Food & Drink
Our Neighbors
Kids can help with Operation: Christmas Treats – Page 12
Newly-minted Silvertonians on their first year – Page 4
Vol. 18 No. 24
COMMUNITY NEWS
Serving Mt. Angel, Silverton and Scotts Mills
December 2021
Beneath the paint...
Mural Society creates financial support structure
– page 10
Our Town P.O. Box 927 Mt. Angel, Or 97362
POSTAL CUSTOMER ECRWSS
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PORTLAND, OR PERMIT NO. 854
Sports & Recreation
SHS football coach on team’s historic victory – Page 16
Joe & Dana Giegerich Joe Giegerich
Broker
503-931-7824
Dana Giegerich
Broker
503-871-8546
email: JoeGiegerich01@gmail.com
Wishing you a joyous holiday season with peace & cheer in the New Year!
Under Contract
$1,179,000
79.39 acre Silverton Hills Farm. Income producing, 3 bed, 2 ba home, barn, pond! 160 Silver Falls Dr., Silverton. MLS#776480
$1,050,000
19.55 wooded acres. 3 bed, 2.5 ba. 3456 sq ft., guest house, shop, timber. 19614 McKillop Rd. NE, Scotts Mills. MLS#781343
Pending! $898,000
Under Contract
$799,000
Prime development. 4.54 acres on level ground. 202 Division St., Silverton. MLS#761593
83.4 dividable acres, 3 bed, 2 ba. Mfg. home. Great investment opportunity 27360 S. Shilbey Rd., Colton. MLS#784864
$795,000
$675,000
52 acre timbered parcel near Silver Falls State Park. Investment & income potential. Gorgeous views! Silver Falls Dr. MLS#780792
Abiqua Creek frontage! 1.740 acres, 3 bed, 2.5 ba. 1865 sq. ft, 520 sq. ft guest house with 1 BD, 1 ba. 17425 S. Abiqua Rd. NE, Silverton. MLS#781698
$375,000
$350,000
Under Contract
$655,000
Investment opp., building & land, 9 treatment rooms, large lobby, 19 parking stalls, 690 N. Main St. Mt. Angel. MLS#783656
$465,000
27.50 acres, 30-year-old timber. Excellent investment. Crooked Finger Rd. Scotts Mills. MLS#785744
$425,000
$399,900
2 acres buildable homesite. Panoramic Valley Views! 7633 Dovich Ln SE, Salem. MLS#77880
ACREAGE
Charming single level, 2 bed, 1 ba. 1360 sq ft, large lot, private backyard. 809 E. Main St., Silverton. MLS#782760
2 acres buildable homesite, views! Approved for standard septic. 7685 Dovich Ln SE, Turner. MLS#778883
2.33 acres, Coast range & valley views! 5744 Crooked Finger Rd NE Scotts Mills. MLS#775366
$695,000
$640,000
62 farmable acres. Buildable w/ income formula. 437 Victor Point Rd. N., Silverton. MLS#761657
$285,000
3.080 acres, private building site in city limits, maybe dividable. SW exposure. Standard Ave., Brownsville. MLS#777782
$255,000
5.30 acre homesite, small cabin located on property. Wooded site. Sperry Rd., Brownsville Lot # 27. MLS#777781
$229,000
Views on 18.190 acres, secluding & beautiful. Washburn Heights Lot #18, Brownsville MLS#777861
3.85 acres. Prestige Estate property, path of progress potential. 835 Grouse St. NE, Silverton. MLS#770597
$575,000 SOLD! 60.75 acre bareland farm. 12430 Waldo Hills Dr. SE, Salem. MLS#761788
216 E. Main St., Silverton • Office: 503-874-1540 www.TheBellaCasaGroup.com LICENSED IN OREGON AND SERVING YOU FROM OFFICES IN SILVERTON, NEWBERG AND McMINNVILLE
2 • December 2021
ourtownlive.com
Buy. Sell. Be Happy. Our Town Life
Contents
4
SILVERTON AREA SENIORS, INC.
Holiday Open House Party & Potluck! Thursday, Dec. 16 at 6:00 p.m.
Ugly Sweater Contest • Christmas Goodies Visits from Santa & Mrs. Claus Christmas Piano Music • Festive Fun! It is ELECTION TIME for the Board of Directors’ Positions at the Silverton Senior Center Current Board Members: Jim Engeman, Dave Marinos, Bob Foster and Irveta Johnson, with appointed Board Members being ratified: Dian Forster, Mike Ashland, Linda Webb and Bernice Hodge. There are two Candidates running for the open Board positions: Jennifer Ohren and Dave Marinos, to be re-elected.
Our Neighbors
Insights from newcomers..............4 Helping Hands
Volunteer help wanted!...............7 The Forum...........................8 Briefs...................................8 A Slice of the Pie
The Stocking Spree...................9 Arts & Entertainment
New energy in the mural society...10
Deadline to vote is Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. Ballots can be dropped off or mailed in.
Food & Drink
Holiday baking with the kids.......12 Passages...........................14 Sports & Recreation
Results revealed at the Annual Membership Meeting on Sunday, Jan. 9 at 2:00 p.m. For questions contact elections Chairman, Connie Barkley at 503-873-3093.
www.silvertonseniorcenter.org
It was a magical season...............16 Your Health
Legacy holds vaccine clinics..........17 People Out Loud.............18 Marketplace....................19
On the Cover
Silverton Mural Society artist Kali Dirks paints a demonstration mural at last summer’s Silverton Art Festival. COURTESTY SILVERTON ARTS ASSOCIATION
Above
Our Town
Recent Silverton arrivals, Merrill and Elissa Hammond and their four children. SUBMITTED PHOTO
Grand Opening!
Paula Mabry Editor & Publisher
Jim Kinghorn Advertising Director
DeeDe Williams Office Manager
Sunday, Dec. 19 at 2 p.m. Food • Music • Prize Drawing Steve Beckner Custom Design
Tavis Bettoli-Lotten Copy Editor
Sara Morgan Datebook Editor
Regular Hours: Noon to 7 p.m. daily.
Our Town Life
The deadline for placing an ad in the Jan. 1 issue is Dec. 17. Contributors Dixon Bledsoe • Stephen Floyd Carl Sampson • Brenna Wiegand
210 E Charles St. Mount Angel
503-996-1038
ourtownlive.com Our Town mailed free to residents and businesses in the 97362, 97375, 97381 zip codes. Subscriptions for outside this area are $48 annually.
Featuring:
Silverton Flywheels Car Show
P.O. Box 927 Mount Angel, OR 97362 401 Oak St. Silverton, OR 97381 503-845-9499 ourtown.life@mtangelpub.com
Melissa Wagoner Reporter
ourtownlive.com
Jim Day
Sports & more
Janet Patterson Distribution
Thank you for spending time with Our Town. Your comments and suggestions are always welcome.
Decvember 2021 • 3
Our Neighbors
Getting to know you... By Melissa Wagoner When Skye de los Reyes moved to Silverton with her husband, Liam, and their four children this past summer, she didn’t really know what to expect. “I grew up in Alabama, which is known for hospitality and friendliness,” de los Reyes said. Admitting that when she found out her family would be moving across the entire country because of her husband’s work – he teaches Ethics at the Mt. Angel Abbey – she was more than a little concerned. “The Pacific Northwest has a reputation for being really beautiful and crazy politically,” she said of the many rumors that caused her to fear that she and Liam would not find a like-minded community in which to raise their kids. “But on the first day I got invited to a mom’s group and my kids got invited to a birthday party by the first family they met,” she said. “Everyone’s been so friendly.”
Jonathan Uribe, who moved to Silverton with his wife, Yessenia, in August 2020, has been surprised by the friendliness of his neighbors as well.
Elissa Hammond and her husband, Merrill, discovered when they were searching for a place to move with their four children.
“I’m consistently delighted by how kind residents are,” he said. “Everyone I’ve encountered in Silverton has been very welcoming and easy to talk to. I’ve found it easy meeting new people through the many events hosted in the area, in grocery stores, and in restaurants.”
“We looked at homes and land in the area and ended up buying land, which was definitely a longer and more expensive endeavor than we had anticipated,” Hammond recounted. Describing, “Affordable land looked nice in listings, but was usually located on the side of a cliff.”
Originally from the California Bay Area, Uribe and Yessenia fell in love with the small-town charm of Silverton, which they were introduced to by a good friend, and purchased a house after only a single scouting trip. “We just so happened to be in town the day after our future house was listed, so we were able to tour it in person,” Uribe recalled. “Living in another state we were prepared to make offers sight unseen, but thankfully the timing worked out.” But purchasing a house in the current market isn’t always that easy, something
They kept looking in Silverton, however, because it was close to Merrill’s family in Aurora and was the place they most wanted to be. Finally, they found it. The perfect piece of land. All they needed was to build the house. Unfortunately, that came with an entirely new set of issues. “The process of getting everything in place for the county and bank to sign off on our purchase took a year,” Hammond recalled, “which was about 50 weeks longer than I had emotionally planned for.” Their dream home complete, the
Jonathan and Yessenia Uribe.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Hammonds moved in during Labor Day weekend 2020.
Why Go to Salem for Framing?
Small Town Service. Small Town Prices.
105 S. First St., Silverton
503-873-6771
Open Tuesdays - Saturdays 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Holly Augustus
Now Accepting New Patients AL BORROMEO, DDS 214 Jersey Street • Silverton 503-566-7000 4 • December 2021
(GRI, MRP, PSA)
503-689-4910 haugustus1@gmail.com Broker licensed in Oregon
ourtownlive.com
Our Town Life
Despite pandemic, ice storm, fires, community makes a good impression on newcomers events to greet us,” Hammond said. “Members from the church congregation we attend here in town helped us move all our stuff in on Saturday. On Monday evening, we spent time with them at an outdoor gathering that became increasingly smoky and eerie. The next morning, we wondered if we had stepped out onto Mars. Everything looked so orange!” Upon learning of the fires racing through the nearby Santiam Canyon, Hammond and her husband gathered their four children and fled to Merrill’s parents’ home. “Bouncing back to his parents’ so quickly resulted in some emotional whiplash for us,” Hammond admitted, “but we were otherwise unscathed…”
Merrill and Elissa Hammond and their children. SUBMITTED PHOTO
“Characteristic of that year, we had both wonderful support and quasi-apocalyptic
Jenny Alger, who was also in the process of moving to Silverton with her husband, Ken, and their two daughters, during the Labor Day fires, had a similarly stressful experience. “We made an offer on the house and
during the midst of closing…the fires in Oregon broke out,” she recalled. “Our new house was in a level three evacuation zone. The previous owners had already moved out so we would drive out every few days through the smoke to make sure the house had not burned down. Thankfully, the fires never got close enough to damage the house or property.” Surprising, even to those who had lived in Oregon for many years, the extreme weather events of 2020 were especially shocking for those who had just moved to the state. In fact, Uribe, when asked what surprised him most about his new home, replied emphatically, “The weather. Not the rain or clouds, but the extreme fires in 2020 and the ice storm in early 2021. Definitely was not prepared for that, but I will be now.” Even de los Reyes, who arrived after the fires and ice had dissipated, has found Oregon’s weather a surprise. “I didn’t realize there’s a dry season here,” she admitted. “No one talks about it. I
got here and I was like, where is the rain? But not only is it not raining, it hasn’t rained for months.” That good weather, though unexpected, provided de los Reyes with the chance to spend the summer exploring the terrain of her new home, marveling at the beauty, so unlike that of South Bend, Indiana – her family’s most recent home. “We were excited to move toward nature again,” King said of the switch from living in a city of 100,000 people to a more rural setting. “I’m a country girl,” she explained. “I enjoy every time I go up a hill and there’s a nice view.” Transitioning to a smaller place is what brought Michelle Roell and her husband, Ryan, to Silverton from nearby Salem as well – and so far, they have not been disappointed by the move. “Our neighborhood is a dream,” Roell enthused. “The neighbors get together for block parties or fire pit gatherings.
Dec. 2021
SILVER FALLS FAMILY YMCA
Merry Christmas & Peace on Earth Have a home to rent? Call us!
We specialize in Residential Properties.
WINTER BASKETBALL
Vivian Caldwell
503-873-7069 Property Manager yourhomepm@gmail.com
www.yourhomepm.com CBL
Grades Micro K - 6th Program Members: $75 Y Members: FREE $10 late fee after Dec 26.
#00013137
971-216-1093
TinasLandscape.com
Season Starts Monday, Jan. 17! Registration Deadline Jan. 1
LCB#9732 CBL#00013137 Licensed/Insured/Bonded
Irrigation Drip System Sprinkers Repairs Backflow Winterizing
Our Town Life
Specializing In
Clean-Ups • Plantings Natural Pruning Shape Trimming Bark Dust and more!
Hardscapes Pavers Retaining Walls Walkways Driveways Patios
Resister online or by contacting Kait Barnes
kbarnes@theyonline.org
503-873-0205 www.TheYOnline.org ourtownlive.com
December 2021 • 5
silverton lion’s club dates: nov 27-dec 24 while supplies last
hours: 10am-7pm location: hi-school pharmacy ace hardware parking lot benefits: high school scholarships & other community activities
6 • December 2021
Our Neighbors Continued from page 5 They make treats at holiday times and deliver to your doorstep, and put on Easter egg hunts for the kids. They’ve sent goodies over while I was recovering from surgery. Our kids have made friends with the other neighbor kids, which has been a huge blessing, considering they were moved away from their old school and friends. We love our neighborhood so much; it feels like a Hallmark movie.” Ken and Jenny Alger. The only drawback, she said, is the level of political discourse, which both she and Hammond have found surprising. “Last summer when the world was in the midst of a very difficult time, it broke my heart to read divisive, derisive, and even dangerous posts on one of the community Facebook pages,” Hammond described. “I began to fear I’d chosen the wrong place to settle with my family.” Thankfully, her negative online experiences have been offset by positive, in-person ones. “I have…been delighted at the heroic efforts of our civil servants, school board and educators, essential workers, utility workers, first responders, and firefighters in the
ourtownlive.com
face of so much upheaval this past year,” she said. Because the year has been a difficult one, especially for those who only recently moved to Silverton and lacked the support of established friend and family relationships. “Moving in the midst of a pandemic was challenging because restaurants were shut down and stores and shops had closed due to SUBMITTED PHOTO COVID,” Alger confirmed. “It was also difficult getting to know your neighbors because you were not supposed to have people over or get close to people.” But now, with public spaces largely open to visitors once again, the situation is looking up. “It’s been so nice…getting to explore Silverton more,” Alger enthused. “We’ve enjoyed shopping at the Saturday Farmers Market, hiking the trails at Silver Falls, kayaking the reservoir, walking our dogs through The Oregon Garden and discovering all the wineries on this side of the Willamette Valley. The Silverton community is kind and generous and we have really enjoyed being a part of it.”
Our Town Life
Helping Hands
Help wanted
Pandemic has put additional stress on local non-profits
By Stephen Floyd
Want to volunteer?
The Great Resignation has pummeled the private sector, with record numbers of employers across the country struggling to fill open positions.
ReVamp Thrift Store 207 High St., Silverton 503-847-1154 silvertonseniorcenter.org
Local restaurants and retailers are seeking new hires, too. While societal shifts from the COVID-19 pandemic maybe partially responsible, other factors like baby boomer retirements also play a part. Volunteerism for some area nonprofits has been impacted, too. While the community is eager to support its neighbors, some groups are hurting for helpers. ReVamp, at 207 High St., is a downtown Silverton thrift store and main revenue source for the Silverton Senior Center. It has been struggling to recruit and retain volunteers since the start of the pandemic. Manager Russell Olivera said most of their volunteer base was made of seniors who were particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 and had to step down for fear of exposure in a retail setting. Though vaccines are now available, the risks of breakthrough infections, and threats posed by variants like Delta and Omicron, have kept volunteer numbers low. “We’re still in desperate need,” he said. “People just don’t know what to do still, and everybody’s just getting burned out.” The store has stayed open, but many volunteers work double shifts or work alone to cover store hours. Olivera said the shop has recently enlisted some younger volunteers in time for the holiday season, but as a business that is
The Oregon Garden 879 W. Main St., Silverton 503-874-4294 oregongardenfoundation.org
A sign seeking volunteers in the window of ReVamp in downtown Silverton. The non-profit thrift store has been struggling to recruit helpers since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. STEPHEN FLOYD
entirely volunteer-dependent they need all the support the community can provide.
tasks, they are a small group and could use more support, said Roth.
“We have a very good, loving community here,” he said of Silverton. “It is amazing to me how friendly and loving people are here.”
Aside from pandemic challenges, Roth said the cold and wet weather could be impacting recruitment, as most of the work is outdoors, although this does make social distancing easier.
The Oregon Garden’s volunteer program is also still recovering from pandemic losses. While they have seen new helpers join since 2020, recruitment remains lower than normal and some of the volunteers who stepped down at the start of the pandemic have not returned. Alyssa Roth, volunteer and membership coordinator for Oregon Garden, said it is understandable people want to protect their health and safety, adding those who have yet to return are missed. This time of year, there’s a particular need for horticulture volunteers to weed, prune, remove leaves and plant bulbs. While a dedicated crew comes in weekly for these
CCB #14854
Custom Homes & Remodeling General Contracting Steven R. Herr – Certified Master Builder
503.873.1178 • 503.931.5814 Building homes since 1975
Our Town Life
She also said some in the community may not be aware of the need for helpers. She encouraged anyone who has work gloves and a good attitude to consider signing up. “Regardless of skill level, we always find a way to involve our volunteers in a way that is meaningful to them,” said Roth. “We love folks with prior gardening experience, but we also love when volunteers show up eager and willing to learn.” Silverton Area Community Aid (SACA) experienced a significant drop in volunteers at the start of the pandemic.
In October of 2021, the median sales price of the residential home sales under ½ acre in Silverton, Mt. Angel, & Scotts Mills was $515,000 which is a 21% increase from October 2020. The average days on market of the homes sold in October was 45 days, which is a 35% decrease from October 2020. Have Whitney and Mike Ulven of Silverton Realty lead you on your journey home!
Whitney & Mike Ulven whitney@silvertonrealty.com
cell: 503-705-6118
mike@silvertonrealty.com mike@silve rtonrealty.com
303 Oak St. Silverton • www.SilvertonRealty.com Whitney & Mike Ulven, Brokers Licensed in the State of Oregon.
Silverton Area Community Aid 421 S. Water St., Silverton 503-873-3446 silvertonareacommunityaid.org
But after successful recruiting efforts and community members reaching out to help, SACA is heading into Christmastime with ample staff. “We’re doing good,” said program coordinator Patti Waters. “Especially around the holidays, people want to give back.” While some COVID-19 changes are still in place, like distributing food from the parking lot instead of inside their building at 421 S Water St., Waters said they hope to move back indoors soon. She also said they are continuing to help more people amid the pandemic, with fewer limitations on how frequently someone can pick up a box of food. SACA still has room for more helpers. Waters said volunteers will receive the training and support they need to be successful.
BUTTE CREEK COMPUTER SERVICE REPAIR & VIRUS REMOVAL LLC Commercial/Residential
Honest • Friendly • Local 209 E. MAIN ST. SILVERTON
503-877-3130
Fall iMac Sale (Refurbished)
starting at $399
BUTTECREEKCOMPUTERREPAIR@GMAIL.COM
BUTTECREEKCOMPUTER.COM
ourtownlive.com
December 2021 • 7
The Forum
A letter to Stu Dear Stu, Well, you did it! Congratulations! You lived your life start to finish, front to back, side to side the way you saw fit. You were way ahead of your time. You knew it from day one. Your overall general intelligence far exceeded that of many of us. Surely, myself included. What a book could be written about you and your life Stu. It would be a best seller. Especially if you would have allowed it to be as open and honest as you have been in the last 20 plus years or so. I’m pretty sure on that day when you revealed to all of us your inner most feelings you wanted to give all of us in this the sleepy little town of Silverton a look into our future, but more importantly a look inside ourselves. You brought out the good, bad, or indifferent in all of us that day. I would be lying to say I was not a little surprised from the start. However, it would also be a lie if I did not tell you I knew inside you there was a silent motivating factor why you made the decision to live your life openly. I watched from the sidelines at what your mere presence caused. Got to tell you, Stu, I envied your inner strength and conviction. And still do. I have thanked you repeatedly, whenever we met in passing, for pushing me to get into the political side of Silverton. The things I learned from being on the Budget Committee during
Briefs
Former mayor led the way and after your tenure as mayor I could not have believed without witnessing it firsthand. You were right, and I apologize for not believing you. Such a lesson it was in the lack of common-sense logic, or I believe as you called it “stupid sensibility”. More importantly though, Stu, your presence in Silverton was an opportunity for us to look inside ourselves. You knew what today was going to be like. I’m not sure our sleepy little town has moved very far ahead in how we view all people, given the years of you trying to show us how to do so. You did live through distinct [bigotry] towards your lifestyle. Any discussion asserting otherwise, would be weak at best. Maybe the change you warned us about has happened. Or maybe it has moved so slowly we don’t see or feel it. Maybe we never will. Or just maybe your lifestyle wasn’t about change. Maybe more correctly put it was about acceptance. Maybe you were thinking with us embracing an accepting attitude about your lifestyle, somehow [bigotry] would no longer be within us? Intentional or not I choose to place that at the top of your list of accomplishments. Goodbye, my friend, and thank you. Steve Kaser Silverton
DMV sends out Grinch alert – fake texts are a scam SALEM – Scammers posing as the Oregon DMV are texting cell phones claiming that a refund is available. It is a fake message and a phishing scam trying to get payment information from unsuspecting Oregonians. DMV urges customer not to click on any links and delete the message. “DMV does not text customers to let them know about a payment issue, or issue refunds via text message,” DMV Customer Services Manager Katie Hafner explained. DMV staff members are aware of the issue but are unable to provide technical assistance with a customer’s phone. If you have questions about how to block a number, contact your cell phone provider. If you are issued a refund by DMV, you will receive it through the mail or directly back on your payment card. DMV will not text or call to inform you that you will be receiving a refund. Customers are encouraged to skip the trip and visit the DMV online at DMV2U.oregon.gov.
You Need, For Anything You Need To Do.
Everything You Need, For Anything You Need To Do.
a’s full line of hardworking equipment has a proven reputation high-quality engineering, versatility, power and reliability. Kubota’s full line of hardworking equipment has a proven reputation for high-quality engineering, versatility, power and reliability.
L Series
Grand L Series RTV-X Series
SSV Series L Series
Grand L Series
SSV Series
33599 HWY 99E • TANGENT, OR 97389 • 541-926-1811• WWW.LINNBENTONTRACTOR.COM KubotaUSA.com
© Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2018
8 • December 2021
ourtownlive.com
Our Town Life
A Slice of the Pie
The Stocking Spree
Rediscovering the holiday with spirit
I’ve always had a soft spot for Christmas stockings. This, in large part, is thanks to my mother who is an impeccable gift giver. She always knows exactly the right thing or – as was the case with our Christmas socks, many right things – to buy. Cheap polyester, scratchy on the inside, fuzzy on the outside, the stockings themselves held little appeal. It was what was inside that counted. Nail polish, Chapstick, tiny toys and – my father’s contribution – a lottery ticket – they were always fully loaded, stuffed like sausage in a casing, so heavy they could no longer be hung by the chimney, but rather lay, seams straining against the hearth on the floor. When I left home for college it was these annual treats I missed almost more than anything else. And my mom, somehow sensing my longing, tried to keep it up, packing the same special items inside a shoebox to be opened on Christmas day. But there was always something missing, they simply didn’t have the same magic or the celebratory feel.
budget of $20 to spend on the other person in any way s/he sees fit. But the money must be spent in the same store, at the same time, without the other person catching sight.
When my husband and I got married and began building our own Christmas traditions, it wasn’t presents under the tree that I wanted to spend our meager Christmas budget on, it was stockings. I wanted to recapture my childhood. I wanted to bring back the magic of Christmas. Starting with the purchase of those same cheap, red and white polyester socks, we contemplated how we should fill them. After all, we didn’t have children, so Santa wouldn’t be making a stop. Filling them was entirely up to us. Which is how we first hit upon the idea of an ingenious game – the Stocking Shopping Spree. It goes a little something like this: participants are each allotted the same
Why should you talk to an independent insurance agent?
For years the Spree took place, by random choice, at World Market, often on Christmas Eve, with the two of us darting around end caps, ducking behind furniture and secretly sneaking items into our baskets, while the other shoppers and store staff were none-the-wiser. Then our kids came along, and we roped them into the game, first as co-conspirators, then with a budget of their own – $10 to spend on each parent and sister. But when COVID hit, things just didn’t feel the same. The thought of standing in long lines with dozens of other shoppers inside an enormous unventilated store made my skin crawl. Plus, I had spent the year reevaluating how I should spend my money and where, realizing the impact that shopping in small stores has on the people I love.
FEATURED LISTINGS Happy Holidays! Grateful to our Clients & Community Best wishes for a prosperous and healthy New Year!
DINAELINDA FITZKE WEBB Broker Broker
STEPH TAMMIE BAKER ANDERSON
DINAE JOE FITZKE GIEGERICH
Broker Broker GRI, AHWD, SRS, MRP
5309 3-508-7387 503-602-9999 971-273-8219
Broker Broker
503-949-5309 503-931-7824
TAMMIE LINDA DANA WEBB ANDERSON GIEGERICH
BrokerBroker Broker GRI, AHWD, SRS, MRP
503-602-9999 503-508-7387 503-871-8546
STEPH JOE BAKER GIEGERICH
Broker Broker
971-273-8219 503-931-7824
So, we made a change. We moved the Spree to the streets of Silverton. Same rules, same budget. Now, instead of a limit of one store from which to pick the perfect item, we were limited to one town. And so, last year, despite the rain we headed out, bundled in jackets and gloves. We split up, took off in different directions, each parent taking the hand of one or two kids. We perused shelves and bins, peered in lighted windows, going back for an item we’d seen before but wanted to see again. The kids carefully chose gifts, paying for them with cash stuffed inside zippered pockets. The clerks smiled and thanked them, some calling them by name, laughing as they caught on to our game. When the night was over, we came together again, buying hot chocolate for the long walk home, the kids bubbling with the excitement of the secrets they now held. I realized something. While our Stocking Spree, provided me with a bit of the magic I craved, it was amidst a global pandemic, that I truly discovered the Christmas spirit.
We are happy to
welcome Brenton Tonga to
DINAEDANA TAMMIE FITZKE GIEGERICH ANDERSON
Broker Broker
Broker GRI, AHWD, SRS, MRP
503-949-5309 503-871-8546 503-602-9999
JOE GIEGERICH
Broker
503-931-7824
$674,000 3 bed, 2 bath, park-like setting minutes from Silverton. Beautiful unique home recently completely updated. Large insulated shop, new storage shed and so much more.
Dinae Fitzke 503-949-5309 MLS#785793
www.TheBellaCasaGroup.com
216 E. Main St., Silverton 503-874-1540 www.TheBellaCasaGroup.com LICENSED IN OREGON AND SERVING YOU FROM OFFICES IN SILVERTON, NEWBERG AND McMINNVILLE
Our Town Life
AUTO • HOME BUSINESS • LIFE HEALTH • FARM
105 S. Water St. Silverton • 503-873-8631 • www.larsenflynn.com ourtownlive.com
December 2021 • 9
Arts & Entertainment
Base coat
Silverton Mural Society gathers community support
By Melissa Wagoner
When Chris Davie joined the Silverton Mural Society in 2020 the organization was in desperate need of help. Longtime leader, Vince Till, had recently passed away and support had begun to wane. “The key thing for the mural society is, we always need money,” Davie, who is now the board treasurer, said. “It costs $10,000 to $12,000 a year to maintain the murals. So, we live from paycheck to paycheck.”
How to reach the SMS P.O. Box 880 Silverton, OR 97381 www.silvertonmuralsociety.org Facebook: Silverton Mural Society New iPhone app available on the Apple App Store.
awareness by making the society, which celebrated its 30th anniversary this year, more visible.
“What we need is appreciation for the murals that leads to support,” he explained. “Because if there is a body of community support, that helps us when we’re applying for grants.”
“We had a booth at the Crafters Market and the Silverton Art Festival,” Davie said of some of the initiatives the group took on in the past year. “We had a table at the Neighborhood Community Picnic and we had a float in the Davenport Parade. Then we started a membership drive.”
The key, Davie said, is to raise public
The drive was important because, at
It’s a situation Davie, who has some experience in the field, is hoping to change.
YOU’RE INVITED TO
CHRISTMAS AT SILVER CREEK
Tonya Smithburg painting the addition to the Bobbie Mural on Water Street.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
does help the community,” SIMP“ItLYreally T H BEmonumental handful of members but by its end the Davie said E of this ST REAL ESTAT number had risen to 57. increase, which will help to maintain, its beginning the group had only a
O, Holy Night Lisa Santa na, Own Managin g Princip er a REALTO l Broker R®
CHRISTMAS LIGHT SPECTACULAR Experience the JOY of Christmas with our drive/walk through Christmas lights display. Hot chocolate provided and it’s all FREE!
ING NEW
In these chaotic times, let there truly be peace on earth and good will. Now more than ever.
December 17-19, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
From our family to yours, enjoy the beauty BroTkreervo| Rr EBAleLdTsOoRe ® (503) 87 1-6858 and serenity of this joyous season. – Dixon & Trevor H
CHRISTMAS EVE
December 24, 9:00 pm. A special candlelight service.
CHRISTMAS CAROL SING
DIXON BLEDSOE,
December 26, 9:30 am and 11:00 am
Principal Broker
503-602-4320 Brittney B lac
SCF.TV 822 INDUSTRY WAY NE, SILVERTON, OR 503-873-7353
10 • December 2021
WELCOM
ourtownlive.com
AVE A G R
TREVOR BLEDSOE,
EAT 4TH
Broker
206 Oak St., Silverton SimplytheBSTRealty.com
Brokers licensed in the state of Oregon.
(503) 91
0-6349
Angela Lo
® Broke r|
rbrugg
Freddy
Ruiz, Jr. R® Broke r | REAL 2-5833 TOR®
REALTO
Erica Rum
pca
pez
REALTO
(503) 99
Our Town Life
Jackie Zu (503) 93
OF JU
503-871-6858
k Managin Michael K g Princip em al Man Broker | Melissa B aging Pri ry REALTO ncipal oyd R ® Broke (503) 58 Broker | Alisha Bu r | REAL 6-8395 REALTO TOR® rk R® Bro (503) 85 (503) 26 ker | REA 1-2914 9-5473 LTOR
Broker |
Ch
Broke (503
R®
9-0245
member Ellen Snow and her brother, Chip, developed. The app – which is available in both a visual and audio format – describes each mural, gives its history and the artist. “It’s a good app and I hope people are learning about it and actually using it,” board president, Norm English, said. “We’ve been trying to connect with more and more people and it’s one more opportunity to do that.” And that’s a good thing because as the number of murals in Silverton continues to grow, so too does their ability to bring tourism to the town. Kali Dirks touching up the Bobbie Mural.
COURTESY TONYA SMITHBURG
not just the murals, but Silverton’s history as well.
said. “There’s a story behind every one of them.”
“That’s really what they depict,” Davie
And now that story has become even
Our Town Life
Smithburg and Dirks re-painting the words to Homer Davenport’s epitaph to the Old Oak Tree. SUBMITTED PHOTO
more available with the rollout of the Silverton Mural iPhone app that
ourtownlive.com
“Silverton is known for its murals,” Davie confirmed. “That’s the story you see when you walk around.” To become a member, download the app or find out more information about visit www.silvertonmuralsociety.org.
December 2021 • 11
Food & Drink
All hands on deck!
Taking holiday baking to the next level
By Melissa Wagoner Christmas candy has a long tradition in my family. Beginning with stories of my grandfather stealing maple fudge from a jar stored in the root cellar; to my own memories of running through the snow, festively wrapped candy plate in hand, while my mom waited, Christmas list in hand, in the car; to my own children, bedecked in their holiday finery, delivering tasty treats to our neighbors in an old wooden wagon. It’s a ritual as much a part of Christmas for my family as the obligatory lighted tree. Each December it starts, like so many holiday traditions, with a list. Everyone has a favorite. My middle daughter loves homemade caramels. My youngest, peanut butter crackers – two Ritz sandwiched together with peanut butter and dipped in white chocolate. My oldest daughter and my husband are fond of macaroon trees. And I like “cinnamon candy” – an old family recipe I’ve never seen anywhere else, which involves holding a bowl of hot sugar and melted
my partner in this since we were kids – letting her know what I’ve forgotten so she can stop by the store. Then I get a good night’s sleep. The next morning, I get up early. I make coffee for energy and something without sugar to sustain us through the glucoseinflux ahead. I give the troops a short pep-talk and then we begin.
Sonja, London and Alexis Wagoner wrapping caramels.
butter on your lap for an unbearable amount of time while you stir until your arm falls off. Every year nearly a dozen of these favorites make the cut and every year we add at least one more to try. Bizcochitos – a snickerdoodle-like New Mexican treat that contains red wine and anise seeds – champagne glazed sugar cookies that contain only a handful of ingredients but
Shop locally for Melissa & Doug, LEGO, loose leaf teas, jigsaw puzzles, chocolate truffles, beautiful yarns and more!
MELISSA WAGONER
taste like heaven or Mexican chocolate truffles with a hint of cayenne pepper that catches everyone by surprise. Once the list is compiled it’s on to the ingredients and off to the grocery store where my husband will text me each and every year with the requisite, “How much butter?!” and an alarmed warning about just how much this is all going to cost. Sometimes I even catch myself thinking – is it all worth it? So, why then do I do this, fill my house with more sweets than a candy shop, knowing full well that we will all eat far more than our share before it’s all gone? The answer lies in the next step – baking day. This is an all day, all-handson-deck, four alarm holiday candymaking extravaganza. If you think I’m exaggerating, I assure you, I’m not. The day before I prep. I clean every surface until it shines, removing any and all clutter. I amass the tools and ingredients, making certain each and every item is within reach. I check my list. I check it twice. I text my sister –
My sister usually arrives when the first couple of recipes are already underway – generally the caramels and truffles because they take the longest to set. She brings more peanut butter, more crackers, more chocolate, more cream. We put the kids to work and then we send her fiancé to the grocery store for the first – but never the last – time, describing in detail some ingredient this poor Midwestern man has never heard of but is always game to find. The temperature in the house climbs as we light all four burners on the stove and fill the oven. Our hair and skin smell of vanilla and sugar, our clothes are smeared with chocolate, speckled with cinnamon. We laugh, we put holiday movies on in the background, we taste everything for quality. By the time the sun sets we’re exhausted. Our legs ache, the kitchen is a mess. I have nothing for dinner and everyone feels sick. But we’ve had too much fun to care. We help my sister pack half of everything into boxes and bins to send with her, half to stay. We bemoan the mistakes and we cheer the triumphs. We call it a day. And yet, there’s more. Over the next several weeks my office is covered in candy, stacked on every surface, even an ironing board set up only once a year for this specific purpose. I arrange plates and boxes and tins. Every person that comes
Congratulations
Foxes Football!
204 E. Main Street, Silverton 503-874-4901 ApplesToOranges.net
12 • December 2021
ourtownlive.com
Our Town Life
Using a fork, dip each peanut butter ball into the warm chocolate, coating it, then placing it back on the waxed paper. Allow bon-bons to cool before storing in a sealed container in a cool place.
Peanut Butter Crackers Peanut Butter Bon-Bons Little hands are great at rolling and forming the peanut butter balls.
This recipe is incredibly simple, which means it’s great for young children, who can usually handle the slathering of the crackers.
Ingredients:
Ingredients:
• 1 ¼ cups peanut butter
• Ritz (or another buttery cracker)
• 2 Tablespoons room temperature butter
• Creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar • 1 bag chocolate chips or melties In a large mixing bowl, add butter to the peanut butter and mix with a hand mixer until smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar until a dough forms. Scoop small spoons of dough, rolling each one gently between the palms to make a ball. Place them on a waxed paper lined cookie sheet. Refrigerate at least one hour. Pour chocolate into a microwave safe bowl. Heat for 30 second intervals, stirring between each one, until the chocolate is just melted. Do not overheat.
to the door gets a plate. Every teacher at school gets a box. When school lets out and the plates are nearly gone, we pile what’s left in the wagon – kept around for no other purpose than this – don our Santa hats and reindeer antlers and take to the streets singing carols to deliver what’s left, more
• Almond bark Put a small amount of peanut butter on one cracker, placing another on top to form a sandwich. Do not allow the peanut butter to ooze out the sides. Place the almond bark, broken into pieces, in a microwave safe bowl, heat for 30 second increments, stirring between each one, until the almond bark is just melted. Do not overheat or it will congeal. Once melted, place a cracker sandwich in the melted almond bark, gently flipping it with a fork to coat. Place the now fully-coated sandwich cookie on a piece of waxed paper to cool. Continue until all crackers are coated. Store in a sealed container in a cool place. often than not in the rain. My kids will tell you this is their favorite tradition. I have to say I agree. It’s our own little Santa Claus magic, from the planning and creating to giving it all away, it’s our chance to be involved in what Christmas is really about – spending time as a family.
RESIDENTIAL $363,000 NEW LISTING! Builders alert! 3bd/2ba ~ 1536 SF ~ .83 ac ~ RV Pad~ Views of canyon~ Silverton Donna Paradis 503-851-0998 MLS#784240
$787,900 PRICE REDUCED! Sweet Seclusion 5/3 ~ 3280 SF ~ 16.09 ac ~ Two out buildings ~Silverton Kerry Hall 503-562-9102 MLS#782249
$435,900 UNDER CONTRACT! Must see single story! 3/2 ~ 1571 SF ~ large fully fenced backyard ~ Sublimity Kerry Hall 503-562-9102 MLS#782410
$399,900 UNDER CONTRACT! Single Level on a quiet dead end street! 3bd/2ba ~ 1872 SF ~ .33 ac ~ Silverton Rosie Wilgus 503-409-8779 MLS#784543
$375,000 UNDER CONTRACT! Delightful home down a private, quiet and fully fenced driveway! 3/2 ~ 1140 SF ~ .61 ac ~ Molalla Donna Paradis 503-851-0998 MLS#785639
$349,000 UNDER CONTRACT! Single story ranch ~ 3/2 ~ 1008 SF ~ Mt Angel ~ Rosie Wilgus 503-409-8779 MLS#781289
LAND & LOTS $1,615,000 UNDER CONTRACT! Desirable land! 79.06 ac ~ with 2 water rights! Mt Angel Donna Paradis 503-851-0998 MLS#784834
$1,173,000 UNDER CONTRACT! Farm Ground! 58.66 Ac ~ Zoned EFU Mt Angel Donna Paradis 503-851-0998 MLS#784773
$510,000 BUILD WITH A VIEW! .45 acre prime parcel ~ Detroit Lake Views ~ Detroit Donna Rash 503-871-0490 MLS#780454
$325,000 ROOM TO ROAM! 270.34 Special Rec. Acres ~ Scio Donna Paradis 503-851-0998 MLS#773364
SOLD LISTINGS
silverstone property maintenance, llc
Licensed • Bonded • Insured CCB#206570 SIDING RENOVATION: Hardy Plank • Hardy Shingles Bat & Board • Window Installation Cedar Lap Siding • Shake Shingles Custom Trim • TNG Soffit
Our Town Life
2621 Michael Ct NE Salem ~ Rosie Wilgus ~ MLS#784768
16746 Abiqua Rd NE Silverton ~ Nick Ayhan ~ MLS#781696
401 N Water St Silverton ~ Robin Kuhn & Sandra Krause ~ MLS#783342
1281 Westbrook Dr NW Salem~ Rosie Wilgus ~ MLS#780233
414 Jersey St Silverton ~ Valerie Boen ~ MLS#784569
All info current at time of publication. Prices and availability subject to change. Local Owners / Brokers Licensed in Oregon. Office lic. #201207657
119 N. WATER ST., SILVERTON, OR
Florentino Gaspar 503-964-4070
1134 Madison St. Silver ton silverstoneremodeling@gmail.com
1448 Meadow Dr Silverton ~ Donna Rash ~ MLS#782613
503-873-8600
elite.harcourtsna.com
ourtownlive.com
@harcourtselite December 2021 • 13
Passages
Josef Sprug
April 9, 1922 – Nov. 28, 2021
Josef Sprug was born April 9, 1922 in Fort Smith, Arkansas and passed away in Seattle, Washington on Nov. 28, 2021 at the age of 99.
Air Force Academy, and St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas. He made indexes for more than 600 books and wrote hundreds of book reviews.
His father, an immigrant from Austria, survived the Great Depression by painting Catholic churches throughout the area. Josef often said that he survived by reading and that led him to a bachelor’s degree from St. Meinrad College, a B.S.L.S from Catholic University, and a master’s degree in philosophy.
Upon retiring, Josef moved to St. Benedict, Oregon and proceeded to volunteer 40-60 hours a week at the Mount Angel Abbey Library, cataloging books for the seminary well into his 90s. He quietly cataloged more than 24,000 books during his years of service. What a lot of people don’t know is that, while he was volunteering at the library, he was also volunteering at the Benedictine Sisters nursing home. He read to people in the last stages of life so they wouldn’t be alone.
He worked as a librarian, author, indexer, and lecturer in various educational and government institutions across the nation, including Catholic University in Washington D.C., the U.S.
Marilyn Seiler
She married Joe Seiler at St. Mary Catholic Church on Dec. 28, 1957. They moved to Corvallis, Oregon for a short time while Joe started his barbering career. Then, in 1958, they moved back to Mount Angel and soon after had their first child. In 1961, they moved into a little house on W. Church Street where they raised their five children and lived for 59 years. It was the perfect place to raise a growing family.
Marilyn was born in Napoleon, North Dakota on Jan. 29, 1936 to Joseph and Rose (Gross) Piatz. She was the youngest of three siblings. Her family moved to Mount Angel, Oregon when she was just six months old. Marilyn went to St. Mary’s grade school and graduated high school at the Mount Angel Academy in 1954. After graduation, she worked at a dentist office in Mount Angel.
As their children grew Marilyn started to work various jobs including the Mt. Angel Drug Store and the library. Her love of writing assisted her in writing
He listened to classical music in the car but also loved Loretta Lynn and Nanci Griffith. He was a huge fan of Gary Cooper. Even though he was always on the
- SINCE 1941 INSURANCE SERVICES FOR: FARM ∆ AUTO ∆ HOME 503-845-6811
BILL SCHAECHER
•
∆
COMMERCIAL
∆
The main theme of Josef’s favorite book, The Little Prince, is the importance of looking beneath the surface to find the real truth, the real meaning. So much about Josef was invisible to the eye, but obvious to anyone who looked with the heart. Josef is survived by his wife, Joan; children, Barbara (Brian) Lewis, Stephen (Lisa) Sprug, Thomas (Marla) Sprug, David Sprug, Margaret Sprug, and Kate (Bert) Wells; and grandchildren, Nadine, Morgan, Sky and Lucas. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Mount Angel Abbey and Seminary, P.O. Box 497, Saint Benedict, OR 97373-0497.
CRAIG EMCH
She loved to read, crochet, camp at Detroit Lake, take trips to the beach and Reno, Nevada, and spend time with family which included attending many school activities and sporting events. She was a great listener and always had a great sense of humor.
Marilyn loved sports and taught her children to play them, especially baseball. She had a fondness for Tom Brady and the Patriots. Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Joe, her parents, her sister Leonora Beyer, and her great grandson baby JJ Seiler. She is survived by her brother, Francis Piatz of Mount Angel; brotherin-law, Fritz Beyer of Salem; children, Cindy (Rick) Schiedler, Tony (Kay) Seiler, Don (Kathy) Seiler, Shelley (Steve) Sperle, Jeff (Christi) Seiler; 12 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren with one more on the way in April. Marilyn’s family thanks the Providence Benedictine Nursing Center for the last four years of her care.
BONDS
BUTSCHINSURANCE.COM
editorials for the Mount Angel newspaper. Marilyn’s last job was with the Mount Angel Abbey development office where she retired after 25 years.
Ready to Buy or Sell? Call Donna Today
Clem J. Butsch Insurance
14 • December 2021
He remembered the names of his co-workers’ children and grandchildren, as well as all the names of all the women working in the university cafeteria. His colleagues described him as “wickedly funny” and he clipped comics out of the paper to keep laughing.
search for the perfect cinnamon roll, he focused on nutrition and health, walking up the hill to work well into his 80s and playing tennis into his 60s. He could hit a softball out of the park in his youth.
Jan. 29, 1936 – Dec. 3, 2021
Marilyn (Piatz) Seiler, 85, passed away on Dec. 3, 2021 surrounded by her five children in Silverton, Oregon.
195 N. MAIN - MT ANGEL
Not everyone knows that he was an oblate, a lay person living according to the regulations of the monastery. One of the rules of the Benedictine order is to “serve others with consistent patience and care.” Josef left note after note describing how to take care of Joan, his wife, if he were to pass. He left funds to give his four grandchildren Christmas gifts every year, even after his death.
Donna Paradis Broker 503-873-8600 Licensed in Oregon 503-851-0998 cell 119 N. Water St. • Silverton DonnaParadisRealtor.com
ourtownlive.com
Funeral services were held at St. Mary Catholic Church on Dec. 11 followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Mary Catholic Church or Mount Angel Abbey. Arrangements by Unger Funeral Chapel.
Our Town Life
MaryAnn Havlik MaryAnn (Bielemeier) Havlik passed away at her home on Dec. 3, 2021 of natural causes. She was 82 and a life-long resident of Mount Angel, Oregon. She was born Jan. 19, 1939 to George and Anna Bielemeier, the youngest of five children. Her brothers: Raymond, Joseph, James and Arnold preceded her in death. MaryAnn attended St. Mary’s grade school and Mount Angel Academy, graduating in 1957. After completing Modern Beauty College, she went to work as a hairdresser in Portland. It was there she met Robert Havlik and they were married Oct. 8, 1960. They made their home in Mount Angel and raised four children.
Gregory Enns
MaryAnn was a member of the St. Mary’s Parish, volunteered for her son’s grade school class, delivered mail at the Benedictine Nursing Center, and loved visiting with her many friends and family members in the Mount Angel community. Traveling with her husband, her brother Arnold and his wife Rita, she was able to see much of the United States, visiting many famous landmarks including Washington D.C. and many other interesting areas.
Feb. 25, 1953 – Oct. 10, 2021
Gregory Allen Enns was born Feb. 25, 1953 in Eugene, Oregon to Alfred Enns and Phyllis Estelle Stanley Enns. The family would move to Albany, Oregon where Greg would go on to graduate from Albany High School with the class of 1971. Greg enlisted in the US Army after graduation and served in Vietnam. He later attended George Fox College where he met Sara “Sally” Voth. The two were married on March 6, 1976 in Newberg, Oregon. Greg received his bachelor’s degree from George Fox College in 1978 and later his master’s in counseling and clinical psychology from Ashland Theological Seminary, Case Western Reserve, and Cleveland Psychiatric Institute in Ohio. He would use his degree in many different facets throughout his life – most of which helped others. He worked initially as a funeral director apprentice, where he could help people in grief. Later, he found a calling as a youth pastor at Newberg Friends Church. Additionally, he worked with youth at Astoria Public Schools, Hillcrest and Oregon Youth Authority and Juvenile Justice Information System. He also was director of a counseling center and spent many years as a counselor and life coach. Greg became an author and speaker. He
Our Town Life
Jan. 19, 1939 – Dec. 3, 2021
co-authored a book It’s Not Okay Anymore which was a personal guide to ending abuse, the curriculum that accompanied it and the book Better Boundaries: Owning and Treasuring Your Life. Greg was always passionate about others and his book allowed him to continue helping others. In his spare time, he enjoyed reading, music, drawing and being with people. Greg was a loving husband, father, uncle and grandfather and was known for being loving and caring to all. He was always humorous, generous, and fun loving. He was known for his huge winsome smile. During the Christmas season, he was known as “Santa” by his grandchildren with his big white beard, deep laugh, and twinkling eyes. He also played pirates with them as well. He was a member of Silverton Friends Church for the last 20+ years. On Oct. 10, 2021, Gregory passed away surrounded by family at home in Silverton, Oregon from Parkinson’s disease. He was preceded in passing by his parents, Alfred and Phyllis; and sister Elaine. He is survived by his loving wife Sally; children, Corban (Lauren) Enns and Hannah (Justin) Meisenheimer; grandchildren, Cooper Gregory and Anna Caroline; and siblings Gordon Enns and (Robin Eichenberg), Dorothy Bell, Greg Bell and Terry, his step family.
One of MaryAnn’s pleasures was the hour each weekday watching her soap opera Days of Our Lives. In fact, she started watching from the first episode in 1965. Music was something she enjoyed, with an extensive collection of albums and CDs extending from Elvis to the Polka music heard at the annual Oktoberfest celebration. Preceding MaryAnn in death was her husband of 53 years, Robert. She is survived by her sister-in-laws, Joan
Bielemeier and Marion Bielemeier; her daughters, Cathy (Jeff) Heyerly of Molalla, Therese (Wayne) Mohler of Madras, Linda (Taylor) Trout of Portland; her son, Brian Havlik of Mount Angel; and grandchildren, Daniel and Matthew Heyerly, Joseph and Bethany Mohler and Jacob Trout. Recitation of the Rosary and Mass was held on Dec. 9. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mount Angel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Charities of Oregon: 2740 SE Powell Blvd., Portland OR 97202. Arrangements by Unger Funeral Chapel – Mount Angel.
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 …
Robert Mattox
July 27, 1956 — Nov. 17, 2021
Betty Swartout
Oct. 1, 1936 — Nov. 17, 2021
John Kuschnick
Dec. 17, 1942 — Nov. 19 2021
Reatha Strom
Feb. 25, 1936 — Nov. 20, 2021
Robert Jr. Chute
June 6, 1944 — Nov. 27, 2021
Patricia Price
March 17, 1947 — Nov. 28, 2021
Christina Hoefler
Dec. 13, 1989 — Dec. 1, 2021
John Conklin
Jan. 28, 1953 — Dec. 2, 2021
Marilyn Seiler
Jan. 29, 1936 — Dec. 3, 2021
See full obituaries at www.ungerfuneralchapel.com
Your local funeral chapels serving Mt. Angel since 1919 & Silverton since 1924. Always available at your time of need 190 Railroad Ave. • Mt. Angel 503-845-2592
ourtownlive.com
229 Mill St. • Silverton 503-873-5141 December 2021 • 15
Sports & Recreation
Magical season
Foxes have a new trophy for the case
Somehow you get the feeling that folks in Silverton will be talking about the final play of the 2021 Class 5A football title game for a long time. Here is the setup: The Foxes were clinging to a 26-20 lead against Thurston and were facing 4th and 17 at the Colts’ 26 with 12 seconds left. No timeouts left. Let’s let coach Josh Craig tell the story: “That last play was a tough spot. You could run it, but given how we weren’t having much success on the ground, a run play was likely to chew up the same (amount of time) as a pass play since it was 4th down. So the idea was to give Jordan max protection (TE stayed in and both RBs stayed in to pass block) so Jordy could throw it up to Van or Austin. If it was incomplete, it would be a turnover on downs and they’ve have to drive the length of the field with a few seconds left. An interception would actually be a good thing, because they’d have to drive the ball even further to score. But fortunately Jordan threw a great ball and Van did what he’s done all season, and made a great play to seal up the win.” For the record, Van Fessler outfought the Colts’ Darien Witham for the pass from Jordan McCarty and the 21-yard gain resulted in a first down at the 5. Once the chains were reset the final seconds ticked off and the Foxes were state champions for the first time since 1991.
toughness. They are the best team in the state and deserved that win, and I couldn’t be more proud of them. “I have to give a shout out to all the coaches as well. Coach [Eric] Anderson, Coach [Mike] Fessler, Coach [John] Howard, Coach [John] Horner, and Coach Matt [Craig], as well as all our JV and freshman coaches. They had an amazing season as a staff. As a program we had a combined record of 25-2-1, which is pretty amazing.” The Foxes, 12-1, wound up No. 7 in the final MaxPreps all-Oregon football rankings, trailing 6A schools Central Catholic, Tualatin, Jesuit, West Linn and Lake Oswego and 4A champion Marshfield. Thurston was No. 12 and West Albany was 23rd. The Foxes’ lone loss was at Tualatin, which advanced to the 6A title game before falling to Central Catholic.
“I have never finished a season with so much energy,” said Craig, who is 41-11 overall and 8-3 in the playoffs in five years as head coach.
For Kennedy, championship weekend was a matter of running into the wrong running back on the wrong day. Gunner Yates of Coquille rushed for 388 yards and 5 touchdowns to lift the Red Devils past Kennedy in the Class 2A title game on Nov. 27 in Cottage Grove.
“These guys are such an amazing group to be around that if we could, I’d still have us out at practice doing our thing. I enjoyed every day with these guys and will never forget their heart, positive attitudes, and
“Yates is a good football player,” said Trojan coach Joe Panuke. “He ran hard for 4 quarters. I thought we tackled him well for most of the game. There was just a handful of times that we couldn’t quite wrap him up
The huddle where Silverton set up its final play in the Class 5A championship game versus Thurston. Head coach Josh Craig is at left, with ball cap, along with assistant Mike Fessler (headset), QB Jordan McCarty (center), wide receiver Vandon Fessler (10) and center Elijah Roper (71). JAMES DAY
and with his speed it’s to the house.”
of guys that could make plays.”
Kennedy finished 11-2, with its lone losses to Coquille and Heppner. Coquille edged Heppner 8-6 in one semifinal, while Kennedy was taking out Lakeview 21-0 in the other semi. Kennedy has advanced to the 2A final 4 times since 2015, taking the 2018 crown with a win versus Santiam.
Kennedy earned 8 slots on the all-state 2A team. Matt Hopkins was offensive lineman of the year and QB-DB Riley Cantu was a first-team pick on both offense and defense. Also on the first team were wide receivers Owen Bruner and Luke Beyer, tight end Brett Boen, place-kicker Charlie Beyer and defensive lineman Briggs Snell.
“We are very proud of this team and how hard they worked all year long,” Panuke said. “We had a lot of positions to fill from last year’s team and these guys stepped up and did a fantastic job. The thing I will remember most about this team is how everyone contributed. “We didn’t have one special player that went out and won games for us. We were a complete team with lots
Dear Fellow Silvertonians:
Carrasco
16 • December 2021
Silver Falls Yard Care
C: 503-302-3326 O: 503-354-4891 SilverFallsYardCare.com
Panuke is 68-21 in his eight years as head coach and 15-6 in the playoffs.
Move
forward
We at Silver Falls Yard Care would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for your support of our small family business during 2021. Whether you used our services, gave recommendations to family and loved ones, or just gave us a smile, thumbs up, or a word of encouragement we are thankful for you all. We have made it through another challenging year as a community and I am so grateful. May you all have a blessed holiday season and a fruitful 2022!
Blessings, Abel & Nanci
Snell (offense) and Hopkins (defense) were second-team picks on the line. Isaac Berning was a second-team linebacker and Elijah Traeger earner honorable mention at DB.
Now
A licensed professional counseling service A licensed professional counseling service for adults provided through telehealth. provided through telehealth Licensedinin Oregon & Washington Oregon & Washington State State.
Helen Kelley M. Ed., LMHC, LPC
ourtownlive.com
971-273-5351 971-273-5351
www.moveforwardnow.net www.moveforwardnow.net
Our Town Life
Your Health
Pediatric vaccinations Legacy delivers COVID-19 shots to kids By Brenna Wiegand Recent approval of PfizerBioNTech’s vaccine for children was welcome news to many families and communities across Oregon, especially those who have been hit hard by COVID-19. It also gave Legacy Health staff in the Silverton region the green light to create ways of getting them out to kids from five to 11 years old quickly and efficiently. Legacy Health worker administers a vaccination to a youngster during the Silverton High School clinic. On Nov. 19, Legacy Health, in partnership vaccines to children aged 5-11 and with Silver Falls School their families. District, hosted a pediatric vaccine clinic at Silverton High School for youth ages As part of its effort to reach members 5-11. That day, 90 children received of the community who have been their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech disproportionately impacted by the vaccine. They were scheduled to return COVID-19 pandemic, Legacy Health to Silverton High School on Dec. 10 for hosted more 40 mobile vaccination their second dose. clinics, administering more than 2,600 “We are so grateful to the community vaccines that helped boost vaccination for coming together to get our children rates among Latinx and migrant vaccinated,” said Wendy Boughton, R.N. farmworker communities. Clinic Manager for Legacy Health. The mobile pop-up clinics offer “Vaccines are our best tool to ensure that convenient access to COVID vaccines for children can continue to participate in community members and their families. important activities like attending school in person and spending time safely with family and friends, particularly as the holidays approach.” Last week the clinical team was at Woodburn High School providing
Legacy Health has administered more than 17,000 COVID-19 vaccinations to residents of northern Marion County at the local vaccination clinic it opened at Woodburn Health Center. Licensed Bonded Insured
$25
OFF coupon valid thru 1/31/2021
Residential & Commercial Cleaning
503-991-2370 Our Town Life
MaryMaidsCleaning.com
ourtownlive.com
December 2021 • 17
People Out Loud
Faith
Regardless of our beliefs
I asked a young acquaintance recently if she believed the Christmas Story, that Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary, died for our sins, and that if we believe in God and act as He would wish us to act practicing Christian charity, we will join Him in Heaven with everlasting life. As a reliable Sunday morning church attendee, her response has stayed with me and made an impact I will carry with me throughout my days – “Hmmm… I don’t really know. But I believe that if I do good things in my life, especially for those less fortunate, and treat others well, I will be fine.” That resonated with me because not only is it timely, given that Christmas is nigh, the season of giving is at its apex, and so many people are in despair, but it is a gut punch to the notion that we are a Christian nation only and anyone who does not subscribe to that is not welcome here. I’m a Christian who loves good people who think differently but act kindly.
Faith, in a spiritual nutshell, is believing in a higher power, a purpose for our short time on earth, without hard evidence. I believe in the tenets of the Christian faith. I have had my faith sorely tested, never more so than when a C-5 Galaxy cargo plane crashed in 1975 as we departed Viet Nam while the Communists were taking over Saigon. In “Operation Babylift,” 78 children died, many so little they had to be carried onto the big jet when boarding. My first question? “Why, Lord?” My soul was crushed and took years to get replenished. Did I mention I love babies and children? But my thoughts are elsewhere this week. My faith is strong, and I try to live my
life helping others, as Jesus wants us to do. As we celebrate the birth of Christ, or don’t, I go back to that young lady who is unsure, but believes that if she is a good person, contributes to society, gives her heart, soul, money and love to ensure others less fortunate will benefit, even briefly, that she will be OK when her benevolent time on earth is done. She has a sign over her table – “If you have more than you need, build a longer table, not a higher wall.” That is how she lives. But what if you are a Muslim? An atheist? An agnostic? What if you just love the joy and kindness humans share during December more than any other month, but don’t subscribe to the Christian belief that “Jesus is the reason for the season? What if you believe God created and loves us all, and gave us his Son at Christmas and took him from us at Easter to forgive us our sins? Doesn’t He love all of His children? Even the Buddhists?
I will not apologize for saying “Merry Christmas” to you and honoring the birth of Christ, our Savior. But I will not forget to say “Happy Chanukah” to my Jewish friends, “Happy Kwanzaa” to my friends who celebrate this African American holiday, and “Have a joyous holiday” to anyone taking a breath. It is how I roll. But one thing is clear to me – we are in this together regardless of our beliefs, our teachings, our politics, and our capacity to love something, whether it be a beautiful sunset, a manger in Bethlehem, a spinning dreidel, or witnessing the work of God in your granddaughters’ eyes. In my faith, He loves us all. He made us all. He made us different because life would be forever boring if we all looked alike, thought alike, and loved alike. Do good. Help others. Love easily. Forgive. More importantly, in my faith, the table is long with many chairs and a veritable cornucopia at hand. There is room in the inn.
Quality Dental Care in a Friendly Environment
C o m p l e t e Dental S ervi ces
Fillin gs • Cro w n s • Ro o t C a n a ls Im pla n ts • E x t ra c t io n s • D en t u res
New patients welcome
Matthew B. Chase, D.M.D.
Nathan C. Braxmeyer, D.M.D. Mark A. Haskell, D.D.S.
303 N. First • Silverton 503-873-8614 18 • December 2021
ourtownlive.com
Our Town Life
Place your ad in Marketplace 503-845-9499
GENERAL
NEW Stihl gas powered weed trimmer. Comes with a can of mixed fuel and 30 extra ft of new string. Works excellent $195. 503-507-0183 FIREWOOD Mostly oak with a little fir. $240 a cord. Well seasoned. 503-845-6410 FOUND Silver bracelet on Pine Street near SHS. Inscribed with a verse. Call to identify and claim. Sandy: 503-806-3641 (Silverton) FOR SALE 1993 Holiday Rambler 38’ - 460 gas fuel injected 3spd transmission w/ OD, recent tires, brakes, alternator & belts, 75k miles, 2 generators, 2 air conditioners, 75 gal fuel
tank, 50 gal fresh water tank, Solar panel charging system, new batteries, gas & electric water heater, fridge, stove & microwave (replaced/ upgraded in 2015), ice maker, real wood floors and cupboards, extra table leaf. Rear bedroom with closet and built in drawers plus extra storage & TV, walk-in shower, Smart TV & recent futon sofa in LR, awnings all the way around. Clean title in hand, records. TONS of storage space Lots of extras including air compressor, tools and fluids. Needs tags and minor TLC here and there. Suitable to live in or take on the road. Asking $7,400. Price negotiable for the right buyer Needs to go, come take a look! 503-507-0183
Under New Ownership!
SERVICES
GOT STUFF U WANT GONE? From yard debris to scrap metal-From garage sale leftovers 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. Keith 503-502-3462 JESSE’S LAWN SERVICE & HANDYMAN Pruning, edging, trimming, blackberry cleaning, gutter cleaning, arborvitae, moss treatment, yard clean-up, haul-away. 503-871-7869
We are your One Stop Shop for Bumper to Bumper Automotive Repair! WE O FFER : Full Mechanical Maintenance & Repair Oil Change • Wiper Blade Replacement Heating/Cooling System Repair • Brake Inspection Engine Light Inspection • Glass Repair • Upholstery Repair Diagnostics Collision Repair • Full Automotive Paint Work • Dent Removal Paintless Dent Repair and So Much More ... Just about everything on your car, we can fix! 46 years and our experience shows in quality and know how!
To advertise call 503-845-9499
Stop in or call today for a quote! 503-873-4998 205 S. First St. Silverton
Shop Local and Save! Family Owned and Operated Since 1974!
12oz Multi-Can Cooler 12oz Whiskey & Wine Tumbler Available in White and Black
$19.99
Available in Pink, Burnt Orange, OD Green, Navy, Grey and Black
$24.99
12oz Slim Can Cooler w/ Bottle Opener
24oz Mag Bottle Available in Black, Pink, Navy and Teal
Available in White, Black, Pink and Tiffany
$29.99
$19.99
34oz Mag Bottle
32oz Red Party Cup $29.99
Available in Red, Navy, Black, Grey and OD Green
$34.99 Wyld Gear Mag Bottle Lid with Straws $9.99
Our Town Life
ourtownlive.com
December 2021 • 19
Kirsten Barnes Broker 873-3545 ext. 326
Meredith Wertz Broker, GRI 873-3545 ext. 324
Mike Ulven Broker 503-873-3545 ext. 312
Whitney Ulven Broker 503-873-3545 ext. 320
Ryan Wertz Broker, GRI 873-3545 ext. 322
Chuck White Broker 873-3545 ext. 325
#T2702 HEART OF SILVERTON $499,900 Be in the heart of Silverton,
WWW.SILVERTONREALTY.COM
Mason Branstetter Principal Broker, GRI 873-3545 ext. 303
a y r r e b M ! s a m t s i Chr
Becky Craig Principal Broker, GRI 873-3545 ext. 313
Micha Christman Office Manager 873-1425
Michael Schmidt Principal Broker GRI 873-3545 ext. 314
Sarah Graves Office Manager 873-3545 ext. 300
#T2707 BUYER MUST MOVE $40,000
#T2701 INVESTOR OPPORTUNITY $498,800
This mover is in great condition. Large open kitchen dining and living rooms. Walk in pantry with wood shelving. Over-sized laundry room. Master with a soaker tub and shower. Walk in closets in other bedrooms. Ceiling fans and wood stove to keep the house comfortable. Craft/bonus/office room with outside access. Very solid home that is ready for its next property. Call Becky at ext. 313 (WVMLS#786505)
Opportunity for investors, potential for development, 3 bedrooms, 2 bath home sitting on 1.52 acres, partially in the city limits, partial in UGB. Hooked up to city water, sewer. Come put your touches on this home or make room for more homes. Lots of potential for the next owner. Buyer to do their due diligence. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 (WVMLS#784928)
This home has it all, classic historical Silverton Home on 0.75 acres on the edge of town, Large 19x45 ft heated shop, plus 30x20 carport storage and garden shed for all your needs. Home is a 4 bedroom, 2 bath, many updates, newer kitchen, newer flooring, new paint throughout, inside and out. Plus a small 300 sqft ADU for your guests or possible investment opportunity. Don’t pass this one up, it is a rare opportunity to have all of this in a property so close to town! Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 (WVMLS#786199)
SILVERTON
SILVERTON
COUNTRY/ACREAGE
MOLALLA
#T2686 2.43 ACRES IN CITY LIMITS 3 BR, 2.5 BA 2037 sqft 2.43 Acres Call Chuck at ext. 325 $599,900 (WVMLS#780380)
NEW! – #T2706 HAS IT ALL 4 BR, 2 BA 1930 sqft .75 Acres Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $579,800 (WVMLS#786199)
#T2693 FARM HOUSE & ACREAGE 3 BR, 2 BA 1344 sqft 36.14 Acres Call Chuck at ext. 325 $949,900 (WVMLS#782311)
NEW! – #T2705 TRI-LEVEL HOME 3 BR, 2.5 BA 2406 sqft 1.82 Acres Call Chuck at ext. 325 $629,900 (WVMLS#786118)
#T2697 BACK TO NATURE 3 BR, 1 BA 1080 sqft 9.47 Acres Call Michael at ext. 314 $350,000 (WVMLS#783389)
NEW! – #T2703 CLASSIC 1930s FARMHOUSE 4 BR, 2 BA 2200 sqft Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $578,800 (WVMLS#785747)
BARELAND/LOTS
very near downtown, the park, and local festivals. 4 bedrooms, 3 bath home w/ same owner for more than 50 years. Hardwood floors, bay windows, granite kitchen countertops, updated Milgard windows, large owner’s suite with vaulted ceilings and walk-in closet, cozy backyard workshop / studio with power. Roof replaced in 2015, re-piped in 2019, new furnace in 2020, new sewer line and sidewalk 2021. All appliances included with the sale. Call Kirsten at ext 326 (WVMLS#785475)
#T2687 CUSTOM HOME 4 BR, 2.5 BA 3111 sqft Call Chuck at ext. 325 $798,800 (WVMLS#780616) SOLD! – #T2696 SINGLE LEVEL HOME 3 BR, 2.5 BA 1868 sqft Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $439,800 (WVMLS#783044) #T2659 BRING YOUR HAMMER 3 BR, 1.5 BA 1408 sqft Call Michael at ext. 314 $295,000 (WVMLS#775990)
#T2702 HEART OF SILVERTON 4 BR, 3 BA 2660 sqft Call Kirsten at ext. 326 $499,900 (WVMLS#785475)
#T2701 INVESTOR OPPORTUNITY 3 BR, 2 BA 1164 sqft 1.52 Acres Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $498,800 (WVMLS#784928)
NEW! – #T2704 WONDERFUL 1922 CLASSIC 2 BR, 1 BA 936 sqft Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $337,000 (WVMLS#785748)
#T2646 HWY 213 .30 Acres. Molalla. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $149,500
#T2706 HAS IT ALL $579,800
#T2646 HWY 213 .30 Acres Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $149,500 (WVMLS#773635)
SALEM/KEIZER #T2690 AMAZING HOUSE ON CORNER LOT 4 BR, 2.5 BA 1805 sqft. Salem. Call Becky at ext. 313 $405,000 (WVMLS#782028) SOLD! – #T2699 CHARMING HOME 3 BR, 2 BA 1412 sqft Call Becky at ext. 313 $365,000 (WVMLS#782028)
(WVMLS#773635)
NEW! – #T2667 CRAZY PROJECT PROPERTY 5.13 Acres sqft Call Michael at ext. 314 $250,000 (WVMLS#783206)
SCOTTS MILLS NEW! – MOVER 3+ BR, 2 BA 1782 sqft Call Becky at ext. 313 $40,000 (WVMLS#786505)
Rentals available in Silverton and Surrounding Areas. For Rental info call Micha at 503-873-1425 or check our website. BROKERS ARE LICENSED IN OREGON
20 • December 2021
ourtownlive.com
Our Town Life