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By Stephen Floyd
The Silver Falls School District (SFSD) has hired Anthony Rosilez as its new assistant superintendent.
Rosilez, a private consultant with a background in district- and state-level school administration, is slated to begin with SFSD Aug. 1. He will lead the district’s human resources department and fill in for the superintendent as needed.
abrupt resignation for former Superintendent Scott Drue March 13.
At the time Busch’s resignation was announced, SFSD said it would eliminate the position of assistant superintendent and hire an HR director. Officials said the duties would essentially remain the same but without the title and with a slight pay decrease.
He served as executive director for Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) between 2018 and 2023. Kellison said the time with TSPC gives Rosilez valuable experience related to teacher licensing and public policy.
Rosilez was named the 2021 National Latino Teacher and Administrator Advocate of the Year by the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents.
Principals sought for Silver Crest, Scotts Mills
The Silver Falls School District (SFSD) is seeking a new principal to jointly lead Silver Crest and Scotts Mills schools. Recent administrative shifts left the position open.
Melissa Linder, former principal of Silver Crest, was transferred to Mark Twain Elementary School when Principal Katie Beckett resigned in July to join another district.
Interim Superintendent Kim Kellison told Our Town she is excited to have Rosilez on board and that his extensive knowledge in the field of human resources will be an asset to the district.
Former Assistant Bsuperintendent Dan Busch’s resigned June 7 after he was hired as superintendent of North Marion School District. He had joined SFSD in 2019 and briefly served as acting superintendent following the
Kellison, who started July 1, said she chose to keep the title as she believes an assistant superintendent was valuable beyond the responsibilities of personnel management. She said the position was filled without any additions to the budget.
At the time of his hiring, Rosilez was a private educational leadership consultant. He is also a practicing attorney and has been a member of the Oregon State Bar since 1996.
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Rosilez served as vice president of student and personnel services for Klamath Community College 20162017, assistant professor of educational administration at California State University San Marcos 2014 - 2015, and was superintendent of the Romoland School District in Homeland, California, 2010 - 2013.
He earned a Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy analysis from University of Wisconsin – Madison in 2011, and a doctorate of law from UCLA School of Law in 1994.
Linder had been expected to lead Silver Crest and Scotts Mills. Former Scotts Mills Principal Kirstin Jorgenson was named principal of Silverton High School in June.
During the July 8 meeting of the board, Interim Superintendent Kim Kellison said staff from both schools would be included on the hiring committee. “I think it’s really important that we have employee voice in that type of decision,” she said. She told Our Town she hopes to have the position filled by Aug. 5.
Anthony Rosilez SUBMITTED PHOTO
OK required SFSD board tightens spending practices for 2024-25
By Stephen Floyd
The Silver Falls School District
(SFSD) is taking a stricter approach to purchasing goods and services as the district prepares to stick to a tight budget for the 2024-25 school year.
During the July 22 meeting of the SFSD Board, administrators said they would hold employees to a district policy requiring purchase orders for all transactions outside of petty cash.
Interim Director of Finance Kim Doud said it has not been uncommon for employees with district credit cards to make purchases without prior authorization. She said the concern is not that employees are buying things they shouldn’t, but that her office is learning about transactions after the fact and before they can be built into spending projections.
“It’s not always the norm for someone to think, ‘I need a purchase order before I swipe a credit card,’” said Doud.
She said unauthorized transactions need to be eliminated for the district to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars at a time when SFSD is tightening its belt. The district has cut more than $8 million from the 2024-25 budget to correct years of overspending. Cuts included the elimination of roughly 15 percent of staff positions district-wide.
Doud said stricter enforcement of district policy is not meant to create unrealistic barriers for purchases for district programs. She said her office has a regular routine for processing orders and “can turn them around very quickly.”
She also said the district will work with regular vendors to preauthorize purchases. Doud also said they plan to contact vendors and inform them no purchases may be authorized without an approved purchase agreement with an order.
Doud said the district can additionally keep spending within the budget by using cooperative purchasing agreements
THE SISTERS CLEANING SERVICE
with other schools and school associations. This is when vendors agree to better rates due to a larger volume of orders, and Doud said they will seek out such opportunities where possible.
Interim Superintendent Kim Kellison added any purchase greater than $2,500 would require her signature. While this is not official district policy, Kellison said the goal is to help foster an “era of transparency” and work within the district’s tight budget this year.
“We’re so tight we need to avoid the unexpected,” said Kellison. “We can’t have that in our budget right now.”
Also in the interest of transparency, Kellison said she would begin including the board in larger purchase decisions. While district policy authorizes the superintendent to approve purchases of up to $150,000, Kellison said she would start bringing purchases before the board far less than this threshold.
Kellison said she would also make sure
the district is following state policy requiring an informal bid process for most purchases of between $10,000 and $150,000. This will involve seeking at least three written quotes from vendors, with exceptions for architecture and engineering services.
Above $150,000, the district would follow a formal open bid process with requests for proposals for most goods and services. Exceptions would be for architecture and engineering, with a threshold of more than $250,000, and public improvements, with a threshold of more than $100,000.
Board Member Josh Ort asked Kellison if the district similarly goes out to bid when high-dollar contracts are up for renewal or if those contracts simply roll over. Kellison said they do go out to bid and it is not uncommon for the current vendor to submit the lowest qualified bid. This is not always the case, she added, and sometimes a new vendor is chosen.
New venture
By James Day
Travis Williams still is spending a boat load of time working on the Willamette River. He just has shifted into a new phase and he is inland a bit more.
Williams, an Oregon native who spent 24 years as the head of Willamette Riverkeeper, an organization that aimed to preserve the water quality and habitat of the river, has formed a new organization aimed at purchasing land in the Willamette basin for conservation and recreation.
The Willamette River Preservation Trust, which is based out of Williams’ Scotts Mills home, will work to purchase and protect land in the Willamette River basin between Salem and Portland, with an emphasis on the watersheds of the Santiam, Pudding, Molalla, Clackamas and Yamhill rivers.
“After working for 24 years along the Willamette and its tributaries, I noticed a significant gap when it came to land trust activity in a large area of the Willamette Valley, generally the mid to north area,”
Willamette River advocate sets up land trust
Williams said. “While there has been a bit of work by regional and national land trust organizations in the area, the region lacked a more local land trust that covers the Molalla, the Pudding, the Clackamas, the Santiam and the Yamhill River systems. Further, the mainstem Willamette lacks one from Salem north.
“In that vein it was easy to identify the need, which I also noticed in my years working in related conservation work in the same area. I also asked colleagues in the land trust community and folks agreed there was indeed a gap. They also indicated that they hear from landowners who have an interest in donating or selling properties for conservation, but they have nowhere to go.”
Williams said the goal of the trust is “to make two acquisitions in 2024, and two more in 2025. To us this seems like a manageable goal that will demonstrate
success. If we are on the path to a second property by the end of the year, that is fine too. Again, being adaptable and opportunistic is also a reality, as long as the property makes sense based on our criteria, and of course raising the necessary funds to purchase and/or manage them. With donated property one still needs to establish funds to manage them for the long-term.”
Williams noted three key pillars of the approach of the land trust.
Process: “If a landowner has an interest, they can look at our website [www. wrtrust.org], and call or email us. We can then have a discussion about their property and what idea they may have.”
Species: “There are multiple species of interest in regard to our work. Everything from camas and freshwater mussels to Oregon white oak, many native wildflowers, and certainly the lovely
Willamette Valley ponderosa pine.”
Community: “In time we will have opportunities for educational walks at key properties, as well as volunteering options. Of course, we’d love people to support our work as well via donations which can be facilitated online, via mail etc.”
Williams was asked if all of the land purchases will be in riparian corridors or otherwise adjacent to water.
“We are finalizing our strategic focus that includes lands that have been identified as conservation priorities by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife,” he said. “We also focus on lands that have some connection, or can be stepping stones to other related properties, whether public, non-profit owned and in some cases private.
“Imagine a newly acquired 60-acre natural area close to town that can facilitate a hiking trail and a small area for parking. In some cases the conservation element and the community recreation element can work in tandem.”
Travis Williams SUBMITTED PHOTO
Arts & Entertainment
‘Secrets of the Sun’ Artist debuts new installation at Silver Falls Library
By Melissa Wagoner
The world would be much less colorful without the work of Peter Erskine, a solar spectrum artist whose prismatic rainbow installations can be found around the world – and at Silver Falls Library.
“I think that this installation makes great use of the very tall tower windows and all the white walls around them,” library director, Christy Davis, said describing how the nearly invisible laser cut prismatic film and mirrors Erskine affixed to several windows in July have already begun changing the building’s atmosphere. “The architecture with the prism installations creates quite a light show!”
Born in Connecticut, Erskine didn’t set out to be an artist.
“I went to one art class in high school,” 83-year-old Erskine remembered. “But I didn’t know anybody who was an artist.”
Not, at least, until he began attending Yale University where, although he was a political science major, he found himself coveting the art classes his roommate, an architecture major, was taking. And so, in 1962 he enrolled in his first college-level art course in 3D design.
“I really got deeply into that,” Erskine said. “But I thought it was going to be an interlude.”
Then he received a Fulbright grant to study in India where he learned that, despite his new political science degree, what he really wanted to do was to go back to school, this
Laser cut parismatic film affixed to the windows at the Silver Falls Library shines rainbows throughout the library and on artist, Peter Erskine himself. MELISSA WAGONER
time to the University of Pennsylvania, and earn another degree in art.
“My mom freaked out,” Erskine laughed.
Erskine received a Master of Fine Arts and an Angell Fellowship for Sculpture in 1967.
“I did sculpture until 1989,” Erskine said, summarizing a career that included numerous accolades and international exposure at 25.
Then he saw his first rainbow projection –a representation of the connection between art and science – at a gallery in San Francisco and his life changed once again.
“Over the next couple of years I developed a whole project,” Erskine said, referring to “Secrets of the Sun” (SOS), a series of interactive solar art installations that initially debuted in Rome in 1991.
“I really think that different people,
Artist Peter Erskine at Silver Falls Library
410 S. Water St., Silverton
Thursday, Aug. 1, 3:30 p.m. –documentary Secrets of the Sun: Journey into Fire in program room
5:00 p.m. – a reception and the unveiling of Erskine’s prismatic rainbows
Visit: www.erskinesolarart.net
depending on their soul, have different things to do and mine is to bring the solar spectrum to as many people as possible.”
A visual artist working with rainbows for more than 30 years now, Erskine has witnessed the profound effect they have on spectators.
“It’s healing,” he said, recalling a conversation he once had with Dr. Jonas Salk – inventor of the polio vaccine – who told him, “The rainbow is a very deep memory for humans. It has been coded into our genetic material over millions of years. Seeing a rainbow restores our connection to Nature – it restores our physical and psychic functions.”
And it’s a connection that is particularly evident in Erskine’s newest project, “100 Libraries,” which will bring his art to communities throughout his home state of Oregon.
“It’s a precious project,” Erskine said. “Libraries are such an amazing place.”
And now they are all the more amazing for the ever-changing array of rainbows that decorate the walls, floor and furniture at various times, depending on the direction of the sun.
“The way the light will change with the seasons makes it dynamic art,” Davis said. Admitting that, although the installation at Silver Falls Library has only been working its magic for a couple of weeks, she has already found herself thinking more about the position of the sun in the sky.
“Just like it’s fun to go to the Lan Su Chinese Gardens in Portland during every season, I think that the changing spectral light in the library will bring delight and wonder all year round…” she said. “Staff and patrons both have really been enjoying it. People have been standing in the prismatic colors and looking at the patterns on their skin and clothes. They’ve been taking selfies in it. Children dance and giggle in it. I’ve heard parents talking to their children about the science of light which is also just great! Several people have mentioned that the installation is a mood booster, and I think that myself.”
It’s reactions like these that keep Erskine – recently diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer – focused on his lofty 100 library goal.
“I’d like to live long enough to complete it,” he said, rainbows dappling his face. “But the best part is just making the art.”
The art of storytelling
By Melissa Wagoner
Melinda was addicted to drugs for 17 years, 11 of those she spent living on the street.
“I was homeless in Portland underneath the Burnside Bridge,” she said at the “Storytelling Event: Stories of courage and resilience in the face of homelessness” organized by Sheltering Silverton at Silver Falls Library on June 1. “I got to see the Oregon sign every morning and I thought, people would pay big money for this.”
It was a surreal life, one Melinda – who “grew up in a good family,” playing sports, going to church and participating in mission trips – never thought she would lead.
“Never would I have thought I would ever use drugs,” Melinda said. “Never did I ever think I was going to be homeless.”
Raised by her mother and her grandparents, Melinda developed an especially close relationship with her grandfather.
“He was my best friend, mentor and hero,” she said, recalling the moment when, as an eighth grader, she found out her grandfather was sick. “He told me he wanted to go to heaven to be with my Nana. He said it was his choice.”
Those words changed everything for Melinda. Angry, she began pulling away from her family, and what had been occasional use of marijuana became increased drug use including ecstasy and meth.
“Pretty quickly after doing meth I found myself in a room with older men doing meth and coke,” she remembered. “I was barely in the ninth grade.”
All the while, her grandfather was getting sicker.
“It was a Band-Aid spiral…” she admitted. “The guilt was crazy… and the process got out of control.”
For the next several years Melinda battled one addiction after another, eventually getting expelled from school for marijuana possession, before pulling herself together enough to get her GED.
“I was doing any drug I could get my hands on,” she said. Which, at the age of 18, meant opium.
“I didn’t know it was a derivative of heroin…” she said. “But that’s where everything went wrong.”
Formerly able to maintain both a job and an apartment, Melinda’s increased addiction cost her both in quick succession.
“Things went downhill fast,” she said. “And I started stealing… I started doing crimes I said I wouldn’t do. I went in for identity theft.”
Warned that if she continued to break the law she would eventually end up in prison, Melinda found herself trapped in a life of homelessness and addiction.
“You’re not offered any help,” she said. “You’re expected to be in withdrawal, homeless and get better. But I was worthless. I didn’t care about myself. I had no self-worth.”
Unable to stop the cycle, Melinda was once again arrested, this time for aggravated identity theft and was sent to jail where she discovered that she was also pregnant.
“That sucked… knowing I’m not going to raise my baby,” she remembered. “But then the judge looked at me and said, ‘Have you ever done treatment?’”
The answer was no. That option had never been offered to her before. And Melinda was more than willing to try.
“I took it and ran,” she said, describing her attendance, initially in an in-patient facility, then in an outpatient facility, and finally in a sober house. “I never looked back.”
Newly recovered, it didn’t take long for Melinda to discover a new problem – her felony record.
“We got denied for all housing,” she said, recalling the difficulty both she and her partner – also newly recovered with a felony record – had finding a place to rent.
Fortunately, Melinda was at least able to secure a job working for Habitat for Humanity and then – thanks to the generosity of a customer – a home in a newly renovated basement. After four years there, they were able to afford their first home in Silverton where she now works in construction and volunteers for Sheltering Silverton.
Melinda has never forgotten what her life was like before she got help.
“When it comes to being homeless people are treated differently,” she said. “People would cross the road to get away from me. It was so hurtful and saddening.”
It’s why she agreed to be a part of the storytelling event.
“I like sharing my story because I feel like, if it even helps one person or gives people perspective…” it will have been worth it, she confirmed. After all, “If people hadn’t given back to me, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Melinda, who previously lived unhoused in Silverton, beside Sarah White, the founder and director of Sheltering Silverton.
MELISSA WAGONER
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Arrest for alleged domestic assaults
A Silverton man is facing numerous charges after an alleged series of domestic assaults against a Salem woman earlier this year. Jarvis Jordan Perez, 32, was indicted July 1 in Marion County Circuit Court on charges including fourthdegree assault (seven counts), unlawful use of a weapon (two counts), second-degree criminal mischief (two counts), strangulation, menacing, harassment and attempted fourthdegree assault.
According to the indictment, Perez allegedly attacked or threatened to attack the victim multiple times between Jan. 1 and June 30. The assaults allegedly resulted in minor injuries, and during separate incidents allegedly involved the use of a cell phone and a bike lock as weapons.
Perez was arrested for these alleged offenses by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office June 22 and was released from the Marion County Jail June 28 on $80,000 bail. While released he may have no contact with the alleged victim nor may he consume intoxicants or frequent places where they are consumed or sold.If convicted, Perez faces up to five years in prison on the highest count.
Weapon charge for burglary suspect
A Silverton man who was already facing charges of allegedly burglarizing local businesses is wanted on a weapon charge after allegedly attempting to harm a man with a knife. Shawn Nathan Curtis, 27, was charged June 24 in Marion County Circuit Court with unlawful use of a weapon. He
failed to appear for arraignment July 22 and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
According to charging documents, Curtis allegedly possessed a knife on June 21 with the intent to use it against another man. Curtis is facing separate charges in two other cases of allegedly burglarizing food carts at The Den, in Silverton.
On Sept. 23, 2023, he allegedly stole more than $100 in property belonging to a food cart vendor and has been charged with second-degree burglary and second-degree theft. On March 19 he allegedly entered the same facility with the intent to commit theft and has been charged with second-degree burglary.
New theft charges for Silverton man
A Silverton man recently convicted for a series of sophisticated thefts from hardware chain stores is facing new charges in Multnomah County for similar offenses in the Portland area.
Elton Bud Ralston, 40, was arraigned July 11 in Multnomah County Circuit Court on five counts each of first-degree theft and second-degree theft, and nine counts of suspended driving for incidents earlier this year.
According to charging documents, Ralston allegedly stole more than $5,500 in merchandise from Lowe’s Home Improvement between February and May of 2023. He has pled not guilty. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison on the highest counts.
On June 6, Ralston was sentenced to 26 months in prison
after accepting a plea deal for similar offenses in Marion, Yamhill and Washington counties during the same timeframe. According to court records, Ralston stole more than $35,000 in merchandise from Lowes’ and Home Depot stores in Salem, McMinnville and Hillsboro. He allegedly accomplished this by attaching false barcodes to high-dollar items and using self-checkout to pay.
In addition to his Multnomah County case, Ralston faces charges in Linn County for similar thefts in Albany. As of press time he was scheduled to enter a plea deal and receive sentencing July 31 on charges including first-degree theft, computer crime and suspended driving.
Charges for gun threat dismissed
A Silverton woman who allegedly threatened a man with a gun last year has had the charges dismissed after reaching a civil compromise.
On June 5 and 7, charges of menacing and unlawful use of a weapon, respectively, were dismissed against Lori Susan Hartman, 64, in Marion County Circuit Court. The alleged victim in the case, a Silverton-area man, accepted a $30,000 settlement and requested that the charge of menacing be dropped, according to a May 31 court filing. Prosecutors agreed to dismiss the remaining unlawful use of a weapon charge.
Hartman was indicted May 11, 2023, for allegedly threatening to harm the man with a gun on March 27, 2023. A trial had been set for July 17.
– Stephen Floyd
At Legacy Silverton Medical Center, we made a promise to invest in this community.
And with our recent $37 million expansion, which includes an additional 21,000 square feet of space and a new emergency department, we’re making sure this community gets the quality health care it deserves.
Silverton man dies after alleged assault
By Stephen Floyd
A Silverton man has died after an alleged physical altercation with a Dallas man who has since been charged with manslaughter.
According to a news release from the Silverton Police Department, medical personnel responded the afternoon of July 15 to a cardiac distress call on the 900 block of N. Second St.
They found Garett Vinson, 25, of Silverton, unresponsive and were unable to revive him.
An investigation revealed Vinson allegedly died from injuries sustained in an altercation with Junior Benjamin Brown, 23, of Dallas. Brown was arrested on charges of first-degree manslaughter and second-degree assault, and was formally charged the following day in Marion County Circuit Court.
Additional details including a potential motive were not described in the news
release. According to court records, the alleged altercation may have involved intoxicants.
If convicted, Brown faces at least 10 years in prison. He was ordered held in the Marion County Jail on $250,000 bail.
At the time of his arrest, Brown was on probation after having pled guilty in 2022 to misdemeanor harassment. He had been accused of assaulting his sister while intoxicated the year before.
According to court records, Brown repeatedly violated his probation including use of intoxicants and failure to comply with programs for mental health and substance abuse. The new arrest may constitute a violation of his probation. He was ordered held without bail while this matter is being resolved.
Other prior convictions include trespassing and DUII in 2023, and thirddegree sexual abuse in 2022 after allegedly coercing a female minor online into sexual contact.
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Soil, water conservation board seeks candidates
The Marion Soil & Water Conservation District will have four open positions on the Nov. 5 ballot.
County voters will be electing trustees in the No. 1 at-large position as well as zones 1, 2 and 4. The board has seven members, five of whom represent specific zones. Two board members are elected at-large by the entire county. Mount Angel is in Zone 2, while Silverton is in Zone 3 and Scotts Mills is in Zone 5. Thus, Silverton and Scotts Mills voters will only decide on the at-large position.
Stayton is split between zones 4 and 5, while Sublimity is split between zones 3 and 5. The Santiam Canyon communities all are in Zone 5.
For more information on the Soil & Water Conservation District election go to https://www. marionswcd.net/home/director-elections/.
The Marion Soil & Water Conservation District is one of 45 such districts in Oregon. Marion SWCD’s mission is to protect, conserve and improve the quality of soil and water in Marion County through planning, technical assistance and education.
– James Day
Joe Pfau running for mayor of Mount Angel
By Stephen Floyd
Mount Angel City Councilor Joe Pfau has filed to run for mayor. Current Mayor Pete Wall announced in January he will not be seeking re-election.
Pfau, a first-time counselor whose term ends this year, told Our Town if elected he hopes to continue helping the city make progress toward long-term goals.
He said his priorities include addressing infrastructure needs, financial resilience, and the regular review of policy and operations to look for areas that can be improved.
“City policy and operations should be, and are, constantly evolving,” he said.
Pfau ran for city council in 2022 and came in fourth out of six candidates vying for three open seats, with the election going to the three incumbents. Though first runner up, Pfau won a season on the council when he was appointed two months after the election to the position vacated by Wall after Wall was sworn in as mayor in January of 2023.
Pfau filed to run for mayor June 27. Prospective candidates for city offices have until Aug. 27 to file their application with City Hall to appear on the ballot for the
Timothy L Yount
Advisor
503-873-2454
Daniel
Hailey
503-874-6162
Nov. 5 General Election.
In addition to the City Council, Pfau serves as chair of the Bond Oversight Committee for the Mt. Angel School District.
Pfau works as a construction manager for the Oregon Department of Forestry. This background has made him a central figure in public infrastructure discussions on the council.
Pfau said one of the most pressing projects before the city during the next two years is completing an update of the infrastructure master plans. He said this will help the council and staff identify strategic priorities as well as open up opportunities for grant funds to improve aging utilities.
Pfau also said he wants to strengthen the city’s budget and ensure it can “brace against the unforeseen, inflation, and issues like employee retention and aging facilities.” He said this will be achieved through strategic planning and constant review.
Pfau said he would also build upon the “positive and professional” relationship he has fostered with fellow councilors and city staff, and would prioritize “open and honest conversations.”
Continued on page 13
Joe Pfau SUBMITTED PHOTO
Catching up with Kennedy welding program
The new welding program at Kennedy High continues to blossom. The program, which starts its second year this fall, has raised more than $30,000 in new funds that will allow for expansion and equipment upgrades
The program is moving from two periods a day, twice-a-week to five periods a day twice-a-week. Kennedy also now is able to offer both Welding 1 and Welding 2. In addition, about $16,500 of the new money is providing four new MIG welders, and GEM Equipment, the Mount Angel company for whom the welding room is named, has given full-time jobs to two Kennedy students.
“We have the best community by far when it comes to needing money for CTE,” said John Gooley of Withers Lumber, a key backer of the welding program. “These kids will hopefully stay and be part of the community and give back also.”
Pfau Continued from page 12
“They are always willing to answer all questions I ask, and I ask a lot,” he said.
He said he also wants to build on relationships within the community and identify opportunities to engage business
– James Day
groups, volunteer organizations and the school district.
“My hope is that despite our differences, we can all paddle this boat in the same direction for the community,” said Pfau.
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$500,000 Mt. Angel, one level home neighboring Fisher Park. 3 bed, 2 bath, 1770 sqft built in 2017. Donna Paradis 503-851-0998 MLS#818774 FOR LEASE $1,500/mo Charming office building. 1560 sqft. Scott Stokley 503-586-8126 Four Buildable lots in Pioneer Village Phase 6 Subdivision Pick a lot to build your dream home on
A Kennedy High student works in the welding room in February. JAMES DAY
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More Listings Coming Soon!
$1,295,000
Private Estate on 31.32 acres, 5 bd, 2ba. 2562 sq. ft. Timber framed home, Greenhouses, Timber. 5952 Peaks View Rd. NE Scotts Mills. MLS#808546
$940,000 40.83 acres,
3 bedrooms, 1 ba. lodge style home, 24x48 shop with water & power. 20 yr. plus timber, borders BLM. Seller contract. 20739 Hazelnut Ridge Rd. NE, Scotts Mills. MLS#802816
$789,000 Under Contract
$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
$765,000
Butte Creek Estates, custom built home, 2bd, 2ba, on 0.54 acre lot, 1563 sq. ft. Open floor plan, plank flooring. 2 primary suites. Propane fireplace. 160 Parkside Ct., Scotts Mills. MLS#818489
Beautiful upgraded one level home on 1.540 acres. 4bd. 3ba. with attached apt.1716 Pine St., Silverton. MLS#816199
$645,000 Under Contract
3.85 acres. Prestige Estate property, path of progress potential. 835 Grouse St. NE, Silverton. Sellers will consider carrying a contract MLS#770597
$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
Price Reduced!
$360,000 Rosemary Way lots: 601, 605 & 611 MLS#810425; 615, 619 & 623 MLS#810404. Builder, Developer! Located in Monitor Road Estates. These lots will require wetland remediation. Buyer must have a development plan.
$299,000 2 acres buildable! Approved for standard septic. Water well. Seller will carry contract. 7685 Dovich Ln SE, Turner. MLS#778883
Silverton council uses building for first time
By James Day
The Silverton City Council met for the first time in the new City Hall on July 15. It also marked the first day that official business was conducted in the $19.5 million building, although some minor odds and ends of the construction/movein process still must be taken care of.
The council met for three hours, including an executive session on legal issues, opening with a joint meeting with the city Planning Commission.
Councilors and commissioners will play a key role in an upcoming update of Silverton’s comprehensive plan, a document that is intended to help guide the city’s development and growth.
The city has not updated its plan since 2002. Requests for proposals are set to go out soon in a bid to hire a consultant, perhaps by October, to work with the city on the project. An advisory committee likely will be formed, with a public outreach campaign beginning in January. The entire process will take 12-15 months.
In other items of note:
Mural: Representatives of the Silverton Mural Society presented a model of the mural that it plans to post on a wall on the west side of the new building. The project costs approximately $17,000 with the Mural Society and the city splitting the tab.
The 8x12-foot artwork is intended to depict the cultural and historical roots of Silverton, with references to the region’s Native American tribes, industries such as timber and Christmas trees, and festivals such as Homer Davenport Days and the Strawberry Festival.
Mural Society artist Tonya Smithburg told the council that she hopes to have the mural ready in six months.
Engineering: The council unanimously approved an extension of its contract with Westech of Salem for engineering services. The firm will serve as the engineer of record for the city and also assist with plan reviews for development projects, city capital projects and design work. The new contract was approved to a maximum of $750,000.
Water: The city automatically moved
to a level one water curtailment mode on May 1. Level one calls for voluntary reductions but no changes or restrictions come into play until level two is reached. Public Works Director Travis Sperle told councilors “Silverton residents are doing a good job” and that water use is well below what would trigger level two.
An Early Review: On day one of the new City Hall, many pieces of the puzzle remained a work in progress. Caution tape surrounded some of the steps leading into the building. The Police Department public entrance was not yet open (it did open later in the week). Luis Mendoza of Compass Project Solutions, a key city partner on the building, was at the council session to make sure everything went smoothly. You could smell the floor wax. The sound system and air conditioning are a distinct improvement on the old council chambers at the Silverton Community Center.
Up Next: The council meets again Monday, Aug. 5 at the new City Hall, 410 N Water St. City officials are hoping to put on a short reception before the 6:30 p.m. meeting to commemorate the council’s new home. Details will be available on the city website, silverton.or.us
A detail of the model for the proposed Silverton Mural Society’s new mural that will be placed at the new City Hall. Society representatives discussed it with the Silverton City Council at its July 15 meeting. JAMES DAY
EVERYDAY Crafts Fair
Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sun: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Arts and crafts vendors, food court, and fun stuff for all ages.
Homer Davenport
Invitational Brew Fest
Regular festival hours in the Park. Featuring beers, ciders and wineries from all over the region. Sponsored by Astound Broadband, Silver Falls Brewery and Willamette Valley Bank.
International Cartoon Contest Exhibit
New Location! Silverton Arts Association. Friday, opening reception from 6 - 8 p.m. Saturday, 12 - 6 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Vote for the People’s Choice Award. The exhibit will include full-size original Davenport cartoons from the Silverton Country Historical Society’s collection. Sponsored by Acorn Dentistry for Kids.
FRIDAY, AUG. 2
First Friday
7 - 9 p.m. in Downtown Silverton. Galleries and shops open late.
SATURDAY, AUG. 3
Lions Club Harvest Breakfast
7 a.m. - 12 p.m. in the Park Pavilion. 76th anniversary of this Silverton tradition. Silverton Lions Club and Boy Scout Troop 485 serve ham, eggs cooked to order, pancakes and beverages. $8 for adults, $4 for 10 & under.
Silverton Flywheels
Homer Car Show
9 a.m. -3 p.m. New Location! Jersey and Lewis Streets, near Silver Falls Brewery. Classic cars on display – muscle, trucks, hot rods and more! Scholarship fundraising silent auction: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Oral auction: 1 p.m.
Hometown Parade
10 a.m. in Downtown Silverton. See route map on opposite page. Floats and fun. Sponsored by BST Realty & Larry Biggerstaff, Agent – State Farm Insurance.
The Life & Times of Homer Davenport
12:30 & 3:30 p.m. at Silver Falls Library. A visual overview of Homer Davenport, presented by local historian Gus Frederick.
Coolidge-McClaine Park 303 Coolidge St.,
Silverton
Festival Committee
President Richard Carlson
Treasurer
Denis Dalisky
Future Treasurer
Jennifer Brown
Parade & Sponsorship
Stephanie Colyer
Jeff Ulvin
Brew Fest & Media
Eric Druliner
Cartoon Contest & Media
Gus Frederick
Davenport Races & Booth Coordinator
Deanne Feller
Volunteer Coordinator
Josh Ort
Music Coordinator Tim Gettman
Cashier Coordinator Adam Ehrlicher
Chamber Liaison
Stacy Palmer
Roth’s Liaison
Georgia Marsh
Homer’s Classic
Steve Ritchie
Silverton Flywheels
Cruise-In
Rand Breitbach
Photos by Jim Kinghorn
KIDS AREA
Parade Horse Parking
Homer Classic Sunday, 9 a.m. Silverton High, 1456 Pine St.
Silverton Country Museum
428 S. Water St.
Silverton Legend
Davenport Races Sunday, Noon on Main St. Silverton Flywheels Car Show
Saturday, Lewis & Jersey Streets
Cartoon Contest Exhibit
Silverton Arts Association in the Park Public Rest Rooms
SUNDAY, AUG. 4
Lions Club Harvest Breakfast 7 a.m. - 12 p.m. in the Park Pavilion. See info for Saturday.
Homer Classic
8K Run & 2-Mile Run/Walk
9 a.m. Starts at Silverton High School, 1456 Pine St. near tennis courts. The 8K route includes Gallon House Bridge. Ribbons presented to top three in each of the five age brackets. Organized by Silverton Runners’ Club, proceeds benefit high school track & cross country programs. More info at: runsignup.com/Race/OR/Silverton/ HomerClassic/. Register by Aug. 3.
Homer Lecture
Silver Falls Library, 410 S. Water St. Trolley Pickup
Barb Rue Memorial Davenport Races
12 - 3 p.m. on Main Street in Downtown. Participants assemble at 11 a.m., judging is at 11:30 a.m. The legendary Homer Davenport tradition of racing couches on wheels in the middle of town. Sponsored by Willamette Valley Bank.
MUSIC SCHEDULE
Sponsored by The Killers Pest Control
FRIDAY, AUG. 2
Joseph Konty 2:30 - 4:15 p.m. Unique sound inspired by Rock, Soul and R&B.
Mojos Rising 5 - 7:15 p.m. A tribute to The Doors. The Strange Tones 7:45 - 10 p.m. Crime-a-Billy, Blues noir.
2:15 - 4:30 p.m. Electric Blues with harmonica. The Standing 5 - 7 p.m. Outlaw, stomp-grass Americana. Bottleneck Blues Band 7:45 - 10 p.m. Red-hot, funky dance Blues.
SUNDAY, AUG. 4
Syco Billy’s String Band
1:30 - 3:15 p.m. Americana, Blue Grass and electric Folk.
Huckle Buck Highway
4 - 6 p.m. Cool Country + Classic Rock. All acts on the Main Stage in the Park.
The Strange Tones by RJB Photo
Alaina Fidanzo by Ciara Chertude
Huckle Buck Highway
HOW IT WORKS
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What’s Missing in Amazing Grace? By Gregg Harris
Amazing Grace is acknowledged by most music historians as one of the most well-known songs in world history. Sung by sacred and secular artists alike for hundreds years in all parts of the world, it’s lines are immediately recognized.
“Amazing grace! How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found; Was blind, but now I see.”
You can hear it right now in your head!
But this famous hymn was written and published in 1779 by John Newton, a man whose life story is almost as amaz grace he strives to honor in his hy
The Back Story
Newton began his life in London, England in 1725 as the privileged son of a well-to-do sea captain. Though his mother tried to impart her own deeply held Christian faith to him, she died when he was only six years old. In anger he refused to trust in God and at the tender age of ten he rejected everything she had taught him and followed his father into a sailor’s life at sea. There he became so obnoxious to others that he eventually became a slave to the slaves on his captain’s slave ship. Rescued from this horrible fate by his father, he went on to become a cruel slave-ship captain himself with his own slave ship.
When Newton describes himself as “a wretch,” in the first verse of his famous hymn, he’s not exaggerating. His violent renunciation of the Christian faith gave him the wicked nickname “The Great Blasphemer.” He was not only apathetic toward Christ, he actively hated God.
But by God’s amazing grace he was eventually rescued from his life of sin to become not only a beloved pastor and hymn writer but also one of the most effective abolitionists against the slave trade England ever knew. Newton died in 1807, the same year England ended the slave trade in all of its colonies around the world. It would take a full-blown Civil War to accomplish the same in the United States.
The epitaph Newton personally wrote for his own tombstone reads: "John Newton, Clerk,
once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slaves in Africa, was, by the rich mercy of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the gospel he had long labored to destroy.”
When he died, he could have had no idea that his greatest legacy would be this single hymn.
Amazing Grace
And mortal life shall cease, I shall possess, within the veil, A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow, The sun forbear to shine; But God, Who called me here below, Will be forever mine.
When we’ve been there ten thousand years, Bright shining as the sun, We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise Than when we’d first begun.
— Words by John Newton (1779)
Wait! Something is Missing!
Though Newton’s famous hymn is truly amazing, there is something missing. With all of the truth it presents there is no explicit explanation of the means by which all this
Perhaps he would like to add the following lines as the second verse of his great hymn.
“Christ Jesus lived His perfect life Untouched by guilt of sin. Then died for our’s and rose again. That we might be forgiv’n.” That is the good news.
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found; Was blind, but now I see.
Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed!
Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come; Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me, His Word my hope secures; He will my Shield and Portion be, As long as life endures.
Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
amazing grace is made available. The gospel itself is never presented! There is not enough truth in this hymn to save one’s soul.
What is Grace?
Grace is “undeserved favor.” In theological terms it is “the unmerited kindness of God toward undeserving sinners.” Grace is mercy toward those who deserve only punishment.
But how can God show grace to a sinner without being unjust? God, as the Righteous Judge over all of Creation, cannot fail to do what is right. He requires all sin to be accounted for and paid for in full. “The soul that sins shall die.” So, how can God show mercy and yet forgive “wretches” like us?
The answer is found in the gospel, the good news concerning Jesus Christ. Jesus agreed with His Father to be the “the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.” He agreed to die in the place of sinners like us.
Perhaps, if John Newton were alive today, he would be alarmed at how few people
know and understand the gospel. Perhaps he would like to add the following lines as the second verse of his great hymn:
“Christ Jesus lived His perfect life
Untouched by guilt of sin. Then died for our ’s and rose again. That we might be forgiv’n.”
That is the good news. It is the gospel that saves wretches like us from God’s righteous judgment. It is how those who turn to Christ and repent of their sin can enjoy God's amazing grace. This grace not only allows us to be forgiven, but also to be adopted into God’s eternal family as His eternal children. And this amazing grace has been paid for in full by the sacrificial death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
So, why not turn to God right now and ask Him to show you His amazing grace? Jesus is a loving and merciful Savior who has already paid your debt to God. Why not avail yourself of what He has provided for you? To learn more call or text me at 971-370-0967.
The Palace Theater Tuesday, Aug. 12th Showing Courageous
Rated PG, 7PM
First Come, First Served. Bring Friends! Sponsored by Noble MenOfOregon.org
Attention Noble Men! Our Weekly Men’s Breakfast is changing Time & Location to The Home Place. 1080 N First St, Silverton, OR 97381 Thurs. mornings from 7 to 8:30 AM For info go to NobleMenOfOregon.org Join The Noble Men of Oregon as we impact our community for Christ.
Gregg Harris, “Just a sinner saved by God’s grace!”
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, 410 N Water St.
Weekly Events
Monday
Free Summer Breakfast, 7:30 - 8:30 a.m., St. Mary’s Public Elementary, 590 E College St., Mt. Angel. Free breakfast for kids younger than 18. Meals must be eaten on-site. Runs Monday - Friday through Aug. 15. stmarys.masd91.org
Low Impact Aerobics, 9:30 a.m., Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 303 N Church St., Silverton. Silverton Senior Center members free. Non-members $5. Repeats Wednesdays & Fridays.
Mt. Angel Community & Senior Center Store, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., 195 E Charles St. Also Tuesday - Saturday 503-845-6998
Free Summer Lunch, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., St. Mary’s Public Elementary, 590 E College St., Mt. Angel. Free lunch for younger than 18. Meals eaten on-site. Runs weekdays thru Aug. 15.
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. Sit-down or to-go meals available. All welcome. Free. 503-873-5446
Boy Scouts Troop 485, 7 - 8:30 p.m., St. Edward’s Catholic Church, 211 W Center St., Silverton. Scoutmaster Dave Tacker, 760-644-3147, dave.tacker@gmail.com
Tuesday
Scotts Mills Food Boxes, 9 - 11 a.m., Scotts Mills Community Center, 298 Fourth St. Residents in Scotts Mills/Butte Creek/ Monitor rural areas are welcome. Food donations welcome. Niki, 503-873-5059 Mt. Angel Senior Meals, 10:30 - 11 a.m. Delivery only. $3 donation suggested. Also Thursday Ginger, 503-845-9464. APPY Hour, noon - 1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Drop in for technical assistance for electronic devices. All ages. Free. 971-370-5040
Silverton Mainstay, 1 - 4 p.m., Silverton United Methodist Church, 203 W Main St. Community space and activities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Repeats Thursdays. silvertonmainstay.org
Stories & STEAM, 4 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Listen to a story about the theme of the week, join in a project. Snacks. Ages 5-12. Free. 971-370-5040
SACA Food Pantry, 4 - 7 p.m., SACA, 421 S Water St., Silverton. 503-873-3446, silvertonareacommunityaid.org
Cub Scout Pack 485, 6:30 p.m., St. Edward’s Catholic Church, 211 W Center St., Silverton. Boys and girls in K - fifth grade. Deb Hilterbrand, 971-337-5925
Silverton Business Group, 8 a.m., Silver Falls Brewery, 207 Jersey St., Silverton. Networking of Silverton business community hosted by Silverton Chamber of Commerce. silvertonchamber.org
Quilters Group, 9 a.m. - noon, Trinity Lutheran Church, 500 N Second Ave., Silverton. trinitysilverton@gmail.com
Silverton Senior Center Knit Wits, 10 a.m. - noon, Silvertowne Apartment Clubhouse, 115 Mill St., No. 47, Silverton. Socialize and see other’s knitting projects. silvertonseniors.org
Family Storytime, 10:30 a.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. No storytime Aug. 7. Singing, stories, crafts, play. Age 2 - 5 with family members. Free. 971-370-5040
Indoor Playtime, 11 a.m. - noon, Mt. Angel Public Library. No playtime Aug. 7. Play with toys, spend time with friends. 971-370-5040
Mission Benedict Food Pantry, 1 - 4 p.m., St. Joseph Shelter, 925 S Main St., Mt. Angel. Repeats Friday. 503-873-7645
Silver Chips Woodcarving Sessions, 1 - 4 p.m., Silverton Arts Association. All skill levels. 503-873-7645
Line Dancing, 1 - 1:55 p.m. (advanced) 22:55 p.m. (beginners), Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 303 N Church St., Silverton. Silverton Senior Center members free; $10 suggested donation for nonmembers. silvertonseniors.org
Mission of Hope Food Pantry, 2 - 4 p.m., Silver Creek Fellowship. 503-873-7353
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
Thursday Painters, 10 a.m. - noon, Silverton Arts Association. Join other artists for open studio time. All kinds of art forms are welcome. Free. 503-873-2480
TOPS (Take Pounds Off Sensibly), 6 p.m., United Methodist Church, 203 W Main St., Silverton. Weight loss with continued support, encouragement. First meeting free. Monthly dues $4. All welcome. David, 503-501-9824
Friday
Toastmaster Club, 7:30 a.m., Zoom. Increase your listening skills, speaking, thinking and evaluating. Zoom link: tmcommunicators@gmail.com.
Mt. Angel Model Railroad, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., The Depot, 90 W College St., Mt. Angel. Lionel (O-gauge), HO-gauge, N-gauge model layouts on display. All ages welcome. Free.
Silvertones Community Singers, 10:30 a.m., Silverton United Methodist Church, 203 Main St., Silverton. All welcome. Tomi, 503-873-2033
Saturday
Ageless Yoga, 9 a.m., Total Body Health Club, 1099 N First St., Silverton. Geared toward 50 and older, but all welcome. A Silverton Senior Center event. Silverton Farmers Market, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Silverton United Methodist Church, 204 W Main St. Fresh produce, plants, flowers. silvertonfarmersmarket.com
Sunshine Fitness, 10 a.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Light exercising with follow-along videos. Signed waiver required. Teens & adults. Free. 971-370-5040
Saturday Serenity Al-Anon Family Group, 10 a.m., Zoom. For families, friends of alcoholics. Link: Janet.h.salem23@gmail. com
Oregon Crafters Market, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., 215 N Water St., Silverton. Local crafters & artists, music, food & spirits. Repeats noon - 5 p.m. First Friday session 6 - 9 p.m. only. oregoncraftersmarket.com
Silverton Country Museum, 1 - 4 p.m., 428 S Water St. Open for public viewing. Free admission. Repeats Sundays. 503-8737070, silverton.museum@live.com Creciendo juntos/Growing Together Storytime, 1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. ¡Atrévete a acompañarnos aprender juntos! ¡Atreves de leyendo libros bilingües podríamos hacer lo! Después abrirá una actividad para la familia. Through bilingual books and activities, learn simple words and phrases that help us communicate and grow together. 971-370-5040
The Art of Mindfulness, 2 p.m. Borland Gallery, 303 Coolidge St., Silverton. Connecting mind, heart, and body. Listen, meditate, contemplate, share thoughts. 971-218-6641
Peaceful Heart Meditation, 2 - 3 p.m., Silverton Community Center. Yoga breathing, kirtan and yoga philosophy. No experience required. Everyone welcome. Refreshments served. Free. peacefulheartkirtan@gmail.com
Just for Today Al-Anon Family Group, 6:30 p.m., Silverton Coffee Club, 302 N Water St. For families and friends of alcoholics. Zoom link: Janet.h.salem23@gmail.com
Thursday, Aug. 1
Silverton Kiwanis Club
Noon, Main St. Bistro, 201 E Main St., Silverton. Bi-monthly meeting of Silverton Kiwanis Club. New members welcome. Repeats Aug. 15. silvertonkiwanis.org
MS Word Class
1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Learn text alignment, bullets, number. Registration required. Teens & adults. 971-370-5040
Art Installation Event
3 p.m., Silver Falls Library. Unveiling of artist Peter Erskine’s new solar interactive installation, beginning with his documentary Secrets of the Sun: Journey Into Fire, followed by a Q&A, unveiling and reception at 5 p.m. 503-873-5770
Critique Night
7 - 8:30 p.m., Silverton Arts Association. Bring latest work for discussion, critique amongst other artists in the community. 503-873-2480, silvertonarts.org
Brush Creek Playhouse Presents
7 p.m., Brush Creek Playhouse, 11535 NE Silverton Road, Silverton. The Schoolmarms Inn Trouble, directed by Ron Drake and Russell Olivera Jr. Online admission: $12 adults, $10 students, seniors, kids 12 and under. Online buyers received free popcorn. In-person tickets: $10 for everyone. Repeats 7 p.m. Aug. 2-3, 9-10, 16-17; 2 p.m. Aug. 4, 11, 18. brushcreekplayhouse.com
Friday, Aug. 2
Sidewalk Sales
All day, historic downtown Silverton. Participating shops hold sidewalk sales during Home Davenport Weekend.
Homer Davenport Community Festival 11 a.m. - 8 p.m., Coolidge McClaine Park, Silverton. Arts, crafts, food, music, parade, car show, fun run, Davenport races. Brew Fest, where attendees sample a brewery beers, ciders. Free admission. 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Aug. 3. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Aug. 4. See Homer insert or go to: homerdavenport.com.
Silverton First Friday 5 - 9 p.m., downtown Silverton. Car show, dining, Night Crafters Market. silvertonchamber.org
Lunaria First Friday
7 - 9 p.m., Lunaria Gallery, 113 N Water St., Silverton. Opening reception. Main Floor Gallery: Under the Sea: Liquid Horizons, jewelry by Chelsea Goin and paintings by Hollie Newton. Loft Gallery: Impressions of Nature, paintings by Susan Appleby and Ruth Orschel. 503-873-7734
Trains & Tales
10 a.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Railway adventure combines storytime with a trip to the Mt. Angel Railway Station, now a model train paradise. Snacks. All ages. Adults are required with children. Free. 971-370-5040
Lego Lab
Noon - 4 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Build a creation out of Legos to display in the library. All ages. Free. Repeats Aug. 16 & 23. 971-370-5040
Saturday, Aug. 3
Who was Homer Davenport
1:30 p.m., Silverton Falls Library. Gus Frederick presents a visual overview of life and times of political cartoonist Homer Davenport. Repeats at 3:30 p.m. Free. All ages. 503-897-8796
Monday, Aug. 5
Music Mondays
6:30 - 8 p.m., Old Mill Park, 412 S Water St., Silverton. Today: Garrison. Aug. 12: Compound. Aug. 19: Best Day Ever. Aug. 26: Timothy James. Free; donations encouraged. Silverton Friends of Music: Sarah, 503-201-4337, sweitzman@ silvertonfriendsofmusic.org
Silverton City Council
7 p.m., Council Chambers. Open to public. 503-873-5321, silverton.or.us
Mt. Angel City Council
7 p.m., Mount Angel Public Library. Open to public. 503-845-9291, ci.mt-angel.or.us
Tuesday, Aug. 6
Red Cross Blood Drive
Noon - 5 p.m., Apostolic Christian Church, 4700 NE Howell Prairie Road, Silverton. Visit redcrossblood.org for appointments.
Reptile Man
4 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Introducing live reptiles with humor and patience. All ages. Registration required: 971-370-5040.
National Night Out
4 p.m., Sheltering Silverton, 832 McClaine St., Silverton. Open house event. Stop by for a refreshment, tour. All community members welcome. shelteringsilverton.org
National Night Out
6 - 9 p.m., downtown Mt. Angel. Get to know your community better during a family-friendly night of fun. Food, beverages available. ci.mt-angel.or.us
Wednesday, Aug. 7
Oregon Garden Storytime
10:30 a.m., The Oregon Garden, 879 W Main St., Silverton. Stories, themed activities in Children’s Garden. Free with CCRLS library card or Garden membership. 971-370-5040
Craft Workshop
1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Transform old containers into fun planters. Bring old containers, take home a new plant creation. Teens & adults. Free. Repeats at 6 p.m. 971-370-5040
Scotts Mills City Council
7 p.m., Scotts Mills City Hall, 265 Fourth St. Open to public. 503-873-5435
Thursday, Aug. 8
STREAMM
Noon - 3 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Explore Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, Math and Music at different activity stations. Drop-in. All ages. Free. 971-370-5040
Red Cross Blood Drive
1 - 6:30 p.m., Immanuel Lutheran Church, 303 N Church St., Silverton. Visit redcrossblood.org for appointments.
Music on the Lawn
5:30 - 8 p.m., The Oregon Garden, 879 W Main St. Live music by Macey Gard Band, food, drinks, after-hours admission. $10/ age 13 and older. $5 garden members, $50 season pass. Ages 12 and under free. Tickets at oregongarden.org. Repeats Aug. 22 with Bret Lucich.
Creation Stories
6:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. Valentina Ortiz Pandolfi presents Creation Stories: from Mexico to the World. Target audience is adults. Free. 503-897-8796
Friday, Aug. 9
Mt. Angel City-wide Garage Sale
All day, Mt. Angel. City-wide garage sales. The last day to have an address listed is Aug. 6. Businesses within the city limits may purchase an advertisement for $5. Garage sale list at City Hall beginning at 9 a.m. Aug. 8 or on the city’s Facebook page. Businesses will also have copies of the list. Call 503-845-9291 for details or to sign up or email comments@mtangel. gov. Repeats Aug. 10.
Next Friday Tie-dye
5 - 7 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Create your own tie-dye bandana (while supplies last) or a white t-shirt or socks to make a wearable masterpiece. All ages. Free. 971-370-5040
All-Ages Game Night
6 - 9 p.m., Silverton Grange, 201 Division St. Bring your favorite games. Children under 13 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. All ages welcome. Free. 971-267-9364
The Next Friday
5 - 8 p.m., Mt. Angel. Music, vendors, cars, shop. discovermtangel@gmail.com Movie in the Park
9 - 11 p.m., Ebner Park, 620 Spruce St., Mt. Angel. Watch Back to the Future (PG) on the big screen. Free sno-cones and popcorn. Free. 971-370-5040
Saturday, Aug. 10
Tune Tours Live Music
7 - 9 p.m., Mt. Angel Theater Studio, 220 E Charles St. Live music with Jon Deshler. Donations suggested. mtangeltheaterstudio.com
Sunday, Aug. 11
Scotts Mills Historical Museum
1 - 5 p.m., 210 Grandview Ave. Open for public browsing. Free. Open by appointment by contacting smahsmuseum@gmail.com
Monday, Aug. 12
Mt. Angel School District
6:30 p.m., District Office, 730 E Marquam St. Open to public. 503-8452345, masd91.org
Silver Falls School District
7 p.m., Silverton High. Open to public. 503-873-5303, silverfallsschools.org
Tuesday, Aug. 13
Journey Under the Sea
4 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Oregon’s underwater world, science activities. All ages. 971-370-5040
Ukulele Play and Sing-Alongs
6 - 7:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. First 30 minutes is beginner’s ukulele lesson followed by play and sing-along time for all skill levels. Music is provided. Bring a ukulele. 503-873-8796
Wednesday, Aug. 14
Teen Hangout
5 - 7 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Hangout at the library, learn line dancing, make rice krispy treat sushi, play games. Teens. Free. 971-370-5040
Thursday, Aug. 15
Craft Workshop
1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Crafting a festive porch sign. All materials provided. Teens & adults. Free. Register: 971-370-5040. Fall Sports Physicals
3 - 6 p.m., Kennedy High, 890 E Marquam St., Mt. Angel. Cost: $20, which will be donated back to district. Cash, card or checks. Bring completed physical form from masd91.org or picked up from school office. . Italian Conversations
6 - 7:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. Come practice your Italian. All levels welcome. 503-873-8796
Silver Falls Writers Group
6:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. Writers share works and listen to works of others. Free. Ron Drake, 503-897-8796
Mt. Angel Planning Commission
7 p.m., Mount Angel Public Library. Open to public. 503-845-9291, ci.mtangel.or.us
Friday, Aug. 16
Tea Party Adventure
10 a.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Walk to doll museum to explore exhibits. Return to the library for stories, games, tea party. Bring favorite doll or action figure. All ages. Adults required to attend with children. 971-370-5040
Sunday, Aug. 18
Silverton Food Co-op Community Event
1 - 4 p.m., Geercrest Farm, 12390 NE Sunnyview Road, Salem. Storytellers, cultural dance demonstrations, kids’ games, farm tours, mini pop-up market. Bring a picnic. info@silvertonfood.coop
Monday, Aug. 19
Red Cross Blood Drive
11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Mt. Angel Fire Station, 300 Monroe St. Redcrossblood.org for appointments.
Wednesday, Aug. 21
Kids in the Kitchen
1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Transform Rice Krispy Treats into sushi-inspired creations. Ages 10+. Free. 971-370-5040
Thursday, Aug. 22
Mt. Angel Book Discussion
1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Discuss Uprooted by Namoi Novik. All welcome. Free. 971-370-5040
Teen Advisory Board/Book Club
4:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Teens (grades 6-12) collaborate on programs, collections, games. Book Club for first 30 minutes to discuss Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister by Gregory Maguire. Writers Workshop
6 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Gather and chat with fellow writers. Bring up to three pages of work to read, get feedback on. Teens & adults. Free. 971-370-5040
Silverton People for Peace vigil 2:30 - 3:30 p.m., Towne Square Park, Silverton. Gather to advocate for peace, social justice on all levels. 503-873-5307
Tuesday, Aug. 27
PFLAG Silverton
7 p.m., Oak Street Church, 502 Oak St., Silverton. Everyone welcome. Under 18 must have parent/guardian. Christy, 541786-1613, silvertonpflag@gmail.com
Wednesday, Aug. 28
Water Wednesday
1 - 3 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Water toys in a supervised environment. Ages 25 with caregiver. Free. 971-370-5040
Friday, Aug. 30
Beach Party!
1 - 3 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Summer reading celebration. Sandcastles, sno-cones, sand art. Prizes at 2:30 p.m. Reading logs due by 1 p.m. to be eligible for drawings. 971-370-5040
Raymond E. Hunter Jan.17, 1938 – July 10, 2024
Raymond E. Hunter died peacefully in his sleep on July 10, 2024 at the age of 86 after a long illness with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Ray was born in Little Rock, Arkansas where he was raised by his mother, a hospital nurse who worked nights. His father, the chief of police in North Little Rock, died when Ray was still a boy.
Ray graduated from Little Rock Central High School in 1956, one year before the historic racial integration took place there. He went to Central Technical Institute in Kansas City where he earned an associate’s degree in electronics. He also attended Middle Tennessee State College for two years. In the earlier part of his career, he was a computer technician, then moved into management, but excelled most in technical sales in the latter part of his career.
In 1963, Ray married Judy MacLeod (née Wirtanen) who had two young daughters, and later, they had a son together. In the early 1970s his work took him and his family from Virginia to California. After the children were grown, the couple moved to Washington state, then moved to Medford, Oregon where Judy died.
He retired from the Medford Chamber of Commerce. Ray married Kathy Cook, a reporter and native Oregonian. They moved to Silverton in 2005. Together, they helped start the new Silverton Senior Center where they both spent years volunteering on the board of directors.
Ray lived a full, active community life including playing in a ukulele group. He participated in many volunteer services and enjoyed wonderful friendships.
Ray loved an adventure, often getting into mischievous trouble as a boy. He thoroughly enjoyed his days in Virginia as a volunteer emergency medical technician, leaving the dispatch radio on at all hours in hopes of getting a call. He enjoyed camping vacations, heading out without necessarily knowing where the family tent would be pitched.
In earlier days he loved riding his motorcycle as well as playing and singing country music, especially Johnny Cash songs. His children fondly remember him puttering in the garage and in the yard fixing things. He had an easy, cheerful disposition one could rely on.
He is survived by his wife Kathy; daughters, Laura Blackmon and Sharon MacLeod (Sylvain); son, David Hunter (Julie); sister, Charlotte Sewell (James); nephew, Jim Sewell (Janene); grandchildren, Rachael, Leah and Jake; as well as great-nephews and great-nieces.
A Celebration of Life will be held sometime in the fall at the Silverton Senior Center. The family suggests donations in his name go to Silverton Country Historical Society or to Silverton Area Community Aid.
High School Alumni & Friends REUNION
All Silverton High School alumni and friends are invited to attend the 26th Annual Alumni & Friends Reunion Party on Friday, Aug. 2, at the Mount Angel Festhalle, 500 Wilco Highway, Mount Angel.
The no-host bar opens at 5:00 p.m. and the Wooden Nickel will be serving a buffet dinner at 6:30 p.m.
Advance tickets are available at Silverton Realty’s front desk or online at shsfoxes.com at a cost of $40.00. Tickets may also be purchased on the day of the party for $45.00. Tickets for admission only –not including the meal – are also available at $20 from the same sources. Under 21 welcome until 9:00.
Additional information is available at shsfoxes.com or our Facebook page: “Silverton High School Alumni Association.”
Jonathan Malcolm Stratton
June 15, 1973 – July 9, 2024
Jonathan Stratton was born in Eugene, Oregon June 15, 1973 along with his twin brother Justin.
He was raised in the Rock Creek area of Beaverton, Oregon. He was a very caring and generous person and made many good friends throughout his life, most of them he’d had since grade school.
In 2008, his daughter Crystal Elizabeth Stratton was born and when Crystal was three months old, without hesitation, he took on the role of a single parent and moved to Silverton, Oregon where his mother was living.
Crystal was the light of his life and he never regretted making the decision to become a single father.
Jonathan loved sports, primarily as a spectator, and enjoyed following the Oakland Raiders. He loved cooking, plants, exploring and traveling. Throughout his life he had been many times to England; Vancouver, BC; and Toronto, Canada. He had travelled to Mexico twice and been to several US states.
In early 2019 he met the love of his life, Shawnay Calhoon. Shawnay became “mom” to Crystal and the three of them were a loving family unit. Shawnay and Jonathan married shortly before Jonathan died.
Jonathan was preceded in death by his stepson, Jonathan Calhoon; his birth
mother, Holly Evenson from Wenatchee, Washington; and his grandparents, Howard and Ethlyn Stratton from Roseburg, Barbara Digby from England, and Leslie Digby from Canada. He is survived by his daughter, Crystal; his wife, Shawnay; his twin brother, Justin Stratton (Christy) from Portland, Oregon; his mother, Pauline Stratton (Richard Berklund) from Silverton; his father, Lon Stratton from Vancouver, Washington; and numerous other relatives throughout England, Canada and the U.S.
He will be missed by all his many friends and relatives.
The family thanks the staff of the Meridian Park Hospital ICU for the excellent care he received, and also all his friends that visited him while he was there. Their presence boosted his spirits and the support they gave his family was appreciated.
Jonathan was surrounded by his family when he passed away.
In lieu of flowers the family requests readers hug a parent of a special needs child, or make a donation to the Oregon chapter of the Special Olympics.
Cremation services have been performed by Wherity Family Home and Crematory in Beaverton.
Family memorial services are pending.
Virginia Theresa Heynderickx
June 29, 1921 – July 11, 2024
Virginia Theresa Heynderickx, loving wife and mother of eight children, passed away peacefully at home on July 11, 2024 in Mount Angel, Oregon.
Virginia was born on June 29, 1921 in Verboort, Oregon. She was the oldest of the nine children who were raised on the family’s farm in Verboort. Throughout World War II and afterward, Virginia worked at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Portland, Oregon.
Rockaway. And she loved the holiday celebrations with all of the family gathered together. She also loved tending to her large garden, and for almost three decades had a roadside stand where she sold raspberries and peaches. The memories she made for her family during her long life will never be forgotten by those who have survived her.
Larry Barstad, beloved husband, father, papa, brother, uncle, and friend to many, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2024, at the age of 78. He was surrounded by his wife and children at Salem Hospital after two weeks of bravely battling a heart condition that was exacerbated by complications.
Born on April 19, 1946, in Silverton, Oregon, Larry was the son of Elmer and Ida Barstad as the youngest of eight siblings. He started school at Eugene Field and later graduated from Chemeketa where he studied drafting.
In 1969, Larry married his sweetheart, LaDonna. They celebrated 54 wonderful years together. They were blessed with three children: Dena, Susie, and Aaron. Larry adored his role as a husband and father and later cherished the time spent with his nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, who were the light of his life.
Her first husband, Maurice Waible, died in combat in 1943.
In 1947, she married Marvin F. Heynderickx, a Navy pilot who had just been discharged. Marvin and Virginia built their first home together in Verboort. In 1963, they built their second and final home on the Evergreen Golf Course, two miles outside of Mount Ange. Virginia would live in that house for 60 years. She was a parishioner of St. Mary Church in Mount Angel throughout those 60 years.
Virginia and Marvin had eight children, and Virginia loved being a mother. She loved cooking large meals, and was famous for her pies. She loved the family camping trips to the Metolius River in the summer and to the family cabin in
Marvin passed in 2003, and her daughter Diane Hunt passed in 2019. On both occasions, Virginia demonstrated the determination and strength that defined her generation. She will be missed by her family and community.
Survivors include daughter, Judy Kehoe of DeLand, Florida; son, David Heynderickx of Portland, Oregon; daughter, Janet Kavale of Newberg, Oregon; son, Roy Heynderickx of Camp Sherman, Oregon; son, Paul Heynderickx of Carrabelle, Florida; son, Scott Heynderickx of Portland, Oregon; son, Jim Heynderickx of London, United Kingdom; and 16 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
A more complete summary of Virginia’s life can be found at www.ungerfuneralchapel.com/obits/.
Ramona Marie Olson Barker
Sept. 18, 1947 – July 12, 2024
Ramona Marie Olson Barker, 76, of Sheridan, Oregon, passed away on July 12, 2024. She was born on Sept. 18, 1947, in Silverton, Oregon, to Rex and Aurilie Faust Olson.
Ramona is preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Barry Olson; and a daughter, Alicia. She is survived by her devoted husband of 24 years, Tom Barker; and her nine children: Brad, Kevin, and Jeff Hays; Ricky and Tony Olson; Patrice Rouska; Christy Stone; Cathy Torgerson; and Shannon Alvarado. Ramona is also survived by 12 grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren.
She was a retired employee of the Spirit Mountain Casino, where she worked with dedication and pride.
Ramona loved nature and took great joy in feeding the animals. Her kind heart and generous spirit spread love to all who knew her. She will be remembered for her compassion, warmth, and unwavering dedication to her family.
A memorial service to honor Ramona’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Arbor Day Foundation’s Bootleg Fire Recovery Oregon fund at shop.arborday.org/.
In addition to his family, Larry was known for his generous spirit and love for fishing and hunting. He purchased his wife an e-bike for Mother’s Day and loved riding it so much himself that she bought him one for Father’s Day. He loved hot rods, kayaking, working in his shop, family get-togethers, and playing monthly birthday bingo for his and his oldest granddaughter’s birthdays. Larry’s warm smile and easygoing nature endeared him to all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Larry leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories. His kindness and unwavering love for his family will forever be remembered.
A celebration of Larry’s life was held at First Christian Church in Silverton on July 20, 2024 at 1 p.m. Arrangements by Unger Funeral Chapel – Silverton.
In Memory Of
Always honoring your request for traditional fire cremation, eco-friendly aqua cremation, celebration of life and funeral services involving earth burial. We offer pre planning alternatives to control costs. Make your wishes known and we will do our best to relieve family distress.
www.ungerfuneralchapel.com
Show biz kids
The track and field facility at Kennedy High is going to be in a movie.
Production crews spent July 8 at the school in Mount Angel shooting a movie called Flash Before the Bang. It could be released as early as next year depending on issues that remain bizarrely confined to the movie biz.
The movie is about the 1986 championship track and field squad at Oregon School for the Deaf and it was written and is being directed by Jevon Whetter, an OSD grad who played a key role on the championship team.
Although the movie is largely being recorded at OSD in Salem, the producers also came to Kennedy and Cascade in Turner.
Mt. Angel Superintendent Rachel Stucky told Our Town that she OK’d the use of the facility because she liked the message of the movie, which focuses on successes of the hearing impaired. Stucky also suspected that the nice view of Mt. Hood from the school’s campus, might have helped.
Kennedy track, Gervais gear to be in sports movie
Whetter also visited Gervais, and veteran track and field and cross country coach David Castle, a Silverton resident and long-time volunteer with the Silverton Runners Club, rented the movie some equipment.
Included were “some of my old hurdles (with wooden gates), tape measures, javelins, high jump pit and standards, our timer review stand (back before electronic timing, the timers would be on this tiered review stand getting times), old starting blocks, meet flagging, discuses, and shots, etc.,” Castle told Our Town
“It is set in the 1980s and they needed track stuff from that era and Gervais... still has a lot from that era,” Castle said.
In return, the movie is paying to repaint the markings/lines on the track. Some of Castle’s athletes also were paid to appear as extras in the production.
Academics: Kennedy’s athletic teams continued their excellent work in the classroom. All 13 of the Trojans’ teams finished with a cumulative grade point average above 3.0, with the majority of them well above that figure.
Six of Kennedy’s teams ranked in the top 5 in their class, with volleyball ranked No. 1 at 3.81. Boys swimming was second (3.69), boys wrestling was third (3.36), girls track and field was fourth (3.64), baseball took fourth (3.60) and softball finished tied for fifth (3.63). Other teams finished thusly: boys track and field (seventh, 3.32), boys basketball (seventh, 3.41), girls basketball (eighth, 3.63), girls swimming (15th, 3.54), football (11th, 3.20), girls cross country (13th, 3.81) and boys cross country (ninth, 3.38).
Kennedy generally competes in Class 2A, but boys cross country, baseball and softball competed against 2A and 1A teams, girls cross country was listed in 3A-2A-1A, swimming competed in the 4A-3A-2A-1A group and football was in Class 3A.
Silverton, which usually turns in a strong performance in the 5A rankings, was not listed. Foxes athletic director Andy Jones said he was under the impression that the school had submitted its information. If the figures emerge I will note them in a future column.
OSAA Cup: Kennedy finished eighth in Class 2A in the annual OSAA Cup competition, which includes athletic, academic and sportsmanship components. The Trojans were credited with 1,633.75
points. Bandon won the cup with 2,495. Silverton, meanwhile, finished 14th in Class 5A with 2,115. Summit of Bend was the winner with 4726.25. MidWillamette Conference rivals Crescent Valley (3,620) was third, West Albany (2,917.5) was fifth, Corvallis (2,494.2) was 11th and South Albany (2,410) was 12th.
Coaching Changes: Foxes athletic director Andy Jones has announced a couple of coaching updates. David Morgan takes over for Jamie McCarty with boys basketball. Morgan has served as an assistant under McCarty. Don Holland and Eric Lay have taken over as co-coaches for girls soccer. They replaced Renee Cantrell. And although not a coach but clearly a major contributor to the department, athletic secretary Valerie Martinson has retired.
Coaching Honors: Long-time Silvertonarea coach Pat Scott has been honored by the National Federation of High School Associations for his 45 years of service. Scott was honored, along with coaches hitting milestones between 25 years and 60 years at the Oregon Athletic Coaches Association’s annual conference in Sunriver. Scott currently serves as a Silverton High assistant football coach who works with linemen. On the 25-year list was Chad Waples, a former Foxes baseball assistant coach who now serves as athletic director at Woodburn. His son Chad played baseball and football for the Foxes, and a second son, Hudson, is a current Foxes athlete.
GENERAL
MT. ANGEL SENIOR CENTER
is a non-profit consignment store for artisans over 50, a community center, home to Meals on Wheels, and serves as a food bank.
Volunteers welcome! 195 E Charles St. 503-845-6998 or mtangelcommunity@gmail.com
YOUR RIGHT TO SELF
DEFENSE Saturdays, age 10-12 at 5:00; age 13 & up 6:15; Security & Correctional Officers 7:30. Private Lessons Available International Certification Curriculum available on request. Call Harold 503-391-7406.
HELP WANTED
PUDDING RIVER WATERSHED
COUNCIL seeking full or parttime job applicants. Position: Stewardship & Restoration Manager. Generous benefits. For details: https://tinyurl.com/ puddingjob
IMMANUEL LUTHERAN
CHURCH OF SILVERTON
IS HIRING! We are looking for a Worship Production Director to run our live stream and technology during our Sunday Worship Services. We estimate 7-10 hours a week with the opportunity for additional per diem amounts for other services and events.
We are also looking for a Youth Leader to provide leadership for the ILC youth group (middle –and high school-aged youth). We estimate 12-15 hours a week. Please contact us for more information and to request an application at office@ immanuelsilverton.org or call 503-873-8656.
NOTICES
CAN YOU SPARE A COUPLE OF HOURS TO HELP SENIORS IN SILVERTON? The Silverton Meals on Wheels organization is looking for volunteers. We are asking for people who can commit to 2 hours a week. Volunteer positions are available in the kitchen (to plate meals) or drivers to deliver food to people’s homes in the Silverton area. If interested, please call 503-873-6906, 8am - noon, Monday – Friday.
SERVICES
SOUNDS GOOD STUDIO
Bands, Artists, Personal Karaoke CDs, Books, Restoration for Old Cassettes, Reel to Reel & 8-Track Cassettes (Even if Broken). Call Harold 503-391-7406.
CUSTOM SADDLE MAKER
Saddle Repairs, Saddle Fitting, Leather Tack Repairs, Saddles for Sale. Aumsville, Oregon 503-481-1611.
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
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
What’s Happening at the Y SILVER FALLS FAMILY YMCA
Teens
A Grin at the End
I’m sorry, Dave I’m afraid I
OK, fellas, gather around. We are approaching Code Red on the Social Media Reality Scale. Almost everything you see on social media is fake. Photos are fake, video is fake – nearly everything is either fake or the captions are phony. They either don’t accurately describe the photo or when and where the photo was taken. Even the spelling is lousy.
As an example, check out any batch of crapola on Facebook and Instagram. Almost nothing you see is legit. Not only is the “news” fake, so are items about movie stars, cars, dogs, cats, elephants and country singers.
Seriously, social media has gone from dodgy to being a virtual wasteland.
I just was looking at Instagram. Out of the top ten posts, eight were phony. There was a guy complaining about a newspaper. He wasn’t identified, and the time and place were not noted. The sound wasn’t even synchronized with the video. Must be fake.
Next up was “political” merchandise with
can’t do that...
overweight models and incorrect links to the online store. Must be fake.
Then there were many photos of recent political events, all of which were Photoshopped. I know a little about Photoshop, because I use it all day. It’s easy to use and to fake photos. I can show you how to do it in a few minutes.
Then there’s artificial intelligence. I was experimenting with it and found it to be approximately worthless. I asked one of the several AI applications to research some information for me. It told me that to find that information I needed to contact several websites and I might be able to find it there.
Thanks, Captain Obvious.
Then I asked AI to organize some information. It couldn’t do it, even though I do it myself every week. Maybe AI is short for Artificial Incompetence.
Every so often something new comes along in the world of computers. I remember when the first computer landed on my desk. It took forever to learn how to use it, and often didn’t work correctly. I should have just taken my typewriter and run for cover.
In a former job, one of my chores was putting together the weekly television schedules for the local and cable TV stations. It took four hours. Ugh. I could have done it in less than an hour by cutting and pasting them together and giving them to a (human) typesetter.
Yet, we were all told that computers were work-savers.
Right, and I’m Steve Jobs.
We as a society have been sold a bill of goods not only with Artificial Intelligence but with computers in general.
I have a friend who used to work for a large company. It installed a new system that handled payroll. When pay day rolled around, some employees received checks for tiny amounts. One professional employee got a paycheck for 34 cents. None of the amounts were correct on hundreds of checks. It got so bad that folks were sent to local banks to get bags of money and employees were paid in cash. And here’s the kicker. After more than a year, the payroll system is better, but still not 100% correct.
Yep, Code Red is here. My advice is to unplug your computer and allow yourself to return to sanity. That’s the only defense to against unsocial media and artificial incompetence.
Carl Sampson is a freelance writer and editor. He lives in Stayton. Any mistakes in this column were made by his computer.
“Whitney and Mike were fantastic, very knowledgeable of the area and had the connections to make sure my first-time home buying experience was a great one! Happy to have worked with them!” —Daniel
$358,750 1950’s rancher, single level, 2 bedroom home with many nice updates and many newer amenities. 3rd bedroom has been converted to a laundry room/craft room/ office. Buyer can turn back into a 3rd bedroom if needed. Well kept over the years, lovely landscaping with paver patio to entertain in your backyard, fully fenced backyard, private, professionally landscaped with drip/ sprinkler system in place. Electric chair for steps in garage (3 steps into the home) Near Morningside City park. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 (WVMLS#819125)
#T2833 MOVE-IN READY
$695,000 This 2-story colonial style home is in excellent condition. Located in Silverton’s Abiqua Heights! Custom built in 2009. The home has several nice features; an open great room w/ gas fireplace, vaulted MBR, soaking tub, quartz counter tops, hickory hardwood floor, additional office / den, and wonderful backyard with patio, sprinkler system, & gutter covers. Stainless steel Frig. Big common area has walking paths, play equipment, and pond. Call Michael at ext. 314 (WVMLS#818145)
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)
NEW! – #T2839 GREAT LOCATION 2 BR, 1 BA 1132 sqft. Salem. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322
$358,750 (WVMLS#819125)
#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)
#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)
NEW! – #T2833 MOVE-IN
READY 4 BR, 2.5 BA 2112
sqft Call Michael at ext. 314
$695,000 (WVMLS#818145)
#T2825 NEW TO THE MARKET 3 BR, 2 BA 2264 sqft Call Michael at ext. 314 $629,000 (WVMLS#816834)
#T2826 BACK ON MARKET 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)
#T2826 $598,000 BACK ON THE MARKET at no fault of the home or seller. Open concept home on large .23 acre lot in quiet cul de sac in newer neighborhood. Custom wood cabinets throughout, quartz countertops, laminate flooring, custom window coverings & stainless steel appliances. Large bonus room upstairs with full bath is currently being used as fourth bedroom. Room for RV. Easy access to 214. Only adjacent neighbor is to the South. Call Whitney at ext. 320 or Mike at ext. 312 (WVMLS#816981) BROKERS ARE
#T2829 SO MUCH POTENTIAL 4 BR, 1 BA 1572 sqft Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $468,800 (WVMLS#817252)
SOLD! – #T2830 – NEW SILVERTON LISTING 3 BR, 1 BA 1134 sqft Call Michael at ext. 314 $385,000 (WVMLS#817586)
#T2831 SENIOR MOBILE ESTATES 2 BR, 1 BA 800 sqft Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $89,900 (WVMLS#817540)
