Helping Hands
Civics 101
Fr. Bernard Youth Center makes plans to expand – Page 13
Silver Falls School District looks to revamp bond for May – Page 6
Vol. 20 No. 24
COMMUNITY NEWS Serving Mt. Angel, Silverton and Scotts Mills
December 2023
Santa exclusive: ‘There is no naughty list’
– Page 12
Our Town P.O. Box 927 Mt. Angel, Or 97362
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Sports & Recreation
Aqua Foxes dive in – Page 17
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3.85 acres. Prestige Estate property, path of progress potential. 835 Grouse St. NE, Silverton. Sellers will consider carrying a contract MLS#770597
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Beautiful renovated historic home, 4bd 2 ba. 1,960 sq. ft. on 1.140 level acres. T n G wood floors, Shop + storage Bldg. Many upgrades! 36937 S. Hwy 213, Mt. Angel. MLS#809889
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Buy. Sell. Be Happy. Our Town Life
Contents Civics 101
Silverton park concepts assessed ................................. 4 School bond re-considered....... 6 Eureka site to be rezoned..........7 Something to Think about
Fentanyl use........................... 8
Something to Celebrate
FFA team takes 4th...................9
Arts & Entertainment
Michael Husser, a life in music.... 10
10
Something Fun
A Q&A with Santa....................12
Helping Hands
Changes at Queen of Angels.....13
Passages......................14 Sports & Recreation
A Slice of the Pie....... 18 Marketplace...............19
Annual free hike includes new Silver Falls trail.............. 16 Aqua Foxes hit the pool...........17
Above
Scotts Mills-based bassist, Michael Husser. SUBMITTED PHOTO
On the Cover
There’s still time to get mail to Santa. JIM KINGHORN
Dear Fellow Silvertonians:
We at Silver Falls Yard Care would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported our small family business in 2023. We are so grateful for all our customers who allow us to serve the community we live in and love. We pray you all have a wonderful holiday season and a blessed New Year! Blessings, Abel & Nanci
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DEC. 2023
SILVER FALLS FAMILY YMCA Paula Mabry Editor & Publisher
Stephen Floyd Digital Editor & Reporter
Jim Kinghorn Advertising Director
Melissa Wagoner Reporter
Our Town
P.O. Box 927 Mount Angel, OR 97362 401 Oak St. Silverton, OR 97381 503-845-9499 ourtown.life@mtangelpub.com ourtownlive.com
Our Town Life
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Designer & Copy Editor
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Our Town mailed free to residents and businesses in the 97362, 97375, 97381 zip codes. Subscriptions for outside this area are $48 annually.
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Sports Editor & Reporter
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Jump into the New Year at the YMCA Come see what we have for kids and families for the New Year! Youth Sports – JJ Mascolo • jmascolo@theYonline.org Swim Team – Megan Colgan • mcolgan@theYonline.org Aquatics – Annika Rogers • arogers@theYonline.org
Check out our New Pool Schedule for Christmas Vacation
The deadline for placing an ad in the Jan. 1 issue is Dec. 18. Thank you for spending time with Our Town. Your comments and suggestions are always welcome.
503.873.6456 theYonline.org
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December 2023 • 3
Civics 101
Park priorities Silverton residents assess park plans, give feedback By Stephen Floyd Trails, gathering spaces and family amenities were among priorities chosen by residents during a recent open house on proposed updates to Silverton’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Held Dec. 5 at the Silverton Senior Center, the event allowed residents to express the priorities they believe should guide the planning and funding of city parks in the coming years. The event was well attended and Mayor Jason Freilinger told Our Town he was impressed but not surprised by this show of civic engagement. “I do feel, for the size of our town, we typically draw a larger crowd than a larger town,” he said. Freilinger said the goal was to open a dialogue with local residents and “get a feel for what the people in town are thinking.” The current Parks and Recreation Master Plan was last updated in 2008. The city has since developed numerous plans to improve local public spaces. In the near term, the city is planning to build trails and other improvements at Pettit Reservoir, a new pickleball court near the Senior Center, and a park adjacent to the
downtown Civic Center. Longer-term plans include a new baseball field at a yet-to-be-determined location, new parks in underserved neighborhoods north and east of downtown, and development of greenways. At the open house residents could view posterboard displays of the proposed projects, as well as the city’s overall goals for park improvements. Residents were then asked to vote with stickers for specific project elements, as well as leave any specific feedback. Resident Tom Newton said he liked this approach to gathering feedback, and enjoyed seeing all the information in one place. While considering where to place his stickers, Newton told Our Town that parks should above all be places all residents can enjoy. “Having a park accessible is really key,” he said. Some proposals had clear consensus such as a future park off Ike Mooney Road N.E., which saw residents favor walking trails, restrooms and a disc golf course. Less popular options included a play structure, picnic shelter and dog park.
Parks presentation at Silverton Senior Center. STEPHEN FLOYD
Silverton is currently working with a disc golf group and mountain bike backers on development of the Ike Mooney park.
at the proposed pickleball courts, while residents were less supportive of bleachers, trees and additional parking. There was also a strong consensus that the courts should be at the city’s current proposed location between the Senior Center parking lot and the skatepark.
There was also strong support for lights and coverings
Other proposals saw a mix of feedback, such as the Civic
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Plea pending in dog mauling Center park which most residents believed should have a plaza/event space, performance stage and water features such as a splash pad. There was also moderate support for beautification such as streetlights and public art displays, as well as a playground made with natural features. Pettit Reservoir development also saw a mix, with the strongest support for hiking and biking trails and water access. There was also interest in a nature playground, paddleboarding and kayaking opportunities, a fishing pier and picnic areas. Resident Holly Byran came with her family to the open house and said she and her two kids were excited about the proposed trail around Pettit Reservoir. “We do a lot of walking and biking downtown,” Byran told Our Town, adding local families would benefit from a trail connecting the reservoir to The Oregon Garden. After looking at all the displays, former City Councilor Dana Smith said she was concerned some park proposals were financially unattainable. Not because the city could not afford them, but because she felt like it was better to see a greater number of projects completed rather than fewer, more costly improvements. “If you really dedicated yourself and wanted that one to happen, it’s going to take away from other possible
A Bend woman accused of negligently causing the death of a former Silverton man during a dog attack in July may potentially reach a plea agreement ahead of a trial set for January.
projects,” Smith told Our Town. Community Development Director Jason Gottgetreu acknowledged not all of the projects featured that night would come to fruition. He told Our Town the goal of updating the master plan was to have guidelines for pursuing improvements as funding becomes available. “There’s always more things that [people] want to be done than can be done,” he said. Gottgetreu said the Parks and Recreation Master Plan Project Advisory Committee plans to discuss feedback gathered during the open house at its regular meeting Jan. 2, 2024. He said if the committee feels like they have clear direction from the community, they could begin drafting proposed updates, which would take roughly four months. Alternatively the committee could choose to continue seeking information and community input.
Jessica Rae McCleery, 38, is scheduled for a settlement conference Dec. 21 in Deschutes County Circuit Court related to the July 19 death of Joe Keeton, 56. Public defender Raun Atkinson said in court filings a plea deal was “highly probable” and prosecutors have already submitted one offer. Proposed settlement terms from both parties must be filed by Dec. 20. The case is otherwise scheduled for trial Jan. 9, 2024, with a hearing Jan. 2, 2024 to confirm parties are ready to proceed. McClerry, whose legal last name is Charity, is charged with first-degree manslaughter and criminallynegligent homicide and faces at least 10 years in prison if convicted. Her three pitbull/mastiff mix dogs fatally mauled Keeton July 19 at a homeless encampment outside Bend where both were living. Prosecutors claim McCleery left the dogs unsupervised despite their history of violence toward people and animals. McCleery has pleaded not guilty and denies the dogs were dangerous.
Once the committee completes its draft proposal, the changes would then go before the Planning Commission and City Council before being adopted. Gottgetreu said The City will provide information each month on important topics. Upcoming these processes would include publichere hearings and other agenda items are subject to change and meetings subject to opportunities for citizen input throughout. rescheduling or cancellation due to the COVID-19 Emergency.
Stay Connected...
– Stephen Floyd
Please check the website for remote participation options.
C I T Y of S I LV E R T O N
SPEED ZONE CHANGE
Through a recent speed zone study conducted by ODOT per City’s request, it is determined the speed limits must be changed in two areas of South Water Street (Hwy. 213).
SECOND STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY IMPROVEMENTS Construction is steadily progressing on the Second Street improvement project, having the majority of underground utilities installed.
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New public utilities installed (Sewer, Water, Stormwater).
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New fire hydrants installed.
Currently, as of December 2023, efforts are focused on completing the new road and sidewalks between North Second Street between Lincoln and Whittier. Several of the key updates on progress are listed at right.
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Work for new pavement and sidewalk along North Second Street underway.
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Preliminary completion date Jan. 17, 2024
For any questions regarding this project please contact the City of Silverton Public Works Department public at 503-873-8679
Be Informed Our Town Life
Complete details on these topics are located on the City’s website: www.Silverton.or.us
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Lane Street to Mountain View Road N.E. to 30 mph. Mountain View Road N.E. south to 45 mph. New signage has been installed and is now in effect.
@CityofSilvertonOregon
December 2023 • 5
Civics 101
Bond redux Silver Falls aims to put new bond measure on May ballot By Stephen Floyd
The Nov. 7 bond would have addressed failing infrastructure at all 11 schools in the district, including $75 million to rebuild Silverton Middle School.
The Silver Falls School District (SFSD) plans to put another facilities bond on the May Primary Election ballot, though the dollar amount and scope of the bond may not be set until February.
The May bond is expected to focus on the middle school, as the board has identified this as the district’s most pressing infrastructure need. Board Vice Chair Aaron Koch said Nov. 27, though the school only serves students in Silverton, a failure of the building could be felt district-wide if students are reassigned to the outlying K-8 schools.
On Dec. 11, the SFSD Board unanimously passed a resolution authorizing a bond program for the May 21, 2024, election after having discussed the issue at length during a Nov. 27 meeting. The deadline to file for the election is March 1, 2024, and the board hopes to finalize the bond proposal by its regular meeting Feb. 12, 2024.
“If we shut down Silverton Middle School, it will inevitably affect every other school community in our district,” said Koch. “That’s a fact. And people need to understand that it’s a ripple effect, that it’s true. It’s not fear-mongering. It’s not trying to use emotion. It’s a down-right fact.”
The proposal is expected to be a scaled-down version of a $138 million facilities bond that voters rejected during the Nov. 7 election. The final results certified Dec. 4 showed Measure 24-486 The board could also target specific failed by 55.76% of 7,902 total votes, projects at additional schools, such as with 50.6% voter turnout between voters CBL in Marion and Clackamas counties. #00013137 at Silverton High School where the
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building needs a new roof, HVAC system and security upgrades. Superintendent Scott Drue said Dec. 11 the construction market has softened and the current projected cost to rebuild the middle school is $71 million. He said adding the high school would cost around $8 million more, while the board would need to decide what projects they want to see at other schools, if any, for further cost estimates. Drue said he would have a more detailed report prepared for the board’s Jan. 8, 2024, meeting. Board Chair Jennifer Traeger said a May bond should depend as much as possible on the scope of work for the November bond so work is not being duplicated. She said the two-month approval window does not leave time for heavy revisions, and said there is still a need for staff to develop a plan to vacate Silverton Middle School if the building fails. A contingency plan for decommissioning the middle school became a focus of the board after the November bond failed in light of the building’s excessive disrepair. Drue estimated it could take 16 months to develop such a plan. After the failure of the Nov. 7 bond, a May re-do seemed less likely because the board was informed there would not be time to apply for additional state funding as had been available before. For Measure 24-486, SFSD qualified for a $4 million grant from the Oregon School Capital Improvement Matching Program, but the grant was contingent on the bond passing.
During the Nov. 27 meeting, Drue said the district had been informed they could use the information from the prior application to seek a grant for May. He said the available grant would also increase to $6 million. The board’s Dec. 11 resolution allowed the district to apply for the grant by a Dec. 16 deadline. At the Nov. 27 meeting there were lengthy discussions about bond options and what the board could do to gather support from previous “no” voters. Drue acknowledged the district overestimated its ability to persuade the public and was unable to satisfy concerns around plans for maintenance and public transparency. If SFSD hopes to address similar concerns for a May bond, he said, they will need to be deliberate about outreach due to the two-month window for approval. “It’s one thing that our community demands of us is to get their input,” Drue emphasized. Traeger said the board could depend on the public input gathered for the November bond, which included a series of town hall meetings at all schools in the district last winter and spring. She said the Bond Advisory Committee which helped lead these meetings worked hard on a report to the board, and using their work would maintain that link to public outreach. “We had a great amount of public input that went into the bond and I want to honor it,” said Traeger.
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Our Town Life
Silverton council backs Eureka zone change The Silverton City Council is heading toward a decision that will mean more housing than previously planned for a property on Eureka Avenue just east of The Oregon Garden.
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Developers already had received approval to build up to 42 units on the 5.15-acre property, which was zoned R-1 or single-family residential. During a public hearing at the council’s Dec. 4 meeting at the Silverton Community Center the council considered a Planning Commission recommendation to deny a zone change application from the developers that would have changed the zoning to R-5, or low-density residential, and allow for up to 51 units.
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The council, however, chose to overturn the Planning Commission and directed staff to bring back findings and an ordinance backing the zone change to R-5 for consideration at a future meeting. The land is owned by Garden Grove Development of Salem and being developed by Orreo, LLC, also of Salem. A second public hearing was held on an annexation application from the Kaufman Masonry factory at 827 Railway Ave. The company, which was hoping to hook up to city water and sewer service, received the council’s approval of the request. Councilors also discussed the final agreement between the city and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) stemming from illegal
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discharges into Silver Creek. The city originally was fined $42,130 for the illegal discharges, but the fine was reduced to $35,660. The city was able to further reduce the fine to $7,132 by agreeing to spend $28,528 on a Pudding River Watershed bank cleaning and stabilizing project on Silver Creek between Coolidge McClaine Park and Salamander Island. That project is currently underway. Silverton was advised by the DEQ in a Feb. 7, 2023 notice that it exceeded the permitted levels of ammonia 32 times and for total suspended solids 24 times between May 2021 and August 2022. City officials agreed that the violations occurred but said that they involved errors by an employee who is no longer with the city. They also said that the city has altered water treatment plant procedures to make it less likely that further illegal discharges will occur and noted that no further violations have been discovered since August. – James Day
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@harcourtssilverton December 2023 • 7
Something to Think About
Fentanyl Cheap, available statewide, and deadly
By Melissa Wagoner
In late September one Silverton father got a call he hoped he would never get. His 16-year-old daughter had just overdosed on fentanyl and was being rushed to the hospital. “I didn’t expect it to be here,” the father – who has asked to remain nameless – said. His daughter, who has since recovered, had been sold the dangerous drug in her own hometown. “I think the community should know there’s a problem,” he added. Fentanyl is a problem in Oregon, according to Sergeant Eric Strohmeyer. He has been a member of the Portland Police Bureau’s Narcotics and Organized Crime High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas and Addiction Task Force for the past eight years. “For Portland my team gets notified on every drug overdose and last year we broke our record at 156. I would say 75 percent were fentanyl,” Strohmeyer said. “Right now, we’re at 260 and I would say 90 percent is fentanyl. So, from my perspective, that it is dangerous is extremely true.” Relatively stable in pill form, Strohmeyer said the real risk – to those who are not actively engaging in its use – is when it is a powder. “Powdered fentanyl is a big deal,”
‘We know there are people in town using. We know there are people selling in town. But we’re not catching kids with it.’
– from seven teen-aged overdose deaths between the years 2020 and 2022 to nine reported deaths in just the past four months.
– Silverton Police Department Captain Todd Engstrom
Strohmeyer said. “All it needs is for a bit of wind to kick up and you ingest it.
there’s not many problems in Silverton – or they’re very small problems.”
“We have very specific processes just to test the powder because it can become airborne so easily. It’s the universal precautions… wear gloves and a Kn95 mask,” he added.
And almost none of those issues are with Silverton’s youth.
If an overdose is suspected, Strohmeyer advises immediately seeking emergency services that carry NARCAN – the name brand of the most common medication used to combat an opioid overdose by blocking the receptors in the brain. “We all have NARCAN…” Silverton Police Department Captain Todd Engstrom said when asked about the ability of the medication locally. “Often [the police] beat the ambulance… and that’s why we all carry NARCAN, and we all carry AEDs [automated external defibrillators].” But NARCAN isn’t commonly used, at least not in Silverton, he said. “They’re smoking fentanyl pills,” Engstrom said of the drug use he and other officers are finding. “We’re seeing that around town… But
“We know there are people in town using,” he said. “We know there are people selling in town. But we’re not catching kids with it… And if I had kids in school here, I would not be concerned.” Engstrom advises parents to educate their kids about the harm that comes from drug use. Strohmeyer additionally suggests monitoring phone use and social media accounts like Instagram and Snapchat – where the Portland Police see most drug deals taking place. “The dealers are not hiding a thing,” he said. “They may be using slang, but that’s the biggest thing.” If parents are already aware that drugs are an issue for their child, Strohmeyer suggests stocking NARCAN nasal spray at home. Although the Silverton police continue to observe very little fentanyl use among youth, Portland’s numbers are climbing
“We’ve seen the biggest jump in juvenile deaths,” Strohmeyer confirmed. Adding that, while the reported numbers already show an alarming increase, the actual number of children hospitalized due to fentanyl overdose may be even higher owing to a lag in reporting by area hospitals. “It’s so cheap,” Strohmeyer said, naming the main reason fentanyl has become such a widely available drug. “Fentanyl is really the one drug I’ve seen that knows no socioeconomic boundaries.” Which is perhaps why it’s found, to varying degrees, across the entire state. “This summer we had a traffic stop that turned into a drug stop,” Engstrom said, describing the biggest fentanyl bust – 211 pills – that the Silverton Police has made thus far. “But [the driver] came from down south.” Which is perhaps why Captain Engstrom remains optimistic that fentanyl use in Silverton will remain low. “The people in this town are very vigilant,” he pointed out. “They watch out for each other, and they call us.”
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Our Town Life
Something to Celebrate
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HOLIDAY BAZAAR S H O P • E A T • D R I N K • F U N
December 16th & 17th 10am - 3pm
Silverton High FFA adviser Scott Towery, left, and students Jenna Schurter, David Tribbett, Joanne Noordam and Rebecca Noordam are shown at a national competition in Indianapolis. The students took fourth in ag sales team and Rebecca Noordam placed 10th as an individual. SUBMITTED PHOTO
Silverton FFA team takes 4th at nationals By James Day Four Silverton High students teamed up to take fourth in ag sales team at the 96th National FFA Convention and Expo held in November in Indianapolis. Silverton’s David Tribbett, Jenna Schurter and sisters Rebecca and Joanne Noordam, who earlier captured the Oregon title, came away with fourth at nationals. Rebecca Noordam finished 10th as an individual. The ag sales team event allows students to apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations. The event includes actual sales presentations, a written exam and a team sales situation. “The National Ag Sales team members were adaptable, coachable, and had a competitive attitude, which madea recipe for success,” said adviser Scott Towery. Silverton also brought home honors in
other divisions. In the National FFA Agriscience Fair, Audrey Gardner and Kate Kuenzi placed sixth in plant systems for their project on photosynthesis. Christina Terhaar placed 22nd for her project in food products and processing systems.
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In ag services/entrepreneurship, Jenna Schurter received silver for her supervised agricultural experience. Additionally, Johanna Otter, Kaleb Schurter, Lena Tribbett, and Leah Twede received their FFA American Degrees at the national event. The FFA American Degree is the highest award the National FFA Association bestows upon members. It shows an FFA member’s dedication to his or her chapter and state FFA association, said Lindsey Boatner, Silverton’s FFA secretary. Towery and Boatner took a total of 14 Silverton students to the Indianapolis event.
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December 2023 • 9
Arts & Entertainment
Life’s bass line Michael Husser on six decades making music
By Brenna Wiegand Michael Husser is approaching 60 years as a professional bass guitar player, but he’s been entertaining as long as he can remember. For his high school graduation in 1964, Husser asked for an electric guitar to accompany himself and better his odds with the opposite sex. Yet, upon starting guitar lessons, he discovered that, due to an earlier injury, the little finger of his left hand did not work sufficiently to pull down a guitar string, leaving him with just three fingers on a six-string fretboard. “My teacher played bass in a well-known local group,” Husser said. “He suggested I trade in my guitar for an electric bass, gave me two lessons and I started playing.” Opportunities for musicians in the 1960s abounded in California’s Bay Area, especially for a talented player who practiced three or four hours every day, teaching himself by listening to records. “…so I got pretty good pretty quick,” he said. “Three years out of high school I ended up playing bass for Little Richard. We were always laughing and joking around on stage.” In Santa Cruz he caught the attention of folk singer Buffy St. Marie, who invited him to make an album with her, which they recorded in December 1968 at the
legendary Troubadour in West Hollywood, where he met another lifelong friend, Hoyt Axton. Husser was there when the world-famous Mesa/Boogie guitar amplifier came into being. “I was in a band in the ’60s and our drummer, Randy Smith, was fixing guitar amplifiers because we didn’t have any money,” Husser said. “He figured out a way to be able to sustain the notes and make any sound you wanted without having to turn the amplifier way up.” The “Boogie” part of the name came after Smith invited local artist Carlos Santana to try out one of Smith’s amplifiers. Santana said it “really boogies” and he became the first artist to use it. In Santa Cruz, fellow bass player Howard Dumble was at work on a bass amplifier and Husser had the third one he built. “Howard passed away two years ago and now Dumble amplifiers sell for around $150,000, if you can get one,” Husser said. “It’s what Stevie Ray Vaughn [used].” Husser played the blues with John Nady, who invented the first wireless guitar and handheld microphone system, for which he received a Technical Emmy Award. He helped a friend build a recording studio in Albuquerque.
“I got paid in recording time, so I was in the studio playing, arranging and helping him write songs,” Husser said. “From there I heard about a TV station that needed somebody to do audio for the news. “I started in 1971 at KOB-TV for $2 an hour as a broadcast engineer,” he said. “I wanted to learn everything and before long I was doing audio, camera, lighting, directing, sets – the whole thing – and they made me a director in 14 months.” He continued ascending to larger networks, ending up at NBC Burbank where he spent 15 years editing shows that included The Tonight Show, Days of Our Lives, The Gong Show, three Super Bowls and the Hallmark Hall of Fame... “whatever they gave me.” When a friend from NBC invited Husser to his wedding he suggested Husser bring along his bass. “I show up and in walks Doc Severinson from The Tonight Show – I couldn’t believe it,” Husser said. “We did jazz standards and they invited me to play with them any time I wanted.” General Electric bought the network in ’92 and started making cuts. Husser’s sisters, both teachers, suggested he go back to school. He graduated from University of California Berkeley in 1999 with a degree in American Studies and taught high school social studies for the next five years.
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Husser got to a point where he was ready for a change, and in 2012 he moved from the Bay Area to Scotts Mills, Oregon, where a high school classmate had lived for several years.
who wrote their own songs and had dreams and were always exploring,” Husser said. “They trusted me with their songs and in turn showed me the process so I could improve my own songwriting.
Here, he has produced six albums, writing, arranging, hiring musicians and booking the studio, and even designs his own album covers. Oregon is a constant source of inspiration for the songwriter, whose process comes through observation. “‘Oregon Rain’ came to me on the way to Scio,” Husser said. “I could see the rain coming across from the mountains and a chorus came into my head, ‘Oregon rain, Oregon rain, from the sky to the mountains and back again.’ We pulled Michael Husser. over and I typed it into my phone.” Husser ended up performing that song for both houses of the Oregon legislature. “Oregon is such a beautiful place; I’ll just drive around and let it permeate me,” Husser said. “It relaxes me and opens avenues of creativity.” “I ended up being surrounded by what I’d call creatives
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“In those circles, your job is to really enhance and support that dream and let them know you have no doubt they can do it,” Husser said. Husser considers it a privilege to pass on that type of encouragement to the next generation, whether in the classroom or at a jam session with less experienced musicians.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
“That could be the one that goes home and really works on it and comes back with a hit song,” Husser said. “I’ve seen people blossom.”
These days Husser is a multi-subject substitute teacher at Silverton High School, where students still talk about the rock and roll jam sessions he fostered. He is working on a book about his experiences, is considering making an educational video on the bass, still plays at various venues. And, another album is in the works...
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December 2023 • 11
Something Fun
To your health?
The inside story Stanta tells all By Melissa Wagoner What if you could ask Santa Claus one question – what would it be? And what do you think he’d say? An Our Town reporter recently got that chance, sitting down with the man from up north to ask – who really is the man behind the myth? OT: What is your favorite cookie? SC: “Chocolate chip just out of the oven.” OT: Which is your favorite reindeer? SC: “Donner.” Little known fact. According to Santa, “All of the reindeer – other than Rudolf – are girls because girl deer don’t lose their antlers in the winter.” OT: Do the reindeer eat the carrots? SC: “Absolutely!” But Santa requests children leave out full-sized carrots, especially those with the greens because, “tiny carrots are how you get your fingers bit!” OT: How old are you? SC: “Old enough. I’ve stopped thinking about it.” OT: What happens when you die? SC: “I don’t know. I haven’t died. But there will always be a Santa. Maybe one of the elves aspires to be Santa and would take over. Maybe one of the girl elves.” OT: Do you have any special Christmas wishes? SC: “That everyone would find something sweet and lovely to give someone else.”
At this time of year, in many different cultures, we toast to our health. Yet, heavy drinking raises our risk for liver disease, breast cancer and depression. This holiday season, give some thought to how much you drink and consider drinking less. It could make a big difference…to your health.
OT: What do you do on Christmas day? SC: “I rest and read.” OT: What is one thing no one knows about you? SC: “That I have real magic…”
OT: Can people visit the North Pole? SC: “You wouldn’t be able to find it unless you’re an elf or a reindeer.” OT: How many Santas are there? SC: “One Santa… You might think it’s weird to be in more than one place at a time, but Santa can be wherever Santa needs to be.” OT: Do you ever shave? SC: “No. I only trim it down a bit.” OT: Did you have to go to Santa School?
SC: “A teacher. I think teachers have magic too.”
SC: “No. Absolutely not.”
OT: What is your life motto?
OT: Do you ever get sad?
SC: “Strive to be adequate.” OT: What is your favorite song?
SC: “Oh, sure. Sometimes I get sad right after Christmas. I miss having hundreds of conversations.”
SC: “‘I Wish You a Merry Christmas’ – I can’t even listen to it without crying.”
OT: Does your sleigh have seatbelts?
OT: What is your favorite movie?
SC: “No. It’s magic.” OT: How fast does your sleigh go?
OT: What would bring you happiness?
SC: “That’s really a question about time. It’s just… poof! One moment I’m here… and one moment I’m there.”
SC: “If parents would stop telling their kids they might be on the naughty list. Kids are horrified by that. There is no naughty list. You’re not naughty… all kids are good.”
OT: What is the North Pole like?
OT: If you could go back in time, what would you tell your younger self?
SC: “For me, Christmas is vacation. I love it. It’s magical.”
SC: “Say, yes.”
12 • December 2023
SC: “Absolutely.”
OT: If you were not Santa, what would you want to be?
SC: The Santa Clause 2.
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Santa at Silverton’s Tree Lighting 2023. JIM KINGHORN
OT: Are you real?
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SC: “It’s cold and it smells like peppermint everywhere.” OT: Do you ever go on vacation?
To view a list of Santa’s scheduled appearances – or make a request of your own – visit www.Silverton.Christmas
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Helping Hands
CHRISTMAS AT TRINITY LUTHERAN MOUNT ANGEL
Bernard Hall will be purchased by Father Bernard Youth Center for expanding youth programs.
STEPHEN FLOYD
Changing spaces Monastery sale pending By Stephen Floyd
Angel College, which closed in the 1970s.
The impending sale of Queen of Angels Monastery in Mount Angel will mean larger spaces for local Catholic ministries, although details of the transitions must still be hammered out.
The former campus consists of eight acres with three dorm buildings – Bernard Hall, Marmion Hall and Casa Adele – as well as three metal outbuildings. Tisot said FBYC plans to purchase the entire property and eventually move all of its programs into the campus.
Catholic Community Services (CCS) is expected to finalize its purchase of the monastery this month and plans to move its transitional housing program, St. Joseph’s Shelter, into the facility. Meanwhile the property currently housing St. Joseph’s Shelter is being purchased from CCS by Father Bernard Youth Center (FBYC) in a deal they hope to finalize Dec. 18. The transitions will not be immediate and current programs are expected to stay in place for at least a year as parties complete site plans and undertake renovations. The move will not have a significant geographical impact, as St. Joseph’s Shelter is just down the road from the monastery on Main Street and FBYC is across the road from the shelter. FBYC Executive Director Sister Jeanine Tisot said the move will double the space available for youth programs and retreats. She said the goal is to have a facility where “people can come to pray, reflect, play, and experience a deepening faith in Christ.” Our Town reached out to CCS to learn details of their purchase and transition plan and did not hear back by deadline. CCS agreed to purchase the monastery last spring as the Benedictine Sisters of Mount Angel transitioned out of the facility, which for 134 years had been their home. Members of the order were fewer and more advanced in years and the building no longer met their needs. By June the Sisters had moved into local senior living communities. The Sisters remain active in ministry and maintain an office in the monastery, and are expected to continue using this space after the sale to CCS. The Sisters were already partnering with CCS before this transition. In 2017 CCS took over operations at St. Joseph’s Shelter which the Sisters founded in 1988. The program offers transitional housing for families in crisis and is located on the former campus for Mt. Angel Academy and Mt.
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Bernard Hall currently houses St. Joseph Shelter and Mission Benedict, a food bank and resource center. CCS has said it plans to relocate both programs to the monastery after renovating the dorms in the main building into single-family apartments. Marmion Hall is partially used as dorms for FBYC retreats and for student mentors, and the remainder would be renovated to expand these offerings, said Tisot. Casa Adele provides affordable housing for seasonal migrant workers through a program founded by the Sisters and currently run by CCS. Tisot said, after the purchase, CCS is expected to continue operating Casa Adele. Details of FBYC’s purchase were still being finalized as of press time. Tisot said they had proposed a $2.5 million sale with a $500,000 down payment due Dec. 18. Tisot said they are confident they can raise the amount through community support. Additional renovations are expected to cost between $2.5 million and $3.5 million, while operations and maintenance would be supported through a proposed endowment fund. FBYC does not plan to leave their current facility at 980 S. Main St. for the time being, Tisot said. It is on land owned by the Sisters that would be included in the sale to CCS. Their lease does not expire until 2041 and Tisot said this will provide time to raise funds and plan for FBYC programs to move across the street. She said community members can show support through direct donations, as well as by their annual auction fundraiser set for April 6, 2024. She also said her “door is always open” for residents who see an opportunity for the youth center’s ministry to improve or expand. “We imagine many opportunities to serve more young people,” she said. “...Churches are doing great work with families and young people, and we want to add and compliment all they are doing.”
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December 2023 • 13
Passages
Rose Helen Berning Dec. 1, 1923– Dec. 2, 2023
Leon Joseph Berning March 10, 1929 – Nov. 26, 2023
Rose Helen Berning, 100, passed peacefully on Dec. 2, 2023.
Leon Joseph Berning, known to many as “Beans,” died peacefully in Mount Angel on Nov. 26 at the age of 94.
life to learn and grow in her strong faith. She touched many lives. She will be dearly missed by her friends and her family.
She was born in St. Paul, Oregon, to Sylvester and Christine Spehn Smith. She was the fourth youngest of 13 children. Rose met Talwin Berning at a flax festival dance in Mount Angel. They married in June 1944. The couple had five children. She was a fulltime homemaker while the children were at home. After that she worked at the Mt. Angel Post Office for 28 years, retiring at the age of 70. Rose was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and St. Anne’s Altar Society. Rose enjoyed gardening, sewing, family gatherings, cooking, and trips to the beach. She was also a skilled cribbage and pinochle player and she played Word Chums on her iPad with her family up until her 100th birthday. She will be remembered for the great love and generosity she had for her family and friends. She used every day of her long
Rose’s husband, Talwin Berning, preceded her in death in October 2007, after 63 years of marriage. Rose was also preceded in death by her son, Roger Berning, in August 2023, and all of her siblings. She is survived by four children and their spouses, Roseann (Carl) Sheeon, Florence (Tom) O’Brien, Bruce Berning, and Jean (John) Dawson; five grandchildren and six greatgrandchildren. The funeral mass celebrating her life will be held Friday, Dec. 15, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mount Angel. In lieu of flowers, remembrances in Rose’s honor may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church or a charity of your choice. Arrangements Unger Funeral Chapel – Mount Angel.
In Memory Of …
Ione Vigland Carolyn Huffman Ann Bay Sarah Cox Roger Watson Randall Luetkemeyer Velma Harper Leon Berning John Yeager Gerald Borschowa Beverly Bricketts Rose Berning
Feb. 28, 1929 — Nov. 17, 2023 Dec. 11, 1943 — Nov. 21, 2023 Feb. 20, 1969 — Nov. 21, 2023 April 10, 1941 — Nov. 22, 2023 July 3, 1949 — Nov. 23, 2023 Nov. 4, 1956 — Nov. 23, 2023 Jan. 7, 1941 — Nov. 24, 2023 March 10, 1929 — Nov. 26, 2023 Jan. 27, 1923 — Nov. 27, 2023 May 20, 1935 — Nov. 28, 2023 March 19, 1936 — Nov. 30, 2023 Dec. 1, 1923 — Dec. 2, 2023
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 14 • December 2023
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was then purchased, which he worked on in addition to the dairy. Leon developed some hobbies when he was older, including building sheds, trips to Reno, puzzling, bowling, and cracking walnuts. Leon was a card player, enjoying pinochle at pretty much any time of day. He was a devout member of the St. Mary’s Parish, missing mass only when sick.
Leon is survived by his children, Herb, Jackie, Maureen, Beth, Randy and Tim, along with his two sisters, Joan and Jean. He is preceded in death by his son, Kurt, and wife, Margaret. Leon had 21 grandchildren and 18 greatgrandchildren. “Model 29” is how he referred to his age, born March 10, 1929 to Cecelia and Clement (CJ) Berning.
His children remember him as a kind, patient, and supportive father who encouraged them to pursue their goals.
Leon graduated high school from Mt. Angel Academy, then went to University of Portland for a year on a basketball scholarship. After that, he worked fulltime on the family dairy till he was drafted, serving overseas in Japan during the Korean conflict.
A rosary, followed by a funeral, was held on Dec. 2 at St. Mary’s Parish in Mount Angel.
Soon after his return, he married Margaret Lulay, whom he had dated prior to being in the service. A nearby farm
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In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Mary’s Church. The family would like to express deep gratitude to the caregivers at Serene Gardens, who provided loving care during the past four years.
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Our Town Life
Ione Jeanette Vigeland
Wesley Craven 1939 – 2023
Feb. 28, 1929 – Nov. 17, 2023
Virginia ‘Jenny’ Louise Pierce Feb. 22, 1935 – Oct. 30, 2023
Wesley (Wes) Craven passed away on Friday, Oct. 13, 2023 in Silverton, Oregon, at the age of 84. Wes was born in 1939 in Burns, Oregon, to Maude and Leavitt Craven. He graduated from Wenatchee High School in Washington in 1957 and Stanford University in 1963. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1963 to 1967 earning the rank of captain.
Ione Jeanette Vigeland of Silverton, Oregon passed away on Nov. 17, 2023, at the age of 94. She was born on Feb. 28, 1929, in Grenora, North Dakota to Norman and Agnes Pedersen. As a teenager, her family moved to Silverton. She met her first husband, Orville “Buck” Brosig, the father of her children, at a Silverton Armory Dance. They married in 1947 and were together for 27 years until his passing in 1974. In 1977, she married Herman Vigeland. They enjoyed 26 years together, prior to his passing. She is survived by her two daughters, Sharon (Chris) Deckelmann and Cathie (Randy) Scott, both from Silverton; her grandchildren, Katie Kowalski, Brian Deckelmann, Jamie Scott, Ashley Scott, Michael Brosig, Darcie Pemberton, and Andrew Brosig; as well as eight great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Ione is preceded in death by her husbands, Orville and Herman; her son, Wayne; and her sister, Arlene Wells.
Jenny had one sibling, Anne Bevel.
Wes was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Kay Craven, and his parents, Leavitt and Maude Craven. Wes is survived by his two brothers, Thomas “Tac” Craven (Pat) and Gary Craven (Katie); his former spouse, Janet Earlougher and their two children, Gregory Craven (Jodi Coleman) and Christine Craven; his former spouse, Linda Grant and their two children, Mark Craven and Kathryn Morgan (Robert). Wes is also survived by his three granddaughters, Katie and Alex Craven and Alexi Morgan. A memorial service was held Dec. 16 at 11 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Salem. In remembrance of Wes’s life and love, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Cascade Raptor Center, Silverton Area Community Aid or the Audubon Society.
A graveside service was held on Dec. 8 at Valley View Cemetery in Silverton. Donations can be made in Ione’s name to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Silverton Senior Center, or a charity of your choice.
Virginia “Jenny” Louise Pierce was born in Bragg City, Missouri on Feb. 22, 1935. She peacefully passed away on Oct. 30, 2023.
When Jenny was a young girl she loved working with her father at the movie theater for 10 cents a week. Jenny married Harold T. Pierce in 1982. Jenny and Harold brought together 15 children, and also had the privilege of raising their granddaughter for the first five years of her life. Jenny also had 35 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren. She enjoyed fishing, camping, going to the casino, and spending time with her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Dollie Haynes; her husband, Harold; her daughter, Rae; and her grandsons, BJ and Raymond. Per her wishes, no services will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Oregon.
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December 2023 • 15
Sports & Recreation
Outdoor tradition Free Silver Falls hikes set for New Year’s Day By James Day A pair of free guided hikes in the recently upgraded North Canyon area of Silver Falls State Park are on tap for New Year’s Day. The hikes are part of Oregon State park’s annual tradition of waiving parking permit fees on the year’s first day at all state parks that require them. A total of 31 Oregon Parks are offering the guided hikes. Go to https:// stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do= v.feature-article&articleId=263/ for the full list. America’s State Parks sponsors the first day hikes to encourage Americans to start the year outside and connect with nature. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department has participated since 2012. Silver Falls will be putting on display some of its new amenities that opened in July at the site of the old North Falls group camp area. A North Canyon Trailhead has been established and a new ADA-accessible North Rim Trail connects the area to a viewpoint of North Falls, with the trail continuing to a link-up with the trail system that emanates from the North Falls Trailhead. Silver Falls has added restrooms, a kiosk with maps, a pay station and extended parking at the North Canyon site, with a new visitor center and campground set to appear across Highway 214 by 2025. If you are traveling from Silverton the North Canyon Trailhead can be found
The new North Rim trail runs for 0.75 miles through lush forested areas in Silver Falls State Park. The trail, which is ADA accessible, will be featured in a pair of free guided hikes on New Year’s Day. The usual $5 parking permit fee will not be charged. JAMES DAY
just before you reach the North Falls parking lot. Park staff are planning a pair of 1.5mile hikes, one at 10 a.m. and the second at noon. The hikes will begin at the North Canyon Trailhead and travel approximately three-quarters of a mile to the new North Falls viewpoint. Visitors will learn about the geology, history, and natural resources of the park during the hikes. Pets are allowed on leash on this hike. The North Rim Trail has a surface
of compacted gravel, is six feet wide, and has a slope of less than 5%. Most mobility devices can navigate this trail.
can be expected. Light refreshments and warm drinks will be available afterward.
Hikers also can enjoy the start of the new year at Detroit Lake State Park, where a 90-minute hike is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m.
Parks officials remind New Year’s Day hikers to remember to plan for winter weather, dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and carry binoculars for viewing wildlife.
While registration is not required, potential participants are asked to get in touch with Ranger Jennifer Godfrey at 503-872-5271 or email jennifer. godfrey@oprd.oregon.gov so that parks officials will know how many people
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16 • December 2023
Participants also can share photos of first day hikes via Twitter and Instagram by using the hashtag #ORfirstdayhikes or tagging “Oregon State Parks” on Facebook.
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Consistent threats Aqua Foxes will count on depth, relays There are certain things in the sports calendar you can always count on. Silverton swimming is one of them. The Aqua Foxes, in their ninth year under coach Lucky Rogers, will fill the pool with swimmers, assemble crackerjack relay squads and try to wash away competitors with depth. This season Rogers has 62 swimmers in the Silverton Community Pool and told Our Town, “we have a lot of newbies and we are learning how to work hard in the pool to get better. It is what we do every year. It will be fun to watch it unfold.” Rogers has some key pieces returning, both on the boys and girls sides, and has platoons of swimmers available for the relays. Nolan Horner took 4th at state in the 50 and 100 free a year ago and he will team up with Carter Daniel and Joey Walker on many of the relays. Evie Smith, Cordelia Bay and Khylee Smith will do the same for the girls. Rogers also has high hopes for butterfly ace Brody Hollis and versatile girls swimmers Lily Miller, Emali Allen, Kailea Buckley and Ella Mantle. Rogers has Crescent Valley and West Albany leading the Mid-Willamette Conference parade, noting that “they both have a lot of club kids and it is really hard for us to keep up with them.” Come state meet time in late February look for the Aqua Foxes to qualify multiple relay teams and stir up as many points as possible. Licensed Bonded Insured
back from a team that finished 22-6 and took 4th at the 2023 Class 5A tournament at Gill Coliseum.
Football Auction: The Silverton football program is hosting an online fundraising auction with the goal of raising $7,500 to buy new equipment for the team. Go to https://event. auctria.com/9975e1c6-4623-442bb8cd-6c2e9614d0db/ for more information on the event, which closes at midnight on Thursday, Dec. 21. Coach Dan Lever reported that at Our Town’s presstime the auction has passed the $1,600 mark. Key acquisitions the program is hoping to make include new helmets, shoulder pads and money for team meals, awards and Hudl videos. The biggest item is an offensive and defensive line chute. For more information contact lever at dlever27@gmail.com. Hoops: Silverton’s boys are 2-0 in nonleague play and the girls are 1-1 as the season starts its long grind to March. The squads opened MidWillamette play on Tuesday after Our Town’s presstime against Woodburn. Hopes are high. Jamie McCarty, who lost just one league game while coaching the boys from 2018-22, is back on the bench, while second-year girls coach Alyssa Ogle has Portland State-bound senior Kyleigh Brown
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Both teams are set to play in the prestigious Capitol City Classic, organized by Wilsonville coach Chris Roche. The boys open at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15, at Cone Field House at Willamette University against Tualatin, while the girls tangle with Wilsonville at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18 at Corban University’s C.E. Jeffers Sports Center. Follow the tournament at capitolcityclassic.com. Girls Soccer: Still catching up on some all-league squads from the fall. In girls soccer, where Silverton finished 8-6-2 overall and took third in the challenging Mid-Willamette Conference, the Foxes claimed eight spots on the all-star team selected by conference coaches. Forward Marley Wertz, defender Kailea Buckley and goalkeeper Ella Lulich were named
Alumni watch: Ex-Foxes running standout Jori Paradis finished a sterling senior cross country season at Concordia of Irvine by being named PacWest Conference women’s runner of the year. Paradis, who also starred in basketball at Silverton, captured the PacWest championship on Oct. 21 in Fresno and moved on to take 10th in the Nov. 4 NCAA Division II regionals at Western Oregon University in Monmouth. Paradis led the Golden Eagles to second place in the conference meet, their highest finish ever. Expect more headlines from Paradis as she moves into the indoor and outdoor track and field campaigns.
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to the first team. Midfielder Allison Mansur and defenders Gemma Mulick and Sydney King were placed on the second team and defenders Elise Doyle and Addison Smith received honorable mention.
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We accept most insurances. Let your provider and/or us know and we will handle the rest.
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December 2023 • 17
A Slice of the Pie
Christmas mayhem To a familiar tune By Melissa Wagoner
grocery store he’ll finally be able to procure that cash.
If you want to buy a Christmas tree from a tree lot they’re going to accept only cash or a check.
And if the ATM gives him some cash, you’ll also finally purchase the tree.
If you don’t have cash and haven’t carried checks since the turn of the century, you will decide to visit a nearby grocery store to buy eggnog (which the kids requested) and then you will get cash back. If you visit the store for eggnog, you will happen to see a roasting pan (which you need for Christmas dinner) which will remind you to pick up some kitchen cleaner. On the way to get the cleaner, your daughter will remind you that you are not on a shopping excursion and are supposed to be buying a tree. If you approach the register with your items you will realize, cash back is only offered in much smaller increments than you need. But, undeterred, you will make the purchase anyway (sans the teddy bear your daughter is ogling) and leave. If you return to the tree lot without the cash, your spouse will agree to visit the equally nearby liquor store for brandy (which you need to raise your now
Then, if you finally purchase the tree, you’ll probably also want to drink eggnog (and brandy, or Baileys if you don’t like eggnog) while you decorate it.
dipping Christmas spirit… I mean, a holiday recipe).
And if you decorate the tree, that probably means it’s Christmas and you’ll have to roast the turkey, which means you’ll finally use that pan.
Once at the store, he will remember he actually likes Baileys and grab a bottle of that as well.
But if you finally use the pan, your kitchen might also get dirty and you’ll have to use the cleaner.
If he approaches the register with his purchases they will inform him that, though he is by no means the first customer seeking money to purchase a Christmas tree (and probably won’t be the last) they do not offer cash back. If he asks the clerk if she can help him, she will offer him some sage advice – there is an ATM in the front of the grocery store. Which is why… if he goes back to the original
Then if you use the cleaner you’ll have to go back to the store. And if you have to go to the store then maybe you’ll see that bear your daughter wanted. And if you see the bear, then maybe you’ll have to buy it as a present. And if you buy it as a present, you’ll have to put it under a tree…
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FIREWOOD – McCULLY MOUNTAIN WOOD We sell camp firewood in bundles. You cut by the cord. Cut and split by the cord you haul. We deliver a cord and half. We sell logs you haul. Your truck and trailer. We can load 15’ to 30’. We do rough-cut lumber. Call Gary at 503-859-3558. Fir, Alder, Hemlock & Hog Fuel. We can cut to your size. Place orders now for this season.
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 JESSE’S LAWN SERVICE & HANDYMAN Pruning, edging, trimming, blackberry cleaning, gutter cleaning, arborvitae, moss treatment, yard cleanup, stump grinding, powerwashing, haulaway. 503-871-7869
GOT STUFF WANT GONE? From yard debris to scrap metal. From garage sale left overs to rental clear outs. We repurpose, recycle, reuse, or donate what we can. Call and find out what we can do for you. $20 Minimum. Call Keith 503-502-3462
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December 2023 • 19
Kirsten Barnes Broker 873-3545 ext. 326
Jason Marshall Broker 873-3545 ext 302
Meredith Wertz Broker, GRI 873-3545 ext. 324
Whitney Ulven Broker, GRI 503-873-3545 ext. 320
Ryan Wertz Principal Broker, GRI 873-3545 ext. 322
Mike Ulven Broker 503-873-3545 ext. 312
Chuck White Broker 873-3545 ext. 325
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Mason Branstetter Principal Broker, GRI 873-3545 ext. 303
Becky Craig Principal Broker, GRI 873-3545 ext. 313
Michael Schmidt Principal Broker GRI 873-3545 ext. 314
Micha Christman Office Manager 873-1425
Sarah Sanders Property Manager 873-3545 ext. 311
Tayler Whitaker Secretary 873-3545 ext. 300
#T2806 SINGLE LEVEL HOME $447,800 NEW!
#T2792 FAIRY TALE COTTAGE $770,000
#T2802 CLASSIC HISTORICAL SILVERTON $785,000
#T2798 NEW HOME w/ DUAL LIVING $725,000
Known locally as ‘Fairy Tale Cottage’, one of Silverton’s best loved Historic Homes, built in 1935 in English Cottage style w/ turret entry & finial, clinker brick & slump stone façade, cedar shingle roof w/rolled gables, raked cedar siding, catches the attention of passers-by. Interior has original mahogany trim, double hung & leaded glass casement windows, oak hardwood floors, coved ceilings, custom cabinets, 14 rooms, 2 FP’s, B’fast nook. Full basement. Wonderful street near park. Bonus room could be 4-BR. Call Michael at ext. 314 (WVMLS#808110)
This home has everything! Classic Historical Silverton home, close to downtown, original character, wood floors, updated bathrooms with granite countertops, gas fireplace and two gas stoves. Living room on each level, plus conversational room. Lower level could be separate dual living, with farm sink, refrigerator, bedroom, bath and laundry facilities. Landscaped with paver walkways, water feature, full custom fencing and gated driveway with alley access. Welcoming front porch to enjoy your beautiful yard! Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. (WVMLS#811026)
The home was built with dual living / generational living in mind. Large 10,000+sqft lot on the north edge of Silverton in city limits. Home is built with longevity in mind. Master suite with large walk-in closet & bath. Great room with gas insert fireplace, granite counter tops, solid surface flooring, and custom cabinets. 3BR 2.5BA with additional, but separate, 1BR 1BA dual living space. A large 2 car garage and sunset views. 519sqft ADU can be rented for income. Call for list of amenities. Call Michael at ext. 314
COUNTRY/ACREAGE #T2761 GREAT OPPORTUNITY 1.66 Acres. Salem. Call Whitney at ext. 320 or Mike at ext. 312 $199,000 (WVMLS#800102)
SOLD – #T2775 SO MUCH OPPORTUNITY 3 BR, 2 BA
2190 sqft 3.36 Acres. Dallas. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $533,000 (WVMLS#803517)
(WVMLS#809941)
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SOLD – #T2781 RURAL SETTING 3 BR, 2 BA 2044
sqft Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $725,000 (WVMLS#805144)
#T2789 SILVERTON MOBILE ESTATES 2 BR, 2 BA 1248 sqft Call Becky at ext. 313 $165,000 (WVMLS#807664)
#T2792 FAIRY TALE COTTAGE 3 BR, 2 BA 2997 sqft Call Michael at ext. 314 $770,000 (WVMLS#808110) #T2802 CLASSIC HISTORICAL SILVERTON 4 BR, 3 BA 3794 sqft Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $785,000 (WVMLS#811026)
SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES SOLD – #T2775 SO MUCH OPPORTUNITY 3 BR, 2 BA 2190 sqft 3.36 Acres. Dallas. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $538,000 (WVMLS#803517)
(WVMLS#808219)
#T2761 GREAT OPPORTUNITY 1.66 Acres. Salem. Call Whitney at ext. 320 or Mike at ext. 312 $199,000 (WVMLS#800102)
FOR RENT Call Micha or Sarah at 503-873-1425 Or Visit silvertonrealty.com
503.873.3545 20 • December 2023
SILVERTON
#T2794 HIGHLY DESIRABLE COUNTRY PROPERTY 2 BR, 1.5 BA 1548 sqft 2.2 Acres. Salem. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $596,700
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Single level home in Keizer, 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, oversized main bedroom with an on suite, many updates to this home, light and bright, with formal living and family room. Wood insert in the formal living room area. Plus wonderfully landscaped yard with covered deck and oversized garden shed. This home is move in ready. Must view to appreciate! Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. (WVMLS#811435)
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NEW! – #T2803 WOODBURN SENIOR ESTATES 2 BR, 2 BA 1140 sqft. Woodburn. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $258,700 (WVMLS#811216) NEW! – #T2806 SINGLE LEVEL HOME 3 BR, 2.5 BA 1762 sqft. Keizer Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $447,800 (WVMLS#811435)
303 Oak St. • Silverton Our Town Life