warm winter. We are – exception when it’s wet and cold.

Want to know what the weather will be tomorrow? Flip a coin.

I used to live in the Lousy Weather Capital of the World – Juneau, Alaska. It rained an average of 90 inches a year, about twice as much as in the Willamette Valley. I mean, Silverton and Stayton are in a desert compared to Juneau. Each year, July 4 was the only day of the year with even a 50-50 chance of it not raining.

Every other day, the odds favored rain.

During the winter, the average temperature was about 32 degrees. That meant the precipitation came in the form of rain, snow, sleet, ice, freezing rain or liquid misery from the netherworld, making the storms we occasionally get in Oregon seem pretty tame.

What brings that to mind is a conversation I had the other day with a guy I met who lives in Juneau. He reported that 76 inches of snow had fallen there in January. One month. That’s nearly 2.5 inches of snow a day.

Michael M. Bliss, DMD, PC

He also mentioned that when it wasn’t snowing, it was raining. That’s when Juneau turns into the world’s biggest snow cone.

I have never been so grateful that we had moved – even if it was to Minnesota, which has its own set of winter time challenges.

I lived in Juneau for 14 years and had a good job editing the local newspaper. I worked ten to 12 hours a day, plus weekends. I loved my work.

I never thought much about that, but maybe it was because my job kept me indoors. It also gave me the discipline to ignore the weather. Whether it was raining, snowing or anything else made no difference. The best plan was always the same – ignore it.

I still felt that way here in Oregon. I never checked the weather forecasts. Every morning when I woke up, the weather was a total surprise. Rain was

fine. So was fog, or almost anything else short of a hurricane. It just didn’t matter.

Until recently. I have gone from a weather agnostic to a fanatic. Lately, when I catch a glimpse of sunshine, I am totally twitterpated. I feel as though the day will be the best ever. I know the birds will be singing and the song “Zip-A-Dee Doo Dah” will be dancing inside my skull.

My, oh my, what a wonderful day.

I don’t know why that is. Maybe it’s a realization that I – and everyone else – only have so many days to roam the planet and we’re best off enjoying the sunshine.

Or maybe it’s just a happy reminder that I’m not in Juneau anymore.

GENERAL

ORGANIC VEGETABLE GARDEN Do you want your own organic vegetable garden? Don’t have the time or energy? 30 years experience. Call: 707-494-7666.(Stayton area)

MT. ANGEL MODEL RAILROAD Open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays at The Depot, 90 W. College St., Mt. Angel. Lionel (O-gauge), HO-gauge, N-gauge model layouts on display, for all ages. Free.

MOBILE TINY HOUSE FOR SALE Viewable in lot: Washington and Miller. Towable with pickup truck. Many storage spaces. Good for another 30 years. Take a look. Call if interested, 707-494-7666.

BUDGET MEETING Budget committee member opening with Mt. Angel School District. See www. masd91.org home page or call 503-845-2345

HELP WANTED

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

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

PART-TIME ADVERTISING ACCOUNT

EXECUTIVE If you like a sense of community, building business relationships, and are comfortable talking with new people and using a computer and smartphone as necessary, we offer a flexible position in a calm but deadlinefocused environment. Mt. Angel Publishing, Inc. produces a variety of publications – from annual and quarterly magazines to weekly and monthly newspapers. Our publications build community and we’re proud of that role. We will train you in our publications and process, then give you an account list to manage and grow. The goal is to provide you with the tools to be successful and help build our business community. This is a new position. It offers 20 flexible hours (32 hours is considered full time) and a combination of in-office and remote work. Initially hourly, compensation shifts to hourly-plus-commission as your assignments grow. Benefits include Paid Time Off and Sick Leave. The right candidate will possess good communication

skills, be self-motivated and goal-oriented, and have reliable transportation. Sales experience and familiarity with – and a desire to provide – good customer service a strong plus. If you are looking for a family-friendly environment, supportive company culture, room to grow and a role in shaping the company’s future this could be a great fit. Resume to: paula.m@mtangelpub.com or Publisher, Mt. Angel Publishing, Inc., P.O. Box 927, Mt. Angel, OR 97362.

SERVICES

HANDYMAN & HOME REPAIR SERVICE

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

B & J JANITORIAL, INC. 20 years experience. References available. 503-313-5816 jasmine2pena@gmail.com

JESSE’S LAWN SERVICE & HANDYMAN

Pruning, edging, trimming, blackberry cleaning, gutter cleaning, arborvitae, moss treatment, yard clean-up, stump grinding, powerwashing, haul-away. 503-871-7869

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

#T2809 NEW CONSTRUCTION $699,000

Large 10,000+sqft lot on the north edge of Silverton. The home was built with dual living / generational living in mind. Home has several upgraded features. Main level master suite w/ large walk-in closet & bath. Great room w/ gas insert fireplace, granite counter tops, solid surface flooring, & custom cabinets. 3BR 2.5BA w/ additional but separate 1BR 1BA dual living. Large 2 car garage & sunset views. 519sqft ADU can be rented for income. Call for list of amenities. Call Michael at ext. 314 (WVMLS#813139)

#T2807

BEAUTIFUL CUSTOM HOME $799,800

Beautiful Custom Home in Abiqua Heights, all the extras that you would want in your home, fir trim with custom fir built ins, open kitchen to living room with gas fireplace and eat in kitchen, Plus formal dining and living room with custom built ins. Single level 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath with office and upstairs bonus room. Plus, pottery studio that has power, heat and water. Private backyard with partially covered deck, plus patio area to enjoy your tranquil water feature. Commons with pond. ((WVMLS#812246)

NEW! – $T2809 – NEW CONSTRUCTION 4 BR, 3.5 BA 3275 sqft Call Michael at ext. 314 $699,000 (WVMLS#813139)

#T2789 SILVERTON MOBILE ESTATES

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

#T2792 FAIRY TALE COTTAGE 3 BR, 2 BA 2997 sqft Call Michael at ext. 314 $770,000 (WVMLS#808110)

SOLD! – #T2802 CLASSIC HISTORICAL SILVERTON 4 BR, 3 BA 3794 sqft Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $768,500 (WVMLS#811026)

#T2807 BEAUTIFUL CUSTOM HOME 3 BR, 2.5 BA 3024 sqft Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $799,800 (WVMLS#812246)

#T2808 IMMACULATE 1927 BUNGALOW 2 BR, 1 BA 852 sqft Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $398,700 (WVMLS#812286)

#T2789

Wow!!

many amazing updates in this home from the floor up! Newer roof, paint, flooring, cabinets, counters,

bathrooms, plumbing and so much more. You will

another one like this one in the desirable Silverton Mobile Estates. Conveniently and centrally located in the park. You must see this one. Call Becky at ext. 313 (WVMLS# 807664)

Chuck

Kirsten

Sarah

Micha