“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
It’s not every day that we turn to the text of the U.S. Constitution, particularly the First Amendment, to aid in decision making. Although it is an underlying foundation as we go about our work at Our Town, the First Amendment just doesn’t come up as part of the office conversation.
But this is a political season, with divergent views and political tensions heightened. Reflection on our role seems appropriate.
Our Town provides a forum for community expression, whether through articles, letters or advertisements. We’re not the government, which is, of course, what the First Amendment directly relates to. But newspapers have a role to play in supporting the exchange of ideas and information that lead to good
governance. It’s a role recognized by the Framers. It’s serious stuff.
If an important community discussion is going on, Our Town should reflect that, whether or not we agree with all the opinions expressed. Each of us is entitled to our own beliefs and the right to express them.
There are certain caveats. Speech to incite “imminent lawless action” is not protected free speech, according to a 1969 Supreme Court decision. We think it’s responsible to abide by that.
We also want quotes, opinions and advertisements clearly labeled. We don’t accept anonymous submissions. Attribution is important.
We don’t allow personal attacks, the use of hate speech, or submissions advocating discrimination or violence. Those are the highlights of Our Town rules. It’s not a long list, but it seems like a good moment to share them.
Your thoughts and suggestions are always welcome.
Paula Mabry
Town
Our Town mailed free to residents and businesses in the 97362, 97375, 97381 zip codes. Subscriptions for outside this area are $48 annually.
Deadline for ads or submissions for the Oct. 15 issue is Oct. 5.
Thank you for spending time with Our Town. Your comments and suggestions are always welcome.
Jim Kinghorn Advertising Director
Paula Mabry Editor & Publisher
DeeDe Williams Office Manager
Steve Beckner Custom Design
Tavis Bettoli-Lotten Designer & Copy Editor
James Day Sports Editor & Reporter
Janet Patterson Distribution
Melissa Wagoner Reporter
Stephen Floyd Digital Editor & Reporter
Sara Morgan Datebook Editor
Something Fun
Food for America
By James Day
Let’s see. If you are the Silverton High chapter of FFA where would you hold a massive agriculture teach-in for more than 750 kindergarten through fourth-graders? Follow that tractor with the hay on it!
Sure enough, moments later, you’re in the middle of a whirlwind of activity. FFA members in bright blue T-shirts were leading throngs of students through 13 stations that were designed to teach them about agriculture.
It’s called Food for America, a national FFA activity that the Silverton chapter has been hosting for nearly 20 years. A total of 363 Silver Falls School District elementary students participated in the morning session, with another 401 on hand in the afternoon, according to chapter president Logaan Gray, who rattled off the numbers because, well, she just knew.
“We’re trying to teach them more about the agriculture industry,” said Gray, who carried a bullhorn that she used to alert the throng of students at the crowded FFA complex at the north end of campus when to change stations.
“We want them to understand where their food comes from and have a fun and educational day. It’s a lot of work and a lot of details to take care of.”
Back to the whirlwind. Two good-sized pigs in a makeshift corral were being
used to demonstrate meat sources. The students were asked what types of meat comes from pigs.
“Bacon,” said one.
“Ham,” said another.
“What about pork chops?” said a third.
The FFA students also showed the younger ones where on the pig the various cuts of meat come from. Then, the kids were asked how old the pigs were.
“37,” “18” and “ten!” were the shouted answers.
“These pigs aren’t even a year old yet,” the FFA leader said.
“Why is that pig the color of an oreo?” one student asked.
On to goats, sheep and ponies.
And apple juice. On a prominent knoll at the center of the whirlwind kids were lined up with half a honey crisp apple waiting their turn to crank the oldfashioned apple presser. The juice wound up in small cups for the kids to drink at the nearby picnic tables.
About 200 pounds of apples were ready to be pressed, some from Bauman’s Farm & Garden, and some from the home orchard of longtime Silverton FFA adviser Scott Towery.
Towery was in the apple area to make
sure the FFA students were keeping an eye on the supply.
“We ran out last year,” he said. Towery said that keeping classes of 25-30 kids together for each session was a logistical challenge adding the FFA might consider doing three sessions in the future.
“The hardest thing is to say, ‘no, we can’t accept you’ when we have to turn someone down,” he said.
Towery was on hand to help out and advise, but it was the FFA students’ show.
“The FFA is a student-led organization,” he said. “They get four years to learn as much as we can teach them. And the more they learn to lead the better off they will be when they graduate.”
Back to the fun, where a group followed Bo Uitto around for a bit as he serenaded the students with his banjo.
Inside the FFA barn, donated by the chapter’s alums, was a hay maze. That tractor – it was bringing in the bales from Oktoberfest in Mount Angel. Around the corner a surging herd of students gathered around an FFA member cradling a black bunny.
“Mom, you can get a bunny for $29!” exclaimed one student.
The mom appeared nonplussed, noting that one bunny can very quickly turn into lots of bunnies.
Students cranking apples through a press during the Food for America event. JAMES DAY
There was a moment of angst when it appeared that no one was moving into Station 13, which featured a giant tractor in the Career Tech building. Gray got everyone re-oriented and one of the biggest challenges emerged, according to Towery.
“How do we get 30 kids through the tractor in seven minutes?” he said.
FFA reporter Audrey Gardner was moving about as quickly as the Our Town reporter. It was her job to photograph the event for the FFA’s annual scrapbook.
Left: Silverton FFA Chapter President Logaan Gray was the timekeeper at the event, firing up her bullhorn when it was time for the students and parents to switch stations. Right: Bo Uitto serenaded the visiting students with his banjo
“This takes a lot of work.” she said.
“We’ve been planning it for almost two months. We’re super happy all of the members were willing to help out.”
Then, Gray blew the horn again and an FFA member began leading a group of students toward the tennis courts. There, the kids would learn to herd pigs using a short stick and a balloon.
“Are we going to play tennis?” asked one student marching along.
“Something like that,” said the FFA leader.
BUTTE CREEK COMPUTER SERVICE
Scarecrows greet downtown visitors
By Melissa Wagoner
Business owners in downtown Silverton will be welcoming fall with a Scarecrow Showcase – a fun competition the Silverton Area Chamber of Commerce hopes will promote business while creating a fun, family-friendly experience.
“The scarecrows will be up for the month of October and the ‘favorites’ will be selected by a vote of the public and announced at the Goblin Walk, Halloween night,” Chaber Executive Director Stacy Palmer said.
“The prizes really are just bragging rights for the businesses and hopefully added customer traffic for the pre-holiday season.”
Open to all businesses downtown, competitors are encouraged to create their scarecrows (no purchased scarecrows allowed) and to incorporate as much creativity and ingenuity as they can.
“There is no community-wide theme, but we encourage businesses to get creative to spark interest,” Palmer said.
Scarecrow Showcase
A month-long scarecrow-themed decorating competition in downtown Silverton.
• Scarecrows on display Oct. 1-31.
• Voting for the best scarecrow will take place during the Goblin Walk on Halloween from 4 to 6 p.m.
And the community is encouraged to take part as well, both by strolling through downtown during the month of October and by taking part in the Goblin Walk and voting on Halloween night.
“The Goblin Walk is a fun way for kids to trick-or-treat downtown and be safe,” Palmer explained. “Main Street will be closed from Water to First (like during First Friday) and there will be extra businesses and fun activities on Main Street.”
So, don’t let the scarecrows scare you away, come out and join the fun.
JAMES DAY
SHS homecoming Events aim to bring the comunity together
By Melissa Wagoner
“It’s to bring the school and the community together,” Alyssa Ogle, the Associated Student Body advisor helping organize Silverton High School’s events, explained.
“We, as the high school, are putting on something for every school in the district to participate in and connect. As ASB, it’s our job to really bring the spirit and sense of community back…especially this year… It’s important to show everyone, things were hard, but we’re good.”
Beginning with a kick-off assembly Friday, Sept. 27, students were given an overview of homecoming week – including this year’s theme, which is “boardgames”. They were also introduced to the athletes competing in homecoming. Saturday, the real work began as individual classes met to decorate their respective hallways for the annual competition.
“The nice thing about hallway decorating is we have a lot of kids who are not in ASB that show up,” Ogle said. “And we want to encourage that.
“Because the more people you have, the easier it is,” ASB president Helen Schmitz added. “And you only have four years so it’s really important to get involved. You’ll regret
it if you don’t participate.”
The hallway work will be open for public viewing on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 5 to 7 p.m. Each hallway will be decorated according to boardgame sub-themes –“Monopoly” for the freshmen, “Ticket to Ride” for the sophomores, “Clue” for the juniors and “Candyland” for the seniors.
“[W]e’ve never done anything like it,” Ogle said, explaining how these themes will also carry through to the homecoming parade floats that will travel from Coolidge McClaine Park and Silverton Middle School on Friday, Oct. 4 at 4 p.m.
“The parade is huge, not just for us but for the outlying schools,” Ogle said.
“So, come out to the parade and the Future Fox Fair afterward,” Schmitz added, referring to the annual kindergarten through fifth grade event held at middle school from 5 to 6 p.m. Then come back at 7p.m. when the boys’ varsity football team kicks off against McKay High School.
“It’s a crazy day…” she admitted. “But I’m optimistic it’s going to be awesome.”
Silverton homecoming schedule
• Class hallway decorating for all SHS students –Sept. 28 & 29
• Public open house for class hallway decorations – Wednesday, Oct. 2, 5 to 7 p.m.
• Homecoming parade (Coolidge McClaine Park to Silverton iddle School) – Friday, Oct. 4, 4 p.m.
• Future Fox Fair for kindergarten through fifth grade, Silverton Middle School, Friday, Oct. 4. 5 to 6 p.m.
• Varsity homecoming football game vs McKay High School, McGinnis Field – Oct. 4, 7 p.m.
• Homecoming dance – Saturday, Oct. 5, after the game
For information about these or other events, visit www.silvertonhigh.silverfallsschools.org or follow Silverton High School on social media.
Working to strengthen public safety by:
Holding criminals and drug dealers accountable.
Respecting rights of victims.
Supporting law enforcement.
Providing a pathway to drug treatment that actually works.
Supporting our local economy by:
Working to reduce regulations and cut taxes on small businesses and family farms so they can stay open, grow their businesses and produce more jobs.
Working to control government spending and waste to reduce the tax burden on hard-working families.
Supporting affordable housing by:
Continuing to try to pass my affordable housing bill for rural communities.
Standing up for veterans by:
Working to maintain vital funding for Oregon veterans and their families to help the men and women who have defended our freedom.
Bond results
By Stephen Floyd
The Mt. Angel School District (MASD) completed a seismic retrofit and multiple bond-funded projects this summer, with similar improvements planned for next year.
Voters passed a $7 million bond in May of 2023 to support critical improvements at all three schools in the district. A $4 million state grant was added to the fund, which had been contingent on the bond passing.
The year before, the district was awarded a $2.5 million grant for seismic rehabilitation of the gym at Mt. Angel Middle School, which was undertaken in coordination with the bond construction.
Major projects this summer included replacement of the boilers at the middle school, new windows and water damage repairs at the St. Mary’s School library, and renovated bathrooms at John F. Kennedy High School.
Superintendent Rachel Stucky told Our Town construction “has been going very well” and the district is “still getting to everything that’s on the to-do list at this point.
“We’re getting the really important things done that need to get done,” she said.
Planning for bond projects primarily utilized a “progressive design build” strategy approved by the MASD Board in December of 2023. This allows a designer and contractor to plan the project jointly so costs can be estimated in real time, rather than committing to a specific project and learning of cost
Mt. Angel School District moves through upgrade checklist
Completed projects
St. Mary’s Public School
• Installation of new library windows
• Repair of fire extinguisher system
• Repair of water damage in library and cafeteria
Mt. Angel Middle School
• New boilers, hot water heater and distribution pumps
• Temporary dry rot repairs
• Replacement of a section of roofing
• HVAC repairs and upgrades
Kennedy High School
• Senior Wing restroom and storage area rebuilt with new utilities and HazMat abatement
changes afterward.
Stucky said this strategy has proven beneficial and helped the district make decisions with overall costs in mind.
As an example, the district had planned to replace siding and insulation on St. Mary’s this summer, but after cost estimates went up during design they chose to wait until next year and refine their options.
Other projects next year include security upgrades at all three schools and improvements to utilities and HVAC systems. The district is also planning for a seismic retrofit of the northwest section of JFK using a $2 million state grant awarded in May.
While planning is under way for Phase II, the district’s Bond Oversight Committee will be on hiatus until next
• Freshman Wing restroom and storage area rebuilt with new utilities
• Renovation of girls’ locker room with new ceiling, electrical and sprinkler system
• HVAC repairs and upgrades
Bus Barn
• Roof repairs
• Interior lighting replacement
• New exterior lighting; additional interior lighting donated by contractor Portland Electrical Construction, Inc.
spring. The group has met monthly since December of 2023 to monitor progress and outcomes of bond spending. Their next meeting is Oct.
Michael M. Bliss, DMD, PC
General Dentistry
Implant Restoration
Cosmetic Dentistry
Helping Hands Backyard habitats
By Melissa Wagoner
Horticulturist Eric Hammond didn’t need to enroll in the Marion County Soil and Water Conservation District’s (MSWCD) “Little Habitat Project” to know the front garden of his Silverton home meets the organization’s criteria for a resilient ecosystem. But when Ron Garst, a fellow member of Sustainable Silverton – a group promoting planet friendly choices –suggested certifying would help promote the project, Hammond filed the forms.
“We have about 60 people in the program right now, and about a third are certified, with a lot more moving toward it,” Kassi Roosth – an Urban Conservation Planner with MSWCD and the project’s lead, said describing its growth in popularity since the launch in October 2023. “This was a program the district has been trying to start for several years. I was asked to get it off the ground.”
Modeled after the Backyard Habitat Certification Program in Portland –a collaboration between the Audubon Society of Portland and the Columbia Land Trust – The Little Habitat Project was established to encourage landowners to care for their property in a way that creates a network of habitats for native wildlife across the county.
“It’s an education outreach program,” Roosth said. She explained that no matter the size of the garden or the experience of the gardener, “we want people to learn more about the local environment.”
The first step in The Little Habitat Project certification process is an in-person site visit to establish the goals the landowner has for the property as well as any constraints around financing, resources and maintenance.
“I encourage people to make goals that work best for them,” Roosth said, describing the planning guide she provides clients, which includes a space to observe and inventory current plants and wildlife as well as a blank schedule for future projects.
“Then we always do a walk of the property and identify invasive species,” Roosth said. “And I share the integrative pest management approach [of removal] starting with the least toxic. Because the heart of the program is controlling invasive species.”
A deterrent to the survival of both native
plant and wildlife species, invasive plants often lack predators and tend to take over an area, forming a monoculture. One example being a blackberry thicket so dense native plants are choked out and wildlife can no longer move freely.
“A lot of people are aware of what’s in their landscape,” Roosth said. “But a lot of people also think plants are native that are not.” It’s just one reason the site visit is so important. Another is the checklist of Little Habitat action items – divided into the categories of soil, water, infrastructure, education, invasive plant management, vegetation layering and native plant incorporation – which Roosth shares with landowners interested in becoming certified at one of three levels, ranging from easiest to most difficult.
“We don’t want to discourage people from being involved,” Roosth said of the multitiered process. “We understand a garden is a work in progress and we want to help people getting started.”
For those who achieve certification, MSWCD helps them share their achievement by gifting them a Little Habitats yard sign that can be posted on-site.
Eric Hammond in his garden displaying his Little Habitat Project sign. KASSI ROOSTH
Little changes can make big difference
“People appreciate that because [Little Habitats] often don’t look traditional,” Roosth acknowledged. “But we have to change the perception of what gardens look like. Messy is beautiful!”
It’s also beneficial, not just to wildlife but to the landowner because healthy soil, properly planted with native vegetation, often requires less maintenance.
“I have irrigation areas next to the house and non-irrigation by the street,” Hammond said of his own garden, which features an abundance of native annuals. “I plant super dense, I mulch a lot and never rake, and I wander around and pull weeds every day as I see them, so I spend maybe two hours a year weeding.”
And now he’s planning to share these practices and more with the Silverton community through a demonstration garden he and the other members of Sustainable Silverton will be installing in Old Mill Park, near Silver Falls Library, in the coming year.
“We’re just trying to demonstrate to people the utility and ease with which it can be done,” Hammond said. “Hopefully we’ll have some signs to explain what’s going on.”
While one Little Habitat will only make a
The Little Habitat Project
A Marion Soil and Water Conservation District initiative to create “a network of connected habitats in developed areas.” marionswcd.net/little-habitatproject
small impact on the survivability of native wildlife species, a web of Little Habitats across the region could make a significant difference.
“All of this space was [once] prairie, but those flowers don’t exist anymore,” Hammond explained. “And those species that used to live on them, they’re not gone, but they’re reduced.”
One example, the monarch butterfly, whose caterpillar relies on milkweed to survive –has seen a profound decline in numbers during the past 40 years as more native grasslands have been converted to agriculture and widespread herbicide use has increased.
“Planting isn’t going to save them,” Hammond admitted. “But it’s no skin off my back to try.”
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$449,900 Mt. Angel, well kept 3 bedroom, 2 bath in great neighborhood. 1 story home, 1476 sqft. Fenced backyard. Rosie Wilgus 503-409-8779 MLS#820337
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info current at time of publication Prices and availability subject to change
A Little Habitat Project designated garden. KASSI ROOSTH
Back in the greenhouse
By Melissa Wagoner
When Samantha Cross began teaching social studies at Silverton Middle School in December 2021 she noticed there was a large permanent greenhouse adjacent to the track that was largely unused.
“I think the last time anyone used it was when the high school was here,” she said. “And up until last week, it was storage for Maintenance.”
Saddened by its languishing state, Cross decided to take on the task of returning the building to its former glory and bringing agricultural education to SMS at the same time.
“I wanted to do something with it because I think it’s important to get our kids doing actual, physical things,” Cross explained. “So, I asked [principal] Brett [Davisson], and he said, if you want to do it, do it.”
But with no established agriculture program to lean on, there was no funding for the task. And so Cross reached out to Amy and Glen Goschie – owners of Goschie Farms – and Marvin Fessler – owner of Fessler Nursery. And before long the roof and one entire wall had been repaired, with plans underway to replace the decades-old heater as well.
“I reached out to them and within the week they were
Ag education comes to Silverton Middle School
here,” Cross said. “Now it’s about getting it supplied and stocked.”
But for that, Cross will need additional help.
“Anything people want to donate – seeds, soil, pots, gloves for middle schoolers…” Cross will need it all if she hopes to achieve her goal of having an after-school
ag program up and running before the January planting season begins.
“We don’t have an elective for it now because we didn’t have a workable space before,” Cross explained.
But by next year she hopes to have developed a course that students can register for as a part of the school’s curriculum, and which she hopes will become a feeder for the high school’s agriculture-based Career and Technical Education program.
“The earlier they can discover their passions, the better,” she pointed out. “Long term we’d like to have kids growing a variety of things from veggie starts to hanging baskets. And I would love to have some people in who farm in different ways.”
Because, while Cross is aware that not every student who takes the class or becomes involved in the afterschool program will choose an ag-based vocation, an understanding of how plants grow and where food comes from is valuable to everyone.
“We’re an ag heavy community, but we still have kids who don’t have access… we have kids who have food insecurity or who live in a small space,” she said. “And being able to grow something or tend to something… Those experiences can have an enormous impact.”
Dan Wilgus Owner
Silverton Middle School social studies teacher, Samantha Cross, in front of the newly renovated greenhouse. MELISSA WAGONER
Hazelnut shakeup Wilco jettisons processing subsidiary amid price drop
By James Day
Wilco has shed its hazelnut business amid price slumps that have roiled the market for the nut, 99% of which is grown in Oregon.
The decision puts in limbo the massive 120,000-square foot Hazelnut Growers of Oregon processing facility in Donald. The plant opened to great fanfare in 2018, but it is now for sale, Wilco officials said.
Wilco, the Mount Angel-based agricultural cooperative, finished its payments to growers for the 2023 crop on June 12 and did not accept a 2024 crop. Dozens of layoffs have been reported, although Wilco marketing executive Jake Wilson said “HGO staff levels adjust each year based on crop size and seasonality. Some team members have moved to Wilco teams, the actual change in team members will not be fully known until a sale finalizes.”
When the Donald plant opened in August 2018 Oregon growers were producing approximately 55,000 tons per year and getting about $1 ,750 per ton, although that figure represented a steep drop from the $3,500 figure for 2014, according to data compiled by Pacific Agriculture Survey. Meanwhile, supply has skyrocketed amid a surge in plantings. It has gone from that 55,000 tons in 2018 to approximately 95,000 tons in 2023 – and the price has fallen to about $1,250 per ton.
When asked about the free fall of hazelnut prices, Wilson noted that “similar to other agriculture crops, [hazelnut] prices go up and down depending on a variety of reasons. Each year’s crop has its own story and reasons for where the pricing comes in.”
However, John Bowersox, Wilco’s president and CEO, had a blunt take on the situation when he spoke with The Capital Press “for a number of years, we’ve really struggled to make the hazelnut operation profitable.”
Ben Coleman, chairman of the Wilco Board of Directors, added in a Wilco press release “we recognize the importance of the hazelnut industry to the greater Willamette Valley region, and we are disappointed we have not been able to achieve an acceptable level of performance with the Hazelnut Growers of Oregon business.”
Oregon grows almost the entire United States crop of hazelnuts, which prosper on land close to the 45th parallel.
Wilco and Pacific Agricultural Survey, which uses high-tech tools to provide information on acreage and other data to the Oregon hazelnut industry and other agricultural clients, both indicated that the loss of the capacity of the Donald plant should not affect the ability of growers to get their nuts processed.
“In general,” Mike McDaniel, owner of Pacific Agricultural Survey, told Our Town, “growers will have to switch to one of the remaining hazelnut processing companies in the valley. The main options are George Packing Co./ Northwest Hazelnut Co., Willamette Hazelnut Co., and Denfeld Nut. There may be one or two much smaller operations out there but these three now represent almost all the market share for the industry. All the major companies have receiving stations set up across the valley where growers can bring their harvested nuts for collection and weighing.”
Bowersox said in a statement issued by Wilco that “while this divestment means change, it also presents an opportunity for Wilco to refocus our efforts as an agricultural cooperative, investing in areas that will increase our long-term growth prospects, and enhance our ability to serve our members.
“Wilco is financially sound, and we are optimistic about our future. By taking this action, we will emerge better positioned to fulfill our purpose as a member-owned cooperative that strengthens agricultural and rural lifestyles.”
What happens to growers and the hazelnut industry moving
About Wilco
The Wilco agricultural cooperative was formed in 1967 when five cooperatives merged, although the company’s roots go back to the 1930s. Today, Wilco has 26 farm stores, a bulk energy business and is part of the Valley Agronomics’ Joint Venture. There are approximately 3,000 members and the farm stores serve more than 500,000 customers throughout Oregon, Washington and California. The company is based in Mount Angel.
About Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts, also known as filberts, are used as a snack food, in baking and in breakfast cereals such as muesli as well as chocolate bars and hazelnut cocoa spreads such as Nutella. They are also used in Frangelico liqueur and hazelnut oil, which can be used for cooking or as a salad or dressing oil. Turkey is the world’s largest producer of hazelnuts. Virtually all of the U.S. crop is grown in Oregon, with Marion County (26,127 acres in 2023), Yamhill County (19,111 acres) and Linn County (12,659 acres) the largest producers.
Sources: Pacific Agricultural Survey, Wilco, Wikipedia
forward is another matter. It takes a hazelnut orchard approximately four years to mature and produce a crop. That means that the approximately 5,000 acres planted in Oregon in 2020 and the 6,000 or so in 2021 will add to that 95,000 tons of supply in the next year or so, according to McDaniel’s data.
Wilco’s Wilson agreed that there “possibly will be a larger crop for 2025, but [production will be] more consistent after that as there have been less new plantings done in the past few years.”
“Wilco’s decision to divest from the HGO business is to focus on the supply businesses like retail and energy,” he said. “Wilco has invested millions into the hazelnut industry and HGO business over the years. Wilco as a whole is profitable, financially sound, and poised to grow in the coming years.”
JAMES DAY
A COVID case Nurse fired over failure to get vaccine sues Legacy Silverton
By Stephen Floyd
A nurse fired from Legacy Silverton Medical Center in 2021 over a COVID-19 vaccine mandate has sued the hospital for discrimination, while the hospital claims her firing was not based on her religion.
Rachael Brady was a registered nurse in Legacy Silverton’s birthing center when she was fired Oct. 19, 2021, after the hospital enforced a state vaccine mandate
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued the mandate Aug. 25, 2021, and required the vaccine for all healthcare workers by Oct. 18, 2021. OHA allowed exemptions for religious beliefs and Brady applied for an exemption with Legacy. She was
denied Sept. 27, 2021, said the suit.
The lawsuit, filed March 26 in Marion County Circuit Court, said Brady objected to the vaccine because she believed aborted fetal cells were used in its production. The suit said she believed this was a violation of the Christian commandment against murder and would “defile her body.”
She is seeking $450,000 for claims including religious discrimination, lost wages and noneconomic damages.
The hospital did not respond to the allegations until filing a motion to dismiss Sept. 10 on the grounds that the bulk of Brady’s claims had no legal foundation.
The delay was due in part to plaintiff attorney Caroline Janzen’s caseload,
Under duress
By Stephen Floyd
A former Silverton woman accused of stealing more than $50,000 from her elderly landlady claims she did so after allegedly being threatened by a local man.
On Sept. 9, counsel for Joan Renee AndersonVarner, 61, currently of Salem, filed a motion asking for the unsealing of the criminal records of a 52-year-old Silverton man.
The motion claimed this individual was the true initiator of the theft, having arrived at AndersonVarner’s residence “unwanted” and allegedly “threatened her repeatedly.”
While the individual was named in the motion, Our Town is not identifying him here as he has not been publicly charged with the alleged incident.
According to charging documents, Anderson-
according to an Aug. 8 filing by Janzen, which includes multiple similar suits filed against Legacy on behalf of other clients.
Legacy argued that personal religious conviction is not grounds for a claim of religious discrimination, and that such discrimination must be directed against an entire religious group.
It said Brady offered no evidence that other Christians were fired despite being vaccinated, or that non-Christians were allowed to stay without being vaccinated.
The hospital also argued that the “particular beliefs” of an individual religious person or group of people do not necessarily represent an entire religion. Legacy said, if an aggrieved party could attribute any belief they
choose to religious conviction, there would be no limits on the legal damages they could seek.
The hospital pointed to similar claims that have been rejected by the courts, including others filed against Legacy by Janzen’s clients.
These included the dismissal in federal court of claims of religious discrimination in Coates v. Legacy Health and Mathews v. Legacy Health on March 19 and Aug. 26, respectively. On April 29 an amended complaint was filed in Coates and on May 29 Legacy filed a new motion to dismiss on similar grounds.
As of press time Janzen had yet to file a response to the Sept. 10 motion in Brady
Woman claims she was coerced into $50,000 theft
Varner allegedly entered the home of her neighbor and landlady April 26 on the 300 block of Monson Road and stole more than $50,000 in cash and jewelry.
She is charged in Marion County Circuit Court with aggravated first-degree theft and initiating a false report for allegedly lying to authorities when she called 911 that day to report the incident.
Defense attorney Spencer Todd filed a motion Aug. 21 notifying the court of his intent to argue the alleged crimes were committed under duress and were justifiable as a “choice of evils.”
The Sept. 9 motion added greater detail and claimed Anderson-Varner was violently coerced by the Silverton man, who afterward allegedly forced her to drive him to a hotel in Wilsonville. It was from this hotel Anderson-Varner called
911 the next day and admitted to lying about the incident and told authorities about the Silverton man, according to the docuents filed.
The motion requested access to a police report in a separate case against the man involving the alleged sexual groping of a minor in early April. Because the case is pending neither the arresting agency nor prosecutors are willing to divulge the report, said Todd.
The motion argued there may be evidence in the report corroborating Anderson-Varner’s account of events. Todd said an independent investigator had already uncovered one similar incident when another woman was allegedly coerced by the man into stealing cash and jewelry from another victim.
A hearing to consider the motion was held Sept. 26, after the Our Town press deadline.
Catch up with more local news and sports
Collision aftermath Extent of crash victims’ injuries revealed in lawsuit
By Stephen Floyd
A Silverton woman who was found criminally responsible in May for a 2023 wreck that caused serious injuries to an elderly couple and two young children has been sued by the victims.
On Sept. 11, a personal injury suit was filed in Marion County Circuit Court against Sierra Gemeni James, 28, for a wreck occurring May 25, 2023, on Hwy. 22 just west of Mill City.
Injured in the collision were John Hamlin and Gwen Hamlin, both 65 at the time, and two five-yearold twin brothers represented by conservator Brian Hamlin.
Plaintiffs are seeking $310,518 in economic damages, $1.95 million in noneconomic damages, and intend to seek punitive damages for James’ alleged reckless behavior, according to the suit.
According to court records, James was traveling in an SUV west on Hwy. 22 at speeds in excess of 95 mph and attempted to pass multiple vehicles at once.
While in the oncoming lane she swerved to avoid a semi truck and struck the rear of a westbound pickup operated by John Hamlin and occupied by the other three plaintiffs.
The lawsuit said the pickup swerved out of control into the oncoming lane, crashed through a guardrail, traveled down an embankment and came to rest after striking a tree head-on.
Injuries included a broken back and ribs and a ruptured spleen for John Hamlin, fractured ribs and dental crowns for Gwen Hamlin, a broken jaw and collarbone and traumatic brain injury for one of the young brothers and a concussion for the
other child, the suit reported.
Plaintiffs claim both boys suffered severe psychological harm, including changes in behavior for the boy with the traumatic brain injury and post traumatic stress disorder for the other who witnessed his brother sustain life-threatening injuries, said the suit.
A third child, James’ three-year-old daughter, was in the back seat of the SUV and was reportedly uninjured. James also suffered no reported injuries.
As of press time James had not been served with notice of the suit. Court records indicated her insurance company was in settlement talks with the plaintiffs before the suit was filed.
James pleaded guilty May 3 to third-degree assault, fourth-degree assault, reckless driving and reckless endangering. She was sentenced to 30 months in prison.
During sentencing, James argued she should receive probation instead of prison and described herself as a good person without a criminal record who had not intended to harm anyone. She acknowledged her actions could have killed someone and said she was speeding to evade another driver due to an alleged road rage incident several miles earlier.
In a letter to the court May 29 from prison, James disputed the 30-month sentence and said she does “not belong in the same place as people who actually chose to commit crimes and hurt people.”
On Aug. 27 James filed a motion to have the remainder of her prison sentence converted to house arrest, which was denied Sept. 4 by Judge Natasha Zimmerman.
Robin Ekloff Owner
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
Mt. Angel Community & Senior Center Store, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., 195 E Charles St. Repeats Tuesday - Saturday. Volunteers needed. 503-845-6998
Silverton Recovery AA, noon - 1 p.m., 302 N Water St. Seven days a week. Free Monday Dinner, 5:30 - 7 p.m., Oak Street Church, 502 Oak St., Silverton. Indoor, sit-down dinner. To-go meals also available. All are welcome. Free. 503-873-5446, oakstchurch@gmail.com
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. For residents in Scotts Mills/Butte Creek/ Monitor rural areas. Donations welcome. Niki, 503-873-5059
Gentle Yoga, 9:30 a.m., Immanuel Lutheran Church, 303 N Church St., Silverton. Free; donations welcome. Repeats Thursdays.
Mt. Angel Senior Meals, 10:30 - 11 a.m. Delivery only. $3 donation suggested. Repeats Thursdays. 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. Activities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Also Thursdays. silvertonmainstay.org Stories & STEAM, 4 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Listen to a story about the theme of the month, 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 kindergarten - fifth grade. Deb Hilterbrand, 971-337-5925, silvertonpack485@gmail.com
Silverton Business Group, 8 a.m., Silver Falls Brewery, 207 Jersey St. Networking of the business community hosted by the Chamber of Commerce. All welcome. Silvertonchamber.org
Quilters Group, 9 a.m. - noon, Trinity Lutheran Church, 500 N Second Ave., Silverton. trinitysilverton@gmail.com
Family Storytime and Indoor Playtime, 10:30 a.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Singing, stories, crafts, play. Age 2-5 w/adult. Oct. 2 at Mt. Angel Fire Department. 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. Senior Center members free; $10 donation for nonmembers. silvertonseniors.org
Mission of Hope Food Pantry, 2 - 4 p.m., Silver Creek Fellowship. 503-873-7353
Thursday
Community Coffee, 7 - 9 a.m., Scotts Mills Community Center, 298 Fourth St. Free. Yoga, 9 a.m., Silver Creek Fellowship. Open to all. Sheila, 503-409-4498
Thursday Painters, 10 a.m. - noon, Silverton Arts Association, 303 Coolidge St. 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 support. First meeting free. All welcome. 503-501-9824
Friday
Toastmaster Club, 7:30 a.m., Zoom. Increase your listening skills, speaking, thinking and evaluating. Contact tmcommunicators@ gmail.com for Zoom link.
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. All ages welcome. Free. Silvertones Community Singers, 10:30 a.m., Silverton United Methodist Church, 203 Main St., Silverton. Anyone who loves to sing is welcome. Tomi, 503-873-2033
Saturday
Ageless Yoga, 9 a.m., Total Body Health Club, 1099 N First St., Silverton. Geared toward those 50 and older, but all are welcome. A Silverton Senior Center event. Silverton Outdoor Farmers Market, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Silverton United Methodist Church, 204 W Main St. Fresh produce, plants, flowers.
Sunshine Fitness, 10 a.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Light exercising with follow-along salsa, merengue and samba videos. Signed waiver required. Teens & adults. Free. 971-370-5040
Saturday Serenity Al-Anon Family Group, 10 a.m. For families, friends of alcoholics. Zoom 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. oregoncraftersmarket.com
Silverton Country Museum, 1 - 4 p.m., 428 S Water St. Free. Also Sunday. 503-8737070, silverton.museum@live.com
Creciendo juntos/Growing Together Storytime, 1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. 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
Just for Today Al-Anon Family Group, 6:30 p.m., Silverton Coffee Club, 302 N Water St. For families and friends of alcoholics.
Tuesday, Oct. 1
Mt. Angel American Legion
6:30 p.m., Legion Hall, 740 E College St., Mt. Angel. All veterans are welcome. Masks optional. Jim, 503-845-6119
6:30 - 8 p.m., Silver Falls Library. Craft two different book page ornaments, one for the library tree and one to take home. Free. Repeats Oct. 16. 503-873-8796
Scotts Mills City Council
7 p.m., Scotts Mills City Hall, 265 Fourth St. Open to public. 503-873-5435
Thursday, Oct. 3
Silverton Kiwanis Club
Noon, Main St. Bistro, 201 E Main St., Silverton. New members welcome. Repeats Oct. 17. silvertonkiwanis.org
Managing Your Photos
1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Learn to access photos on your phone or computer and share them. Bring any specific questions. Adults & teens. Registration required: 971-370-5040.
Critique Night
7 - 8:30 p.m., Silverton Arts Association. Discussion and critique with other artists. 503-873-2480, silvertonarts.org
Friday, Oct. 4
Family Movie Night
4 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Watch Inside Out 2 (PG) with the family. All ages. Free. 971-370-5040
Lunaria October Showing
6 - 8 p.m., Lunaria Gallery, 113 N Water St., Silverton. Opening reception for October showings. Main Floor Gallery: “Interwoven,” paintings and lino block prints by Theresa Sharrar, and weaving by Genie Stewart. Loft Gallery: “Crow Show,” artwork by Judy Frohreich. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Oct. 28. 503-873-7734, lunariagallery.com
Brush Creek Production
7 p.m., Brush Creek Playhouse, 11535 NE Silverton Road, Silverton. Performance of Things My Mother Taught Me. $12 adults. $10 children under 12 and seniors over 60. Repeats 7 p.m. Oct. 5, 11-12; 2 p.m. Oct. 6, 13. brushcreekplayhouse.com
Saturday, Oct. 5
Silverton Sidewalk Shindig
Noon - 8 p.m., downtown Silverton. Free, family-friendly live music festival in Historic downtown Silverton. Visit www.facebook. com/sidewalkshindig for details.
Silver Crest Haunted House
7:30 - 10 p.m., Silver Crest Elementary, 365 SE Loar Road, Silverton. $15 full scare or $5 kids hour 6 - 7 p.m. Every Saturday in October. Benefits Silver Crest Booster Club. silvercresthauntedhouse.wordpress.com
Monday, Oct. 7
Silverton City Council
6:30 p.m., Council Chambers. City Council work session and regular meeting. 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, Oct. 8
Ancestry Detectives
10 a.m. - noon, Silver Falls Library. Learn about Silverton’s genealogical resources. Open to public. Membership: KathleenLValdez@yahoo.com. Information: ancestrydetectives.org.
Ukulele Play and Sing-Alongs
6 - 7:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. First 30 minutes beginner’s ukulele lesson followed by play and sing-along time for all skill levels. Music is provided but don’t forget to bring your ukulele. 503-873-8796
Trivia Night
7 p.m., Pub 210 East, 210 E Charles St., Mt. Angel. Test your knowledge with friends. Play solo or form a team of up to 5 people. Win prizes. All ages. Sponsored by Mt. Angel Public Library. 971-370-5040
Silverton Planning Commission
7 p.m., Council Chambers. Open to public. 503-874-2207, silverton.us.or
Wednesday, Oct. 9
Financial Wellness Education
11 a.m., Silver Falls Library. Paul McIntyre, author and financial advisor, hosts session on improving your retirement with income for life. Free. 503-873-8796
Italian Conversations
6 - 7:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. Come practice your Italian with Craig Bazzi and Carlo Antinucci. All levels welcome. Free. 503-873-8796
Thursday, Oct. 10
Recycled Book Witch
1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Transform an old paperback book into a whimsical witch for Halloween. All supplies provided. Free. Adults & teens. Repeats 1 p.m. Oct. 19. 971-370-5040
Red Cross Blood Drive
1 - 6:30 p.m., Immanuel Lutheran Church, 303 N Church St., Silverton. Appointments: redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-3767.
Aztec Dancers
6 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Enjoy a performance that showcases the vibrant rhythms and cultural heritage of Aztec dance for Hispanic Heritage Month. All ages. Free. 971-307-5040
Silverton Zenith Women’s Club
7 p.m., Silver Creek Fellowship Church. Women come together to discuss ways to fund, implement projects benefiting Silverton Community. Social starts at 6:30 p.m. Anyone interested is welcome. Barbara, 801-414-3875
Friday, Oct. 11
LEGO Lab
3 - 4:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Build an original creation to display in the library. Free. All ages. 971-370-5040
Teen Hangout
5 - 7 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Master making corn tortillas and dive into solving a murder. Grades 6-12. Sign up for tortillamaking in advance by calling 971-370-5040.
6 - 9 p.m., Silverton Grange, 201 Division St. Bring your favorite games. A responsible adult must accompany children under 13. All ages welcome. Free admission. 971-267-9364, silvertongrange@gmail.com
Saturday, Oct. 12
Elks Flea Market
8 a.m. - 3 p.m., Silverton Elks Lodge, 300 High St. Open to public. Tables $5. For vendor application, email thewhiteoakgallery@gmail.com or call 503931-4567.
Tune Tours Live Music
7 - 9 p.m., Mt. Angel Theater Studio, 220 E Charles St. Donations suggested. 323449-1183, mtangeltheaterstudio.com
Monday, Oct. 14
Columbus Day
Indigenous Peoples Day
Red Cross Blood Drive
11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Mount Angel Abbey, 1 Abbey Dr., St. Benedict. For appointments visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-3767.
Mt. Angel School District
6:30 p.m., District Office, 730 E Marquam St. Open to public. 503-845-2345
Silver Falls School District
7 p.m., Silverton High. Open to public. 503-873-5303, silverfallsschools.org
Tuesday, Oct. 15
Kids in the Kitchen
4 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Special Stories and STEAM to explore the science of cooking. Young chefs will learn to make corn tortillas from scratch. Ages 5-12. Free. Registration required by calling 971-370-5040.
Silver Falls Library Book Club
7 - 8:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. Discuss Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi. All welcome. 503-897-8796
Wednesday, Oct. 16
SACA Sneak Preview/Campaign Kick-off
6:30 p.m., 990 N First St., Silverton. Tour of new facility; program on opening a collaborative social services center. Snacks, beverages. RSVP: 503-873-3446
Thursday, Oct. 17
Book Discussion for Adults
1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Discuss The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. Zoom link available. All welcome. Free. 971-370-5040
Writers Workshop
6 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Gather, chat with fellow writers. Bring up to three pages of work to get feedback. Teens & adults. Free. 971-370-5040
Oregon Cowboy Poet
6:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. Tom Swearingen tells stories of the people and land of the American West through original cowboy poetry, often inspired by his own experiences and observations from the saddle. Free. 503-873-8796
Mt. Angel Planning Commission
7 p.m., Mount Angel Public Library. Open to public. 503-845-9291
Friday, Oct. 18
Creepy Carrots Storytime
10 a.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Listen to “Creepy Carrots” by Aaron Reynolds and dig into a surprise snack and crafts. All ages. Free. 971-370-5040
Haunted Houses/Spooky Crafts
11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Drop-in to build your own haunted house or get creative with other Halloween-themed crafts. All ages. Free. 971-370-5040
Saturday, Oct. 19
Community Cider Press
Noon - 4 p.m., GeerCrest Farm, 12390 NE Sunnyview Road, Salem. Enjoy a fall afternoon pressing your own cider. Bring bottles, jugs, friends and family and apples. Plan to shop in the Silverton Food Co-op market for goodies. Sherry, 734-649-8134
Lasagna Dinner & Bazaar
5 - 6:30 p.m., Marquam United Methodist Church, 36971 S Highway 212, Mt. Angel. Marquam Women of Faith’s 120th benefit bazaar and lasagna dinner. $15/plate. Children 6 and under are free. All proceeds are donated to local nonprofits.
Sunday, Oct. 20
Hops & Vines Fundraiser
3 - 7 p.m., Silverton Senior Center, 115 Westfield St. Dinner. Beer & wine tasting. $50/person. Benefits Silverton Rotary. 503-932-4344
Brush Creek Annual Meeting
4 p.m., Brush Creek Playhouse, 11535 NE Silverton Road, Silverton. Meeting for Brush Creek Playhouse to elect officers, recognize new board members, conduct other business for the theater. brushcreekplayhouse.com
Tuesday, Oct. 22
Silverton City Council
6:30 p.m., Council Chamber. City Council work session and regular meeting. Open to public. 503-873-5321
Silverton Planning Commission
6:30 p.m., Council Chambers. Open to public. Work session. 503-874-2207
PFLAG Silverton
7 p.m., Oak Street Church, 502 Oak St., Silverton. Everyone welcome. Under 18 must have parent/guardian. 541-7861613, silvertonpflag@gmail.com
Wednesday, Oct. 23
Scotts Mills Historical Museum
1 - 5 p.m., 210 Grandview Ave. Open for public browsing. Free. Open by appointment by contacting Joe Plas, 503-871-9803.
Air Plant Terrarium
1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Create a miniature world with air plants and glass balls. Adults & teens. Free. Registration is required by calling 971-370-5040. Repeats 1 p.m. Oct. 26.
Thursday, Oct. 24
4-H STEAM Challenge
5:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Participants will complete three STEM challenges about food security and take home fun activities. Pizza party at 5 p.m. Grades 6-8/Ages 11-14. Free. Registration is required by calling 971-370-5040.
Friday, Oct. 25
Teen Advisory Board/Book Club
4:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Teens (grades 6-12) collaborate with the library on programs, collections, games and more. Snacks provided. Book Club meets for the first 30 minutes to discuss Invisible Son by Kim Johnson. 971-370-5040
Saturday, Oct. 26
Celebration of Life
1 - 3 p.m., Silverton Senior Center, 115 Westfield St. Celebration of life for Raymond Hunter. All are welcome to share their memories of him. Bring photos if you have them. Kathy Hunter, 503-873-0159, hunter476@frontier.com
Public Bingo by Zenith Women’s Club
6:30 - 9 p.m., Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 303 N Church St., Silverton. Silverton Zenith Women’s Club fundraiser. $5/3 cards. Baskets available to be bid on.
Monday, Oct. 28
Vigil for Peace
2:30 - 3:30 p.m., Towne Square Park, Silverton. Silverton People for Peace gather to advocate for peace, social justice issues on all levels of society. Open to all. 503-873-5307
Mt. Angel Park Tree Board
7 p.m., Mount Angel Public Library. Open to public. 503-845-9291, ci.mt-angel.or.us
Tuesday, Oct. 29
Red Cross Blood Drive
8:15 a.m. - 2 p.m., Silverton High, 1456 Pine St. For appointments visit redcrossblood. org or call 800-733-3767.
Wednesday, Oct. 30
Financial Wellness Education
11 a.m., Silver Falls Library. Paul McIntyre, author and financial advisor, hosts session on three keys to income planning. Free. 503-873-8796
Thursday, Oct. 31
Halloween Candy Crawl
3 - 5 p.m., downtown Mt. Angel. Bring children to trick or treat. Goblin Walk
4 - 6 p.m., Silverton. Many local businesses open to share treats with trick or treaters. Look for Pumpkin sign in business windows.
Trunk of Treat
6 p.m., Scotts Mills Grange, 299 Fourth St. Open to all.
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“Make America Good Again!”
My dear wife Bonnie came to me today with tears in her eyes. She wanted me to read a passage she had just found in Psalm 94:20-23. It reads:
“Can wicked rulers be allied with you, those who frame injustice by statute They band together against the life of the righteous and condemn the innocent to death. But the LORD has become my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge. 23 He will bring back on them their iniquity and them out for their wickedness LORD our God will wipe them out
We live in a time where God could use any number of calamities to “wipe out” wicked rulers who “frame injustice by statute.”
Disease, famine, nuclear war, rogue AI, and our falling birth rate, to name just a few.
Thomas Jefferson wrote:
“Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that his justice cannot sleep forever…” — Notes on the State of Virginia (1784) page 404.
At the time Jefferson was contemplating the grave injustice of slavery while he himself still owned many slaves. His hypocrisy was outrageous. But his observation was none the less true. It would be just like God to punish our nation for slavery. But it was no more outrageous than our own hypocrisy today regarding the abortion of our babies.
Sadly, one of our major political parties, the Democrats, now aggressively advocates for unrestricted abortion under the Orwellian euphemism of “reproductive healthcare.” All this while totally ignoring the right of the unborn baby to its own healthcare. While one baby in a hospital receives expensive life-saving care in the womb, another in a clinic next door is being murdered. According to FactCheck.Org, only 2.7% of abortions have been to save the life of the mother. All others were for lifestyle convenience.
The Psalmist quoted Ps. 94 had previously asked a few questions in verses 9 and 10:
“He who planted the ear, does He not hear? He who formed the eye, does He not see? He who disciplines the nations, does he not rebuke?”
In other words, “Do you really think God does not see the slaughter and hear the screams of those who are being murdered? Do you really think He does not care about the baby and will not take action when
“wicked rulers frame injustice by statute” in order to win more votes? This is outrageous!
We Must All Get Involved!
At His trial, Jesus told Pontius Pilate “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:33-38). Since then, many Christians have refused to get involved in politics, assuming that doing so would contradict their Lord.
By Gregg Harris
but have eternal life.” We are forgiven for our own sins when we repent and believe that Jesus Christ died in our place and rose from the dead (Rom. 8:8-11). But then, having been saved, we get to show our love for God by the way we love and care for others, and that includes both mothers and their babies.
God Judges Nations In History
In James 4:17, we read: “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” God judges nations that sin: It was sin to ignore the wickedness of slavery before the Civil War. Lincoln was right when he said “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” Allowing slavery to be practiced just across state lines could not endure. God would act. Lincoln was also right in his 2nd inaugural address during the Civil War, “Yet, if God wills that [this war] continue until all the wealth piled by the bondsman’s two
“Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter. If you say, “Behold, we did not know this,” does not He who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not He who keeps watch over your soul know it, and will He not repay man according to his work?” — Proverbs 24:11-12
But Jesus was not forbidding His followers from fighting injustice. He was explaining that His disciples did not need to fight to save Him. He had 60,000 angels on call if He needed help (Matt. 26:53). He was not negating all the exhortations in the Bible that call on us to resist wickedness and pursue justice. We are all to speak up for those who have no voice of their own, and act for those who have no power to save themselves.
It Is Sin To Ignore Any Evil!
In Proverbs 24:11-12 we read: “Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter. If you say, “Behold, we did not know this,” does not He who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not He who keeps watch over your soul know it, and will He not repay man according to his work?”
This passage is just as much a part of God’s Word as John 3:16. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish
hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash shall be paid by another drawn with the sword, as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said ‘the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.’” He saw the United States Civil War as God’s judgement to “wipe away” the “wicked rulers” who “frame injustice by statute.”
• It was also sin for congregations during the Nazi Holocaust to try to drown out the cries of the Jews by “singing louder” as the train cars passed by their churches They were on their way to the death camps! Fascist Germany, Italy and Japan were all punished. But they did not cause God’s judgement on the world, they were God’s judgement on all the nations.
Stop And Think!
The Roe Vs Wade decision in 1972 has resulted in more than 63 million babies being killed in their mother’s womb. Abortions are increasing especially in the “blue states”
across our nation. Once again, we are “a house divided” with nothing more than a state line standing between life and death for the unborn. Will God look the other way as “wicked rulers” in both parties now strive to win votes by promising to “frame injustice by statute” in this cruel and outrageous way?
I understand that when the physical life of a mother is in real danger, she has a grievous “right of self-defense.” “But what,” many ask, “about rape and incest?” Where else do we ever require an innocent person to die because of who his or her father is? Punish the father for his crime, but not his baby. It is not unreasonable for any mother to allow her baby to live and be adopted. It is the role of government to establish such justice by law.
Vote to Avoid God’s Judgement!
In the upcoming election we will be selecting new “rulers.” Please vote for those who promise to fight for the life of the unborn. Don’t be part of the reason why God must “wipe out” our nation. The clouds of war and other disasters loom darkly on our horizon. So, be wise. Do what is right. God may yet show us mercy. Let us make America GOOD again! Only then can she ever be truly great.
Want to talk? Please call 971-370-0967.
Gregg Harris is a Pastor of Preaching at Gracious Cross Reformed Church in NE Salem.
Silverton grad completes Academy
By James Day
Former Silverton High student Trevor Johnson has graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York.
Johnson, who majored in engineering at Kings Point, has chosen to serve his required five years of post-academy duty in the Marine Corps. After graduating in a Merchant Marine Academy class of 214 on June 22, Johnson moved on to Quantico, Virginia, for further training with the Marines.
Graduation from the academy also qualifies Johnson for his Merchant Marine officer license, qualifying him to serve as an officer on any US-flagged ship in the U.S. merchant marine fleet.
Johnson is a 2020 Silverton graduate. In high school Johnson participated in Key Club, the National Honor Society and Future Business Leaders of America.
Volunteers rebuild Mount Angel visitor kiosk
Community volunteers in Mount Angel rebuilt a local landmark in time for Oktoberfest visitors.
The Visitor Information Kiosk owned by the Mt. Angel Chamber of Commerce and located on Main Street by West College Street had been significantly damaged during an ice storm in January.
The fixture was already in need of new paint and minor repairs since being built by volunteers in 2010. The added weight of ice from the storm damaged the wooden roof.
Jim Kosel, with the Mt. Angel American Legion Post 89 and a member of the chamber board, said community members jumped into action, from local contractors and business owners to area students.
“[Volunteers] came together pretty soon after the storm,” said Kosel.
Josh Vera of Vera Construction Inc. rebuilt the lower portion of the sign where a display case holds information
about local history, businesses and events. Vera also poured a new concrete foundation and donated new asphalt shingles, which are expected to outlast the previous shingles.
Meanwhile Bochsler True Value Hardware donated paint for the project, including floral decorations on the sides. Then students at John F. Kennedy High School built the new sign for the top, which was installed at the close of the project on July 1.
Kosel said many other community supporters contributed to the new kiosk, including members of the American Legion. He said he hopes this updated fixture will “last a few years.”
Kosel said this type of volunteer teamwork is what he has come to expect from the Mount Angel community.
“The materials and people involved were all volunteers,” he said. “That’s part of Mount Angel.”
– Stephen Floyd
$1,367,000 Off of Powers Creek, Silverton. 95.92 acre estate in Silverton Hills. Gorgeous lake-pond, marketable Doug fir timber, small cabin. MLS#819483
$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
$949,000 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
$718,000 Under Contract 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. Paved RV parking. 160 Parkside Ct., Scotts Mills. MLS#818489
$ 575,000 SOLD! Large acreage property with older MH. 21047 Hazelnut Ridge RD Scotts Mills.
$475,000 4.650 acres zoned EFU. Ideal for agriculture development. High traffic location. Seller financing available. Monitor Rd., Silverton. MLS#820110
$425,000 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
$300,000 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.
$195,000 Under Contract 608 James St., Silverton Lot #14. 8,000 sq ft buildable lot in Paradise Village. MLS#810811
US Merchant Marine Academy graduate, Trevor Johnson SUBMITTED PHOTO
Daily needs
By Melissa Wagoner
In the Willamette Valley, the need for support services like food and shelter has been growing.
“Our recent annual report reflected that the 2023-24 fiscal year was the busiest year in our 40-plus year history…” Jean Hubbard – board vice president of the Stayton Community Food Bank (SCFB) said. “The number of households served in 2023-24 is 34 percent more than the year before and 92 percent more than just two years ago.”
Similarly, in 2023 Silverton Area Community Aid (SACA) saw 7,593 visits to the food pantry with an additional $396,108 provided in financial assistance. And Sheltering Silverton recorded 231 dinners served on the premises with an average of 16 overnight guests between January and August.
“Higher costs for food, utilities and transportation, and the end of extra financial support available to families during the COVID pandemic are key factors driving this growth and contribute to fluctuations during the year,” Hubbard said.
Environmental changes, such as an increase in wildfires,
ice storms and heat events, have become additional contributing factors.
“We’ve had climate refugees come to us,” Sarah White, founder and executive director of Sheltering Silverton, said. “We’ve had people coming from Paradise [California] and Beachie Creek. Climate impacts the housing market and so that’s on our radar.”
An ongoing housing shortage and rising home prices means more people are finding themselves living on the edge of poverty and especially vulnerable to crisis.
“There are a lot of people without support and they are doing OK during regular life, but not during an emergency,” White said, recalling how the COVID pandemic and wildfires of 2020, along with the ice storm and heat dome of 2021 prompted the area’s aid providers to begin taking a serious look at the role they would play should an emergency become communitywide.
“There’s the official emergency response and then there’s the aid piece,” White explained. “The wildfires showed us how quickly these pieces come together.”
Despite its location in the cramped basement of
Silverton’s Community Center for the past several years, Sheltering Silverton functioned as an emergency drop-site during the wildfires, coordinated generator
Volunteer, Carol Aubrey, sorting produce in Silverton Area Community Aid’s commercial kitchen. MELISSA WAGONER
loans during the ice storm and opened a cooling center during the heat dome. But since the opening of the new shelter, located on McClaine Street, the organization
has worked to become increasingly emergency prepared.
“I feel like we’re in a really good place when we have weather events…” White said, adding, “[In Silverton] our number of weather-related injuries are low.”
Struggling with facility challenges throughout its 74-year history, SACA is also looking forward to opening new headquarters in the 12,000 square foot building on First Street that previously housed the Ratchet Brewery.
“By nature of what we do we are a resilience hub. We’ve been thinking about that for many years – how SACA plays an important role during a crisis,” executive director Sarah DeSantis said. “But over the last few years our facility has limited our response.
“This [new] facility opens up ways to serve our community and allows us to go down the path of preparing because we could leverage the space to both distribute food and potentially be a shelter.”
That’s important because, according to the City of Silverton’s Emergency Management Advisory Committee, maintaining access to food and sheltering
services on both sides of Silver Creek is a critical part of the community’s emergency response. Now, with Sheltering Silverton relocated to the same side of the creek as Silver Creek Fellowship’s Mission of Hope food pantry and SACA beefing up its emergency services, there will be.
“We want to create a robust system of care…” White explained.
It’s the goal of all aid programs, including the Stayton Community Food Bank which – though they too have experienced both facility and staffing challenges – was able to provide food assistance and “pantry package grants” to those affected by the Santiam Canyon fires in 2020.
“The Stayton Community Food Bank is an allvolunteer organization, dependent on the individuals of our community to volunteer their time and energy to make this all work…” Hubbard said. She described the current emergency management plan as a contact list of people willing to help in an emergency.
“The SCFB’s goal is to provide food to everyone who enters our doors hungry.”
Volunteer, Mark Fennimore, stocking shelves in SACA’s food pantry. MELISSA WAGONER
Katherine Therese Poma
Feb. 11, 1943 – Aug. 15, 2024
Katherine Therese Poma, 81, of Silverton, Oregon, passed away in her home, surrounded by her family’s love, on Aug. 16 after battling a long illness of a rare lung disease.
Katherine was born on Feb. 11, 1943 to Joseph and Tess (Therese) Poma in Brooklyn, New York. She was the oldest of their three children. After graduating from All Saints Commercial High School, Katherine went on to study at Pace University and Queen’s College (1960-1964) where she earned an Associate Degree in Applied Science. She worked as a Staff Nurse at Long Island Jewish Hospital in New York before moving to California where she worked as a Staff Nurse at both Santa Monica Hospital in Santa Monica, California and UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, California.
In 1963 Katherine married Frank Lisciandro, and together they joined the Peace Corps in 1966 and were sent to Togo, West Africa. In Togo Katherine served as a Registered Nurse for rural villages where she organized and operated immunization clinics for children. Returning to the USA she worked as the Executive Secretary for Doors Productions, Inc. and the rock band The Doors in their Los Angeles, California office.
In 1973, Katherine’s only child Colette was born and in 1975 the family moved to Santa Barbara, California. There the couple co-founded Image Associates, a film production and distribution company. Of the many films they made, The Sugar Film, won awards at important festivals and was used in schools at all grade levels throughout the USA.
In 1990, she was employed as a Senior Program Officer at Direct Relief International (DRI), an international medical humanitarian assistance and disaster relief organization that ships medical supplies, equipment and pharmaceuticals to clinics and hospitals all over the world. During her 14 year tenure at DRI she successfully completed over 575 medical aid donations to 60 countries.
In 2004 Katherine moved to Silverton to be close to her daughter and son-in-law. From 2005-2009 she worked as the intake coordinator for Silverton Area Community Aid, the local food bank, and simultaneously was instrumental in the fundraising and work efforts involved in getting the new Silverton Senior Center built and operational. She was also a member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church and found solace and peace in her faith.
Katherine enjoyed, most of all, being with her three grandkids (she was ‘Mimi’ to them) who she helped care for regularly from the day they were born. She was an avid bread and muffin baker, loved a good mystery book, and enjoyed walking her neighborhood and visiting with her wonderful neighbors on Third St. She was interested in all types of music and films, as well as traveling and learning about other peoples and cultures. She happily spent her time playing endless games with her grandchildren, volunteering in the community, and talking on the phone for hours to lifelong friends, many of whom she had known for more than 50 years. She often cooked a delicious Italian meal for her family and always enjoyed a stiff Manhattan to go along with it made by her son-in-law. Katherine was compassionate, kind, generous and open hearted, and had a unique way of making everyone she met feel appreciated and important. She was feisty, funny, and found true joy in helping others.
Katherine was predeceased in death by her mother, Tess, and father, Joe. She is survived by her daughter, Colette Lord; her son-in-law, Carson Lord; her grandchildren, Avery, Adelaide and Cooper; her sister, Monica (Michael) Soule; brother, Joseph (Kathleen) Poma, many nieces and nephews, and dear friends. She is, and will be forever, deeply missed.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all the caregivers and nurses at Signature Hospice for the incredibly compassionate and thoughtful care they provided to Katherine in her final year.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation made in her name to Silverton Area Community Aid (SACA).
Passages
Robert ‘Mick’ Fennimore
Robert (Mick) Fennimore passed away on Sept. 15, 2024. He died peacefully after a brief illness.
He was the eldest of eight children, born to Bill and Mamie Fennimore on April 28, 1931, on Crooked Finger. He married his one true love, Elaine Worley, in November 1956. Together, they lived a life of love and service to family, faith and community. They had three children and 63 years of a beautiful, dedicated married life before Elaine passed away in 2020.
were on top of the list for activities with family.
His dedication to his wife, Elaine, was second to none. As a young man, he would come home from logging all week, buy a new set of clothes and take her out on a date. After her death, he would take flowers to her grave on his mobility scooter weekly. They were an inspirational example of love, resilience, and dedication.
Mick was a life-long member of St. Mary’s Parish, Mount Angel, Oregon. He volunteered in the Mount Angel Fire Department for 16 years and even in his 90s attended functions with the department. He was also a proud member of the American Legion. Mick served in the Korean War from 1950-1954. He was stationed in Japan with the United States Air Force.
He had many long-term jobs over his life, from driving trucks with Fennimore Brothers’ Logging for his dad and uncles, running the crusher and hauling asphalt for North Santiam Sand & Gravel, painting and body work on cars, running heavy equipment, and hauling produce and Christmas trees for Kraemer Farms. He “retired” at least three times before he actually stopped working in his 80s.
Family was always first for Mick. Every year he wanted to attend the Fennimore family reunion. He loved the outdoors. Clamming, camping, fishing, crabbing, and hunting
Mick is survived by his three children, Robert(Karen) Fennimore, Richard (Michele) Fennimore, and Rachel (Patrick) Glancy; his grandchildren, Erik (Julie) Fennimore, Nicholas Fennimore, Logan (Sierra) Fennimore, Brittany Bersin and Caleb Glancy; great grandchildren: Jerad McKenzie and Jacobi Rudd; great great grandchildren: Alistair McKenzie and Greylynn Rudd-Fennimore; and his sisters, Laveta Kowash, Kathy Robinson, and Colleen (Lex) Barth. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Tim Fennimore, Dave Fennimore, Tom Fennimore and Bill Fennimore.
The holy rosary was held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mount Angel on Sept. 19. A graveside service at Calvary Cemetery was held on Sept. 20.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks contributions be made to St. Mary Catholic Church, Mt. Angel Fire Department or the American Legion Mt. Angel Post No. 89. Arrangments by Unger Funeral Chapel – Mount Angel.
Lois (Sexton) Brimblecom – September 5, 2024
Lois (Sexton) Brimblecom passed away peacefully, at home, on the evening of September 5, 2024.
Lois worked at the Town House for many years, was involved at the Elks in the 80s and was active for several years at the Assembly of God Church.
She is survived by her brother, David Smith (Carole), her three children, Judy Marcoe (Doug), Jim Sexton and Lloyd Sexton, her grandson Jason Sexton (Daisy) and three great grand children, Evylanna Yow, Kylee and Bryce Sexton. There will be a short graveside service, at the Silverton Cemetery, on Saturday, October 5, 1:00 p.m. No reception following the service.
Two locals killed in Salem crash Celebration of Life for Ray Hunter
The family of Raymond Hunter is holding a celebration of life from 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 26, in the Silverton Senior Center’s great room. Ray died in July. Friends are all welcome to share his life and their memories of him. Bring photos, if you have any.
Light refreshments will be served. The center is located at 115 Westfield St.
For further information contact Kathy Hunter, hunter476@frontier. com
Passages submissions ourtown.life@mtangelpub. com or mail to Editor, Our Town, P.O. Box 927, Mount Angel, OR 97362
A Mount Angel woman and a Silverton man have died following a head-on collision in Salem on Sept. 16.
According to the Salem Police Department, dispatch received a call at 10:09 a.m. about two pickup trucks which collided head-on on the 1100 block of Cordon Road SE.
Two occupants in one of the vehicles were found deceased upon the arrival of emergency responders, while three occupants in the other vehicle were transported with serious injuries to Salem Health.
On Wednesday, after notifying next of kin, authorities named the descendants as Blanca Mariela Franco-Ramos, 28, of Mount Angel and Heriberto RangelRangel, 46, of Silverton.
Police said the crash remains under investigation and at this time no arrests have been made or citations issued.
Cordon Road SE was closed until approximately 2:15 p.m. as a result of the crash.
In Memory Of
Lois Brinblecom
Marvel Brizendine
Carol Kuschnick
Alice Sawyers
Robert Fennimore
Jan. 19, 1938 — Sept. 8, 2024
March 14, 1937 — Sept. 9, 2024
Jan. 6, 1947 — Sept. 11, 2024
Dec. 17, 1925 — Sept.14, 2024
April 28, 1931 — Sept.15, 2024
Raymond Ulven Sept. 5, 1946 — Sept. 16, 2024
Elena Schoenlaub
Jacquin Brookfeild
Jan. 14, 1952 — Sept.17, 2024
March 3, 1942 — Sept.19, 2024
John David Duerst
December 13, 1934 – August 28, 2024
Sadly, John, 89, passed away surrounded by his family on August 28, 2024, leaving a legacy of generosity and leadership within his family, community and the agriculture industry. John Duerst was born in Stayton, Oregon on December 13, 1934 in the Brown House. Growing up at the tail end of the depression and the start of World War II he understood shortages, gas and sugar rationing. He lived and farmed most of his life in the Silverton Hills and went to the original Silver Falls School until 5th grade. He then attended 6th grade at Eugene Field after the district boundaries were changed, Silverton Junior High School 7th – 8th, and then to Silverton High School where he graduated in 1952.
John married his high school sweetheart Shirley (Doerfler) Duerst on July 27, 1957 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Sublimity. Soon after they were married, they lived in Sacramento, California where he worked as a warehouseman at Aerojet General until Bruce was born. They moved back to be close to family and he worked as a manager for 11 years at the United Flav-R-Pac Cannery in Salem until he could farm full time. Together they raised 3 sons and were married 52 years until Shirley’s passing on January 9, 2010.
In 1967 John and Shirley joined with David and Rita Doerfler to formalize Ioka Farms, Inc. where he was Vice President. John was semi-retired but still advised with the 3 generations currently operating the family business. John started selling Northrup King seed packets when he was about 10 years old, and continued to help build Ioka Farms’ U.S. and International seed businesses during his career. John was proud to work with and help transition Ioka Farms to his kids and grandkids. He did a great job of keeping in touch with his sons, called each one daily and would often ask, “What do you know?” or “Did you sell anything today?”. He was always available for advice and supportive of his family through his whole life. He had a great sense of humor and a sharp mind until the end.
He served and led his community in many ways over his lifetime in the Oregon National Guard, Silverton Volunteer Fire Department, Union Hill Grange, St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Oregon Fine Fescue Commission, Oregon Seed Council, Board Chairman for Oregon Meadowfoam Growers and Natural Plant Products, Victor Point School Board Chair, Foothills Growers Group, Northwest Farm Credit Advisory Board, Marion County Soil and Water Conservation Board Chair, and the OSU Extension Service Advisory Board. He was awarded Seedsman of the Year in 2004 and OSU Diamond Pioneer Agricultural Achievement in 2010.
John loved to travel and some of his most memorable trips were to National parks like Glacier and Mt. Rushmore, Chemeketa Ag Farm Tours to Puerto Rico, Florida and Washington D.C., Australia, New Zealand and cruises to Alaska and through the Panama Canal. He could often be found at the casino for “free shows”, playing pinochle, solitaire or words with friends online. He shared these activities with his wife Shirley and after her passing with companion Joyce Krueger and later with companion Bev Barham. He also enjoyed walks with his dog Libby and living in the Mt. Angel Grandview community for the past 5 years.
John was predeceased by his parents Frank and Frances (Freeman) Duerst, sisters Audrey Fields and Fern Bachelder, wife Shirley Duerst and grandson Austin Duerst. He is survived by: Brother and sister-in-law: David (Rita) Doerfler. Nephews: Mike (Natalie), Dan (Vicki), Roger (Sue) Bachelder, and Don (Debra) Doerfler. Nieces: Teresa Doerfler-Stackpole and Michele (Dick) Fennimore. Sons: Bruce (Karen) Duerst, Doug (Tracy) Duerst and Rob (Mindy) Duerst. Grandchildren: Trevor (Katy) Duerst, Cody (Sophia) Duerst, Casey Duerst, Dillon (Meghan) Duerst, Alex (Rachel) Duerst, Emily Duerst, Miranda (Hank) Ulven, Alexa Duerst, Connor (Madelyn) Duerst and 10 Great Grandchildren.
A mass of Christian burial service was held at St. Mary Catholic Church, Mt. Angel on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at 11:00 am. Link to live stream https://www. youtube.com/live/tNq17w0_CfY
A private family burial will follow at Union Hill Cemetery. Contributions can be made in his memory to the Silverton High School Alumni Association, 303 Oak Street, Silverton, OR 97381. Serving the family, North Santiam Funeral Service, Stayton.
Sports & Recreation
Silverton football
The Silverton High football team is 3-1 at the end of a grueling nonleague schedule that featured two Class 6A teams and another wild duel with longtime rival West Albany. The Foxes are ranked seventh in Class 5A and had a well-deserved bye Sept. 27 as they prepare for the league season in a new league.
Silverton opens Class 5A Special District 2 play Oct. 4 with a Homecoming game at McGinnis Field against McKay. Also in the district are defending state champion Wilsonville, Central, Canby and Woodburn. Wilsonville (3-0 and ranked No. 2 by the OSAA) and Central (3-0 and No. 12) look like they will be the Foxes’ biggest challenges in the league. District 2 receives two automatic state playoff berths, with five more at-large berths available statewide.
“If you had told me at the beginning of the season that we could be 3-1 with that tough of a schedule I would have been pleased,” coach Dan Lever told Our Town
The Foxes’ lone loss was against Class 6A No. 1 Lake Oswego. Silverton defeated Summit of Bend, Class 6A Mountainside of Beaverton and West Albany.
Lever said the team will practice “three days, maybe four times this week and then get right back at it. We want to get better at the details and build some depth and get people healthier.”
Lever said he thinks the team’s offseason weight program has made a big difference in terms of the squad’s ability to withstand the early schedule and prevent injuries.
Lever took over a program three years ago that had developed into a perennial state contender under John Mannion and
Foxes enter bye week after strong 3-1 start
Josh Craig. Lever said he has worked to “amp things up a notch. The key months are the offseason work you put in in January, February and March. We want to play our best football at the end of the year in the playoffs.”
Looking ahead, the Foxes play at Central on Thursday, Oct. 10 and host Wilsonville on Oct. 18.
Cross Country: Nearly 500 runners from 35 schools participated in the Sept. 11 Silver Falls Oktoberfest Invitational meet. The competition, run under cloudy skies and temperatures in the 60s, used forest roads, the South Falls day-use area and the Maple Ridge Trail at Silver Falls State Park for the 3.4K junior varsity and 5K varsity courses.
Class 5A members Corvallis and Silverton dominated. Corvallis won the team title in all four races, with the Foxes taking second in all four. Corvallis also claimed three of the four individual titles. Jory Umble won the boys JV race, Calla Shaff took the girls JV and Cole Fiegner the boys varsity. The only individual race won by someone not wearing Spartans colors was Daisy Lalonde of East Linn Christian in the girls varsity.
Leading the way for the Foxes were JD Arthur (fourth in boys varsity), Rachel Kintz (seventh in girls varsity), Addison Dalisky (sixth in girls JV) and Jackson Schaap (tenth in boys JV).
Kennedy, which co-hosted the meet with Silverton, was led by Yulissa Chavez Cortes (12th in girls varsity), Bohden Sowa (53rd in boys varsity, where the Trojans were 14th as a team), and Reaghan Williams (20th in girls JV).
Weightlifting:
I had my facts scrambled in my Sept. 15 column.
Silverton’s Piper Jones won three bronze medals at the PanAmerican Youth Championships in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Jones medaled in the snatch, the clean and jerk and for her total weight. My earlier report mentioned just one medal.
and a long gain of 31 yards. McCarty, who shares time with Kainoa Jones, is 10 for 30 passing for 112 yards and a score. The Wolves are 1-2 overall and 1-0 in the Lone Star Conference.
Alumni Watch: Former Foxes QB Jordan McCarty is once again making solid contributions at Western Oregon. McCarty, a sophomore, is third on the team in rushing with 82 yards, 1 TD
Oktoberfest Races: Approximately 475 runners participated in the Saturday, Sept. 14, races in Mount Angel. Former BYU college runner Yesenia Hanson, 29, won the 5-kilometer in 18:08.9, finishing nearly three minutes ahead of the runner-up woman and 45 seconds ahead of the top male, Nick Bonogofski, 42, who ran 18:53.9. John Kintz, 18, won the 10K by a narrow margin over Teagan Settlemeyer. Kintz ran 37:52.4, with Settlemeyer less than 3 seconds behind in 37:55.3. Erica Davis, 37, was the top woman finisher in 46:27.5.
Silverton coach Dan Lever addresses his squad after the Foxes downed West Albany 44-34 on Sept. 20. Lever said he is pleased with the team’s 3-1 start, particularly given the tough schedule Silverton has played. JAMES DAY
Silverton weight lifter Piper Jones, right, is shown on the podium at the Pan-American Youth Championships. Jones won three bronze medals in the event. SUBMITTED PHOTO
Tuesday, Oct. 1
Volleyball
6:30 p.m. Silverton vs South Albany
Girls Soccer
4:15 p.m. Kennedy/Gervais vs Sheridan/Willamina @ Gervais High
7:15 p.m. Silverton vs Dallas/Perrydale
Thursday, Oct. 3
Boys Soccer
4:15 p.m. Kennedy vs Blanchet Catholic
7:15 p.m. Silverton vs West Albany
Friday, Oct. 4
Football
7 p.m. Silverton vs McKay
Monday, Oct. 7
Boys Soccer
4:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Columbia Adventist (WA)
Volleyball
6:30 p.m. Silverton vs Woodburn
Tuesday, Oct. 8
Girls Soccer
7:15 p.m. Silverton vs Corvallis
Wednes-
day, Oct. 9
Volleyball
5:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Colton
6:30 p.m. Silverton vs Central
Thursday, Oct. 10
Boys Soccer
4:15 p.m. Kenendy vs Blanchet Catholic
Volleyball
5:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Western Christian
Friday, Oct. 11
Football
7 p.m. Kennedy vs Banks
Monday, Oct. 14
Boys Soccer
4:15 p.m. Kennedy vs Nestucca
Tuesday, Oct. 15
Girls Soccer
6:15 p.m. Kennedy/Gervais vs Western Christian @ Gervais High
Boys Soccer
7:15 p.m. Silverton vs Lebanon
Thursday, Oct. 17
Volleyball
6:30 p.m. Silverton vs Crescent Valley
Girls Soccer
7:15 p.m. Silverton vs Central
Friday, Oct. 18
Football
7 p.m. Silverton vs Wilsonville
7 p.m. Kennedy vs Rainier
Monday, Oct. 21
Boys Soccer
4:15 p.m. Kennedy vs Delphian
Tuesday, Oct. 22
Volleyball
5:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Salem Academy
Boys Soccer
7:15 p.m. Silverton vs Crescent Valley
Thursday, Oct. 24
Girls Soccer
7:15 p.m. Silverton vs South Albany
Tuesday, Oct. 29
Boys Soccer
7:15 p.m. Silverton vs McKay
Thursday, Oct. 31
Girls Soccer
7:15 p.m. Silverton vs Woodburn
For up-to-date schedules, visit osaa.org.
Gonna make a mint
Lurking in the hearts of most people is a secret entrepreneur. It’s not the Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos type. It’s more along the lines of the Ralph Kramden type.
For those of you who lack adequate amounts of gray hair, Ralph was the main character of The Honeymooners, a 1950s television show that starred Jackie Gleason.
Ralph was a hot-headed New York bus driver, and his main goal in life was to make a million bucks. He and his buddy, Norton, were always cooking up ways to make money – by opening a hotdog stand in New Jersey or guessing the number of jellybeans in a jar to win a contest.
Ralph’s schemes always fell through, leaving him with less money than when he started.
What brings this to mind is my latest plan to make a pile of money. I plan to sell autographed photos of movie stars on the internet.
I should explain.
When he died a couple of years ago, my brother left me a bunch of autographed photos – 346 of them, to be exact.
I just got finished cataloging them, and now that I know what I have, I’m gonna make a fortune!
I’ve got autographed photos of everyone from Gina Lollobrigida to Robert Redford and Paul Newman. I’ve got Star Trek and Star Wars stars. Xena the Warrior Princess? Got her. Rambo? Got him. “Terminator?” Check. And don’t forget “Batman” and “Catwoman.”
That’s what the Ralph Kramden in me
says. The rest of me says I won’t even make enough to pay for the time I spent sorting out the photos.
You see, this isn’t the first time Ralph and I have collaborated on making money. Some years ago, I was going to make my fortune selling books on Amazon.
“OK,” I told my wife. “Here’s how we’re gonna make a mint: selling books.”
“What books?” she asked. “You don’t have any books.”
She had a point. I had always yapped about writing a book but never actually did it.
“I’m gonna write a book,” I told her. “Then I’m gonna sell it on the internet.”
So I started writing and, by golly, a year later, I’d finished Arctic Sunrise, an adventure story set in Alaska.
Then I wrote another book, A Bushel and a Peck, about living on a farm. Armed with those two books, I was ready to launch my career as a combination famous author and publishing mogul. I put them both up for sale, and waited for the money to pour in.
After a year, I had made tens of dollars. Considering the time I spent writing them, I’m sure I made something less than a penny an hour.
That’s why my wife just rolls her eyes when I tell her how I’m going score big on selling autographed photos.
Little does she know that I have a secret weapon. I’m gonna offer free copies of my books with every autographed photo I sell.
Ralph would be proud. Carl Sampson is a world-famous author and publishing mogul. He lives in Stayton.
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 p.m.; age 13 & up at 6:15; Security & Correctional Officers at 7:30. Private lessons available. International certification curriculum available on request. Call Harold 503-391-7406
FLEA MARKET Saturday, Oct. 12, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Silverton Elks Lodge, 300 High St. Information: 503-931-4517
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
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.
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
