Our Town North: Dec. 15, 2022

$649,000 Renovated & updated

Home, 4 bed, 2 ba. 2784 sq. ft. 30x40 shop, Custom fence & gates. 295 Cleveland St, Mount Angel. MLS#793598

$649,000 Beautiful renovated Craftsman Home, 4 bd, 2 ba.1900 sq ft. on 1.30 acres. Outstanding Valley Views! 14448 Evans Valley Rd. NE, Silverton. MLS#792811

$3,500,000

r Falls Vineyard & Event Center Estate! 98.17 acres, main home: 5224 sq. ft. 5bd, 4.5 ba. Winery & Event Center: 6400 sq. ft. In-ground pool, guest house, award winning wines! Ultimate vineyard with luxury at

$625,000

3bd, 2 ba. home on 2.230 acres. 2 shops, barn, 3 separate pastures, fenced. sm. orchard. 35267 S. Acer Ln. Molalla. MLS#796779

$535,000

3 bed, 2 ba. vintage home, on 4.41 acres. farm bldg. / 2 stalls, valley views on the edge of Silverton. 15056 Quall Rd., Silverton. MLS#799863

$298,000

Excellent value! Ideal starter home, 2bed, 1 ba. 764 sq ft. Nice shop, near Silverton pool & park. 50x145 lot dimension. 108 Cowing St., Silverton. MLS#799081

On the Cover

Paul and Krista Kuenzi and their four sons: Zach, Brody, Landon, and Griffin. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Our Town

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

Town

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in the 97362, 97375, 97381

Above

Giggle Britches is the nom de clown for Bonnie Jean-Brown. JIM KINGHORN

Correction

In the Dec. 1, 2022 edition of Our Town the original address of the Silverton train station was incorrect. The actual location was “between the Cannery (now Tillamook Meats) and the former Square Deal lumber yard, (currently for sale, across the street from the Goodwill).”

This correction was provided by local historian Gus Frederick who also stated that in the late 1950s or early 1960s the location was moved to the building across the street (the current site of Goodwill) before being moved once again in 1982 to its current location, adjacent to the main Silverton Museum – a video of which can be seen on the Silverton Country Historical Society’s Facebook page.

to the Awesome businesses and organizations that all donated to the Holiday Gift Basket Raffle. It was very successful and fun!

Beloved Cheesecakes • Sunflower Farms & Elizabeth Ashley Hoke Memorial Trust One Hope Winery • Portland Spirit • Emerald Gardens

Boone Ridge Retirement Community • Atrio • Magnolia Grill • Silverton Inn & Suites Camp Dakota • Pam Valley • Easel Art.

ALSO… Holiday Hugs to all the volunteers who helped make the Holiday Bazaar & Lunches go so well. ‘Couldn’t have happened with out them!

Kathy Hunter, Lorraine Kittinger, Tom Maurer, Sharon Studdert, Betty Conner, Connie & Kohan Barkley, Nellie Graves, Cindy Everts, Tracy Duerst, Joann & Mike Brown, Jeff Benson, Karl Ray, Greg Albers, Tristan Meinung, Pam Rowland, Dixie Springer, Chava Kazel, Mariah Trubitt, and Judy Goetz.

AND Thanks to all the Chili Cook Off entries… the Chilis were all so delicious it was hard to pick a Fan Favorite!

Tracy Duerst, Carol Sheldon, Pam Rowland, Connie Albers, Dan Holm, Dixie Springer and Magnolia Grill who provided Chili for the lunch!

Upkeep issues Code enforcement complaints go back to 2015

By James Day

Property owner Wes Holman used the public comment period of the Dec. 5 Silverton City Council meeting to raise concerns about trash and debris at a home near the Holman house on South Third Avenue.

The complaint record apparently goes back to 2015, and although Holman said there have been some temporary improvements he remains ”not satisfied” wth the situation.

City officials promised to review the situation and also will look into a secondary issue of whether a fence Holman is constructing aligns with the correct property line:

In other highlights from the Dec. 5 meeting:

James Street: The city might wind up closing James Street at C Street because of challenges they are facing with a proposal to improve the pedestrian walkway at the corner.

The property is owned by the railroad, and the city has been advised that any work the city does on the walkway also must include reconstruction of the entire crossing. The 2022-23 budget includes approximately $300,000 for the project, but city officials said the railroad piece

would push the cost above $1 million.

Councilors voted unanimously to table an agenda item on proceeding with the cross project and also discussed a possible alternative of closing James Street at C Street.

Psilocybin: Councilors unanimously passed an ordinance that establishes regulations and restrictions on psilocybin service centers inside the city limits.

In November 2020 Oregon voters passed Measure 109, which created a program for administering psilocybin products, such as psilocybin-producing mushrooms and fungi, to individuals aged 21 years or older. Before the issue passed, by a 55% to 45% margin, the manufacturing and consumption of psilocybin was illegal under both federal law and state law.

Measure 109 also allowed cities and counties to place referendums on local ballots to prohibit or allow psilocybinproduct manufacturers or psilocybin service centers in unincorporated areas.  Silverton is a bit of an outlier on the psilocybin issue. Eight Mid-Valley jurisdictions, including voters in unincorporated Marion and Linn counties, approved ballot measures Nov. 8 that prohibit psilocybin businesses. Most of the prohibition votes were by wide margins.

Election: Councilors unanimously accepted the results of the Nov. 8 election. Jason Freilinger was elected mayor, Marie Traeger, April Newton and Eric Hammond were elected as councilors, and a measure to renew the five-year local option property tax levy for the pool passed with more than 64% of the vote.

Budget: The calendar was announced for the 2023-24 budget process. The budget message is due from City Manager Ron Chandler on April 1. Budget committee meetings are scheduled for April 20, April 25 and April 27, with the City Council scheduled to hold a public hearing to adopt the budget on June 19.

Civic center furniture: Councilors approved spending approximately $75,000 on office furniture for the new civic center building. The furniture will be built by inmates working on skills and training with Oregon Corrections Enterprises. The inmates will use the remains of the

Douglas fir that used to occupy a corner of the civic center lot as well as some reclaimed wood from the demolished Eugene Field School to build the furniture. The Douglas fir had to be cut down because of damage it suffered in the February 2021 ice storm.

SACA fee waiver: Councilors unanimously approved waiving the $1,100 application fee normally associated with the conditional use permit required for the nonprofit to operate within the general commercial zone. SACA is seeking new quarters and says its new site will be inside the zone.

Republic: The city will hire a certified public accountant to review financial information received from Republic Services as part of a rate increase proposal. City officials have raised questions about the quality of the data they have been receiving from Republic, the city’s franchise trash hauler.

Chamber calls for First Citizen nominations

It’s time for Silverton to recognize those who have gone over and above to serve the community.  Do you know someone deserving of recognition for their efforts?  Do you know of a group that should be highlighted for their good work?

Nomination forms are available from the Silverton Chamber of Commerce, 426 S. Water St. or contact stacy@ silvertonchamber.org and have a form emailed to you. Everyone may nominate.

Recognition categories are:  First Citizen Award - Awarded for making a broad and substantial impact on the community.

Distinguished Service Award –Awarded for making an impact on our community in a specific area.

Business of the Year - Awarded to a retail or service business for outstanding service to the community.

The Judy Schmidt Lifetime Achievement Award - For sustained commitment to community service over an extended period of time.

Future First Citizen – A 16 - 20 year

old. Awarded for peer leadership, community service, and participation in school clubs or organizations. Includes the Jack Berger Memorial Scholarship of $300. Typically nominated by school advisors.

Outstanding Club or Service Organization - A group that has provided exceptional service to the community over the last year or years.

Educators of the Year Awards – A special category returning this year.

Areas to consider when making a nomination:

Community Service: Contributions of time, labor, talent and other resources freely given to the community.

Dedication and Commitment: Extraordinary involvement in serving others.

Leadership: Examples of influence that might encourage service from others.

Nominations are due by Jan. 6, 2023.  Mail to Silverton Area Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 257 Silverton, OR 97381 or drop to the office.

We at Silver Falls Yard Care would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for your support of our family business during 2022. 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 2023!

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

Mediation Silver Falls district, educator association agree to need for help

By Stephen Floyd

Labor negotiations between the Silver Falls School District (SFSD) and Silver Falls Education Association (SFEA) have entered mediation. Critical issues related to class size, teacher pay and grievance procedures remain unresolved after nearly eight months of bargaining.

During a meeting Dec. 1 between SFSD administrators and SFEA representatives, both parties agreed mediation would be the most effective option to resolve outstanding objections.

An initial mediation session is scheduled for late January. It will be closed to the public. If within 15 days of the first mediation session there is still no agreement, parties may declare an impasse.

If an impasse is declared, a final offer would be presented within seven days, followed by a 30-day cool-off period. At this point the final offer may be implemented or the union may strike after giving 10 days notice.

A bargaining session in late 2019 similarly entered mediation after months of negotiation, with parties split on workplace protections for teachers. In January of 2020, both parties reached a final agreement just six days after a majority of SFEA members signed pledge-to-strike forms.

Grievance procedures at issue

Workplace protections remain a high priority three years later, with SFEA requesting a clearly-defined grievance process that includes arbitration procedures to challenge the firing of contract teachers. SFSD has proposed a more informal process that would begin with a verbal complaint before a written grievance is filed, and would resolve challenges against contract terminations through the state’s Fair Dismissal Appeals Board (FDAB).

On Dec. 1, SFEA representatives said FDAB has little experience hearing such matters and would likely draw out a process that needs to be resolved quickly,

and may result in black-and-white decisions on topics that are often very nuanced.

SFEA President Alison Stolfus said using an arbiter instead would allow both the district and the union a greater degree of input in how grievances against dismissals are handled, resulting in rulings that would be more equitable for both parties.

“Having the choice just makes everyone feel better,” she said, adding the union membership “feels really strongly” about this issue.

Assistant Superintendent Dan Busch, leading SFSD negotiators, said the union raised “fair points,” but disagreed that an arbiter would necessarily be faster than FDAB. He said FDAB was established specifically to hear termination grievances, with rules and procedures defined by case law. An arbiter would present “a less predictable outcome,” particularly if they are from out-of-state, he noted. SFEA countered that an arbiter would be chosen from among Oregon educators

through State Conciliation Service, and added FDAB tends to side with teachers so using an arbiter would be more likely to result in favorable outcomes for the district. Busch said using FDBA “raises the level of seriousness” for a dismissal grievance and would ensure alternative resolutions are pursued first.

Class size a high priority

Negotiators also continue to differ on class sizes, with SFEA requesting clearly-defined limits and remedies, while the district favors a less-rigid process allowing school administrators to identify and resolve class-size problems as they arise, with cooperation from union representatives.

On Dec. 1, SFEA said the district’s proposed system works on paper, but with the new realities of public education after the COVID-19 pandemic, and high administrator turnover within the district, they favor clear guidelines to ensure consistent outcomes.

“Teaching has changed, and we need something in the contract… that doesn’t just involve chatter at a board meeting,” Stolfus said.

Busch said not all schools within the district are the same, and neither are all classes within those schools, and allowing administrators flexibility to address classsize problems would allow for tailored solutions. He said teachers should be the ones to initiate the process of resolving class-size problems, rather than contract language, and work directly with their principals to find an appropriate remedy.

“Every situation has its own context to say, ‘I need some support,’” he said.

SFEA said this system is already in use but is faltering, such as at Bethany Charter School where teachers said they have been understaffed since the start of the school year and working with their principal has not resulted in a solution. They also said new teachers might feel embarrassed to ask for help if they are overwhelmed, or might not understand where their limitations are, and a clear standard for class sizes would help remedy such problems.

Busch said teachers should trust principals to be responsive to their needs, and if an administrator is unable to find a solution to a large class size, there may not be a practical solution due to the financial and physical limitations of the school or district.

“At some level, if the principal doesn’t see a remedy, the principal doesn’t have a strong remedy,” he said.

Salaries closer, but still apart

Teacher salaries also remained unresolved, though both sides have offered concessions during recent weeks.

SFSD is offering a 3 percent cost of living adjustment (COLA) and a $1,000 retention bonus, up from an initial proposal of 2 percent COLA and no bonus. SFEA has requested a 7 percent COLA, down from 9 percent, and has tentatively accepted the retention bonus offer.

The SFEA proposal was presented during the Dec. 1 meeting and district negotiators had to meet in a close caucus to consider these terms. When they returned to the open session, they talked about needing time to prepare a counterproposal, and this is when Stoflus said it may be time for mediation.

Stoflus said, when negotiators turned to mediation in 2019, it allowed them to set aside dedicated time to negotiate, as opposed to the current bargaining format of meeting for a couple of hours at a time with sometimes weeks between meetings.

“We’d like to start that process just so we can come and have dedicated time to work through it,” she said.

Busch agreed mediation would be more likely to result in a finalized contract and would be “the best scenario for everybody.”

“I think that sets us up for success,” he said, adding mediation was “really helpful” in resolving the previous contract in 2019.

LAND & LOTS

Dam dilemma Barrier in Scotts Mills Park remains

By James Day

The dam on Butte Creek in Scotts Mills Park just won’t go away. Literally.

While the presence of the dam on the creek has made the park popular with water enthusiasts, there is a gigantic breach in the barrier, and officials say the situation poses a safety issue and fish passage also is a concern.

A grant of $100,000 to remove the crumbling dam is in hand from the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, which along with the Pudding River Watershed Council says that more grant money is available. All parties agree that approximately two years of COVID-19 fueled stasis left the project in limbo. Now, it appears to be having trouble getting out of limbo.

The City of Scotts Mills and the ODFW both want the dam removed. In fact the Scotts Mills city website includes a “dam removal” tab, which makes it clear where the town stands.

The Marion County Parks Commission, which advises the Board of Commissioners on park matters, discussed the issue at its Sept. 15 meeting but made no recommendation. At that session, representatives of the Pudding River Watershed Council on the Zoom broadcast also urged removal of the dam, while three community members testified in person advocating its retention.

The community members, who said they have signatures of 150 people backing their view, noted that one of the main reasons they chose to participate in the meeting was to make sure people knew removal “was not a done deal.”

Robin Fornier, a councilor and city manager of Scotts Mills, wishes it WAS a done deal.

“There are no funds for restoring the dam,” she said. “It’s either removal or do nothing and let it crumble. Our homeowners will have to deal with the rubble when it crumbles and heads downstream.

Your Health

“And it’s a safety issue. One life lost is far too many and we’ve had more than one.”

“This has been a long, stretched-out thing,” said Dave Stewart, a fish habitat restoration biologist with the ODFW. “At ODFW we all support the project and will do what we can to move it along. We’ve removed dams all over the state and this is such an easy one.”

“Fixing the dam would be a multi-million dollar project,” said Kurt Berning of the Pudding River Watershed Council. “You would need a (fish passage) permit and you’re never going to get one. We’ve got money on the table for ODFW to get it removed, but we’re waiting on the commissioners. A breach of the dam is an accident

waiting to happen and it’s a huge liability issue. It would cost far more to repair than to remove. I think it’s a matter of getting (the issue) back in front of the Board of Commissioners.”

Jon Heynen, a communications officer for the Board of Commissioners, told Our Town that “the issue still is under review at Public Works and no timetable/timeline is available regarding when the Board of Commissioners might render a decision.”

“The Scotts Mills City Council repeatedly has expressed approval for removal,” Fornier said. “But Marion County hasn’t asked us what we think. Our role should be to have a seat at the table.

Doctors, state officials urge return to indoor mask use

Seasonal caseloads of flu and respiratory viruses coupled with the continuing presence of COVID-19 have led a group of Portland-area physicians and state officials to urge a return to indoor mask use.

Masks and the prevalence of seasonal illnesses on hospitalization rates were discussed at the Oregon Health Authority’s monthly media briefing on Dec. 8, although no state order on mask use has been recommended.

According to Dean Sidelinger of the OHA, Oregon saw a five-fold increase in hospitalizations from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in the past month or so, with a rapid rise in flu hospitalizations, particularly among

people 65 and older. The flu season began earlier this year as well, officials said, although they also noted that RSV hospitalizations appear to have peaked.

And the COVID-19 pandemic ”is not over,” Sidelinger said. COVID-19 levels in wastewater have risen, signaling increased community spread and spurring a 48% increase in the number of COVID-19positive patients in hospitals in the past month. ICU hospitalizations have also gone up 30%, Sodelinger said, but the number of COVID-19 deaths has remained flat.

“Now is not the time to go to crowded indoor places like indoor birthday parties, play places, restaurants,

grocery stores,” said Wendy Hasson, medical director of the pediatric intensive care unit at Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel. “Anything you can do to keep your child out of a crowded indoor area will help. Masking works.”

In addition to avoiding crowded indoor spaces, said Ray Moreno, chief medical officer at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, people can help reduce the pressure on hospitals by taking care of themselves and others.

“Get immunized for influenza. Get your booster for COVID. It is not too late,” Moreno said. “Please get immunized. And don’t gather if you’re sick, even just a little sick. Really, that protects other people.”

Water rushes through the gigantic hole in the dam on Butte Creek in Scotts Mills Park. Grant money is in hand to pay for the dam’s removal, but no final decision has been made on the project.  JAMES DAY

Serious clowning Rose City Clowns recognizes

By Melissa Wagoner

Becoming a clown wasn’t actually Bonnie-Jean Brown’s idea.

“My mommy made me do it,” she laughed, when asked how she –recognized by most as Giggle Britches the clown – got her start.

She’s not exaggerating. From the very beginning her mother, Glendora DeSantis, has had a hand in what would eventually become her daughter’s lifelong passion – from signing her up for her first clown class in Salem in 1982, to reigniting her interest in the field in 2011, to inspiring the name “Giggle Britches” when Brown finally launched her career.

“I wanted a unique name,” Brown said, recalling the night, on the way to the Mooseburger Clown Camp in Minnesota, when her mother stumbled on exactly what she’d been looking for.

“I had on rainbow pants and a rainbow wig,” Brown remembered. “And we were clowning around when my mom said, ‘What have you got, giggles in your

britches?’ I said, ‘That’s my name, Giggle Britches.’”

But it’s not just a name, Giggle Britches is an entirely separate persona, replete with her own backstory.

“Giggle Britches is a five to eight-year-

Giggle Britches

Giggle Britches’ hard work

Clowning for parties, picnics and community events

gigglebritches@yahoo.com 503-996-1065

old child, ready to explore the world and find joy,” Brown described. “And her favorite food is peanut butter.”

She is also the reason Brown, who defines herself as an introvert, is able to overcome her shy tendencies, acting silly and playful in public.

“When I’m a clown I do things I would never think of doing,” Brown said. “I’ve got a license to stretch.”

Performing at parties, picnics and community events from Homer Days to Oktoberfest, Brown is kept busy nearly year-around doing the thing she loves best.

“I’m just out there to make people smile,” she said.

And she’s good at what she does, winning this year’s coveted, Ambassador of Clown Award, from the Rose City Clowns for “representing clowning in its best light and being a wonderful example to other clowns” – a difficult achievement considering the amount of time she spends in the public eye.

“Once you open that car door you never know who can see you, so once you’re out of the car you’re on stage,” Brown said, describing the long hours and emotional energy that clowning takes. “I have so much fun playing with the kids, I don’t realize until the moment I get home, I am so spent.”

But she really wouldn’t have it any other way.

“It’s that magical moment when you connect with a child or an adult,” Brown explained. “The joy I can give to people… Like PT Barnum said, there’s no better enterprise than bringing happiness to others.”

Bonnie-Jean Brown, a.k.a. Giggle Britches the clown. JIM KINGHORN

Jan. 1 offers free opportunity at Silver Falls

The annual guided first day of the year hikes will be held at Silver Falls State Park and nearly 20 other parks Jan. 1.

The outings are led by rangers, and the $5 parking fee that most state parks charge will be waived. Oregon State Parks has been holding the hikes since 2012 in an effort to promote exercise and encourage connecting with nature.

Two hikes are scheduled for Silver Falls. Both start at 10 a.m. at the South Falls Lodge porch. One hike will survey the park’s historic district in a one-hour jaunt and buildings, while the second, 90 minutes in length, will focus on the geology of the park, and travel on the pathway under South Falls.

Participants are encouraged to plan for winter weather, dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, bring water and carry binoculars for viewing wildlife. Hikers can share photos via Twitter and Instagram by using the hashtag

#ORfirstdayhikes or tagging “Oregon State Parks” on Facebook.

Visit https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index. cfm?do=v.feature-article&articleId=263 to see the list of parks hosting hikes as well as the start times and locations. Terrain and hike distance is available via links on the web page. A few hikes require registration.

Silver Falls State Park is one of the 20 state parks hosting free guided New Year’s Day hikes on Jan. 1. JAMES DAY

‘No victims here’

By Dixon Bledsoe

Imagine life is humming along like a finely tuned sports car. Wonderful spouse, four awesome sons, a huge extended family full of love, faith, support and laughter. A job you love, and you like to run. Running with your wife is fun and stress-reducing.

Then, you notice the running is not as efficient. Small wounds take forever to heal. Hah. Just age creeping in. A brutal headache takes hold and the vision in your left eye is fading.

Paul Kuenzi, husband, father, son-in-law, consummate family man, electrical engineer, and great chef knew trouble when he saw it, albeit from one eye. His condition got the immediate attention of professionals at Kaiser Permanente.

Wife Krista said, “I remember talking to Paul’s sister and telling her, ‘Whatever this is doing to him, it’s bad. And it’s killing him right before my eyes.’”

The diagnosis? Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). The prognosis? Fatal without a stem cell transplant. Chemo and radiation are needed to conduct a successful stem cell transplant. A 100% match donor located overseas, lost through non-response. Two sons who are a 50% match. Zach is older. Not a moment’s hesitation. It is his dad. “Tell me what I need to do, and I will do it.”

The first transplant stalled – Zach gets COVID. Then a scheduled transplant is postponed twice this fall with a leukemia relapse. More chemo. Suddenly, it is transplant day, Nov. 24. Zach takes it like a trooper. Paul is the recipient of some fighting mad stem cells from the 18-yearold. Today? It looks like those youthful cells are winning. Paul and Kristi are in isolation as he recuperates.

Others are doing their part in quiet ways, like friend Julie Gilkison who engineered a meal train for the Kuenzis.

Paul and Krista Kuenzi and their four sons: Zach, Landon, Griffin and Brody. SUBMITTED PHOTO

A different kind of Christmas for Silverton family

Meanwhile, Brody, the Kuenzis’ second oldest son – now 16, passes the hardship driver’s license at 15 that allows him to drive Griffin (14) and Landon (12) to school and to work on approved routes. “I drive us and take us to places that we need to get to.” Paul and Krista are very proud of him.

Jan and Mike Bothum, Krista’s parents, stay with the boys, prepare meals, and make sure there is a sense of normalcy as Christmas looms. It is from them that Krista gets her strength.

“I was raised by my parents to be strong. One childhood message I believe us girls (Krista, Katie and Courtney) always received loud and clear from our parents is that we are capable. Of course, it is hard, but I feel like we are all following Paul’s very matter of fact, ‘no victims here, we will get through it’ lead. We aren’t here to be or raise victims.”

Mike says, “You always think it will never happen to you. One checkup, one phone call can be life changing.”

Angela Weir is Krista’s best friend. She lives on the East Coast, grew up in Silverton, and the two remain thick as thieves in a friendship full of fun, love, candor, and spice. Angie has been there for the Kuenzis from day 1, organizing a Caring Bridge blog, and a GoFundMe fundraiser. To date, over $63,000 has been raised from more than 300 donors. Financially, it hasn’t been easy. Paul, modest and unassuming, states, “I haven’t worked since March, but

fortunately we have disability insurance that covered most of the initial expense. At this point, we have transitioned to using the donations from the community to help cover the growing gaps.”

Adds Krista, “I feel so lucky to have a husband that had saved enough money to get us this far without major stress. But who would expect to have to cover THIS long without income, let alone a child in college with three more planning to get there, soon. It is humbling to go from one extreme to another. When Angie called on that first day and told me she wanted to do this GoFundMe for us, I said no. I felt too proud and too private to have our story and our need out there. I am thankful I surrendered and that she did that, and continues to do that, for us. It is a place of peace to know it is there.”

“They will never ask. Please don’t forget about them,” Angie says. “This is not over. I wish everyone in the world could have a Krista in their lives; better yet, a Krista supported by a Paul to keep the sanity down a notch.”

As for the boys? Angie says, “You can only imagine that even on a bad day, most will only see the strength instilled in them (and likely stubbornness from my favorite redhead!)”

Krista adds, “What we can glean from Zach… We are working on him, but he HATES attention, so this is all very outside his wheelhouse. The toughest part for him was self-

administering the three belly shots for three days.” Of Angie, Krista feels “she is exactly who I want on my side in a crisis.”

Thanksgiving was tough, touching, and controlled chaos given two separate households. And this will be a different kind of Christmas. Zach is at OIT doing great in a premed program. Brody is driving Landon and Griffin to and from school. “Grandpa Bo” is working at the farm with his “suspect” tractor skills, given that Paul has some faux trepidation about his father-in-law on Paul’s favorite tractor. Grandma Jan, the retired and still volunteering teacher, helps manage the household. Paul’s family and Krista’s sisters’ families are there regularly, helping where needed. There is a whole lotta love in these two extended families, and faith.

Says Paul, “Faith isn’t something we wear on our sleeves but there is a comfort and security knowing that there is a higher power helping to guide us through this journey.”

Krista says, “I love that word, faith. It means ‘Complete trust or confidence in someone or something.’ I have complete trust in God, and I have complete trust in Paul.

“There are families out there in our situation, or worse. The holidays don’t make it easier. What works for me is instead of getting lost in everything we don’t have this year, I try to focus on everything we do. And God willing, we will have many, many more Christmases to celebrate.”

Festive Food & Drinks

Rosemary Meier

Rosemary Meier, 97,  daughter of Francis Rosewell and Rose (Burger) Coleman was born April 3, 1925 in Portland, Oregon.

She passed away Dec. 5, 2022 at her residence.

Rosemary received her nursing degree and worked at pediatric doctors’ offices until her retirement.

She was married to “Dick” Robert Frederick, who preceded her in death in 2013. Rosemary was member of the St. Mary Catholic Church in Mount Angel.

Survivors include children, Shirley Rydell, Stephen (Patricia) Meier, David (Diana) Meier, Suzanne (Rick)

April 3, 1925 – Dec. 5, 2022

Hatfield, Richard (Sue) Meier, Patrick (Kelly) Meier, Sally Bolton, Michael (Holly) Meier, Mary (Greg) Price; 23 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.

A recitation of the Rosary was held on Dec. 8 at Mt. Angel Towers Chapel.

A recitation of the Rosary and Mass of The Christian Burial was held on Dec. 9 at St. Mary Catholic Church. The interment will be at Willamette National Cemetery with her husband. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Mount Angel Abbey.

Arrangements by Unger Funeral Chapel – Mt. Angel.

In Memory Of

Clarance Gaub

…

Sept. 20, 1922 — Nov. 22, 2022

Patricia Kincaid June 7, 1935 — Nov. 26, 2022

Thomas Ewing Jan. 8, 1945 — Nov. 27, 2022

Virginia Ewing Nov. 29, 1946 — Nov. 27, 2022

Debra Lofdahl Dec. 31, 1954 — Nov. 28, 2022

Lenora “Nori” Kaser Nov. 29, 1946 — Dec. 1, 2022

Rosemary Meier

April 3, 1925 — Dec. 5, 2022

See full obituaries at www.ungerfuneralchapel.com

Patricia Kincaid

On Nov. 26, 2022 Patricia Joanne Kincaid passed away with her children by her side. Patricia resided in her home in Silverton, Oregon.

June 7, 1935 – Nov. 26, 2022

Patricia retired from the state of Oregon as a pharmacy technician.

Patricia was born in Umatilla, Oregon. She married Ralph Kincaid Sr. in 1954. Together they raised five children. They resided in Eastern Oregon until 1974 when they moved the family to Silverton.

She was mother to Julie, Kathy, Bud, John, Jamie and Vicki; grandmother to 15, and great-grandmother to 17.  Patricia took great pride in her children and grandchildren; enjoying their accomplishments and activities.

In her younger years, she was active in her sororities, bowling, and card clubs. She enjoyed gardening, canning, sewing, cooking, and reading.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph; son, James; infant daughter, Julie; parents; and brother, James.

Patricia is survived by daughters, Kathy (John) and Vicki; sons, Ralph Jr. (Jenny) and John; daughter-in-law, Heidi (James); and life-long friend, Bonnie Parrot.

Patricia was known for her sassy personality and joy for life. She will be missed immensely by her loved ones.

A memorial service was held on Dec. 9, at Unger Funeral Chapel – Silverton, with private burial. A reception was held at the Silverton Elks Lodge.

Arrangements made by Unger Funeral Chapel-Silverton.

Debra Jean Lofdahl Dec. 31, 1954 – Nov. 28, 2022

Debra Jean (Czarny) Lofdahl was born in Whittier, California. Debbie moved to Silverton, Oregon with her family in 1955 and lived in the area for the rest of her life.

She graduated from Silverton High School in 1973, and married Larry Jay Lofdahl in Silverton on March 7, 1975.

In June of 1984 Larry and Debbie moved to their dream home in the country outside of Silverton. Larry and Debbie’s son, Louis, was born Jan. 7, 1986.

Debbie worked as a bookkeeper for many local businesses throughout the years including Blazer Industries, Silverton Family Clinic, Portrait Express, and local accountant Charles G. Pattee, P.C. She retired in 2019. Debbie was valued everywhere she worked for her attention to detail and caring nature.

Debbie had many passions in life. She enjoyed spending time with her friends and

family, music, painting, and liked speaking French.

Debbie always loved animals and living in the country allowed her to raise dogs, ducks, chickens, horses, and goats, among others. She cherished her horses and when they became too old to ride, she still took joy in spending time with them every day. She had many dogs throughout the years, and they loyally followed her everywhere on the farm or sat by her feet in her studio while she painted.

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, Albert Frank Czarny and Marion Hazel Scheid, and brother, Frank Czarny.

Debbie leaves behind her husband, Larry; son, Louis; two sisters, Georgia (Ron) Linn and Linda (Ray) Perkins; and brother, James (Betty) Czarny.

Celebration of life arrangements will be forthcoming.

Lenora ‘Nori’ Opal Riggs Kaser

Nov. 29, 1946 – Dec. 1, 2022

Born Lenora Riggs, “Nori” Kaser was a lifelong resident of Silverton, Oregon. She passed away on Dec. 1, 2022.

Nori was an avid outdoorsman; hunting in the Abiqua Basin, fishing at Diamond Lake, and clamming and crabbing along the Oregon coast. Her hobbies included sewing, cooking and baking. Her family always looked forward to the first snow of the year because it meant she would make her famous cinnamon rolls.

She would no doubt tell you that the greatest joy and love was for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

But in truth, Nori was hopelessly, beautifully, and madly in love with her husband of more than 40 years, Steve. She completely dedicated herself to her family and her faith, and left a legacy of memories and was an example of a life of devotion to be honored and cherished. She is and will be dearly missed.

Nori is survived by her husband, Steve; her three daughters, Amy, Marcey and Tifni; two stepchildren, Mitch and Kara; 11 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. A private memorial has been arranged.

Submissions welcomed: Share life’s Passages with our readers. Please send to ourtown.life@mtangelpub.com or drop off at 401 Oak St., Silverton, weekdays.

A class above Kennedy an immediate state power at 3A level

One of the challenges of this job is explaining things that are difficult to explain. But I am going to give it my best effort.

What the Kennedy High football squad was able to achieve this season was just off the charts. The Trojans finished 12-1, losing only to Cascade Christian of Medford in the Nov. 26 Class 3A title game. Kennedy shut out five opponents and limited four others to just one score in just its first year at the 3A level. When the OSAA decided to switch Class 2A to a 9-man game this fall because of declining roster sizes and safety issues, Kennedy didn’t hesitate.

The Trojans, a long-time 2A state power under coach Joe Panuke, wanted to continue to play 11-man, which meant moving up to Class 3A. Which meant playing virtually every week against a school with higher enrollment, sometimes 100 or 200 students higher than Kennedy’s OSAA-adjusted total of 115. Only one other 2A school, Salem Academy, chose to join Kennedy and move up to 3A.

“The biggest challenge with stepping up to 3A is the depth of the good teams and the amount of good players they had on their team,” Panuke told Our Town.  “Also, in the playoffs everyone is good. There wasn’t a team that you felt would be an easy win. You had to earn everything and play at a high level each week.”

The challenges started early. In week two, the Trojans traveled to Florence to take on Siuslaw, the defending 3A champions. The Trojans won 24-0. Two weeks later Kennedy traveled to Dayton to face another state power (seven state titles in nine appearances). After a scoreless first half JFK pulled away for a 21-0 win vs. the Pirates. QB Elijah Traeger threw long TD passes to Owen Bruner and Brett Boen and RB William Schaecher pounded out a 21-yard TD run. After a 47-8 win the following week, Sept. 29, against 3-1 Scio, folks with calendar vision couldn’t help but start looking ahead to Oct. 28, when JFK was scheduled to face another 3A power, Santiam Christian, in a game that looked like it would

decide the district title.

Both squads stayed perfect until Oct. 28, with Kennedy at the top of the 3A rankings and Santiam Christian at No. 5. On a misty Senior Night at Randy Traeger Memorial Field the hosts burst out to a 17-0 halftime lead then faced a fierce counterattack from the Eagles. Two Jayden Christy TD runs sandwiched around a TD pass put the visitors ahead 20-17 with 1:12 left.

But it took the Trojans just 27 seconds to snatch back the lead – and the district title. The score came on a brilliant call by Panuke, a perfectly executed 63-yard double-reverse pass from Ethan Kleinschmit to Luke Beyer

The playoffs were next, with Lakeview falling to the Trojans 43-0 before JFK took hard-fought wins vs. Vale (14-12) and Banks (15-7) to move to 12-0 and reach the final at Cottage Grove High against No. 2 Cascade Christian, also 12-0. But the dream ended there as the Challengers used a spirited goal-line stand followed by a 99-yard drive in the second period to take control of what became a 41-6 Cascade Christian win.

“They were a very good, well-rounded team,” Panuke said.  “They played hard and capitalized on our mistakes. They got off to a fast start and we had a hard time gaining traction and trying to come back and make it a ball game.”

Panuke said the thing he “will remember most about this team is the toughness and grit they showed throughout the season and in the playoffs. We played some really good teams and they stepped it up and played at a very high level.”

What I will remember most is the versatility of the squad. Panuke is great at developing skill players who can fill multiple roles. He had Schaecher and Javier Rodriguez running the ball up the middle, with Owen Bruner, Luke

Beyer and Charlie Beyer pitching in on sweeps. Bruner, Boen and the Beyers proved dependable targets for Traeger, with Matt Hopkins, Briggs Snell and Isaac Berning spearheading a strong offensive line.

All of the above players, along with standout linebacker Carlos Recendiz, also played key roles on the defense, which was coached by Rylan Traeger

Next year might prove to be a challenge with only Traeger and Berning returning among that group. But Panuke and his staff have proven to be excellent at developing players, with his teams consistently getting better and better as the season has gone on.

Panuke has gone 73-19 with six 10-win seasons in the past eight years, with a 2A title in 2018 and four second-place finishes, this year’s 3A squad plus 2A runner-up slots in 2015, 2019 and 2021.

But because of the challenge of climbing the 3A ladder this one will be remembered for a long time in Mount Angel.

Football statistics: The OSAA has released its statistical report for the justcompleted football season and Jackson Pfeifer of Silverton is all over the list. Pfeifer, a 5-11, 180-pound senior

running back/defensive back, finished fourth in the state with 33 touchdowns scored. Pfeifer scored six rushing TDs against Central and scored five times each against Crescent Valley and Dallas. The CV onslaught featured four rushing scores and one on a punt return, while the Dallas contest exhibited his full range of abilities: he scored twice on the ground, once on an interception return, once on a pass reception and once on a kickoff return while touching the ball only 14 times. Pfeifer also scored all four Foxes TDs in their 39-26 Class 5A quarterfinal loss at Wilsonville.

Also on the list was Kennedy senior linebacker Carlos Recendiz, who turned in a 20-tackle game for the Trojans. Recendiz, who transferred from Silverton to Kennedy for his final season, helped JFK shut out five opponents and limit four others to just one score.

Got a news tip? Email me at james.d@mtangelpub.com.

Kennedy football coach Joe Panuke addresses his squad after a 14-12 quarterfinal win vs. Vale on Nov. 12. The Trojans were 12-1 in their first year at Class 3A.  JAMES DAY

Jackson Pfeifer. JAMES DAY

Carlos Recendiz. JAMES DAY

RIP Medical Debt

Duo sets out have over $1 million forgiven

By Melissa Wagoner

When John Dallum discovered there was a nonprofit whose sole purpose is to relieve the medical debt of millions of Americans, he knew he had to help.

“One interesting thing about Oregon is, the program has never been started here,” Dallum – a former Oregon Senator and House Representative –said.

In fact, upon contacting the organization – RIP Medical Debt –he discovered the amount owing in Oregon was a complete unknown.

“But RIP has a bank of lawyers…” Dallum said, describing his initial request, which uncovered over $7 million in qualifying loans – ones held by borrowers earning less than four times the poverty level and totaling five percent or more of their annual income.

“It’s secondary debt,” Dallum explained. “The debt is sent to a collection agency and then those people sell it to a secondary market.”

The debt gets sold again, often for pennies on the dollar. That’s how RIP Medical Debt and its supporters have been able to pay off some $7 billion, helping over four million families, in just eight years.

“Because giving one dollar is like giving $100,” Dallum explained. Meaning, all of Oregon’s qualifying medical debt, a sum now estimated at around $7.2 million, could be wiped out for only $72,000. In Dallum’s opinion, that’s an extremely obtainable sum.

But, to start with, he and his project partner – friend and fellow Immanuel Lutheran Church member Donna Rue – have set the drive’s initial goal relatively low, at just $15,000 which would still pay off $1.5 million in debt. And that’s no small sum, especially to the beneficiaries who often experience emotional relief upon learning their

Hope and Healing Silverton Christians United Campaign

Primary goal: $15,000 (which would abolish $1.5 million in Oregon medical debt).

Secondary: $72,000 (which could eliminate Oregon’s qualifying debt).

Online contributions: www.ripmedicaldebt.org/campaign/ hope-and-healing-campaign

In-person contributions: Hope and Healing Celebration (a nondenominational service) on Jan. 15, 6 to 8 p.m., Immanuel Lutheran Church, 303 N. Church St., Silverton or through other participating congregations.

debts have been paid, as well as higher credit scores and an increase in financial security that can enable them to rebuild their lives.

“When cancer strikes, you use your life savings just to maintain your home and food on the table for your three children,” Tonya, a RIP Medical Debt recipient wrote to the organization upon learning her debt had been paid.

“As a single mom, my goal was to stay alive and see them graduate…”

Stories like that one that have motivated both Dallum and Rue to visit 32 churches in the Silverton area in the hopes that they, too, will take up the cause.

“We gave the churches the option to start whenever they want to,” Dallum said.

But the culmination date will be the same, Sunday, Jan. 15 – the date of the Hope and Healing Celebration at Immanuel Lutheran Church.

“If we meet our goal this will just be a celebration,” Dallum said, describing the nondenominational event, which will include guests, music and refreshments.

“This could make for a good New Year.”

Whitney & Mike Ulven

This is a bittersweet moment. After 42 years of writing professionally, new ideas are as rare as a polite campaign season. I’ve been called a Pollyanna for writing a lot of positive stories. But my mantra is simple when asked, “Is the glass half-full, or halfempty?” For me, it is always half-full, and I am grateful for the glass.

When contemplating writing my last official POL, the song, “My Way” by Frank Sinatra keeps popping into my musical brain. Putting your thoughts in the store window for all the village to see has not been easy. But I did it. I did it to make people think and perhaps see another side of things. I did it to spur conversation and hopefully civil discourse. I did it to hopefully change a perspective of something that is obviously wrong, such as, “The toilet paper roll should face the wall, not the person.” Important stuff like that.

Running a business while writing an opinion column is not for the faint of heart. One might opine that the sky is a deep, beautiful blue, while others who believe it is overcast and drizzling condemn your business and walk across the street to your competitor’s. So, one must walk a fine line and say what one must, but with some polish. I just believe it is imperative to speak candidly amid chaos and to flat-earthers.

The best response to anything I’ve ever written occurred just a few short years ago. It dealt with Donald Trump and how I find him, to this day, to be a despicable human being. I challenged people of faith to convince me he is cut from the same cloth. It had nothing to do with politics, but with the fact that he was morally rudderless. I implored them to define how six bankruptcies convinced them he is an astute

businessman. 281 people responded, and I was pleased because I often joke that my fans number in the tens. 278 people, by phone, text, email, or verbally in the produce aisle at Roth’s, said they loved it. A woman from Ohio (that makes me a nationally recognized figure, right? Almost iconic) said she loved it. A man near the organic broccoli told me I had written exactly what he was thinking but couldn’t articulate it well. But human nature being what it is, like asking your kid what question they missed after getting a 95 on a calculus quiz, I focused on the three dissenters. One threatened to stop advertising with the paper, and another ripped me apart for being a socialist freeloader. The third, bless his heart, pumped my gas regularly. He simply said I hadn’t lived long enough to fully understand things.

My most challenging column ever? Re-writing the lyrics to the classic, “These Are a Few of My Favorite Things” in order to help promote the businesses in Silverton. Nailed it! “Dining at Creekside and soup Gorgonzola. Learning more Spanish than just saying “Hola” …”.

I once had a lady walk into our office to converse with the electrician. I introduced myself, and she glared at me. “I know who you are. You are always stating your opinion in the paper, week after week.” It made me chuckle, but I tried hard not to be defensive. I simply retorted, “Well, it is called an opinion column.”

People Out Loud came to me as a takeoff on the social media phrase, LOL (Laughing Out Loud), and indicative of my love of people and their stories, like the guy who walks down the street in rumply old clothes and wearing a tired cowboy hat. Who would guess he skied across the Alps for the U.S. military in a high-level security position? We all have stories, and when we die, they often go untold. That is why it was a privilege to tell the stories of those who pass. To let the world know that they were special. That people loved them. That they were more than just a person in a beret, walking in the rain carrying a book, and underscoring unknown but important passages while warming up at the local coffee shop. They were someone. They had a story.

It has been a privilege to write this column. Thank you for humoring me. Thank you for not putting me in stocks in the public square, pelting me with overripe tomatoes. Thank you for taking the time to say, “I loved your column. It made me laugh. Or cry. Or think.” Thank you for telling me it sucked. It meant you read it.

As the original crooner sang, “… To say the things he truly feels and not the words of one who kneels. The record shows I took the blows and did it my way.”

GENERAL SILVERTONES

Join us in the New Year! Four-part mixed chorus. All are welcome. Sopranos needed! Call Tomi, 503-873-2033. Practice begins in January.

FREE COMMUNITY BREAKFAST

Pancake, sausage, eggs, etc. at the Marquam Methodist Church in downtown Marquam on Hwy 213 on Saturday, Dec. 17 from 7:30 - 9:30 a.m. Every one welcome.

SERVICES HANDYMAN & HOME REPAIR SERVICE

Installation and repair of fencing, decks,doors, gutter cleaning, moss removal, power washing, yard debris removal. CCB# 206637 Call Ryan 503-881-3802

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 cleanup, stump grinding, powerwashing, haul-away. 503-871-786

WOODS CREEK HORTICULTURE

Lawn care. Weed control services. Fully licenced. Richard, 503-507-9215 To advertise call 503-845-9499

1ba, 1224 SF. Tidy solid home right next to Abiqua Creek 1.24 acres at the end of a private lane. Two shops and a garden shed, mature trees. MLS#798710

Tammie Anderson 503-602-9999

#T2760 CLASSIC 1920’s

HOME $431,000

Classic 1920’s Silverton home with much original character on 0.2 acres. Original built ins. New flooring and new paint throughout home. Room off kitchen previously used as primary bedroom. Long driveway allows room for RV. Detached carport with shed. Established grape vine & room for garden. Great location; close to downtown. Call Whitney at ext. 320, Mike at ext. 312 (WVMLS#800099)

#T2751 50+ ACRE FARM

$899,000 50+ Acre Farm on Edge of Silverton! Views of Mt. Angel Abby Hill. 100+ year old Farm House. A Fixer w/ good bones. Unfinished basement not included in sqft. 1.5 Miles from Silverton. Shop & Barn. Silver Falls School Dist. Large wood lot has potential to add more farm ground. Property sold As-Is. No heat. Flat tillable amity soils currently in berry production. Farm lease expires Dec. 1st 2022. Trellis system shall be removed. Call Michael at ext. 314 (WVMLS#798210)

#T2646

HWY 213 FRONTAGE $149,500

Lot currently being used Conditional Commercial use, zoned Residential (RRFF-5). Great location for Hwy 213 frontage, lot located in downtown Marquam. Existing structure is 24 x 36ft with power and telephone. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 (WVMLS#773635)

#T2749 NEW CONSTRUCTION

$704,900 New construction in Pioneer Village! Check this beautiful home with quality finishes with entire living area on one level! Great room w/gas fireplace, dining area & open kitchen w/ island. Includes 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths. Master suite & bath w/ large walk-in closet, mudroom off utility area, and covered patio. Exterior is totally fenced and landscaped with irrigation system. RV pad next to garage provides space for extra parking. Call Chuck at ext. 325 (WVMLS#795880)