Our Town North: April 1, 2023

$799,000

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

$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

gates. 295 Cleveland St., Mount Angel. MLS#793598

Under Contract

$595,000

$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

Price Reduced $349,000

NEW! $595,000

120.50 Acres, Recreation or Timber land, Reprod Timber, road system, Ideal for RV/ Campsite. Maple Grove, Molalla. MLS#802319

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

Under Contract

$449,000

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

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

$285,000

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

$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

NEW! $127,500

Buildable residential lot, 7650 sq. ft. City water and sewer available. Property has iconic water tower located on it. 617 Keene Ave. Silverton. MLS#802507

On the Cover

Participants of Community Transition Program and Silverton Mainstay were joined by instructors and friends for their first adult prom at Silverton United Methodist Church on March 10.

Corrections

The editor had a bad day when producing the March 15 Our Town Life. In trying to clarify that the RV park owned by columnist Melissa Wagoner’s family was not in our area, the label Eastern was added. Should have been coastal Oregon. Then, the speaker in the article on SACA’s plans for the former Ratchet building was misidentified as SACA Board President Ken DeSantis. The speaker was Executive Director Sarah DeSantis.

Sincere apologies to all involved –including our readers and writers –for the confusion.

SILVERTON AREA SENIORS, INC.

Masks are optional, per personal choice.

APRIL 2023 PROGRAMS

This Month

Saturday, April 1 –There is a Lot Going on Here...

Community Breakfast for ALL Ages

Free with donations gladly accepted for Pancakes & More ALL Ages Welcome

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION PARTY & LUNCH

To Honor Silverton Senior Center & Meals on Wheels Volunteers!

Baked Potato Bar & Dessert – Compliments of Wooden Nickel & NWSDS

RSVP Requested but not required • Friday, April 7 from 12 - 2 pm • at Senior Center

Open Art Studio featured Artist Theresa Sharrar

Wednesday, April 19 at 1pm

Our Town

P.O. Box 927 Mount Angel, OR 97362

401 Oak St. Silverton, OR 97381 503-845-9499

ourtown.life@mtangelpub.com

ourtownlive.com

Our Town mailed free to residents and businesses in the 97362, 97375, 97381 zip codes. Subscriptions for outside this area are $48 annually.

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

Thank you for spending time with Our Town. Your comments and suggestions are always welcome.

Bingo Friday, April 20, 2pm at Methodist Church with Mainstay Group

Exercise, Dance, Movement

Stamp Camp: Card Making Friday, April 21 at 6:30 pm

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

Low Impact Exercise Class: 9:30 am Mon / Wed / Fri

Free for members / $5 for nonmembers (donations gladly accepted)

Optimal Health Class: Wednesdays, 10am. $30/class; $25/class with 4. Inc. booklet Saturday Night Fever Dance Party: 6pm, $5

Weekly Drop In Activities

Coffee & Conversation: Mondays 11am

Bridge: Mondays 10am

Poker: Mondays 12pm / Fridays 9:30am

Ukulele Song Circle: Mon 3:30pm & Fri 1pm

Pinochle: Tuesdays / Fridays 12pm

Knit Wits: Wednesdays 10am

Open Art Studio: Wednesdays 1pm

Bingo: Thursdays 2pm $1 / 2 cards

Dominoes: Fridays 1pm

Once a Month

Garden Club Meeting: Tuesday, April 4 at 2pm

Dine Out Club: Water Mountains Restaurant, Silverton. Thursday, April 6 at 6pm. All seniors invited! Order off menu, pay independently Call 503-873-3093 by 5 pm to carpool.

Monthly Member Birthday Party: Friday, April 7 at 10am

SASI Board Meeting: Tuesday, April 11 at 5pm. RSVP 503-873-3093. Public welcome.

Ancestry Detective Meeting: Tuesday, April 11 at 10am

Silverton-Mt. Angel Women’s Connection Luncheon Thursday, April 13 at 1pm

Services & Advice

Retiring Joyfully Series: Mondays, 5:30pm $35 • Massages: Wednesdays by appt.

Reflexologist: Thursdays, 1pm by appt. • RN Foot Care: Tue & Wed by appt. only

ASL American Sign Language Class:April 8 & 20 for $20

Veterans Service Office Representative: Thursday, April 13. 9am. Walk-ins welcome.

United Healthcare Rep: Thursday, April 13 at 1pm

Long Term Care Seminar with Rose Elder Law: April 25 at 10am

Jim Kinghorn Advertising Director

Paula Mabry Editor & Publisher

DeeDe Williams Office Manager

Steve Beckner Custom Design

Tavis Bettoli-Lotten Designer & Copy Editor

James Day Sports Editor & Reporter

Janet Patterson Distribution

Melissa Wagoner Reporter

Stephen Floyd Digital Editor & Reporter

Sara Morgan Datebook Editor

In the ring

Eight file for four seats on SFSD Board

By Stephen Floyd

Seven challengers and one incumbent have filed for four open positions on the Silver Falls School District (SFSD) Board, with seats to be decided during the May 16 Primary Election.

As of the March 16 filing deadline, Board Member Tom Buchholz, representing Zone 7, was the only incumbent to file for re-election. Board members Janet Allanach of Zone 1, Lori McLaughlin of Zone 3, and Jonathan Edmonds of Zone 6 declined to seek new terms.

Challengers include Jo Tucker and Philip Wiesner for Zone 1, Dixon Bledsoe and Derrick Foxworth Jr. for Zone 3, Joshua Ort and Eliza Torlyn for Zone 6, and Jesse Smith for Zone 7.

Tucker is a former elementary-level special education assistant for SFSD and currently works as an intake representative for the Oregon Department of Education. This would be their first role in elected office.

Wiesner is a farmer and retired teacher, with 36 years of experience in the Silverton and Mount Angel areas. He has been a member of the Mt. Angel Fire District Board of Directors for more than 20 years, and previously ran for a seat on the SFSD Board in 2015.

Bledsoe is a real estate broker and former co-owner of BST Realty, in Silverton, and also has a background in medical consulting. He has formerly served on the Silverton City Council, Silverton Planning Commission and Willamette Education Service District Board.

Foxworth is a lieutenant with the Portland Police Bureau, a parent of local students and a volunteer soccer coach for the Silver Falls Soccer Club. This would be his first role in elected office.

Ort is a chiropractor and owner of Ort Chiropractic Clinic, in Silverton, and has a history of helping the district provide athletics physicals for student athletes. This would be his first role in elected office.

Buchholz is a farmer and owner of Buchholz-Schmitz Farms, in Scotts Mills, as well as Evergreen Christmas Tree Equipment, in Woodburn. He has been a board member since being elected in 2011 and had not held prior government office.

Smith is a full time parent with a background in web development, marketing consultation and music education. He has not held prior elected office, and was the Democratic candidate for Oregon Representative District 18 during the 2022 General Election, which went to incumbent Rep. Rick Lewis. www.ourtownlive.com

Three SFSD Board incumbents step aside

Three incumbents on the Silver Falls School District Board have declined to seek re-election during the May 16 primary for reasons ranging from personal obligations to concerns over district leadership.

March 16 was the filing deadline for primary candidates. Board members Janet Allanach, Lori McLaughlin and Jonathan Edmonds, whose terms expire this year, did not submit their names.

Allanach and McLaughlin were elected in 2019 and are finishing their first terms. Edmonds was appointed to fill a board vacancy in 2018 before being elected in 2019 and is finishing his first full term.

Allanach told Our Town her work obligations have intensified since becoming executive director of Community Action Partnership of Oregon and she does not have time to devote to the board like she once did. Allanach said she is confident in the leadership of Superintendent Scott Drue and is pleased to see a “robust” slate of candidates for the school board election.

“Turnover is healthy and fresh perspectives are valuable,” said Allanach.

Edmonds similarly expressed support for administrators and was clear he is not stepping down due to concerns over district leadership. He said leadership in Salem was his primary concern, saying he was “disenchanted”

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by heavy-handed state mandates, particularly COVID-related policies.

“They seem primarily invested in pushing specific progressive agendas through our education system while allowing the actual learning part of education to flounder,” said Edmonds. “Our students deserve better.”

McLaughlin was pointed in her impression of district leadership, expressing strong concerns about the superintendent’s actions.

She claimed information given to decision makers is manipulated to result in the desired outcomes, and those who express alternative opinions are sidelined in the name of creating unity. She said both the school board and the district’s collective bargaining team have experienced this.

She lay the blame for a recent impasse with the teacher’s union squarely at Drue’s feet.

McLaughlin cited the superintendent’s behavior as her reason for stepping aside.

District spokesperson Derek McElfresh said the district had no comment on McLaughlin’s statements. Drue did not respond to a request for comment.

Board Chair Jennifer Treager said, during a formal evaluation Feb. 27, the board rated Drue’s performance as exemplary, including a strong relationship with board members.

– Stephen Floyd

Impasse Silver Falls School District Board optimistic about negotiations

By Stephen Floyd

The Silver Falls School District (SFSD) Board is hopeful they can compromise with the teacher’s union after an impasse was declared March 17, though administrators say there is little ground left to give.

During a special meeting of the board March 23, officials said they were optimistic a negotiated contract was possible during mediation sessions scheduled for April 5 and 17.

Board Vice Chair Aaron Koch, who is also on the district’s bargaining team, said both sides have come closer during prior sessions and he believes they can still find a compromise.

“I truly am hopeful that even greater understanding can be achieved and we can come to an agreement in a very timely fashion,” said Koch.

SFEA declared an impasse March 17 after nearly a year of negotiations. This allows them to consider a final offer or potentially strike, which could occur as early as April 23.

Both parties remain apart on issues related to class size and compensation.

During a mediation session March 9, the district proposed a cost of living adjustment (COLA) of 5.8 percent this school year, compared to a proposed 3 percent when mediation began Feb. 7. This was closer to SFEA’s recent proposal of 7 percent, but this contract article remains unresolved.

On March 23, Superintendent Scott Drue told the board the 5.8 percent proposal represented “the ceiling of what we can afford.” He said he is committed to competitive compensation, but there is only so much money in the budget.

“Our reality is we have a fixed budget, and we have to do what we can to support our teachers within the confines of our fiscal responsibilities,” said Drue.

On Facebook March 21, SFEA said they were seeking “compensation that keeps pace with comparable local districts.”

The March 9 session also saw a proposal where the district would publish “class size

funding ratios” each year. If a class exceeded this ratio, teachers would work directly with principals to resolve the issue including use of teaching aides, alternative class schedules, transfer or reassignment of students, or possible substitute days to catch up on outof-class work.

This proposal did not result in an agreement.

The union has asked for specific limits on class sizes and specific steps to resolve excessive student loads. If these methods do not work or are impractical, they have requested a 1.5 percent pay bump for teachers with large classes.

On March 21, SFEA said on Facebook they are seeking a class size policy that provides “a guaranteed system of support for educators.”

On March 23, Assistant Superintendent Dan Busch told board members the union’s proposal would give too much authority to teachers with potential conflicts of interests. He said the proposal would allow teachers to veto potential solutions in favor of the 1.5 percent pay increase, while the ability

of teachers to file grievances over class size would hold the district accountable to problems it cannot control.

“We will not agree to any of the following: establishing static class size guidelines, allowing a teacher veto power over possible solutions, or allowing grievances over a subject where we lack full control,” said Busch.

Board members were split on whether or not SFEA’s requests had merit.

Board Member Lori McLaughlin said compromising with the union’s terms may help rebuild trust after burnout from the COVID-19 pandemic. Board Member Jonathan Edmonds said he sees SFEA’s proposals as divisive and unnecessarily complex.

Board Chair Jennifer Treager said she can see why the union might want language that prevents worst-case scenarios, given the recent impacts of COVID. She added she understood any strong emotions tied to those proposals.

SilvertonBudgetCommitteeMeetings

Thursday,April 20, 20236:00pm

Tuesday,April25, 20236:00pm

Dan Wilgus Owner

CCB#186393

Dr. Daniel Côté, DC

Dr. Jennifer Martin, DC

Senior

Thursday,April 27, 20236:00pm InCouncilChamberslocatedat421S.WaterSt.

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

The Silverton High school senior class will be working on projects throughout the City and local parks to commend the forty year senior clean-up tradition. To honor Arbor Day, there will be a tree planted in the Old Mill Park to continue the Cities missionto fight climate change.

SewerAveraging

2022-2023 Residential Winter Sewer Averaging Ends Soon. Since the City does not have a way toaccount for the amount of wastewater you discharge, the City has come up with a fair way to chargeforwastewatersystemuse.Theassumptionforwastewateruseis thatduringthewinterbillingmonths of November through April water usage is confined to inside your residence and goes downthe drains to the wastewater sewer plant to be treated. Customers will see their new average reflectedon theirMay utility bills.

Sorting it out Silverton Civic Center build having domino effect

By James Day

If you build it, other decisions will have to be made.

That’s the challenge the City of Silverton faces as construction heads toward the home stretch on the new Civic Center on the former Eugene Field School property.

The $19.5 million Civic Center project, which was opened to public tours March 16, is scheduled to be ready for occupancy in September. The new building was deemed necessary because the city had outgrown City Hall, which also is seismically unsafe. The new 26,000-square-foot two-story building will house city staff, including the Silverton Police Department, which will take up most of the first floor.

The addition of the Civic Center will have a trickle-down effect on a series of properties and institutions. Here is a quick snapshot from a City Council work session on March 20, which marked the first public discussion of the issues:

Old City Hall and the Fischer Building:

Oddly enough the two buildings and the parking lot between them are in the same 18.5-acre tax lot as the library, the pool, Old Mill Park, the East Bank Trail and Coolidge McClaine Park. Thus, whatever the city decides to do with the properties, the land must be partitioned first, which means a bit of permitting and red tape, including title searches, surveying and utility investigations.

Community Center: The multi-tenant building where the council meets is owned by the State of Oregon and leased to the city. Silverton Area Community Aid and the Marion County Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program are moving north within the next year or so to the building formerly occupied by the Ratchet Brewery. YMCA programs also use the building. Councilor Marie Traeger said she has participated in four meetings on the subject and that “they want to build their own building.”

Eugene Field site: The Civic Center will occupy about  half of the former school block. The remaining southerly portion of the 2.7-acre property has been the subject

of much speculation as well as an informal public meeting hosted by City Manager Ron Chandler that focused mainly on parking

issues. There will be 56 parking spaces at the Civic Center, about evenly split between staff-only spots in the rear of the building

Silverton Community Development Director Jason Gottgetreu gives a tour of the second floor of the Civic Center building. The new facility is set to open in September, with questions remaining on the final disposition of other properties in town. JAMES DAY

and public ones in front of it. City officials noted that the staff lot that will back up to A Street is not large enough to accommodate all city staffers and police vehicles.

Downtown business owners have encouraged the city to look at a blend of park space and parking with perhaps room for the farmers market at the south end. The Silverton Lions Club has spoken to the council twice about placing a gazebo there.

A 2018 city survey of more than 400 residents referenced by Chandler at the March 20 session noted the community’s top preferences for the property as a) a gathering space; b) preservation of trees; c) room for festivals; and d) a splash pad.

A Street property: The Eugene Field acreage included the informal dog park north of A Street near the Subway sandwich shop. The 0.75-acre site is in two parcels, with a utility easement running down the middle. Traeger suggested a number of possible uses, including pickleball, basketball and/or the farmers market. She also encouraged the city to look for potential

donors/sponsors and noted the potential for revenue.

Depending on what happens at the south end of the Field site, parking also could wind up in the mix for the A Street site, although two councilors, President Elvi Cuellar Sutton and newcomer Eric Hammond, threw down the gauntlet on the issue, perhaps hinting at political challenges to come.

“Parking is a waste of resources,” Sutton said. “I’m happy to debate that all day. We need green space. We need gathering spaces. Can’t people walk a block?”

Mayor Jason Freilinger noted that the park-related questions could be part of the upcoming parks and recreation master plan work. Freilinger is expected to put forward candidates for an advisory committee that will tackle the plan at the April 3 council session.

Councilors at the March 20 session also discussed plans for street, storm water and sidewalk improvements in Mill Town in the northeast quadrant along Second

Street. Bids will go out in mid-April on a $2.4 million project to add sidewalks, curbs and replace the storm water ditches on the 5-block stretch from the Home Place Restaurant to Lincoln Street.

The project includes road reconstruction, curbs and gutters on both sides of Second Street and sidewalks on the east side.  Also part of the project is a plan to “square off” the area near Mark Twain Elementary School where Whittier Street meets Mill Street with the goal of improving sightlines and boosting safety in the busy school-day corridor.

The city hopes to award the contract in June and complete construction in October.  Further down the road is a $5.9 million storm drain project on the streets that bisect Second – Lincoln, Jefferson, Washington, Chester and Whittier. The project also would repair cracks in the street and add curbs. No dates or funding sources for the project have been established.

Civic center financing

COME and SEE!

We, at Marquam United Methodist Church would like to invite all who would enjoy worshipping in a country setting, to come visit (right next door to the Markum Inn).

All are welcome. Simple worship and fellowship are important to us. Come and see!

Pastor Michele Holloway

Worship & Sunday School: 9:30 a.m.

Fellowship time following worship.

Starting in 2016 the city put aside about $1 million per year for the project. The funds were used to purchase the land, demolish the school and hire the design team. When the project moved to the construction phase, the city obtained a $10 million loan to finance the work.  The annual debt service is $582,222 with a 3.17% fixed rate for 25 years.  The intent of the project funding approach was to construct the building without raising taxes through a bond and keeping the budget impact consistent.  The city received $600,000 in grants for design, energy modeling and a portion of the construction.  The $19.5 million represents design and construction portion.  The land acquisition and building demolition (around $1.8 million)  is not included in that number.

Source: City of Silverton

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

Fridays

Margarita Flights $20 • Taco Flights $12

LIVE MUSIC

Every Friday & Saturday 7:30 - 10pm

Silver Falls State Park seeks to add new ‘Friends’

If you’ve visited Silver Falls and stopped by the Nature Store or gotten some fun facts at a discovery table, you’ve seen the Friends of Silver Falls State Park volunteers and staff in action.

Friends of Silver Falls State Park is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the historic and natural resources of Silver Falls State Park.

Members work alongside park staff to give visitors an enhanced experience at Oregon’s crown jewel of parks. To maintain the effort, community support from those who care about preservation and conservation is needed.

You can join the friends and help preserve the park for future generations. Membership fees are tax deductible and fund projects, events and educational programs.

Memberships start at $20 per year and Gift Packs are available for a limited time starting

at $40 (membership included).

Gift packs include a classic trucker hat with a real wood patch and your choice of an Oregon Elements sticker - mushroom, camas, or fir.

Those items are in addition to all the regular benefits of a membership: newsletter, Nature Store and Smith Creek Village and Tree Climbing at Silver Falls, discounts, and, access to the Friends Membership Portal with exclusive invitations.

Patron Members ($120) also receive an Oregon State Park Pass which covers dayuse fees at all Oregon State Parks. Among their many accomplishments, Friends of Silver Falls funded the planning and design for the new North Falls Viewpoint which is set to be completed this year. For more information or to join or donate go to www.friendsofsilverfalls.net .

Classical music returns to Silver Falls State Park

Pianist Hunter Noack brings back his “In A Landscape: Classical Music in the Wild” performances to Silver Falls State Park on July 5 and 6. In its eighth season, the outdoor concert series allows America’s most stunning landscapes to replace the traditional concert hall.

A nine-foot Steinway grand piano travels on a flatbed trailer to National Parks, urban greenspaces, working ranches, farms, and historical sites for classical concerts that connect people with each landscape.

To meet the acoustical challenges of performing in the wild, music is transmitted to concert-goers via wireless headphones. No longer confined to seats, audiences are able to explore the landscape.

“In A Landscape” has presented over 200 concerts in Oregon, Washington, Montana, New York, Idaho, California, Utah, and Wyoming to over 35,000 people. Tickets, $40, are available at www.inalandscape.org.

Hunter Noack. SUBMITTED PHOTO

By Melissa Wagoner

When Silverton High School senior, Hannah Bashor, found out she was being named this year’s Future First Citizen for her demonstration of leadership as well as her contributions to her school, her community and her family by the Silverton Chamber of Commerce it gave her the sense of being seen.

“I am so happy that others see that I am working hard to better my community and school,” she said. “I try really hard and put a lot of effort outside of school… so I was overjoyed when I found out that someone saw the work I do.”

Outside of school Bashor has been a lifelong volunteer in her church, while in school her primary leadership role has been with the Associated Student Body (ASB).

“As the ASB President I lead and manage the ASB as we perform many fundraisers, events and projects,” Bashor said, listing dances, spirit games and a host of events like the annual Tree of Giving and The Best Fox Ever pageant as highlights.

“I initially joined because I wanted to be behind the scenes. I wanted to see what kinds of events ASB was in charge of, what they did for the school. I had already been in leadership classes in middle school, but... [t]here were so many more responsibilities, and tasks to get done; I loved it. Some of my favorite parts are hearing others talk about the events we run. I want others to be happy and have fun, so to hear their comments and smiles makes me super happy.”

Highly involved in athletics including cross country, track and basketball, Bashor views her teammates and coaches as a second family, one that has taught her much about life.

“I have learned to be mentally tough, to work hard, to get along with others, to love myself, collaboration, and so much

more,” Bashor said. “Some of my favorite things about having a team is that I have a sense of belonging. They make me feel happy, included, supported…” But that’s not to say her actual family hasn’t been equally influential.

“My family is my safe space where I am free to always be myself, and grow as a person…” she said, listing family trips, playing games, watching movies and eating dinner as a family amongst some of favorite activities. “Even though sometimes we are busy and can’t always be together, we find other ways and times to spend time together. My family is very important to me.”

Also of high importance is academics, where Bashor pushes herself to excel by taking Advanced Placement courses in physics, language and composition, biology and calculus as well as college courses in history, mathematics, anatomy

and physiology, business and Spanish.

“Some of my favorite classes have been my science classes,” she said. “I really enjoy my anatomy and physiology class as well as my biology class… We get to do things like dissect organs and animals, perform labs and test our DNA.”

Her interest is also related to her goals for the future, which are to graduate with a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from OHSU, to practice dentistry in an underserved community for five years and to start her own dental practice.

“I really enjoy the medical world and helping others,” Bashor said. Adding, “Dentistry also allows for the work-life balance I am looking for.”

In the meantime, Bashor is focused on enjoying her final year of high school and the unexpected joy of winning the Future First Citizen Award.

“[I]t was completely unexpected…” she said. “I would just like to thank everyone in my life who has supported and pushed me to be the person I am today.”

Hannah Bashor. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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$679,900 4bd/2.5ba~ 2043 SF~ 4.78 AC~ Private & quiet acerage~ 4 Stall barn~Fenced & crossed fenced~ Mostly level acreage~ Bonus room~ Being sold as-is~ Sublimity~ Robin Kuhn 503-930-1896 MLS#801384

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LAND & LOTS

$599,900 2bd/2ba~ 1489 SF~ 4.3 AC~ Home is located in great location~ Bonus room~ Large enclosed pole barn w/4 bays, 3 bays are paved~ Additional 2 car carport~ Heavy duty lean-to ~ Silverton Valerie Boen 503-871-1667 MLS#801817

$325,000 270.34 Special Rec Acres~ Beautiful & peaceful area! Wildlife

Enjoy minimally by camping, hiking, hunting or picnicking~ Scio~ Donna Paradis 503-851-0998 MLS#801833

$600/month 609 Welch St., Silverton~ Private lower level suite consisting of: a waiting room, reception room, treatment room & half bath~ First, last & security deposit required. Contact: Donna Rash 503-871-0490

$500/month 119 N Water St, Silverton~ Private & Secure office space~ Located upstairs in downtown building~ Has views of the street~ Large space that could be used for multiple~ Contact:

‘Best Fox Ever’ Popular mock-pageant

By Melissa Wagoner

Many may remember Silverton High School’s annual spring mock-pageant and fundraiser, Mr. SHS. But what they might not know is that in 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down schools, the contest was renamed, The Best Fox Ever, so students of all genders could take part.

“It’s stayed the same other than slowly more girls have participated,” Avery Lord, a member of the Associated Student Body (ASB) organizing the program, said. In fact, this year the number of girls and boys is evenly split, with six seniors competing overall.

“It’s a big commitment,” Lord said, explaining that, while the final competition won’t take place until April 22, preparations for the event began in January.

“We start off with applications and we interview each person that applies,” fellow

organizer Galilea Hernandez said. “They’re stellar representatives,” ASB Advisor Darby Hector added. “They look for kids that will really pull.”

By which she means donations. Because The Best Fox Ever is – first and foremost – a fundraiser for both Medical Teams International (MTI) and Silverton Area Community Aid (SACA).

“It’s nice that there’s a local piece,” Hector said of the recent addition of SACA.

Determined to raise a minimum of $30,000 by the contest’s end, the participants have already begun fundraising, utilizing personal GoFundMe pages, conducting letter writing campaigns and selling tickets to The Best Fox Ever show as well as coming up with their own side campaigns.

“I’m currently selling baked goods in the hallways,” contestant Oscar Marks said.

“I’ll be doing a carwash with the wrestling team in singlets… [and] either a three versus three basketball tournament or cornhole tournament as well.”

It’s a lot of work but for a good cause, as the competitors found out when they visited MTI’s Portland headquarters this winter.

“We have to have each contestant know exactly what they’re fundraising for,” Hernandez said. “And when we went to MTI headquarters they had all these things they’ve done around the world.”

“It raised awareness of how lucky we are,” Hector added.

The contestants of this year’s Best Fox Ever are Oscar Marks, Josie Leikem, Manuel Salazar, Adeline Rich, Mateo Pardo and Grace Traeger. MELISSA WAGONER

BINGO and Silent Auction

A Best Fox Ever fundraiser.

Thursday, April 13, 6 p.m. Silverton High School Commons. Adults $15, students $10 Free potato bar and dessert

The Best Fox Ever Show

A mock-pageant and fundraiser for SACA and Medical Teams International.

Saturday, April 22, 7 p.m. Silverton High School Auditorium

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased from a contestant (Grace Traeger, Mateo Pardo, Josie Liekem, Oscar Marks, Adeline Rich, Manuel Salazar) or at 503-873-6331 ext. 3762

a carnival on a not yet determined date – The Best Fox Ever is less an individual contest and more a school-wide and community-wide endeavor.

“Best Fox Ever has been an amazing way to get involved with our community members and with my school for my senior year,” contestant Mateo Pardo said. And, because each participant is matched with a team of two fellow seniors, it’s also a good way to bond with classmates.

“[I]t is fun getting to spend time with some of my friends and getting to do fun fundraisers with them and put on a show for everyone who’d like to come and watch,” contender Manuel Salazar said referring to the April 22 performance which will feature a contestant Q and A, a talent show, a group dance performance and final voting by audience participation.

“It’s such a great cause,” Hernandez said. “And it’s so fun.”

Two members of the Think Robots Club will be moving on to international competition in Dallas, Texas, next month.

An elementary school team of Derek Schaefer and Zane Davis named the Splitbotters qualified for the May 2-4 event.

The Splitbotters qualified with their performance at an Oregon qualifying event that Think Robots Club hosted March 4 at Butte Creek Elementary School.

The Splitbotters were one of five Think Robots Club elementary school teams that participated, along with two middle school squads.

Think Robots Club, which is organized through Marion County 4-H is based in Silverton and Molalla.

The members of the Think Robots Club who competed at a state competition March 4 at Butte Creek Elementary School. Derek Schaefer (front row, second from left) and Zane Davis (from row, third from left) advanced to an international competion in Texas.

Do you consider yourself a gardener?

What kind of gardener are you?

Are you a person who appreciates the visual, culinary or functional gardening that nature and plant people provide, or are you one of the plant people?

Studies all around the world reveal that people who garden generally live longer than those who do not.

Gardeners develop a healthy lifestyle. While providing for plant needs they provide for their own needs, physically and mentally.

Gardeners get more exercise (most of the year), enjoy the oxygenated outdoor air, and eat better with fresh nutritious foods. They spend less money on groceries and add fresh quality foods to their diets. There is peace of mind knowing where and how the food is grown.

Gardening provides mental health benefits. When plants actually grow according to plan there is a sense of accomplishment. A homegrown tomato always tastes better than the hydroponic tomato shipped from far away. There is comfort in knowing the food was grown safely with no or minimal chemicals. There is security in having food available when the family is hungry.

Planning a garden not only exercises the brain’s decision-making ability, but allows the gardener to create a sense of order in a chaotic world.

Garden design is a creative process. Garden maintenance is a problem-solving process. The world in a garden is a peaceful place to meditate or let the mind wander. A gardener’s mind sharpens while observing the intricacies of nature: growth, interaction of plants and insects or animals, daily changes, effects of weather and more. Just sitting on a stump or stool, watching natural life happen brings basic satisfaction and relaxation.

A gardener becomes a botanist, an entomologist, and a meteorologist.

Gardening is a lifelong learning activity, constantly beginning again, with new challenges every season.

Social interaction is enriched when friends or family garden together. There is little to argue about and a lot to feel proud of. Sharing the results of a pleasant environment or nutritious home-

grown meal brings happiness and a feeling of accomplishment that encourages positive relationships.

What kind of gardener will you be?

Hobby, leisure, culinary or financially frugal? Yard maintenance for neighborhood pride? Indoor, outdoor, front yard, back yard? Community, family or solitary?

Flowers, shrubs, trees, vegetables, fruits, perennials, annuals, houseplants or combination? Full landscape or a dedicated space? Sustainable, native natural areas, artistic design, manicured?

Are you a planner, supervisor, worker? Do all your own work or have help?

Don’t have time to garden? How are you using your time now? Is there any advantage if you substitute gardening for some other (in) activity in your life? Is there more value in exercising the body and mind in a garden or sitting unproductively?

Greenhouses open to the public April, May and June.

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Grower direct quality at great prices!

Specializing in hanging baskets, fuchsias, annual bedding plants, and houseplants.

Hours: April and May M-Sat 9-5, Sundays 10-4.

June hours: M-F 9-4 Sat 9-3 Closed Sundays

By Diane Hyde, OSU Master Gardener

Shop Local!

12666 Monitor McKee Rd. NE • Woodburn, OR (Just outside of Mt. Angel)

Wondering what plants to add to your garden landscape? There is an Oregon State University Botany and Plant Pathology website (and books) that lists all known Oregon plants. It is tied into the herbarium at OSU and herbarium across the nation to provide complete information about plants in an easy-tosearch format: oregonflora.org

There is a Grow Natives resource to help us choose the right plant for a beautiful and truly Oregon landscape. We can search for plant pictures and descriptions by where we live, size, sunlight, flowers, foliage, ease of growth, size and even wildlife support. Pull-down menus allow us to select the qualities we want, then a page-full of pictures pops up for more specific information on plants that meet our needs.

There is a plant ID tool that makes it easy to find out what a mystery plant might be. A map pops up to indicate a radius where the plant was seen, then all the native plants known to be in that area appear on the screen to compare. More specific information, like plant family narrows down the field of choices, then recognizable characteristics can be selected to narrow down the possibilities further. Profile pages of plants, with pictures and descriptions, are available to compare known plants with what was seen. A plant finder tool also has a map to look for a native habitat of a specific plant.

An exploration section looks into the OSU herbarium collection of plants, mosses, lichens, algae and fungi. Just type a plant name into the comprehensive guide search line and images from Oregon

State, University of Oregon Willamette University digitized collections appear. There is cross-reference for plants that may have multiple names. Again, profile pages of selected plants provide all the information the researchers can provide. There is a resource page with links to OSU plant and weed identification service, Oregon Department of Agriculture weeds and weedmapper, the ODA plant conservation site and Mountain Plants of the Western Cascades and Oregon imapinvasives. On a national level, there are links to USDA PLANTS database, US Forest Service Region 6 Plants, Consortium of Pacific Northwest Herbaria and Flora of North America eFlora. There are links to native plant societies in several states, and sites for information about gardening with native plants. Publications with lists and descriptions of plants are listed and linked from universities, public and private organizations, and recommended authors. Beautifully illustrated hard copy books of Oregon Flora volumes 1 and 2 are available for ordering, at a bargain price of $75 and $85 each, respectively. Volume 3 is currently in process and donations for its development are gladly accepted. The entire project is funded by grants, donations and book sales. If you have a computer or smart phone, all the data is available online, but the books are truly works of art that can provide a plant person hundreds of hours of entertainment. Not to mention all the information!

Looking for a special plant, something you saw on a nature walk, or ideas for landscaping with plants adapted and native to our area? Check out oregonflora.org.

OSU Gardener’s April Chores

Planning

Write in your garden journal throughout the growing season.

Prepare garden soil for spring planting. Incorporate generous amounts of organic materials and other amendments, using the results of a soil analysis as a guide.

Prepare raised beds in areas where cold soils and poor drainage are a continuing problem. Incorporate generous amounts (at least 2 inches) of organic materials. Use a soil thermometer to help you know when to plant vegetables. When the soil is consistently above 60 degrees Fahrenheit, some warm season vegetables (beans, sweet corn) can be planted.

Maintenance and cleanup

Allow foliage of spring-flowering bulbs to brown and die down before removing.

Apply commercial fertilizers, manure or compost to cane, bush (gooseberries, currants, and blueberries), and trailing berries.

Place compost or decomposed manure around perennial vegetables, such as asparagus and rhubarb.

Cut back ornamental grasses to a few inches above the ground.

Cover transplants to protect against late spring frosts.

This is an optimum time to fertilize lawns. Apply 1 pound nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn. Reduce risks of runoff into local waterways by not fertilizing just prior to rain, and not overirrigating so that water runs off the lawn and onto the sidewalk or street.

De-thatch and renovate lawns.

If moss has been a problem, scratch the surface before seeding with perennial ryegrass.

Prune and shape or thin springblooming shrubs and trees after blossoms fade.

Planting and propagation

Plant gladioli, hardy transplants of alyssum, phlox and marigolds, if weather and soil conditions permit.

It’s a great time to start a vegetable garden. Among the vegetables you can plant, consider: Broccoli, Brussels

sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, chard, chives, endive, leeks, lettuce, peas, radishes, rhubarb, rutabagas, spinach and turnips.

Pest monitoring and management

Use chemical controls only when necessary and only after thoroughly reading the pesticide label. First consider cultural, then physical and biological controls. Choose the least-toxic options, and use them judiciously. Some examples include insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils, botanical insecticides, and organic and synthetic pesticides. Clean up hiding places for slugs sowbugs and millipedes. Least toxic management options for slugs include barriers and traps. Baits are also available for slug control; use caution around pets. Read and follow all label directions prior to using baits or any other chemical control.

Monitor strawberries for spittlebugs and aphids; if present, wash off with water or use insecticidal soap as a contact spray. Follow label directions.

If necessary, spray apples and pears when buds appear for scab

Cut and remove weeds

Weed seedlings are vulnerable to hoeing, hand pulling or rototilling. Mature weeds are more difficult to remove. Weed early and often near the garden to remove potential sources of plant disease.

Use floating row covers to keep insects such as beet leaf miners, cabbage maggot adult flies, and carrot rust flies away from susceptible crops.

Help prevent damping off of seedlings by providing adequate ventilation.

Manage weeds while they are small and actively growing with light cultivation or herbicides. Once the weed has gone to bud, herbicides are less effective.

Spray stone fruits such as cherries, plums, peaches and apricots, for brown rot blossom blight, if necessary, such as cherries, plums, peaches and apricots, for brown rot blossom blight, if necessary.

Free “Terrarium Spa” for maintenance.

• Best selection of glass in the U.S.A.

• 8 terrarium planting classes each week.

• Up to 15 students per class (BYOW!)

• BOGO registration if you mention ad.

Drop by or call 503-926-1388 to book your class today!

Silver

Falls Terrariums

403 South Water Street Silverton, Oregon

www.SilverFallsTerrariums.com

By Diane Hyde, OSU Master Gardener

“Why hasn’t my tree recovered from last year’s heat wave?” For some damaged or traumatized trees and shrubs is takes years to die, just like a neglected cactus plant.

Our plant hardiness zones have changed. Our minimum extreme temperatures have risen over the last 30-year average.

There are not many studies to determine heat tolerance models for plants. What’s a plant to do when the pace of warming has spiked the last few years?

Higher summer temperatures have effects on plants, including those in our vegetable gardens. Cucumbers, peppers and tomatoes can get sunburn at temperatures over 104 degree F, apples over 125 degrees F in direct sun.

Some, like corn and tomatoes, may not set fruit over 92 degrees F. Greens, like spinach and lettuce, will bolt and go to seed at 90 degrees F, and will likely not survive. For most plants growth rates slow dramatically over 95 degrees F.

Moisture stress occurs during hot weather. Plants need to uptake more moisture from the soil to keep leaves and stems from wilting – even trees. Watering the soil deeply to root zone is important for plant survival in summer.

Mycorrhizal relationships with plants are effected by moisture content of the soil, too. With moisture present, organic matter converts to nutrients faster. Without moisture, friendly fungi may not be able to function in the soil.

Even with lots of rainfall stream flows are lower. Water will become limited and more expensive. More efficient irrigation systems, more composting and use of cover crops will be increasingly important.

Our local growing season has increased by 16 days with earlier last frost and later first frost. We may have

to adapt our tastes to cold-hardy, early spring/early fall vegetables and heat-hardy summer vegetables that originate from tropical zones.

How can we compensate for dryer summers? OSU is experimenting with dry farming of garlic, rhubarb, winter squash, tomatoes, potatoes, peppers and dry beans. More information is available at http://extension.oregonstate.edu.

As gardeners, we can prepare by starting vegetables earlier, growing our own transplants (versus lesspredictable direct seeding) and planning for shorter rotation time of crops.

Weeds must be kept out of the growing area so they do not steal the available moisture. We may need to let lawns go dormant to use the water for food crops and special trees or shrubs.

Besides drip irrigation, mulching, row covers and shade cloths, we may need to use windbreaks, cold frames and greenhouses to protect plants from heat and cold. Soil thermometers and moisture meters are useful tools for assessing conditions for plant growth.

Grouping perennial plants by water requirements and replacing ailing perennials with those more adapted to dry summers and wet winters – think Mediterranean –makes sense for water zone planning. Perhaps we should take a cue from some innovative Mediterranean farmers, using head lamps to garden in the cool of evening and early morning, sleeping mid-day when it’s hot. Afternoon naps can actually be energizing.

Because short-term weather is becoming less predictable, and predictions less reliable, we will lose some and win some. We can win more, and help plants survive, by planning and preparing shelter from hot summer sun and good winter drainage. We need to plan to protect gardeners, too, becoming alert to heat stress symptoms on humans.

Silverton Arts Association to open new community art space

By James Day

The Silverton Arts Association is launching a new family-friendly community arts space at the group’s Arts Center at 300 Coolidge St.

The new arts option, which will include a resident artists program, workshops and classes for adults and youth, will debut at 6:30 p.m. on April 7 during First Friday. The association will use the Borland Gallery for the program and at its debut will have artists demonstrating their work, a mural in progress that will end up at Silver Falls Library, plus vinyl records to spin and refreshments

Families are encouraged to enjoy the comfortable new furniture, pull out bins of art supplies and create together.

“The resident artists will host the gallery, keep the doors open, the art bins stocked for kids and complimentary refreshments warm,” said Jonathan Case,

Arts Festival offers poster contest

resident artist and board president of the association.

The workshops and classes organized by programming director Anne Pinkowski will launch later in April, said Case. Pinkowski can be reached at programming@silvertonarts.org

“There are so many ways to participate,” Case said. “That’s why this community space exists. You can enter right into making art there or sign up for classes, join our free open studio times and apply to teach.”

Case also emphasized that the Borland Gallery will retain its present form and purpose.

“The space is still absolutely a gallery – just a more active one,” he said.

“We’ll continue to host works from the community, regional artists, and our members, as before.”

The Silverton Arts Festival is holding its annual contest that will produce the poster for the event, which is set for Aug. 19-20 at Coolidge McClaine Park.

The contest is open to artists 16 and older, with the winner receiving either a 10' x 10' festival booth space, valued at $225, or $200 in cash, along with recognition in the festival program and other festival media.

No themes are assigned to the annual poster. Silverton Arts Association officials advise potential contestants that “your potential piece needs to be the marketing voice for the festival. It must appeal to the masses and appeal to people looking to purchase poster prints and other festival merchandise using your image.”

Artists should upload a high-quality color image of their artwork to www.silvertonarts.org– and fill out an application. The Silverton Arts Association will handle the poster

graphic design once a winning art image has been selected.

Artists can submit multiple images but must submit an application for each one. The deadline for submissions is Friday, April 14.

Last year’s winning artwork was by Andrei Engelman. SUBMITTED IMAGE

Something to Do

Birds, bees... and other pollinators

By Melissa Wagoner

This spring Sustainable Silverton’s Urban Natural Resources Action Team is enlisting the help of local experts to hold an educational series about birds, bees and butterflies at The Oregon Garden.

“It aligns with our mission statement and Action Team goals and the need to find a way to create more awareness about preserving or maintaining natural resources,” Sustainable Silverton member Kelley Morehouse explained.

Naturescaping: Building Backyard Wildlife

On Saturday, April 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Marion County Master Gardener Stephanie Hazen will facilitate a class aimed at identifying ways to provide food, shelter, water and a safe habitat for wildlife right in your own backyard.

“Backyards comprise an amazing amount of acreage,” Hazen pointed out. “If we all created habitat we could offset the roads, buildings and agriculture fields that now occupy what used to be native habitat.”

Largely focused on birds, bees and butterflies, Hazen recommends these small steps toward making a backyard more hospitable to nature: plant native species that bloom throughout the year, leave seed heads on dormant plants

during the winter months to feed the birds and make sure clean water is always available. But even without a backyard there are ways you can help.

“Potted plants are helpful,” she pointed out. “Planting median strips in neighborhoods is helpful. Getting city parks to allow volunteers to maintain a pollinator garden is helpful. Getting your neighbors all involved is helpful.” And teaching the community the best ways to do it all is why she became a Master Gardner.

“I wanted to volunteer to teach people how to create back yard habitat for native insects, birds, reptiles , amphibians and mammals,” she said. “Creating meadows, hedge rows, planting trees to create a near natural environment for native species.”

The Early-Bird Bird-Walk

On Saturday, May 20 from 8 to 10 a.m. retired US Fish and Wildlife Service Biologists Ron Garst and Jim Esch will lead both novice and expert birders on a walk through The Oregon Garden’s many paths.

“The Oregon Garden lends itself to successful birding because of the diversity of the Garden’s numerous native plants and varieties of nursery stock that attract birds,” Garst said. “Also, the several sizeable areas of native

habitats (Oregon white oak, Douglas fir forest, wetlands, ponds, marshes, and open fields and grasses) attract and

Sustainable Silverton partners with Oregon Garden for educational series

Birds, Bees & Butterflies Educational Series

• Naturescaping: Building Backyard Wildlife on Saturday, April 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• The Early-Bird Bird-Walk on Saturday, May 20 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

• Where: The Oregon Garden

• Cost: Garden admission

Plants that help attract pollinating insects and birds

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

“Many of the smaller and colorful songbird species are returning now from wintering in Central and South America to nest and rear their young in Oregon’s Willamette Valley and foothills habitats…” Garst said. “On a good day with excellent birding conditions, we could expect to see and/or hear 20 to 30 species, mostly songbirds, but possibly woodpeckers, hawks, owls and/or some waterfowl.”

in this event and, while binoculars are not required, they can be helpful. It is also important to note that, while the pace of the expedition will be leisurely, participants will be on their feet the majority of the time covering an estimated mile of trail.

“The Bird-Watch event held last year was a great deal of fun,” Morehouse said of the program which has been designed to be both entertaining and informative, providing attendees with not just knowledge about what species of birds currently call the Willamette Valley home but also how to keep them coming back.

support many of Oregon’s bird species.” And spring is one of the best times to catch a glimpse.

Sturdy walking shoes or light hiking shoes and weather appropriate outerwear is recommended for participation

“Several bird populations across the landscape are in significant decline and our attention to their fate is a gateway to our understanding of ways to help them,” Garst explained. “Our bird species are like the ‘canary in the mine’ that shows us a future we can celebrate if we take the right steps.”

Jazzercise Silverton Oregon

503-873-8210

www.jazzercise.com/location/jazzercise-silverton-community-center

will be discussed in the educational series.

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

Silverton Senior Center, 115 Westfield St. Seniors 50 and older. Daily, weekly, monthly events. 503-873-3093, silvertonseniorcenter.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. 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 available. All welcome. Free. 503-873-5446

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. Food donations welcome. Niki Barber, 503-873-5059

Community Helpers Family Storytime, 10:30 a.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Age 2 - 5. Bi-lingual storytime April 25. 503-845-6401

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

Stories & STEAM, 3:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Listen to a story about the theme of the week and join in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Art project. Snacks. Ages 6 - 12. Free. 503-845-6401

SACA Food Pantry, 4 - 7 p.m., SACA, 421 S Water St., Silverton. 503-873-3446

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 - 5th grade. Deb Hilterbrand, 971-337-5925, silvertonpack485@gmail.com

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

Wednesday

Silverton Business Group, 8 a.m., Silver Falls Brewery, 207 Jersey St., Silverton. Networking of Silverton business community hosted by Silverton Chamber of Commerce. 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 electronic device technical assistance. 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. Free; donations accepted. Open to all. Sheila, 503-409-4498 Silver Chips Woodcarving Sessions, 1 - 3 p.m., Silverton Arts Association. $2 a 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, 6:308 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

Baby Birds Storytime, 11 a.m., Silver Falls Library. Ages 0 - 4. Free. 503-873-5173

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

Friday

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

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

Silverton Country History Museum,

1 - 4 p.m., 428 S Water St. Free. Repeats Sundays. 503-873-7070

Peaceful Heart Meditation, 2 - 3 p.m., Silverton Community Center. Yoga breathing, kirtan and yoga philosophy. No experience required. Everyone welcome. Free. peacefulheartkirtan@gmail.com

Saturday, April 1

April Fool’s Day Community Breakfast

8 - 11 a.m., Silverton Senior Center. Pancakes and more. Free; donations accepted. Plant and art sale is open 8 a.m. - noon. Open to all. 503-873-3093

Monday, April 3

Daughters of the American Revolution

10 a.m., Stayton United Methodist Church, 1450 SE Fern Ridge Road. OSSDAR State Regent Nancy Slagle is guest speaker. All welcome. Refreshments. 503-689-6991

Silverton City Council

6:30 p.m., Council Chambers. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-873-5321

Mt. Angel City Council

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

Tuesday, April 4

Drawing Group

6 - 7:30 p.m., Silverton Arts Association. Bring your own materials or use some of the associations. Everyone is welcome. Repeats: April 18. 503-873-2480

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, April 5

Caregiver Connection

1 - 2 p.m., Zoom. Free educational support group for unpaid family caregivers caring for a loved one 60 years of age or older, or caring for a person living with dementia. Zoom invite, 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. 503-329-2153

Actors Improv

6:30 - 8 p.m., Silver Falls Library. Improvisational games and activities. Free. 503-873-8796

Scotts Mills City Council

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

Thursday, April 6

MS Word Graphics

1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Use tables, borders, backgrounds, WordArt to make documents pop. Space is limited; pre-register by calling 503-845-6401.

Paint Night

6 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Paint a spring scene based on the Woodburn Tulip Festival. Adults and teens. Free. Pre-registration required: 503-845-6401. Silverton Kiwanis Club

7 a.m., Main St. Bistro, 201 E Main St., Silverton. Meeting of Silverton Kiwanis Club. New members welcome. Repeats April 20.

Critique Night

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

Friday, April 7

Teen Blackout Poetry

4 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Make fruit pizza. Participate in blackout poetry. Ages 12 - 18. Free. 503-845-6401

Good Friday Open Prayer

5:30 - 7:30 p.m., Marquam United Methodist Church, 36971 S Highway 213, Mt. Angel. Open prayer and meditation for Good Friday. Open to all. 503-329-2153

Art Center Open House

6:30 p.m., Silverton Arts Center. Stop by for snacks, meet new board, sign up for classes and view the space. Free. 503-873-2480

First Friday in Silverton

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

Lunaria First Friday

7 - 9 p.m., Lunaria Gallery, 113 N Water St., Silverton. Opening reception for Main Floor Gallery’s “Expressions in Color,” abstract paintings in pastel and oil by Jane Castelan Buccola; and Loft Gallery’s “The Doors of PDX,” photography by Cathy Cheney. The exhibits are open to the public 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily through May 1. 503-873-7734

Saturday, April 8

Marquam Easter Egg Hunt

10 a.m., Marquam United Methodist Church, 36971 S Highway 213, Mt. Angel. Free Easter egg hunt for children through 4th grade. 503-329-2153

MA Easter Egg Hunt

10 a.m., Mt. Angel Towers, 1 Towers Lane. Age 10 and under. Rain/shine. 503-506-4484

Scotts Mills Easter Egg Hunt

Noon, Scotts Mills County Park, 475 Crooked Finger Road. Easter egg hunt for children age 12 and under.

Sunday, April 9

Easter

Resurrection Sunrise Celebration

7 a.m., Butte Creek Scout Ranch, 13462 S Butte Creek Road, Scotts Mills. A community celebration of Jesus’ Resurrection with singing and a short message by Scott DePaola. Ham and eggs provided. Bring fruit or pastries. Sponsored by Scotts Mills Friends Church. All are welcome.

Monday, April 10

Mt. Angel School District

6:30 p.m., District Office, 730 E Marquam St., Mt. Angel. Open to public. masd91.org

Silver Falls School District

7 p.m., Silverton High, 1456 Pine St. Open to public. 503-873-5303, silverfallsschools.org

Tuesday, April 11

Ancestry Detectives

10 a.m. - noon, Silverton Senior Center, 115 Westfield St. Guest speaker Rik Vigeland presents “Lost and Found – Reuniting Families with Lost Treasures and Each Other.” Meeting is in person and virtually on Zoom. All welcome. Info: adsteering@ ancestrydetectives.org.

Dementia Care Conversations

3 - 4 p.m. Zoom. Free group for unpaid caregivers providing support to a loved one living with dementia. Offered by Family Caregiver Support Program. Request referral: Aging and Disability Resource Connection at 503-304-3420. Repeats April 25

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. 503-873-8796

Silverton Planning Commission

7 p.m., Silverton High, 1456 Pine St. Open to public. 503-874-2207, silverton.us.or

Wednesday, April 12

Mini Succulent Planters

1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Make succulent planters. Adults. 503-845-6401

Food Pop-Up

4 - 7 p.m., Leaf and Vine Collection, 111 N Water St., Silverton. Silverton Food Co-op food pop-up event. Pre-order form on Facebook (Silverton Food Co-op). karyssa@ silvertonfood.coop

Sci-Fi & Fantasy Book Club

6:30 p.m. Zoom. Discuss The Space Between Worlds by Micaiah Johnson. Watch on Kanopy prior. Zoom invite: Ron Drake, Silver Falls Library, 503-873-8796

Thursday, April 13

Storytime in the Garden

10:30 a.m., The Oregon Garden, 879 W Main St., Silverton. Special-themed storytime. Free book. Tour Children’s Garden at own pace. Entrance fee is being for those attending with a CCRLS library card. 503-873-5173

Red Cross Blood Drive

1 - 6 p.m., Immanuel Lutheran Church, 303 N Church St., Silverton. Appointments needed by visiting redcrossblood.org.

Beaded Earrings

5:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Make earrings using the library’s collection of beads. Teens and adults. 503-845-6401

Local Infidels: Oregon Freethinkers

6:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. Talk addresses the Freethought movement in Oregon during the latter quarter of the 19th Century. Presented by Gus Frederick. Free. Open to all. 503-873-8796

Mt. Angel Budget Committee

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

Friday, April 14

LEGO Lab

3 - 4:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Build an original creations out of LEGOs to display in the library. Free. All ages. Repeats April 28. 503-845-6401

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

Tune Tours

6 - 8 p.m., Mt. Angel Theater & Stu. dio, 220 E Charles St. Live music and entertainment. $10. In association with Abiqua Studios & Tune Tours. jondeshler. com, mtangeltheaterstudio.com

Tuesday, April 18

Tax Day

Silver Falls Book Club

6:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. Discuss The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. All are welcome. 503-873-8796

Wednesday, April 19

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. meeting. Sponsored by Silverton Chamber of Commerce. 503-873-5615

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. 503-873-8796

Thursday, April 20

Teen Advisory Board

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

Teen Book Club

5:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Firstever session. Discuss which books to read. Share favorite books/authors. Free. Ages 12 - 18. 503-845-6401

Silverton Budget Committee

6 p.m., Council Chambers. Open to public. 503-873-5321

Silver Falls Writers’ Group

6:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. Writers share what they have been working on and listen to see what others are writing. Ron Drake, 503-873-8796. Mt. Angel Planning Commission

7 p.m., Mount Angel Public Library. Open to public. Park Tree Board also meets. Agenda available. 503-845-9291, ci.mt-angel.or.us

Friday, April 21

Earth Day Plant Sale

9 a.m. - 5 p.m., 812 McClaine St., Silverton. Selection of trees, shrubs, hedging plants. Proceeds benefit local scholarships and community grants by Elizabeth Ashley Hoke Memorial Trust. Repeats April 22-23.

Family Movie Night

3:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. The whole family is welcome to watch WALL-E (PG). Free popcorn. Free admission. 503-845-6401

Saturday, April 22

Earth Day

Earth Day Celebration

10 a.m. - 4 p.m., The Oregon Garden, 879 W Main St., Silverton. Environmentally-conscious exhibits, educational activities, explore the garden. Free admission. $5 parking; members park free. oregongarden.org

Scotts Mills Silent Auction

Noon - 8 p.m., Oso Silverton, 200 E Main St., Silverton. Patrons can participate online (scottsmillsptcc.com) or in person. Stop by anytime to eat, drink, bid on auction items, buy drawing tickets or spin the prize wheel. Winners announced at 8 p.m.; need not be present to win. Oso. Pre-bidding begins April 16.

Spring Concert

3 p.m., Immanuel Lutheran Church, 303 N Church St., Silverton. The Silverton Children’s Choir presents “The World Blooms with Music.” Free. Open to all. info@silvertonfriendsofmusic.org

Pulled Pork Dinner

5 - 7 p.m., Scotts Mill Grange, 299 Fourth St. Pulled pork sandwich, coleslaw, shortcake. $15/adult, $45/family. Open to all.

Monday, April 24

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. Open to all. 503-873-5307

Tuesday, April 25

Silverton Budget Committee

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

Wednesday, April 26

Mother’s Day Card Making

1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Create handmade Mother’s Day cards using the library’s rubber stamps and decorative paper. Adults. Free. 503-845-6401

Retiring Joyfully Workshop

5:30 p.m., 301 E Main St., Silverton. Get more clarity and purpose to retirement. Free. Contact AnnetteJensen@ RetireJoyfully.com.

MA Friends of the Library

6:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Annual meeting. Friends of the Library supports quality library service through fundraising, volunteerism and serving as advocates for the library. All are welcome. 503-845-6401

Virtual Film Discussion

7 p.m. Zoom. Watch The Hours on Kanopy, and join in a moderated discussion. Zoom link: Ron Drake, 503-873-8796.

Thursday, April 27

Silverton Budget Committee

6 p.m., Council Chambers. Open to public. 503-873-5321, silverton.or.us

Book Discussion for Adults

6:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Discuss Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teaching of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer. All adults welcome. 503-845-6401

Friday, April 28

Arbor Day

Saturday, April 29

Children’s Day/El día de los niños

Noon - 1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Celebrate Día with a story, a themed game and giveaway of Spanish and bilingual books. Tenemos actividades y libros gratis en español para los niños y leeremos una cuenta. All ages/todos las edades. Free/ gratis. 503-845-6401

Community Art Event

5 - 8 p.m., Oak Street Church, 503 Oak St., Silverton. Evening of music, arts and snacks. Free. All welcome. 503-873-5446

Young Life Dessert Auction

6 p.m., Silverton High, 1456 Pine St. Silver Falls Young Life dessert auction. Drawings, dessert, light hors d’oeuvres. Live , silent auctions. $10. Ticket link on Facebook at “Silver Falls Young Life Dessert Auction.”

Starry Starry Night Community Transition Program,

By Melissa Wagoner

When the participants of the Community Transition Program (CTP) and Silverton Mainstay learned they had missed the cutoff to attend Salem’s “A Night to Shine” – a prom welcoming adults with special needs, they were heartbroken.

“Registration had closed there and they were full,” Rachel Ayers, an instructor with both programs, said. That’s when Pastor Laura Beville stepped in.

“I said, we could host something,” Beville, pastor of the United Methodist Church in Silverton, which houses both programs, recalled. “And that next week I asked our council.”

The answer she received was not only yes, but also, how can we help?

“It was a wonderful team effort and an opportunity to love and support kiddos who don’t always get love and support,” Pastor Beville said, listing the many duties her parishioners assumed including furnishing formal wear, fashioning boutonnieres, handling refreshments and decorating. “It’s been amazing to see.”

Themed “Starry Starry Night,” the prom was held on March 10 in the community room at the United Methodist Church with an estimated 15-20 CTP and Mainstay participants as well as friends, family, volunteers and teachers.

“These teachers clearly love and adore their students and want them to have special experiences,” Pastor Beville said of the amount of work employed toward making the night a special one – especially for those who have never attended a prom.

“Some of them may have gone to some in high school,” Ayers said. “But some of the current CTP students, they were in the class of 2020 or 2021, so there was no prom for them. So, this might be their first. Or for some students the big full prom might be overwhelming.”

Which is why “Starry Starry Night,” a small prom, filled with friends and family in a familiar place, was such a success.

“I’ve seen some of the kids from the CTP program that, tonight, have come out of their shell,” Jill Lounsbury, office manager for the church, said.

“It’s just a testament to what an inclusive community we have,” Ayers said.

United Methodist Church’s Pastor Laura Beville (above), and other instructors and adult friends attending Community Transition Program and Silverton Mainstay’s joint prom night for adults with special needs. COURTESY HOLLY JAYNES

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“I Was There!”

There was a movie in the theaters recently called The Jesus Revolution tells the story of how millions of young people in my generation turned from their hippie way of life to become Jesus People in the early 1970s.

As my dear wife, Bonnie and I sat there in the dark theater watching the story unfold, it brought back vivid memories from my own life. You see, I was there! I was living as a singer/song-writing troubadour and terrarium enthusiast in Laguna Beach, CA, just South of Costa Mesa where it was all happening.

I was 19, sitting on a rock out on the beach, looking out to sea and trying to write a new song for my restaurant gig as a troubadour when two young men, who looked a lot like me, walked up and said, “Hey, man! That’s a far out guitar. Do you know Jesus?”

I said, “Thanks, man. Yeah, its pretty cool. But I know all I want to know about Jesus. My mom is really into church back in Ohio. I’m not into that. I kind of believe in a little bit of all the different religions, you know?”

“That’s great, man.” They said, “All religions, even a lot of Christianity, are just people trying to find their way to God. But Jesus is different. He’s all about searching for people to rescue them from having to go to hell when they die. Jesus is God the Son, man. None of the other religions have that.”

“Well,” I said, “I know all about that. I grew up going to a Baptist church every Sunday. It was terrible and I hated it. And I must have gone to Vacation Bible School every summer. I think I prayed the Sinner’s Prayer, like 5 times. But it never worked.”

“How did you get out here, man?” The other guy asked.

“I ran away from home as soon as I could.” I said.”I was getting beaten up by redneck hillbillies in Miamisburg, Ohio. Every time I showed my face the jumped me. They hated me because I was against the War in Nam and I wrote love songs that their chicks really dug. I even got hit on the side of the head with a tire iron once. That was it. I just left town and never looked back.”

“Wow! That’s heavy, man.” He said, and we all nodded silently in agreement.

“So, what are you doing now?” The first guy asked. “It sounds like you’re pretty good on the guitar. We could hear you singing from way up there.”

“I’m okay.” I said. “I write all my own songs and play for tips as a troubadour at the Old

By Gregg Harris

They looked at one another like they were saying, “Yep, that’s the problem.”

“Well, a lot of people have been saved while praying that Sinner’s Prayer” he said, “but not because of it. It’s more of a distraction than anything else. The whole point of getting saved is to come back to God and trust in Jesus to save you from the punishment your sins deserve. That ‘repeat after me’ stuff can get in the way of what’s really important. It makes it seem like it’s all about what you’re saying and not about what’s happening in your heart.”

“Okay” I said, “I think I see what you mean. I was thinking it was some kind of magical incantation or something, like saying, ‘Abracadabra! Now you’re saved.’”

“Yeah.” They both nodded, “It’s not like that at all. It’s the cry of your heart to know God though His Son, Jesus. It’s like, faith.”

to save our souls from death and hell. Isn’t that cool? And it worked! When Jesus rose from the dead, the arms of God opened wide and it was like He said ‘Come to Daddy!’”

I laughed. The thought of God wanting to give me a hug was just crazy. But something deep inside me trembled. They were both looking at me like they were expecting me to drop to my knees. But I just nodded.

“I never thought of it like that before.” I said. “You guys are really cool Jesus Freaks.”

“Yes!” They said. Their enthusiasm was amazing. “And we want you to be one too.”

“I’ll have to think about it.” I said.

“You do that, man.” The first guy said. “And pray about it, too. Just ask Jesus to forgive you. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you. Ask Him to give you the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit will guide you into the truth, man.”

Brussels Restaurant

They don’t pay me anything, but I make good tips and I get a free meal at the end of each night from whatever they have left in the kitchen.”

“That’s cool!” The other guy said and we all nodded in agreement again.

“Well, we’re down here to tell people about Jesus.” The first guy said. “We just got saved and filled with the Holy Spirit a few weeks ago and our lives are completely cool now. We have this crazy joy, and like happiness, you know? And we’re not afraid to die. We don’t do drugs or have sex anymore because chicks deserve respect from guys and we shouldn’t be trying to bed them before we marry them, you know?”

I nodded, “I guess so.”

“So what happened to get you saved?” I asked, “Did you have to do anything?”

“All we had to do was repent of our sins and ask God to forgive us.” The 2nd guy said.

“You mean like pray the Sinners Prayer.” I asked. “I tried that and nothing happened.”

“Well,” the other guy said, “Sometimes we don’t really understand what we are saying. Did somebody ask you, “Repeat after me? And then lead you in some kind of prayer?”

“Yeah,” I said. “They did.”

“So, how does it work?” I asked. “What do I have to do to be saved?”

They gasped at one another and said, “Praise God, man! You’re doing it already!”

“What am I doing?” I asked.

“You’re asking ‘What must I do to be saved,’ man! That’s in the Bible! (See Acts 16:30-31) That’s the heart attitude God is looking for. So here’s the deal. This next part is what is called ‘the Gospel.’ It’s the good news about who Jesus is and what He has done for us.”

“I think I already know this part.” I said. “Jesus died for me on a cross and then on Easter morning He rose from the dead.”

“Exactly! But there’s a little more to it than that. Jesus lived the perfect life we were all supposed to live, but no one has. Then He allowed Himself to be captured and beaten and crucified by the religious leaders and the Roman government. He suffered and died in our place in order to pay for our sins.”

“Okay,” I said, “I think I understand all that.”

“Yeah, but then, in order to prove that His plan worked, God the Father raised God the Son from the dead by the power of God the Holy Spirit. The whole Trinity worked together

A few months later I did just that. God answered my prayer. I was saved. It was amazing. I have never been the same again.

As the lights came up in the theater, tears were running down my cheeks. My Bonnie reached over and took me by the hand as she whispered, “You were there, weren’t you?” “Yes,” I said, “I was there.” We wept. Silverton is no beach town. This is not the 70s. But the same Jesus who saved me can also save you. I would love to play the part those “Jesus People” played in my life in your life today. “Hey man! Do you know Jesus?”

So, drop by my shop, Silver Falls Terrariums, anytime. I’m open from 11am to 5pm, Wed.Sat.. Or, let’s meet up for coffee whenever and wherever it works for you. I’ll buy.

And if you’re already my brother or sister in following Jesus, I’d like to meet you as well. Let’s let our lights shine brighter in this town and see what God will do. Who knows? He might even start another Jesus Revolution

Early Morning Men’s Breakfasts

Every Thursday, 5:30 to 7am at Noble Inn, 409 S Water St, Silverton, OR Join me for Breakfast, Prayer, Bible Study, Swapping Stories & a Weekly Challenge. Call 503-926-1388 to RSVP.

“‘When Jesus rose from the dead, the arms of God opened wide and it was like He said ‘Come to Daddy!’” I laughed. The thought of God wanting to give me a hug was just crazy. But something deep inside me trembled.”

Gregg Harris

Electrified Oregon State Parks add charging option at Silver Falls, six other parks

By Melissa Wagoner

One of the many benefits to visiting one of Oregon’s 108 State Parks is that most are off the beaten track. But that can also make those visitors driving electric vehicles (EVs) a little bit nervous.

“Older EVs, especially the used EVs on the market today, have much lower distance ranges,” Jo Niehaus – an Oregon Parks and Recreation (OPRD) Policy Advisor – confirmed.

It’s one reason OPRD has, in the past year, added 17 charging stations in seven different parks including, on Feb. 8, 2023, four level-two stations in the South Falls Day Use parking lot of Silver Falls State Park.

“They are Rivian charging stations and are open to all electric vehicle models,” Niehaus said of the stations, which can add up to 25 miles of range for each hour they are used. “Thanks to a generous donation by Entec Polymers, visitors can charge for free until 2025. However, Silver Falls does require a $5 day-use parking permit that must be displayed even while charging.”

Both Entec Polymers’ and Rivian’s donations were secured with the help of the nonprofit, Adopt a Charger, which “aims to increase access to EV charging in parks and public spaces” by connecting those entities with funding. But the actual implementation of that funding only became possible with the passage of House Bill 2290 in 2021, which made it possible for OPRD to begin installing charging stations at its facilities.

EV Charging Stations in Oregon State Parks

• Silver Falls State Park: four stations in the South Falls day-use parking lot

• Banks-Vernonia State Trail: two stations in the Banks Trailhead parking lot

• L.L Stub Stewart State Park: three stations in the Welcome Center parking lot

• Cape Lookout State Park: two stations in the day-use parking lot

• William M. Tugman State Park: two stations in the day-use parking lot

• Prineville Reservoir State Park: two stations in the side parking lot near the day-use lot

• The Cove Palisades State Park: two stations in the Crooked River day-use parking lot

As to why these additions are necessary, “OPRD has been aware of the shift in transportation and increasing rates of EV adoption in Oregon and neighboring states,” Niehaus explained.

“As our visitors require different types of amenities to more easily access our park system, we are looking to take steps to learn more about what that means for our parks through this pilot project. It will give us an understanding of visitor use and behavior, resource

impacts, maintenance requirements, staff workload and infrastructure impacts.

“The knowledge we gain and the feedback we receive will help us in future planning for our parks, campgrounds and visitor centers. In addition, we are looking at our own electrification needs, as well as seeing how we can improve our own environmental goals.”

In effect, these 17 stations are just the beginning with four more stations scheduled for installation at Rooster Rock State Park in the Columbia River Gorge later this year.

“For our visitors, the EV stations are a way to mitigate ‘range anxiety…” Niehaus said. “These charging stations will help alleviate some of that worry when visitors enjoy parks while their vehicles charge. It reduces pollution in a park, and keeps pace with the fact visitors are increasingly ready to use EVs.”

Top: The first vehicle to use one of the new charging stations. Above: One of the charging stations at Silver Falls State Park. JO NIEHAUS

Passages

James Robert Newell

Jan. 18, 1939 – March 15, 2023

James Robert Newell, born Jan.18, 1939, in Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away on March 15, 2023.  James was preceded by death by his wife Pauline; daughter, Carolyn Sue; father, John Henry Newell; mother, Margarette Louise Wilkinson; sister, Shirley Smith.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Robert (Ruth), Susan (Phillip), Gregory (Jeanette), and Rodney; grandchildren, Jay (Teresa), Alisha, Nathan, Jennifer, Nicholas, Shaina (Chase), Nevin (Stephanie), Daniel

(Maddie), Anthony, Jessica (Robert), Alisha (Kenan), Rebecca (Christopher); and great grandchildren Crystal, Jesse, Greg, Beatriz, Mya, Autumn, Chase, William, Josie, Cali Ann, Caleb, Storey, Ava, Onyx, Wesley, Levi, Lizzie, Annie, Nevaeh, Aurora, Scarlet and Myles.  Siblings Bill, John (Sue) and Mary Estes (Marvin); and several nephews, nieces, and friends.

A Memorial Service will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 1 at Calvary Community Church in Albany, Oregon.

Submissions welcomed: Our Town appreciates the opportuity to share life’s Passages with our readers. If there is a birth, engagement, wedding, anniversary, college graduation or obituary of a local resident you’d like to share, please send it to ourtown.life@mtangelpub.com or mail it to Editor, Our Town, P.O. Box 927, Mount Angel, OR 97362, or drop it by our office at 401 Oak St., Silverton any weekday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In Memory Of

Elmer Haury May 2, 1935 – March 5, 2023

Toby Miller April 18, 1954 – March 5, 2023

John Vandiver June 9, 1948 – March 7, 2023

Luke Sowa Jan. 6, 1979 – March 7, 2023

State champs again

The Silverton dance and drill program has once again brought home a state championship.

The 2022-23 squad, coached by Alex Reese and Emily Sword, took home first place in Class 5A in jazz and second place in traditional March 17-18 at the Oregon State Fairgrounds Pavilion in Salem. The state title was the fifth in school history, following 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2014 titles under former coach Paula Magee, who also coached the squad to a runner-up finish in 2015.

Reese and Sword were four-year team members in the early 2000s (Sword graduated in 2003 and Reese in 2006) and served as assistant coaches on the 2014 title squad while also working with Magee at her downtown Silverton ballet studio.

The 2022-23 season was conducted under different rules. The state meet used to consist of just the “traditional” performance.

This year the OSAA added the “categories” events (jazz, pom, kick and hip hop) that used to be conducted in the fall. This meant, Reese told Our Town, that “you could enter two routines in different styles rather than just the one routine like in the past. It made things a bit trickier for us because normally we perform different routines throughout the season and then start on our ‘state’ routine in January. But this year, we learned both of our state routines in November and had to dance them through the entire year.

“It can feel a bit tedious, but it did allow us the opportunity to really perfect our routines and get good feedback from judges at the previous competitions leading into state. We felt better prepared for state this year than ever before.”

In the jazz event, the team danced to the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ version of “Higher Ground.”

“The team was able to really showcase their love of dance in this routine,” Reese said. “They did a spectacular job with their facial expressions and showing the pop in their leaps and all the other jazz skills they have been working on all year.”

In the traditional competition, where Silverton finished second to Canby, the team danced to “Walk With Me” by GoldFord.

Silverton dance earns 1st, 2nd at OSAA event

“This routine leans more towards ballet and really showcases their talent as trained ballet dancers,” Reese said. “The message of the routine was all about working together and lifting each other up. They showcased this style very well by using their breath and really dancing through the movement. It has more fluidity than the sharpness of a jazz routine.”

Silverton’s 15-person squad was a mixture of youth and experience, led by five seniors, Stella Harrison, Addy Rich, Courtney Zurcher, Mia Hohenshelt and Eleanor Brown. There were three juniors, Savannah Strader, Keira Chaparro and Gwen Arbuckle; three sophomores, Jack Hurley, Hailey Vinogradoff and Paisley Rains as well as freshmen Marissa Schacher, Brooklyn Yates, Abby Brown and Annabel Brueckner

Harrison was named to the all-state squad.

Silverton won five competitions before the state meet, leading Reese to conclude “they knew they had the potential to be champions.”

“We always have faith that our team is going to be successful and unfortunately it doesn’t always work out that way, but we never give up and always push the team to try harder. We lucked out this season by getting a very talented group that already had the drive. We also had some truly incredible seniors that are not only talented

dancers but that also really motivate the rest of the team to give it their all. We are going to really miss them next season.”

Girls Basketball: The Class 5A tournament 4th place game between the Foxes and Rex Putnam ended right at the Our Town deadline for its March 15 edition. We got the game in but did not have access to the final statistics, all-tournament team and other honors.

In addition to the 4th place trophy, Silverton took home the sportsmanship award for the 8-team tournament. It was inspiring for me to arrive for a 9 a.m. Friday morning game more than an hour away with snow falling outside and find a virtually full rooting section and band ready to go.

Silverton’s Kyleigh Brown made first-team all-tournament, a step up from her second-team honor a year ago. Brown finished the tournament with 42 points, 26 rebounds, ten steals and seven assists while making 22 of 27 free throws. The 5-8 junior finished 5th in scoring, tied for 2nd in rebounding, and 5th in steals and led the tourney in free throws made.

As a team the Foxes made 40 of 57 free throws, a 70.2% clip, while leading the field in foul shots made. Silverton, which prides itself on its defense, allowed just 35.7 points per game, which led the tournament. No opponent reached 40 against the Foxes, who finished 22-6 under first-year coach Alyssa Ogle

Starters Brown, Justina Semerikov and Grace Hayashida will return, along with key role players Allie Mansur and Brooklyn Pfeifer.

The Silverton High dance and drill team took first in jazz and second in traditional at the OSAA Class 5A championships March 17-18 at the Oregon State Fairgrounds Pavilion in Salem. Below left: Stella Harrison performs a high kick. DAMION BLAIR

Kyleigh Brown. JAMES DAY

Tuesday, April 4

Girls Tennis

4 p.m. Silverton vs Woodburn Baseball

4:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Umpqua Valley

Christian

Wednesday, April 5 Track & Field

3 p.m. Silverton vs Corvallis, Dallas Baseball

5 p.m. Silverton vs Woodburn

Softball

5 p.m. Silverton vs Woodburn

Thursday,

April 6

Boys Tennis

4 p.m. Silverton vs Lebanon

Softball

4:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Gervais

Monday, April 10 Softball

5 p.m. Silverton vs Central

Tuesday, April 11

Girls Tennis

4 p.m. Silverton vs Central

Wednesday, April 12

Baseball

4:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Colton

5 p.m. Silverton vs Lebanon

Softball

5 p.m. Silverton vs South Albany

Thursday, April 13

Girls Tennis

4 p.m. Silverton vs South Albany

Friday, April 14

Softball

2:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Central Linn Baseball

5 p.m. Silverton vs Central/ Kings Valley Charter

Monday, April 17 Softball

5 p.m. Silverton vs Corvallis

Tuesday, April 18

Boys Tennis

4 p.m. Silverton vs West Albany Baseball

4:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Country Christian/North Clackamas Christian

Wednesday, April 19

Track & Field

3:30 p.m. Silverton vs Crescent Valley, McKay, South Albany

Baseball

5 p.m. Silverton vs South Albany

Thursday, April 20

Girls Tennis

4 p.m. Silverton vs Corvallis

Softball

4:40 p.m. Kennedy vs Salem Academy/ Willamette Valley Christian

Wednesday, April 21

Baseball

4:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Country Christian/North Clackamas Christian Softball

4:40 p.m. Kennedy vs Blanchet Catholic

Monday, April 24

4:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Western Christian

Tuesday, April 25

Boys Tennis

4 p.m. Silverton vs Crescent Valley Softball

4:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Colton

Wednesday, April 26

Baseball

5 p.m. Silverton vs West Albany

Thursday, April 27

SILVER FALLS FAMILY YMCA

Jumping into the Summer with Activities

Youth Sports

Registration Opens: April 3

Soccer: K-6 • Track & Field: K-6

Micro Soccer: ages 3-5

Contact Christina Shipman cshipman@theyonline.org

Adult Activities

Adult BBX: Weekly game times

Pickleball: Weekly game times

Contact Kristi Horner khorner@theyonline.org

Pool Activities

Girls Tennis

4 p.m. Silverton vs McKay

Friday, April 28

Baseball

4:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Western Christian 5 p.m. Silverton vs Corvallis Softball

4:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Monroe

5 p.m. Silverton vs Lebanon

Swim Lessons

Summer Swim Team

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

I’m standing in my home office. It is buried in pink insulation – the aftermath of one more home improvement project gone wrong.

I should explain.

My wife and I had a bright idea. Our house is 60 years old, so we thought it would make sense to put more insulation in the attic. Save on heating bills and all that.

We rented one of those blowers and bought a batch of that pink insulation. For those who have not had the pleasure, the insulation comes in plastic bales. You cut them in half and jam them in the blower, which shoots the insulation through a hose into the attic.

Easy-peasy.

We watched a couple of videos on how to do it and got everything set up. The blower and I were in the garage, and my wife was in the attic.

Then things went wrong. Very wrong. The hose, which had two 50-foot

sections, came apart, spewing insulation all over my office. In our defense, we had taped the sections together but the tape obviously wasn’t up to the job. So there I was jamming insulation into the blower and shooting it through the hose into my office, and my wife wondering why she wasn’t getting any insulation in the attic. She checked out the hose, and my office had been decorated in a foot of Barbie-pink snow. She ran down and told me what was going on and I hit the “off” button. I have to admit, I haven’t laughed that hard in a long time – since the last home improvement project I got involved in. There’s no limit to the number of ways I

can screw up home improvement projects. Paint spills, crooked fences – you name it.

It’s not that I’m an idiot – I think –it’s just that, in my heart of hearts, I consider home improvement projects to be punishment. Torture might be a better word.

Which brings me to a book I have been reading. In it was a profile of a lawyer who travels around the nation trying to keep the worst criminals off death row. Her clients are a rogue’s gallery of bad guys. Child rapists, murderers, bombers – the lowest of the low. And there she is trying to get a jury to have sympathy for these guys. One of her clients was the guy who, with his brother, set off a bomb near the finish line of the Boston Marathon. Her defense of his actions boiled down to: his big brother made him do it.

I had a big brother, so I know how that works. But I will guarantee you that big brothers cannot make a little brother slaughter three innocent people, kill a cop and maim 264 others without the little brother’s agreement.

So this lawyer was trying to keep junior out of the electric chair.

Let me just say that I’m not a big fan of capital punishment, for any number of reasons. But the main reason is it’s too easy on the bad guys. I really, truly want them to live a long and horrible life and think every day about what they did.

To accomplish that, I suggest they be sentenced to do home improvement projects, which I admit is cruel and unusual. Painting, hammering – blowing insulation! – day after day and year after year will make them wish they had stayed out of trouble.

I will stipulate that some people actually like home improvement projects. Maybe we can find something else horrific for them to do. I suggest making them listen to politicians 24/7. That would be enough to make anyone beg for mercy.

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

GENERAL LOOKING FOR SILVERTON

HIGH 1971 CLASSMATE

I’m looking for John Withers from the Scotts Mills area, going to SUHS from 1968 to 1970. I am Catherine Wyatt from Silverton. I was a grade behind John. We dated my freshman year. I go by ‘Raven Wyatt’ on Facebook. If anyone knows his whereabouts, please contact me on Facebook.

ANNOUNCEMENT

MARQUAM UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

FREE COMMUNITY

BREAKFAST will be the SECOND Saturday in April

(Easter weekend) April 8. All are welcome.

SERVICES NEED A NEW FENCE?

Now booking for Spring & Summer. Support your local small Business/Contractor.

Free Estimates. Butte Creek Builders, LLC. CCB#238486. 503-932-5110

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 clean-up, haul-away.

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

To advertise call 503-845-9499

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)

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503.873.3545 303 Oak St. • Silverton

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

#T2764 EVERYTHING YOU WANT $699,900