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Dream come true
By James Day
“It took a little longer than we thought, but we’re finally here,” said Rich Truitt. “This is a great day.”
Truitt, the board chair of the North Willamette Valley Habitat for Humanity, was speaking from the pristine concrete driveway outside a neat, new blue house with white trim on Schemmel Lane in Silverton.
On Monday, Oct. 14, the Constante family, dad Ezra, mom Elizabeth and children Ezra (9), Emilio (8), Eliana (5), and Emily (3 months), entered their new home, the first of a planned 18 units in the ambitious Peters’ Garden development across Pine Street from the entrance to Silverton High School.
A crowd of 30 people were on hand for remarks by Habitat officials and board members and a celebratory barbecue on a bright sunny fall day.
“This is a really special day,” executive
Family moves into first Habitat home in Peters’ Garden
director Dan Haun said. “It took a lot of people for us to get here today.”
As per Habitat policies, the Constante
family contributed as part of the team of laborers who built the house. So did many in the crowd.
Where the people are loved and the Word of God is preached. Located at Barlow & Monte Cristo Roads. Meet Pastor Tim Douglass and join
When Haun asked for a show of hands regarding how many present helped build the house, more than half of the people there raised theirs.
Craig Johnson, the pastor at Christ Lutheran Church in Aurora, offered a prayer and a blessing for the home and the family, and longtime Habitat official Circe Vielman-Barraza presented them with the keys.
“Thank you all, I appreciate you all,” said Ezra Constante, who then took his family inside the house, where they marveled at the spaces, and the kids got to show off what will be their new bedrooms.
North Willamette Valley Habitat, meanwhile, will continue the work, with a home two doors down from the Constante’s next on the completion list.
“We are hopeful to have the Nagy family in their home by Christmas of this year,” development coordinator Bethany Wilt said. “Our team is hard at work to make this goal a reality.”
The Constante family receives the key from Circe Vielman-Barraza, a former North Willamette Valley Habitat program and volunteer manager. The family then entered the home, with the children checking out their new bedroom spaces. JAMES DAY
Historical Society celebrates 50th anniversary Sheltering Silverton hosts fundraising dinner
The Silverton Country Historical Society is celebrating 50 years with a 1 p.m. event on Saturday, Nov. 16 at City Hall, 410 N. Water St.
Historical Society officials plan to commemorate and reflect upon key milestones of Silverton Country Museum, including the restoration and relocation of the Silverton Southern Pacific train depot, the relocation of the Silverton World War II observation post and the acquisition of several original Homer Davenport cartoons.
Also on the program in the council chambers will be:
• Recognition of society charter members and founders;
• Remarks from town officials and civic leaders on the importance of the museum to the Silverton community;
• A visual presentation of key milestones;
• The opening of a time capsule from 1975 that was buried in the museum basement; and,
• An array of society publications as well as limited edition 50th anniversary mugs that will be available for purchase.
At the conclusion of the program a reception will be held in the foyer outside the council chambers.
Sheltering Silverton is hosting its annual Kinship Dinner on Sunday, Nov. 10, 4 to 6 p.m. at the Oak Street Church, 502 Oak St., Silverton.
Organizers say the event will include humble food, a cozy setting, live music and sharing success stories about the organization and its mission.
Tickets are $40 and include a handmade ceramic bowl that you can take home. Space (and bowls) are limited. Reservations are required. Call or text 503-453-3698 or email elyse@ shelteringsilverton.org
Above right: The Silverton Country Museum has been located at the 1908 Ames-Warnock-Burch house since 1975, named for the three families that once lived in the house. Above: A sign located on the side of the train depot, which was moved next to the museum, and contains some of the SCHS collection. Left: A 1909 Homer Davenport cartoon that was acquired by SCHS in 2023.
Timothy L Yount Financial
Advisor
313 N. Water St.
Silverton, OR 97381
503-873-2454
Daniel Hailey Financial
Advisor
108 N. First St., Suite 101
Silverton, OR 97381
503-874-6162
Something to Do Celebrating veterans at SMS
By Melissa Wagoner
In honor of Veterans Day, Silverton Middle School will open its doors to veterans and members of the community on Friday, Nov. 8, 1:40 p.m.
Veterans Day assembly
Friday, Nov. 8, 1:40 p.m.
Silverton Middle School
14 Schlador St., Silverton Military veterans and the community are welcome.
“We will have various displays located in the back towards the track and district office,” student leadership advisor Jackie Renoud said. The celebration kicks off with a self-guided tour of military equipment used by the Oregon National Guard and antique vehicles presented by the Military Vehicle Collectors Club of Oregon.
“We’ve got some older vehicles… a 1971 ‘deuce and a half’” military truck, Renoud said. As well as the modern military allterrain vehicle, known as MATV.
Following the tour, a presentation inside the school gymnasium will include music provided by band and choir students, speakers and a slideshow developed by the leadership class.
“Renoud said her students recently
conducted research into branches of the military, the difference between a war and an ongoing conflict and who within their own families has earned veteran status.
“They often will not know,” Renoud pointed out. “And that’s such a monumental event in a person’s life.”
Students are also surprised to learn that some of their teachers and well-known members of their community have served, recognizing their faces as they file into the gymnasium, greeting and thanking those veterans in attendance one at a time.
“We’ve done that now for two years,” Renoud said. “And it’s been a significant experience for both parties.”
The face-to-face interaction, as well as the presentation, provide an opportunity for the students to learn about military service.
“They’re often not aware of the opportunities the military and the National Guard can give,” Renoud said.
Moving forward Silver Falls sets goals for finances, transparency
By Stephen Floyd
The Silver Falls School District (SFSD) has defined goals for fiscal responsibility and public transparency as officials seek to rebuild community trust and navigate a difficult financial year.
During the Sept. 23 regular meeting of the SFSD Board, Interim Superintendent Kim Kellison shared a list of strategies to achieve the board’s objectives toward effective administration and communication.
These included a target of at least $2 million in reserves at the end of the fiscal year, updated compliance with state standards for school districts, and a series of community engagement sessions.
Kellison said the intended outcome is to rebuild relationships with stakeholders and set the district up for success as it emerges from a financial crisis.
“I think the budget work is really the most crucial part of this and how transparent we’ve been about our struggles, when we’ve had a hard time and how we move forward,” she said.
In February the board learned the district was going to end the 2023-24 school year in the red due to a years-long pattern of overstaffing and lax oversight, among other factors.
A $3.8 million bridge loan was taken out to complete last school year, in addition to imposing several furlough days for all staff. Steep cuts were made to the 2024-25 budget, including elimination of 15% of school-level positions district-wide.
Amid the crisis former Superintendent Scott Drue resigned March 13. Kellison was hired as interim superintendent effective July 1 on a two-year contract.
During the Aug. 26 board meeting, board members directed Kellison to draft a list of actionable goals to be used when evaluating her performance. The board prioritized effective financial management, effective operational management and effective communication and community relations.
On Sept. 23 Kellison outlined specific steps toward those objectives based on current district needs and the overall goal of student success.
For financial management, Kellison said administrators will continue providing regular budget updates to the board. She said one of the conversations the board may need to have is how to prioritize the restoration of positions if revenue comes in higher than expected later in the year.
One specific goal is to start the 2025-26 school year with between $2 million and $3 million in general fund carryover. To hit this mark the current budget will need to remain “fiscally fit” through appropriate and equitable adjustments, she said.
For organizational management, Kellison identified a need to strengthen compliance with Oregon’s Division 22 standards, which define metrics for student success and professional development.
This includes reviving the district’s Equity Committee, whose purpose is to advise the board on issues related to students who are
historically marginalized or underserved.
For communication, Kellison said she is planning a series of engagement sessions and surveys to gather community input, with dates to be published once sessions are scheduled.
She said she has already engaged directly with groups such as Rotary Club, the Silverton Chamber of Commerce and the Silverton City Council.
Kellison said the goal of community outreach will be “not listening to respond, but listening so you can take it in and process it.”
Board members thanked Kellison for the presentation and said her goals aligned well with the needs of the district.
According to an evaluation timeline approved by the board Sept. 9, Kellison is scheduled to provide a progress report on the goals during thei Nov. 12 board meeting. During that meeting the board is also expected to finalize plans for a community survey.
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.
Silverton council Parking, crosswalk
By James Day
Parking and pedestrian changes are coming to Silverton. Councilors confirmed at their Oct. 21 meeting that the current parking meters will be removed from the downtown area.
They still are discussing whether downtown visitors will be charged for parking. The city spent the past four months in a pilot program that featured free parking for four hours at metered spots.
City Manager Cory Misley said that the current meters are virtually obsolete and difficult to repair because of a lack of parts and that if the city chooses to charge for parking a different method will be used. Misley also noted that many of the meters are placed on the sidewalk in such a way that they become obstacles for those in wheelchairs.
The pilot program also revealed that free parking has a significant impact on the city-owned Lewis Street lot. Business owners and the employees can buy permits for the Lewis lot, but permit sales plummeted during the free parking pilot program.
Councilors also will be making changes in five city crosswalks in an effort to improve pedestrian safety. The city will install flags at the corners for pedestrians to carry through the intersection and then deposit on the far side.
The five intersections identified are
Pine and Grant near St. Paul’s Catholic Church, James and C near the Taco Bell/ KFC franchise, West Main and Westfield just south of the Silverton Senior Center, Wesley and Water near the pool and Oak and Church at the top of the hill near Immanuel Lutheran Church. No timetable has been set for installation of the flag program.
Councilors also continued to work on draft language for a camping ordinance that would allow camping on city property when the Sheltering Silverton
Sept. 23: New Silverton Police Officer Ryan Swearingen received his badge in a ceremony at the start of the meeting. Chief Todd Engstrom suggested the idea, noting the new City Hall would be a good spot to hold such events. Several of Swearingen’s family members were on hand, including daughters Olivia, Harper and Kinsley. Swearingen’s wife, Kayla, pinned the badge on her husband.
Oct. 7: The council approved an agreement with the Pudding River Watershed Council to pay the group $20,000 for riparian corridor maintenance on Abiqua Creek and Silver Creek. Councilors had expressed concerns previously about the overgrown nature of the banks at Silver Creek near Coolidge McClaine Park.
beds are at capacity. Two locations were discussed, near the driveway of the Public Works compound and at the open space on A Street behind the new City Hall. Councilors and city staff strongly preferred the A Street location, but no action was taken and other locations could be considered. Misley said he thought drafting the ordinance might require two more council work sessions.
Other highlights from council meetings on Sept. 23 and Oct. 7 included:
Councilors also heard from Silverton Area Chamber of Commerce board member Eric Druliner and executive director Stacy Palmer about a proposal to build a permanent amphitheater in Coolidge McClaine Park. It is envisioned to host music at events such as the Homer Davenport Community Festival. Druliner and Palmer estimated that site plan and engineering would cost $150,000. No total cost of the project was available. Councilors and Mayor Jason Freilinger responded positively to the concept, with Silver Creek Timberworks mentioned as a possible partner on the project.
Silverton Police Officer Ryan Swearingen’s wife Kayla pins on his badge during a swearing-in ceremony at the Sept. 23 Silverton City Council session. Chief Todd Engstrom is at right. JAMES DAY
Something to Think About
Climate impacts
By James Day
“Climate change is disrupting our natural and built environments, our health, livelihoods and sense of place,” according to a draft report from state officials on the impact of climate change on Oregonians.
The state Department of Land and Conservation Development has released a draft of a “social vulnerability” assessment it developed after conducting a survey and in-person workshops around the state in 2022 and 2023.
“People across the state value access to the outdoors, community gatherings, clean air and water, high-quality food, and local decision-making power,” said the executive summary of the DLCD draft. “Many Oregonians are concerned about how climate change might impact their well-being, livelihoods, and sense of place.”
State agencies will use information from the report when they develop or modify state policy, programs, and projects in response to climate change.
The project split the state into eight regions, with Silverton, Mount Angel and Scotts Mills in Region 3, which includes Marion, Linn, Lane, Benton, Polk and Yamhill counties.
Key future climate change impacts seen for Region 3 include drought, heat waves, extreme precipitation, wildfires and longer fire seasons, air quality degradation, increased mean
State working on assessments, recommendations
temperature and negative impacts on agriculture.
A total of 187 residents in Region 3 responded to the survey or participated in a workshop.
Of those, 86 percent said drought and heat have a negative impact on their lives, with 84 percent noting concerns about wildfires.
The draft report goes beyond physical vulnerabilities such as heat and fires and also looks at social vulnerability, noted Christine Shirley, a climate change resilience coordinator with the DLCD.
“We expanded the range of information we consider in the risk assessment to include social variables such as access to recreation, social clubs and other organizations, the presence of arts organizations, etc.,” Shirley told Our Town via email.
“Traditionally, natural hazards mitigation has focused on strengthening built assets to withstand harm from natural hazard events caused by climate change.
“We are learning through studies like the (assessment) that activities that strengthen the social fabric, activities that build stronger social communities, are also natural hazard mitigation. Protecting against social harm is just as important as protecting the built environment.”
Region 3 residents rated social, health and personal issues
such as being able to walk, hike or run, their personal relationships and even access to farmer’s markets as values to consider along with clean water and clean air.
Participants from Region 3, the draft assessment says, “value access to the outdoors, a healthy environment that meets basic needs and quality food and provides recreational opportunities.”
Key recommendations that the draft assessment cites include:
• Establish a statewide, coordinated, and locally focused program of climate change adaptation.
• Expand the scope of regional solutions to include climate change mitigation and adaptation planning and action by making specialists available to local government and community-based organizations.
• Learn to use climate change, equity, environmental justice, social vulnerability indexes and data wisely and transparently.
• Enhance support for the public health system to engage in and contribute to decision-making processes related to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and climate change adaptation.
“Collectively,” the draft report concludes, “these measures will create strong, resilient communities capable of withstanding the impacts of an unpredictable climate future.”
Invertidos en la salud de esta comunidad.
En Legacy Silverton Medical Center, hicimos una promesa de invertir en esta comunidad.
Y con nuestra reciente ampliación de $37 millones, que incluye 21,000 pies cuadrados adicionales de espacio y un nuevo departamento de emergencias, estamos asegurando que esta comunidad tenga la atención de calidad que merece.
Frequent Addresses
Mt. Angel Public Library, 290 E Charles St. Silver Creek Fellowship, 822 NE Industrial Way, Silverton. Silver Falls Library, 410 S Water St. Silverton Arts Association, 303 Coolidge St. Silverton Community Center/Council Chambers, 410 N Water St. Weekly Events
Monday
Silverton Senior Center, 115 Westfield St. Seniors 50 and older. Daily, weekly, monthly events. 503-873-3093, silvertonseniorcenter.org
Mt. Angel Community & Senior Center Store, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., 195 E Charles St. Repeats Tuesday - Saturday. Volunteers needed. 503-845-6998
Meals on Wheels Lunch, 11:30 a.m., Silverton Senior Center, 115 Westfield St. $3 suggested donation. Make reservations three days in advance by calling 503-873-6096. Repeats Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Silverton Recovery AA, noon - 1 p.m., 302 N Water St. Seven days a week. Free Monday Dinner, 5:30 - 7 p.m., Oak Street Church, 502 Oak St., Silverton. Sit-down dinner or meals to go. All welcome. Free. 503-873-5446
Boy Scouts Troop 485, 7 - 8:30 p.m., St. Edward’s Episcopal Church, 211 W Center St., Silverton. Scoutmaster Dave Tacker, 760-644-3147, dave.tacker@ gmail.com
Tuesday
Scotts Mills Food Boxes, 9 - 11 a.m., Scotts Mills Community Center, 298 Fourth St. Residents in Scotts Mills/Butte Creek/ Monitor rural areas are welcome. Food donations welcome. Niki, 503-873-5059 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. AlsoThursdays. Ginger, 503-845-9464 Bible Study, 10:30 a.m. - noon, Silverton First Christian Church, 402 N First St. All welcome. 503-873-6620
APPY Hour, noon - 1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Drop in for technical assistance for electronic devices. All ages. Free. 971-370-5040
Silverton Mainstay, 1 - 4 p.m., Silverton United Methodist Church, 203 W Main St. Community space and activities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Repeats Thursdays. silvertonmainstay.org
Stories & STEAM, 4 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Listen to a story about the theme of the 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
Cub Scout Pack 485, 6:30 p.m., St. Edward’s Episcopal Church, 211 W Center St., Silverton. Boys and girls in K-fifth grade. Deb Hilterbrand, 971-337-5925
Silverton Business Group, 8 a.m., Silver Falls Brewery, 207 Jersey St., Silverton. Networking meeting of business community hosted by Silverton Chamber of Commerce. silvertonchamber.org
Quilters Group, 9 a.m. - noon, Trinity Lutheran Church, 500 N Second Ave., Silverton. trinitysilverton@gmail.com
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
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. Join artists for open studio time. All art forms welcome. 503-873-2480
TOPS (Take Pounds Off Sensibly), 6 p.m., United Methodist Church, 203 W Main St., Silverton. Weight loss with continued support, encouragement. First meeting free. Monthly dues $4. All welcome. David, 503-501-9824
Friday
Toastmaster Club, 7:30 a.m., Zoom. Increase your listening skills, speaking, thinking and evaluating. 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 on display. 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
Sunshine Fitness, 10 a.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Light exercising with follow-along videos. Waiver required. Teens & adults. Free. 971-370-5040
Saturday Serenity Al-Anon Family Group, 10 a.m., Zoom. For families and friends of alcoholics. Zoom link: Janet.h.salem23@ gmail.com
Creciendo juntos/Growing Together Storytime, 1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. ¡Atrévete a acompañarnos aprender juntos! ¡Atreves de leyendo libros bilingües podríamos hacer lo! Después abrirá una actividad para la familia. Through bilingual books and activities, learn simple words and phrases that help us communicate and grow together. 971-370-5040
The Art of Mindfulness, 2 p.m. Borland Gallery, 303 Coolidge St., Silverton. Connecting mind, heart, and body. Listen, meditate, contemplate, share thoughts. 971-218-6641
Just for Today Al-Anon Family Group, 6:30 p.m., Silverton Coffee Club, 302 N Water St. For families and friends of alcoholics.
Friday, Nov. 1
Used Treasure Sale
10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 500 N Second St., Silverton. Open to public. Free admission. Repeats Nov. 2.
Community Movie Night
6 p.m., St. Mary’s Public School, 590 E College St., Mt. Angel. Explore the tradition of Dia de los Muertos with Coco and popcorn. Bring a blanket to sit on. Free. All ages. 971-370-5040
Lunaria Opening Reception
6 - 8 p.m., Lunaria Gallery, 113 N Water St., Silverton. Meet the artists. Main Floor Gallery is “Carving Shape and Line,” drawings by Jenny Armitage and wood sculptures by Deborah Unger. Loft Gallery is artwork by Rachel Wood. Exhibits open 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. 503873-7734, lunariagallery.com
Saturday, Nov. 2
Holiday Happiness Market
10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Silverton Grange, 201 Division St. Handmade gifts from local artisans, bakers, crafters and makers. Repeats Nov. 3. 971-267-9364 (text)
Author Meet & Greet
3 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Local authors Becky Harrison, Donna Hues, Barbara Hettwer and Kate Hamberger present their latest works. Refreshments served. Free. All ages. 971-370-5040
Monday, Nov. 4
Daughters of the American Revolution
10 a.m., Stayton United Methodist Church, 1450 Fern Ridge Road. Celebrating women veterans. Chapter meeting follows. All welcome. 503-508-8246
Silverton City Council
6:30 p.m., Council Chambers, 410 N Water St. City council work session, regular meeting. Open to public. 503-873-5321
Mt. Angel City Council
7 p.m., Mount Angel Public Library. Open to public. 503-845-9291, ci.mt-angel.or.us
Tuesday, Nov. 5
Mt. Angel American Legion
6:30 p.m., Legion Hall, 740 E College St., Mt. Angel. All veterans are welcome. Masks optional. Jim, 503-845-6119
Wednesday, Nov. 6
Post Office Family Storytime
10:30 a.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. After stories, guests will tour the post office and learn what postal workers do. Ages 2-5 w/ adult. Free. Registration required by calling 971-370-5040
Tree Ornament Craft
6:30 - 8 p.m., Silver Falls Library. Craft two different book page ornaments, one for the library Christmas tree and one to take home. Free. 503-873-8796
Scotts Mills City Council
7 p.m., Scotts Mills City Hall, 265 Fourth St. Open to public. 503-873-5435
Thursday, Nov. 7
Silverton Kiwanis Club
Noon, Main St. Bistro, 201 E Main St., Silverton. Bi-monthly meeting of Silverton Kiwanis Club. New members welcome. Repeats Nov. 21. silvertonkiwanis.org
Technology Class
1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Learn how to use tables, borders, backgrounds and WordArt to make Word documents pop. Teens & adults. Registration required by calling 971-370-5040.
Tree of Giving Sign-ups
4 - 6 p.m., Immanuel Lutheran Church, 303 N Church St., Silverton. Parents and guardians can sign up for children’s holiday gifts. Families must provide evidence of financial need, and bring photo ID, birth certificate or current school registration, proof of address, proof of income. Children must live in Silverton/ Scotts Mills or attend Silver Falls School District with no holiday programs. Repeats 6 - 8 p.m. Nov. 8, 12; 10 a.m. - noon Nov. 9, 11; 4 - 6 p.m. Nov. 13. Call Becky, 971-6004713, for more information.
Happy Little Painting
6 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Follow along with a Bob Ross video and create an autumn masterpiece. No experience needed. Teens & adults. Registration required by calling 971-370-5040.
Critique Night
7 - 8:30 p.m., Silverton Arts Association, 303 Coolidge St. Bring your latest work for discussion and critique amongst other artists in the community. 503-873-2480, silvertonarts.org
Friday, Nov. 8
Giving Thanks Storytime
10 a.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Listen to Fry Bread, honoring Native American traditions and celebrations. Enjoy a snack and craft. All ages. Free. 971-370-5040
Family Movie Night
4 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Enjoy Despicable Me 4 (PG) with popcorn. Free. All ages. 971-370-5040
All-Ages Game Night
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, Nov. 9
Elks Flea Market
8 a.m. - 3 p.m., Silverton Elks Lodge, 300 High St. Open to public. 503-931-4567. Red Cross Blood Drive
9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Safeway, 301 Westfield St., Silverton. For appointments visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-3767.
Sunday, Nov. 10
Kinship Dinner
4 - 6 p.m., Oak Street Church, 502 Oak St., Silverton. An evening of food, live music, storytelling and kinship as Sheltering Silverton shares its mission and success stories. $40/person, includes meal and handmade ceramic bowl. Space is limited. RSVP via phone/text at 503-453-3698, by email at elyse@shelteringsilverton.org. Tickets must be purchased before event.
Family Fun Night
5 - 7 p.m., Silverton First Christian Church, 402 N First St. Dinner and family fun night packing shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. All welcome. 503-873-6620
Monday, Nov. 11
Mt. Angel School District
6:30 p.m., District Office, 730 E Marquam St., Mt. Angel. Agenda available. Open to public. 503-845-2345, masd91.org
Silver Falls School District
7 p.m., Silverton High. Open to public. 503-873-5303, silverfallsschools.org
Tuesday, Nov. 12
Ancestry Detectives
10 a.m. - noon, Silver Falls Library. “Am I My Brother’s Keeper?” Ethical and legal considerations when posting or writing. All welcome. Membership: Kathy Valdez, 503508-4251. ancestrydetectives.org
Ukulele Play and Sing-Alongs
6 - 7:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. First 30 minutes is beginner’s ukulele lesson followed by play and sing-along time for all skill levels. Music is provided but don’t forget to bring your ukulele. 503-873-8796
Silverton Planning Commission
7 p.m., Council Chambers. Open to public. 503-874-2207, silverton.us.or
Wednesday, Nov. 13
Family Storytime
10:30 a.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Singing, stories, crafts, indoor playtime. Age 2-5 w/adult. Free. Repeats Nov. 20. 971-370-5040
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, Nov. 14
Recycled Book Turkey
1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Transform an old book into a Thanksgiving turkey. All supplies provided. Free. Teens and adults. Repeats at 6 p.m. 971-370-5040
Silverton Zenith Women’s Club
6:30 p.m., Silver Creek Fellowship Church. Women come together to discuss ways to fund, implement projects benefiting Silverton Community. Anyone interested is welcome. Barbara, 801-414-3875
Friday, Nov. 15
Grand Re-Opening Party
4:30 p.m. - 7 p.m., Silverton Senior Center, 115 Westfield St. LEGO Lab
3 - 4:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Build original creation to display at library. All ages. Free. Repeats Nov. 22. 971-370-5040
Saturday, Nov. 16
Men’s Fellowship Breakfast
8 a.m., Water Mountain Restaurant, 1397 S Water St., Silverton. All men are welcome for devotion, meal, time of fellowship together. 503-873-6620
Holiday Craft Fair
10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Scotts Mills Grange, 299 Fourth St. Handmade treasures from local artisans including jewelry, home decor, art, soaps, quilts and one-of-akind gifts. Free admission.
Celebrating 50 Years!
1 p.m., Silverton City Hall, 410 N Water St. Silverton Country History Museum celebrates 50 years with recognition of charter members, reflections from town officials and civil leaders, visual presentation, opening of time capsule from 1975, limited edition 50th anniversary mugs, festive reception. Open to all. 503-873-7070, silvertonmuseum.org
Chesterton Gala
4 p.m., Mt. Angel Festhalle, 500 Wilco Hwy. Appetizers, live music, dinner, dessert auction. Adults only. $50. Tickets at chestertonwv.com
3 - 4 p.m., Silverton First Christian Church, 402 N First St. All knitters, crocheters welcome to make prayer shawls for those in need. 503-873-6620
Silverton City Council
6:30 p.m., Council Chamber, 410 N Water St., Silverton. City council work session and regular meeting. Open to public. 503-873-5321, silverton.or.us
Tuesday, Nov. 19
Teen Hangout
5 - 7 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Learn to make grilled cheese sandwiches, design a postcard, board and card games. Registration required by calling 971-370-5040.
Silver Falls Book Club
6:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. Discuss Horse by Geraldine Brooks. All welcome. 503-873-8796
Wednesday, Nov. 20
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
Thursday, Nov. 21
Book Discussion for Adults
1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Discuss Dies the Fire by S.M. Stirling. Zoom link available on request. All welcome. 971-370-5040
Silverton Christmas Market
5 - 9 p.m., Oregon Garden Resort, 895 W Main St., Silverton. Explore German Christmas Market for gifts from artisan vendors and imported German nutcrackers, smokers and ornaments. For tickets, available only online, and a list of activities and events, visit silvertonchristmasmarket. com. Runs through Dec. 31. Closed Nov. 28, Dec. 24-25. Silver Falls Writers Group
6:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. Writers share works in progress. All welcome. 503-873-8796 Mt. Angel Planning Commission
Friday, Nov. 22
Red Cross Blood Drive
Noon - 5 p.m., Silverton First Baptist Church, 299 Westfield St. For appointments visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-3767.
Sunday, Nov. 24
Finding God at the Movies
4 - 7 p.m., Silverton First Christian Church, 402 N First St. Watch The Christmas Child, (PG), dinner. All ages 503-873-6620
Monday, Nov. 25
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 Tree Board
7 p.m., Mount Angel Public Library. Open to public. 503-845-9291, ci.mt-angel.or.us
Tuesday, Nov. 26
Thanksgiving Community Lunch
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Silverton Senior Center, 115 Westfield St. Silverton Meals on Wheels sponsors free Thanksgiving lunch. All welcome. RSVP: 503-873-6096 Silverton Planning Commission
6:30 p.m., Council Chambers. Work session. Open to public. 503-874-2207 PFLAG Silverton
7 p.m., Oak Street Church, 502 Oak St., Silverton. All welcome. Under 18 must have parent/guardian. Christy, 541-7861613, silvertonpflag@gmail.com
Wednesday, Nov. 27
Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
10:30 a.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Watch Charlie Brown’s Thanksgiving, feast with characters. All ages. Free. 971-370-5040
Teen Advisory Board/Book Club
4:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Teens (grades 6-12) help collaborate with the library on programs, collections, games and more. Snacks provided. Book Club meets for the first 30 minutes to discuss Refugee by Alan Gratz. 971-370-5040
Thursday, Nov. 28
Thanksgiving Day
Turkey Trot
7 p.m., Mount Angel Public Library. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-845-9291, ci.mt-angel.or.us
8:30 a.m., Robert Frost Elementary, 201 Westfield St., Silverton. This year features a junior course for younger runners. Costumes encouraged. Strollers and wellbehaved, leashed dogs are welcome. Participants receive ticket to win a prize. $20/individuals, $60/ families. Benefit Robert Frost PTC. Signup at runsignup.com/race/or/ silverton/silvertonturkeytrot or the day of the race.
Something to Think About
Playground etiquette
By Melissa Wagoner
When Ezme Fern Lillian learned of the Silverton Rotary Club’s plan to build an all-abilities playground in Silverton their feelings were mixed.
“My concern was abled children would take over the space, play rough, and be exclusionary towards disabled children,” they said, “which has occurred. Some children run around, knocking each other over, with no awareness to others.”
The parent of nine-year-old, Juniper – a child with multiple, chronic and complex medical conditions – Ezme has often felt dismayed that able-bodied children, the majority users of the playground, physically inhibit Juniper from playing on the new equipment. But it is the stares, whispers, mocking and outright disregard they have witnessed that have bothered them most.
“It’s beyond exhausting,” they confirmed. “We have been fighting to keep our child alive, due to the ongoing pandemic and J’s medical fragility, we live in isolation indoors… I want abled [people] to understand that for some disabled children and adults this is the only safe place they have to play. Many do not have accessible yards or any other spaces in the community or in their homes. It’s imperative to make this space safe, inclusive and accessible for the disabled community.”
Ezme is not alone in these wishes. In fact, it was with that goal in mind that
the playground was created, Rotary Club member Kyle Palmer explained.
“We were really taken with the vision of all children playing together, learning about one another, and exploring the park in a way that would reduce, even slightly, some of the historical tendencies for kids with various unique needs to be excluded,” he said. “We still believe in that, but it relies on inherent decency that sadly is not always present.”
Which is why the Rotary Club will soon be adding a sign featuring a list of “aspirational rules” to be posted near the playground in coming months.
“Those were developed with input from families and really do intend to set a particular tone for the play that occurs,” Palmer explained. “We know that not every user will respect them, but they lay a foundation of kindness, decency, and compassion toward one another, and they convey that we intend that those concepts are always at work while using the park.”
It’s what Ezme had hoped for when the playground first opened.
“My goal was for it to be a safe space for all disabled children to play, and feel connected and celebrated,” they said. “The city marketed the playground as all abilities and wanted to ensure that abled and disabled children could successfully play together. Which sounds like a great idea in principle, unfortunately, from my experience disabled children like mine end up being excluded in spaces designed for all.”
Natashia Kletter has had similiar experiences on the occasions when she and her son Kenny – an 11-year-old diagnosed with autism – have visited the playground.
“As it is right now, it’s very hard to access,” she said, describing the number of kids utilizing the equipment at any given time as Kenny’s biggest complaint. “But I’m being patient with it.”
A passionate educator in the field of neurodivergence, Kletter sees the new playground as an important opportunity for children of all abilities and their families to interact.
Ways to make all abilities playgrounds
• Talk to kids about disabilities before visiting the playground.
• Discuss how behavior expectations and etiquette might be different.
• Model how to greet kids of all abilities, introduce yourself and then wait for a response.
• When in doubt, ask guardians, “How can we be more supportive?”
• Suggested resources: the books Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and We Move Together and the documentary, Crip Camp
“I would love for families in Silverton to be open to learning about accommodations and how to support each other,” she said. “Because inclusion is about meeting each other’s needs and not just mixing everyone together.”
For that to happen, there must be communication.
“You have to have these nuanced conversations,” Kletter explained. “Like, we know kids are curious – so teach your kids to say, hi. And teach your kids about disabilities ahead of time. Teach your kids about differences and etiquette. There are so many books that can help.”
But above all, Kletter hopes guardians will impress upon the children visiting the new playground the need to show respect, kindness and a willingness to learn about others.
“Willingness is key,” she said. “I would tell families, ask questions. Just ask me, ‘How can me and my children be more supportive? How can we be a good friend?’ Or encourage your child to say, ‘Hi,’ and give my child time to respond… We appreciate the effort.”
And interactions like these are happening.
“We’ve had a couple of glimmers of joy,” Ezme said. “A toddler connecting with J…[teaching] a family some basic ASL...”
Their hope is that those interactions will increase, leading to an environment that is both physically and emotionally safe.
“I would love to see more of that,” Kletter said.
The ribbon cutting celebration at the All Abilities Park in Silverton earlier this year. SUBMITTED PHOTO
The Forum
Support for a diversity of views
I am responding to David Steinberg’s opinion in The Forum, that Our Town is doing its readers a disservice by accepting advertisements and comments from groups like the Noble Men of Oregon. Our nation was founded on the constitutional right to speak freely. I, for one, appreciate your willingness to allow the sharing of different points of view. It is when we are silenced by those who believe their opinions are the only
ones that should be valued that we are at our weakest.
Please continue to allow others the freedom to share. I may not like some of the things I read, but I would never shush those who are willing to speak out. Especially when one’s religion requires it. Thank you.
Cindy Baker, Silverton
History provides examples of judgment
In The Forum (10/15/24), Mr. David Steinberg submitted a Letter with the title: “Opinions in Ad Misogynistic.” He disapproves of me “justifying [my] opinions” with “quotes from the Bible.” While he has a right to his opinions, my point was based on historical events. The Bible verses I used were to help explain why those events happened.
Here is the opening passage of Scripture: “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. He will bring back on them their iniquity and wipe them out for their wickedness; the LORD our God will wipe them out.” – Psalm 94:20-23
I see a pattern in history that supports the basic premise of this Psalm. God punishes those who pass sinful laws to support what God abhors.
I quoted Abraham Lincoln’s belief that the Civil War was God’s judgment on America for failing to end the institution of slavery.
I also pointed out that WWII is an example of how God’s judgment eventually falls upon the nations.
I then applied this same premise to the issue of abortion in the United States. What Mr. Steinberg refers to as my opposition to a woman’s right to make her own “physical, mental health, and life decisions” totally ignores the interests of 64 million unborn children, over half of which are girls.
Even the most liberal nations in Europe and in the Far East have more restrictive laws on abortion than we do here in the USA. Is it so unreasonable to think that God will one day judge our nation as well?
In closing, the purpose of our paid advertisements is always to explain who Jesus Christ is and what He has accomplished by dying in our place on the cross and then raising again from the dead. He paid for all the sins of all who repent and put their trust in Him.
Gregg Harris, Silverton
THE FORUM
Letters to the editor can be sent to ourtown.life@mtangelpub.com or mailed to Editor, Our Town, P.O. Box 927, Mount Angel, OR 97362. It is recommended submissions be limited to fewer than 350 words or 500 words for Guest Opinions. Our Town reserves the right to edit for clarity and space. Anonymous letters will not be published, nor will letters that include personal attacks, hate speech or advocate discrimination or violence. Letters should include a way for the editor to contact the writer for verification of submission; contact information is not for publication.
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$459,000 Mt. Angel, near the Abbey and the Towers. Single level, 1642sqft, built in 2016. Etta Hess 503-507-5786
Bob Dylan once observed in one of his most insightful moments, “You gotta serve somebody. It may be the devil, or it may be the Lord, but you gotta serve somebody.” He was right. No one can avoid serving. The question is whom will you serve?
There is a story in the Book of Joshua Old Testament of the Bible where the nation of Israel was confronted by their new leader, Joshua, concerning where their true allegiance lay. He gave them three “options” to choose. Not just God or the devil.
“Okay Israel, Listen Up.”
“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the river, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” — Joshua 24:14-15
This was a very important moment in history. Not just for Israel, but for all mankind. That’s because it was through this nation of Israel that God would fulfill His promise to send a Savior into the world. Starting all the way back in Genesis 3, God had promised that the “seed of the woman”( i.e. Jesus) would “crush the head of the serpent.” (i.e. Satan). But in doing so He would have to suffer.
Seed? Serpent? Does this all sound crazy? In light of the New Testament we know that the “seed of the woman” would be Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus had to be born of His mother alone, without the involvement of any human father, (Sorry Joseph.) because God Himself would be His Father. That woman turned out to be a godly young virgin named Mary and it was all foretold by the Jewish prophets hundreds of years before it happened (see Is. 7:14 & Mic. 5:2). A virgin would conceive and give birth to the Savior in Bethlehem.
You know the story of Christmas. But for Jesus to be born of the Virgin Mary and laid in that manger in Bethlehem, there first had to be a nation of Israel to be born into. That’s why Israel’s decision that day was so important. “So, whom will you serve, Israel?”
Three Options To Choose From
It’s interesting that the three options Joshua presented to the Israelites back then are still our only options today. Every one who has ever lived has had to choose whether to serve either the gods of family tradition, the gods of contemporary culture, or the Lord God of Israel Himself.
Option #1. The first option mentioned, “the gods of your forefathers,” are the inherited gods of family tradition. In Joshua’s day “the
gods your forefathers” were the gods of pagan idolatry. Generally speaking, an idol is any alternative to worshiping the one true God. Wealth, war, and sex were common “gods” in all ancient cultures. Their physical idols of wood, stone or metal provided focal points to worship and sacrifice to their god.
By Gregg Harris
And Then There Is “The Church of What’s Happening Now”
Joshua’s second option was “the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living.” These false gods represent the the fantasy-gods of contemporary culture, or as Flip Wilson put it so comically in the 1970s, “The Church of What’s Happening Now.” This supposed “spirituality” offers an imaginary comic-book fantasy god, totally disconnected ption #2 applies the philosophy of Postmodernism to religion.
The postmodernist has stopped looking for the truth and has instead settled for whatever fantasy works for him. He embraces it, not by believing it, but by suspending his disbelief enough to participate. He knows its not true. But it offers him things to do, like Comic-Con, have friends, or even go to church
“Now, “whoever believes in Jesus will not perish, but have eternal life” (see John 3:16). That is the good news. Choosing this Option #3 is the only way you can escape the other two options.”
God forbade His people to make idols, even to represent Himself, because any attempt to do so would only distort the truth of Who He is. The Apostle Paul tells us Jesus is the “visible image of the invisible God” (Col. 1:15). So Jesus is the only “image” God approves of for Himself.
So, “the gods your forefathers worshiped” are generally the gods of family tradition. They represent the unchosen faith you were born into. It’s the one you probably take for granted. This option lulls people into a false sense of confidence that they are saved.
But the question is, are you going to just go along with whatever religion you were born into? It could be a cult! Or a false religion. It could even be true Biblical Christianity, but if your only relationship to it is that your parents took you to that church, if you have no personal faith in Jesus, then even though it is right one, it does not save you from God’s judgment when you die. You cannot be saved by your parent’s faith. You have to believe in Jesus on your own and for yourself. You see, God has no grandchildren, only children.
We often hear of RINOs, (i.e. Republicans In Name Only). Well there are also CINOs (i.e. Christians In Name Only). They are what true Christians call “nominal Christians,” people who bear the name of Christ in vain because they don’t really believe in Him or obey Him.
The sad truth is that many people use Christianity as nothing more than “a good fantasy that works for me.” They go to church without believing. They have no real faith in Jesus, nor in the gospel. This “faith” doesn’t save anyone from anything except loneliness.
Agree With Us Or Else!
Sometimes these gods of contemporary culture become coercive. Imperial Rome fed early Christians to the lions for being atheists toward their gods. Later, in the Middle Ages, both Roman Catholicism and Islam resorted to violence to make new converts. Today, we see this same kind of coercion in Communist China’s social credit system. A similar system is exerting pressure on businesses in the U.S. to be appropriately “woke.” Social and financial rewards flow to those who go along, while harsh punishments come to those who won’t. Refuse to march, or wave the right flag, and you will pay the price. It’s culture.
The Israelites Chose Correctly
Option #3. After receiving Joshua’s charge, the people responded, “We will serve the LORD our God and obey him.” (Josh. 24:24). And so they did. The nation of Israel was established. But after a few generations they drifted away from God to worship the gods of the nations all around them. God mercifully
brought them back to Himself over and over again (though often through very painful national distress), until the stage was finally set for “the seed,” Jesus, to be born as that baby in Bethlehem in the land of the Jews. That baby grew up. Jesus went on to live the perfectly sinless life we were all supposed to live, but have not. Jesus then died the horrible death that we all deserve because of our rebellion. He never sinned. That’s why He could die in our place. His body lay in the grave for three days until God the Father raised Jesus from the dead. God did this in order to prove that Jesus’ death was in fact accepted as payment for our sins. From that point on, “whoever believes in Jesus will not perish, but have eternal life” (see John 3:16). That is the good news. Choosing Option #3 is the only way to escape the other two options.
So, Who Are You Serving?
Everyone has to choose whom they will serve from among these three options. Joshua made his choice. “As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” How about you? Whom will you serve?
Want to have a conversation about this? Let’s talk. Call or text me at 971-370-0967 and we can meet together for coffee. I’ll buy.
Gregg Harris, “That Terrarium Guy In Silverton”
Joe & Dana Giegerich
$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
By Melissa Wagoner
Deanna Perkins has finally realized her dream of owning her own spa.
“It’s a little oasis in the middle of downtown,” Perkins said of Serenity –the newest addition to Serenity Home and Spa Shoppe on East Main Street in Silverton. Her dream opened its doors in April 2024.
“The whole time I’ve been here people have been asking me, ‘Where is the spa?’” Perkins said. And now, with a dedicated space opened right next door, she has an answer. “Come to the shop and check in and then the therapist will walk you around to the spa.”
That’s when the pampering begins.
“With a 60 minute or longer service, each person receives a relaxation journey – a mineral soak for your feet, a warm
Serenity Spa
Facial and massage treatments beyond 60 minutes begin with a warm foot soak and herbal neck wrap
218 E. Main St., Silverton 503-874-4177 www.serenityhomeandspa.com
neck wrap, prosecco or a non-alcoholic drink and snacks,” Perkins described. “It’s an opportunity to unwind, and then have your service.”
With a full menu of body work, facials and holistic services, the Serenity Spa offers something for athletes, moms to be, couples, or those just looking to relax.
“Our lives are so crazy…” Perkins said. “You have to take time for yourself.”
$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
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Massage therapist, Lisa Rue, and aesthetician, Johanna Garcia, in the newly opened Serenity Spa.
MELISSA WAGONER
Now Offering Same Day CROWNS
Passages
Robert M. Foster Nov. 17, 1943
Robert M. “Bob” Foster of Silverton, Oregon died Sept. 30, 2024. He was born Nov. 17, 1943 in New York State.
He grew up in Long Island, and was drafted into the US Army in 1966. He was stationed at Ft. Monmouth in New Jersey, spending two years in their film division making educational movies. Upon completion, he moved to California to attend the Chouinard Art School.
Having shown interest in cartooning from an early age, with encouragement from a family friend, he knew the work he wanted to pursue.
Early in his career, he was sent by Disney to open an office in Paris. Throughout his career he worked for most of the known animation companies on everything from still comics, books, television and movie cartoons that we all know, from his own Maynard Moose, to Donald Duck and the Disney characters, to the Pixar movies, as well as Spongebob Squarepants. He worked in France, Denmark, Los
– Sept. 28, 2024
Angeles, Burbank, Salt Lake City, Portland among other locations.
He was a charter member of the Comic Art Professional Society and had served as the treasurer for a time. He was a member of the Animation Guild and served as its president from December 2010 through December 2013.
Upon retirement in 2014, he moved to Silverton. He quickly joined the Silverton Arts Association and the Silverton Senior Center, participating, volunteering and making friends.
Bob is survived by one older brother, Stanley, who lives in Florida; his close companion, Diane Stone of Silverton; and many friends. He will be buried in the family plot in New York.
A celebration of life potluck is planned for Sunday, Nov. 17, 1 to 3 p.m. at Silverton Senior Center on Westfield Street. All are welcome. Donations may be made to Silverton Arts Association’s Bob Foster Scholarship Fund.
Lynn Steven DeGuire
Nov. 7, 1948 – Aug. 31, 2024
Lynn Steven DeGuire, 75, passed away on Aug. 31, 2024. He was born in Silverton, Oregon Nov. 7, 1948 to Charles and Doris DeGuire.
He spent most of his life as a cowboy in Eastern Oregon as a successful cattle rancher working on the 3D Ranch and Double O Ranch.
He loved the outdoors and was an expert fisherman and hunter.
Lynn left behind his twins, Stephanie and Brett, his four grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He also left his brother, Chuck; his sisters, Nancy and Sharon; his lifelong friend, Linda; and a herd of friends from all over Oregon.
A private gathering to end this cowboy’s story on earth was held on top of the majestic Steen Mountains with snow falling and a large metal cross was put up on his property as he would have wanted.
PHOTO BY TANNER RUSS
Mary Margaret Doehle
Mary Margaret Doehle was surrounded by her family when she peacefully passed away on Oct. 6, 2024.
She was born Mary Margaret Savageau, the third child born to Cecil and Thelma Savageau in Salem, Oregon. Mary grew up in Hubbard, Oregon but finally settled in Mount Angel, where she lived for 47 years. Mary graduated from high school in 1965 from North Marion High School.
As a child Mary loved to ride horses. As a teen she loved to cruise the gut in Salem in her brother’s Corvette. Mary received a 1965 Mustang her senior year.
Mary and Bob Brown eloped in 1970. They had two children, Julie and Greg, and were married for 24 years before he passed away in September of 1992.
Mary got a job in the banking business which she did for 30 years. Her dedication to her work as a banker was evident in her professionalism and attention to detail. She was respected by her colleagues and cherished by many clients.
She loved spending time with her
Aug. 13, 1948 – Oct. 6, 2024
family, which included activities such as baking at Christmas time and camping. Mary leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter, having raised two children and doting on her granddaughter. She will be remembered for her adventurous spirit.
Mary found love again with Warren Doehle and embraced new experiences. They were happily married for 25 years.
Mary will be missed by all who knew her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and those who were lucky enough to have crossed paths with her.
She is survived by her husband, Warren Doehle; daughter, Julie Brown-Halter; son Greg Brown; and her grandchildren, Nicole, Thomas, Lilly, Ruby and Maxine.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to fight breast cancer in Mary’s honor.
A celebration of Mary’s life was held on Oct. 17 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Silverton. Arrangements by Unger Funeral Chapel.
aqua cremation, celebration of life and funeral services involving earth burial.
We offer pre planning alternatives to control costs. Make your wishes known and we will do our best to relieve family distress.
www.ungerfuneralchapel.com
The $100,000 kick
Former Silverton High athlete and current University of Oregon student Kyle Kramer is $100,000 richer after nailing a place kick on ESPN’s GameDay college football preview program.
Kramer, who played football and baseball for the Foxes before graduating in 2021, earned his shot at fortune by winning a raffle. Approximately 200 tickets were handed out at 3 a.m., hours before the ESPN show opened on the U of O campus on Oct. 12, the day the Ducks faced Ohio State.
Kramer’s number was called at about 7 a.m., he told Our Town, but he didn’t kick until about 8 a.m. He missed wide left on his first shot, worth $80,000, but show co-host Pat McAfee decided to give him a second shot and boosted the prize money to $100K.
With former Alabama coach Nick Saban taking care of the hold, Kramer, clad in a No. 1 Oregon jersey, booted the ball right down the middle, and the crowd lining the kicking area erupted. Kramer jumped up and down and threw his cap in the hair and hugged Saban.
Like the former special teams ace he was for the Foxes, Kramer thanked Saban, his holder. Then-Silverton coach Josh Craig remembers Kramer as a versatile player, filling roles as wide receiver, holder, backup place-kicker and occasional punter. He was a co-captain in 2021, his senior year.
“Kyle was always eager to help the team in any way possible,” Craig told Our Town. “He always had a great attitude and was an excellent teammate. He really embodies what Silverton football is all about: team first… willing to do whatever is needed to help the team get better.
“He always set his sights high and wasn’t afraid of a challenge, so I’m not surprised that he delivered on that kick.”
Kramer, a University of Oregon junior majoring in general social sciences, said he plans to use the $100,000 to help pay off student loans, cover the rent and “make investments.”
Volleyball: Silverton heads into the home stretch of the Mid-Willamette Conference season tied for fourth place with West Albany at 8-5. The Foxes dropped into the tie via a five-set loss to Corvallis on Oct. 24. Silverton led 2-1, but the Spartans rallied to take the fourth set, 25-23, and then took command during a 15-4 fifth set. The Foxes closed the regular season at Lebanon on Oct. 29, after Our Town’s presstime against 5-8 Lebanon. West Albany finished with 10-3 Corvallis. The Mid-Willamette receives four automatic playoff berths, but the Foxes would be a good bet even if they drop to 5th because their No. 11 OSAA ranking likely would earn them one of the two at-large slots.
Alumni Watch I: Former Foxes teammates Jordan McCarty and Jackson Pfeifer keep coming through for their college teams. McCarty, who shares QB duties at Western Oregon with Kainoa Jones, scored the tying touchdown on a three-yard run in the Wolves’ 30-27 overtime win at Texas-Permian Basin on
Oct. 19. McCarty hit eight of 12 passes for 71 yards and a TD and rushed for 28 more yards. The win, WOU’s fifth in a row, kept Western tied for first in NCAA Division II’s Lone Star Conference with Angelo State. The Wolves host Angelo State on Saturday, Nov. 9 at McArthur Field in Monmouth.
Pfeifer, meanwhile, rushed for 64 yards and a touchdown and caught four passes for 59 yards in Linfield’s 47-7 win at
George Fox. The victory moved the Wildcats to 5-1 overall and 3-0 in NCAA Division III’s Northwest Conference.
Alumni Watch II: Former Foxes football coach Robby Robinson, who led Silverton to the 1991 Class 3A state title, is serving as an assistant at Sprague of Salem, which was 8-0 at presstime and ranked fifth in Class 6A by the OSAA. Robby’s sons A.J. and Byrnie are both also on the staff, with A.J. serving as the head coach.
Kyle Kramer boots the ball out of the hold of coaching legend Nick Saban on Oct. 12 during ESPN’s College GameDay program in Eugene. Kramer, a 2021 Silverton High graduate, won $100,000 for his nationally televised kick.
COURTESY TARA & KYLE KRAMER
Hey, everyone! Want a good laugh? Pull out your “Official Marion County Voters’ Pamphlet” and take a look at the ballot measures some creative souls have airdropped into our laps.
Overall, they are pretty darn kooky. This year’s batch of measures would: damage the state economy, give people free money, make election outcomes so they are impossible to understand, require pot sellers to be nice to employees, set up a commission to decide how much elected officials should be paid and allow the legislature to impeach elected officials.
I have one answer for all of them: no.
None of these things has anything whatsoever to do with making state government work better. In fact, they would probably do the opposite.
I was chit-chatting with some folks the other day and this question came up: which state agencies work well? Moreover, which ones are excellent? That started a lot of head-scratching. The Oregon (Un)Employment Department
is still trying to get caught up from COVID. The state Water Resources Department seems to be sinking.
The state Health Authority? Not so healthy. And the state Public Utilities Commission can’t say yes fast enough to jacking up electricity rates.
Then I came up with a good one. The Driver and Motor Vehicles Division – DMV. The last time I was in there, everything went smoothly. I was in and out in a few minutes.
But then I read that DMV was registering non-citizens to vote. Oh well…
On a much larger scale, you can ask the same question about the federal government. Is excellence to be found
anywhere in the massive bureaucracy we have created?
Thomas Jefferson supposedly said, “That government is best which governs least.”
Not anymore.
The federal government employs upward of 3 million people who oversee our lives. They paw through our stuff when we get on planes, they tell us what we can, and can’t, do about any number of things.
But is excellence to be found anywhere?
Here’s a tiny example. Several years ago, the federal government set aside $43 billion to supply high-speed internet hookups to every rural household. I suppose a lot of people want the internet, so they can work from home and watch Netflix at the same time. A lot of other folks couldn’t care less.
Either way, it doesn’t matter. According to The Wall Street Journal, not a single inch of fiber optic cable has been installed. So much for excellence.
Back to the election. I personally don’t
care how others vote. I’m sure they have their reasons, but ballot measures are generally filled with unintended consequences. By definition, a ballot measure has not been adequately vetted or gone through public hearings to determine how to make it better or, alternatively, whether to toss it in the recycling bin.
As a guy who has been paying taxes for 55 years, I’m not looking for free money from the state or mystery elections in which everyone’s second choice might win. I’m looking for competence, both in the legislature and in Congress.
I’m looking for fairness and for a government that embraces all Americans, not just those with the biggest wallets and who can make the biggest campaign contributions, or those who make the most noise.
I’m looking for a government of competence.
Carl Sampson is a freelance editor and writer. He lives in Stayton.
GENERAL
PASTOR CHUCK BALDWIN
Liberty Fellowship, Kalispell, Montana satellite group
Sundays, 1:30 p.m. Call Kristen, 503-990-4584
YOUR RIGHT TO SELF
DEFENSE Saturdays Age 10-12 at 5:00 Age 13 & up 6:15
Security & Correctional Officers
7:30 Private Lessons Available
International Certification
Curriculum available on request Call Harold 503-391-7406
ROOM FOR RENT Lyons, Oregon, $550/month. 503-383-4398
HELP WANTED
HOUSEKEEPER WANTED $20 an hour. Home in Lyons. 503-383-4398
SERVICES
HANDYMAN & HOME REPAIR
SERVICE Installation and repair of fencing, decks, doors, gutter cleaning, moss removal, power washing, yard debris removal. CCB# 206637. Ryan, 503-881-3802
MAGIC CARPET CLEANING
& MORE Since 1992. Carpet & upholstery cleaning at its best. Free estimates. Residential & commercial. Located in Silverton. Call Harold at 503-391-7406
SOUNDS GOOD STUDIO Bands, artists, personal karaoke CDs, books, restoring VHS video to DVD. Old cassettes, reel-to-reel
& 8-track cassettes restored to CD. Call Harold 503-391-7406
GOT STUFF YOU WANT GONE? From yard debris to scrap metal-From garage sale left overs to rental clear outs. We repurpose, recycle, reuse, or donate what we can. Call and find out what we can do for you. $20 Minimum. Call Keith 503-502-3462
WANTED
LOOKING TO PURCHASE a Commercial Building in downtown Silverton or surrounding towns. Two story or three. Serious buyer looks for a serious seller only. Duke, 505-429-1523
$239,000
4.69 acre timber property. 2-bedroom cabin, small shed on site, natural yearround spring. Abiqua Rd. NE, Scotts Mills. MLS#822385 DiNae Fitzke 503-949-5309 $399,900 Back on market/no fault of property or seller. 2 bd, 2 ba ,1234 SF. Gas fireplace, newly installed LVP, new stove. HOA. 401 Ike Mooney Rd., Silverton. MLS#820973 Linda Webb 503-508-7387
#T2828 BEAUTIFUL HOME
$549,900 Beautiful well cared for, single level ranch style home in Mountain High Addition. Built in 1999, home includes 3 bedrooms, 2 baths with 1,546 sq. ft. of living space, gas fireplace in living room, granite countertops in kitchen, manicured landscaping, and fully fenced yard. Newer kitchen appliances and roof was replaced in September 2023. Nice deck off dining area to backyard in quiet neighborhood with seasonal views toward Mt. Angel. Call for an appointment today! Call Chuck at ext. 325 (WVMLS#817263)
#T2848
PERFECT CREEK FRONTAGE $418,300
The perfect creek frontage setting, 1.76 acre lot, level with wonderful mature oak tree grove, with about 275 feet of Abiqua Creek frontage. Wonderful swimming hole and peaceful location to build your dream home. Lot is Buildable per the county, ready for you to build your forever home. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 (WVMLS#821913)
SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES
#T2840 NORTH FORK PROPERTY 3 BR, 1 BA 1941 sqft. Lyons. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $348,700 (WVMLS#820296)
#T2817 GREAT LOCATION 2 BR, 2 BA 990 sqft. Independence. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $447,800 (WVMLS#815114)
#T2819 FIVE SEPARATE UNITS
6 BR, 5 BA 3172 sqft. Salem. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $750,000 (WVMLS#815616)
SOLD! – #T2845 BIG MEADOW SUBDIVISION 4 BR, 3 BA 2696 sqft. Molalla. Call Chuck at ext. 325 or Becky at ext. 313 $559,900 (WVMLS#821251
#T2844 SINGLE LEVEL 3 BR, 2 BA 1320 sqft. Mt. Angel. Call Michael at ext. 314 $425,000 (WVMLS#820704)
NEW! – #T2852 – SOUTH SALEM GEM 4 BR, 2.5 BA 1652 sqft Call Michael at ext. 314 $449,900 (WVMLS#822286)
#T2843 LEASE OPPORTUNITY
$3,374/Month
Located in core of downtown Mt. Angel. Street level of the Glockenspiel Building.
#T2847 PRIVATE RETREAT
$585,000 Step into your own private retreat. This beautiful 3-bedroom 2.5 bath home is located on a dead-end street on the south end of town. The open downstairs floor plan leads to a large peaceful backyard, ready for hosting or for just relaxing around the fire or soaking in the hot tub. Upstairs rooms are spacious with plenty of storage. Extra parking along the house for all your toys! Moments from downtown, city parks, library, restaurants and so much more. Call Becky at ext. 313 (WVMLS#821377)
Now is the perfect time to list your home. Contact us today for a FREE home evaluation!
For Rentals – Call
or
#T2841 OVER 100FT OF ABIQUA
FRONTAGE 1.35 Acres. Silverton. Call Michael at ext. 314 $475,000 (WVMLS#820496)
#T2816 2 BUILDABLE LOTS .45 Acres. Silverton. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $109,900 (WVMLS#814998)
#T2827 GREAT OPPORTUNITY 1.66 Acres. Salem. Call Whitney at ext. 320 or Mike at ext. 312 $194,000 (WVMLS#817231)
#T2832 BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME 2.93 Acres. Silverton. Call Whitney at ext. 320 or Mike at ext. 312 $399,000 (WVMLS#817735)
NEW! – #T2848 PERFECT CREEK FRONTAGE 1.76 Acres. Silverton. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $418,300 (WVMLS#821913)
NEW! – #T2853 RARE BUILDING SITE .49 Acres Call Chuck at ext. 325 $150,000 (WVMLS#822413)
NEW! – #T2850 GREAT TOWNHOME 3 BR, 2.5 BA 1383 sqft Call Michael at ext. 314 $379,900 (WVMLS#822143)
#T2834 STUNNING RIVER FRONT ESTATE 6 BR, 4 BA 4297 sqft 2.8 Acres. Silverton. Call Chuck at ext. 325 $2,150,000 (WVMLS#817967)
#T2838 HOME ON THE HILL 3 BR, 2.5 BA 2112 sqft 7.12 Acres. Silverton. Call Michael at ext. 314 $749,900 (WVMLS#819011)
Hometown to Oregon’s largest Oktoberfest. Previously leased by Columbia Bank. Alley access to drive-up window. 2410 square feet. Water/Sewer included with lease. Call Michael at ext. 314 (WVMLS#821146) BROKERS ARE LICENSED IN OREGON
NEW! – #T2849 WONDERFUL SINGLE LEVEL 3 BR, 2.5 BA 1842 sqft 1.74 Acres. Silverton. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $698,700 (WVMLS#821912)
NEW! – #T2851 LOVELY HOME ON CREEK 3 BR, 2 BA 2448 sqft 1.18 Acres Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $834,700 (WVMLS#822222)
