Burning questions Answers to the ins and outs of field burning
By Melissa Wagoner
It’s not unusual during the mid to late part of summer to witness large, sometimes scary-looking, columns of smoke filling the skies over the Willamette Valley. Alarming to those who are seeing them for the first time, the plumes often ignite fears of structure fires, wildfires and other kinds of uncontrolled burning. But, in fact, they are the opposite.
Commonly known as field burning, these towering clouds of smoke are the result of a highly regulated method of ridding agricultural fields of weeds, seeds, pests and disease.
“We have to manage the residue from previous crops as part of looking forward to the next year,” Kathy Hadley said. She has been practicing field burning since she was child, igniting fields alongside her father on their farm in Rickreall, Oregon. “Burning is a very effective way to do that, and leaves the majority of nutrients with the soil (versus baling and removing straw)… burning is mother nature’s way of cleaning up…”
While burning entire fields during the driest part of summer may seem counterintuitive, the practice is a highly regulated part of the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s Field Burning and Smoke Management programs. It allows registered farmers to burn fields only when weather conditions are favorable and when strict safety protocols are followed. Those protocols include maintaining a sufficient water supply nearby, keeping watch over the dirt perimeter established around the field and utilizing signage and flagging for fields abutting roads.
“Farmers sign up fields and pay per-acre fees…” Hadley said, “and when days are deemed good burn days (when pressure gradients exist to facilitate the smoke going up high into the atmosphere to minimize residential impacts), farmers are issued a permit to burn one field at a time.”
In other words, field burning is costly, and labor intensive, discrediting the myth that field burning is utilized because it is cheaper and easier.
So, why do it?
For Hadley and her husband, Troy – a fifth-generation farmer who grows canola, oats, grass seed, hay and raise cattle near
Drakes Crossing – the answer is, because of their environmental beliefs and the location of their farm, there is no other choice.
“The alternative to burning to control pests, disease and weeds, is spraying,” Hadley said, “and whether those are organic or synthetic products, I still prefer the 100 percent natural means of one field fire to having to spray those products.”
And because their farm is in an area prone to soil loss, mowing and tilling is also not an option.
“On farms or with crops where the residue can be worked in or left on the surface, that is clearly best for the soil,” she said, “but in the Hills especially, the less you can disturb the soil the better, or else you can have significant erosion.”
Tilling and mowing also can cause a substantial amount of dust which, in Hadley’s opinion, is sometimes worse than the smoke from the fires.
“[T]here is significantly more dust from
farmers having to mow and work fields differently… and often dust particles are bigger than smoke so for people with breathing issues it can actually be worse…” she pointed out.
When it comes time to burn, farmers work hard to minimize the impact of the smoke, she added.
“[O]f course it’s not possible to eliminate all impact,” she said, “the weather doesn’t always cooperate perfectly and at the beginning and end of burns there is unavoidable low level smoke, but I would encourage people to consider that a few hours/days spent indoors… to allow farmers to use a tool that’s more effective and environmentally friendlier is a sacrifice worth making and better big picture. And even though it’s usually grass seed fields getting burned, those farms are rotating fields that also grow crops going more directly into the food system, so keeping things working for the farm as a whole is valuable.”
Even when the fields are not exchanged
for food crops, the seed crops themselves have value to humans and the environment.
“[M]any varieties and species [of grass seed] go directly to planting pastures or hay fields for feeding the animals we do eat…” Hadley said. “Grass lawns, parks, etc. help keep urban areas cooler too… so even though we do not eat it, even the turf varieties are extremely valuable to our lives on this planet.”
And most farmers work hard to be good stewards of their land, making their field management choices after a considerable amount of thought.
“[I]f we don’t take care of the soil, air and water around us, it won’t produce healthy and abundant crops and animals for us,” Hadley said. “We make management decisions carefully and with a lot of scientific backing, so I would hope the general public… would trust …that we are acting in the best interest of the environment with the decisions we make.”
Top: Kathy Hadley said circling the field with fire helps it ‘pull itself together’ and draw the smoke up. Right: Troy Hadley and Josh DuVal supervise a burn. Above: The “water brigade” of Dennis Hadley, Jerry DuVal and Scott Reinhart stand by. SUBMITTED PHOTOS
Mid-week market
Farm goods now available at Grange event
By Melissa Wagoner
Not all farmers, bakers and craftspeople are available to sell on Saturdays. Similarly, not everyone who would like to attend a farmers’ market is able to do so on a Saturday. Now there is a solution for both parties – the Summer Community Makers Market, a Wednesday market held on the grounds of the Silverton Grange at 201 Division St. begins July 17.
“Our roots are in agriculture and bringing producer and consumer into the closest relationship possible is ‘baked into our DNA,’” Randi Embree, Grange secretary and the volunteer coordinator for the market, said.
The Makers Market came about aims for a combination of farm-fresh foods, baked goods, handmade crafts and “other well-curated” food and home related products. There’s also representation from local nonprofits and young entrepreneurs. Market organizers hope to provide vendors with another opportunity to sell and buyers another chance to purchase during the bountiful summer months.
“Right now, we have two produce vendors, a flower vendor, an egg vendor, baked goods, and some cottage food providers,” Embree said. Adding, “applications are coming in. I am completely sure this will be a great market.”
Situated in the grass under a stand of shade trees, Embree hopes the market will not only provide visitors with the opportunity to support the local economy but also to learn more about the Grange.
“Our Grange meetings are open to all who are curious about what we have to offer,” she said. “With an aging
Silverton Summer Community Makers Market
Farm-direct food, baked goods, handmade crafts, home related products, local nonprofits, young entrepreneurs and live music.
Silverton Grange, 201 Division St. Wednesdays, 3 - 6:30 p.m.
Running July 17 – Oct. 2
Vendor applications at https:// tinyurl.com/Summer-MarketApplication
population, young people are encouraged to join. Full membership is open to all ages 14 and above… We meet the third Sunday of the month at 4 p.m.”
Along with the Makers Market, the Grange also hosts other local food events throughout the year including Seedy Saturday in March, Thanksgiving baskets and a Pie Auction in the fall, and a 100 Mile Breakfast.
“I want to raise awareness of the… Grange membership as an opportunity to bring one’s ideas to life,” Embree said. “Grange programs have something to offer the entire family.”
And the Makers Market has something to offer the entire family as well including, “anyone who wants to get out in the afternoon and explore what their neighbors may be offering, who wants to find some goodies for their dinner or pantry. These kinds of local events build a stronger community.”
Fresh goods will be available at the Makers Market. SUBMITTED PHOTO
Trash rate City OKs 23% increase
By James Day
Trash and recycling rates in Silverton are going up 23% starting Sept. 1.
The Silverton City Council voted 5-1 on July 1 to approve the rate request from Republic Services, which serves as the city’s trash hauler under a franchise agreement.
Republic Services says the rate increase is necessary to match the 10 percent rate of return that is guaranteed in the franchise agreement. Multiple inflationary factors contributed to the increase, Republic officials said, including increases in the costs of labor, recycling and disposal. Silverton residents have not had a rate increase since January 2021.
Most residents have a 35-gallon trash cart, with the monthly rate increasing from $32.01 to $39.37. The monthly rate for a 65-gallon cart goes from $39.70 to $48.83 and the 90-gallon cart rises from $42.47 to $52.24. Residents receive the same yard waste, mixed recycling and glass recycling service regardless of the size of their trash cart.
Mayor Jason Freilinger and councilors April Newton, Elvi Cuellar Sutton, Matt Gaitan and Marie Traeger voted in favor of the rate increase. Eric Hammond voted no. Jess Miller was away on vacation and did not participate. Hammond criticized Republic in a June 1 discussion of the issue for asking for rate increases given the $29 million in salaries that its top six executives are paid.
Republic officials said in a letter included in the council packet that customers will receive notice of the rate increase in their July invoices. In other council updates:
Affordable Housing: Councilors discussed plans for a housing project on city-owned land behind the skatepark. The city task force reviewing affordable housing issues
unanimously backed a proposal from DevNW. However, the council favored one from Hacienda Community Development Corporation. City Manager Cory Misley now will start work on a memorandum of understanding with Hacienda, but he also emphasized that nothing has been signed and should the process with Hacienda fail to bear fruit he would move to work with DevNW.
Public Works: Councilors unanimously backed a series of end-of-the-budget-year purchases of equipment and contract approvals as part of its consent agenda, which consists of items that generally require little discussion and are voted on with one motion. All told the items cost $1,762,592, with the biggest ticket item a $579,000 Vactor truck, which is used to clean out sewers. Also on the list was $297,000 to pay for upcoming street overlay work on Silver Loop, Adams Street and High Street.
Noisy Pumps: Public Works officials have shut off the new pumps at the water intake station at Silver Creek because they have proven to be too noisy. At the July 1 session Travis Sperle, director of Public Works, said the city was purchasing acoustic blankets with which to dampen the sound, which has been most noticeable across the creek in Coolidge McClaine Park. The city also has intake pumps on Abiqua Creek so there will be no loss of water production while the issue is resolved.
Accounting Award: The city budget, managed by Finance Director Kathleen Zaragoza, has received a Government Finance Officers Association (GFAO) distinguished budget preparation award for the fifth consecutive year. To earn the recognition municipal budgets must meet program criteria and excel as a policy document, financial plan, operations guide and communications tool. Zaragoza received a warm round of applause from councilors and city staff at the July 1 session.
Miller won’t seek second council term
Silverton Councilor Jess Miller is moving into a new community volunteering arena.
Miller, a family physician in Mount Angel, announced June 3 that he will not seek re-election for a second fouryear term on the council.
He told Our Town that in 2025 he plans “to focus my volunteer efforts on enacting a parental equality bill in Oregon family law.” Miller said that he thinks family law in Oregon is unbalanced and plans to work with others to address the issue.
Miller added a divorce and custody experience led him to take this path.
“The compendium of modern psychological research demonstrates that, with the exception of abuse cases, children experience their best lifelong outcomes when they have equal access to both parents,” Miller said. “However, the current precedent in Oregon courts is for judges to assign a consultant who then designs an imbalanced parenting time plan. Under this model for divorcing families, when equal involvement in children’s lives is a hard-fought outcome instead of a presumption, then the court becomes not just a forum for debate but an active accelerant for ongoing conflict.“
Miller added that efforts elsewhere have given him optimism that change is possible.
“Fortunately, there are opportunities for improvement with updated legislation,” he said. “Other states that have enacted ‘presumptions of equality’ have demonstrated substantial decreases in court filings,
restraining orders, and abuse claims – all according to official state vital statistics.”
Miller said that Kentucky has proven to be a model in this area.
“I am grateful for the support I have received on this initiative from local leaders including Mayor [Jason] Freilinger, Karen Garst [former director of the Oregon State Bar], Councilor April Newton, and Rep. Rick Lewis, as well as the National Parents Organization. I hope that soon Oregon can also have modern family laws that respect and value divorcing parents, while protecting the best interests of children.”
Miller’s council seat will be on the Nov. 5 ballot.
Freilinger, who is serving his first twoyear mayoral term, told Our Town he plans to seek re-election. The terms of two other councilors, Elvi Cuellar Sutton and Matt Gatain, also will be up in November. Sutton was elected in 2020. Gatain was appointed by the council in January 2023 to fill the vacancy when then-councilor Freilinger was elected mayor. Sutton and Gatain have not announced their plans for the fall.
Election packets can be picked up at the new City Hall on North Water Street. Deadline for filing is Aug. 27. For information on election procedures contact deputy city recorder Macy Mulholland, 503-8742216 or mmulholland@silverton.or.us.
– James Day
Smooth sailing ARPA funds resurface Mt. Angel intersection
By Stephen Floyd
The City of Mount Angel has completed its final ARPA-funded project after resurfacing a major highway intersection at Church and South Main streets.
Construction was completed in May using $70,000 in funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. The City also contributed $7,400 from the general fund to cover cost increases.
During the June 3 Mount Angel City Council meeting, City Manager Mark Daniel said the project “turned out really well” and contractor North Santiam Paving did “amazing work.”
“I actually think we have a very highquality product,” said Daniel.
The heavily-traveled intersection, known for Mount Angel’s iconic “Oktoberfest Joy” fountain, had become worn and uneven. Daniel said it was known by locals as the “tricky triangle” and had been
the target of possible street improvements for more than a decade.
Daniel said this fix is not a long-term solution and the city is seeking grant funding for a more in-depth repaving including possible safety improvements. He said the City was working with Willamette Valley Railway, which owns the adjacent railroad, on a joint grant application.
The City Council voted Feb. 3 to allocate funds for the project from remaining ARPA dollars. In 2022 Mount Angel received $1.75 million in grants through the program and the funding has since been dedicated to various public improvements.
Prominent projects include a sewer line expansion along Marquam Street, a new water line along South Main Street, wireless water meter readers, and vehicle and equipment upgrades for the Police Department.
Chemeketa puts facilities bond on ballot
The Chemeketa Community College board has placed a bond measure on the Nov. 5 ballot.
The college, which is based in Salem but has a satellite campus in McMinnville and education centers in Dallas, Brooks and Woodburn, is asking voters to approve a bond that would generate $140 million in improvements.
The bond, if approved by the voters, would replace an expiring 2008 bond and use the same rate of 27 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value. For a home valued at $400,000, the property owner would pay $108 per year, or about 30 cents per day. The board placed the measure on the ballot via a unanimous vote on June 26.
Here is a look at the key initiatives that the bond will pay for, if it is approved:
• Increase capacity in health care, the trades, and emergency services.
• Reconfigure the Brooks Center to expand programming for health care
and emergency services.
• Renovate Building 33 on the Salem campus and create a new trades center for apprenticeship programs (plumbing, HVAC and sheet metal).
• Renovate Building 7, the gymnasium. The 1981 structure would be modernized for health and wellness programming and reconfigured with the assistance of federal matching funds to serve as a disaster resource site.
• Modernize classrooms to keep pace with technological and academic best practices.
• Improve the parking lots across Chemeketa’s campuses/centers.
• Introduce a new science lab at the Woodburn Center, which would allow students to complete associate degrees locally.
• Create spaces to support student engagement on the Salem Campus using Building 2 and the athletic fields.
– James Day
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$985,000 10.41 acres in the Silverton Hills on Powers Creek. Custom home with 5bd, 3 ba, 3218 sq. ft. High ceiling, large kitchen. 4 farm bldgs. Mature timber. 3999 Timber Trail Rd., Silverton. MLS#818488
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$450,000 0.45 ac. Beautiful Santiam River frontage. Fisherman’s Paradise. 1 bd., 1 ba. 39 ft. trailer and bunk house. 10x12 shop, & 10x10 Bldg on slab. 40474 Shoreline Dr., Lyons. MLS#814406
$437,000 Dual living, log home, 3bd. 2 ba. & MFG home with 3bd. 1.5 ba., on 1.06 ac parcel, sm. wood shop/ garden shed. 215 Fourth St., Scotts Mills MLS#804645
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Something to Think About
The art of storytelling Dispelling myths about homelessness
By Melissa Wagoner
When Sheltering Silverton partnered with retired SFSD educator Nancy Miller to host the “Storytelling Event: Stories of Courage and Resilience in the Face of Homelessness” at Silver Falls Library on June 1, the organization was not only looking to give a personal voice to the issue of homelessness but to set the record straight as well.
Myth 1: Silverton’s unhoused population is composed of people who are from elsewhere.
“One of the myths that persists is that this is not a homegrown situation,” Sarah White, the founder and director of Sheltering Silverton, said in an introductory speech at the event. “But the folks we serve are Silverton people and over the years we have helped people who grew up in our schools and who currently have kids in our schools.”
It’s a description that fits Storytelling Event panelist Kimberly perfectly. Raised in Silverton since the age of six, Kimberly graduated from Silverton High School, as did her sons, and her grandkids currently attend an SFSD school.
“We all played sports, we all graduated from here, and I worked for Redman Homes,” Kimberly said.
But in 2019 everything began falling apart.
“I quit my job and moved in with my folks because my mom was battling cancer,” Kimberly remembered.
Then her oldest son and his wife were sent to prison for heroin use, leaving behind their two children – aged three and six – for Kimberly to raise.
“I started taking them to the shelter in the evening to give my mom some rest,” Kimberly said, recalling her slow slide into homelessness, which was even more challenging with the addition of two young boys.
“But I knew I wasn’t going to give up on those boys,” she said, “because everyone else had walked out.”
And Kimberly is a fighter.
“You can’t knock me down,” she said.
But that doesn’t mean the situation wasn’t difficult and demoralizing.
“The world changes when you’re homeless,” she said. “Walking out of SACA with groceries right on Water Street is so embarrassing… And when [the school] asked me for our address I was so ashamed and embarrassed. I almost turned [my grandkids] over to the State because I felt I had nothing to offer them. But they said, ‘We have love, right?’”
It was that love that kept her going and it’s why she agreed to share her story –which she hopes will encourage more kindness toward those people without a home.
“I’ve seen both sides,” she said. “And homelessness is what your circumstances have led you to, it’s not who we are. Just remember, these are somebody’s kids. Everyone has a dark story… Nobody wants to be freezing and wet in a tent, riddled with fentanyl. It’s worse than a jungle, it’s so hard.”
But kindness can make a difference.
“Sometimes a smile, just a hello, little things…” she said. “Just some understanding goes a long way. Just saying, please and thank you means the world.”
Myth 2: People who are unhoused are also uneducated.
“It’s surprising to people how many homeless people are educated,” White
I believe I’m a good person.” Myth 3: That all unhoused people are alike.
When the event’s third speaker, Jessica, agreed to share her story, it was in the hope that the seldom revealed details of homelessness in Silverton would open the hearts and minds of the audience.
“When you’re unhoused there’s a tension between wanting to be invisible… and wanting to be seen,” she said, recognizing this as a unique opportunity to do just that.
said, introducing the event’s second presenter, Adam, who, despite a bachelor’s degree in accounting, found himself living on the streets.
“I experienced homelessness after losing my home in a business failure,” Adam said, describing how that incident led to a cascade of events that included moving in with his father, spending 30 days in jail for financial mistreatment and the end of his marriage.
“I was at UGM [Union Gospel Mission] for a while…” he recalled. But he wasn’t happy there.
And so, his thoughts turned to Silverton, the place where he had spent a portion of his childhood, attending Silver Falls Christian School.
“It was my ex-wife that brought me to Sheltering Silverton,” he said.
And he is so grateful.
“Since coming to Sheltering Silverton I began my journey to financial recovery,” he said. “I’m in a state of coming out of this.”
In fact, Adam recently returned to accounting, a turn of events, he worried, might be impossible with a criminal record.
“But I’m much more than a felon,” he said. “I got wrapped up in legal mistakes, but I’m a good father, I have a bachelor’s degree, and at one time I had it all… I’m not someone to be shunned. I’m not someone to be forced to be homeless…
Raised in Silverton from the age of nine, Jessica attended Central Howell Elementary School. But life was challenging with parents who were divorced.
“I had two different lives,” Jessica said. “And my stepmom wasn’t very nice to me.”
Slipping through the cracks, Jessica became essentially homeless at 15, when she began staying at a different friend’s house every night. Then she started using drugs.
“I went to prison a few times,” she said. It’s a story that might seem typical, but Jessica herself is anything but.
“What people read about me is not what I am,” she emphasized. “I’m so much more. I’m kind and caring and hard working.”
“They call her the sheriff,” White agreed. “Because she takes care of everyone.”
Including those who are still working to get their lives back on track.
“[I hope] that I’ll be able to help more people,” Jessica confirmed. “I hope someday I’ll be able to be somebody’s support.”
In the meantime, Jessica will settle for changing the public’s perception of homelessness one person at a time.
“It’s not OK to categorize every homeless person as the same,” she said. “Because you don’t know my story. And anybody is a paycheck away from being homeless.”
This is the second in a series that explores houselessness from the point of view of those who have experienced it.
Jessica, Adam and Kimberly share their stories at Sheltering Silverton’s Storytelling Event in June.
MELISSA WAGONER
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Music in the foothills
By Melissa Wagoner
When the Silverton-based musician known simply as Garreson created the idea for the Northwest SongFest, it wasn’t just as a way to unite great musicians – though that played a role – rather, the principal purpose was the promotion of music as a vital part of life.
“It’s important for people’s resilience and joy,” Garreson said, adding, “COVID really highlighted that.”
It’s a lesson Garreson learned early when, at the age of seven, he began taking piano lessons and writing his own music. But he was hesitant to share it with anyone, other than his grandfather – singer/songwriter, Monte Garrison – who never stopped encouraging him.
“He would always call and say, ‘Are you working on your music?’” Garreson said, recalling his grandfather’s influence, which included both an introduction to music from the ’40s and ’50s that led to a passion for music in general.
Northwest SongFest
Nine Oregon-based, Americanainfluenced, singer-songwriters performing in relaxed, forest venue.
Confluence Arts Center, 20159
Hazelnut Ridge Road, Scotts Mills Saturday, Sept. 7, opens 11 a.m.
Tickets at www.linktr.ee/nwsongfest
“I’m deeply obsessed,” Garreson admitted. “And I want to give people what I got from music.”
Which is how the idea for the Northwest SongFest – an event celebrating a number of talented musicians residing right here in Oregon – came about.
“Being a musician is a struggle and we wanted to create an opportunity for everyone,” Joshua Cross – Garreson’s husband and the head of public relations for the festival – said. He described the
Northwest SongFest line-up
(a.k.a.
and
nine musicians booked for this year’s festival as, “younger, older and established,” all with a similar musical style.
“We weren’t restricting it to a genre but they’re all similar,” Garreson said, describing the collective sound as Americana – commonly described as a mixture of country, folk, blues, soul, bluegrass, gospel, and rock. “It’s cool because it’s got a lot of influence.”
Located at the Confluence Arts Center in Scotts Mills, the inaugural event will kick off on Sept. 7 at 11 a.m. with a different musical act each hour.
“It’s inside and outside both,” Cross said.
“Vending is outside with some booths. It’s hilly and people can be in the grass.”
Spectators are encouraged to bring blankets and prepare to be outdoors for much of the day. Attendees are encouraged to get up, move around and even hike the nearby trails.
“It’s such a beautiful venue,” Cross said. “And there’s places for kids to run around.”
Family friendly, with free admission for children ages seven and under as well as child-friendly activities, the SongFest is Garreson’s way of sharing the value of live musical performance with a younger generation.
The
includes regional musicians, Garreson, Elyce Tyler, Hannah Wood, John Friedrick
Friendmaker),
Matthew Nelson Price. SUBMITTED PHOTOS
What works? Effectiveness a key measure in dealing with homelessness
Every community gets to decide how it confronts its most difficult challenges. Every community gets to decide if their response to challenges will be compassionate, punitive, exclusive, collaborative; but whatever they choose, it should be effective. Unsheltered homelessness is one of the most difficult challenges across America, and communities large and small have been left dealing with the fallout – usually at the municipal level.
The recent decision of the US Supreme Court in Grants Pass, Oregon vs. Johnson – along with the policy response it protects – is certainly dismissive, cruel, and inhumane; but unfortunately it does not even trade its humanity for effectiveness.
Fining people who cannot afford to pay for merely existing homeless on the street does nothing to address the immediate concerns of livability for the housed residents and families of the community; nor does it even come close to resolving the underlying systemic causes of chronic homelessness: shortage of affordable housing, inadequate access to behavioral health and addiction services, and a dearth of low-barrier indoor shelter.
City officials in Grants Pass have doubled down on an ineffective strategy to push their own unhoused community members into neighboring communities through penalization and harassment. How would we feel if neighboring cities like Salem and Portland drove displaced people into our small communities instead of developing necessary services of their own?
Politicians are, understandably, responsive to pressure from constituents and businesses who are negatively impacted by the mess, the disruptive behavior, and the vandalism that can accompany people who are living outside. It is tempting to put on a show of
Guest Opinion
Submited by Sarah White for the Staff & Board of Sheltering Silverton
responsiveness by imposing bans or ordinances that intend to disincentivize visible homelessness.
Fortunately, Silverton has chosen a different path that prioritizes effectiveness of response over a knee-jerk desire to fine and punish. There was a time, several years ago, that a punitive response to homelessness was presented to city leaders. One local man garnered a lot of attention for sleeping in front of shops and restaurants downtown. His behavior was disruptive and community members pleaded with our city council to develop punitive ordinances to drive him away.
Former Mayor Kyle Palmer had the common sense and compassion to pause and reach out to local advocates to learn more. Rather than create a bevy of city ordinances and bureaucracies targeting this one individual, we collaborated with community partners in health care and social services to get that man housed. Today, he is thriving in an appropriate care setting – an effective, compassionate, and common sense response.
Since then, our city government has collaborated with Sheltering Silverton, a homegrown non-profit organization, in order to provide a safe place where those in need can find respite, safety, shelter, and connections to services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Sheltering Silverton has used a combination of private community donations, grants, and state funding to keep
the impact on the city’s budget minimal.
Since our inception, Sheltering Silverton has sheltered hundreds of local individuals, including many children, seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, and domestic violence survivors, with over 250 of those individuals placed in permanent housing. Just this calendar year we have served 114 individuals with 44 people returning to housing or other positive destinations.
In exchange for its modest investment, city officials like police and public works personnel, as well as our school district and hospital, are able to direct those they encounter living outside to our shelter, where they are always welcomed with a meal and a warm bed. Our case managers work hard to address the needs of people in a caring and dignified way, connecting with health care resources, employment and educational opportunities, crime victims assistance, behavioral health care, and housing.
We recognize the negative impact of unaddressed homelessness in Silverton. We recognize that families want to enjoy our parks and common spaces without worrying about the mess and uncertainty of unmanaged camps and unaddressed behavioral health care needs. We don’t want to see tents on Water Street or in Coolidge McClaine Park. We don’t want to see heaps of trash or public use of dangerous substances. We don’t want to see people in acute psychiatric crises suffer uncared for in public. There is no dignity or compassion in a community’s failure to address these challenges.
We in Silverton recognize that we cannot punish, dehumanize, ostracize, or fine our way out of this crisis. Rather we must join hands with all our neighbors, in government and business, housed and unhoused, to recognize that we are all in this together and a responsible community takes care of its people.
Change ahead Acorn Dentistry expanding
By Melissa Wagoner
The demolition and reconstruction of the building housing Acorn Dentistry for Kids in Silverton has people asking questions, according to Acorn owner and founder, Tim Richardson, who said, “A lot of people think it’s a big corporation, but it’s anything but.”
Rather, Acorn Dentistry – which Richardson opened as a “family business” in 2017 – will continue to operate as a privately owned business, a distinction that has become especially important to Richardson as he has witnessed the corporatization of dentistry.
“Dentistry is largely going the way of medicine – run by big companies, not clinicians,” he explained. “But I set [Acorn] up to have a voice at the table.”
And to accomplish the mission statement, “Every Child Gets a Smile.”
“One of the things we are extremely committed to is seeing all kids in the community, including kids on Medicaid/OHP…” Richardson wrote in a recent Facebook post about the expansion.
“As a result, we are the only office(s) in the state that works with all OHP plans, in addition to working with privately insured families. Most other dental clinics consist of either only private insurance patients, or only Medicaid insurance patients, and run their businesses differently as a result.”
It’s a business model that has been so successful that, in the past seven years, Acorn Dentistry has expanded to include five additional clinics, including one on Lancaster Drive in Salem, which Richardson opened in 2022 to relieve the pressure on the busy Silverton office. However, the demand at the Silverton clinic has continued to grow.
“A lot of people said, we like Silverton and Dr. Jennifer,” Richardson said, referring to Dr. Jennifer Winslow who, hired in 2018, is now a business partner.
And so, in the end, Richardson found himself faced with a choice – reduce the number of patients the office could see, “which traditionally means no more Medicaid,” or expand the building.
“There’s an apartment on the back side and we were initially going to extend into that space and expand the waiting room space,” Richardson said.
But it didn’t take long before he discovered that simply remodeling the current building wasn’t going to work.
“When this building was being constructed, it was 1915 and a lot of the construction supplies were being diverted to the war efforts,” Richardson wrote in his post. “The foundation was constructed with what was left over. So even for that time, construction was compromised.”
Back to the drawing board, Richardson faced two alternatives – change locations or tear the building down and start again.
“In the end it’s going to be a good thing,” Richardson said, describing his decision to demolish the building
in order to keep his practice in the center of Silverton’s downtown. “It’ll triple the capacity. We’ll go from three to nine chairs.”
The expansion will also provide employees an improved breakroom, additional office space and allow the company’s dental assistant training program – currently housed on Lewis Street – to move on site.
“One of the design elements is, on the second floor, where we’ll do training, we’re going to have an observation balcony to the waiting room so [trainees] can get an introduction to how excited kids are to come to the dentist,” Richardson said.
Because that’s who the renovation is really for – the kids, who are the focus of Acorn Dentistry. Richardson is excited to see even more.
“That’s why we are growing, we have to,” he pointed out. “The clinic expansion is truly to accomplish one mission – to take care of the kids.”
In the meantime, Acorn’s Silverton patients are being temporarily seen at the Salem Lancaster Clinic while the Silverton site is prepared, first for demolition and then for construction. Richardson estimates the process will continue until the spring of 2025.
“We look forward to hosting everyone for a fun open house experience when it is complete….” Richardson said, adding, “We love Silverton and look forward to many more years here with you!”
Acorn Dentistry fournder Dr. Tim Richardson is replacing his office on N. Water Street with a building that can serve the dental needs of more children of all income levels. MELISSA WAGONER
Family affair Walls buy Oak Oven
By Melissa Wagoner
The Old Oak Oven is under new ownership, but that doesn’t mean things are going to change – at least not very much.
“We’re adding a side salad,” Scott Wall said. He partnered with his son, Kelan, to purchase the well-established food cart in mid-May.
“And we would love to figure out catering,” Kelan – an employee of The Old Oak Oven for the past four and a half years – added.
The cart – opened initially on Jersey Street 12 years ago – frequently receives requests from patrons, not only for large to-go orders but for full-service catering as well.
“The other night we had eighth grade graduation here,” Scott said. “It was 150 people.” It’s the kind of event that would have been impossible before the cart’s relocation to The Den on Water Street.
“It used to be 10 percent [of customers] would stay and 90 percent would go,” Kelan recalled. “Now it’s about fifty-fifty.”
But it’s not just the extensive outdoor seating area that keeps customers ordering an average of 40 pizzas each day.
“It’s our dough recipe,” Kelan said. The process – initiated by his uncle, Jeff, each morning – takes two days to complete.
“It’s a labor of love for sure.” The dough is showcased by The Old Oak Oven’s most popular pizza option, the Margherita – a combination of cheese, housemade sauce and fresh basil.
“Margherita is so simple that if you mess it
Old Oak Oven at The Den
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Thursday - Saturday: 11 am - 8 pm
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up nobody will like it,” Kelan said, listing some of the other available options including the Sicilian Deep Dish, the Cheeseburger and the OOO Meat Lovers.
“It’s the most creative food,” he said. “You can put whatever you want on a pizza.”
It’s what drew Kelan to the pizza business seven years ago and what keeps customers coming back for more.
“That’s what keeps it fun.”
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The Old Oak Oven is now a family business for Kelan, Scott, Kristen and Avery Wall. Kelan and his dad Scott purchased the business in May. MELISSA WAGONER
Pamela Lisa Kuschnick Antoni
April 28, 1975 – June 4, 2024
Pamela Lisa Kuschnick Antoni was born on April 28, 1975, to George and Carol (Schindler) Kuschnick. The youngest daughter and eighth of nine children, Pam grew up on a farm and enjoyed all the outdoor adventures afforded to her living in the country, and she developed a strong work ethic.
She learned to read early and at five years old Pam found an advertisement in the newspaper for a Shetland pony which she convinced her dad to go and look at and bring home to the farm. She started riding in local summer parades and the “Pam and Shorty” duo with the purple, white and silver sparkly attire delighted all who saw them.
Pam attended Sacred Heart Catholic Elementary School and graduated from Gervais High School in 1993. She excelled in academics and volleyball at Gervais and went on to play volleyball in college – first for Clackamas Community College, then Missouri Valley College before coming home to graduate from Western Oregon University with a degree in Biology.
She married Tom Antoni in 1997. They later divorced. Pam went on to have a highly successful career in pharmaceutical sales.
Her hobbies included CrossFit, Ironman Triathlons, marathons and stand up paddleboarding. She was a fashionista and was rarely seen without her bold lipstick.
Pam was preceded in death by her father, George. She is survived by her mother, Carol Kuschnick, and eight siblings, Greg Kuschnick, Lynn Ruggles, Carrie Ballweber (Greg), Tom Kuschnick (Diana), Jeff Kuschnick (Jennifer), Sue Munson, Paul Kuschnick (Meggan), Michael Kuschnick (Samantha), and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many cherished friends.
The world lost this beautiful, stylish, vibrant, kind soul when she passed unexpectedly on June 4, 2024, in Bend, Oregon.
Funeral services were held at Sacred Heart Parish Hall on June 28 with Rosary and Mass, followed by a luncheon at St. Louis Hall, and burial at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Gervais. In lieu of flowers or other gifts, contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic School in Gervais, Oregon.
Arrangements by Unger Funeral Chapel.
Ross D. Gerhards
It is with a heavy heart the family announces the passing Ross D. Gerhards. He died on June 29, 2024, in his home in Silverton, Oregon, surrounded by loved ones.
Ross was married to his first wife and had four children, then married the love of his life Sue, in 1986 and welcomed three more daughters. He was a kind and generous person who would always lend a helping hand.
His love for baseball started as a kid. Ross coached his girls in softball, taking the team all the way to the All Stars championship game. Later, he played in an adult league with his brother, John.
He had many talents and joys in life including cooking, woodworking, scuba diving and hunting. He enjoyed the outdoors, taking annual backpacking and camping trips with his family.
Music was a part of his soul. Whether
listening to records on the record player, writing music or playing his guitar and singing, music was a staple in the household.
Ross will be remembered most for his love of doing for others and being a servant to his community, family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Susan Gerhards; children, Merissa Sherwood, Jennifer (Marcus) Clark, Maegan Gerhards, Nathan (Georgia) Gerhards, Marcie Thomas, and Andrea Gerhards (Peter Bush); and 13 grandchildren and one great grandchild. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Amy ThomasGerhards and his parents, Genevie and Peter Gerhards. He will be forever loved and missed.
A funeral service was held July 5, 2024 at at St. Paul Catholic Church in Silverton. Arrangements by Unger Funeral Chapel.
Daniel Rodriguez Oct. 5, 1950 — June 21, 2024
David Bumgarner Oct. 18, 1960 — June 24, 2024
Gary Ohren Oct. 20, 1939 June 29, 2024
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Gary Ohren
Gary Ohren was born on Oct. 20, 1939 in Fosston, Minnesota to Oliver (Ole) and Beatrice (Swanson) Ohren. The family moved to Silverton, Oregon when Gary was four years old and joined Trinity Lutheran Church upon arrival.
Oct. 20, 1939 – June 29, 2024
Gary attended Silverton schools and graduated from Silverton High School in 1957. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the Army and served in post-war Korea.
In 1960, he returned to Silverton and worked at Petersons IGA Food Market in Silverton.
He became reacquainted with Nancy Raid on his coffee breaks at Silverton Cafe, where she worked. They were married Jan. 13, 1962 and three children followed: Rick (Bonnie), Lisa, and Jen (CJ). They were also blessed with two grandchildren, Nicholas and Ellias (Brooke) and a great grandchild, Olivia.
Gary served as Assistant Manager at Roth’s IGA Foodliner starting in 1962. Later, he served in management for all of Roth’s stores. He remained in the grocery business for the duration of his working career and retired from WINCO Foods.
Gary was active in the Silverton Community and was recognized for his services as president of the Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club president, Trinity Lutheran Church Deacon and President, and Silverton Area Community Aid Board of Directors. He also volunteered as a Silverton Hospital Van driver, Silverton Historical Society’s handyman, shelf stocker at SACA and sang with the Silvertones.
After his retirement, he traveled to his ancestral homelands of Norway and Sweden and visited over 100 US National Parks. Gary and Nancy loved rockhounding and could be found wandering the shoreline of any beach looking for treasures.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Jim and Tom. He is survived by his wife and children as well as a sister, Joan (Art) Balczarek of Apache Junction, Arizona and many nieces and nephews.
Services were held July 13 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Silverton. Contributions may be made to Silverton Area Community Aid in his memory.
Arrangements by Unger Funeral Chapel.
John B. Antonson
John B. Antonson (Jack) passed away peacefully on Feb. 8, 2024 at the Davenport House, after a short battle with cancer.
Jack was born March 31, 1935, in Oregon City, Oregon. He grew up in Southern Oregon and graduated from Medford High School in 1953.
March 31, 1935 – Feb. 8, 2024
Jack served in the United States Marine Corp from 1954 to 1957 earning the Rank of Sergeant. After his Honorable Discharge, he attended Oregon College of Education and earned his Secondary Education Degree in 1962 and his Masters Degree in 1967.
Jack spent his entire education career at Silverton Union High School from 1962 to 1997. He taught U.S. History, Social Studies, and Citizenship.
Jack was the Head Varsity Baseball Coach from 1966 – 1973, Girls Golf Coach from 1985 – 1987, Boys Golf from 1988 – 1990, and assisted with basketball from 1962 – 1970. Jack was the Athletic Director for Silverton High School from 1977 until his retirement in 1997. He was named Oregon Athletic Director of the Year in 1993 and was inducted into the Oregon Athletic Director Hall of Fame in 2014.
Jack loved athletics, especially golf and baseball, and was an avid Yankees fan. His passion for coaching athletics left a
Daniel E. Rodriguez, 73, of Woodburn, Oregon passed away at his home on June 21, 2024.
Daniel was born the third of six children on Oct. 5, 1950 in Lansing, Michigan to parents Nasario and Ernestina Rodriguez who raised the family in Mount Angel, Oregon.
Daniel attended John F. Kennedy High School and soon married Margaret. Together they raised three children while Daniel worked 30 years and then retired from his position as a supervising computer operator for the State of Oregon.
Daniel was very mechanically talented and loved to work on or rebuild cars. He even built his own race car which he raced at the Woodburn Drag Strip. He
loved all things racing. He also enjoyed music and attending local dances.
Daniel is preceded in death by two siblings, Nasario Jr. of Mount Angel and Elisa of Salem, as well as by his son, Joel, of Salem.
Daniel was blessed to have a large family and is survived by his siblings, Esmeralda, Ruben and Isabel; his son, Christian Candelaria of San Fransisco, California and daughter, Rebecca Anaya of Mount Angel, Oregon; as well as grandchildren, Mariah Fleener of Salem, Oregon and Jasmine Rodriguez of North Hills, California; great grandsons, Tyson and Trey of Salem, Oregon; and many other extended family members. Arrangements by Unger Funeral Chapel.
William Elder, 87, of Silverton, Oregon, passed away on July 1, 2024.
William (Bill) was born on May 6, 1937 to William and Alvie Elder. After high school, Bill served in the US Air Force from 1955 to 1958, stationed in Germany.
In 1957, Bill married Nancy Marcoe. They enjoyed 56 happy and loving years together. Bill was predeceased in death by his wife, Nancy; his brother, Marvin; and his grandson, Derek.
lasting impression on many student athletes.
Jack was preceded in death by his wife Donna; parents, George Antonson and Doris (Floyd) Emmons; and brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Shirley Antonson.
He is survived by his half brother, Andy Antonson; his children, Dori (Willy) Meyer and Mark (Connie) Antonson; grandchildren, Kacie (Kevin) Wiesner, Kellye Meyer, Tanner Antonson, Courtney (Gavin) Barnes, Trevor Antonson, Lindsey Antonson; two great-grandchildren and four nephews. He is also survived by Donna’s children Todd Nusbaum, Debbie (Eric) Kern, Jeff (Cindy) Nusbaum, and their children.
Graveside service is planned for Saturday, July 27, 2024 at 1 p.m. at Valley View Cemetery, 5400 Valley View Road NE, Silverton, Oregon. A reception will follow at the Silverton Elks Club, 300 High St., Silverton.
The family would like to thank Davenport Place for the care and compassion they provided to Jack during his stay there, especially during his last days. They thank Serenity Hospice for their care during Jack’s last days
Donations may be made to Silverton High Alumni Association or the Silver Fox Foundation. Arrangements by Unger Funeral Chapel.
Scott), and Kay (Tony); five grandchildren, Andrea (Johnny), Sarah, Brandon (Erika), Misti (Tim), Byron (Chris); and seven great grandchildren, Olivia, Alina, Kruz, Michael, Mason, Ella and Rylee.
Bill was a proud life member of the Elks, a devoted fan of the Portland Trail Blazers, and an avid hunter. He was at his happiest in life when deer, elk, or antelope hunting with his family and close friends.
He is survived by his three children, Terri (Ray – deceased), Billy (Renee
Bill was loved and will be missed by all who knew him.
Achievement round up
The header that accompanies this column says “Sports & Recreation.” In this edition I am going to bend, if not shatter, the rules a bit. The challenge is that there are tons of things happening in the SilvertonMount Angel-Scotts Mills area that involve individuals, particularly school-aged individuals or those who work with schoolaged individuals, who are striving and achieving.
My sense is that there is no greater mission for Our Town than finding people who are doing good things and sharing their stories. Whether there is a ball and a scoreboard or not. So this edition I’m going full bore on robots, CTE, FFA, woodworking and scholarships.
And please note that my door is open to submissions from all-comers. My email is james.d@mtangelpub.com. I’m looking for results of competitions, organizational meetings for a new chess club or a lacrosse program and fund-raising drives to send your team to national or international competition. Now, on with the winners!
ROBOTS: An enterprising robotics duo from the Silverton area turned in a dynamic performance at an international event in Dallas, Texas. Middle-schoolers Zane Davis of Silverton and Derek Schaefer of Molalla finished 26th in their division at the VEX World Championships April 30 - May 2. The duo, who were representing the Thunderbolt Robotics Club, turned in a 161 high score during the tournament. Tops in the tournament was a 164. A total of 475 teams from 19 countries participated in the event at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center.
“They did amazing and had such a great time,” team representative Stacey Richardson said, added about the 161 score, “that’s pretty awesome considering how
Camping fees
By James Day
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is seeking public comment on a proposal to raise the rates that parks can charge for camping in state parks starting in summer 2025.
Regular adjustments to rate ranges are necessary, OPRD officials said, to respond to increases in utility costs, operations and maintenance needs, and inflation. Currently the rate range for tent campsites, for example, is $17 to $22 per night (plus any local lodging taxes). Rates vary by park and season. The proposal would increase the top end of the range to $29 per night before taxes. Included in the rates guide are fees for tent campsites, those with full hookups, yurts, cabins, teepees, horse camps and group camps.
Increasing the rate ranges does not mean that the current fees will increase automatically, OPRD officials said. Instead, the ranges provide flexibility for parks officials to adjust fees within tover time as needed, avoiding large increases all at once.
Once rate ranges are adopted, the state parks director has the authority to adjust
Lots of accomplishments to report
many teams there were.”
SCHOLARSHIPS: Four students from Silverton High and one from Kennedy received scholarships from the MAPS Credit Union, which distributed $58,000 in grants throughout the Mid-Valley.
Honored were Bryn Ulven, Christina Terhaar, Kyla Welch and Wyatt Heath of Silverton and Manya Vaquera of Kennedy. They received scholarships ranging from $1,500 to $3,500.
Ulven will study human development and
family science at Oregon State University. Terhaar plans to study emergency medical services at Chemeketa Community College. Welch is headed to Emerson College in Boston to study media arts production. Heath is on his way to Oregon State to major in mechanical engineering. Kennedy’s Vaquera hopes to go into nursing, but she has not yet selected a college.
MAPS took an original application list of 175 and ultimately selected 25 winners from Salem-Keizer, Silverton, Woodburn, Mount Angel, Turner and Monmouth.
Ag/FFA: Scott Towery, who teaches agricultural mechanics and advises the FFA program at Silverton High, has been named a finalist in a prestigious teaching prize offered by Harbor Freight Tools. A total of $1.5 million in cash prizes will be awarded in the fall, when the field is
State parks system seeks feedback on proposed 2025 rates
fees based on visitation patterns, increased costs and seasonal fluctuations up to four times per year (offering discounts during the fall/winter seasons for example). The first rate ranges were adopted in 2018 and implemented by the department in 2019.
Public comments on the proposed rule change will be accepted through 5 p.m. Aug. 30, and can be submitted:
Online: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/ Pages/PRP-Rule-2024-Fees-V2.aspx/.
Mail: OPRD Department, attn: Katie Gauthier, 725 Summer St. NE, Suite C, Salem OR 97301
Email: OPRD.Publiccomment@ oprd.oregon.gov
Three public hearings will be held for the
public to provide comments.
Virtual hearing: Wednesday, July 31, 5:30 p.m. Register at https://us06web. zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aT-StRHScONYnp8SxErmQ/.
In-person hearing: Tuesday, Aug. 6, 5:30 p.m., Nehalem Bay State Park meeting hall, 34600 Garey St., Nehalem.
In-person hearing: Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024, 5:30 p.m. North Mall Office Building, 725 Summer St., NE, Salem, OR 97301. You must arrive by 6 p.m. to testify.
In addition to rate-range adjustments, the proposed rules would expand the 25% surcharge for out-of-state RV campers to include all site types and allow the director to determine which parks will assess a dayuse parking permit fee.
The department also is seeking feedback about camping facilities and programs. The survey is available at https://form.jotform. com/241823872287162/.
Once the public comment period ends, the proposal will go to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission in September or November for possible adoption.
North Falls at Silver Falls State park from the trail that runs behind the falls. The state is proposing rate increases for park camping. JAMES DAY
Zane Davis and Derek Schaefer SUBMITTED
Scott Towery
narrowed to 25 winners. More than 900 applications were received this year from teachers in all 50 states.
The finalists were selected by an independent panel of judges with expertise in career and technical education and now advance to two additional rounds of judging, each by separate independent panels. The judges will reduce the field to 25 winners and, finally, name the five grand prize winners.
The grand prize winners each will receive $100,000, with $70,000 going to their public high school skilled trades program and $30,000 to the skilled trades teacher. The 20 additional winners will each be awarded $50,000, with $35,000 going to their school’s skilled trades program and $15,000 to the teacher.
WOODWORKING: A total of 18 Silverton High students achieved their saw blade certification as part of a special collaboration between the high school construction and engineering program and the Woodwork Career Alliance (WCA). The process was led by Le Snelling, a retired contractor and an accredited skills evaluator with the WCA. Founded in 2007, the mission of the WCA is to support workforce development for the woodworking industry, which includes certification and training of new and existing woodworking professionals as well as students at both the high school and post-secondary level. WCA issued 1,358 credentials in 2023 with the total for 2024 shaping up to be significantly higher.
The Silverton High students receiving the certification were: Ezequiel Ayala-Lugo, Daniel Bora, Judah Brooks, Charles Cilia, Emilio Cota, Clayton Dummer, Billy Eichler, Benjamin Enriquez, Diego Flores, Devan Ford, Liam Galindo, Alan Garcia, Omar Hernandez, Nathan Howell, Ayden Lander, Wyatt Lesch, Ella Mantie, and Talon Parks
Daren Houts, the Silverton High School construction and engineering teacher, invited Snelling to provide the certification course to an advanced class in construction. Snelling
told Our Town that the course of study has three potential life skill benefits. The first is preparation for jobs within the construction industry, specifically cabinetmaking, but also is applicable to all areas of construction. The second is an introduction to a lifelong hobby that can provide valuable stress relief from other career paths. The third is the foundation for home ownership maintenance skills.
FBLA, CTE and FFA: Silverton students scored well in recent Future Business Leaders of America, SkillsUSA and FFA competitions. The FBLA and SkillsUSA participants were scheduled to participate in national competitions this summer, with the FFA national convention set for October.
FBLA state champions were Anatoly Kuznetsov (intro to public speaking) and Megan Fisher and Hailey Smith (business plan).
In the SkillsUSA state event Silverton individuals and teams brought home ten firsts. The winners were: Christina Terhaar, Joanne Noordam and Logaan Gray (agricultural science); Cole Perez, Faith Klopfenstein and Makayla Chase (arts & communications); Claire Kuenzi, Paisha Renoud and Kylee Kern (health services); Simone Busch, Hailey Meyer and Naia Gigena (human services); Samantha Long, Brynn Kelsey, AnnaBelle Linn Jenks and Karissa Bolf (crime scene investigation); Kyla Welch and Kristina Baldwin (digital camera); Diego Flores (firefighting); Bethany Coakley, James Rankin, Christina Terhaar and Bryn Ulven (health knowledge quiz bowl); Bethany Coakley (medical terminology); and Benjamin Enriquez Solano (welding sculpture).
FFA state champions were: Matthew Bielenberg, Nathan Dettwyler, Brandon Schurter, Carter Lanz, Kidron Schurter, Lucas Schurter and Travis Kuenzi (agriculture mechanics); Kidron Schurter, David Tribbett, Carter Lanz, Brandon Schurter and Matthew Bielenberg (agronomy/crops); Mason Snook (co-op
quiz); Kidron Schurter (ag mechanics repair & maintenance); Mason Snook and Jenna Schurter (agriscience plant systems); Peyton Smith and Adeline Kuenzi (agriscience animal systems).
MEDIA ARTS: Two Silverton High groups have won cash prizes for their video work.
First, a group that included Makayla Chase, Cordelia Bay and Eloise Kelley produced a safety video that received first prize in a competition organized by the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services. Chase and Bay wrote and directed the video, with Kelley serving as the actor. The goal of the contest, in its 16th year, was
to increase awareness about workplace safety and health for young workers. The students shared a $500 cash prize and the program was awarded a $500 prize, said Abby Shetler, the media arts teacher at the high school.
A second Silverton team won second place in a contest put on by Marion County Health & Human Services. Students Freddy Morales, Clayton Dummer, and Kristina Baldwin created a video depicting healthy activities with an educational message. They received a $250 cash prize to share and the program also received $250. The top three teams were honored at a red-carpet event at Capital Community Media on May 18.
With their instructors, Silverton High School students display the Saw Blade Certifications earned from the Woodwork Career Alliance this spring. SUBMITTED PHOTO
“What a difference a year makes.”
I recently came across these words in an essay I wrote in April 2021. It was a valiant attempt to encapsulate the first 12 months of the Covid-19 pandemic, a time-period that could not – and still cannot – be summed up by one sentence, no matter how hard I try.
There simply is no straightforward way to describe a year that began as any other, morphed into a complete lockdown, then ended somewhere in-between. A single phrase simply is not sufficient to describe the shock, the grief, the confusion and the loneliness I felt during that time. It isn’t possible.
“Everything is still a bit tenuous…” I continued, expressing a feeling that has never entirely left me. Because, while much of my former life has returned, I’m still grappling with the
hesitancy I acquired during a year that was filled with cancellations and uncertainty.
“I’m hoping to go…” I catch myself saying, when I speak of future plans, picking up a pencil, eschewing the pen.
I’m hardly alone. I have had numerous conversations over the past three years in which friends confide that they, too, feel stuck in this land of in-between – ready to get back to their former busy lives, see those people they haven’t seen, travel to places they haven’t gone, and yet they remain hesitant and unsure.
Perhaps the persistence of this feeling shouldn’t surprise me. After all, it takes somewhere between 18 and 254 days to form a habit – according to Scientific American – and the Covid pandemic lasted far longer than that.
This is also a reaction I’ve witnessed before, in the habits of my husband’s grandparents, who, survivors of the Great Depression, still exhibited many of the lifesaving behaviors they developed 60 years before – saving items that might be helpful later, stockpiling for tough times ahead.
But these actions didn’t define them. And that gives me hope that my own compulsion – to resist moving forward lest my hopes get dashed – can be, if not quelled, then at least modified.
“One year later, my inbox is full of hope,” I wrote, using a word that simultaneously captures the fragility of venturing out into a world that is
no longer as certain as it once was and is also far more precious than ever before.
That’s what I really learned from the Covid pandemic, not to fear the end of everything but to value every day.
Now when I attend plays, concerts, birthday parties, school functions or community events I often find myself overwhelmed by emotion. Gatherings of more than a few people can bring me to the edge of tears. When a stranger sits down next to me, I am simultaneously alarmed and grateful.
While I still have more pandemicborn habits than I’d like, at least I’m moving forward, a much more thankful me.
Choosing a pencil over a pen when I fill in my calendar is something I can live with. At least I’m filling it in. What a difference four years makes.
Dan Wilgus Owner
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PUDDING RIVER
WATERSHED COUNCIL
seeking full or part-time job applicants. Position: Stewardship & Restoration
Manager. Generous benefits. For details: https://tinyurl. com/puddingjob
SERVICES
HANDYMAN & HOME
REPAIR SERVICE Installation and repair of fencing, decks,doors, gutter cleaning, moss removal, power washing, yard debris removal. CCB# 206637 Call Ryan 503-881-3802
MAGIC CARPET CLEANING & MORE Since 1992. Carpet & upholstery cleaning at its best. Free estimates. Residential & commercial. Located in Silverton. Call Harold at 503-391-7406
JESSE’S LAWN SERVICE
& HANDYMAN Pruning, edging, trimming, blackberry cleaning, gutter cleaning, arborvitae, moss treatment,
yard clean-up, stump grinding, powerwashing, haul-away. 503-871-7869
GOT STUFF YOU WANT GONE? From yard debris to scrap metal-From garage sale left overs to rental clear outs. We repurpose, recycle, reuse, or donate what we can. Call and find out what we can do for you. $20 Minimum. Call Keith 503-502-3462
WANTED
LOOKING to PURCHASE
a Commercial Building in downtown Silverton or surrounding towns. Two Story or three. Serious buyer looks for a serious seller only. Duke 505-429-1523
Complete Dental Services
Fillings • Crowns • Root Canals
Implants • Extractions • Botox ™
“Whitney and Mike are absolutely amazing to work with, prompt, professional, kind, and courteous. So grateful to have Whitney and Mike as my Silverton and Salem experts!!!” —C. Angel
Have Whitney and Mike Ulven of Silverton Realty lead you on your journey home!
Whitney & Mike Ulven cell: 503-705-6118
™ whitney@silvertonrealty.com mike@silve rtonrealty.com 303 Oak St. Silverton • www.SilvertonRealty.com
Whitney & Mike Ulven, Brokers Licensed in the State of Oregon.
#T2825
NEW TO THE MARKET
$629,000 Built in ’95 home overlooks the HOA common area w/ pond An open floor plan w/ handicap amenities on main level, no step entry. Lower level has paver patio. Vaulted Great Rm. Large BR suite on main. Recent upgrades include: new carpet, LVP flooring, granite & quartz counter tops, sprinkler system, Hi-eff. HVAC, whole home surge protection, solar panels. Located on the east side of Silverton on a quiet / low traffic street. Short distance to downtown. Call Michael at ext. 314 (WVMLS#816834)
#T2828
BEAUTIFUL HOME
$575,000 Beautiful well cared for, single level ranch style home in Mountain High Addition. Built in 1999, home includes 3 bedrooms, 2 baths with 1,546 sq. ft. of living space, gas fireplace in living room, granite countertops in kitchen, manicured landscaping, and fully fenced yard. Newer kitchen appliances and roof was replaced in September 2023. Nice deck off dining area to backyard in quiet neighborhood with seasonal views toward Mt. Angel. Call for an appointment today! Call Chuck at ext. 325 (WVMLS#817263)
SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES
#T2817 GREAT LOCATION
2 BR, 2 BA 990 sqft. Independence. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $467,800 (WVMLS#815114)
#T2819 FIVE SEPARATE UNITS 6 BR, 5 BA 3172 sqft. Salem. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $795,700 (WVMLS#815616)
SOLD! – #T2822 PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP 5 BR, 3 BA 2317 sqft. Mt. Angel Call Whitney at ext. 320 or Mike at ext. 312 $549,000 (WVMLS#816013)
#T2835 BEAUTIFUL TOWNHOUSE 2 BR, 2.5 BA 1100 sqft. Beaverton. Call Chuck at ext. 325 $409,900 (WVMLS#818024)
BARELAND/LOTS
#T2816 2 BUILDABLE LOTS .45 Acres Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $109,900 (WVMLS#814998)
#T2827 GREAT OPPORTUNITY 1.66 Acres Call Whitney at ext. 320 or Mike at ext. 312 $194,000 (WVMLS#817231)
#T2832 BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME 2.93 Acres Call Whitney at ext. 320 or Mike at ext. 312 $450,000 (WVMLS#817735)
#T2831
SENIOR
MOBILE
ESTATES $89,900 2 bedroom, 1 bath with some updates, well maintained with private back yard area, room for your own small garden, extra garden shed and carport with storage. Park rent includes water, sewer, garbage, community center and maintaining the park. Rent is $555 per month. Contingent on Park approval. Park only allows one small pet. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 (WVMLS#817540)
Now is the perfect time to list your home. Contact us today for a FREE home evaluation!
#T2829 SO MUCH POTENTIAL $468,800
So much potential in this 1910 Silverton home, this home sits on a large lot, 0.49 acres inside the city limits, with room for a shop and/or an ADU. This home has 4 bedrooms, 1 bath, brand new roof, newer paint. Open backyard with access off Wall St, Buyer to do their own due diligence for divide-ability. Call Meredith at ext. 324 or Ryan at ext. 322 (WVMLS#817252)
#T2825 NEW TO THE MARKET 3 BR, 2 BA 2264
sqft Call Michael at ext. 314
$629,000 (WVMLS#816834)
#T2826 LARGE LOT
3 BR, 3 BA 2242 sqft Call Whitney at ext. 320 or Mike at ext. 312 $598,000 (WVMLS#816981)
#T2828 BEAUTIFUL HOME
3 BR, 2 BA 1546 sqft Call Chuck at ext. 325 $575,000 (WVMLS#816834)
SOLD! – #T2813 55+
PARK 2 BR, 1 BA 1008 sqft Call Michael at ext. 314 $115,900 (WVMLS#814368)
#T2829 SO MUCH POTENTIAL 4 BR, 1 BA 1572 sqft Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $468,800 (WVMLS#817252)
#T2830 – NEW SILVERTON LISTING 3 BR, 1 BA 1134 sqft Call Michael at ext. 314 $385,000 (WVMLS#817586)
NEW! – #T2831 SENIOR MOBILE ESTATES 2 BR, 1 BA 800 sqft Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $89,900 (WVMLS#817540)
#T2820 BEAUTIFUL ACREAGE PROPERTY 3 BR, 2 BA 1836 sqft 19.45 Acres. Silverton. Call Becky at ext. 313 $750,000 (WVMLS#815912)
FOR RENTALS – Call Micha or Sarah at 503-873-1425 or visit SilvertonRealty.com
BROKERS ARE LICENSED IN OREGON