Our Town North: Dec. 1, 2023

Civics 101

Something to Talk About

SFSD failed bond results analyzed by precinct – Page 4

Vol. 20 No. 23

Multi-family home shares stories on YouTube – Page 17

COMMUNITY NEWS Serving Mt. Angel, Silverton, and Scotts Mills

December 2023

Helping each other one lunch at a time – Page 17

Our Town P.O. Box 927 Mt. Angel, Or 97362

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Contents Civics 101 SFSD bond results by precincts.............4 Board rethinks bond strategy...............6 Mt. Angel streamlines sewer grant ...... 7 City manager shares first impressions .. 8 City considers mural for civic center .....9 Public invited to parks discussion.........9

Briefs ........................................ 10 Helping Hands Silverton opens shelter units.............. 11

School Spotlight SFSD state test results hold steady....... 21 MASD hopes to bridge attendance gap 21

Passages.................................22

JOSE LUIS ARREOLA

Sports & Recreation Foxes finish 11 - 1.............................. 24

OWNER / OPERATIONS

Commercial & Residential Services Schedule Your Free Estimate

Sports Datebook................................ 25

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A Grin at the End.............26 Marketplace.......................27

Something to Talk About The Burrow on YouTube.....................17

Business Red Haus Pizza in Mount Angel.......... 19 Creekside event space opens.............. 20

Call us: 541-410-8165 Find us on Facebook

Fr o n t A Fen cing . c om

See What You’ve Been Missing

Matt Price, Community Transition Program aide; CTP student Paulina Rubio Saavedra; Snack Sack leader Donna Eberle; and CTP student Kiele Pahia.

Angels among us............................... 13

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On the Cover

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Datebook................................. 14

Where the people are loved and the Word of God is preached.

BRENNA WIEGAND

Correction The story in Nov. 1 editions of Our Town on U.S. News & World Report’s high school rankings should have noted that the rankings for Kennedy and Silverton were for Oregon and not the nation as a whole. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused.

Schedule Your Annual Exam Today 6 0 0 N . First S tre e t, S ilv e rton Paula Mabry Editor & Publisher

Stephen Floyd Digital Editor & Reporter

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Melissa Wagoner Reporter

Our Town

P.O. Box 927 Mount Angel, OR 97362 401 Oak St. Silverton, OR 97381 503-845-9499 ourtown.life@mtangelpub.com ourtownlive.com

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Sara Morgan Datebook Editor

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Designer & Copy Editor

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Distribution

Our Town mailed free to residents and businesses in the 97362, 97375, 97381 zip codes. Subscriptions for outside this area are $48 annually.

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James Day

Sports Editor & Reporter

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December 2023 • 3

Civics 101

By the numbers

By Stephen Floyd More than 7,700 ballots were cast and $23,000 donated for Measure 24-486 on the ballot in the Nov. 7 election.

Had it passed, the measure would have raised more than $138 million for facility improvements throughout the Silver Falls School District (SFSD). According to election results published Nov. 17, the measure was failing by 55.71% out of 7,713 votes recorded.

Our Town dug into the numbers behind the result to learn who supported the measure, who stood against it and how it compared to past bond efforts.

High voter turnout As of Nov. 17, voter turnout in Marion County for Measure 24-486 was at 50.81%, well above the countywide turnout of 31.76%. This compares to 23% countywide for the 2023 May Primary and 61.46% for the 2022 General Election.

Marion County Clerk Bill Burgess said the high turnout for Measure 24-486 was not unusual because Silverton typically has more voter participation than the rest of the county. He said tax measures also tend to drive more turnout than non-tax issues.

4 • December 2023

SFSD $138 million bond measure rejected by the voters This year’s total was higher than in May of 2013 when 47.08% of SFSD voters turned out for a $36.9 million facilities bond, which failed by 56.42%. In November of 2014 a scaled down version of the 2013 bond at $24.9 million saw 77.06% local voter turnout and failed by 55.79%.

Who voted ‘Yes’?

Out of 14 voter precincts within SFSD, just one saw a majority of support for Measure 24-486.

Precinct 635, located in the southern half of Silverton and served by Robert Frost Elementary School, saw 55.19% out of 2,417 voters support the bond with 55.81% voter turnout.

The precinct has the highest number of registered Democrats at 32.6%, followed by non-affiliated voters at 31.7% and Republicans at 28.7%.

In the northern half of Silverton is Precinct 625, which spans the boundaries of both Robert Frost and Mark Twain Elementary School. While it is mathematically accurate to say a majority of voters in Silverton supported the bond, a majority of Precinct 625 did not, with 50.64% of 1,495 voters opposed and a 46.72% voter turnout.

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The largest group of registered voters in this precinct are non-affiliated at 35.7%, followed by Democrats at 28.8% and Republicans at 28.2%.

Who voted ‘No’?

The 12 precincts served by the outlying K-8 schools voted down the bond by large majorities, with a combined 64.69% of 3,805 voters rejecting the measure.

Voter turnout varied broadly between these precincts ranging from 32.05% to 64.29%, and between all 12 came to 47.04%.

The outlying precincts have 46.1% of combined voters registered Republican, followed by 32.8% non-affiliated, 21.1% Democrat.

The area with the strongest opposition by percentage was Precinct 330B in Clackamas County, served by Butte Creek School and Scotts Mills School. Voters here opposed the bond by 71.89% out of 498 votes, with 35.17% voter turnout.

Precinct 615 in Scotts Mills proper also saw a high percentage with 71.54% of 123 voters opposed and 39.8% voter turnout.

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The largest opposition by volume came from Precinct 681, comprising the westernmost parts of the district and served by Scotts Mills and Silver Crest School. Out of 1060 ballots cast, 660 were against, or 65.98%, with 50.91% voter turnout.

The lowest percentage of opposition was in Precinct 680, which includes the westernmost portions of SFSD and is served by Central Howell School and Pratum School. Here the bond saw 60.45% opposition out of 134 voters and 48.20% voter turnout.

$275,000 for consultants

SFSD has spent $275,600 on consultants since July 1, 2022, for services related to bond development and information campaigns. This equated to 0.2% of proposed bond revenue.

Services included experts to advise for the Bond Advisory Committee, planning and facilitation of community town hall meetings, voter polling, and public communications.

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$23,000 donated for support

Silver Falls Neighbors for Schools, a political action committee (PAC) organized Sept. 18 in support of the bond, received $23,552 in donations.

More than half came from donors associated with the construction and development industries. This included $5,000 from Shannon Parker with Pence Contractors, $2,500 from Ben Johnston with Johnco Investments, $2,500 from Bric Architecture, $2,000 from Cornerstone Management Group and $1,000 from SAJ Architecture.

Other donors included members of the SFSD Board including $1,000 from Tom Buchholz, $350 from Owen Von Flue and $250 from Jennifer Traeger.

Consultants included Colonna Education Consulting Services, Wright Public Affairs, Patinkin Research and Wenaha Group. The district’s contracts with these agencies do not extend beyond the current bond.

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When asked if this expenditure was worthwhile, district spokespeople said they stand by their process even with the bond’s failure and will continue seeking expert advice as the need arises.

Expenditures totaled $21,847 and included $13,392 to Wright Public Affairs for general promotions including yard signs, brochures, social media ads and media management. There was also $3,636 to Our Town for advertising and $2,125 to Jonathan Case for artwork.

PAC members also applied $1,280 to their personal expenditures, leaving an ending cash balance of $1,705.

$3,500 ceiling for opposition No on 24-486 was formed in opposition to the bond Oct. 10 by area farmer Karl Dettwyler. The PAC was registered with a certificate of limited contributions, which under Oregon law means there is no requirement to publicly report financial activity if total donations are below $3,500.

Records must still be kept, including donations and expenditures, and if donations exceed $3,500 these transactions must be reported publicly. As of press time, PAC transactions for No on 24-486 were not public.

When asked if he was willing to detail donations, Dettwyler told Our Town PAC supporters were “a handful of small donors beside myself [who] have completed what the state requires in regards to disclosure.”

Dettwyler said the PAC was formed in response to residents asking about campaign signs opposing the bond, and because of the state’s individual spending limit of $250 on campaign activities.

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Complete details on these topics are located on the City’s website: www.Silverton.or.us

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December 2023 • 5

Civics 101

Next steps?

May school bond seems less likely after SFSD Board meeting

By Stephen Floyd A May 2024 bond proposal seems less likely – but has not been ruled out – after the first meeting of the Silver Falls School District Board since the defeat of Measure 24-486 on Nov. 7.

The measure would have raised $138 million for school improvements including $75 million to replace Silverton Middle School. At the latest reported count it was failing by 55.71%.

During the board’s Nov. 13 meeting members discussed their reactions to the vote and potential next steps, though no policy decisions were made. The board agreed it would dive deeper into the options during the regular Nov. 27 workshop after administrators had a chance to compile and study election data.

During the Nov. 13 meeting, Chair Jennifer Traeger said conditions at the middle school are so dire that, without funding for a new facility, the district needs a plan to potentially vacate the building. Traeger said the plan should define what conditions would trigger a closure of the school and how the district would potentially relocate 440 middle schoolers.

“It’s irresponsible for us not to look at how we are going to educate the students in the Silverton Middle School

boundary if we have to say, ‘We cannot use Silverton Middle School anymore,’” said Traeger. “And that could be for safety reasons, it could be for building reasons, it could be because we don’t want to put any more money [into the building]... Whatever the reason is, we need to be ready.”

Traeger said creating such a plan would likely require a significant amount of administrator time and working on such a plan and a May 2024 bond proposal could split staff efforts too far.

She asked for a report from administrators on what they believe would be needed both for the “What if?” middle school plan and a follow-up bond proposal.

Another reason to not go out for a May bond, said Vice Chair Aaron Koch, is because the district would not be able to qualify for a matching grant from the state.

SFSD was approved for a $4 million grant through the Oregon School Capital Improvement Matching Program that was contingent upon voter approval of Measure 24-486.

The deadline has passed to qualify for a similar grant for a May bond proposal, Koch said. The district would need to wait until the November 2024 election cycle to apply again.

Board Member Tom Buchholz said a May bond proposal could benefit from the momentum created by Measure 24-486, but said there could be other benefits to waiting.

An existing bond to complete Silverton High School, passed in 2006, is set to expire in 2027. It is taxed at $2.02 per $1,000 of assessed value. Buchholz said, if the district proposes a follow-up bond to replace the expiring bond at the same rate, they could tell voters the new bond would not increase their taxes.

On the topic of vacating Silverton Middle School, Buchholz said he did the math. If as many students as possible were sent to the outlying K-8 schools, there would still be more than 200 students unassigned.

Buchholz and other board members said they understood the motivations of those who opposed the bond, from high inflation and fixed incomes to a mistrust of big government spending.

Buchholz said living in a small town allows a “Mayberry” lifestyle, but also means a lack of large industrial and commercial tax bases and the cost of infrastructure falls on everyday residents.

“In order to have nice facilities... we need to just come up with some money,” he said.

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Streamlining Mt. Angel sewer grants revised

By Stephen Floyd

The City of Mount Angel is removing barriers to sewer lateral repair grants in the hopes that more residents will apply for assistance.

During the Nov. 6 meeting of the Mount Angel City Council, amendments were made to the Sewer Lateral Replacement or Repair Assistance Program that took effect immediately.

The city started the program in 2012, offering to reimburse up to $2,000 to qualifying homeowners for the repair or replacement of leaking sewer laterals. The purpose was to incentivize more people to correct leaking laterals, often identified in annual smoke tests, and reduce the amount of water infiltration into the sewer system.

Since that time, only eight households have participated in the program, according to a staff report to the council dated Oct. 9. The report offered

suggestions on how to potentially broaden the program’s impact.

One potential barrier identified by staff was the fact that reimbursement was limited to work on laterals within a public right-of-way.

To meet this requirement, the location of a right-of-way had to first be determined by a surveyor, and proof that the lateral break occurred within the right-of-way had to be submitted by the applicant. If work on one lateral was being performed both in the right-of-way and on private property, contractors would have to calculate separate costs for each section.

The staff report said the time and effort to meet this requirement was not justified by the possibility of up to $2,000 reimbursement, especially if a lateral was not functioning and timely repairs were needed. It recommended removing this provision altogether.

city manager to set rules and guidelines for the program including how funding is to be allocated and the proportion of costs to be reimbursed. The council will retain the right to set specific limitations on qualifications and reimbursements, and to determine how much total funding will be set aside for the program in the annual budget.

The council approved a resolution adopting staff recommendations, which took effect upon passage.

The program is limited to single-family residential properties and excludes costs for obtaining utility access easements, and will remain available as funding allows.

Shelter in need of items for Christmas dinner boxes St. Joseph Shelter and Mission Benedict are in need of donations of nonperishable food items for the Christmas Dinner Box Program. Any of the items listed below can be brought to Mission Benedict, 925 S Main St., Mt. Angel, by Dec. 15 to be included in the boxes.

• Grocery gift cards • Canned green beans • Canned corn • Canned yams • Canned pumpkin • Canned pineapple or fruit • Canned olives • 5 lb bags of flour • 5 lb bags of sugar • Marshmallows • Cream of mushroom soup • Jell-O Mix • Cornbread Mix • Stuffing • Gravy packets • Fried onions

Everything You Need, For Anything Yo Program applications are available at ci.mt-angel.or.us through the “Forms and Documents” link.

For additional information contact Administrative Services Director Colby Kemp at 503-845-9291 or ckemp@ ci.mt-angel.or.us.

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Civics 101

On the job

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Cory Misley is just starting his second month as Silverton’s city manager. His schedule sounds punishing. He has met with all the councilors and Mayor Jason Freilinger. Plus Chamber representatives, social-service and nonprofit directors, and with his next whirlwind tour government officials such as those of Marion County, Governor Tina Kotek’s office, and the state Legislature.

“I’m meeting a lot of people, learning a lot and listening a lot,” Misley told the audience at a Silverton Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Nov. 15 upstairs at the Main Street Bistro.

Misley replaced Ron Chandler in Silverton’s top administrative position on Oct. 16. Chandler retired to Utah to be closer to family members. Misley, an Oregon native and lifetime Oregon resident except for two years of graduate school in Washington, D.C., came to Silverton from a policy center at Portland State University after serving as city manager at both La Pine and Sisters in Central Oregon.

Misley briefly discussed his background and then took questions from Chamber executive director Stacy Palmer and the luncheon crowd of about 25. Here are some highlights: School Bond: When asked whether there was anything the city could do now that the Silver Falls School District bond measure had failed, Misley said “the short answer is no.” The city and the school district are separate entities and have separate taxing authority.

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Civic Center: As reported in the Nov. 15 Our Town the $19.5 millon replacement for City Hall is set to open 8 months late, in March of 2024. Misley, holding two of his fingers just slightly apart said “we’re this close to being done with the building.” He projected that it will be “substantially completed” by the end of this year and that it will be “an incredible amenity for the community.”

Urban Renewal: The city is planning to use urban renewal funds to pay for a

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Silverton city manager Cory Misley. JAMES DAY

downtown project on Main Street and Misley said planners are looking into “what could this right-of-way look like?

What amenities should we put in to get people here, keep people here and keep them safe?” A community survey is planned for the project and a public open house will be scheduled for sometime in 2024. Misley added that having available funds or a partner were key drivers in determining which projects get done. “It’s good to dream, but it’s also important to do the best we can with the assets we have.”

Sidewalks & Crosswalks: Misley took a couple of questions on pedestrian safety and agreed that there were some connectivity issues in town. He also said he was “concerned about lighting for pedestrians. It’s dark in town.”

Affordable Housing: “It’s hard to attract entry level workers if there is no place in town for them to live,” noted Palmer.

Misley discussed a planned affordable housing project that is scheduled to be built on city land west of the skatepark and the dog park. Requests for proposals are set to go out soon, Misley said. He also noted that the fact that “demand is exceeding supply shows how people perceive the quality of life in Silverton.

We need a mixed variety of housing options, but we also don’t want to lose the feel of what we have now.”

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Mural plan for Civic Center likely to go forward

By James Day A proposal by Silverton Mural Society to place a mural celebrating Silverton’s cultural roots on the new Civic Center is closer to fruition.

The Silverton City Council reviewed the latest proposal at its Nov. 20 work session, and although a vote was not taken, there was a strong consensus to move forward with the plan. New City Manager Cory Misley said he wanted to take a look at the project. No timelines were available for final approval for the project.

The Mural Society has been talking with the city since Nov. 10, 2022 on the mural plan, which has gone through a couple of iterations. The city and the Mural Society will share the approximate $17,000 cost of the project. The Mural Society has agreed to move the proposed mural from an attached spot on the west (Water Street) side of the building to an in-ground site on the east (First Street) side.

According to a timetable submitted by the Mural Society, the design will be worked on from January to March, with construction set to start in May, painting from June to October, installation in November and final touch-up in December.

Community Survey: Councilors also heard a report on a community survey that was conducted primarily online between July 27 and Oct. 15. The main goals of the survey were to understand

how community members currently receive news and information about city events and meetings and how they might like to do so moving forward.

The council plans to do a deeper dive on possible actions to take as a result of the survey at a meeting in December.

Leaves: Silverton residents looking to dispose of their bagged leaves can do so on Saturday, Dec. 16 at the city shops at 830 McClaine St. in a service that receives assistance from Republic Services and Marion County Environmental Services. Bins will open at 9 a.m. and take leaves until 1 p.m. or until the bins are full. Residents need to take away the bags and no commercial leaf debris will be accepted.

Up next: The Silverton City Council will hold a pair of land-use public hearings at its 6:30 p.m., Dec. 4 meeting at the Community Center on South Water Street. The first hearing is a proposed annexation of the Kaufman Masonry factory at 827 Railway Ave. so that it can hook up to city water and sewer service.

The second hearing will look at a zone change for developers hoping to build on 5.15 acres at 602 Eureka Ave., just east of The Oregon Garden. The zone change requested, from R-1 (single-family residential) to R-5 (low-density residential) would, if approved, allow for up to 51 units on the property. The maximum under the R-1 zoning is 42.

Silverton hosts open house on park planning Silverton residents will have an opportunity on Tuesday, Dec. 5, to chime in on a new parks and recreation master plan.

The city is hosting an open house on the plan from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Silverton Senior Center, 115 Westfield St. A city advisory committee has been working on the new plan and will be taking feedback and answering questions during the open house.

A number of new options for park properties and new amenities already have been discussed, including a trail system at Pettit Lake, the possibility of park uses at the new Civic Center as well as a 40-acre site off of Ike Mooney Road.

Mayor Jason Freilinger told Our Town that the city does have a healthy amount of Parks & Recreation Capital

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Project funds, which have accumulated as part of the parks system development charges program.

“What the city lacks,” he said, “is funding for maintaining more parks. That is why as we (work on) the parks and recreation plan, we are constantly talking about the cost of maintenance and trying to focus on low-maintenance projects and/ or forming partnerships with various groups to maintain the parks.”

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$650,000 Private & Quiet acreage in high demand Victor point area~ 4bd/2.5ba~ 2043 SF~ 4.78 AC~ 4 stall barn w/one paddock~ Two fenced pastures that are crossed fenced~ 4th bedrooom needs closet to be offical~Mostly level acerage has room for all your animals or toys~ All offers are welcome! Sublimity~ Robin Kuhn 503-930-1896 MLS#801384

$599,900 Two story home has open main area w/ plenty of light & storage~ 4bd/2ba~ 2508 SF~ Two separate living areas~ Views from living room~ Primary bedroom is upstairs~ Silverton~ Robin Kuhn 503-930-1896 MLS#806675

$570,000 Exquisite 3bd/2ba~ 1604 SF~ Single level~ Hardwood floors~ Custom Cabinetry~ Outside is a perfectly landscape oasis w/ a covered patio~ Fully fenced backyard~ Room for extra parking & has electric gate~ Silverton~ Korinna Barcroft 503-851-1283 MLS#810831

$462,000 4bd/2ba~1672 SF~ Single Story home w/ finished attic bedroom~ Mature landscape~ Silverton~ Robin Kuhn 503-930-1896 MLS#808600

$377,500 Single level 2bd/1ba~ 900SF~ Open living area~ Near down town~ Home has updated bathroom w/beautiful tile shower~ Classic built-in cabinets~ Fenced backyard~ Large shed~ Detached single car garage~ Seller to contribute $10,000 Credit towards buyer interest rate buy down~Sellers are motivated! Silverton~ Katie Foreman 503-302-4865 MLS#810049

Freilinger noted that a disc golf group and mountain bike backers are tentatively partnering with the city on the Ike Mooney site. Salem Trails Alliance is working with Silverton on the Pettit Lake project. The pickleball community is expressing a desire to participate on the various pickleball court proposals.

– James Day

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Briefs

Band funds Silent auction raises money for trip Santa Cares set for Dec. 9

By James Day Main Street Bistro is spearheading a fundraising effort to assist the Silverton High band with its expenses for an upcoming tour in March in preparation for the League Band Festival.

A silent auction begins on Friday, Dec. 1, in conjunction with festivities surrounding the tree lighting ceremony in Town Square Park.

Auction sheets will be available for

updates through Dec. 7, and Heather Bischof at Main Street Bistro said she is trying to put together packages of items with themes such as “Automotive,” “Downtown Dining,” “Treat Yourself” and “Date Night.”

Main Street Bistro, 201 E. Main St., will display the auction donations from area businesses, Bischof reported at the Nov. 15 Silverton Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

“We would greatly appreciate a donation from your business to help

us build these baskets and have a successful fundraiser,” she added.

The auction will run through Dec 7 at 7 p.m. That evening, 25% of Main Street Bistro proceeds from 3 to 8 p.m. also will be donated to the program.

“The SHS band is dear to our hearts, as we employ one of its members (shout out to tuba players!),” Bischof said. “We thank you in advance for your generosity and support in this endeavor.”

Ebenezer: A Ghost Story of Christmas opens at Brush Creek Dec. 1 The Brush Creek Players close their 2024 season with Ebenezer: A Ghost Story of Christmas, written by Michael Wood and directed by Norman Gouveia, Jr. The play opens Dec. 1 and runs for three weekends, with performances at 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and matinees at 2 p.m. on Sundays. The play is being produced by arrangement

with Evander Dramatic Press.

This new, family-friendly adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol includes all the usual characters, as well as a group of carolers serenading the characters — and the audience — throughout the show.

Reserved seat tickets are available for $10 (discounted to $8 for children

under 12, students with ID, and seniors 60 and over). Available at Runaway Art & Craft Studio, 4675 Commercial SE, Salem; or Books-NTime (cash only), 210 N. Water, Suite B, Silverton.

You also can have tickets held to pick up at the door by contacting Michael Wood (via voice or text) at 503-508-3682.

Karen Garst had one goal when she came up with the idea for Santa Cares in 2018 – to make sure everyone has a gift to give on Christmas. “[A]fter working with Sheltering Silverton and SACA I knew there were many in need,” Garst said.

Inspired, Garst developed the Santa Cares event during which community members can donate gently used items – toys, children’s books, sports equipment, anything that would make a nice gift – on Friday, Dec. 8 between 1 and 4 p.m. or on Saturday, Dec. 9 between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. at the Council Chambers at the Silverton Community Center. Then, from 1 to 4 p.m. those who would like to “shop” for free gifts can visit the same space.

“People on the whole want to help others,” Garst said of the event’s success, which has grown a little each year. “This is a small community and people see and meet people in need.”

To volunteer for the event or to drop off items outside the listed times, contact Karen Garst at karengarst@gmail.com or 503-701-8911.

– Melissa Wagoner

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Helping Hands

Compassionate space

By James Day Sheltering Silverton has hit a milestone in its serving of the homeless in town with the opening of its new warming shelter and cabins outside the parking lot of the city shops complex on McClaine Street.

“It’s not the end, but it’s a new chapter,” said board president Mary Jane Schaffer, one of the speakers at an event at the new shelter that drew approximately 50 people Nov. 21. Schaffer thanked the many partners of the agency and ended by thanking “you, the community, for wrapping its arms around us.”

The state of Oregon via an emergency appropriation of $565,000 from Governor Tina Kotek to tackle homeless issues, paid for the modular building and its remodeling. The unit was modified to serve as a shelter for up to 12 individuals, along with day center functions such as work and case management space, a kitchen and laundry, and shower facilities. Brent Stuntzner of Percipient Architecture designed the interior and C.L. Rose Construction was the general contractor.

Mayor Jason Freilinger said “the city is glad that it was able to help and we’re also on city property here. We can’t solve the national homeless issues, but we can do our part to make things better in our community.”

The facility includes four cabins, paid for with a $25,000 grant from the city. The cabins sleep two each, giving Sheltering Silverton a capacity of 20 beds.

Sheltering Silverton opens new facility

“This shelter puts us well on the way to eliminating unsheltered homelessness in Silverton,” said Sarah White, Sheltering Silverton’s executive director.

Key Partners

Sheltering Silverton officials acknowledged the following at the Nov. 21 ceremony:

The agency has served more than 200 people in its seven years of operation.

Its case management system is placing five people per month into permanent, supportive housing. Access to its services is limited to those within the boundaries of the Silver Falls School District.

Key components of the Sheltering Silverton model are night sheltering, case management and advocacy, and a day center and food and basic needs.

The building is “functionally completed,” White said. It opened about a week before the ceremony.

Challenges remain for Sheltering Silverton, including avoiding traffic jams in the city shops, parking for its operations and occasional community blowback about the clientele it serves.

“Many of our days are filled with frustration,” said Jimmy Jones, executive director of the Salem-based Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency. “Then, there are days like this in which we can honor what is before us. This particular homeless model is a model for Oregon.”

White agreed with the frustration challenge, but added that “when you get depressed and frustrated mighty forces will come to your aid. Homelessness is a preventable and solvable human problem.”

• Oak Street Church & Immanuel Lutheran Church • Percipient Architecture & C.L. Rose Construction • City of Silverton, Marion County, Oregon Housing & Community Services, Governor Tina Kotek’s office and Polk County Commissioner Jeremy Gordon • Silver Falls School District A look inside the new Sheltering Silverton facility at the city shops on McClaine Street.

A grand opening celebration was held Nov. 21 at the site. JAMES DAY

• The Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency & the Mid-Willamette Valley Housing Alliance

Create With Us !

12/2 - Introduction to Watercolor 12/9 - Painting Hellebore and Snowdrops 12/9 & 12/16 - Intro to Photography Basics and Beyond 12/28 & 12/29 - Winter Painting Camp for Kids (ages 7-16) 1/3, 1/4, 1/5 - Youth Arts Exploration Workshop (ages 7-13) 1/8 - 1/24 - 9-11a Painting with Gouache Class 1/13 - 1/27 - 2:00-5:00 Glass on Glass Mosaic 1/25 - 1:30-3:30 Zentangle 1/28 - 1-4p Sew Slow Sashiko Sunday See more information about these classes and register on our website!

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December 2023 • 11

Helping Hands

Snack sacks Collaborative effort – with hands-on volunteers – get treats to kids

By Brenna Wiegand

work in the community.

Every Wednesday a small group of women at Silverton United Methodist Church meet to provide extra goodies for the kids of families served by Silverton Area Community Aid.

Sometimes students help fill the sacks, while, in the classroom downstairs, CTP student Paulina Rubio Saavedra helps decorate 45 bags a week toward the effort.

“This mission could not have continued this long without the support and donations of the congregation, businesses, organizations and other community members,” Eberle said. “We pretty much depend on the kindness of others.”

The church’s Friends Helping Friends, also known as the Snack Sack People, have decorated, filled and delivered some 35,000 bags to SACA since its inception in 2011.

“A group of us attended a conference at the KROC Center and were inspired to research a way to fill a need in our community,” Donna Eberle, group leader, said.

Welcome donations include funds, healthy snacks, motel soaps and small toys for younger kids.

They settled on teaming up with the local food bank to augment the food boxes SACA distributes to local families needing assistance.

Silverton United Methodist Church’s Snack Sack group completes the week’s batch with help from students of Silverton’s Community Transition Program, also housed at the church. Front row, CTP students Paulina Rubio Saavedra and Kiele Pahia; back row, Luana Foster, Tally Stoffey and Donna Eberle. Not pictured, Carole Hogue.

BRENNA WIEGAND

“We include a protein, carbohydrate and two fruits,” Eberle said. “For teens each bag includes a personal care item and younger kids get something fun like stickers,

bubbles, chalk, crayons or play dough.”

The church also houses Silverton’s

Community Transition Program (CTP),

a post-high school program for students in special education ages 18-21 to assist them in learning important life skills like cooking, budgeting and how to live and

“We watch for sales at Costco and, if necessary, repackage the snacks in smaller bags,” Ebele said. “Ideas include peanut butter pretzels, unsalted nuts, fresh fruit, raisins, cereal, granola bars and crackers.”

Donations may be dropped off at the church, 203 W. Main St. For more information, call Silverton United Methodist Church, 503-873-6517.

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Angels among us

T H E

O R E G O N

G A R D E N ’ S

HOLIDAY BAZAAR S H O P • E A T • D R I N K • F U N

December 16th & 17th

Neighbor builds sense of community

10am - 3pm

By Melissa Wagoner In the eyes of Marianna Davis, Todd Ferrell is an absolute angel.

“One definition of a person who is angelic is someone of exemplary conduct and virtue, someone with outstanding qualities and abilities,” Davis said, adding that, in her opinion, Ferrell fits the bill.

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Originally from Southern California, Ferrell moved to Silverton with his wife, Ann, in 2007 and right away he became active in the community.

“I don’t like to sit – that has something to do with it,” Ferrell laughed. “And I have a model that you can never do too much.”

In charge of a host of annual community events held in his neighborhood of Abiqua Heights, Ferrell fills and hides 700 eggs at Easter and distributes 180 flags during the Fourth of July.

“We also participate in the coat drive…and buy the pumpkin pies for the Hoke Trust’s dinner,” Ferrell said. “And I worked at the Community Dinner at First Christian Church for 10 years.”

Those are just the public-facing events.

Ferrell is also involved in behind-the-scenes maintenance of Abiqua Heights Park, litter removal on Evans Valley Road, and an egg carton and Styrofoam recycling program.

“Todd has really added a sense of community to our neighborhood and a

• Tree Pruning • Brush • Tree Removal Removal • Tree Trimming • Stump • Clean-Up Grinding

Todd Ferrell, nominated as an Angel Among Us by neighbor and friend, Marianna Davis.

chance to come together and celebrate and socialize,” Davis said “He brings warmth, opportunities for connection and memories to be had in our neighborhood and town all with a humble heart. He would never shine a light on himself and probably has no idea of what an inspiration he is to so many.”

“I like doing it. It makes me happy,” Ferrell said, when asked why he spends so much of his time helping others. “When I go to bed, I’m happy.”

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December 2023 • 13

datebook 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, 421 S Water St.

Weekly Events Monday

Silverton Senior Center. Seniors 50 and older. Daily, weekly, monthly events. 503873-3093, silvertonseniorcenter.org Low Impact Aerobics, 9:30 a.m., Silverton Senior Center. Members free. Nonmembers $5. Repeats Wednesday, Friday SACA Food Pantry, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., SACA, 421 S Water St., Silverton.

Repeats 4 - 7 p.m. Tuesdays, 9 a.m.

- noon Thursdays. 503-873-3446, silvertonareacommunityaid.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 Silverton Meals on Wheels, 11:30 a.m., Silverton Senior Center. Congregate and drive-up dining. $3 donation suggested.

Monday - Friday. RSVP: 503-873-6906.

Silverton Recovery AA, noon - 1 p.m., 302 N Water St. Seven days a week.

Free Monday Dinner, 5:30 - 7 p.m., Oak Street Church, 502 Oak St., Silverton.

Indoor, sit-down dinner. To-go meals also available. All are welcome. Free. 503-8735446, oakstchurch@gmail.com Boy Scouts Troop 485, 7 - 8:30 p.m., St. Edward’s Catholic Church, 211 W Center St., Silverton. Scoutmaster Dave Tacker, 760-644-3147, dave.tacker@gmail.com

Tuesday

Scotts Mills Food Boxes, 9 - 11 a.m., Scotts Mills Community Center, 298 Fourth St. Residents in Scotts Mills/Butte Creek/Monitor rural areas are welcome.

Donations welcome. Niki, 503-873-5059 Gentle Yoga, 9:30 a.m., Silverton Senior Center. Donations accepted. Repeats Thursdays.

Simple Qigong, 9:45 a.m., Silverton Senior Center. Set to music. $8. Repeats Thursdays.

Mt. Angel Senior Meals, 10:30 - 11 a.m.

Delivery only. $3 donation suggested.

Repeats Thursdays. Ginger, 503-845-9464.

APPY Hour, noon - 1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Drop in for technical assistance for electronic devices. All ages.

Free. 971-370-5040 Silverton Mainstay, 1 - 4 p.m., Silverton United Methodist Church, 203 W Main St. Community space and activities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Repeats Thursdays.

971-208-7952, silvertonmainstay.org

14 • December 2023

Stories & STEAM, 4 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Listen to a story, join in a project.

Snacks. Ages 5-12. Free. 971-370-5040 Serenity Al-Anon, 5:30 p.m. Zoom. Repeats 10 a.m. Saturdays. For Zoom link, call Barbara K, 503-269-0952.

Cub Scout Pack 485, 6:30 p.m., St. Edward’s Catholic Church, 211 W Center St., Silverton.

Boys and girls in K - fifth grade. Deb, 971-337-5925, silvertonpack485@gmail.com Growing Awareness, Nurturing Compassion, 7 - 8:30 p.m. Zoom. Secular presentation promoting mindfulness. No experience needed. Invitation for virtual gathering: compassionatepresence@yahoo. com. 971-218-6641

Wednesday

Silverton Business Group, 8 a.m., Silver Falls Brewery, 207 Jersey St., Silverton. Networking meeting of the Silverton business community hosted by Silverton Chamber of Commerce. silvertonchamber.org Quilters Group, 9 a.m. - noon, Trinity Lutheran Church, 500 N Second Ave., Silverton. trinitysilverton@gmail.com Family Storytime, 10:30 a.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Singing, stories, crafts. Age 2-5 with family members. Free. 971-370-5040 Indoor Playtime, 11 a.m. - noon, Mt. Angel Public Library. Play with toys, spend time with friends. Free. 971-370-5040 Mission Benedict Food Pantry, 1 - 4 p.m., St. Joseph Shelter, 925 S Main St., Mt. Angel.

Repeats Friday. 503-845-2468 Silver Chips Woodcarving Sessions, 1 - 3 p.m., Silverton Arts Association. All skill levels.

503-873-4512 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 Open Art Studio, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Silverton Arts Association. 503-873-2480 Bingo, 2 p.m., Silverton Senior Center. $1/ card or $2/three cards.

TOPS (Take Pounds Off Sensibly), 6 p.m., United Methodist Church, 203 W Main St., Silverton. Weight loss with support, encouragement. First meeting free. Monthly dues $4. All welcome. David, 503-501-9824

Friday

Toastmaster Club, 7:30 a.m., Zoom. Increase speaking, listening skills, thinking, evaluating.

Contact tmcommunicators@gmail.com for Zoom link.

Silvertones Community Singers, 10:30 a.m., Silverton United Methodist Church, 203 Main St. All welcome. 503-873-2033

Saturday

Open Art Studio, 9 a.m., Silverton Arts Association. 503-873-2480

Ageless Yoga, 9:30 - 11 a.m., Silverton Senior Center. Geared toward those 50 and older, but all are welcome.

After-Season Indoor Market, 10 a.m. 12:30 p.m., Silverton Friends Church, 229 Eureka Ave. Local produce, eggs, meats, artisan crafts. silvertonfarmersmarket. 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 Peaceful Heart Meditation, 2 3 p.m., Silverton Community Center. Yoga breathing, kirtan and yoga philosophy. No experience required. Everyone welcome.

Free. peacefulheartkirtan@gmail.com

Friday, Dec. 1 Lego Lab

3 - 4:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library.

Build a Lego creation to display in the library. All ages. Supplies provided. Free.

Repeats Dec. 8. 971-370-5040

Hazelnut Festival

4 - 8 p.m., Mt. Angel Festhalle, 500 Wilco Hwy.. Vendor booths, live music, biergarten. Free admission. Repeats 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Dec. 2, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Dec. 3. For complete list of activities, visit hazelnutfest.com.

Silverton Christmas Market

5 - 9 p.m., Oregon Garden Resort, 895 W Main St., Silverton. Explore an authentic German Christmas Market. Visit Santa, enjoy live music, cozy up to a woodburning fire pit. Take a ride down the snowless tubing hill. Biergarten presented

by Western Beverage. No tickets available at the door. All admission and snowless tubing tickets must be purchased online in advance. Ticket sales end at 3 p.m. daily. Vendors are cashless; bring a debit or credit card for purchases. Tickets available at silvertonchristmasmarket. com. Runs through Dec. 31. Closed Nov. 22-23, Dec. 24-25.

Oregon Crafters Holiday Market

6 - 9 p.m., 215 N Water St., Silverton. Live Christmas music. Live Nativity. Shopping.

Repeats Dec. 2 with shopping and live Christmas music. oregoncraftersmarket. com

Silverton Christmas Tree Lighting

6 - 7:30 p.m., Silverton Town Square Park.

Santa lights the community Christmas tree. Music, hot chocolate. Santa visits follow at Silverton United Methodist Church, 203 W Main St.

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First Friday in Silverton

7 – 9 p.m. Explore the historic downtown, have dinner, shop, browse galleries, boutiques. 503-873-5615, silvertonchamber.org

Brush Creek Playhouse Production

7 p.m., Brush Creek Playhouse, 11535 NE Silverton Road, Silverton.

Ebenezer: A Ghost Story of Christmas. $10 adults. $8 children, students, seniors. Tickets (cash only) at Books-N-Time, 210 N Water St., Ste. B, Silverton, or at the door. Repeats 7 p.m. Dec. 2, 8-9, 15-16; 2 p.m. Dec. 3, 10, 17. brushcreekplayhouse.com

Lunaria Gallery Opening Reception

7 - 9 p.m., Lunaria Gallery, 113 N Water St., Silverton. The Main Floor and Loft galleries present “Merry and Bright.” Meet the artists and shop hand-crafted gift items including ceramics, paintings, scarves, jewelry, fused glass plates, wooden bowls and cutting boards. The show is open 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily through Dec. 31. 503-873-7734, lunariagallery.com

Children’s Lantern Parade

4 - 6 p.m., Coolidge McClaine Park, Silverton. Lantern decorating, cookies, cocoa, visit from Santa at the Pavilion.

Silverton Children’s Choir sings at 5:45 p.m.

The parade starts at 6 p.m., and ends at the tree lighting at Town Square Park. The UniPiper will lead the parade.

Saturday, Dec. 2 Santa Mouse Bazaar

9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Silverton High, 1456 Pine St. Handmade crafts, holiday gifts, silent auction, baked goods. Supports Basic Skills Classroom. Free admission.

Silver Crest Christmas Tree Sale

10 a.m. - 4 p.m., 1700 NE Silver Falls Drive, Silverton. Noble fir trees $60. Proceeds benefit Silver Crest Boosters Club. Repeats every Saturday and Sunday until sold out.

Santa and Corn Dogs

11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Oak Street Church, 502 Oak St., Silverton. Free, family event.

Pictures with Santa. Children’s Christmas crafts. Cakewalk. Corn dogs, cookies, hot chocolate. 503-873-5446, oakstchurch@ gmail.com

Mt. Angel Christmas Tree Lighting

6 p.m., downtown Mt. Angel. Annual Christmas tree lighting. Santa Claus, Buddy the Elf. hazelnutfest.com

Scotts Mill Holiday Event

6 - 8 p.m., Scotts Mills City Park, 330 First St. Chili dinner, refreshments, drawings, games, music, entertainment. Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. Gift for every child age 17 and younger. Open to all. Donations for dinner are suggested.

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Monday, Dec. 4

Daughters of the American Revolution

10 a.m., Stayton United Methodist Church, 1450 SE Fern Ridge Road. Guest speaker Diana Maul presents “250th Anniversary: Boston Tea Party, December 16, 1773.” Tea tasting included. All are welcome. Holiday refreshments served. 503-689-6991

Silverton City Council

7 p.m., Silverton Council Chambers. Open to public. Agenda available. silverton.or.us

Mt. Angel City Council

7 p.m., Mount Angel Public Library. Open to public. Agenda available. ci.mt-angel.or.us

Tuesday, Dec. 5 Parks & Rec Open House

6 - 8 p.m., Silverton Senior Center, 155 Westfield St. Citizens will have an opportunity to provide input on goals and plans for Silverton’s recreation, parks, greenways and trails.

Drawing Group

6 - 7:30 p.m., Silverton Arts Association, 303 Coolidge St. Bring your own materials or use some of the association’s. Everyone is welcome. Repeats Dec. 19. 503-873-2480, silvertonarts.org

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, Dec. 6 Recycled Book Angel

1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Create an angel out of a book. Adults only. All supplies provided. 971-370-5040

Caregiver Connection

1 - 2 p.m., Zoom. Free educational support group for unpaid family caregivers caring for a loved one 60 years of age or older, or caring for a person living with dementia. For Zoom invite and register, call 503-304-3432.

The Daniel Plan

6:30 p.m., Silver Creek Fellowship. Wellness program. Information: scf.tv/danielplan, Sheila, 503-409-4498.

Scotts Mills City Council

7 p.m., Scotts Mills City Hall, 265 Fourth St. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-8735435

Thursday, Dec. 7 Silverton Kiwanis Club

Noon, Main St. Bistro, 201 E Main St., Silverton. Bi-monthly meeting of Silverton Kiwanis Club. New members welcome.

Repeats Dec. 21. Silvertonkiwanis.org

Google Docs

1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Learn Google Docs basic features for creating, editing and sharing word processing documents. Owning a computer is not necessary. Registration required by calling 971-370-5040.

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Critique Night

7 - 8:30 p.m., Silverton Arts Association.

Bring your latest work for discussion and critique amongst other artists in the community. 503-873-2480, silvertonarts.org

Friday, Dec. 8 Chanukah/Hanukkah Starts Family Movie Night

4:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library.

Watch Elf with free hot popcorn. All ages.

971-370-5040

Saturday, Dec. 9 Holiday Foxathon 5K

9:30 a.m., Silverton High, 1456 Pine St. Fundraiser for Silverton ASB Tree of Giving. Adults $10. Children 4-8 $8.

Children 3 and under free. Check-in begins at 8 a.m. in front of the main entrance. Prizes awarded for Best Dressed Individual and Best Dressed Team.

Costumes should be school appropriate and holiday themed.

Holiday Bazaar

10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Silverton Senior Center, 115 Westfield. Shop for holiday gifts.

Homemade soup or chili lunch $5.

Holiday gift basket drawings and door prizes. Benefits Silverton Senior Center.

502-873-3093

Holiday Festival at Silver Falls

10 a.m. - 4 p.m., South Falls Lodge, Silver Falls State Park, 2004 Silver Falls Hwy., Sublimity. Make a wreath, gingerbread house, cards and ornaments. Take a guided walk or attend an educational talk.

Learn about the waterfalls in winter and animal tracks. $5 per vehicle day use fee.

Repeats Dec. 10. friendsofsilverfalls.net

Santa Cares

1 - 4 p.m., Silverton Council Chambers.

People in need of help getting Christmas presents can choose some for free.

Contributions of gently-used or new items such as toys, books, sports equipment, games can be brought to the Chambers 1 - 4 p.m. Dec. 8 or 10 a.m. noon Dec. 9. To volunteer to help, contact Karen at karengarst@gmail.com or 503-701-8911.

Children’s Choir Holiday Concert

3 p.m., Immanuel Lutheran Church, 303 N Church St., Silverton. The Silverton Children’s Choir will perform “Hear the Bells.” Free; food donations for Silverton Area Community Aid are welcome. Sarah, 503-201-4337, silvertonfriendsofmusic.org

Giggles the Elf

3 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library.

Enjoy stories, games and a special elf craft with Giggles the Elf. Free. All ages.

971-370-5040

Monday, Dec. 11

Monday, Dec. 18

6:30 p.m., District Office, 730 E Marquam St., Mt. Angel. Agenda available. Open to public. 503-845-2345, masd91.org

2:30 - 3:30 p.m., Silverton Town Square Park. Silverton People for Peace advocate for peace and social justice issues with signs relevant to the season of peace & calling for an immediate end to violence in the Middle East. Open to all. 503-873-5307, robertjsisk@yahoo.com

Mt. Angel School District

Silver Falls School District

7 p.m., Silverton High, 1456 Pine St. Agenda available. Open to public.

503-873-5303, silverfallsschools.org

Tuesday, Dec. 12 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. Everyone is welcome.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Music provided. Bring ukulele.

Free. 503-873-8796

Silverton Planning Commission

7 p.m., Silverton Council Chambers.

Open to public. Agenda available.

503-874-2207, silverton.us.or

Friday, Dec. 15 Teen Hangout

5 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. There has been a crime at the North Pole and it needs to be solved before the Grinch takes over. Wear your ugly sweater or bring an old sweater to decorate.

Afterwards, enjoy music and board games. Light snacks, water provided.

Grades 6-12. Free. 971-370-5040

Saturday, Dec. 16 Holiday Bazaar

10 a.m. - 8 p.m., The Oregon Garden, 879 W Main St., Silverton. Holiday market featuring local artisans, seasonal refreshments, holiday crafts, festive live entertainment and visits with Santa.

Tickets are $8 adults, $6 seniors, $5 age 13-17, $2 age 5-12. Children 4 and under and Garden members are free.

Repeats Dec. 17. Visit oregongarden.org for tickets and more information.

The Community Nutcracker

6 p.m., Silverton High, 1456 Pine St. The Nutcracker presented by Revolutionary Dance & Movement Co. Repeats 2 p.m. Dec. 17. Refreshments for sale during intermission. Santan Claus makes an appearance. $18/adults. $13/students, seniors. Tickets at tututix.com.

Sunday, Dec. 17 Scotts Mills Christmas Tree Lighting

6 p.m., Scotts Mills City Park, 300 S First St. Christmas tree lighting.

Dinner available for donations to the park. Santa and Mrs. Claus will help ring in the holiday season.

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Holiday Vigil for Peace

Silverton City Council

6:30 p.m., Silverton Council Chambers.

Work session. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-873-5321, silverton.or.us

Tuesday, Dec. 19 Affordable Housing Task Force

6:30 p.m., Silverton Council Chambers.

Open to public. silverton.us.or

Wednesday, Dec. 20 Lunch & Learn

11:30 a.m., Main Street Bistro, 201 E Main St., Silverton. Business professionals connect with fellow business professionals.

No fee to attend; lunch is off the menu on your own. RSVP is encouraged to save a seat. Replaces regular Wednesday Business Group meeting. Sponsored by Silverton Chamber of Commerce. 503-873-5615

Thursday, Dec. 21 Winter Solstice Book Discussion for Adults

1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Discuss The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan.

Copies available at circulation desk. Bring a wrapped, used copy of your favorite book to exchange. Adults only. 971-370-5040

Santa at the Library

6 - 7 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Get a photo with Santa, decorate cookies, enjoy hot cocoa, make an ornament, play reindeer games. All welcome. 971-370-5040

Mt. Angel Planning Commission

7 p.m, Mt. Angel Public Library. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-873-5321, silverton.or.us

Sunday, Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Monday, Dec. 25 Christmas Day Tuesday, Dec. 26 Kwanzaa Starts Thursday, Dec. 28

Teen Advisory Board/Book Club

4:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library.

Teens help collaborate with the library on programs, collections, games and more. Pizza provided.

Book Club meets for the first 30 minutes. 971-370-5040

Sunday, Dec. 31 New Year’s Eve

December 2023 • 15

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The Story Behind the Christmas Holiday By Gregg Harris

C

were all supposed to live, but haven’t. Then, because He had no moral guilt of His own to pay for, He would be able to die in our place the horrible death that we all deserve. (Yes, we all deserve to die for our rebellion against our Creator.) The plan was for God’s own Son to pay the debts of all those who repent and trust in Him. (See the 3rd chapter of John in the Bible for the full explanation of all this.).

That Savior, who was promised by God on the same day that Adam and Eve rebelled against God, is Jesus. (See the 3rd chapter of Genesis for that moment in history.) So, the Story of Christmas began even before the world was made.

hristmas is a wonderful time of year, especially for those of us who believe the Christmas Story.

We sing, “Joy to the world, the Lord has come!” But if we don’t really believe the Lord has come, and don’t appreciate what His birth means to the world, its pretty hard to rejoice. It pulls the rug out from under the whole idea. That’s because this holiday, like every holiday, is intended to be a “holy day” — a day set apart for a very special purpose.

All holidays, whether they be family holidays like wedding anniversaries and birthdays, or religious holidays like Christmas and Easter, or national holidays like Thanksgiving and the 4th of July, share the same purpose.

Each is to be a day to remember the story at the heart of the holiday. Christmas is set aside to remember the story of Christ’s birth.

But this assumes that we believe the story.

As more people today reject the biblical family model, (i.e. with it’s dad, mom, a bunch of kids, and maybe even a few grandparents nearby), it becomes less likely that we will celebrate our family’s holidays. As we move away from the Christian worldview that made Christmas a holiday, it becomes less likely that we will celebrate Christmas as the actual birth of Christ. And as we drift away from the legitimate patriotism that once inspired us to honor our nation’s founding, little is left for us besides turkey and fireworks. Our holidays become void of both content and power when we don’t actually believe in them. Is it any wonder that our holidays have become little more than occasions to buy more stuff, to watch “holiday specials” or televised sports?

We have lost our faith in the stories.

Holidays for many have become emotional minefields where the more conservative members of the family try in vain to avoid offending the sensitivities of the more liberal members of the family, and vise versa. But that is a great loss. If we can no longer talk about politics or religion—the two most important topics in our lives!— it shows that we no longer share a common worldview.

Christmas becomes a painful reminder of all that we have lost.

What Does It Mean When We Sing “The Lord Has Come?”

The real problem is, too many of us sing “Joy to the world, the Lord has come!” without ever bowing our knee to “the Lord.” Like Will Ferrel’s hilarious character in Talladega Nights: the Ballad of Ricky Bobby, we want a “Sweet Baby Jesus” version of God who has no practical influence in our lives. We don’t want the grown up version of Jesus as the Lord that we meet in the Bible. Talladega Nights pokes fun, not so much at Jesus Himself, but at the idiocy of “cultural

16 • December 2023

Gregg Harris, “C hri

stmas Caroler”

How Is This Going to Work?

Christians” who, like Ricky Bobby’s family, “like to think of Jesus” as whatever silly character they can imagine. Though the movie itself is blasphemous, and the language is foul, it makes clear that “Sweet Baby Jesus” can never save us, or empower us to live our lives for God’s glory.

It’s About The Birth of A King

The question was, how, when and where would this Savior be born? The entire Bible tells the story. First God chose a man named Abraham to be the Father of a Nation that would be called Israel (Yes, that Israel, the forebears of the modern Jewish nation.) It was through Israel that the promised Savior would be born. God promised Abraham that

“If we miss the connection between Christmas and Resurrection Sunday when Jesus rose from the dead, we miss the point entirely. If all we know is Christmas, we end up like poor Ricky Bobby with his “Sweet Baby Jesus” version of God, the version that cannot save anyone.”

The Christmas Story is about a longawaited King who is born into the humble circumstances of a stable. But this King is not just any king.

This royal child is the Christ, the Son of God. He is Emanuel (i.e. God with us). He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords, who will one day judge this world in righteousness. All of these titles point to His authority to rule. That is who this baby is. So, let’s take a closer look at the story of His birth as we find it in the Bible.

The Christmas Story Begins Before the World Was Made God knows everything. He is omniscient. If this world was a Computer Simulation, then God would be its Programmer. That means He already had to know that Adam and Eve, our first parents, would rebel against Him when Satan tempted them in the Garden of Eden. (Yes, this event really did happen in history and it explains a lot about why we are the way we are.) Before the world began, God had already put into place a way that He could forgive and save those who repent and turn back to Him without Himself being unjust. His plan involved having His own Son be born into the world to be the Savior who would live the morally perfect life that we

through his family all the earth would be blessed (Gen. 22:18). Later God promised a Jewish king named David that the Savior would descend from his royal bloodline (Is. 9:7). Various prophets added predictions. The Savior would be born of a virgin (Is. 7:14).

The Savior would be born in a little town called Bethlehem just south of Jerusalem (Mic. 5:2). A star would appear in the sky to mark the time of the Savior’s birth (Num. 24:17). Enough was foretold that a few wise men from Persia would be able to figure it all out and show up right on time to honor the newborn King with gifts fit for a king.

And so it all came to pass. Jesus, the Christ, born in King David’s royal bloodline, the very Son of God Himself, was born to a Virgin named Mary in a stable in Bethlehem. “Joy to the world! The Lord has come. Let earth receive her King.” But being born was just His first step toward the cross on which He would eventually die for the sins of the whole world (See 1John 2:2). Many do not realize that Christmas sets the stage for Good Friday when Jesus would die, and then for Easter

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morning when His Heavenly Father would raise Him from the dead. This is important!

If we miss the connection between Christmas and Resurrection Sunday when Jesus rose from the dead, we miss the point entirely. If all we know is Christmas, we end up like poor Ricky Bobby with his “Sweet Baby Jesus” version of God, the version that cannot save anyone. And even if we make the connection between Jesus’ birth and His death hanging on the cross as a crucifix, we still miss the point. In order get what God intends for us to get — to be saved, to be born again—we must make the connection between Jesus dying on the cross and God raising Him from the dead (Rom. 10:9). And we must believe in our hearts that this really happened, because the resurrection is the proof we need in order to know that Jesus’ payment was accepted

by God the Father. It is believing in Christ’s death, burial and resurrection that changes everything. It proves that Jesus is who he said He was, and that He accomplished everything He said He would. He defeated death by rising from the dead. That is why we celebrate Christmas. That is the true story.

“Jesus Is Lord!”

This Savior is the One we are talking about when we say that “Jesus is Lord.” When we can say this by faith, believing in our hearts that He died for our sins and rose from the dead, we are born again. Jesus Himself takes charge of our lives as our Lord. His Heavenly Father adopts us into His eternal family. He gives to us the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us to obey Jesus as our Lord. And when we trust in Jesus enough to actually obey Him, we get to enjoy a life of showing our love for God by the way we love and care for one another. That is the true Christian life.

So, as you celebrate this year, why not put Christ back into your Christmas? Tell His story. Give your gifts in honor One who gave to you the greatest gift ever; the gift of His own Son, Jesus, to be your Savior and Lord.

Rejoice! Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. If you have questions about this, please call or text me at 503-926-1388.

Men’s Prayer Breakfast!

Every Thurs. morning 5:30-7:00 AM at 409 South Water Street, Silverton Join us as we briefly study the Bible, pray for our city, challenge one another to grow in our faith & enjoy a free breakfast.

Please RSVP by text to 503-926-1388.

To help us pay for publishing these articles please go to NobleInn.org/ articles. There you can also read all 11 of the articles published thus far.

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Something To Talk About

One video at a time

Answering questions about co-living

By Melissa Wagoner

and one dog appears to fascinate people to the tune of 24,642 views and counting.

Co-living in the same house for the past ten years, the Pattison and the Neves families have often found themselves joking about what it would be like to be “a TLC reality TV show”.

“We wanted to put [The Burrow] out as a potential resource for others,” Kate pointed out, referencing the handful of longform videos that cover topics like prepping the garden, making freezer jam and even welcoming home a new family member – the Neveses’ daughter, Kelly in June 2023 – along with the dozens of short videos members of the household create on a somewhat weekly basis.

“But we always said we weren’t dramatic enough,” Emily Neves said, referring to the everyday lifestyle the two families share.

But when a news program recently asked the families to “record something around the house,” both households decided the public interest around co-living might warrant additional consideration.

“People are always like, how does this work?” Emily said.

“And there is just stuff that is hard to put into words.”

And so, in December 2022 the families created their very own YouTube Channel coined Life at The Burrow as a way of answering questions and giving information about a lifestyle that many people in this country and during this time are not familiar with.

“What even is co-living?” housemate Kate Pattison asked in The Burrow’s introductory video. “These days co-living is generally defined as three or more biologically unrelated individuals living in one house with some shared aspects of life. And it’s different than roommates

Molly, John, Kate and Julia Pattison with Milo, Elijah, Emily and Kelly Neves. SUBMITTED PHOTO

because it’s very intentional. You might have separate bedrooms or some private space but the whole house is shared and in a lot of cases it’s co-owned… In North America we give co-living a special name, when really, for much of the rest of the world and throughout most of time, co-living was just… living.”

Perhaps because co-living is relatively rare – in 2021 only 18 percent of Americans lived in a multi-generational household, according to Kate’s husband, John – the logistics of life in a home with four adults, four children

“It’s just a new form of storytelling,” John, the author of the book Slow Church, said. “And the writer part of me loves that. The challenge is learning a new media. Right now, I do most of the editing. But Kate will take on more. And we all film.”

Which means each video features a slightly different perspective from the popular “Workday Fun: Filling the Woodshed” short – featuring the housemates’ quest to split and stack two years’ worth of firewood in one day to one entitled, “Burning Day: Surprised by a Spider” that shows how backyard maintenance happens Burrow-style.

“But our most popular YouTube short is one Kate did on getting and sorting the mail,” John said, referring to the video titled, “Co-living FAQ: How Do We

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Something To Talk About

Business

Pizza returns to Mount Angel

Continued from page 17 Manage Our Mail?” which features Kate retrieving and then sorting the day’s mail into golden envelopes attached to each of the housemates’ doors.

“These are small, practical systems we’ve had to develop” John said.

And while many of those systems aren’t that different from the ones large families establish around schedules, mealtimes and chores, the fact that the Pattison-Neves household includes four adults instead of just two means some arrangements look a little bit different.

“We calendar, we meal plan and we have a chore chart,” Kate said. “But we’re managing a single-family home with four adult brains and four adult bodies.

Everything is a rotation. So, each one of us cleans the bathroom once every five weeks and yet it gets cleaned every week.”

The household also shares finances, including the mortgage on the house.

“It’s just so expensive,” Emily said, describing the ways sharing finances has allowed the household to live a more abundant lifestyle. “This is one solution, and it makes everything more accessible.”

“We joke that it’s half price,” Kate added.

The finances are just one of the many benefits – raising children with the help of two more adults is another.

“One of the definite benefits of co-living and multi-generational co-living is you have parents or families at different stages of life,” Kate said in one of The Burrow’s videos that features baby Kelly asleep in an Ergo Carrier while Emily and her

husband, Elijah, take a walk. “And so, I already did babies in the Ergo but now I get to experience babies in Ergos again as we support our housemates while they’re out…

It’s sweet.”

It’s also beneficial to the children in the household – ranging in age from 15 all the way down to baby Kelly. But when it comes to filming those benefits, the Neveses and Pattisons are extremely cautious.

“One of our concerns with doing the channel was our kids and not wanting to exploit them or overshare,” Kate explained.

“Our kids are cute and funny,” Elijah added.

“But the internet is forever.”

With that thought in mind, the families have made a conscious effort not to keep the children from being “front and center of the videos.” The Pattisons’ oldest daughter, Molly, has veto power over the sharing of any video that includes her.

The families didn’t want to eliminate the children’s presence entirely because, along with being instrumental in sharing their way of life, the videos are also a documentation of their time together in The Burrow.

“I love home videos,” Elijah said, of this secondary benefit. “So having these will be fun as the years go by. And having the motivation to do something with the thousands of videos is also nice.”

Ally and Mac Corthell love pizza.

“Both of our favorite food is pizza,” Ally confirmed. “We even had pizza at our wedding.”

Which is why, when the couple moved to Mount Angel three years ago and discovered there were no local pizza restaurants, they decided they would simply have to open their own – but where?

Lucky for the Corthells, their small, red house is conveniently located in a commercial-residential zone, with a space just big enough for a food truck and a small, covered seating area.

“We decided on a mobile unit for now with the hope of expanding someday,” Ally said.

Coined, Red Haus Pizza, the food cart opened to customers for the first time on Sept. 8.

“During the grand opening a large portion of the proceeds went to the JFK Booster Club,” Ally said. “And we sold out.”

With six menu options to choose from, including the Red Haus – a Germanstyle pizza – Mac and Ally think there’s a little something for everyone.

“You can call in or place orders online,” Ally said, noting that, while Red Haus does boast a covered seating area nearby, most customers

Ally Corthell, owner of Red Haus Pizza in Mount Angel. MELISSA WAGONER

Red Haus Pizza 295 E. College St., Mount Angel 971-428-5541 www.redhauspizza.com like their pizza to-go.

“But it’s pizza…” Ally shrugged.

No need to say more.

– Melissa Wagoner

Viewers appear to agree.

“This is so interesting…” one commenter wrote. “Thanks for sharing.”

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Shamila Salem, owner of Emerald Events Silverton, in the newly renovated space she has opened for public events along Silver Creek.

State Farm, Bloomington, IL

By Melissa Wagoner

MELISSA WAGONER

Along the creek In 2020, massage therapist Shamila Salem wanted to open a new studio and so she approached her dad – real estate developer, Mohsen (Mo) Salem, asking if he knew of an available space. He did, but it was a little more than she bargained for.

“He just loves restoring old buildings,” Shamila said, recalling her dad’s suggestion that, rather than simply moving into an already established space, Shamila should work with him to restore a previously uninhabited portion of the Hartman Building and the connected deck along the creek.

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Up for the challenge, Shamila said yes. In August 2020 the father-daughter team began renovations that would take the next three years to complete.

“We wanted to keep the industrialness,” Shamila said, referring to the difficulty in maintaining the building’s historical integrity as the home to the Hubbs Planing Mill, built in 1924, while at the same time making the space usable after several decades of neglect.

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“It’s been nothing for 30 plus years,” Shamila said, adding that, while her dad has owned the building for the past 15 years, it was utilized for little more than storage or hosting of the occasional catered event by the former Creekside Grill.

Relatively barebones on both the inside and the outside, the space needed a lot of work, including an increase to the decking and floor height to ward off flooding.

“And I had to get used to the big beams,” Shamila said, referencing the row of large, cement supports spanning the length of the indoor space. “They had to grow on

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New event space opens Emerald Events Silverton, LLC 204 S. Water St., Silverton emeraldeventssilverton@gmail.com

me, and I just had to accept that it’s a quirky space.”

She also had to decide what the space should be used for.

“I thought of doing a lot of things,” Shamila confirmed, “a spa, a restaurant – but I landed on an event space.”

Offering both the large indoor room as well as the two adjoining decks – with a combined capacity of around 80 people – Shamila has begun renting the space for birthday parties, baby showers, small weddings and everything in between. But she also has plans of her own.

“It would be fun to do a once-a-month open mic night,” Shamila said, “or to listen to music.”

Open for public perusal for the first time Oct. 6, Shamila said the response she got was overwhelmingly positive.

“I heard everyone’s thoughts,” she laughed. “But one of my favorites was an art gallery.”

While Shamila isn’t planning to turn the space into a permanent exhibition, she does hope to explore some pop-up art exhibitions.

“I’ve been keeping everything plain so that other people’s aesthetic can take over,” she said. “Because I imagine a lot of different people down here and a lot of different [events].”

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School Spotlight

Holding steady No big surprises in SFSD scores

By Stephen Floyd Student data for the Silver Falls School District (SFSD) was mostly status quo in the ’22-’23 school year compared to ’21’22, as the district works to improve test scores.

In the state’s At-A-Glance reports, published in October, the district saw little change in standardized test scores including 3rd grade reading and 8th grade math.

The rate of students meeting reading expectations was the same both years at 50%, while math for the ’22-’23 school year was at 39% compared to 34% the year prior. In both years these scores were above state averages.

SFSD spokesman Derek McElfresh said the district would like to see more improvement, but the regular testing routines were interrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This isn’t something for us to feel satisfied about, but we also try to remember that this is the first time everyone is taking the state exam in years,” he said.

McElfresh said teachers and staff are working to increase collaboration and implement instructional reforms. They hope to see test score improvements this school year.

The district remained strong in graduation-related metrics, with 95% of 9th graders on track to graduate (85% statewide), and 89% of 12th graders graduating on time (81% statewide). The state has also started tracking how

many high schoolers are earning their diploma within five years, with SFSD at 96% (87% statewide).

Another new metric in this year’s report was district-wide attendance rates, defined as students who attended more than 90% of their enrolled school days. Previous reports tracked students in kindergarten through 2nd grade, and this year the state began reporting students in all grades.

SFSD was at 66% regular attendees in the ’22-’23 school year (62% state average).

Attendence by demographic was Asian (95%), African American (71%), white (67%), Native American (46%) and Latinx (60%).

The previous report measuring K-2 recorded 68% attendance, while attendance in the 2018-2019 school year was 83%. McElfresh said this decrease since the pandemic has been seen statewide and may be because families are more likely to keep kids home if they are sick.

District-wide enrollment was at 3,658, up from 3,530 during the ’21-’22 school year, but still below pre-COVID enrollment of 3,929 during the ’18-’19 school year.

McElfresh said testing and graduation requirements have changed significantly, making it difficult to compare preCOVID data.

Attendance gap MASD hopes to close it The Mount Angel School District sees opportunities to improve student attendance now that the state is tracking regular attendees across all grade levels.

According to the state’s At-A-Glance reports, published in October, 62% of all MASD students attended at least 90% of their enrolled classes during the ’22-’23 school year.

Specifically regular attendance was at 59% for St. Mary’s Public School, 68% for Mount Angel Middle School, and 61% for John F. Kennedy High School. The state average was 62%.

MASD Superintendent Rachel Stucky said these numbers were “pretty alarmingly low” and should be 80% or better, or even 90% for the high school.

Stucky said students need to be participating in order to succeed and the district will be exploring strategies to bring these numbers up. She said they will not focus on punishing students who do not attend but rather strive to identify and address the root of the problem.

“We know that kids that feel a more personal connection to school are more likely coming to school,” said Stucky.

The ’21-’22 school year saw regular attendance at 64%, though the state was only counting K-2 students prior to this year’s report as this group was a strong indicator of attendance overall. In the ’18-’19 school year 80% of K-2

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students at MASD were regular attendees, compared to 82% statewide.

Stucky said the district did see encouraging news in the report, with the rate of 9th graders on track to graduate at 91%, above the state average of 84%. This was an improvement over the previous year’s rate of 84%, and even higher than the pre-COVID rate of 81% during the ’18-’19 school year.

Stucky said these higher rates were a direct result of teachers using a more personalized approach to education, taking time to work one-on-one with students and parents as needed. She said this teamwork and dedication between the district and the community is the key to crossing such milestones.

Also encouraging, said Stucky, was an increase in 8th grade math scores, with 32% meeting expectations, compared to 26% statewide. This was up from 25% the previous year.

Reading scores were down among 3rd graders, with 31% of students meeting expectations. This compared to the state average of 40% and the previous year’s rate of 39%.

Enrollment increased to 665 students from 628 students the previous year. This compares to pre-COVID enrollment of 726 during the ’18-’19 school year.

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Tuition assistance available Bus transportation provided

503-769-2159 www.regisstmary.org

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December 2023 • 21

Passages

Shannon Roger Copeland

Brianne Renae Williams

Wendy Christine Sroufe

On St. Patrick’s Day 1944, Shannon Roger Copeland was born on a naval base hospital in San Diego California, to John Henry Copeland and Catherine “Casey” Gordon.

Adored mother, daughter, sister, cousin, and friend, Brianne “Bree” Renae Williams passed away way at her home in Silverton, Oregon on Nov. 6, 2023 at 44.

Wendy Sroufe was born Jan. 20, 1949 to Robert and Claire Schneider and grew up in Gresham, Oregon. She passed away after dealing with the effects of cancer, on the morning of Oct. 31, 2023 with her husband, Dale, at her side.

They had just celebrated 54 years of marriage.

March 17, 1944 – Nov. 7, 2023

John was a member of the Klamath Tribe, and Shannon spent his first years in Chiloquin, Oregon on the Klamath-Modoc Reservation. Shannon graduated from Silverton High School in 1963, served on the USS Tattnal in the Navy, and attended Mt. Angel College where he pursued a degree in theater. Shannon worked for the Oregon State Lottery before his retirement. He stayed active with his family, the theater, and his shuffle-board league.

Shannon was preceded in death by his wife, Gayle McKenzie; his parents; and his siblings, Charles, Gordon and Sharon. He is survived by his sister, Catherine Manion of Eureka, California; his daughter, Annette Dettwyler of Silverton; his son, Adam Copeland of Vancouver, Washington; his grandchildren, Sarah, Casey, May, Jacob, Talitha, Marie, and Josef; his great-grandchildren, Raymond, Rodney, Maxine, and Vivien Clare; and a tribe of nieces, nephews, in-laws, and countless friends.

Arrangements by Unger Funeral Chapel – Silverton.

July 29, 1979 – Nov. 6, 2023

Bree was born Brianne Renae Edwards in Salem Oregon, on July 29, 1979 to Susan Edwards (Harris) and Randy Edwards. Bree’s mother later remarried and she gained an additional father, Gary Rush.

In time, Silverton and Mount Angel, Oregon became Bree’s home where she made many friends and lots of good memories. Bree was someone who loved with her whole heart, laughed even on the darkest of days, and was always up for an adventure. If you needed someone to pick you up in the middle of the night, someone to ride the scariest ride with you at the State Fair, or someone to cry all the tears with you without any judgment, Bree was who you called.

Bree was preceded in death by her father, Randy Laton Edwards; her brother, Kyle Andrew Rush; and her husband, Jeffry Russel Williams. She is survived by her parents, Susan and Gary Rush; her siblings, Brandi Edwards, Brittany (Tom) Correll, Shana (Tanner) Shockey, and Casey (Nathan) Barnhart; and her children, Celeste (Chuck) Wiersum, Austin Edwards, Destiny Williams, and Bradley Edwards.

A Celebration of Life was held on Nov. 15 at the Silverton Elks Lodge.

Jan. 20, 1949 – Oct. 31, 2023

Wendy was heavily involved in vocal music and the performance arts as a well as activities in her local church. She and Dale lived in Alaska from 1971 to 1990, before settling in Silverton. They both taught at Silver Crest Elementary until 2004 when they retired.

They then served as English language instructors at Shantou University in China. Wendy maintained a life of active service in schools and church since their return to Silverton in 2005.

Wendy is survived by husband, Dale; daughter Jenn (Jeff) Elliott, and grandson Daniel of Salem, Oregon; son Aaron (Kari) Sroufe, and granddaughter Aubrey of Buckeye, Arizona.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 3:30 p.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Salem.

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Peggie Ward

Ardel Marie Jury

Floyd Vernon Spaur, Sr.

Loving mother and grandmother, Peggie Ward, passed away early on Nov. 11, 2023 after a courageous battle with health complications at the age of 73.

Born in Upton, California and raised in Grants Pass, Oregon, Ardel Jury graduated from Cave Junction High School in 1956.

Former Silverton resident, Floyd Vernon Spaur, Sr., 81, of Wallowa, Oregon died at his home on Nov. 11, 2023. He was born July 20,1942 in Anaconda, Montana, to Floyd Earl Spaur and Carol Elizabeth Barber.

He married the love of his life Martha Jean Nelson in 1960.

Dec. 23, 1938 – Nov. 6, 2023

Feb. 6, 1950 – Nov. 11, 2023

Peggie was born on Feb. 6, 1950 in San Diego, California to James and Margaret Ricker. Peggie followed in her sister, Patricia’s, footsteps and became a Registered Nurse, serving the San Diego community until moving to Mount Angel, Oregon with her family.

Peggie was an avid photographer and scrapbooker, spending much of her time with family and friends.

She loved the beach and enjoyed quality time with her children and grandchildren. Peggie was the life of the party, filling any room she entered with joy and laughter.

Peggie is survived by her five children: Christopher, Julie, Scott, Patrick, and Carrie, as well as her eight grandchildren.

Arrangements by Unger Funeral Chapel.

July 20,1942 – Nov. 11, 2023

In 1960, she married Duane Jury who preceded her in death in 2005.

She is survived by brother, Ron Wingerd; sister, Juanita Reynolds; four children, Ken Jury, Athena Laird, Ben Jury, and Beverly Atsma; 12 grandchildren, and 16 living great grandchildren.

She leaves behind a legacy of love through her quilt donations where she fought to keep a generation warm.

Ardel will be remembered for her loving and open heart, tremendous talent in painting, sewing, and baking. She was beloved by all who knew her and she will be greatly missed.

Submissions welcomed: Our Town appreciates the opportuity to share life’s Passages with our readers. 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 or mail it to Editor, Our Town, P.O. Box 927, Mount Angel, OR 97362, or drop it by our office at 401 Oak St., Silverton any weekday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In Memory Of …

He loved spending time with his family or tinkering with a project he had in his shop, and made projects for Creating Memories for disabled children.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Marti Spaur; daughters, Cindi (Leonard) Post of Wallowa, Oregon and Audie (Kyle) Powell of Molalla, Oregon; daughterin-law, Theresa Spaur of Wallowa; grandchildren, Aaron, Eric and Amanda Post, Randy and Jacob Spaur, Wendy Simmons, and Tanner, Jesse and Jenny Powell; 13 great grandchildren; sister, Pat Lance; brother, Allen (Rhonda) Spaur. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Jenny Spaur; son, Vernie Spaur; great grandson, Tayte Clark; his parents, Floyd and Carol; and two sisters, Sue and Linda.

A Celebration of Life was held at Assembly of God Church in Wallowa on Nov. 25. In lieu of flowers please donate to Creating Memories for disabled children.

Quality Dental Care in a Friendly Environment

Brianne Williams July 29, 1979 — Nov. 6, 2023 Shannon Copeland

March 17, 1944 — Nov. 7, 2023

Margaret Ward

Feb. 6, 1950 — Nov. 11, 2023

Always honoring your request for traditional fire cremation, eco-friendly aqua cremation, celebration of life and funeral services involving earth burial.

We offer pre planning alternatives to control costs. Make your wishes known and we will do our best to relieve family distress.

See full obituaries at www.ungerfuneralchapel.com

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December 2023 • 23

Sports & Recreation

Foxes football

11-1 year shows continuing strength of program

The Silverton High football program wound up another superlative season on Nov. 17 when the Foxes fell 43-19 to Mountain View of Bend in the Class 5A semifinals. Silverton finished 11-1 and downed long-time rival West Albany twice by a composite 90-42 score The Foxes, now in their second year under coach Dan Lever, have made the playoffs every season since 2011 under a trio of head coaches, with John Mannion and Josh Craig preceding Lever. In that 13-year stretch Silverton has won one title (2021), taken second once (2014), made the semifinals four other times and advanced three times to the quarterfinals.

When I talked with Lever last week, he sounded like he would have been happy to be going to practice later in the afternoon.

“How you look at it depends on what kind of year you had,” he said. “If you had a bad year you might need a bit more time away from it. But if you had a good year and a lot of guys coming back, then you are excited and the energy is still there.”

The Foxes return four players of the year in the Mid-Willamette Conference, quarterback Sawyer Teeney (top offensive player), two-way linemen Brash Henderson (top offensive lineman) and Eli Willis (top defensive lineman) and linebacker Daniel Kuenzi (defensive player of the year. In addition, key contributors Hudson Waples (WR), Logan Uitto (RB), Bo Zurcher (LB), Brody Kuenzi (TE-DE), Sutton Kuenzi (WR), Zavian Black and Oliver Zurbrugg (O-line) and Max Mulick (TE) also return.

In addition, there is the annually superb freshman program that keeps churning out good prospects and a coaching stability that features a slew of top assistants such as Matt Craig, John Howard, Pat Scott, Eric Anderson, John Horner, Mike Fessler, Jim Barr and Don Von Weller. A couple of the coaches even go back to the era of Scott Gragg, who preceded Mannion.

The Foxes historically develop players well and tend to reload rather than rebuild. And that development process always yields surprises, Lever said.

“We’ve got a good corps of kids who buy in and are willing to do what it takes and we see direct results,” he said. “And it’s always interesting to see which guys will be surprises. Guys you think might not contribute much at all, but they put the work in and now they’re all-league. That’s a big jump. I see it happening.

Foxes coach Dan Lever comforts senior Elijah Howard after Silverton fell to Mountain View of Bend 42-19 on Friday, Nov. 17 in the Class 5A semifinals. The Foxes have made it to the semis six times since 2012. JAMES DAY

“And the same principle works in life, too. If you really invest you can be something and get somewhere. You’re not guaranteed anything, but you get nothing if you don’t work hard.”

Cross Country/Alumni Watch: Alejandra Lopez, a former state champion at Kennedy High, earned allAmerican status for her performance Nov. 17 in the NAIA national championships.

Lopez, a senior at Southern Oregon

Alejandra Lopez

University in Ashland, finished 33rd in the meet, running the 6,000-meter course at Fort Vancouver in 22:28.1. Lopez’s run helped the Raiders finish eighth as a team.

Former Silverton standout Jori Paradis, meanwhile, took 10th at the NCAA SUBMITTED PHOTO

Division II West Regionals at the Ash Creek Preserve Nov. 4 in Monmouth.

Paradis, a grad student at Concordia/Irvine, ran 21:15.5 over 6,000 meters and helped the Golden Eagles to a 4th place finish.

Volleyball: Kennedy placed three athletes on the all-Tri-River Conference all stars.

Freshman setter Grace Traeger was selected to the third team and sophomore libero Ari Iven and senior middle blocker Leah Smith receivedto honorable Have a home rent?mention.

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Sports Datebook Tuesday, Dec. 5 Boys Basketball

7 p.m. Silverton vs Milwaukie

Saturday, Dec. 9 Girls Basketball

7 p.m. Silverton vs Springfield

Tuesday, Dec. 12 Girls Basketball

5:30 p.m. Silverton vs Woodburn 6 p.m. Kennedy vs East Linn Christian

Boys Basketball

7 p.m. Silverton vs Woodburn 7:30 p.m. Kennedy vs East Linn Christian

Monday, Dec. 18

Girls Basketball

6 p.m. Kennedy vs Country Christian

*Home varsity events only. Visit osaa.org for complete schedules.

Thursday, Dec. 14

DEC. SILVER FALLS 2023 FAMILY YMCA

Ending the Year at the Y THANK YOU...

Wrestling

... to all of our amazing volunteers, parents and participants!

TBD Kennedy @ Santiam Round Robin

Friday, Dec. 15

Girls Basketball

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Sports Questions: JJ Mascolo jmascolo@theYonline.org

Share your announcements with us and we will share them with everyone!

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Pool Questions: Annika Rogers arogers@theYonline.org Swim Team Questions: Megan Colgan mcolgan@theYonline.org Toddler Time Questions: JJ Mascolo jmascolo@theYonline.org 601 Miller St., Silverton www.theyonline.org

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December 2023 • 25

A Grin at the End

Lessons in fortune Realizing how lucky we are

By Carl Sampson

Another was a retired medic rebuilding his strength after a setback.

As we come down the home stretch of 2023, it’s time to take an inventory. Some of the major events of the year:

Yet they all were optimistic, funny, ornery and, overall, sweethearts. I miss them.

Went snorkeling with the family in Hawaii. Check.

Didn’t drown. Check.

Took about 20 minutes to recuperate from not drowning. Check.

Took about 30 seconds to figure out that I might have a problem more serious than “a little heartburn.” Check.

Figured out that I can overcome just about anything, if I try. Check.

Trying is the hard part. Check.

Went back to work. Check.

Learned how to walk again. In fact, I learned how to do everything again.

Check.

Went to heart rehab. Met some of the most amazing people ever. Some had survived heart attacks. Others had heart failure. All of the them had stood at the precipice of life. They knew they had been close to death. One, a retired Marine, was recuperating from his sixth heart attack. “I remember when they put the paddles on my chest and shocked me,” he told us.

Learned that I can’t do everything for myself – and I never could. Check.

Another was a 42-year-old woman who was trying to head off heart failure.

Listened to my doctor – for once. Check.

Had major heart surgery. Check.

Didn’t die. Check.

When I hear people complain – whine – about their plight, part of me wants to say, “Buck up, junior. You got it easy.

You have your health. I know people who feel as though they hit the lottery every time they wake up. Making it to the bathroom is a major achievement. And you’re complaining that you’re special and that you’re owed happiness. You’re not.”

Every day I think of my “classmates” in rehab. I feel lucky to have known them and witnessed their courage. One woman had an ultrasound of her heart during every session. Just to make sure it was still working right.

That’s courage.

Another woman had a heart attack and the doctor had inserted a couple of stents into her blocked heart arteries. She told

me she was lucky.

In a sense, we are all lucky. It certainly shouldn’t take a heart attack to remind us of that fact. We are lucky to be riding this planet through the void of the universe, and that the sun provides us with warmth, and life.

This was quite a year. In fact, every year is special. One miracle after another. One reminder after another that we have been put here for a reason. To make the best of our time here on the planet.

So what will 2024 bring? Beats me.

But I will do my best to remember the lessons I’ve learned. To be kind. To love everyone. To appreciate the big things – and the little things. And to give thanks.

2023 was the best year ever, but I would bet that 2024 will be even better. I’m looking forward to it, and the many lessons yet to be learned.

Carl Sampson is a freelance writer and editor. He lives in Stayton.

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December 2023 • 27

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Jason Marshall Broker 873-3545 ext 302

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Micha Christman Office Manager 873-1425

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503.873.3545 28 • December 2023

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