Our Town North: Dec. 1, 2024

Something to Do

Tis the season to light up the dark

Each of the communities Our Town serves has plans to gather together, light a tree, and slip joyfully into the holiday season.

There are a host of holiday events this month: from festivals and bazaars to plays and concerts. Datebook starts on page 12 and grew into a third page with all the goings on! Take a moment to check it out.

Silverton Tree Lighting is Friday, Dec. 6, 6 p.m. at Town Square Park, 111 W Main St. There will be music, hot chocolate and an appearance by Santa Claus to light the tree at 7 p.m. rain or shine.

Mt. Angel Christmas Tree Lighting will be Saturday, Dec. 7, 6 p.m., at Mt. Angel City Hall, 5 N Garfield St. and Santa plans to be there, too.

Scotts Mill Tree Lighting will be Saturday, Dec. 7, 6 p.m., at Scotts Mill City Park, 330 First St. Dinner will be available for a donation to the park.

The Visitors

By Melissa Wagoner

Every year on Dec. 1 guests arrive at the homes of the Byram and Rodrigue families. They’re small and mischievous, dressed in red, green and white and they know just how to make the children in each family smile.

Members of Santa Claus’ North Pole team, these special elves – known as Ornament, Light and Ice Cream – have been spending the holiday season in Silverton since the kids – Finn, Lana, Stella and Sullivan – were small.

“The kids like the mischief,” Lana and Finn’s mom, Holly Byram, said of the elves’ role in the family’s annual holiday celebrations. “It’s so enjoyable.”

It’s also mysterious because, while the elves appear to have a lot of fun at night – ziplining from cupboard to cupboard across the kitchen, fishing for fish-shaped crackers in a bowl, having snowball fights with mini marshmallows and even covering the family’s Christmas tree in toilet paper – when the sun comes up, all

The secrets of ‘Elf Magic’

of the mayhem ends and the elves appear frozen in place.

Excited to discover what their little friends have been up to the night before, the four children generally leap out of bed in the morning and race through the house until they find that day’s elf-

inspired scene, each one knowing that – as tempting as it might be to join in the fun – they must be careful to look and not touch because the first rule of elf hospitality is, “You cannot touch the elves.”

“And if you do,” because accidents sometimes happen, “they are treated with peppermint to bring the magic back,” Stella and Sullivan’s mom, Dorothy Brown-Kwaiser, said.

But it’s a treatment the elves haven’t needed very often because Sullivan and Stella are very protective of their little friends and are too excited to see what the elves will do next to risk their being frozen in place for an extra day.

The elves’ visit is short, ending on the night of Christmas Eve when Santa Claus, making his rounds, retrieves his team. He gives them a ride back to the North Pole where they will get back to work making toys and earning some much needed vacation time in Silverton once again.

Tea parties are Light and Ice Cream’s favorite pasttime. COURTESY DOROTHY BROWN-KWAISER

The right note Teachers volunteer to support music’s future in SFSD

By Melissa Wagoner

Silver Falls School District music instructors, Crystal Cram, Drew Medak and Erik Nelson believe that all students should have the opportunity to play an instrument in elementary school.

“It’s a great opportunity to learn, not just an instrument, but also to form community, to bond with other kids so they have a closer bond going into middle and high school,” Cram said.

But with 11 elementary schools in the district – and with steep budget cuts having been made this year – funding a new elementary band program just wasn’t feasible.

And so, the three teachers decided to volunteer.

“We wanted to bring [beginning] band back into the district because there hasn’t been one for a good number of years,” Cram said, describing the free afterschool class they hold every Monday and Tuesday afternoon in the music room of

Holiday Concert

A collaboration of the Silverton Middle School and Beginning Bands

Silverton High School Auditorium

Tuesday, Dec. 17, 7 p.m.

Free to the community, but donations are welcome.

Robert Frost Elementary.

“We thought, if we start now, we will see the effects in the high school in a number of years,” Cram explained. “But right now, everyone is a beginner.”

Actually, that’s a good thing. For the time being, all 30 to 40 students are at roughly the same level.

“Then, next year, a problem we’ll run into is those coming from the K-8 schools. We’ll have to figure out another option for them,” Cram said.

“But it’s our goal to see more ensembles

emerge. Maybe one school will house beginning and one intermediate, so we’ll have different levels established before high school.”

Right now, what Nelson – band instructor for SMS and SHS – is seeing, is a high number of students joining band without any prior experience with an instrument at all. That’s a difficult challenge to overcome without any assistance.

“That’s the difference between my beginning band and this one, that’s just me,” Nelson said, “[At Robert Frost] I have a group of volunteers, parents and high school students. We’re able to work one-on-one and pull kids out.”

So far, the program is going well.

“We just ended week six or seven and we got past the first few squeaks,” Cram said. “They’re really trekking along. They’ve already started learning Christmas music.”

Working toward their first community concert – a collaboration with the SMS band that is scheduled for Dec. 17 at 7

p.m. in the SHS auditorium – the students are showing a remarkable amount of perseverance.

“This group of kids, I can’t believe how much they practice,” Nelson said. “It’s turning into a really good feeder program. I think we’ll see a huge difference in the quality of the program at SMS and SHS.”

But they are still in need of community support in the form of financial contributions, volunteers, instruments and musical equipment.

“We need more music stands,” Nelson emphasized.

And they need continued student interest.

“In the spring we’ll do an instrument preview night,” which will be advertised on ParentSquare.

“Because we’re hoping this will build momentum,” Medak said, “and that music in our district will be a thing. It’s our way to advocate for music once our district is out of this rut.”

By Stephen Floyd

The Silver Falls School District (SFSD) is facing a projected $2.5 million increase in necessary contributions to employee retirement next school year, potentially wiping out reserves from an already-lean budget.

On Oct. 4, the Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) Board voted to raise required contributions for most school districts in Oregon, with an estimated $335 million increase statewide next school year.

A staff memo provided to the board said the increases were necessary because investments of PERS funds had underperformed in recent years. Employment costs for school districts also rose 20 percent statewide since the last fiscal biennium, further straining the system.

Increases varied by district and averaged 1.5% statewide. For SFSD, the PERS Board raised contributions from 6.34% to 15.83% for longer-serving teachers and from 3.50% to 12.65% for newer teachers and general employees.

During the Nov. 12 regular meeting of the SFSD Board, Interim Superintendent Kim Kellison said the estimated impact on the 2025-26 school year would be an increase

General Dentistry

Restoration

Dentistry

of $2.5 million. She said this may impact the district’s goal of starting next school year with between $2 million and $3 million in reserves, and said the target for reserves will likely need to be reduced.

The district’s reserves were depleted last school year after a projected $1.3 million negative cash balance as discovered. The shortfall was attributed to lax financial oversight unsustainable staffing levels. Furlough days and a bridge loan were used to balance last year’s budget, while this year saw the elimination of 15 percent of staff positions districtwide to correct overspending and replenish reserves.

News of the PERS increase prompted Board Member Tom Buchholz to express frustration at the notion that SFSD may not regain its financial footing as soon as expected. He said he wondered if reduced staff and financial constraints may become the district’s “new normal.”

There was no discussion during the meeting of additional layoffs or other cuts to account for the PERS increase.

To keep this year’s budget balanced and lean, the district has implemented changes in spending practices such as greater oversight for discretionary purchases. Kellison told

the board these changes are having the desired effect and district staff have been “really mindful” about potential purchases.

“We are on track with what we were trying to do,” said Kellison.

She said the exact amount by which the district may need to make budget adjustments to account for PERS will not be known until lawmakers approve a budget during the upcoming legislative session. Gov. Tina Kotek announced in July she would lobby for an additional $515 million for education in the biennial budget, however this would be offset by the more recent PERS increases.

SFSD Director of Finance Kim Doud said the state’s budget is unlikely to be finalized before the district must prepare its budget for the 2025-26 school year. Kellison said they plan to be conservative when projecting possible state revenue during the budgeting process.

Kellison also said the district plans to convene its budget committee several months early next year, starting in February rather than May. She said, if revenue projections allow a possible restoration of some staff positions, they will need to have careful discussions and seek broad community input to determine what should be restored.

Camp site discussions Silverton looks for options for homeless

By James Day

The Silverton City Council is discussing two primary sites as part of its work to establish a homeless camping ordinance for the city.

Such an ordinance is prudent, city officials say, because recent court actions point toward possible liability for cities if camping is not offered when local shelters are full.

Councilors looked at the most recent draft of the city’s proposed camping ordinance at the Nov. 18 meeting at City Hall, although the deliberations almost exclusively concerned the “where” question. On hand to answer questions and offer their perspective were Sarah White of Sheltering Silverton and Silverton Police Chief Todd Engstrom.

Discussions are expected to continue for at least another meeting or two, City Manager Cory Misley said.

Councilors discussed allowing camping

at four sites: recently annexed city park property off of Ike Mooney Road, the former ad-hoc dog park on A Street just north of City Hall, the city Public Works compound that houses Sheltering Silverton and the property at the corner of West Main and Westfield that already contains the Silverton Senior Center, the dog park and the skate park.

Councilors quickly eliminated the Ike Mooney parcel because it is too far from the social services that homeless campers might need.

Some councilors spoke against A Street because it is too close to downtown. Others noted that having the Police Department across the street might give residents a sense of security.

Westfield was criticized for being too close to Robert Frost School. Others noted that school officials are on site before students arrive in the morning and are still there when they leave in the afternoon.

Even adding one tent site to the Sheltering Silverton operation at Public Works would be a serious challenge, White said, noting that there is little flexibility adjacent to their pallet shelters and modular building.

Some councilors also suggested reaching out to local churches for assistance, but such an effort is only in the brainstorming stage at this point.

Also at the Nov. 18 meeting councilors unanimously approved a plan to demolish the house on the Pettit property at the south end of town as part of the work leading to a new trail system around the adjacent lake. They also OK’d a proposal to link the Silverton Police Department with the tactical units of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. Stayton and Woodburn already participate. The intergovernmental agreement calls for one Silverton officer to be trained in negotiation skills.

Several land-use matters have come up for public hearings at recent City Council and

Planning Commission meetings.

Eureka Project: On Nov. 12 the Planning Commission approved a plan to will divide the property on Eureka Avenue near The Oregon Garden into a parcel of 1.92 acres that will contain 32 apartments and a 2.86-acre plot that will host an 18-unit condominium project.

Jefferson Apartments: The City Council at its Nov. 4 meeting unanimously approved a comprehensive plan update and zone change that will allow developers to build between 12 and 25 housing units on Jefferson Street between North Second and Highway 214.

The Majestic: Also at the Nov. 4 session councilors unanimously approved a comprehensive plan update and zone change that will allow the owners of The Majestic at 209 Mill St. to turn the building into a recording studio.

All three of the land use decisions are final unless appealed.

SILVERTON LION’s

DATES: Now thru Dec. 24 while supplies last

H OURS: 10am-7pm

LOCATION: Hi-School Pharmacy parking lot, near Mountain Burger

BENEFITS:

High School Scholarships & Other Community Activities

Something to Think About

Building a path, a future

By Melissa Wagoner

Anthony Veliz grew up working in the fields alongside his father, Rodolfo Veliz, just as Rodolfo had worked in the field alongside his own father. It was a cycle that seemed destined to be unbroken.

Then Rodolfo met Sonny Montes – the Director of Ethnic Affairs and a “minority recruiter” for Mount Angel’s Colegio Cesar Chavez, “the first accredited four-year Chicano/Latino college in the United States.”

“When Sonny came to recruit him my mom and dad didn’t know what college was,” Anthony said, looking back on the day that would change the future of the entire Veliz family forever. “But my dad became one of the founders. He was class one.”

I brought everyone together,” he stated. “Because there was a purpose.”

Tasked with the initial goal of obtaining masks for the Latino, undocumented and Mesoamerican Indigenous populations in Oregon, PODER applied for and received the largest grant distributed by the Oregon Health Authority – $2.2 million – which was used to purchase over 1 million masks.

“I saw people with bandanas and beat up masks,” Anthony recalled. “Because when you don’t have a lot of money, are you going to buy a mask?”

The answer, he discovered, was no, but not just because of the prohibitive cost and low availability, also because much of the information disseminated about the importance of masking was presented in English.

Graduating from the Colegio in the 1970s, Rodolfo eventually went on to attend Western Oregon University, where he earned his teaching degree. But, with his future still unknown, the time he spent at the Colegio was a struggle.

“He was in his early 30s…” Anthony remembered. “And he had to work full-time. So, that left my mom to take care of us. I was a latchkey kid… it was the pits. But as difficult as those times were for Anthony – who continued to work in the fields both before and after school – his experience also made him who he is today; the founder of the successful marketing firm IZO, the first Latino elected to the Woodburn School District’s Board of Directors, the second Latino to sit on the Woodburn City Council and the founder of the groundbreaking Latino leadership network PODER.

“At its peak PODER was hundreds of people meeting across the state and statewide town halls every week,” Anthony said, describing the formation of the organization as his response to the disproportionate way the COVID-19 pandemic affected the Latino community.

And so, PODER launched the next campaign coined, “Por Mi Familia,” a state-wide initiative to provide radio, print, social media, digital and billboard communication about coronavirus safety and disease prevention in a variety of languages.

And then, in the fall of 2020 a new need arose as the Latino community was dealt another blow, a series of devastating statewide wildfires. And so, PODER took on an entirely new issue – the rising mental health crisis.

“I knew we were 12 percent of the population and 40 percent of the deaths,” he recalled. “And I’m sitting there like, what am I going to do? I’m a public servant.”

And that, Anthony finally decided, was the answer –he would use the connections he had created during his tenure in government and business to solve his community’s problems.

“We started going around the state to help our community,” Anthony said, describing the creation of OYEN Mental Health Center, the state’s first Latino, bilingual, and bicultural mental health provider.

“One of the first things [co-founder, Melinda Avila] found was the need was great, especially for Spanish speaking teams,” Anthony said. “And so, we bought thousands of Chromebooks and thousands of hotspots.” And began offering telehealth services as far away as Southern Oregon.

“That was a beautiful thing,” Anthony recalled. “Because mental health is a pandemic.”

Which is why OYEN is still going strong four years after its inception, offering mental health services to vulnerable communities across the state. And PODER is thriving too. After restructuring as a nonprofit in 2021, it has become a leader in facilitating “people-driven solutions that promote social, economic, and civic prosperity for all” and improving the “educational outcomes for Latino/

Colegio Cesar Chavez graduate Rodolfo Veliz.

COURTESY ANTHONY VELIZ

Rodolfo Veliz’s time at Colegio Cesar Chavez led to a teaching career. This is Veliz’s fourth grade class at Highland Community School in Salem, circa 1988. Colegio continues to influence the next generation of Latino community support organizations. COURTESY ANTHONY VELIZ

Colegio Cesar Chavez legacy continues

The Colegio Cesar Chavez Legacy

PODER – Si, puede. Yes, we can! Oregon’s largest Latino leadership network. www.poderoregon.org

Pineros y Campesinos

Unidos del Noroeste (PCUN)

The largest Latino farmworker union in Oregon. www.pcun.org

OYEN Emotional Wellness Center

A Woodburn-based Latino, bilingual, and bicultural mental health center serving the entire state of Oregon. www.oyenwellness.com

a/x students and families.”

And a part of that is sharing the story of PODER’s own roots, the Colegio Cesar Chavez, without which Anthony would never have become the leader he is today.

“It’s my mission to tell the story,” he said, describing his methods, which began with a celebration he organized for the Colegio’s 50th anniversary, which took place in Mount Angel on Dec. 12, 2023, where the Colegio once stood.

“People from all over Oregon came,” he recalled. Including Oregon State University Associate Professor and Curator of the Oregon Multicultural Archives, Natalia Fernández.

“I was aware of Colegio’s history,” Fernández recalled. “Then I found out that PODER was working on a commemorative event.”

Inspired to be a part of the celebration, Fernández created a multi-paneled exhibit telling the story of the Colegio.

“The exhibit is a way for the people involved to take a trip down memory lane and people not involved to learn a bit,” she said, describing the display’s subsequent travels, first to Chemeketa Community College and then to a library on OSU’s campus.

“I think in this case the history itself is really interesting. The community story, the educational component,” Fernández explained. “But ultimately it was the people…  the passion and commitment that everyone has decades later, of not only wanting to tell the story, but showcase the legacy it had and the impact and the work that still needs to be done. Because the issues that were happening at the time are still happening now…  It’s not enough to tell history for history’s sake.”

It’s a sentiment that first generation Latina and Portlandbased documentarian Alicia Avila shares.

“I think the fact that there is information about the Colegio… that will keep it going and inspire new generations to connect with the Chicano impact here

in Oregon and to support the advocacy work that we continue to do,” she said.

Currently working with Oregon Public Broadcasting on a documentary that will explore the legacy of the Colegio Cesar Chavez, Avila has witnessed first-hand the influence the school has had (and continues to have) on advocacy practices across the state.

“So many [students] have gone on to establish the leading organizations in this area,” Avila said – listing Anthony’s organization, PODER, and the farmworker advocacy group his father created, Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste (PCUN), as just two well-known examples.

“This area continues to be a hub of Chicano activism, and I don’t think that’s always talked about,” she said. But with the help of PODER and storytellers like Avila and Fernández that’s changing.

“There’s a story here,” Anthony pointed out. “It’s an Oregon story and it’s been untold. But I’ve been going around and talking about it in every place and every space… because, in some humble way, I was the chosen one. I lived it. And the next step is telling the story.”

This is the second in a series that explores the history of the Colegio Cesar Chavez, its legacy and its influence on the future of education in Oregon.

GIVE CHRISTMAS to a local family of SIX in need

Thank you to the Ten Community Members and Harcourts Corporate that donated gifts to last year’s family!

Contact Valerie to Help: 503-871-1667, admin@NWORG.com or drop by our office

Harcourts Silverton adopts-a-family every Christmas. This is inpartnership with the Elizabeth Ashley Hoke Foundation.

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$545,000 Single level home with 11 ft ceilings, 3-car garage, 3 bedrooms plus a den. Wood Flooring and quality cabinetry. Pioneer Village, Silverton. Valerie Kofstad 503-871-1667 MLS#819628

$412,500 Looking fo an urban homestead?

2 homes on one is a Cabin! 1.060 Acres in charming Scotss Mills. Donna Paradis, 503-851-0998 MLS#821340

By Melissa Wagoner

Murder, mystery and mayhem are coming to Silverton High School Dec. 6, 7 and 8 with the production of The Mystery Maze – the school’s first environmental play.

“It takes place in Pendleton Academy,” director Sarah Schmidt, said, so rather than being confined to the stage, it will take over the entirety of the SHS art wing.

“Instead of being instructive, the audience [physically] follows the story of the actors,” Schmidt said. “You get out of your seats.”

Tasked with discovering who murdered Pendleton Academy founder and millionaire Anthony Pendleton, the audience must search for clues amongst his relatives, acquaintances and possible heirs.

“As an audience member you’re free to walk around and have this experience,” Schmidt said. “But there are monitors to help move things along.”

And the director who both opens the play and supplies instructions.

Maze

Silverton High School presents The Mystery Maze

A murder mystery / treasure hunt

Silverton High School Auditorium 1456 Pine St.

Dec. 6 and 7, 8 p.m.

Dec. 8, 2:30 p.m.

Admission is a suggested donation of $10 for adults and $5 for children.

“So, I reached out to Corey [Christensen] at Soundstream,” she recalled. “I volunteered with him and taught a Tuesday night class.”

Then SHS theater teacher and director, Doug Ousterhout, retired.

“All of a sudden people were forwarding me these Facebook posts,” Schmidt said. “But I was apprehensive about it at first because I have a great love for the theater that I want to be upheld. For me it’s about the students and their experience.”

“It’s fun,” Schmidt said. “It’s something different, exciting and challenging.”

Which is precisely what Schmidt – new to SHS’s theater program – had in mind for her first SHS performance.

“We’re going to switch it all up and make it different and reach out to new audiences and new people,” she said.

Born to parents who met studying European theatre in Paris, Schmidt spent her childhood behind the scenes of the theater company they started after moving to Portland.

“I grew up in rehearsals,” she said. “So, I have this nostalgic feeling just being in the space. There’s something that happens to me when the lights hit the stage.”

Moving from Portland to Silverton in 2015 – at the behest of her husband, Ryan Schmidt, who grew up here –Schmidt dreamed of getting back to her theater roots.

Putting her fears aside, Schmidt contacted the school.

“I had to interview with the students,” she said. “They picked me.”

And it’s been an amazing experience ever since.

“When I held the first Drama Club meeting… I told them that’s it, we’re a family now,” she said. “Because you have to work together to create something magical. You have to rely on each other. And it’s been great. They show up for rehearsals. They communicate.”

And they’ve been working hard to make The Mystery Maze a production everyone in the community should see.

“It’s an opportunity to see something new and energizing and inspiring,” Schmidt said. “So, come out and support the school and the theater program.”

Castmembers rehearsing The Mystery Maze MELISSA WAGONER

Ends 12/3/24. Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. New Xfinity Gigabit Internet and Xfinity Mobile Unlimited customers only. Offer requires enrollment in both paperless billing and automatic payments with stored bank account. Without enrollment, the monthly service charge automatically increases by $10 (or $5 if enrolling with credit or debit card information). The discount will appear on your bill within 45 days of enrolling in automatic payments and paperless billing. If either automatic payments or paperless billing are subsequently canceled, the $10 monthly discount will be removed automatically. Limited to Gigabit Internet and one line of Unlimited mobile. All other installation, taxes & fees extra, and subject to change during and after promo. After 12 months, or if any service is canceled or downgraded, regular charges apply to internet service (currently $96/mo) and WiFi equipment (currently $15/mo). Service limited to a single outlet. May not be combined with other offers. All devices must be returned when service ends. Internet: Gig-speed WiFi requires Gigabit Internet and Xfinity Gateway. Actual speeds vary and not guaranteed. For factors affecting speed visit www.xfinity.com/networkmanagement. Xfinity Mobile: Xfinity Mobile requires residential post-pay Xfinity Internet. Line limitations may apply. Equip., intl., and roaming charges, taxes and fees, including reg. recovery fees, and other charges extra, and subj. to change. $25/mo charge applies if Xfinity TV, Internet, or Voice post-pay services not maintained. Pricing subject to change. During times of network congestion, your cellular data speeds may be slower temporarily. After monthly data use threshold for a line is exceeded, speeds are reduced until the billing cycle ends. A minimum $20.00 charge applies per month, per account for By the Gig lines, regardless of data usage. Charges apply to each GB or partial GB of shared data. No rollover data. For Xfinity Mobile Broadband Disclosures, visit xfinity.com/mobile/policies/broadband-disclosures. Device offer: Offer ends 12/3/24. Requires qualifying phone trade-in, and purchase of a new iPhone 16 Pro (128 GB only) while supplies last, a 24-month Xfinity Mobile Device Payment Plan Agreement (“Device Agreement”), and activation of new Xfinity Mobile Unlimited Plus line within 30 days of phone purchase date. Tradein must be completed within 21 days of phone shipment date. Must maintain line required for offer until trade-in is completed. Porting of number is not required with trade-in. Up to $1,000 via trade-in credit applied monthly to your account over Device Agreement period so long as Device Agreement is in effect.

Frequent Addresses

Mt. Angel Public Library, 290 E Charles St. Silver Creek Fellowship, 822 NE Industrial Way, Silverton. Silver Falls Library, 410 S Water St. Silverton Arts Association, 303 Coolidge St. Silverton Community Center/Council Chambers, 410 N Water St. Weekly Events

Monday

Silverton 50+ Center, 115 Westfield St. Seniors 50 and older. Daily, weekly, monthly events. 503-873-3093, silvertonseniors.org

SACA Food Pantry, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., SACA, 421 S Water St., Silverton. Repeats 3 - 6 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

Meals on Wheels Lunch, 11:30 a.m., Silverton 50+ Center, 115 Westfield St. $3 suggested donation. Make reservations three days in advance: 503-873-6906. Repeats Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Silverton Recovery AA, noon - 1 p.m., 302 N Water St. Seven days a week. Free Monday Dinner, 5:30 - 7 p.m., Oak Street Church, 502 Oak St., Silverton. Sit-down dinner or meals to go. All welcome. Free. 503-873-5446

Boy Scouts Troop 485, 7 - 8:30 p.m., St. Edward’s Episcopal Church, 211 W Center St., Silverton. Scoutmaster Dave Tacker, 760-644-3147, dave.tacker@ gmail.com

Tuesday

Scotts Mills Food Boxes, 9 - 11 a.m., Scotts Mills Community Center, 298 Fourth St. Residents in Scotts Mills/Butte Creek/ Monitor rural areas are welcome. Food donations welcome. Niki, 503-873-5059 Gentle Yoga, 9:30 a.m., Immanuel Lutheran Church, 303 N Church St., Silverton. Free; donations welcome. Repeats Thursdays.

Mt. Angel Senior Meals, 10:30 - 11 a.m. Delivery only. $3 donation suggested. Repeats Thurs. Ginger, 503-845-9464. Bible Study, 10:30 a.m. - noon, Silverton First Christian Church, 402 N First St. All welcome. 503-873-6620

APPY Hour, noon - 1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Drop in for technical assistance for electronic devices. All ages. Free. 971-370-5040

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

Stories & STEAM, 4 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Listen to a story about the theme of the month, join in a project. Snacks. Ages 5-12. Free. 971-370-5040

Cub Scout Pack 485, 6:30 p.m., St. Edward’s Episcopal Church, 211 W Center St., Silverton. Boys and girls in K-fifth grade. Deb Hilterbrand, 971-337-5925

Growing Awareness, Nurturing Compassion, 7 - 8:30 p.m. Zoom. Secular presentation promoting mindfulness. No experience needed. Invite for virtual gathering: compassionatepresence@yahoo.com.

Wednesday

Silverton Business Group, 8 a.m., Silver Falls Brewery, 207 Jersey St., Silverton. Networking of business community hosted by Silverton Chamber of Commerce. silvertonchamber.org

Quilters Group, 9 a.m. - noon, Trinity Lutheran Church, 500 N Second Ave., Silverton. trinitysilverton@gmail.com

Family Storytime & Indoor Playtime, 10:30 a.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Discover the magic of the season with reindeer stories, creative crafts. Ages 2 - 5 w/adult. No class 12/25. Free. 971-370-5040

Mission Benedict Food Pantry, 1 - 4 p.m., St. Joseph Shelter, 925 S Main St., Mt. Angel. Repeats Friday. 503-873-7645

Silver Chips Woodcarving Sessions, 1 - 4 p.m., Silverton Arts Association. All skill levels. 503-873-7645

Mission of Hope Food Pantry, 2 - 4 p.m., Silver Creek Fellowship. 503-873-7353

Thursday

Community Coffee, 7 - 9 a.m., Scotts Mills Community Center, 298 Fourth St. Free. Yoga, 9 a.m., Silver Creek Fellowship. Open to all. Sheila, 503-409-4498

Thursday Painters, 10 a.m. - noon, Silverton Arts Association. Join artists for open studio time. All art forms welcome. 503-873-2480

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

Friday

Toastmaster Club, 7:30 a.m., Zoom. Increase your listening skills, speaking, thinking and evaluating. tmcommunicators@gmail.com for Zoom link.

Mt. Angel Model Railroad, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., The Depot, 90 W College St., Mt. Angel. Lionel (O-gauge), HO-gauge, N-gauge model layouts on display. All ages welcome. Silvertones Community Singers, 10:30 a.m., Silverton United Methodist Church, 203 Main St., Silverton. Anyone who loves to sing is welcome. Tomi, 503-873-2033

Saturday

After-Season Indoor Market, 10 a.m. - noon, Silverton Friends Church, 229 Eureka Ave. Local produce, eggs, meats, crafts. Every Saturday except Holiday weekends.

Sunshine Fitness, 10 a.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Light exercise with Pilates Beginning Mat Workout. Waiver required. Free. 971-370-5040

Saturday Serenity Al-Anon Family Group, 10 a.m., Zoom. Families, friends of alcoholics. Zoom: Janet.h.salem23@ gmail.com

Creciendo juntos/Growing Together Storytime, 1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Through bilingual books and activities, learn simple words and phrases that help us communicate and grow together. 971-370-5040

The Art of Mindfulness, 2 p.m. Borland Gallery, 303 Coolidge St., Silverton. Connecting mind, heart, and body. Listen, meditate, contemplate, share thoughts. 971-218-6641

Just for Today Al-Anon Family Group, 6:30 p.m., Silverton Coffee Club, 302 N Water St. For families and friends of alcoholics.

Sunday, Dec. 1

Boy Scouts Tree Fundraiser

Boys Scout Troop 485 is selling Christmas trees in front of Valvoline Instant Oil Change, 901 N Second St., Silverton, through Dec. 22. Cash, check or Venmo accepted. Scouts staff the booth on weekends; other times are self-serve. Sponsored by Silverton Lions. scouterdeb@outlook.com

Silverton Christmas Market

5 - 9 p.m., Oregon Garden Resort, 895 W Main St., Silverton. Explore the authentic German Christmas Market for gifts from artisan vendors and imported German nutcrackers, smokers and ornaments. Tickets, only online, list of activities and events, visit silvertonchristmasmarket. com. Thru Dec. 31.

Youth Group

5 - 7 p.m., Silverton First Christian Church, 402 N First St. Middle and high school age youth. Dinner, games and devotion. Also Dec. 15. 503-873-6620

Dine-in with Us

5:30 - 7 p.m., Silverton 50+ Center. Community potluck. All welcome. RSVP and sign up to bring a dish at the Center or call 503-873-3093.

Monday, Dec. 2

Daughters of American Revolution

10 a.m., Stayton United Methodist Church, 1450 Fern Ridge Road. Celebrating the holidays with our patriots. All welcome. 503-5088246

Military Sexual Trauma Support

6 - 7:30 p.m. Zoom. For those who have served in the military, Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve members who have experienced Military Sexual Trauma. Group is facilitated by veterans and former service members with shared experience. Participants are welcome regardless of gender, discharge status or veteran status. Info: info@namimultnomah.org, 503-228-5692. Repeats Dec. 16.

Silverton City Council

7 p.m., Council Chamber, 410 N Water St., Silverton. Open to public. Agenda available. Work session at 6:30 p.m. 503-873-5321, silverton.or.us

Mt. Angel City Council

7 p.m., Mount Angel Public Library. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-845-9291, ci.mt-angel.or.us

Tuesday, Dec. 3

Letters to Santa

Mt. Angel Public Library. Write a letter to Santa and drop it in a special mailbox for a direct trip to the North Pole. Stationary provided. All ages. Available during open hours through Dec. 24. 971-370-5040

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. 4

Caregiver Connection

1 - 2:30 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, contact Julie Mendez, family caregiver support specialist at 503-304-3432 or julie. mendez@nwsds.org

Thursday, Dec. 5

Silverton Kiwanis Club

Noon, Main St. Bistro, 201 E Main St., Silverton. Bi-monthly meeting of Silverton Kiwanis Club. New members welcome. Repeats Dec. 19. silvertonkiwanis.org

Christmas Angel Paint Night

6 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Paint a Bavarian-style Christmas angel. Supplies provided as well as stepby-step instructions and guidance by Katie. Adults & teens. Free. Registration required by calling 971-370-5040.

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. 6

Grinch’s Guessing Game

Mt. Angel Public Library. Patrons have a chance to win a singing Grinch by guessing how many ornaments he’s hoarding in the library. Games thru Dec. 21. 971-370-5040

Christkindlemarkt & Hazelnut Festival

3 - 7 p.m., Mt. Angel Festhalle, 500 Wilco Hwy. Hazelnut products, brews, wines, artisan craft vendors, Buddy the Elf. Repeats

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Dec. 7 and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Dec. 8. Free. Benefits Scholarship Fund, Mt. Angel Fourth of July parade/fireworks, flower baskets, fountain. hazelnutfest.com

Farmers Market

3:30 - 6:30 p.m., Silverton 50+ Center, 115 Westfield St. Local farmers, crafts, artists. Repeats Dec. 20. 503-873-3093

Ladies Night

4 - 8 p.m., Willamette Valley Pie Co., 2994 NE 82nd Ave., Salem. Pie samples, multiple vendors, product samples, Christmas decor, discounts. Free admission. 503-362-8857

Classic Christmas Movies

6 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Movies with popcorn. Today: Miracle on 34th Street (PG). 2 p.m. Dec. 7: Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (PG). 2 p.m. Sunday Dec. 8: It’s a Wonderful Life (PG). 2 p.m. Dec. 14: Home Alone (PG). Free. 971-370-5040

Silverton Tree Lighting

6 p.m., Town Square Park, 111 W Main St., Silverton. Celebrate the holiday season with music, hot chocolate courtesy of Our Town, and a special appearance by Santa Claus to light the community tree at 7 p.m. Rain or shine. 503-873-5616, silvertonchamber.org

Children’s Lantern Parade

4:30 p.m., Coolidge McClaine Park, 300 Coolidge St., Silverton. Silverton Children’s Choir performs. Decorate a lantern, enjoy chili, walk to the tree lighting. Supports Community Roots School and Sheltering Silverton. 503-874-4107, crmontessori.org

Lunaria December Showing

6 - 8 p.m., Lunaria Gallery, 113 N Water St., Silverton. Meet the artists contributing to “Merry and Bright Holiday” showing –handcrafted artwork, ceramics, jewelry, baskets, garments, fused glass, weaving, paintings, prints and holiday cards. Refreshments served. Open 11 a.m.5 p.m. daily Dec. 4 - 30. 503-873-7734, lunariagallery.com

The Mystery Maze

8 p.m. Silverton High School presents a murder mystery and treasure hunt. Silverton High School Auditorium, 1456 Pine St. Also Dec. 7, 8 p.m. and Dec. 8, 2:30 p.m. Tickets: suggested donation of $10 for adults and $5 for children.

Dances with Fire book signing 5-7 p.m. Books N Time, 210 N Water St., Silverton. Author and wildland firefighter Kate Hamberger Yakis shares her story.

Saturday, Dec. 7

Grab Bags & Cookie Sale

9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Silverton First Christian Church, 402 N First St. Grab bags and cookies by the pound sale. 503-873-6620

Santa Mouse Bazaar

9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Silverton High, 1456 Pine St. Locally-crafted gifts and baked goods. Free admission.

Santa and Corn Dogs

11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Oak Street Church, 503 Oak St., Silverton. Children’s Christmas crafts, cake walk, corn dogs, cookies, hot cocoa. Picture with Santa. Free, family event. 503-873-5446

Mt. Angel Christmas Tree Lighting

6 p.m., Mt. Angel City Hall, 5 N Garfield St. Tree lighting, visit with Santa, hot chocolate. discovermtangel.org, 503-845-9291

Scotts Mill Christmas Tree Lighting

6 p.m., Scotts Mill City Park, 330 First St. Dinner available for a donation to park. 503-873-5435

Sunday, Dec. 8

Family Fun Night

5 - 7 p.m., Silverton First Christian Church, 402 N First St. Christmas craft fair. All welcome for dinner and crafts. Free. 503-873-6620

Monday, Dec. 9

Mt. Angel School District

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

Silver Falls School District

7 p.m., Silverton High, 1456 Pine St. Agenda available. Open to the public. 503-873-5303, silverfallsschools.org

Tuesday, Dec. 10

Ukulele Play and Sing-Alongs

6 - 7:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. The first 30 minutes is beginner’s ukulele lesson followed by play and sing-along time for all skill levels. Music is provided but don’t forget to bring your ukulele.

503-873-8796

Silverton Planning Commission

7 p.m., Council Chambers. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-874-2207, silverton.us.or

Wednesday, Dec. 11

Italian Conversations

6 - 7:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. Come practice your Italian with Craig Bazzi and Carlo Antinucci. All levels welcome. Free. 503-873-8796

Silver Falls Film Discussion

7 p.m. Zoom. Watch Perfect Days by Win Wenders, and join for a moderated discussion. Film available at Kanopy.com. Register at silverfallslibrary.org/filmdiscussion or call Ron Drake at 503-873-8796.

Thursday, Dec. 12

Veteran Services Drop-in

9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Silverton 50+ Center. VSO Eddie Granger on hand to answer questions, advise and educate individuals and groups on what benefits are available from federal, state, county and local resources. Help for veterans and family members in completing and filing benefit or survivor benefits claims. 503-873-3093

Moravian Stars

1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Create a Moravian star through guided stepby-step instructions. All materials provided. No experience necessary. Repeats at 6 p.m. Adults & teens. Free. 370-971-5040

Red Cross Blood Drive

1 - 6:30 p.m., Immanuel Lutheran Church, 303 N Church St., Silverton. For appointments visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-3767.

LGBTQ+ Peer Support

7 - 8:30 p.m. Zoom. Peer-led mental health young adult support group for LGBTQ2SIA+ individuals ages 18-30. Free on a drop-in basis. Sponsored by National Alliance on Mental Illness. Visit tinyurl.com/yalgbtqgroup to register. Repeats Dec. 26.

Friday, Dec. 13

LEGO Lab

3 - 4:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Build original creation to display at library. All ages. Free. Repeats Dec. 27. 971-370-5040

All-Ages Game Night

6 - 9 p.m., Silverton Grange, 201 Division St. Bring your favorite games. A responsible adult must accompany children under 13. All ages welcome. Free admission. 971-267-9364, silvertongrange@gmail.com

Saturday, Dec. 14

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. 15. Friendsofsilverfalls.net

Holiday Bazaar

10 a.m. - 3 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. Repeats Dec. 15. Visit oregongarden.org for tickets and more information.

Santa Cares

Noon - 4 p.m., Silverton 50+ Center. All are welcome to pick out gifts from donated and handmade items from the community. The center is accepting donations of new, handmade or gently loved items from noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 13.

Holiday Concert

3 p.m., Immanuel Lutheran Church, 303 N Church St., Silverton. Silverton Children’s Choir and Silverton Friends of Music adult choir perform. Free with donation of a can of food for SACA. Sarah Weitzman, 503-201-4337

Community Nutcracker

6 p.m., Silverton High, 1456 Pine St. Allabilities production performed by dancers from Revolutionary Dance & Movement Co., several dance studios, actors and non-trained dancers from the community. Concessions also include the Nutcracker Boutique, a fundraiser for future productions. Santa greets fans for wishlists and photos. Tickets $13/minors, $18/ adults; available at revolutionarydance. com or at the door. Repeats 2 p.m. Dec. 15.

Sunday, Dec. 15

Christmas Pageant

10:34 a.m., Silverton First Christian Church, 402 N First St. All are welcome. Free. 503-873-6620

Monday, Dec. 16

Prayer Shawl Ministry

3 - 5 p.m., Silverton First Christian Church, 402 N First St. Knitters and crocheters are welcome to join in making prayer shawls for those in need. Free. 503-873-6620

Silverton City Council

7 p.m., Council Chamber. Open to public. Agenda available. Work session at 6:30 p.m. 503-873-5321, silverton.or.us

Tuesday, Dec. 17

Holiday Cookie Exchange

5 - 8 p.m., Silverton Grange, 201 NE Division St. Silverton Grange and Silverton Food Co-op invite you to bring one to two dozen of your favorite holiday treats to share and bring home an assortment of the same. Stay to shop from local vendors and food staples while sipping warm beverages and enjoying holiday music.

Wednesday, Dec. 18

Wrap Party

12:30 - 3 p.m., Hoffers Hospitality House, 595 W Church St., Mt. Angel. Bring your Christmas presents and wrap them with provided supplies. Children welcome with a supervising sibling or parents. Space is limited. Text 503-956-3244 to reserve spot. Dementia Care Conversations

1 - 2 p.m. Zoom. Free group for unpaid caregivers providing support to a loved one living with dementia. Offered by Family Caregiver Support Program at NorthWest Senior & Disability Services. To register, contact 503-304-3432 or julie.mendez@nwsds.org.

Thursday, Dec. 19

Book Discussion for Adults

1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Discuss Christmas Bells by Jennifer Chiaverini. Zoom link available. All welcome. 971-370-5040

Silver Falls Writers Group

6:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. Writers share works. All welcome. 503-873-8796

Silverton High Choir Holiday Spirit

7 p.m., Silverton High, 1456 Pine St. Alumni are invited to participate in the Hallelujah chorus. Free admission. 503-873-6331

Miscast – Christmas Wishes

7 p.m., Brush Creek Playhouse, 11535 Silverton Road NE. A twisted cabaret for all ages. Also 7 p.m. Dec. 20, 21; 2 p.m. Dec. 21, 22. brushcreekplayhouse.com

Mt. Angel Planning Commission

7 p.m., Mount Angel Public Library.

Friday, Dec. 20

Free Shoes for Those Who Need Them

1 - 4 p.m., Silverton First Christian Church, 402 N First St. The church and Silverton Rotary free shoe event. 503-873-6620

Teen Hangout

5 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Wear your ugly sweater and join for some holiday crafts. Teens in the Kitchen: quick, easy, no-bake Christmas treats. Teens. Free. 971-370-5040

Saturday, Dec. 21

Men’s Fellowship Breakfast

8 a.m., Water Mountain Restaurant, 1397

S Water St., Silverton. Men are welcome to join Silverton First Christian Church for devotion and breakfast at Water Mountain. 503-873-6620

Christmas Concert

1 p.m., St. Paul Catholic Church, 1410 Pine St., Silverton. Ad Lucem presents a Christmas concert and carol sing featuring traditional carols, individual soloists, duets, audience participation, related scripture readings. Free admission; donations are welcome.

Santa at the Library

2 - 4 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Get a photo with Santa in front of the fireplace, decorate cookies, enjoy hot cocoa, make an ornament, play reindeer games. All ages. Free. 971-370-5040

Monday, Dec. 23

Mario Kart Fun

Mt. Angel Public Library. Exciting Mario Kart challenges for kids of all ages during library’s open hours through Jan. 4. 971-370-5040

PFLAG Silverton

7 p.m., Oak Street Church, 502 Oak St., Silverton. Everyone welcome. Under 18 must have parent/guardian. Information: Christy, 541-786-1613, silvertonpflag@gmail.com

Candlelight Service

9 p.m., Silverton First Christian Church, 402 N First St. All are welcome. 503-873-6620

Wednesday, Dec. 25

Christmas Day

Blended Church Service

10 a.m., Silverton First Christian Church, 402 N First St. All welcome.

Teen Advisory Board/Book Club

4:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Teens (grades 6-12) collaborate with library on programs, collections, games. Snacks. Book Club meets for the first 30 minutes to discuss Dry by Neal Shusterman. Copies at the circulation desk. 971-370-5040

Monday, Dec. 30

Vigil for Peace

2:30 - 3:30 p.m., Towne Square Park, Silverton. Silverton People for Peace gather to advocate for peace, social justice issues on all levels of society. Open to all. 503-873-5307

Tuesday, Dec. 31

New Year’s Eve

Noon Year’s Eve Celebration

11 a.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Celebrate the New Year at noon with fun activities, decorations, hats, noisemakers. Families welcome. Free. 971-370-5040

New Year’s Eve Gala

8:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m., Mt. Angel Festhalle, 500 NE Wilco Hwy. Live music, dancing, no-host bar, hors d’oeuvres, casino games, photo booth and more.

Robin Ekloff Owner

Healing goals

Acupuncture center opens in Mount Angel

By Melissa Wagoner

Bosten Ingram has been receiving acupuncture treatments since she was three years old.

“[I]t has been a baseline for my own physical, mental, emotional well-being for my entire life,” she said.

And so, when it came time to choose a career, becoming an acupuncturist seemed the perfect fit.

“I received my master’s in Chinese medicine at Oregon College of Oriental Medicine…” Ingram said, describing the accelerated program which, condensed into just three years, included a look at both Chinese and Western medical practices.

“I have seen and treated a wide variety of ailments, from stress and anxiety to low back pain, to fertility support,” Ingram said. “It is a gentle yet powerful modality that looks at the patient from a holistic point of view. We take into consideration your day-to-day life, diet, relationships and so much more to create a treatment that is unique to the individual, creating and maintaining balance within the body and its systems to function optimally.”

Employed as a practitioner for the past three years at White Oak Wellness in Silverton, Ingram recently decided to strike out on her own, opening Atsa Acupuncture in Mount Angel.

“Opening up my own business was foreign to me and definitely came with some learning curves, mostly hassling with insurance companies,” Ingram said. “My favorite part of the process was getting my treatment rooms ready; it was the most creative part of the journey for me, and I really enjoyed the tactile projects to create a calming and welcoming space.”

Utilizing mainly Japanese-style acupuncture techniques, for their gentle approach, Ingram believes less is more when it comes to the number of needles she uses.

“Through my experience I have found that the intention behind the needling is just as effective as the needles themselves…” Ingram said. “My main priority is people feeling safe and comfortable…”

Atsa Acupuncture

Mount Angel Wellness Center

690 N. Main St.

Currently accepting Aetna, Providence, Blue Cross Blue Shield, OHP-Pacific

Bosten Ingram SUBMITTED

Source, MODA and Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVAs) 541-550-9695, atsaacupuncture.com

Which sometimes means using no needles at all.

“[W]hile the needles are the main modality I use to facilitate treatment, there are other tools and things I can do that don’t include using acupuncture needles,” Ingram said. “I like to incorporate bodywork into my treatments, often doing cupping or gua sha. I also have done treatments just with acupressure (no needles).”

According to Ingram, these methods are said to work well together because they have one goal in common, the activation of the body’s own self-healing mechanisms.

“Our bodies are very adaptive and smart to heal on their own,” Ingram said, “but because of pain, traumas, diet, exercise, stress, relationships, climate etc. we get thrown out of whack. Acupuncture helps calm our nervous system and cultivate a space for our bodies to drop back into that deep state of healing and restoration.”

That’s something Ingram thinks everyone could use, whether they feel “sick” or not.

“I welcome all to try acupuncture, even if you don’t have ‘anything wrong.’ It is an incredible stress reducer and almost immediately puts your body into a state of deep relaxation,” she said, adding, “We live in a society that [equates] being busy with productivity… I view restorative relaxation to be even more productive. We can’t help others if we don’t help ourselves.”

Joe

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$190,000 Immaculate home, 2 bd, 2b. wood flooring, granite countertops in the kitchen, relaxing, private backyard. Buyers must be approved by community park management. 3450 Hidden View Ln. NE, Salem. MLS#823285

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Merry Christmas!

Christmas is a wonderful time of year. We love to sing: “Joy to the world! the Lord is come; Let earth receive her King!” But if we don’t really believe “the Lord has come,” it is pretty hard to rejoice. Unbelief pulls the rug out from under celebrating Christmas because this is the day that Christians all over the world take time to remember the historical events that led up to the birth of Jesus Christ.

The best way to celebrate Christmas is by gathering family members together and setting the stage for the older members of the family to tell the story of Christmas to the younger members of the family. This often comes with beautiful decorations, special foods and desserts, and, of course, holiday traditions like exchanging Christmas gifts. But we have to be careful not to allow our Christmas traditions to crowd out the true story of Christmas itself. It’s supposed to be the day we remember the birth of Jesus Christ, so we must not let that get lost in decorating Christmas trees or fibbing about Santa Claus. When you hear me say “Keep Christ in Christmas!” I’m preaching to Christians as well as to others. Saying “Happy Holidays” in public may be politically correct, but it just doesn’t cut it. It’s disloyal to Jesus. Cheerfully shouting “Merry Christmas” honors our Lord because Christmas is His holiday. It’s there in the name Christmas!

By Gregg Harris

today as Jesus Christ, to be born into this world as God Himself in a human body. This child would be the promised Savior. But in order to be the Savior, Jesus would have to grow up to be a perfect man, to live the morally perfect life that we were all supposed to live, but have not because of our own sin. Then, because Jesus would have no moral guilt of His own to pay for, He would be able to take upon Himself all the punishment that we deserve for our sin. Jesus would be able to voluntarily die in our place the death that we all deserve. God Himself would die in our place.

And So It Came To Pass.

Jesus was born in King David’s royal bloodline, the very Son of God Himself, to a Virgin named Mary in a stable there in Bethlehem. It was the real Christmas Day! “Joy to the world! The Lord has come! Let earth receive her King!”

It’s All About The Birth of A King.

The Christmas Story is a true story. Although holiday movies often fictionalize the story with talking animals, the real story is historically true. It’s about the birth of a long-promised King who is finally born into the humble circumstances of a stable. But this King is not just any king. This royal child is “the Christ,” the Jewish Messiah. The Bible describes Him as “Emanuel” (i.e., “God with us,” Is. 7:14). Daniel’s “Son of Man.” The King of kings. All of His titles point to this baby’s birthright to rule over everything and everyone forever. When you see a Nativity Scene in someone’s yard, the baby in that manger is Jesus, the newborn King. So, let’s take a closer look at the historical events surrounding His birth as we find them presented in the Bible.

God is omniscient. He knows everything. And as Creator, He lives outside of time. So, He knows everything from beginning to end, all at once. Because of this, God already knew, before He had even made the world, that the first human beings, Adam and Eve, would rebel against Him. He didn’t cause them to rebel, but He knew they would.

Why would they do that? It was because a fallen angel, named Satan, lied to them about

the moral character of God. Satan suggested that God is not really good. He said God was holding out on them something better than God’s will for their lives. He suggested that simply by disobeying God they would become like God, knowing both good and evil. (As outlandish as this may sound, it really did happen, and it explains a lot about why the world is the way it is today. Many still believe Satan’s lie.) Our first parents doubted the goodness of God enough to actually disobey Him, and as they say, “The rest is history.”

It Didn’t Go Well For Them.

It’s amazing that this Savior was promised by God on the very same day that Adam and Eve rebelled against God in the Garden of Eden. (See Genesis 3 for that moment in history.) God promised that the

“If we miss the connection between Jesus in the manger and Jesus on the cross, we miss the point entirely. If we do not believe in our heart that God actually raised Jesus from the dead, and repent of our sin, we miss out on the greatest Christmas Gift of all.”

Rather than becoming “like God,” Adam and Eve fell into what the Bible calls “sin.” It is any rebellion against God’s will — against His glory and against all that is good. So, Adam and Eve, and all of us as their offspring, now “fall short of the glory of God.” (Rom. 3:23). We became fallen creatures, separated from our Creator and cast out of His Paradise.

But there is more to it than that. God is Holy, and so He must be absolutely just in all His ways. We read in Ezekiel 18:4 that “The soul that sins must die.” So, Adam and Eve would have to die, but mercifully, not before they had had their children. Why was that?

Because some of their posterity, even down to the present day, would eventually repent of their sin, believe and be reconciled to God. God saw all of this ahead of time, and so, before the world even began, by His mercy He had already set in place the way by which He could forgive and rescue all those who would repent and turn back to Him. But remember, God had to remain absolutely just. He could not overlook sin. And He didn’t.

That’s why God the Father’s plan required Him to send His own Son, whom we know

Seed (singular) of the woman would one day crush the head of the serpent, Satan. The Story of Christmas really did begin before the world began. It transpired over the course of many centuries, with many prophecies. But all the pieces of the puzzle fell into place.

How Did This Happen?

The entire Bible tells the story of God’s unfolding plan of salvation. First God chose a man named Abraham to be the Father of a Nation called Israel (Yes, that Israel, the forebears of the modern Jewish nation of Israel.) It was through Israel that the promised Savior would be born. God promised Abraham that through his family all the earth would be blessed (Gen. 22:18). Later God promised a Jewish king of Israel named David that the promised Savior would descend through his own royal bloodline (Is. 9:7). Various prophets added more 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 and place 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 in time to honor the newborn King with gifts.

But being born was just the first step toward fulfilling the purpose for which Jesus came into the world. The manger stood in the shadow of the cross on which Jesus would eventually die for the sins of the world. It also stood in the light of the tomb from which Jesus would ultimately rise from the dead. (1John 2:2). When God the Father raised Jesus from the dead it provided all the proof we need to know that Jesus was the promised Savior He claimed to be, and that He accomplished all that He said He would.

If we miss the connection between Jesus in the manger and Jesus on the cross, we miss the point entirely. If we do not believe in our heart that God actually raised Jesus from the dead, and repent of our sin, we miss out on the greatest Christmas Gift of all. In order to receive God’s free gift of salvation — to be born again, we must believe (Rom. 10:9) and repent (Acts 20:21). It is this that saves us. That is why we celebrate Christmas as we do. That is the entire purpose of Christmas. Questions? Call or text 971-370-0967.

Gregg Harris, A Pastor at Gracious Cross Reformed Church in North East Salem

Passages

Mary LaRue Kruger

Dec. 2, 1930 – July 27, 2024

Mary LaRue Kruger, known as “LaRue” to family and friends, passed away on July 27, 2024 peacefully in her sleep. She was born LaRue Markham on Dec. 2, 1930, in Tucson, Arizona to Margaret Kathleen Martin Markham and Frank Monroe Markham. When she was 12 her family moved to San Francisco, California then to Bonanza, Oregon.

She married Ralph Harlan Kruger on May 20, 1950, at the Bonanza Community Church. They lived in Tennant, California and Talent, Oregon, before retiring in Medford, Oregon.

While in Talent, she started attending the Friends Church across the street at the invitation of Pastor Clark Smith, taking her children. LaRue loved being a hostess, planning events, and was on all the committees possible with the church, throughout the years.

In 2011, after Ralph’s passing, LaRue moved to Benedictine Retirement Center in Mount Angel, Oregon near her daughter Cathy. She enjoyed living there

because she felt it was harder to socialize as she got older. Her face would just burst with smiles and joy when a visitor would walk through her door. She was loved and respected by the staff.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Ralph and her son, Donald Ray Kruger in 2016. She is survived by her two daughters, Cathy (Roger) Knox and Mary (Jeff) Dumke; her eight grandkids, Matt Kruger, David Kruger, Jaymie Dumke Ford, Ariel Dumke Rahier, Dana Dumke Marin, Ashley Dumke Allen, Autumn Dumke Cosgrove, and Zachery Dumke; along with 15 great-grandchildren.

LaRue lived a full life of 93 years, filled with her faith, happiness, love, family, friends. She was an excellent example of a loving spouse, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She is missed.

LaRue will be laid to rest next to Ralph at the veterans’ cemetery in Eagle Point, Oregon.

Robert Mendoza Aug. 17, 1948 – Oct. 16, 2024

Robert Mendoza was born on Aug. 17, 1948 to Santiago and Juana Mendoza in Tulare, California. He graduated from Delano High School in 1966. He then began his collegiate career at the College of the Sequoias before he was drafted to the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

recognized twice by the Oregon Governor for his decade of service. He also served over the Board of Directors for Salud Medical Services in Woodburn and dedicated his time as an investigator for Oregon Legal Services. In his retirement, Robert worked as a medical interpreter for Salem Hospital and later, Silverton Hospital.

Renee Rachel Redding

Renee Rachel Redding passed away peacefully on Oct. 10, 2024 at her home in Silverton, Oregon with her husband James by her side.

Renee was born in Silverton to Darlene and Gordon Hovland on Oct. 21, 1944. Her birth father, Corbie Ray was killed in action in World War II and never made it home to meet her.

21, 1944 – Oct. 10, 2024

In early school years, Renee attended St. Paul’s Catholic School. She graduated from Silverton Union High School in 1962.

Her family grew fields of strawberries up Powers Creek Loop. This is where she met James Redding picking strawberries. They wed in 1963 at the Chapel in the Hills in Silverton and had 61 years together.

In 1971, she welcomed her only son, Derek, who currently resides in Keizer.In 2000, Derek married Dina, and together they gave Renee one grandson, James-Roy, in 2001. Dina also brought a son, Michael, with her to the marriage, whom Renee treated like he was her own grandson from

day one. Michael gave Renee her only great granddaughter, Amy, who she just loved doting over. Renee was a wonderful caretaker. She worked at Silverton Nursing Home for more than 20 years until they closed – working in many positions including CNA, CMA, Med Aide and Restorative Aid. From there, she worked at Silver Gardens / Marquis for many years before retiring. Anytime she could get out with the family for a hike, camping, or ATV riding she was satisfied. In her downtime, she liked to read. She was great at cooking and trying new recipes, making wine, elixirs and baking. She loved to crochet, make dolls, and make houses for her miniature Christmas village. On top of it all, she loved tending to the love of her life, James. Renee is survived by her husband, James; son, Derek; daughter-in-law, Dina; her grandsons; great granddaughter; sister, Gayla; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Muriel.

In Memory Of

He served his country honorably, receiving two Purple Hearts, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal for his service.

After his military career, Robert resumed his studies at the College of the Sequoias, University of Oregon and Willamette University. After meeting the love of his life, Susie Alvarado, he chose to make a life in Salem, Oregon. In 1992 Robert and Susie fulfilled their dream of owning land, ultimately settling in the foothills east of Silverton, Oregon.

Robert felt it important to invest in his community. He served on the Hispanic Board of Commissioners and was

He is survived by his wife, Susie Mendoza; his children, Adrianna (Jeramy), Santiago (Ann), and Emiliano; five grandchildren Taylen, Julianne, Marcelina, Isaac and Scarlett; siblings Marcelina Montero, Jose (Cora) Mendoza, Lupe Juarez, Jesse (Anna) Mendoza, Vicki Mendoza, Carlos (Cathy) Mendoza, Alfredo Mendoza and Stella Hernandez; his many nieces, nephews and children of his heart. He is preceded in death by his parents, Santiago and Juana Mendoza; sisters, Pilar Hernandez and Annie Gentry. Robert will be remembered as a present, loving father who always had a warm embrace for those within reach.

Arrangements by  Unger  Funeral Chapel.

Allegations of domestic abuse

A Silverton man is facing numerous charges for the alleged repeated physical and sexual abuse of a female victim.

Eder Gilberto Del Rio-Macias, 41, was charged in Marion County Circuit Court on Oct. 3 for alleged offenses occurring between December 2023 and September.

According to charging documents, the defendant allegedly subjected the victim to various sexual acts “by means of forcible compulsion.” He also allegedly injured her using a belt, strangled her, and took nude videos of the victim.

Prosecutors also alleged these crimes were acts of domestic violence.

Del Rio-Macias is charged with strangulation, unlawful use of a weapon, first-degree invasion of personal privacy, second-degree invasion of personal privacy, and two counts each of firstdegree sodomy, first-degree sexual abuse, second-degree sexual abuse, and fourthdegree assault.

If convicted he faces at least 100 months in prison under Measure 11.

Del Rio-Macias was released from the Marion County Jail Oct. 4 on $75,000

bail. He is due back in court Jan. 7, 2025, for a status check hearing.

Sex assault case dismissed

Sexual assault charges against a Mount Angel man were dismissed after prosecutors determined they could not achieve a conviction.

On Sept. 27, charges of first-degree rape, second-degree sexual abuse, unlawful use of a weapon, strangulation and coercion were dismissed against Robert Guadalupe Guerrero, 44.

A motion filed by prosecutors that day said further investigation revealed it was “in the interest of justice” to drop the case. Additional details about any new information were not described in the motion.

Guerrero was arrested July 23 and accused of sexually assaulting a woman at knifepoint on June 27. He was also originally charged with first-degree kidnapping for allegedly forcing the woman off a bus prior to the alleged assault.

Guerrero denied the charges and pleaded not guilty Aug. 19.

The strength of the case first came into

question after a bail hearing Aug. 23 when prosecutors and the defense agreed there was not enough evidence to support the kidnapping charge, which was removed from the case later that day.

Probation for firearm charge

A former Silverton man has been sentenced to probation on a weapon charge. A charge of kidnapping was dropped amid claims the alleged victim lied to police.

Kristopher Thomas Givens, 36, currently of Stayton, was sentenced to three years of probation Nov. 21 in Marion County Circuit Court after pleading guilty that day to felon in possession of a firearm.

He was originally arrested April 6 for second-degree kidnapping after driving a woman from his then-home in Silverton to Corvallis allegedly against her will. In a sentencing memo filed Nov. 20, defense attorney Jason Short claimed the alleged victim fabricated the story to conceal her sexual relationship with Givens from her husband.

A grand jury later determined there was not enough evidence to support the kidnapping charge and on May 9 returned an indictment with only the weapon charge.

While on probation, Givens must perform 80 hours of community service, may possess no weapons and must undergo a mental health evaluation. He agreed to no tolerance for probation violations, and if his probation is revoked he would be sentenced to 14 months in prison.

Arrest for alleged knife threat

A Silverton man is facing felony charges after allegedly threatening a woman with a knife.

Ray Thomas Embree, 56, was charged Oct. 29 in Marion County Circuit Court for an alleged instance of domestic violence occurring Oct. 28.

According to charging documents, Embree allegedly choked the victim, caused minor injuries and threatened to harm her with a knife if she attempted to flee.

He is charged with strangulation, unlawful use of a weapon, coercion and fourth-degree assault. If convicted he faces up to five years in prison on his highest count.

As of press time Embree remained in the Marion County Jail on $40,000 bail. He is also being held on an outstanding charge of failure to report as a sex offender.

Man arrested for DUII wreck that killed two locals

By Stephen Floyd

A Springfield man is facing manslaughter charges after a DUII collision in Salem in September that killed two local residents and injured three people including the defendant.

Terrance Harley Quackenbush-Benson, 29, was arrested Oct. 9 for a Sept. 16 wreck on Cordon Road SE that killed Blanca Mariela Franco-Ramos, 28, of Mount Angel, and Heriberto Rangel-Rangel, 46, of Silverton.

According to the Salem Police Department, at around 10 a.m. Quackenbush-Benson was driving a pickup truck north on the 1100 block Cordon Road SE when he allegedly crossed into the southbound lane. The pickup driven by Franco-Ramos was struck head-on, and she and Rangel-Rangel died at the scene.

A third passenger in the southbound vehicle was hospitalized with serious injuries. Quackenbush-Benson and a passenger in his vehicle were also hospitalized with serious injuries.

Quackenbush-Benson was charged in Marion County Circuit Court Oct. 10 with two counts of first-degree manslaughter and two lesser counts of second-degree manslaughter. The higher charge requires prosecutors

to prove “extreme indifference” to human life, while the lesser charge requires proof of “recklessness,” according to charging documents.

The defendant has also been charged with reckless driving, second-degree assault, third-degree assault and fourth-degree assault for the injuries to the other passengers. He was additionally charged with DUII for being “under the influence of an inhalant,” though court records did not specify the substance at issue.

Also on Oct. 10 prosecutors filed notice of their intent to rely on enhancement factors to seek a stiffer sentence than normal. These include the defendant’s alleged lack of remorse, disregard for laws and the number of victims involved.

If convicted as charged, Quackenbush-Benson faces at least 10 years in prison under Measure 11.

A four-day trial is set to begin April 30, 2025. Quackenbush-Benson is due back in court Jan. 14, 2025, for a pre-trial conference.

As of press time he was held in the Marion County Jail without bail after the court determined he poses a likely threat to public safety.

Coffee with a Cop coming to Silverton

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office and the Silverton Police Department are hosting Coffee wth a Cop Wednesday, Dec. 4, at the Silverton Bake Shop. The community is welcome to attend.

The event runs 8 a.m. to noon at 311 N. Water St. It will feature sheriff’s deputies and city officers on hand to answer questions and invite conversations.

In an announcement on Facebook, SPD said the event is “your opportunity to put a face to the badge, ask questions, and get to know the people who serve Silverton every day.” They also said Chief Todd Engstrom “makes a mean cup of coffee” and may possibly be found behind the counter preparing drinks with other officers.

“We’d love for you to join us, grab a coffee, and make some connections,” said the posting.

This gathering joins a series of Coffee with a Cop events organized by the sheriff’s office since August, throughout Marion County. The sheriff’s office has said Coffee with a Cop is a casual way to connect with those who protect local communities.

– Stephen Floyd

Top ten

By James Day

Blockbuster national showing by Silverton FFA

The Silverton High chapter of FFA came back from the national convention with its best collection of honors in at least 20 years.

Silverton sent 17 students to the 97th national event, which was held Oct. 23-26 in Indianapolis. Every Silverton team finished in the top 10 in the nation and Matthew Bielenberg was No. 1 at the convention in agricultural mechanics.

“This was the best year Silverton has had since I have been teaching at Silverton, which is 19 years,” said FFA adviser and coach Scott Towery. “There are 1 million FFA members across the nation and Oregon accounts for about 10,000. So I’m very proud of all the Silverton participants. This was a monumental National Convention for us.”

When asked if there had been any surprises for his team he replied, “as a coach you always encourage and practice with students to be the best team they can. I did have confidence they could be top contenders, but being 5th, 7th  and 2nd  in the nation is a

Coach/advisor Scott Towery (second row, far right) and the 17 Silverton FFA members who participated in the chapter’s standout performance at the FFA National Convention held Oct. 23-26 in Indianapolis. SUBMITTED PHOTO

very amazing accomplishment that a lot of advisers and students never get a chance to experience.

“These students have put in lots of time and hours on top of athletic practices,

schoolwork and home life.  So, when you have a group of students that bring home gold and national titles you savor the accomplishments and acknowledge their hard work.”

Convention results

Career development events

Top 10 teams

• Agricultural mechanics: second

• Agriscience: fifth

• Agronomy: seventh

Top 10 individuals

• Matthew Bielenberg: first in ag mechanics

• Travis Kuenzi: 10th in agronomy

• Kidron Schurter: 10th in ag mechanics

National Agriscience Fair

• Animal systems, division 4: Peyton Smith and Adeline Kuenzi, bronze

• Plant systems, division 6: Jenna Schurter and Mason Snook, fifth

Proficiences

• Ag mechanics repair/maintenance: Kidron Schurter, silver

Sports & Recreation

Willis dynasty

In kind of a poignant coda on the Foxes’ 2024 football season, it’s sobering to note that there will no longer be any Willis brothers on the roster. I’ve been covering Silverton football since the fall of 2012 and nearly every team has had a Willis playing on one (or both) of the lines.

Final brother anchors Silverton’s lines

Matthew served from 2012-14, Ben from 2016-18, Sam from 2019-22 and Eli, who is on the current roster, from 2021-24.

They were all tall, strong, remarkably agile and willing to grub around in the dirt and wet and cold and hard turf that is Oregon high school football. Josh Craig, who was the head coach of the Foxes from 2017-21, also was an assistant under John Mannion. He worked with Matthew (6-4, 230, Class of 2014), when he was a freshman, had Ben (6-2, 270, Class of 2019) for the final two years of his varsity career, worked with Sam (6-4, 275, Class of 2023) all four years, including Sam’s freshman year when the Foxes made the semis and his senior year when Sam made one of the biggest plays in Silverton history (more on that below). Eli, (6-2, 240, Class of 2025) then a freshman, was on the sidelines for the Foxes’ 26-20 win vs. Thurston in the 2021 5A title game. He just concluded his senior year for the Foxes as a two-time defensive lineman of the year.

“The entire Silverton football program owes the Willis family a huge thank you for raising such amazing young men,” Craig said. “All four boys have been high level contributors for Silverton football. Collectively, the four of them have played an insane amount of varsity football for Silverton. They’re all incredibly talented and have been anchors for the team in the trenches. They work hard and keep

to themselves, and just get after it.”

Here are some personal memories:

Matthew: I started covering the Foxes in 2012, Matthew’s junior year. He was part of a terrific class of players that caught fire under Mannion, including Cole Chandler, Logan Munson, Brett Miller and Camryn Clokey. Willis was an anchor and an excellent spokesman for the squad. He also was a prototype Mannion lineman: tall, athletic, smart and leaner and quicker and more versatile than the 300-pounders on some squads.

Ben: In one of the gutsiest moves I ever saw Mannion make he sent out the sophomore to kick a field goal in the final moments of a 2016 game at Corvallis. The Spartans tried to ice him by calling a pair of timeouts. Didn’t work. Willis drilled the 22-yard field goal and Corvallis’ lack of timeouts killed any chance they had of a comeback in the final 1:04. Game over. Ben also watched, confidently, as Lebanon tried to ice him by calling timeouts before a PAT kick after the Foxes tied the Warriors 36-36 on a TD pass from backup QB Aaron Wieskamp. Willis drilled the PAT and a Foxes interception closed the door moments later. Game over.

Sam: Here is the setup. Foxes lead 26-20 late in the fourth quarter on a cold, windy, wet night at Hillsboro Stadium. The Foxes are trying to hang on after the Colts rallied from a 23-0 deficit. Thurston has a 2nd-and-11 at their own 29 with five minutes to go. Willis crashes through to sack QB Alex Boring, one of

his five tackles on the day (he also forced a fumble). Imagine it: You have been pounding away at Thurston players and sweating your guts out for nearly 2.5 hours. You are cold, tired, wet and probably hungry. Yet you have the resilience to beat your man, who is just as cold and tired and hungry, and take down the QB. Teammate Nolan Meyer liked the idea so much he nailed Boring for a ten-yard loss on the next snap, leaving the Colts with a 4th-and-26 disaster at their own 14. Game over.

Eli: Just about two months ago at Memorial Stadium in Albany, Eli had a classic lineman’s game. He kept the chains moving on a night in which the O-line helped the offense pick up 447 yards against West Albany. There were 11 TDs scored in the Foxes’ 44-34 win, but it was Willis who was the key player. He dragged down a West ballcarrier in the end zone for Silverton’s first score, batted down a West pass on a key fourth down with the Foxes clinging to a 23-20 lead. And with Silverton leading 30-20 moments later, Willis blocked a punt, and the Foxes scored one play later for a 37-20 lead. Game over.

Alumni Watch: Western Oregon closed its season at 6-5 overall and 6-3 in the Lone Staar Conference after falling 13-3 to arch-rival Central Washington on Nov. 16. Former Foxes QB Jordan McCarty did not play after suffering an injury the previous week against Angelo State. McCarty, a redshirt sophomore, finished his first season with the Wolves as the second leading rusher (316 yards and five TDs) and passer (663 yards, four TDs and O int).

Javi Rodriguez, the former Kennedy High

Girls Basketball

Dec. 10

6 p.m. Kennedy vs Oakland

7 p.m. Silverton vs McMinnville

Dec. 12

5:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Gervais

Dec. 18

Dec. 10

7:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Oakland

Dec. 12

7 p.m. Kennedy vs Gervais

Dec. 17

7 p.m. Silverton vs Springfield

Dec. 30

7 p.m. Silverton vs Glencoe Boys Basketball

7 p.m. Silverton vs McDaniel

Dec. 20 – 22 Boys Basketball Silverton Tournament – For times and teams, visit silvertonhigh. silverfallsschools.org.

football standout, finished his sophomore season at Willamette University in Salem as the No. 4 tackler on the squad, which finished 2-8 overall and 0-7 in the Northwest Conference. The 6-2, 190pound Rodriguez had 53 total tackles (34 solo and 19 assists) while also filling the score sheet with 11 tackles for loss, including 2.5 sacks, a fumble recovery, an interception and a blocked kick.

Kennedy Football: The Trojans finished 7-3, falling to No. 3 Santiam Christian 41-21 in the first round of the Class 3A playoffs. Kennedy came into the match as the No. 14 seed after a 7-2 regular season that included a 4-2 record in Special District 1. Because only the top two teams, Banks and Yamhill-Carlton, received automatic bids, the Trojans got in as an at-large entrant. Before the playoffs Kennedy’s lone losses were a 40-7 defeat against Banks and a 12-7 cliffhanger against Y.C.

Winter Dates: The winter sports of basketball, wrestling and swimming are next. The first contest/jamboree date is Wednesday, Dec. 4.

Eli Willis JAMES DAY

A love-hate relationship

All through my life I have had a love-hate relationship with cars. I love cars, and they hate me.

I love the concept of cruising down the road with the windows open and the radio blaring, the deep-throated exhaust raising my testosterone level.

But in reality, cars are a money pit with four wheels. Not only do they cost a mint to buy, you have to pay for gas – or electricity nowadays – and maintain them.

Often, cars strain the pocketbook. Sometimes they push their owners over the edge.

I had a friend in college who spent every free moment rebuilding a 1963 Volkswagen van. All semester, his dorm room was cluttered with engine parts, wrenches, oily rags and frustration. This was in 1975 at the University of Alaska in Fairbanks.

Finally, he managed to pull all of the pieces together and, through an act of will as much as mechanical know-how, got the van to run. Not very well, but it did run.

After graduation, we went our separate ways. I got a job as the entire staff of a weekly newspaper in Wrangell, Alaska, and he landed a job working for one of Alaska’s U.S. senators in Washington, D.C.

One day I got a call from him. He was in Canada and planned to catch a state ferry to Wrangell. I invited him to spend a couple of days in my apartment before he headed on to D.C.

I met him at the ferry terminal. No Volkswagen van. When I asked about it, all he said was a string of four-letter words, some that I had never heard before.

Here’s what happened.

He left Fairbanks in the Volkswagen, and everything was fine, until a small noise

developed in the engine. The small noise became a big noise and, ultimately, the big noise became no noise at all. The engine had gone kaput. Melted down. Crapped out. Anyway you describe it, the Volkswagen was toast. He was in the middle of the Yukon Territory with a dead van and a hundred trillion mosquitoes.

There was only one way out. He had a gun, and the van had a half a tank of gas. By the time he got done, the van was burning like a 12-year-old’s marshmallow. He hitched a ride from a passing trucker, who was heading for the ferry terminal in Haines, Alaska. He had only a backpack and a torque wrench to his name.

A true love-hate relationship. He had poured an infinite amount of time and all the money a college kid could scrape together to get that van on the road, and he had been jilted.

I’ve had my share of torrid affairs with cars, too. Just the other day, I decided to fix a small noise coming from the engine of my Honda. I watched a couple of YouTube

videos, ordered the part and was all set. After the requisite amount of crawling around on the floor of the garage, I managed to button it back up.

Then came the moment of truth. I started it and it didn’t make the original noise.  It made a whole batch of new noises.

To paraphrase my reaction: Well, heck.

Not only that, when I drove it on the road it wouldn’t go faster than 20 mph. And the instrument panel looked like one of those old Pac-Man video games.

Gosh dang it.

My wife was kind enough to lend me her car and took my Honda “brick” to a repair shop. A week later, a real mechanic had it fixed.

And I was back on the road, driving with the windows open and the radio blaring and an empty spot in my heart, and my wallet. Carl Sampson is a freelance write and editor. He lives in Stayton.

GENERAL

PASTOR CHUCK BALDWIN

Liberty Fellowship, Kalispell, Montana satellite group Sundays, 1:30 p.m. Call Kristen, 503-990-4584

ORGANIC VEGETABLE

GARDEN Do you want your own free organic vegetable garden? 30 years experience. Call if interested, 707-494-7666.

YOUR RIGHT TO SELF

DEFENSE Saturdays Age 10-12 at 5:00 Age 13 & up 6:15 Security & Correctional Officers 7:30 Private Lessons Available International Certification Curriculum available on request Call Harold 503-391-7406

MT. ANGEL SENIOR CENTER is a non-profit consignment store for artisans over 50, a community center, home to Meals on Wheels, and serves as a food bank. Volunteers welcome! 195 E

Charles St. 503-845-6998 or mtangelcommunity@gmail.com

LOOKING TO RENT space for an organic vegetable garden. Harvest donated to St. Vincent de Paul. 1,000 – 2,000 square feet, water requested. Call if interested, 707-494-7666.

HELP WANTED

HOUSEKEEPER WANTED $20 an hour. Some errands as well. Home in Lyons. 503-383-4398.

SERVICES

SOUNDS GOOD STUDIO

Bands, artists, personal karaoke CDs, books, restoring VHS video to DVD, old Cassettes, reel-toreel & 8-track cassettes restored to CD. Call Harold 503-391-7406.

HANDYMAN & HOME REPAIR

SERVICE Installation and repair of fencing, decks,doors, gutter cleaning, moss removal, power washing, yard debris removal.

CCB# 206637 Call Ryan 503-881-3802

MAGIC CARPET CLEANING

& MORE Since 1992. Carpet & upholstery cleaning at its best. Free estimates. Residential & commercial. Located in Silverton. Call Harold at 503-391-7406

GOT STUFF YOU WANT GONE? From yard debris to scrap metal-From garage sale left overs to rental clear outs. We repurpose, recycle, reuse, or donate what we can. Call and find out what we can do for you. $20 Minimum. Call Keith 503-502-3462

WANTED

LOOKING to PURCHASE a Commercial Building in downtown Silverton or surrounding towns. Two Story or three. Serious buyer looks for a serious seller only. Duke 505-429-1523

Silverton’s Christmas Tree Lighting

#T2849

WONDERFUL SINGLE

LEVEL

$698,700 3 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath with open open kitchen layout, with family room that overlooks the backyard with covered outdoor space. So many nice features to this 1960’s home with original wood floors throughout most of the home. Updated kitchen with modern amenities, granite countertops, newer cabinets, lots of storage. Lots of fruit trees, larger yard for all your gardening needs, shop that is set up for all your hobby needs. Property was upgraded to a geothermal HVAC. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 (WVMLS#821912)

ChriMerrystmas!

#T2853

RARE BUILDING SITE

$150,000 Rare building site in Park Terrace Subdivision No. 2 overlooking Silverton. Sellers have changed their future plans of building on the site and moved out of state. However, they have developed preliminary house plans they are willing to share to give potential buyers an idea of how the site can be developed. Located in one of Silverton’s finer neighborhoods on the west side of town, the site provides a spectacular view over Silverton looking up stream into the Silver Creek Canyon. Call Chuck at ext. 325 (WVMLS#822413)

SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES

#T2840 NORTH FORK PROPERTY 3 BR, 1 BA 1941 sqft. Lyons. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $348,700 (WVMLS#820296)

#T2844 SINGLE LEVEL 3 BR, 2 BA 1320 sqft. Molalla. Call Michael at ext. 314 $425,000 (WVMLS#820704)

BARELAND/LOTS

#T2841 OVER 100FT OF ABIQUA FRONTAGE 1.35 Acres. Silverton. Call Michael at ext. 314 $475,000 (WVMLS#820496)

#T2816 2 BUILDABLE LOTS .45 Acres. Silverton. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $109,900 (WVMLS#814998)

#T2827 GREAT OPPORTUNITY 1.66 Acres. Salem. Call Whitney at ext. 320 or Mike at ext. 312 $194,000 (WVMLS#817231)

#T2832 BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME 2.93 Acres. Silverton. Call Whitney at ext. 320 or Mike at ext. 312 $399,000 (WVMLS#817735)

#T2848 PERFECT CREEK

FRONTAGE 1.76 Acres. Silverton. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $418,300 (WVMLS#821913)

#T2853 RARE BUILDING SITE .49 Acres Call Chuck at ext. 325 $150,000 (WVMLS#822413)

#T2847

PRIVATE RETREAT

$585,000 Step into your own private retreat. This beautiful 3-bedroom 2.5 bath home is located on a dead-end street on the south end of town. The open downstairs floor plan leads to a large peaceful backyard, ready for hosting or for just relaxing around the fire or soaking in the hot tub. Upstairs rooms are spacious with plenty of storage. Extra parking along the house for all your toys! Moments from downtown, city parks, library, restaurants and so much more. Call Becky at ext. 313 (WVMLS#821377)

$3,374/Month

– PRIVATE RETREAT 3 BR, 2.5 BA 1936 sqft Call Becky at ext. 313 $585,000 (WVMLS#821377)

Located in core of downtown Mt. Angel. Street level of the Glockenspiel Building. Hometown to Oregon’s largest Oktoberfest. Previously leased by Columbia Bank. Alley access to drive-up window. 2410 square feet. Water/ Sewer included with lease. Call Michael at ext. 314 (WVMLS#821146) BROKERS ARE LICENSED IN OREGON #T2854