Update
Our Neighbor
The case for replacement of Silverton Middle School – Page 10
Gift of life a ‘forever’ connection – Page 4
Vol. 20 No. 20
COMMUNITY NEWS Serving Mt. Angel, Silverton and Scotts Mills
October 2023
Zenith Women’s Club’s trifecta – Page 14
Our Town P.O. Box 927 Mt. Angel, Or 97362
POSTAL CUSTOMER ECRWSS
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PORTLAND, OR PERMIT NO. 854
Sports & Recreation
Two football teams on a roll – Page 16
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Under Contract
$1,750,000
Single level home 3 bd. 3ba. + income producing daycare facility, $4K monthly lease income plus 3.12 acres buildable parcel zoned AR. 6868 Cascade Hwy NE, Silverton. MLS#809384
NEW! $598,000
Beautiful renovated historic home, 4bd 2 ba. 1,960 sq. ft. on 1.140 level acres. T n G wood floors, Shop + storage Bldg. Many upgrades! 36937 S. Hwy 213, Mt. Angel. MLS#809889
$1,350,000
Private Estate on 31.32 acres, 5 bd, 2ba. 2562 sq. ft. Timber framed home, Greenhouses, Timber. 5952 Peaks View RD NE Scotts Mills 97375. MLS#808546
Under Contract
$998,000
40.83 acres, 3 bedrooms, 1 ba. lodge style home, 24x48 shop with water & power. 20 yr. plus timber, borders BLM. Seller contract. 20739 Hazelnut Ridge Rd. NE, Scotts Mills. MLS#802816
SOLD!
$899,000
Creek front Estate on 1.040 acres. 3 bd, 2.5 ba. granite kitchen counters, hardwood floors, open floor plan, shop bldg. 17576 Abiqua Rd. NE, Silverton. MLS#808202
Price Reduced!
$595,000
120.50 Acres, Recreation or Timber land, Reprod Timber, road system, Ideal for RV/ Campsite. Maple Grove, Molalla. MLS#802319
$550,000
4.65 acres, 2 parcels. Ideal for agriculture development. EFU zoning. Seller will carry a contract. Monitor Road, Silverton. MLS#807519
$485,000
Dual living, log home, 3bd. 2 ba. & MFG home with 3bd. 1.5 ba., on 1.06 ac parcel, sm. wood shop/ garden shed. 215 Fourth St., Scotts Mills MLS#804645
Under Contract
$ 359,000
Close to downtown Silverton, 2bd, 1ba. 1180 sq ft craftsman style home. Large fenced backyard. Ideal investment. 620 Water St., Silverton MLS#809238
$325,000
2 acres buildable! Approved for standard septic. Water well. Sel ler will carry contract. 7685 Dovich Ln SE, Turner. MLS#778883
$285,000
Price Reduced!
$320,000
S. Abiqua Rd. Silverton, Beautiful, buildable creek front homesite on 1.310 acres. MLS#806097
SOLD!
Price Reduced!
$320,000
S. Abiqua Rd. Silverton, Beautiful, buildable creek front homesite on 1.420 acres. MLS#806096
$335,000
S. Abiqua RD Silverton, Beautiful, buildable creek front homesite on 1.350 acres. MLS#806095
3.080 acres, private building site in city limits, maybe dividable. SW exposure. Standard Ave., Brownsville. MLS#777782
$127,500
Under Contract
Buildable residential lot, 7650 sq. ft. Property has iconic water tower located on it. 617 Keene Ave. Silverton. MLS#802507
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$645,000
3.85 acres. Prestige Estate property, path of progress potential. 835 Grouse St. NE, Silverton. Sellers will consider carrying a contract MLS#770597
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Contents Our Neighbor
The gift of life: a forever connection.............................. 4
MT ANGEL – 3BR, 2BA with attached garage, fireplace, kitchen appliances. On the edge of town, nice yard. $2000/mo
Something Fun
SILVERTON – COMING SOON! New construction townhouse on corner lot close to town 3br 2.5ba $2,700/mo & $2,800/mo
Family makes TikTok splash with Halloween yard............... 6 School Spotlight
SFSD board appoints bond oversight committee............... 8 Gervais weighs school district dissolution.............................. 8 What if SFSD bond fails?............ 9 Update
Silverton Middle School – a closer look at campus issues.............. 10 The Forum....................13 Something to Do
Zenith Women’s Club Bingo serves many causes................14
14 Civics 101
MT ANGEL – AVAILABLE NOW! New construction in new subdivision Wachter Meadows! 3br 2.5ba $2,695/mo
Vivian Caldwell 503-873-7069 Property Manager
yourhomepm@gmail.com
Silverton hires city manager.....15 Sports & Recreation
Football status check............. 16 People Out Loud....... 18 Marketplace.............. 18 Above & On Cover
The Silverton Zenith Women’s Club will be hosting its annual BINGO fundraiser on Oct. 28. One of the projects the event supports is the donation of new blankets and a onesie for new mothers. BARBARA FISCHER-CHASE
P.O. Box 927 Mount Angel, OR 97362 401 Oak St. Silverton, OR 97381 503-845-9499 ourtown.life@mtangelpub.com
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Our Town mailed free to residents and businesses in the 97362, 97375, 97381 zip codes. Subscriptions for outside this area are $48 annually. The deadline for placing an ad in the Nov. 1 issue is Oct. 20. Paula Mabry, Editor & Publisher Jim Kinghorn, Advertising Director DeeDe Williams, Office Manager Tavis Bettoli-Lotten, Graphic Designer & Copy Editor James Day, Sports Editor & Reporter Stephen Floyd, Digital Editor & Reporter Melissa Wagoner, Reporter Sara Morgan, Datebook Editor Janet Patterson, Distribution Steve Beckner, Custom Projects Thank you for spending time with Our Town. Your comments and suggestions are always welcome.
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October 2023 • 3
Our Neighbor
Be(ing) the match Finding common ground, starting a campaign By Melissa Wagoner When Marianna and Tony Davis moved to Silverton from Roseville, California they were excited to start their new life. “We were retired, and we had family all throughout Oregon…” Marianna said of the impetus for the move. “Then our daughter graduated from high school and went to college up here.” Only 18 months into their new residency, disaster struck. “We were in church, and he started to faint,” Marianna said, recalling the day she learned Tony was sick. “It was around Christmas in 2019.”
Marianna said of the difficult time which, because of COVID-19 protocols, was even more fraught. “I couldn’t be there…” she said simply. Not even when Tony received the good news that a match had finally been found in a young German man named Tim who had agreed to donate stem cells that could then be frozen and shipped thousands of miles to save Tony’s life. “It turned out to be a blessing because during that time I relapsed,” Tony recalled. But all went well during the June 3 transplant and, despite a difficult and lengthy recovery, Tony is on the mend.
Emergency blood work showed cancer, but it wasn’t until several weeks later, when Tony nearly died, that the couple discovered what kind – leukemia.
“I’m doing pretty good,” he confirmed. “I’m healing. And as long as I’m getting better, I’m pretty able to do the things I want to do.”
“It was very fast and out of nowhere,” Marianna said, adding, “Tony’s never been sick.”
But surviving cancer has taken an emotional toll – on Tony and Marianna both.
Placed on the recipient list for a bone marrow transplant, Tony began the difficult job of waiting for a match. But his chances – according to the transplant organization Be a Match – hovered around 79 percent.
“I haven’t had any relapses but it’s in my nature to look down the road to what’s next,” Tony said. “And there are no guarantees… it’s always going to be a cloud I’m under.”
“As a wife, you don’t have to be out there finding a match, you just have to be there for your husband,”
“Something happens after you’re trying to survive,” Marriana said. “Now you feel all the stuff and you have to process it.”
Marianna and Tony Davis. SUBMITTED PHOTO
Which is perhaps why, not long after Tony’s transplant, as Marriana was shopping in one of her favorite Silverton boutiques, The Wild Dandelion, she found herself sharing their story with the owner, Sarah Sampson. “I was always going into Wild Dandelion,” Marriana remembered. “It was during COVID, and it was one of the few places I would go. That day I mentioned my husband having leukemia.”
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Our Town Life
Support #GreatestKindness To register as a potential donor, find out more information or to support the cause visit: • The Wild Dandelion, 108 S. Water St., Silverton • The website www.bethematch.org • Or text “GreatestKindness” to 61474 “I believe there is only a one percent chance of ever being matched, so I hadn’t thought about it much after I registered,” Sarah admitted. But then, two years later, at the age of 35 – only months before she was no longer eligible to donate – Sarah received an email that would change her life. Sarah Sampson, owner of Wild Dandelion, donating blood to a young boy with cancer. SUBMITTED PHOTO
And Sarah gave her a reaction she didn’t expect. “She said, ‘I’m a donor’,” Marriana remembered. “And I was taken aback. Meeting a donor was amazing. I looked at her differently because she had saved a life.” Sharing her own story with her new friend, Sarah recounted how, as a child, a family friend had been diagnosed with leukemia, prompting Sarah’s mother to register as a potential donor. “I thought she was brave,” Sarah recalled, “and it really made an impression on me that she would do that to help someone else.” Then, years later, when Sarah’s daughters, Ginger and Piper, were diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, the desire to join the registry was reignited. “I realized how beautiful the gift of life truly was,” Sarah recalled, “and I knew if I could ever help someone else, I wanted to. That’s what prompted me and my husband [Derek] to register.” And then the waiting began.
“I was a match!” With a three-year-old boy in South America who desperately needed a transplant. And so, the process began.
you through the other arm… I felt better and better as my blood was removed, filtered through the machine and given back to me. I could feel the achy-ness leave my bones. When it was over, I felt great and completely back to normal! I had no lingering side effects at all… It has now been six years since I donated and I didn’t have a single issue or side effect… and I would do it again in a heartbeat.” Unfortunately, because she is now over the acceptable donor age of 18 to 35, Sarah is no longer eligible to do so. And yet, she still feels motivated to help, especially now that she and Marianna have become close friends. “Every year on [Tony’s] transplant anniversary Marianna has brought me flowers and a gift,” Sarah said. “They are the kindest people and have made my life happier. I cherish her friendship.” And now Sarah and Marianna have formed a new partnership with the goal of saving more lives through a donor registration campaign they’ve coined #GreatestKindness.
“The next step was a simple blood test at a local lab to make sure I was actually a good match,” Sarah said.
“We will carry kits at The Wild Dandelion for as long as we’re in business,” Sarah said of the project, which entails the provision of a saliva sample kit to all interested parties.
It turns out she was, and preparations began, first with a physical to determine her overall health and then through a series of Filgrastim shots that would stimulate her body’s white blood cell production.
“Anyone can come in and register or even just ask questions about the process,” she said. “I can tell them how wonderful my experience was and walk them through registering.”
“The first day was a shot in each arm, the next day a shot on each side of my stomach, then one in each thigh, and the day before the donation was one in each arm again…” Sarah described, “it makes you feel achy like you’re getting the flu… [but] it felt very slight when thinking of what the patient was going through.” Preparations complete, Sarah was flown, alongside her mom, to the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center in Houston, Texas where she made her donation. “[T]hey place a needle in each arm,” Sarah said of the procedure, which took about eight hours and was relatively pain free. “Your blood goes through the needle on one arm and is passed through a machine that separates out the blood-forming cells. The remaining blood is returned to
It’s an opportunity the women hope will have more people registering than ever before, especially in those cultures – Native American, Asian, Hispanic and African – that experience the greatest need. “I don’t think a donor could ever know how much it means,” Marriana said. “When I wrote to [Tim] I put, ‘you are the hero in our journey’.” But in Sarah’s opinion, being a donor is just as impactful. “Once you go through a donation you feel this extreme attachment to this person and their family,” she said. “You now share the same DNA. That blows my mind to know. This little guy has my DNA in his blood forever, so whether we meet or never do there is a forever connection.”
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This is Halloween By Stephen Floyd Halloween has become a lot more fun this year for one family in Mount Angel. Emily and Greg Sisk were already prepared to go big after their lederhosenthemed skeletons got a lot of attention in 2022. Little did they know their efforts would be viewed by more than 1 million people online and touch the lives of friends and strangers in a meaningful way. Their home on the 400 block of Main Street can’t be missed: 12-foot skeletons tower over an assembly of ghouls, witches and demons in a display the Sisk’s affectionately label “festively irresponsible.” While the spectacle was still under construction, Emily Sisk thought it would be fun to arrange the smaller skeletons bowing down before their giant counterparts and to post a video on TikTok. The 20-second video posted Aug. 26 pans from the lowly skeletons
to the giants – accompanied by dramatic music from The Lion King – and quickly garnered 1.4 million views. “What a riot, huh?” Emily Sisk told Our Town about this surge in viewership. She said one unexpected result has been the opportunity to meet new neighbors from in and around Mount Angel who saw the clip. She also said the comments on TikTok, totaling over 1,300, were “really positive.” And during Mount Angel Oktoberfest, the Sisks added messages of hope and encouragement to the display. This year Oktoberfest coincided with National Suicide Prevention Week and, having lost a brother-in-law to suicide in 2018, Emily Sisk wanted to share the message that “things will get better.” “We had dozens of people stop to talk to us about (the signs) during the Oktoberfest,” she said. “So many beautiful stories of survival, of life-long battles, and tragic stories of loss.”
Historical crowdfunding campaign succeeds Sunday, November 5 7:00 pm
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A Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign – initiated Aug. 1 by historian, Gus Frederick, and a group referring to themselves as the “Silverton Freethinkers” – has succeeded in raising over $2,500 to fund the digitization of The Torch of Reason, a weekly newspaper published by the Liberal Oregon University from 1896 to 1903. “It was a prominent voice during the ‘Golden Age of Freethought,’ advocating for secularism, science, and reason in a time when religious conservatism dominated American society,” Frederick wrote in a press release celebrating the campaign’s success. Currently available on microfilm in the University of Oregon’s library, the money raised by private donors with the help of the Oregon Historical Society – who provided a free family membership to those donating more than $100 – will provide online access to an archive of 2,978 pages via the
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website, Historic Oregon Newspapers (www.oregonnews.uoregon.edu) in six to nine months. “The Freethought movement of the late nineteenth century was a significant cultural force in American history, and The Torch of Reason was one of its most prominent publications,” Frederick wrote. “By digitizing and making this newspaper available online, researchers will be able to easily access and study primary source materials that were previously difficult to find.” – Melissa Wagoner
Our Town Life
Mount Angel family goes all out for spooks Buy • Sell • Auction • Rentals
The home of Emily and Greg Sisk, in Mount Angel, is thoroughly decorated for Halloween. The display has gained the attention of 1.4 million viewers on TikTok and sparked meaningful interactions. SUBMITTED PHOTO
Emily Sisk said life has been difficult for so many during the last few years that it has been encouraging to watch people pass by, smile and “enjoy a little spooky.” She said they hope residents will enjoy Halloween this year and let loose with
costumes, candy and goodhearted fun, saying life is too short to take too seriously. She added, with all the encouragement and excitement from neighbors fueling their growing display, the time may come when they need a bigger yard.
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$1,170,000 Beautiful country estate! 7bd/3.5ba~ 4157 SF~ 10.02 AC~ Upgrades from top to bottom include: custom cabinets, white oak hardwood, granite counter tops & Radiant floor heating~Basement w/separate entrance~ Library~Barn~ 4 pastures~ Views of mountains & sunrises ~Solar Panels~Molalla~ Donna Paradis 503-851-0998 MLS#806714
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$599,900 Two story home w/open floor plan! 3bd/2ba~ 2508 SF~ Home has oplenty of storage & light~ 4th room needs closet~ Views from living room~Two separate living areas~ Big family room~ Primary bedroom is upstairs ~ Deck~Silverton~ Robin Kuhn 503-930-1896 MLS#806675
$462,000 Charming Single Level ~4bd/2ba~ 1672 SF~Near Silvercreek & Downtown~Finished attic bedroom~ Large patio~ Nice side yard~Plenty of storage~ Mature landscape~ Silverton~ Robin Kuhn 503-930-1896 MLS#808600
$449,750 3bd/2ba~ 1476 SF~ Single level home~ Updated w/ vinyl windows, gas furnace, heat pump & water softener~ Spacious primary bedroom has walk-in closet~Orignal wood cabinets~Covered patio~ Storage shed~ Fenced backyard~ Mt Angel~ Rosie Wilgus 503-409-8779 MLS#809793
$440,000 Stunning Single Level 3bd/2ba~1360 SF~ Great floor plan~ Vaulted ceilings in the main living area~ New roof in 2022~ New A/C, furnace & water heater in 2021~ Shed~ Fully Fenced backyard~ Mt Angel~ Korinna Barcroft 503-851-1283 MLS#809438
$389,000 Charming single level 2bd/1ba~ 900 SF~ Open floor plan~Close to downtown~ Updated bathroom w/ tile shower~ Built in cabinets~Private & fenced backyard~ Large shed~ Detached single car garage~ Silverton~ Katie Foreman~ 503-302-4865 MLS#810049
$325,000 ~ 270 Acres Own your own private sancturary! Suitable for: wildlife refuge, private hunting, hiking, picnicing, dry camping, personal enjoyment or make Oregons biggest dog park! Perpetual Conservation easement prohibits any: farming, ranching or building any homes~ Scio~ Donna Paradis 503-851-0998 MLS#801829
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School Spotlight
Oversight Board appoints bond $ watchdogs The Silver Falls School District Board has unanimously appointed 17 individuals to serve on a Bond Oversight Committee ahead of a Nov. 7 vote on a $138 million facilities bond. Officials said their goal is to let residents know who would be overseeing implementation of bond projects before casting their ballots. During the board’s Oct. 9 regular meeting, Superintendent Scott Drue said 29 applications were received and all were “extremely competitive.”
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Submissions welcome If there is a birth, engagement, wedding, anniversary, college graduation or obituary of a local resident you’d like to share, please send it to ourtown.life@mtangelpub.com
The 17 individuals the board approved that
night included at least one community member from all 11 SFSD school boundaries and five people with construction or engineering backgrounds. There were also current and former city and district officials, and residents who had served on prior SFSD committees. Committee members include: James Berokoff, Marshall Beville, Robin Fournier, Ciara Jung, Christiane Kraemer, Wally Lierman, Stephanie Mantie, April Newton, Kyle Palmer, Bryan Rose, Ammon Saboe, Andrew Schurter, Joseph Snethen, Casey Stadeli, Erv Stadeli, Eliza Torlyn, and Davis Willis.
Gervais schools talk dissolution into neighboring districts By Stephen Floyd
School officials in Gervais have discussed possibly dissolving their district if a facilities bond fails next year, which could lead to schools in Silverton and Mt. Angel absorbing Gervais students. Bond proposals for the Gervais School District suffered landslide defeats in 2022 and 2023, and the district’s board is considering a third attempt for May of 2024. GSD Superintendent Dandy Stevens told the board in August, if bond efforts continue to fail, the district may be out of options to fund building repairs. Solutions considered by the board include dissolving GSD and merging with school districts in Silverton, Mount Angel and Woodburn.
The GSD Board has made no decision to pursue dissolution.
Local polling data shared during the board’s Sept. 21 meeting showed voters strongly oppose dissolving the district. The same poll showed voter support for a 2024 bond was marginal. Derek McElfresh, spokesperson for the Silver Falls School District, said SFSD is following the situation closely while working to pass its own bond in November. “We can’t predict what the future holds for Gervais, but we work hard daily to ensure such a situation isn’t in the future of Silver Falls School District,” said McElfresh. Mt. Angel School District Superintendent Rachel Stucky said, if GSD dissolves, the communities built around Gervais schools may also break down.
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Our Town Life
What if? Board contemplates bond alternatives By Stephen Floyd The Silver Falls School District Board has started discussing potential outcomes if a $138 million facilities bond does not pass during the Nov. 7 election. At the board’s Oct. 9 meeting, possibilities ranged from a followup bond in May of 2024 to moving middle schoolers to the high school or outlying K-8 schools. The board said there is a misconception that, if the bond fails, district business will continue as normal. Board Vice-Chair Aaron Koch said there may be significant changes in how and where students are educated if the district cannot afford to repair distressed buildings. “If this bond does not pass, we could be in a position to make some very, very hard decisions,” he said. The board’s highest priority was how to handle Silverton Middle School, which currently has a condemned wing and costs $100,000 annually to maintain above normal custodial expenses. Board consensus was the campus would likely be abandoned in the near future given its state of disrepair, which would then leave around 400 students without a school building. Board members floated the idea of moving SMS students to Silverton High School and the outlying K-8 schools. This could create overcrowding, which would
be a particular challenge given the district has a new contract with its teachers’ union establishing class size expectations. The board discussed possibly making room by rejecting out-of-district transfer students and forcing current transfers back to their home districts. Members said this would negatively impact students who were suddenly removed from their schools, and noted transfers currently account for 10 percent of student-based revenue at SFSD.
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And if a lack of facility improvements leads to increased maintenance costs, the district may have to make room in its budget through layoffs or the slashing of student programs, it was stated. This would further drive up class size, predicted the board members. Board Chair Jennifer Traeger said one fallback option could be to go out for another bond during the May 21, 2024, election. She said this would be a “tough sell” if the bond already failed just months prior, and that an alternative bond proposal may not address the same level of need as the current bond.
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She acknowledged the current bond may have its flaws, but encouraged voters to not let the proposal’s shortcomings overshadow the benefits it could provide.
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“Let’s not make perfect the enemy of good,” she said.
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Our Town Life
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October 2023 • 9
Update
Bid to replace Middle School hopes to aim higher than ‘good enough’
By Stephen Floyd
There aren’t a lot of mild opinions about plans to rebuild Silverton Middle School through a proposed facilities bond for the Silver Falls School District. Supporters of the $138 million bond describe the 1938 wing of the middle school as beyond saving and say it could have collapsed in on itself years ago. Opponents argue the $75 million plan for a new building is a clear example of government overspending and accuse the district of failing to care for what it already has. Our Town spoke to those in charge of maintaining the middle school, as well as past and present staff members. They described a campus that is already difficult and expensive to maintain, and said caring for the facility longterm would be more costly than a new building. Over the last several months the SFSD Bond Advisory Committee and district officials – following a series of schoolby-school community listening sessions – constructed a plan to address critical facility challenges to student safety and well-being. After reviewing the proposal, the SFSD board decided to put the $138 million bond measure necessary to carry out
those plans before the voters on the Nov. 7 ballot. If passed, a state grant of $4 million would also be awarded.
recalled how on his first day he received confusing instructions on what to do during an emergency.
The bond addresses repairs and renovations at ten district-owned schools, and replaces Silverton Middle School.
McElfresh said his supervisor told him, if an earthquake hits, don’t duck and cover, just run. He said he thought they might be hazing the new guy, but then his supervisor insisted an earthquake would bring down the masonary wall behind his desk and probably the second-story hallway.
For property owners within the district, the estimated cost per thousand tax increase over the current rate is $1.60 per $1,000 in assessed value.
Not meant to be SMS The former Silverton High School became Silverton Middle School in 2016 after the district had to close Eugene Field Elementary School. A bond to save Eugene Field failed in 2014 and grade schoolers were moved into what had been Mark Twain Middle School. Students in 6th-8th grades then moved into parts of what used to be Silverton High School on Schlador Street, not the 1938 original building but the additional wings built in the ’50s and ’60s. Derek McElfresh, the district’s director of communications, got his start fulltime with SFSD at the high school in 2006 as coordinator for the Talented and Gifted Education program. His office was in the 1938 wing, and he
“This is taking time off my life,” McElfresh said of working in the old building. “... In 2006, you could tell you shouldn’t be in that room.” The Schlador Street campus remained occupied until the current Silverton High School was completed in 2009 on nearby Pine Street. At that time the school board floated multiple ideas including selling the property or demolishing the building, but according to McElfresh never intended to keep it as a school.
Roof like a waterbed During the years that followed, minimal maintenance was performed on the campus. In the 1938 building, sections of the roof have collapsed, black mold grows throughout the interior, and a crack large enough to let in daylight has developed in a wall in the former theater.
PROPOSED SILVER FALLS SCHOOL DISTRICT BOND EXPENDITURES School Year Students Total $ Safety Updates Heat/Cool Accessibility Built (‘22-’23) Per School & Security & Repairs & Air Quality Central Howell Elementary, K-8 1928 157 $5,786,230
$476,139 $3,273,928 $1,673,663 $362,500
Pratum Elementary, K-8 1928 65 $4,074,447
$128,232 $2,341,297 $734,918 $870,000
Evergreen Elementary, K-8 1948 75 $2,832,492
$133,531 $1,620,262 $516,200 $562,500
Victor Point Elementary, K-8
1947 218 $2,733,931
$122,076 $1,376,281 $873,074 $362,500
Silver Crest Elementary, K-8
1947 127 $5,581,933
$442,920 $2,948,338 $1,483,176 $707,500
Butte Creek, K-8 1948 297 $6,352,635
$675,738 $3,563,733 $1,750,665 $362,500
Scotts Mills, K-8 1968 165 $6,424,541
$295,986 $4,040,265 $1,725,790 $362,500
Mark Twain, K-5 1958 286 $9,288,601
$947,014 $5,014,691 $2,764,396 $562,500
Robert Frost, K-5 1970 377 $16,270,708
$1,058,500 $10,151,708 $4,698,000 $362,500
Silverton High School, 9-12
’97 / ’09
1,222 $7,952,397
$1,289,000 $4,413,397 $2,250,000 $0
Silverton Middle School, 6-8
1938
439
Total
$75,000,000
New Construction
$142,297,915*
* Plan assumes $138M bond passes, earning a $4M State grant, creating the $142M total fund
10 • October 2023
Coming on Nov. 1: Silverton High School
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Assistant Director of Facilities Dustin Hoehne said the 1938 roof also suffers from water inundation due to aging layers and unpatched leaks. He said, last year during the rainy season, there was so much water trapped in the roof it felt like walking on a waterbed. Hoehne said the roofs on the newer parts of the campus are also problematic. Layer upon layer of patches and shortterm fixes have created paths water can weave through, resulting in leaks that are sometimes far from the water’s point of origin. And if water damages one of the many sections of the building contaminated with asbestos, facilities staff have to wait for contractors to abate the problem before their work can begin. Hoehne added this process is not cheap.
Locking down ‘Area 38’ When the middle school students moved to the Schlador Street campus, the district spent around $5.5 million on repairs and upgrades to prepare for incoming students. This included a $1.5 million state seismic grant and a $2.55 million loan SFSD will be paying off until 2028. The 1938 wing could not be brought up to code. It was closed off to all students and staff and dubbed “Area 38”. Now the only people with access are Principal Brett Davisson, a security staffer and facilities employees. Davisson said he and the security staffer may need to use Area 38 if there is an emergency in the James Street wing, as walking around Area 38 takes much longer than going through. He pointed out this is an issue every day at the school, because students passing from one end of campus to the other must walk around Area 38, rain or shine. Maintenance staff have access to Area 38 because the main utility systems, including electricity, plumbing, the boilers and the internet, run through the building. The cafeteria, located in a newer wing of the school, had to be split in two to make room for a library, which was previously housed in Area 38. Dense paint was added to the walls to seal in high levels of asbestos. Davisson said this has created an echo-chamber effect, making the two
Our Town Life
Schaldor Street campus
NO INTERIOR ACCESS
1938 Building (Area 38) • Not in use by students or staff due to safety concerns. • Inundated with black mold.
JA ME SS T. WI NG
X
EXTERIOR EXITS
1963 GYM
SILVERTON MIDDLE SCHOOL
MOD CITY
X
MULTIPURPOSE
1938 BUILDING
X
former Silverton High School, Schlador Street campus
X 1969 ADDITION
X AERIAL IMAGE COURTESY DEREK McELFRESH GRAPHICS BY OUR TOWN
rooms impractical for events like dances, concerts or even staff meetings.
officials say they are actually quite slick when wet.
Because the 17 classrooms in Area 38 are off-limits, the district brought in four double-wides and a single-wide in an array it calls “Mod City.” McElfresh noted many of these modulars were past their expected lifetimes when the district acquired them and they have continued to age.
The list of issues goes on and includes crumbling concrete stairs, water leaking into light fixtures and an electrical grid that can’t handle a microwave and projector running on the same breaker.
The mods are accessible by a series of metal ramps and platforms known at the school as “cheese graters.” This is because they are full of metal holes meant to provide traction during foul weather, but
Alderman said, with so much deferred maintenance, it makes sense to start over, kind of like how a tooth can receive only so many fillings before it needs to be pulled out. The district did look at the potential cost of renovating the current campus, which
came to an estimated $68 million. While this was cheaper than a new building, McElfresh said this was the “what-weknow-about price” and Alderman agreed hidden problems would likely drive up costs. Davisson added renovations would not necessarily prolong the life of an 85-yearold section and in the long run a new building would be cheaper. “Pouring money into something that is not going to last is a concern,” he said. “I believe in shooting for a high goal, and ‘good enough’ is not a high goal.”
Multipurpose (1955 Addition) • Contains cafeteria and library. • Walls coated with thick paint to seal in asbestos contamination. James St. Wing (1958 – 1969) • Contains classrooms • Isolated from main building due to closure of Area 38. • Weak electrical grid, few outlets. • Roof leaks difficult to patch due to water streaming through layers 1963 Gym Addition • Used heavily due to need for indoor recess space. • Received seismic upgrade in 2016. • Only building that would remain if campus was rebuilt. 1969 Addition • Contains classrooms and admin offices, with limited space. • Building deteriorating. • High levels of asbestos in walls. Mod City (2015) • Only accessible outside, even in inclement weather. • Ramps slippery when wet, sometimes leading to student injuries. • Not intended for long-term use.
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October 2023 • 11
WE SUPPORT
Measure
24-486
a bond that will: •Replace SilvertonMiddle School • Bring needed repairs & upgrades to all schools in the Silver Falls School District Janet Allanach
Cindy Jones
Kate Altieri
Aaron & Jennipher Koch
Karen Bain Jen Basilew Nathan Bay, MD Katie Beckett Laura & Marshall Beville Dixon & Lisa Bledsoe
Corey & Layne Larned Laurie Chadwick & Lee Mercer Sheldon & Rachel Lesire Carson & Colette Lord Becky Ludden
Brian & Mandi Bolduc
Brooke Mccollum
Julie Broyhill, MD
Ryan McGraw
Kimberly Brueckner
Todd & Lisa Meyer
Eliza Torlyn & Bryan Heath
Nancy Miller
Tom & Barb Buchholz Corey Christensen Tricia Craig Eric & Sarah Dalisky Andy & Christine Diacetis Karyssa & Jason Dow Hilary & Val Dumitrescu Jonathan Edmonds Jean Edwards Sahaji Fisher Chip & Lee Fitzpatrick Derrick Foxworth Matt Gaitan Ron & Karen Garst Jake & Jen Gerig John Gilliam, MD Michael Grady, MD Ashley & Patrick Graves Eric Hammond
Mac Mccollum
AmyMarie Miller Jess Miller Patrick Mulligan Susannah Musillami Emily & Elijah Neves April Newton Ashley Obersinner Josh & Danyelle Ort Kevin & Rebecca Ortega Kevin & Stacy Palmer Kyle & Julie Palmer Kate & John Pattison Brian & Sarah Reif Celeste & Tim Richardson Leslie Roache Sue Roessler Ali & Todd Ross Jesse & Leah Rue Brent & Kelly Satern Dan & Annie Schacher Andy & Liz Schaecher Chuck Sheketoff McKenna Shorey
Chuck & Mikee Hawley
Elizabeth Smith, MD
Leslie Tegen
Amy Vohs
Sarah Weitzman
Ken & Darby Hector
Kathleen Southwick
Jennifer Traeger
Owen Von Flue
Ashley & Matt West
Briana Hupp
Amanda Spencer
Whitney & Mike Ulven
Jason & Melissa Wagoner
Phil Wiesner
Jonah Jensen
Alison & Mitch Stolfus
Sarah Walling
Zakary Williams
12 • October 2023
ourtownlive.com
Cindy Zapata Silver Falls Education Association
SafeSchoolsForOurKids.com
Our Town Life
The Forum
A ‘Yes’ vote accomplishes a lot
School should be repaired, not replaced
Please join the Silver Falls School Board in supporting a bright future for our kids!
Dear Editor,
As volunteer School Board Members, we know schools build stronger communities, which is why this November’s Bond is so important for the future of our Silver Falls communities. Our community has always come together to invest in education. Better schools help build a stronger community, give our kids more opportunities to succeed, and increase the value of our homes. This bond will raise $138 million to repair and replace facilities – ensuring safer and healthier learning environments for our kids. Our district will also receive a $4 million grant from the state if this bond passes, which adds even more funding for this effort.
Safer and Healthier Schools
The bond proposal will replace the partially condemned middle school and provide critical repairs throughout the district such as replacing necessary plumbing, sewer, heating, cooling, and electrical systems, so that our schools can be maintained at a highly functioning level.
Stronger Security
Students and teachers need to be safe while at school, which is why the bond will allow for improvements like exterior entrance access security systems,
functional intercoms and emergency alert systems, and functional fire safety systems.
New Middle School This bond will provide funding for a new middle school at the old Schlador Street campus, which has been partially condemned for decades. Aside from the high school, this campus is the largest in our district, housing nearly 500 students and staff.
Oversight A Bond Oversight Committee made up of community members will oversee the project and approve fund allocation. Regular audits by the state are required as well. Help us build a better future for our students. Join us in voting YES on Measure 24-486! Jennifer Traeger, Board Chair Aaron Koch, Board Vice-Chair Philip Wiesner Owen Von Flue Derrick Foxworth, Jr. Joshua Ort Tom Buchholz
It’s the right time to make the investment I am so excited that our school district has the opportunity to make an investment in our schools! After a few years of hearing about extra difficult times for students and staff, we can gift them a promise of comfort and safety. In November, we get to vote to make a sound investment in our future. This bond will help sustain our district’s infrastructure across all buildings. Obviously, these campuses benefit our children and their families, but they also serve our entire community. The school gymnasiums are used by YMCA teams
and adult basketball and volleyball groups. Likewise, the ball fields are used by Little League, soccer and Peewee Football. The auditorium in the high school is host to many local performances, including two local dance companies and The Missoula Children’s Theater. Our schools are community hubs! With costs growing year after year, now is the most efficient and practical time to pass this bond and put these plans in action! – Eliza Torlyn Silverton
The proposed $142 million ($75M new; $63M rural; $4M contingency) expense of demolishing the entire Schlador Campus and construction of a new insufficient sized, extravagant school, is neglecting students, district owners and common sense. Once remediated, Schlador may hold 1,000 students, compared to 450 new. This disregards the soon-demand for an expansion of the new high school; another bond.
if you owned a $400,000 home, not including land, and could do a $100,000 remodel to improve it, would you believe your architect’s advise to tear it down and build new? No, the process would decrease your equity by $900,000. To get this bond to pass, the superintendent has spent [thousands] for consultants. Was this in the annual budgets? ... Do we squander funds personally in this manner?
When chairman of the high school relocation in 1993, if relocated, our caveat was to plan that Schlador must become the middle school. Our independent study by facility managers and engineers recommended $6 million. Today, [I estimate it would require] less than $14 million (using a high 4% construction price index).
Chairman Traeger’s Facebook words speak of school closures if our bond does not pass. Not true. It is not an operations bond, but a building bond.
The Board’s own architect, Weeks, similarly stated $3.9M in 1993; $4.3M in 1999; $26.7M circa 2012. Their latest was supportive of demotion and modules.
District employees state that [former] Superintendent Bellando required that there be no maintenance on the Schlador facilities. Including caulking mechanical roof units and flashings. Not an expensive issue. This policy continues under Superintendent Drue.
In 2012, two seasoned architects and a structural engineer inspected Schlador together and their written independent reports stated positive for remediation. School architect, Geoff James, proposed a budget of $7.5 million, including a south lobby and elevators. Today, [I estimate] $16 million (using a high 6% construction price index). This information was buried by [former] Superintendent Bellando. I gave Scott Drue these [figures] on Feb. 26, 2021. Superintendent Drue has publicly stated that neither he, nor the board, but the Bond Advisory Committee made the decision to go for the $138 million bond. As typical with many Task Forces, it was a rubber stamp. Members of the committee are complaining that the information provided had one goal, “tear down and build new”. When other cost information was requested, there was no serious response; just guesses. None of this history or original intended use of Schlador as the middle school was provided to them. The question for the owner/voters is,
Video on the district’s bond page express that the buildings are “CONDEMNED.” Silverton’s building official confirms that no Schlador building is condemned.
A reasonable bond, leaving room for the future, should be $20M Schlador; $10M rural; $5M contingency. Read the words written by David Beason, 6/21/2013, to the Board and Mr. Bellando, “Until we honestly and objectively analyze and address all issues, and until we have a long range plan for the education of our youngsters that a majority of voters understand and are comfortable supporting, we will continue to squander public funds and district time and energy- and credibility- on unsuccessful bond requests….” Check out our website at silverfallbondhistoryandfacts.com Thank you. – Gene Pfeifer, 50 years of services to Silverton Schools Bill Schiedler 2022-23 Bond Advisory Committee
Catch up with more local news and sports Facebook.com/OurTown.SMASM
Our Town Life
ourtownlive.com
October 2023 • 13
Something to Do
BINGO! Four causes served by annual game night
By Melissa Wagoner
“The Zenith Women’s Club was behind the creation of the park,” Fischer-Chase explained. The affiliation began when the club paid to have a defunct electric
“It’s really a community project,” FischerChase said. “We work with the Les Schwab Toy Drive and SACA.”
Immanuel Lutheran Church 303 North Church St., Silverton $5 for three cards. Refreshments provided. company building torn down, making room for the park. Now the organization typically supports the city’s annual clean-up efforts as well as the addition of flower baskets each spring. “Then we put together 75 [layette] bundles in the spring and fall,” Fischer-Chase said, describing another of the club’s community service projects, which provides a quilt or knitted blanket, a store-bought receiving blanket and a onesie to 150 new moms. But that’s just one way the Zenith Women’s Club aims to support Silverton families; another is the annual Giving Tree
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The dinner, the 45th such event, runs from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the main Scotts Mills station on Third Street. The dinner costs $14 for adults, $12 for seniors and $10 for those under 10.
“The trees go up right around Thanksgiving,” Fischer-Chase said, listing Hi-School Pharmacy, Immanuel Lutheran Church, the St. Paul Parish, Silver Creek Fellowship and Wilco as the primary locations. “And Les Schwab has [toy collection] barrels around town.”
The event is being conducted as a drive-through event only. Check, debit and credit cards are the preferred forms of payment because organizers will have limited cash on hand.
But none of these projects would be possible without the Zenith Women’s Club members. “It’s a great group of women,” FischerChase said. She joined the club when she and her husband moved to Silverton in 2011. “We come from all different churches and backgrounds. We’re just all about community.” That’s why the Zenith women are hoping
the turnout for this year’s BINGO Night will be better than ever before. “We usually have somewhere between 100 and 150 people show up,” Fischer-Chase said. “It’s a fun, inexpensive family outing.” That results in a whole lot of good.
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A fried chicken dinner is set for Saturday, Oct. 21 to benefit the Scotts Mills Firefighters Association.
Providing books, clothing and toys to 208 children in 2022, the Giving Tree is by far the organization’s most recognized cause.
Oct, 28, 7 - 9 p.m.
“We have BINGO coming up at the end of October – on Oct. 28,” Fischer-Chase said of the upcoming fundraiser, which will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Family-friendly and economical at just $5 for three cards – refreshments included – the BINGO night will raise money for four causes – the Tree of Giving, layettes for Silverton Legacy Medical Center’s Birth Center, scholarships for graduating Silverton High seniors and the maintenance of Silverton’s Town Square Park.
– kicking off in November.
Silverton Zenith Club’s BINGO Fundraiser
For as long as Barbara FischerChase has been a part of the Silverton Zenith Women’s Club there have been two annual fundraisers, a Bunco competition in the spring and a family BINGO night in the fall.
Chicken dinner benefits Scotts Mills firefighters
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Civics 101
The pick Cory Misley hired as Silverton city manager By James Day
Portland State University. He previously served for three years-plus as city manager in Sisters and city manager for La Pine. He also served one year in Washington, D.C., as an apprentice with the Center for Sustainable Communities.
Cory Misley has been hired as Silverton’s city manager and will start work Oct. 16. Misley replaces Ron Chandler, who retired to Utah in May. Misley’s hiring and contract were approved Oct. 2, on a unanimous vote of the Silverton City Cory Misley. Council. As the top administrator SUBMITTED PHOTO for the city Misley will supervise all departments and report to the council. Kathleen Zaragoza, who has been serving as city manager on an interim basis, will return to her role as finance director. “I am grateful to become a part of the Silverton community and for the privilege to serve as the city manager,” Misley told Our Town in an email exchange. “I’ve long admired Silverton as a special place with a history to be proud of and a bright future to be a part of. The combination of livability, charm, connectedness, access to the outdoors, among other things, makes Silverton a place I want to serve and call home. I am excited to get to work with our strong team and together make great things happen.” Misley currently works as a project manager for Oregon solutions with the National Policy Consensus Center at
Misley says his top priorities the rest of this year “will revolve around building relationships with the City Council, city staff, community members, local organizations, and other partnerships that do and can benefit Silverton. There will be a lot of listening and learning to get up to speed on details for all of the topics and projects. “As we head into 2024, we will shift to preparing for budget season and strategic alignment through council goal setting, key department objectives, partnerships, and focusing resources on our shared priorities road map for the upcoming fiscal year starting in July.” When asked about challenges the city is facing Misley said “growth is a reality. We must balance maintaining the character and small-town feel while managing thoughtfully to make Silverton an even more welcoming and thriving community and place across generations.” Misley will be paid $147,000 per year and will be eligible for the same cost of living raises (COLA) as city department heads. Misley will receive $300 per month for use of his private vehicle on city business and also will receive a $50 per month cell phone allowance and up to a maximum of $2,500
to assist with moving-related expenses. In other matters: Mural: Councilors heard from members of the Silverton Mural society about the group’s proposed mural for the new Civic Center building. The city and the mural group have agreed to split the costs of the $17,000 project but have not yet reached agreement on where it will be placed. The design also remains to be finalized. Society officials said their guiding principle is to celebrate Silverton’s cultural roots. Noon Whistle: Councilors agreed to back the continued use of the noon whistle, which is located on the City Hall parking lot. Moving it to the Civic Center would require a change order as well as finding a way to get 240 volts of electricity to the unit. Councilors said they would like to discuss the situation with Silverton Fire District officials. Community Center: Councilor Marie Traeger noted that the city’s lease on the state-owned building expires in March. She encouraged Mayor Jason Freilinger to put the issue on a meeting agenda soon. Silverton Area Community Aid, which plans to move its operation to North First Street, apparently will not be ready to do so by March. Other groups that use the building, including the Silver Falls YMCA and pickleball players, have an obvious stake in the ultimate fate of the property. November is a likely time for the discussion, Freilinger said.
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October 2023 • 15
Sports & Recreation
Football powers Silverton, Kennedy off to the races – again
We’re two-thirds of the way through the regular season as I write this and it has been a stunningly impressive one for our two local football teams, Silverton and Kennedy. The Foxes were 6-0 and ranked No. 3 in Class 5A heading into Thursday, Oct. 12’s Homecoming encounter with 5-1 McKay. The top-ranked Trojans are 5-1 and ranked No. 1 in Class 3A. Their lone loss was a 21-14 nailbiter on Oct. 6, against No. 4 Banks, which lost to JFK 15-7 in last season’s Class 3A semifinals. The two teams have some key similarities. First, they are led by veteran quarterbacks, Sawyer Teeney of the Foxes and Elijah Traeger of Kennedy. Both run and throw well and seldom make game-altering mistakes. Second, they have been playing suffocating defense. Silverton has allowed 64 points in six games. Much of those points have come when the outcome was no longer in doubt. Corvallis scored two late TDs after trailing 40-0. Yes, Crescent Valley scored a season high 22 vs. the Foxes Oct. 6, but they trailed 62-8
and Joe Panuke of JFK.
home stretch of the Mid-Willamette Quarterback, defense, Conference season consistency and coaching. in prime playoff In high school that contention. The Foxes, package will get you a ranked 8th in Class 5A, long way. Last season were 10-5 overall and the Foxes went 7-4 and 7-3 in league play at lost to Wilsonville in the Our Town’s presstime. AT HALFTIME before tacking on two quarterfinals. Kennedy Silverton currently sits meaningless TDs amid a running clock took a 12-0 record into 4th in the league behind the entire second half. the Class 3A final before No. 1 Crescent Valley, losing to perennial power the defending state Kennedy has been even stingier on D, Cascade Christian. champions, No. 3 West allowing its six opponents just 54 points Ethan Kleinschmit. JAMES DAY Albany and No. 5 South while pitching two shutouts and holding I’m sensing at least that Albany. The Foxes lead No. 18 Corvallis two other teams to six points apiece. much success this season when November (5-4) by 1.5 games in the battle for A third factor is consistency. Are you rolls on. fourth, with the two teams facing off in resilient enough and dialed-in to play a Baseball: Former Kennedy left-handed Corvallis on Thursday, Oct. 19. The top solid game every week? Neither team has pitcher Ethan Kleinschmit, who led four teams in the league earn automatic come close to a dud this season. the Trojans to back-to-back Class playoff berths, with two statewide at-large Silverton is winning by an average of 2A-1A titles, has committed to play at berths also available. 46-10. It’s 31-9 for Kennedy. Oregon State University after this season. Soccer: The Silverton girls soccer squad Kleinschmit will play at Linn-Benton The Trojans’ played an excellent game fell from the unbeaten ranks with a 2-1 Community during the 2023-24 school against Banks in a matchup worthy of loss on Oct. 10 at West Albany. The year before moving on to the Beavers. another state semifinal. That’s a tribute to Foxes, ranked 15th in Class 5A, are 4-1 CBL the two coaches, Dan Lever of Silverton#00013137 Girls Volleyball: Silverton enters the in Mid-Willamette play with 3 matches
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Our Town Life
OCT. 2023
left. Corvallis (4-0), Crescent Valley (3-01) and 3-0 West Albany also are in the hunt for the league title. The top four earn automatic playoff berths, with two more teams statewide receiving at-large berths based on OSAA ranking. Meanwhile, the Silverton boys fell 3-0 to West Albany on Oct. 10, at McGinnis Field to fall to 2-2-1 in league. The 11th-ranked Foxes also have three matches left and also need to get into the top 4 to earn an automatic playoff berth. Silverton currently is battling 2-1 West Albany and 2-1-1 Central for that fourth spot, with defending state champion McKay just behind at 1-2-1. Boys Volleyball: The Oregon School Activities Association has declared boys volleyball an “emerging” activity. A total of 32 schools, including Silverton, are planning to participate in the sport this spring. According to OSAA guidelines once more than 25 schools are involved the activity is in emerging status. To be fully sanctioned 50 schools must be involved.
SILVER FALLS FAMILY YMCA
Lions host homelessness presentation
WINTER AT THE Y
The Silverton Lions Club will welcome Sarah White from Sheltering Silverton for a presentation Thursday, Oct. 19, 7 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 303 Church St., Silverton.
COMPETITIVE TEAM BASKETBALL TRY OUTS GIRLS BASKETBALL: Grades 4 – 8
Sunday, Oct. 29 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. • Monday, Oct. 30 from 6:00-7:30 p.m.
BOYS BASKETBALL: Grades 4 – 8
Sunday, Oct. 29 4:00-5:30 p.m. • Wednesday, Nov. 1 from 6:00-7:30 p.m.
White’s talk, “A Competent Collaborative Community Response to Homelessness”, is free and open to the public.
Try Outs will be held in the Silverton High School Gymnasium Questions, Contact Kristi Horner, khorner@theyonline.org
Everything You Need, For Anything Yo OSAA executive director Peter Weber said a committee likely will be formed to study the issue, a process that likely will take two years.
Registration is open online or contact the Sports Office 503-873-0205
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October 2023 • 17
My Turn
Making the Taylor talk An ode to the ‘cousin’ guitars By Kevin McCarty Today I’d like to write about guitars. I have owned many, and I have definitely had my favorites. The qualities of a guitar, like many musical instruments, are not limited to the music that it makes. Each that I have owned has had its own identity; a kind of personality that is unique. It might sound a little weird, but I actually enjoy just being in the presence of my guitars. I love their beauty, the quality of the components, the craftsmanship required to create each one. There is a kind of warmth that resonates from the select woods that are at a guitar’s very core. Like I said, a little weird. Over the past several decades I have bought and sold numerous guitars. When I retired and moved to Silverton, I owned so many that I practically needed a room just to store the cases. Since then I have pared down my collection, and currently own perhaps just a few more than I can regularly play. One of my all-time favorite acoustic guitars is my 1998 Taylor C14-CE, which I purchased new that year. At the time, I was
a guitar player in a garage band in Bend called Chalkline, made up of four other then-young musicians, all of whom I still consider my brothers to this day. For ten or so years we performed in bars and at parties in and around Bend, with loud, drum-heavy rock music that was, well, Chalkline. The other guitar player in Chalkline was Michael Gwinup, a kind and gentle soul, a solid rhythm player and our main lead vocalist with an incredible memory for lyrics. Michael was also a skilled potter of local renown. He and his wife, Michele, owned Blue Spruce Pottery in Bend, which produces high-quality ceramic works from kitchenware and lamps to custom art pieces. My wife Julie and I are fortunate to have many Gwinup pieces in our home. Michael and I each bought our Taylors that same year, which were different versions of the C14-CE. We liked to call them the “cousins.” I still have and play mine. Michael’s remains with his family. He unexpectedly passed away in 2022. Nonetheless, Blue Spruce Pottery lives on, and the cousins remain bright and lively.
One of my absolute favorite electric guitars is my PRS Custom 24. An incredibly beautiful instrument, the PRS is a powerhouse of amazing versatility. Michael owned a PRS Custom 24 back in the Chalkline days, and it was his go-to electric guitar. It was a beauty. While I played a pretty nice electric guitar, I always coveted Michael’s, and I played it whenever I got the chance. When the opportunity arose to purchase a 25th Anniversary Edition Custom 24 several years ago, I grabbed it, and I have never been sorry. It looks and plays heavenly. Plus, it reminds me of Michael. As Chalkline was winding down as a band in the early 2000s, Michael and I were approached by another local musician about playing some music at his private party. Michael and I got together with Ron and Jack and the band Bittercreek was born. Bittercreek became a working band, and played well over 100 shows over the next 14 years or so, all around Bend and Sisters. The cousins were a part of every show. We had us some fun! But that all stopped in 2018, when I moved. It was really tough
to say goodbye to those guys and the band. Michael and I had been playing music together for over 25 years. After moving to Silverton, I took a little break from playing music. But it didn’t take long for the itch to come back. I met up with a couple of talented young men. Josh and Nate are both well-known local musicians, and each has his own style and musical personality that seem to fit nicely with my own. The three of us formed Local Brew, and over the past few years we’ve played everywhere from the Fireside Lounge at Oregon Garden Resort, to the Gallon House and the Rong Stage at the Crafter’s Market. My Taylor is always there, and the PRS sometimes makes an appearance. My favorite guitars have been with me for a long time. I feel like they’re part of the family. Weird, I know. Strumming a tune on my Taylor gives me a sense of warmth and comfort. Almost like Michael is sitting there beside me, and the cousins are once again singing their sweet harmonies.
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18 • October 2023
FIREWOOD – McCULLY MOUNTAIN WOOD We sell camp firewood in bundles. You cut by the cord. Cut and split by the cord you haul. We deliver a cord and half. We sell logs you haul. Your truck and trailer. We can load 15' to 30'. We do rough-cut lumber. Call Gary at 503-859-3558. Fir, Alder, Hemlock & Hog Fuel. We can cut to your size. Place orders now for this season. FOR SALE 2,900 gallon water tank. $1,000 cash. Scotts Mills area. You haul. 541-913-6329.
NOTICES THE ELIZABETH ASHLEY HOKE MEMORIAL TRUST has collected new and
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gently used coats for kids and family members. They will be distributed Nov. 9, 9 a.m. noon at Adventist Community Services 1159 Oaks St. and the Silverton Community Center, 421 S. Water St. Questions?: info@ehoketrust.org. THE TREE OF GIVING program of the Silverton Zenith Women’s Club is opening singups for this holiday season on Nov. 1 at Immanual Lutheran Church, 303 N. Church St., Silverton. Times are 4 - 6 p.m. Nov. 1 and 7, 6 - 8 p.m. Nov. 2 and 8, and 10 1.m. - noon Nov. 3 and 6. Participants must live in Silverton or Scotts Mills and have children in the Silver Falls School District. Bring photo ID, child’s birth certificate, proof of address and income along with
clothing sizes. Info: 503873-4809
SERVICES HANDYMAN & HOME REPAIR SERVICE Installation and repair of fencing, decks,doors, gutter cleaning, moss removal, power washing, yard debris removal. CCB# 206637 Call Ryan 503-881-3802 JESSE’S LAWN SERVICE & HANDYMAN Pruning, edging, trimming, blackberry cleaning, gutter cleaning, arborvitae, moss treatment, yard clean-up, stump grinding, powerwashing, haul-away. 503-871-7869
To advertise call
503-845-9499
Our Town Life
Celebrate the Holidays at the Oregon Garden Resort
BUFFET NOVEMBER 23 | 11AM-3PM ADULTS $40
SENIORS
CHILDREN
$35
$20
65 and Older
Book now & enjoy: Entry to the Silverton Christmas
12 and Under
Market Festive event space, food & drink
Our menu includes all your holiday favorites like turkey, ham, stuffing, green bean casserole, pumpkin pie, and more!
And more!
events@oregongardenresort.com
Buy tickets at oregongardenresort.com
(503) 874-2509
SILVERTON, GET $2 OFF TIC KETS! CODE: LOCALS
NOV. 17 - DEC. 31 Open most dates
1+ MILLION LIGHTS GERMAN CHRISTMAS MARKET SANTA • SNOWLESS TUBING BIERGARTEN • FOOD & DRINK
Buy tickets at SILVERTONCHRISTMASMARKET.COM
WE ARE HIRING We proudly support the Silverton community through donations to the school district, local non-profits, and discounted admission for Silverton residents.
Our Town Life
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October 2023 • 19
Kirsten Barnes Broker 873-3545 ext. 326
Jason Marshall Broker 873-3545 ext 302
Meredith Wertz Broker, GRI 873-3545 ext. 324
Whitney Ulven Broker, GRI 503-873-3545 ext. 320
Ryan Wertz Principal Broker, GRI 873-3545 ext. 322
Mike Ulven Broker 503-873-3545 ext. 312
WWW.SILVERTONREALTY.COM
Chuck White Broker 873-3545 ext. 325
Mason Branstetter Principal Broker, GRI 873-3545 ext. 303
Becky Craig Principal Broker, GRI 873-3545 ext. 313
Michael Schmidt Principal Broker GRI 873-3545 ext. 314
Micha Christman Office Manager 873-1425
Sarah Sanders Property Manager 873-3545 ext. 311
Tayler Whitaker Secretary 873-3545 ext. 300
SILVERTON #T2784 WONDERFUL 1920 CHARACTER 3 BR, 2 BA 1484 sqft Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $624,800 (WVMLS#805924) #T2784 WONDERFUL 1920 CHARACTER $599,000 BACK ON THE MARKET, NO FAULT TO THE HOME Wonderful 1920
character home with all new modern amenities, this home was rebuilt to perfection, keeping original bones of the home and character, all new electrical, plumbing, insulation, windows, new kitchen, bathrooms. Granite countertops w/ custom cabinets, kitchen opens up to a new covered back porch to enjoy your yard that has been new landscaping and sprinkler systems. New HVAC system with AC. Partially fenced back yard with large shop, 24 by 24 ft. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 (WVMLS#805924)
#T2798 NEW HOME w/ DUAL LIVING $725,000 The home was built
with dual living / generational living in mind. Large 10,000+sqft lot on the north edge of Silverton in city limits. Home is built with longevity in mind. Master suite with large walk-in closet & bath. Great room with gas insert fireplace, granite counter tops, solid surface flooring, and custom cabinets. 3BR 2.5BA with additional, but separate, 1BR 1BA dual living space. A large 2 car garage and sunset views. 519sqft ADU can be rented for income. Call for list of amenities. Call Michael at ext. 314
#T2799 SO MUCH POTENTIAL $489,900 So much potential in this 1910 Silverton home, this home sits on a large lot, 0.49 acres inside the city limits, with room for a shop and/or an ADU. This home has 4 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, brand new roof, and newer paint. Open backyard with access off Wall St., Buyer to do their own due diligence for divide-ability. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. (WVMLS#809849)
#T2761 GREAT OPPORTUNITY 1.66 Acres. Salem. Call Whitney at ext. 320 or Mike at ext. 312 $199,000 (WVMLS#800102) #T2775 SO MUCH OPPORTUNITY 3 BR, 2 BA 2190 sqft 3.36 Acres. Dallas. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $533,000 (WVMLS#803517)
WE HAVE BUYERS LOOKING! Now is the perfect time to list your home. Contact us today for a FREE home evaluation!
#T2781 RURAL SETTING 3 BR, 2 BA 2044 sqft Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $725,000 (WVMLS#805144)
Call Micha or Sarah at 503-873-1425 Or Visit silvertonrealty.com
BARELAND/LOTS #T2761 GREAT OPPORTUNITY 1.66 Acres. Salem. Call Whitney at ext. 320 or Mike at ext. 312 $199,000 (WVMLS#800102)
NEW! – #T2796 55+ MOBILE HOME PARK 2 BR, 2 BA 1272 sqft Call Kirsten at ext. 326 $165,000 (WVMLS#809761)
NEW! – #T2798 NEW HOME w/ DUAL LIVING 4 BR, 3.5 BA 3275 sqft Call Michael at ext. 314 $725,000 NEW! – #T2799 SO MUCH POTENTIAL 4 BR, 1 BA 1572 sqft Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $489,900 (WVMLS#809849)
SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES #T2775 SO MUCH OPPORTUNITY 3 BR, 2 BA 2190 sqft 3.36 Acres. Dallas. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $538,000 (WVMLS#803517)
#T2794 HIGHLY DESIRABLE COUNTRY PROPERTY 2 BR, 1.5 BA 1548 sqft 2.2 Acres. Salem. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $596,700 (WVMLS#808219) NEW! – #T2797 IMMACULATE 2015 BUILD 4 BR, 2.5 BA 2643 sqft Albany. Call Whitney at ext. 320 or Mike at ext. 312 $645,000
#T2795 2 BUILABLE LOTS .45 Acres. Silverton. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $147,800 (WMLS#808971) BROKERS ARE LICENSED IN OREGON
503.873.3545 20 • October 2023
#T2792 FAIRY TALE COTTAGE 3 BR, 2 BA 2997 sqft Call Michael at ext. 314 $770,000 (WVMLS#808110)
(WVMLS#807708)
(WVMLS#807708)
FOR RENT
SOLD – #T2790 GREAT LOCATION 2 BR, 2 BA 1386 sqft Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $448,500 (WVMLS#807686)
#T2791 DUAL LIVING 4 BR, 3.5 BA 2693 sqft 4.58 Acres. Salem. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $948,700
#T2791 DUAL LIVING 4 BR, 3.5 BA 2693 sqft 4.58 Acres. Salem. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $948,700 #T2794 HIGHLY DESIRABLE COUNTRY PROPERTY 2 BR, 1.5 BA 1548 sqft 2.2 Acres. Salem. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $596,700 (WVMLS#808219)
(WVMLS#807664)
(WVMLS#809941)
(WVMLS#809941)
COUNTRY/ACREAGE
#T2789 SILVERTON MOBILE ESTATES 2 BR, 2 BA 1248 sqft Call Becky at ext. 313 $180,000
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303 Oak St. • Silverton Our Town Life