Our Town South: March 1, 2022 by MAP Publications

Civics 101

Something to Talk About

Superintendent Andy Gardner takes new position in Albany – Page 4

Vol. 19 No. 3

Proposed large chicken farms ruffle neighbors’ feathers – Page 7

COMMUNITY NEWS

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Sports & Recreation

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– Page 16

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Contents Civics 101

Gardner takes Albany position...............4

North Santiam School District board OKs March 31 mask-optional move........5 Briefs............................................6 Something to Talk About Proposed chicken farms ruffle feathers.. 7 Aumsville bank robbery suspects held....7

Helping Hands Many faces of Canyon reconstruction ....8

Passages.................................. 9 Datebook................................10

Business Mobile dog grooming with family........15 Sports & Recreation District meet wrestling results ............ 17

Something Fun Geocaching family-friendly adventure...12

Marketplace.......................17

SHS Boosters set fundraising record..... 14

A Grin At The End...........18 On the cover & Above

Eric Granado and his daughter Mariah have recently launched The Groom Room pet service. COVER: SUBMITTED / ABOVE: JAMES DAY

2340 Martin Drive #104, Stayton • 503-769-9525 ourtown@mtangelpub.com www.ourtownlive.com Paula Mabry Editor & Publisher

Dan Thorp Graphic Artist

George Jeffries Advertising Executive

Sara Morgan Datebook Editor

DeeDe Williams Office Manager

Tavis Bettoli-Lotten

Designer & Copy Editor

The deadline for placing an ad in the April 1 issue is March 18.

Calendar listings are free for community events. Submissions must include date, time, location and cost. Submissions for the April 1 issue are due March 18. Email calendar items to: datebook@mtangelpub.com Our Town is mailed free to residents and businesses in the 97383, 97385, 97358 and 97325 zip codes. Subscriptions outside the area are $38 annually

Contributing Writers & Photographers

Steve Beckner Custom Design

James Day

Sports Editor & Reporter

Stephen Floyd Digital Editor & Reporter

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Mary Owen Carl Sampson • Melissa Wagoner Thank you for spending time with Our Town. Comments and suggestions are always welcome.

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March 2022 • 3

Civics 101

Moving on

Gardner leaving North Santiam School District for Albany

By Stephen Floyd Superintendent Gardner, a longtime educator with A l w A yAndy S A cce ptiN g N ew pAtieNt the North Santiam School District, has resigned from ANd All typeS oF iNSurANceS his position to accept a superintendent post with Greater Albany Public Schools.

School, principal at Sublimity Elementary School and principal at Stayton Intermediate/Middle School. He was hired as NSSD superintendent in 2010 with a vision of improving the relationship between schools and the community.

GAPS board members said Feb. 3 Gardner’s performance at NSSD was evidence of his ability to meet their high standards and they felt confident they had chosen the right candidate.

Gardner tendered his resignation Feb. 4 after the GAPS board of directors voted unanimously to extend an employment offer during a special meeting Feb. 3. He will remain with NSSD through June 30 as the district searches for his successor. Th board plans to Large, a new Kellysuperintendent Hanh Ramirez, May 5. Maria Fife, select Lance and announce PA-Cto collect input from MD FNP-BC Before that date, the district plans the public regarding the desired qualities of a new superintendent, including an online survey that is open through March 1.

The board fired former GAPS Superintendent Melissa Goff without cause July 14, 2021, amid community frustration with COVID-19 policies, policing on campus, and racial equity in curricula. The board has not given an official reason for the decision, however Board Chair Eric Aguinaga told Oregon Public Broadcasting Goff had become a polarizing figure. Goff claims she was let go because of her progressive stance on politically-divisive issues.

Carl W Leder, PA-C

General Medicine

A statement from the NSSD board of directors thanked Treatment of Chronic Illness Gardner for his efforts and for leaving the district with a strong reputation, whichsuch they said would aid in finding a as Diabetes/Hypertension new superintendent.

Outgoing North Santiam School District Superintendent, Andy Gardner.

Preventative Care • Sports Medicine Health and coachCare at Regis High School. Later positions included Gardner began his educational career(Physician in 1990 as a teacher principalLoss) and athletic director at Stayton High FirstLine Therapy™ Assistedvice Weight “Andy will be very much missed, but we wish him great success in his new endeavor,” said the board.• Womens’ Pediatrics • Geriatrics

Goff’s firing created ripples throughout the state and, on Feb. 1, a bill was introduced to the Oregon Senate which would prevent school boards from firing superintendents for complying with state or federal law, including executive actions.

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Opening choices North Santiam district going mask-optional by March 31 By Stephen Floyd The North Santiam School District Board has voted for the district to go mask-optional by March 31 after the Oregon Health Authority announced an intent to lift statewide school mask mandates by that date. During its regular meeting Feb. 17, the board unanimously voted to lift current mandates after a recommendation by Superintendent Andy Gardner. Gardner said there may be growing pains in this transition, as there were during the transition into mask requirements. But he said based on declines in COVID-19 infection rates and hospitalizations, lifting the mandate makes sense. “I think conditions are right and we need to do this,” he said.

School and general deadlines differ Face masks have been required within Oregon school buildings since 2020 to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The state intends to lift this requirement March 31 in light of increased vaccination rates and decreased infections and hospitalizations. This differs from a similar announcement that the state will lift its general mask mandate by March 31, or earlier if pandemic conditions improve. While the second deadline is fluid, the deadline to lift mask mandates in schools is firmly set for March 31.

Gardner said districts throughout Oregon are pressing Gov. Kate Brown to be flexible in lifting the school mandate as well, but so far the March 31 deadline remains in place. He recommended NSSD finalize its approach to going mask-optional by mid-March in the event Brown’s administration does budge on the deadline.

Board Vice Chair Laura Wipper said she was concerned how students may react when told they can choose whether or not to wear masks, as some groups may harass Laura Wipper others who make the opposite choice.

Mask-optional policy needs

Student Representative Tayven Whielden said most students will likely feel so relieved from being able to choose they will not fixate on the decisions of others, and said keeping the mandate Tayven Whielden in place would cause more harm than potential clashes between mask-wearers and non-mask-wearers.

Gardner said the board must determine how to manage students and staff who are exposed to COVID-19, and whether or not they must quarantine or wear masks, and how vaccination will factor into the approach. The board must also determine how willing it is to accept legal risk if someone accuses the district of alleged COVID-19 exposure as the result of lifting mask mandates. Gardner said legal counsel has advised they do not foresee the district being held liable. Board Member Coral Ford said she wanted to see a policy addressing unvaccinated teachers, who are currently required to wear masks at all times while in the building, with some Coral Ford taking measures such as eating lunch alone in the parking lot to comply with rules. Gardner said this concern relates to a different part of state policy and must be addressed separately from the March 31 deadline, but can be incorporated into the board’s mask-optional approach.

Wipper also said she wants the board’s mask-optional policy to focus on student health and safety. Though she is personally tired of wearing masks and thinks the decision should be in the hands of parents, she also acknowledged COVID-19 precautions should be mindful of those who are immunocompromised or have underlying health conditions. “I will be very relieved when we go back to some semblance of normal, but I remain worried about student and staff safety,” she said. When the board voted for the district to go mask-optional, and the motion

included language to transition on or before March 31. Gardner said yhat would cover the district in case the deadline changed.

Lobbying for earlier transition After the vote, Board Member Mike Wagner read an open letter to Brown prepared by Board Member Erin Mike Wagner Cramer on the board’s behalf that called on Brown to move up the deadline as soon as possible. The letter described how, at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, all public agencies were overwhelmed with unknown factors and could not help but take broad action. However, after two years of research and experience, local governments and health agencies are far better-prepared to make decisions that help communities balance public safety and personal freedom. “We are now at today, not yesterday,” said Wagner. “...The next right decision for today is for your administration to cede those controls to the local authorities.” The board approved of the language in the letter, and directed staff to prepare a finalized copy they could sign. Wagner said Cramer’s wording very eloquently conveyed the board’s strong feelings on the issue.

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March 2022 • 5

Briefs Stayton city manager profile approved; recruitment begins Stayton is moving forward on its effort to replace City Manager Keith Campbell who left to take a position with Sherwood in October. At the Feb. 22 City Council meeting a “candidate profile” developed by Jensen Strategies, a Portland-based executive recruitment agency, was approved.

Observing burn pile rules helps make for good neighbors Being a good neighbor excludes backyard burn piles that pollute the air and/or threaten the house next door.

suspect (they) burn their trash, too.” When backyard burning is allowed, it is against the law to have any fire that unreasonably interferes with enjoyment of life or property or creates a public or private nuisance ora hazard to public safety. DEQ regulations prohibit open burning of the following items at anytime in Oregon: rubber and plastic products, tires, garbage,petroleum and petroleum-treated materials, asphalt or industrial waste or any material that creates dense smoke or noxious odors.

“We’ve had to shut doors and windows because of the smell and smoke from a neighbor’s burn pile,” a rural resident said. “We’ve seen piles that includedplastic bins, a plastic table and rugs. “We know our neighbor burns plastics because we can smell it,” she added. “There are environmental hazards and carcinogens. I

Assistant City Manager Alissa Angelo, who is serving as city manager on a pro-tem basis, said that the profile was the final piece to be put into place before the position can be advertised. Angelo said she expects the position will be advertised in early March, with summer of 2022 the goal for having a new person in the role. Angelo added that despite Campbell’s absence “the city of Stayton has an excellent team who has really stepped up as we navigate this transition to keep the city moving forward in a positive direction and ensuring there is no break in services.”

Local scholarship deadlines March 1, April 1 Youth Benefit Golf Tourney

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The deadline for submitting applications for the Youth Benefit Golf Tournament scholarship is March 1.

Santiam Hospital Auxiliary offers scholarships to local students pursuing an education in the healthcare industry. Scholarships are available to students in the Santiam Hospital service area, which includes Stayton, Sublimity, Aumsville, Lyons, Mill City, Gates and Idanha.

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Something to Talk About

Ruffled feathers By Stephen Floyd Three large-scale poultry ranches have prompted concern from residents in rural Marion and Linn counties, who are advocating for stronger regulations on industrialized agriculture and broader government transparency. Farmers Against Foster Farms (FAFF) held its first official meeting Feb. 23 in Scio to encourage opposition to proposed poultry ranches near Scio, Stayton and Jordan. The group wants the Oregon Department of Agriculture to reconsider how such farms impact the local environment, and how residents are notified of permit applications. A representative of Foster Farms could not be reached for comment prior to Our Town press time.

12.4 million chickens

FAFF first came together on social media in March of 2021 in response to J-S Ranch on Jefferson-Scio Drive, west of Scio. Owners Eric and Brandie Simon, of Brownsville, plan to produce an estimated 3.4 million broiler chickens annually for Foster Farms. The chickens would be transported to a separate processing facility after they mature. FAFF co-organizer Kendra Kimbirauskas said local residents would not have been aware of the proposed farm if a neighbor had not noticed excavation equipment

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and asked what was being built. She said this is because ODA is not required to notify neighbors directly of permit applications for industrial-style livestock operations, even on the scale of J-S Ranch. Two other proposed chicken ranches later came to light, both with the capacity for 4.5 million chickens per year: a farm on Porter Road SE, west of Stayton, owned by Randy Hiday, of Brownsville, and Evergreen Ranch on Thomas Drive, east of Jordan, owned by Southeast Ag Investments, LLC, of North Carolina. All three farms, with a combined capacity of 12.4 million chickens annually, are still awaiting state permit approval related to large-scale livestock farming. The additional operations were also discovered by observant residents rather than notificationn through official channels. Kimbirauskas said this lack of broader transparency could mean other industrial farms are in development locally with neighboring residents unaware. “If we have a colony of these chicken operations all around, who’s going to want to live in our community?” she said. “Who’s going to want to recreate in this community and spend their money out here?”

Environmental concerns

In addition to more robust public outreach, Kimbirauskas said a significant concern among local residents is the

impact industrialized farms will have on the local water table. She said a farm that raises 4.5 million chickens annually would require close to 10 million gallons of water for the birds to reach butchering age, in addition to water used for cleaning, cooling, manure processing or other tasks. Kimbirauskas said, though the Pacific Northwest is known for its rain, its groundwater is far more limited. “In June, July, and August, when we get those super hot, long days, our groundwater doesn’t replenish itself,” she said. Kimbirauskas said FAFF wants ODA to consider groundwater usage when permitting large-scale farms, particularly if multiple farms will draw from the same aquifer. She said the current regulatory process only allows ODA to consider whether or not the proposed use fits the definition of agricultural zoning. She added that in her opinion the chicken ranches at issue are better suited for industrial land.

breathing problems. “People are going to be breathing this stuff, and that’s a concern for everyone that I’ve spoken to,” she said. Of specific concern are an Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife habitat and the Santiam River near J-S Ranch, a Broken Dam swimming hole, Lourdes Elementary School, Lourdes Catholic Church and Thomas Creek near Evergreen Ranch.

Calling on legislators

Though FAFF is prepared to lobby state legislators to consider these changes, Kimbirauskas said the deadline has already passed for a bill to be submitted during the current short session. She said FAFF will encourage residents in the meantime to contact their local legislators and ask for support, as well as reach out to county and city officials who can help press the state for changes.

“They’re not putting farms up, they’re putting warehouses up on prime farmland,” she said.

Once the next legislative session begins in 2023, Kimbirauskas said they plan to have serious policy conversations with lawmakers, whether or not permits for the three chicken ranches have gone through.

FAFF also hopes ODA takes into account the potential pollution created by industrialized chicken ranches. Kimbirauskas said chicken farms produce significant amounts of ammonia that could be a danger to residents with

For additional information on FAFF and its activities, visit farmersagainstfosterfarms.com.

“I guarantee that we’ll be gearing up for a fight should these operations move forward,” she said.

Suspects in federal custody for Aumsville bank robbery

By Mary Owen Local police departments assisted in apprehending two Albany residents accused of robbing an Aumsville bank. Dustin Michael Halvorsen, 37, and Noelle Monique Lerma, 23, face a federal charge for their alleged role in the Feb. 8 robbery of Riverview Community Bank, according a recent FBI press release. According to the criminal complaint filed, bank employees observed the male robber approach a teller station and hand over a note, which threatened “you will be the first one shot” if the teller did not comply. The robber kept his right hand inside his coat pocket, causing the teller to believe he was holding a gun. The robber received cash, left the bank on foot, and traveled a short distance before a witness saw him get into the passenger side of a black sedan.

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Residents organize against industrial-sized chicken farms

Fewer than ten minutes after the robbery began, Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies spotted the sedan. Once they ran the license plate, they realized it belonged to a different vehicle, and they stopped the sedan. Marion County deputies and Stayton Police Officers, working with Aumsville Police, took Halvorsen and Lerma into custody. “Our department assisted with the transport and temporary holding of the suspects,” said Chief Dave Frisendahl of the Stayton Police Department. “We also assisted the FBI investigation by providing support.”

Landers, public information officer with the Community Resource Unit, Marion County Sheriff’s Office. Halvorsen and Lerma made their initial appearances before a federal magistrate judge on Feb. 10, and the judge ordered them held pending further court proceedings. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon is prosecuting the case.

Frisendahl said the suspects are in federal custody and should be prosecuted through federal court.

According to the FBI release, investigators believe Halvorsen and Lerma may be connected to other recent criminal activity in Newport and Eugene. Anyone with information about potential other criminal activity is asked to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or online at tips.fbi.gov.

“We are proud of the great teamwork between our deputies and partner agencies to quickly locate the suspects from the bank robbery,” said Sgt. Jeremy

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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March 2022 • 7

Helping Hands

Steady pace By James Day The post-2020 Labor Day wildfire rebuilding, going on throughout the Santiam Canyon, is taking on many faces.

Starting with storage

The Santiam Rebuild Coalition began its work aimed at constructing 250 sheds in February 2021 and is well on its way to completing the goal. The coalition already has received more than 225 requests for the sheds. Juli Foscoli, local vice-president of the National Association of Women in Construction, said “Feb. 6 (2021) was the first day we gathered to build sheds. White Oak Construction and South Town Glass donated the materials and we built two sheds.” Since then, the group has built and set 51. “Our progress was great last year, but we had to take a break to find funding, more volunteers, and to reassess the need.” Foscoli added that shed recipients run “from Detroit to Lyons and all the places in between.” Most families use them to store tools, canned foods, and many times a full size refrigerator or freezer, she said, noting that for a family involved in a home rebuilding project “using an RV fridge is not ideal since the space is so tiny you have to make frequent trips to the grocery store which really adds up.” A basic shed measures 8 feet by 10 feet and is all wood, with one locking door. Materials cost $1,495 and it takes to 15 to 20 volunteers a total of 80 to 200 hours to build one. To date 231 volunteers have contributed more than 4,000 volunteer hours.

Santiam Canyon rebuilding projects continue with volunteer aid Key partners and contributors to the project include South Town Glass, Blazer Industries, White Oak Construction, Parker Smith & Feek, Associated General Contractors (AGC), Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 584, Chemeketa Community College, the Career Technical and Education Center (CTEC) and the National Association of Women in Construction. Foscoli singled out the Mehama Community Church family “for all their hard work and for making this happen” as well as Blazer Industries owner Marv Shetler “for allowing the use of his warehouse to work in and for his tireless donation of time, labor, and his expertise to make the shed builds a streamlined process.”

Tiny houses in the offing Then there is the 16-unit tiny home village set to become a reality later this spring in Gates. The development involved the contributions of Marion County and Gates officials, the Santiam Service Integration Team at Santiam Memorial Hospital, a Salem manufacturer and the state of Oregon. “It is super cool,” Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell said. “Government doesn’t always work this fast. I’m elated that we are getting people started down the road into permanent housing.” Ron Evans, who owned the Oak Park Motel in Gates, also played a role, donating the temporary use of his heavily damaged property for the tiny homes, which are expected to be in operation for three to five years.

Bethell said that the community should start seeing activity at the site by midMarch, with residents occupying the new units by summer. The project will cost approximately $2.5 million, Bethell said, with the state Legislature providing the funds. The Marion County Housing Authority will manage the facility and work with the SIT team on screening the applicants. The tiny homes will be 380-square-foot structures built by International Housing Concepts of Salem. The units will have porches, a loft/storage area, electricity and heating. Fire survivors who live in these units will have the ability to work with a variety of service organizations that will assist them in finding permanent housing in a rental or ownership capacity. Bethell said the county and its partners also are working to put together a 16-home project at a North Santiam State Recreation site near Lyons. Organizers are hoping for a mid-winter opening.

Homes going up Additionally, Christian Aid Ministries (CAM), the Santiam Canyon Long Term Recovery Group (SCLTRG), the Gates Community Church and the SIT workers have teamed up for construction of new homes for wildfire survivors. The team effort has been in place since May of 2021, said Kevin Dial, recovery manager for the SCLTRG. Dial reported that the ministry volunteers started packets for 10 homes last year and seven of those are currently past the permit and design phases and are moving into the build phase. The others are still

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in various stages of progress, but the next 10 will soon be started for 2022. Each house is on an expected two-year application to completion window, but projects can be completed before that timeline in many cases. Christian Aid Ministries is 100% self-supporting and its volunteers are required to bring their support to this effort, including flights and driving to the project, food during the work time, housing and all other resources. The volunteers are being hosted by the Gates Community Church, reports Mary Lou Hazelwood, an adviser to the SCLTRG board. There are 24 CAM volunteers serving month-long terms and 15 who participate for a week at a time. The volunteers were on hand from last August through October and returned in January for a stretch scheduled to run through May. “The volunteers come from all over the United States and pay all of their own expenses,” Hazelwood said. “The resident volunteers live in trailers, and the group is self-sufficient. They provide their own food and serve breakfast and dinner at the Gates Church and provide box lunches for the crews,” she said. The volunteers, Hazelwood said, do not need any assistance in food items or help with preparation or serving, but the group is seeking contributions of paper products, including toilet paper, paper plates, napkins, cups (hot and cold) and plastic spoons. Those wishing to help, Hazelwood said, should call Joe Nichols (330-473-5808) or Marlene Miller (330-231-9892) of Christian Aid Ministries.

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Passages

Ron Kendall

Jan. 3, 1950 – Jan. 22, 2022

Ron (“Lightning,” “Ridgerunner”) Kendall passed away on Jan. 10, 2022 at the age of 72, in his home in Sublimity Oregon. His logging injuries and his battle with cancer showed his courage in facing life challenges with a smile. Despite the pain, Ron came out a hero and stayed strong until the end. As a young man Ron enjoyed spending time in the woods, camping, hunting and fishing. Ron moved to Arkansas with his mom and had his first daughter, Kristie, now a loving mother of one. Ron then met the love of his life, Marilyn. In Arkansas, you would have known him by “Lightning” and his nickname for Marilyn was “Thunder.” After a whirlwind five months, the two of them decided to make it forever on July 16, 1977. With Ron’s love of the woods, they decided to move back to Oregon where he worked as a logger. Three children followed: Chanda, a mother of three; Heather, mother of two; and Chet, a father of three who would be able to carry on his family name. Ron and Marilyn continued their love story for 44 and a half years before he lost his battle to cancer. He leaves behind nine grandchildren: Farrah, Madelyn, Takisha, Jayden, Koda, Riley, Vann, Avinley, Sylas and a great grandson, Bentley. Ron also leaves behind his mother, Jean Davidson; sister, Jacqui (Ken) Lafferty; brothers, Mark (Vickie);Davidson and Joe (Angela) Davidson.

He was preceded in death by his father, Chester; brother, Donnie; sister, Brenda; and his granddaughter, Henley Hope. At the end of his time, he enjoyed collecting and trading his treasures with friends. Ron loved his family unconditionally. He loved giving his grandchildren rides on his scooter. He will be remembered by his loved ones by his stories he told about his youth and wanting extra thick milkshakes. Ron was honored with a Celebration of Life at Stayton Christian Church on Feb. 5. In lieu of flowers, consider donating to Brighton Hospice, 2601 SE 25h St., Suite 100, Salem, OR 97302.

Submissions welcomed: Our Town appreciates the opportuity to share life’s Passages with our readers. If there is a birth, engagement, wedding, anniversary, or obituary of a local resident you’d like to share, please send it to ourtown.life@mtangelpub.com.

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March 2022 • 9

datebook Weekly Events Monday

Stayton Community Food Bank, 9 a.m. - noon, 1210 Wilco Road. Repeats Monday - Friday. 503-769-4088 Santiam Senior Center, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., 41818 Kingston-Jordan Road, Stayton. 50+. Daily, weekly, monthly events. 503-767-2009, santiamseniorcenter.com Senior Meals, 11:30 a.m. Delivery only. Age 60+. Serves Gates, Lyons, Mehama. Repeats Wed., Fri. $3 donation suggested. Ginger, 503-769-7995 Free COVID-19 Testing, noon – 6 p.m., Foothills Church, 975 Fern Ridge Road, Stayton. No physician’s order required. Pre-register at labdash.net, 503-769-3230 Walk-In COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic, Santiam Hospital, 1401 N 10th Ave., Stayton. Adult and children age 5 and older vaccines available. Free. Drop in or schedule an appointment at santiamhospital.org. Free COVID-19 Testing & Vaccine Clinic, noon - 7 p.m., Oregon State Fairgrounds Pavilion, 2330 NE 17th Ave., Salem. PCR testing and all three vaccines available, including booster and pediatric doses. Walk-in only. Free. Repeats noon - 7 p.m. Mon. - Fri., 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday. Bingo, 1 - 3:30 p.m., Santiam Senior Center, 41818 Kingston-Jordan Road, Stayton. $.05/card. Blackout $.10/card. 50+. Repeats Thursdays. 503-767-2009 Community Yoga, 7 p.m., St. Patrick’s Hall, 362 Seventh St., Lyons. Suggested donation $5 15. All levels welcome. Repeats Wednesday. Kathy, mail2reed@gmail.com

Tuesday

Senior Gardening with Diane Hyde, 10:30 a.m., Santiam Senior Center, 41848 Kingston-Jordan Road, Stayton. 50 and older. 503-767-2009, santiamseniorcenter.com Storytime, 11:05 s.m.. For children and family members of all ages. Outside rain or shine. 503-769-3313 ESL, GED, Citizenship Classes, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Stayton United Methodist Church, 1450 Fern Ridge Road, Stayton. No cost for class. Workbook $20. Runs through June. Repeats Thurs.. Mary, 503-779-7029

Wednesday

Stayton/Sublimity Chamber Business Network, 8:30 a.m. Network building event for local business, non-profit professionals. Location varies each week. For location, call 503-769-3464

10 • March 2022

St. Boniface Archives and Museum, 9 a.m. - noon, 370 Main St., Sublimity. Learn about Sublimity and possibly your family history. Free. 503-508-0312 Tai Chi for Intermediates, 10:15 - 11 a.m., Santiam Senior Center, 41818 Kingston-Jordan Road, Stayton. 50 and older. Repeats Friday. 503-767-2009 Tai Chi for Beginners, 11:15 a.m. noon, Santiam Senior Center, 41818 Kingston-Jordan Road, Stayton. 50+. Repeats Friday. 503-767-2009 Stayton Area Rotary, noon, Santiam Golf Club, 8724 Golf Club Road, Aumsville. Guests welcome. 503-5089431, staytonarearotary.org Cascade Country Quilters, 12:30 p.m., Santiam Senior Center, 41818 KingstonJordan Road, Stayton. 50+. 503-767-2009 Beginner Line Dancing Class, 12:30 1:30 p.m., Santiam Senior Center, 41818 Kingston-Jordan Road, Stayton. 50+. 503-767-2009 Advanced Line Dancing Class, 2 - 3 p.m., Santiam Senior Center, 41818 Kingston-Jordan Road, Stayton. 50+. 503-767-2009

Thursday

Mama´s Community Market, 1 - 6 p.m., Aumsville Pentecostal Church, 10153 Mill Creek Road. Food Pantry. 971-710-5665 Point Man Ministries, 6 p.m., Canyon Bible Fellowship, 446 Cedar St., Lyons. Veterans support. 503-859-2627 Griefshare, 6 - 8 p.m., Foothills Church, 975 SE Fern Ridge Road, Stayton. Grief support group open to anyone navigating through grief. Sign up for the free service through griefshare.org or contact Christy Anspach at 406-4318256. Runs thru May 5.

Friday

Cars & Coffee, 9 a.m., Covered Bridge Cafe, 510 N Third Ave., Stayton. Bring your classic vehicles for coffee, breakfast and a cruise on country roads afterwards.

Tuesday, March 1

Wednesday, March 9

Stayton High Production

8:30 a.m., The Box LLC, 278 E High St., Stayton. Hosted by Denise Busch Paramount Real Estate. Network building event for local business, non-profit professionals. 503-769-3464

6:30 p.m., Chester Bridges Memorial Community Center, 555 Main St. Open to public. 503-749-2030 7 p.m., Stayton High, 757 W Locust St. Stayton High Performing Arts presents The World According to Snoopy! $5 adults, $3 students/seniors. Tickets available at the door. Repeats March 4 & 5. 503-769-2171

Friday, March 4 Marion SWCD First Friday

10 a.m. Zoom. Presenter is Dakota Tangredi, reduction coordinator for Marion County Recycling. Target audience is any Marion County resident interested in reducing the waste stream through consumer reduction, reuse and recycling. Register at marionswcd.net under News and Events. 503-391-9927

Saturday, March 5 BEEvent Pollinator Conference

9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Zoom. National, state and regional experts discuss bees and pollination. $25. Registration closes at noon March 4. Register at linnmastergardeners.com.

Sunday, March 6

Shaw Knights of Columbus Breakfast

7:30 - 10 a.m., St. Mary Parish Hall, 9168 Silver Falls Hwy., Shaw. Homemade biscuits and sausage gravy, scrambled eggs, hashbrowns, fruit cup, coffee, juice. Cost: $8 adults, $3 children 12 and under. 503-362-6159

Monday, March 7 Stayton City Council

7 p.m., Stayton Community Center, 400 W Virginia St. Agenda available. Open to public. Livestream link at staytonoregon.gov. 503-769-3425

Tuesday, March 8 Ancestry Detectives

10 a.m. Zoom. Share your experience at RootsTech and more. Contact David Stewart for Zoom details, ancestrydetectives353@gmail.com

Marion County Commissioners´ Lunch

Noon, Wooden Nickel, 108 N Center St., Sublimity. Meet and talk with Marion County Commissioners. No decisions take place. Open to public.

Stayton Parks & Rec Board

6 p.m., Stayton Public Library, 515 N First Ave. Agenda available. Open to public. 503-769-2919

RDS Board

Thursday, March 3 NSSD Board Special Session

Aumsville Planning Commission

6 p.m., District Office, 1155 N Third Ave., Stayton. Special session board meeting for North Santiam School District. Open to public. Agenda available. Also available remotely via Zoom. 503-7696924, nsantiam.k12.or.us

6 p.m., Beauchamp Building, 278 E High St., Stayton. Revitalize Downtown Stayton board meeting. Open to public. 503-767-2317

Cascade School Board

7 p.m., Cascade District Office, 10226 SE Marion Road, Turner. Open to public. 503-749-8010, cascade.k12.or.us

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Chamber Business Network

Caregiver Connection

1 - 2:30 p.m. For family caregivers and/or unpaid family caregivers. Free. To register, contact Suzy, 503-304-3429, suzy.deeds@ nwsds.org

Thursday, March 10 Bingo for a Cause

6 p.m., Snow Peak Brewing, 280 E Water St., Stayton. Play Bingo to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association. $1/card. Open to all. 503-767-2337

Aumsville Fire District

6:30 p.m., Aumsville Fire Station, 490 Church St. Agenda available. Open to public. 503-749-2894, aumsvillefire.org

Saturday, March 12 Seedy Saturday/Sabado de Semillas

11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Silverton Grange, 201 Division St. Seed exchange, plant starts for sale, children’s activities. Free. Family-friendly. Se habla español. silvertongrange.org

Sunday, March 13 Daylight Saving Time Starts Remember to set your clock 1 hour forward

Brown House Tour

Noon - 2 p.m., Brown House Event Center, 425 N First Ave., Stayton. Tour the historic Charles and Martha Brown House. Free. Open to public. 503-769-8860

Monday, March 14 Aumsville City Council

7 p.m., Chester Bridges Memorial Community Center, 555 Main St. Open to public. 503-749-2030, aumsville.us

Lyons Fire District Board

7 p.m., Lyons Fire Station, 1114 Main St. Open to public. 503-859-2410, lyonsrfd.org

Sublimity City Council

7 p.m., Sublimity City Hall, 245 NW Johnson St. Also available by teleconference. Contact City Hall one week prior to the meeting to obtain call-in information. Agenda available. 503-7695475, cityofsublimity.org

Stayton Fire District

7 p.m.,. Mehama Fire Station, 21475 SE Ferry Road, Stayton. Agenda available. Open to public. 503-769-2601, staytonfire.org

Lyons Library Board

7 p.m., Lyons Public Library, 279 Eighth St. 503-859-2366

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Tuesday, March 15 North Santiam Watershed Council

6 p.m. Zoom. Open to public. For Zoom link, call 503-930-8202 or email council@ northsantiam.org.

Wednesday, March 16 Chamber Business Network

8:30 a.m., Summit Cleaning & Restoration, 1875 SE Pacific Court, Stayton. Network building event for local business, nonprofit professionals. 503-769-3464

Red Cross Blood Drive

11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Aumsville Fire Station, 490 Church St. Appointments needed by visiting redcrossblood.org.

Stayton Public Library Board

6 p.m., Stayton Public Library, 515 N First Ave. Open to public. 503-769-3313

Thursday, March 17 St. Patrick’s Day NSSD Board

6 p.m., Stayton Elementary, 875 N Third Ave. Board meeting for North Santiam School District. Open to public. Agenda available. Also available remotely via Zoom. 503-769-6924, nsantiam.k12.or.us

Saturday, March 19 Flea Market

9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Santiam Valley Grange, 1140 Fifth St., Lyons. Crafts, collectibles. Lunch available to go and limited seating. Free admission, parking. 503-859-2161

Bethel Clothing Closet

10 a.m. - noon, Bethel Baptist Church, 645 Cleveland St., Aumsville. Clothing from newborn to 2x. Free. 503-749-2128

Joseph’s Storehouse of Hope

11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Mari-Linn School, 641 Fifth St., Lyons. Food boxes. 503-881-9846

Monday, March 21 Red Cross Blood Drive

1 - 6 p.m., Foothills Church, 975 Fern Ridge Road, Stayton. Appointments needed by visiting redcrossblood.org

Stayton City Council

7 p.m., Stayton Community Center, 400 W Virginia St. Open to public. Agenda available. Livestream link at staytonoregon.gov. 503-769-3425

Sunday, March 27

Stayton City Council

7 p.m., Stayton Community Center, 400 W Virginia St. Open to public. Livestream link at staytonoregon.gov

Wednesday, March 23 Chamber Business Network

8:30 a.m., Location TBA. Hosted by Liberty House. Network building event for local business, non-profit professionals. 503-769-3464

Thursday, March 24 Bingo for a Cause

6 p.m., Snow Peak Brewing, 280 E Water St., Stayton. Play bingo to raise money for Santiam Teen Center. $1/card. Open to all. 503-767-2337

Friday, March 25 Chili Cook Off

5:30 - 7:30 p.m., North Santiam Eagles, 640 S Broadway, Mill City. Bring prepared chili, along with recipe, to the Lodge by 5:15 p.m. for a chance to win the Golden Ladle, bragging rights. Not a chili-maker? Purchase a bowl for $5, and get unlimited samples, a dinner roll and voting rights. Open to the public. 503-897-3100

Tuesday, March 22

Saturday, March 26

6:30 p.m., Lyons City Hall, 449 Fifth St. Open to public. 503-859-2167

8 - 10 a.m., Santiam Valley Grange, 1140 Fifth St., Lyons. $6 a plate. 503-859-2161

Lyons City Council

Pancake Breakfast

Stayton Food Truck Gathering

Noon - 6 p.m., corner of First and Water streets, Stayton. Local food trucks gather at one site to feed customers. See @ staytonfoodtrucks on Facebook for lineup.

Monday, March 28 Stayton Planning Commission

7 p.m., Stayton Community Center, 400 W Virginia St. Open to public. Agenda available. Livestream available at youtu.be/ ZuDsDpjj7RM. 503-769-2998

Wednesday, March 30 Chamber Business Network

8:30 a.m., Location TBA. Hosted by Family Building Blocks. Network building event for local business, non-profit professionals. 503-769-3464

NSSD Special Session

6 p.m., Stayton Elementary, 875 N Third Ave. Special session board meeting for North Santiam School District. The majority of the meeting will be held in Executive Session, which is only open to board members and the screening advisory committee. Open to public. Agenda available. Also available remotely via Zoom. 503-769-6924, nsantiam.k12.or.us

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March 2022 • 11

Something Fun

Geocaching

An inexpensive, family-friendly hobby for all ages

By Melissa Wagoner

– an element that can come in handy when a cache gets damaged or misplaced.

If you like puzzles, being outside and exploring places you’ve never been then the hobby of geocaching might just be for you.

“There have been times we’ve looked and looked only to find out the owner wasn’t aware it was missing, or it hadn’t been reported,” 42-year-old Jenifer Hacket – who discovered the hobby while on the search for an activity to do with her young daughter – said. Advising future players, “If you come across this, reporting the missing cache is the best way to help others avoid this situation.”

“I like to describe it as a world-wide treasure hunt,” Carina Leland – a recent graduate of high school who started geocaching with her parents when she was only five – said. Describing the worldwide, outdoor recreation phenomenon that allows participants to track down hidden treasure using GPS coordinates.

Because there are caches located almost everywhere – 1,136 in the Salem area alone, according to the website www.geocaching.com.

“There’s a bunch of containers people hide,” Carina continued. Recounting the many boxes – both large and small – filled with everything from collectible coins to dollar store trinkets that she and her family have found over the past 13 years.

“We have found them all over Oregon, rain or shine,” Hacket said. “There are plenty of geocaches hiding in places you would never even think about… I drove by one almost every day for years and never knew it was there until we started this hobby.”

“[A]nd often they’re in cool spots,” she continued, listing some of her favorite locations, the backside of a waterfall, an island in the middle of a lake and an underwater location only accessible at low tide. Differing greatly in location and content, each treasure chest, known as a cache, does have one commonality, which gives the game a cohesive feel – the logbook. Provided as an actual book in the box, as a simple sheet of paper alongside a pen or as a digital registry, these

Denise and Carina Leland enjoy sharing geocaching adventures.

That may be because many caches aren’t just tucked out of sight but cleverly camouflaged, hidden even to those armed with the precise GPS location.

records provide a method of communication between the hiders and seekers and between seekers themselves

“One was a switch cover and it had magnets on the back,” Carina said of her favorite, cleverly disguised find.

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“It really looked like it was a part of the building,” her mother, and long-time geocaching partner, Denise Taylor Leland, agreed. Similar to Hacket, the Leland family also began geocaching as a way to spend time together. “Carina always liked to be outdoors trooping around,” Denise, who first heard about the hobby from a college friend, said. “Then, as she got older, we thought it would be a good way to introduce geography and math.” Because geocaching was different when the Lelands got their start. “Before it was more complicated because you had to go online and print out [coordinates] on a paper,” Denise recalled of a time when hand-held GPS locators were not yet widespread. But times have changed, and now one need only download the free app and a map instantly populates with the available caches located nearby. “Some even have attributes like wheelchair accessibility,” Carina said of the numerous apps – like Geocaching by Groundspeak Inc., Cachly, C:Geo and Spyglass – that are available, most often for free, and that include

A treasure hunt for the fun of it

Using GPS coordinates found on the Geocaching app (www.geocaching.com), players attempt to locate caches – hidden treasure boxes which are often filled with log books and treasures – hidden in locations across the globe. Anyone can join in, alone or in groups, for free.

Recommended tools Charged cellphone downloaded with the Geocaching app, comfortable shoes, tradeable items (coins, small toys, buttons or registered trackables), pen, paper, tweezers (for removing items from tiny caches), gardening gloves and sunscreen.

capabilities like task difficulty, terrain ratings and records for trackables (registered geocache tokens). “As others find, log and re-hide the trackable you can watch where [trackables] travel,” Hacket said. Describing one such object which, upon inspection, she found registered, not just in multiple states, but overseas as well. It’s one more reason geocaching has had the longevity

of over 20 years, that and the ability for anyone – no matter the fitness level, age or economic status – to take part. It’s also an activity that can be done solo, in friend groups or as a family with kids. “The key to being stealthy is to never let a ‘muggle’ (nongeocacher) see you…” Hacket warned. Explaining that the search strategies change, depending on whether the seeker is solo or accompanied, adding another level of challenge. “Solo you can get in and out quickly but might get caught looking fishy snooping around by yourself,” she described. “A group has more eyes to find the prize and can help distract others while a small few are locating the cache.” Both Hacket and Carina recommend trying the game both ways, observing that either way, the end result is a good time. “It’s fun when you finally find them to see what trinkets might be left inside (if they are large enough), and leave a little something for the next person,” Hacket said. “You get a sense of satisfaction when you’ve finally discovered a hidden cache. It’s like putting together a puzzle and getting that last piece put in place.”

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March 2022 • 13

Molly Mo’s

Something Fun

Spring Garden Market April 2, 9am – 3pm 440 NE Cherry St., Sublimity, OR

This custom-made bar was built from materials salvaged from the Beachie Creek Fire. It sold for $5,100 at the Stayton Boosters Club auction on Feb. 12. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Spring is here and that means rebirth of our yards and gardens. Along with our outside spaces, we crave something new and fresh inside our homes. Molly Mo's Spring Garden Market offers a hand-selected collection of vintage goods for your home and garden, beautifully curated to inspire and delight! Follow Molly Mo's on Facebook and lnstagram for sneak peeks and updates. Cash and cards accepted.

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RED FIR

Smashing success

Stayton Boosters auction reels in record haul By James Day

of school size. They do incredible things!”

The Stayton Boosters Club obliterated its former record for donations at its 42nd auction on Feb. 12 at The Oregon Garden.

Hot items – and that includes both weather and auction interest – were trips to tropical vacation sites. A Maui vacation sold for $6,300 with three trips to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic going to bidders for $6,000 apiece.

Auction chair Randy Forrette said “we still have a few donations coming in and waiting for the deposits to hit the bank, but we are over $180,000.” The total smashed the old record of $126,000, Forette said. “We are humbled by the community support of our work to make Stayton High School the best Class 4A school in the state,” Forrette said. “We are proud of our accomplishments so far and we know there’s still more work to be done.”

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Forrette added that “we also do a lot of work to improve the physical structures of the school, grounds cleanup, and litter cleanup in Stayton and Sublimity, benefiting the entire community.”

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Darren Shryock, the Stayton High athletic director, raves about the impact of the boosters.

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“Our boosters are huge in relation to the help they give us, be it projects or individual purchases,” Shryock said. “Every year they designate a special project at the auction. The football/soccer turf field, the baseball and softball hitting facilities, the gym upgrade, and turf for the softball field are just a few examples of how the boosters have partnered with the district to seriously upgrade our facilities. “They say ‘yes’ to virtually every request coaches make for equipment or uniforms for their programs. I would put our boosters up against any group in the state, regardless

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The most expensive physical item was a “Beachie Creek Fire Bar,” built out of materials salvaged from the 2020 fire by Jarred and Kizzy Starbuck. It drew a winning bid of $5,100. Forrette, who has served six years as auction chair or co-chair, said another crowd favorite was a knife made by Leon Adams, who has crafted 90 such knives for various charities. This year’s auction model included an image of an eagle on the handle. The Stayton Boosters Club also honored a booster member, a community member and a coach with the Eagle Excellence award. The recipients were: Boosters: James Reed. He and Sandee Reed helped start the auction in 1982, and he has been a constant supporter since then, helping fund athletic equipment, uniforms, meals, and “anything our kids need,” Forrette said. He also was a major donor to the gym update project. Community: Stacy Hollenbeck. “Stacy is an amazing booster,” Forette said. “She’s one of those people I can call when things need done, and she comes through every time.” Coach: Trisha Rutherford. The former girls tennis coach helped raise more than $20,000 to resurface the tennis courts in 2019 and “her enthusiasm for tennis helped grow our tennis teams to great numbers,” Forrette said.

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Business

House calls

Mobile Groom Room offers custom service By James Day When Eric Granado retired from law enforcement he moved to Mill City, where his family had vacationed for decades, to think about his next move. At 49 he had plenty of time for a second career, and he said he always wanted to go into business for himself. Ultimately he chose to open the Groom Room, a mobile pet grooming service. Based in Mill City, the company’s vehicle – a heavily customized and converted 21-passenger shuttle bus – roams up the Santiam Canyon, and down to Stayton and Aumsville, even to Salem. Anywhere within a 35- to 40-mile radius. His daughter and business co-owner, Mariah, has professional training in pet grooming. She handles the animals while Granado drives the truck, books clients and takes care of the administrative tasks. “I’m a good assistant,” he said. Granado said that the 1-on-1 relationship that Mariah has with the animals makes it a less stressful experience. “It’s all positive,” Granado told Our Town. “They don’t even have this service out in the Canyon. People are wanting this type of service. “And we do a great job. The dogs come out all happy and look great. We are getting really positive feedback. It’s a really neat payoff.” Open since Jan. 17, the Groom Room will handle both dogs and cats, but to date only dog owners have made appointments. The pets receive a massaging bath, a complete dry, get their nails clipped, their ears cleaned, hot spots and dry skin attended to and leave with cologne and a bandana. Granado proudly shows off the interior of the customied grooming truck, which includes a lift to get the animals – some of whom weigh more than 100 pounds – to tub level, a high-tech washing and shampooing system and a clipper contraption that vacuums up the hair as it trims. “We give our groomer all the tools to do the business safely for the dogs,”

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Serving Americans andyours” Veterans “Ourproud family serving with caskets. The area’s only American-made locally-owned and owner-operated funeral home Mariah Granado and friends in The Groom Room’s mobile pet grooming truck. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Granado said. “All of our shampoos are biodegradable.” The well-stocked supply chest in the truck even includes a de-skunking compound.

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Glenn has personally served the community for over 30 years. Glenn has personally served the community for over 29 years. – Locally-owned and owner-operated funeral home –

Granado says that many groomers will handle six dogs per day, but the Room Groom tops out at four. “That extra dog or two can squeeze it,” he said of the scheduling challenges. “We take our time on it.”

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Granado says the company “already is building up a lot of clientele,” mainly via social media and word of mouth. “Word of mouth is a big one,” he said, “and we also offer $25 off if you refer us to someone, and the other party gets $15 off.” He’s also business setting up the business for expansion. Granado is arranging for a custom-built grooming trailer that would double the company’s capacity. Granado said he is thinking about expanding into horses, but he isn’t sure yet if they will take the plunge. “Horses take a lot longer,” he said. The Groom Room’s mobile pet service can be reached at 541-801-0447 or groomroomllc.net.

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March 2022 • 15

Sports & Recreation

Starting fast

Regis wrestlers shine in first year under new coach

The Regis High wrestling team crowned a pair of district champions and finished third in the Class 2A-1A district meet Feb. 19 at Neah-KahNie High in Rockaway Beach.

(220) took seconds, Bart Perlichek (152) was third and Payton Burlingame (113) was fourth. Mauro Michel (132) and Eli Howard (138) captured district titles for Stayton, with Connor Hollenbeck (170) and Conrad Baxter (120) taking thirds and Wyatt Hooper (120) and Jason Ritchie (160) finishing fourth.

The Rams, in their first year of wrestling under coach Chris Bischoff, scored 138 points in the district meet, trailing only champion Toledo (203) and Vernonia (196). Regis claimed two champions, with both Lucas Bischoff (160) and Thomas Bischoff (170) winning via first-round pins in their respective finals.

The 4A state meet took place at Cascade after Our Town’s presstime. See the Our Town Santiam Facebook page for a report.

Mark Nusom (182) and Cameron Diacetis (220) finished 2nd for Regis, with Noah Emch (195) taking third while defeating teammate Logan Kirsch in the match for third place. Gavyn Andall (285) was fifth for Regis.

Swimming: The Stayton girls squad took fifth in the team race at the Class 4A state meet at the Tualatin Hills Aquatic Center in Beaverton. The Eagles posted 15 points while scoring in 4 events.

The Rams participated in the Class 2A-1A state tournament on Saturday, Feb. 26 at Culver after Our Town’s presstime. Cascade, meanwhile, took second in the Class 4A district meet in Florence. The Cougars scored 228.5 points, trailing only perennial powerhouse Sweet Home (428). Stayton was 6th with 150.5.

Caitlyn Martinak took fifth in the 100 free in 58.07 and sixth in the 50 free in 26.37. Stayton also took fourth in a pair of relays, with Martinak, Avery Mannix, Liberty Wiseman and Ashley Rea swimming 2:03.21 in the 200 medley and Martinak, Rea, Bethany Wagar and Mannix teaming up for a 1:48.81 in the 200 free.

Cascade claimed one individual champion, Lance Van Hoose at 182 pounds, while Teagan Allen (285) and Tucker Melton

Cascade’s girls, meanwhile, scored 5 points, with Brylee Sylverson taking 4th in the 100 breast in 1:11.56 and fifth in

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Football: The OSAA has instituted a significant change in how it manages football. Effective this fall, Class 2A will play 9-man football, instead of 11-man. OSAA set up a special committee which held five meetings before settling on the change.

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Round of 16 pairings will depend upon who wins the play-in games, but both Cascade squads know when they will be playing. The No. 2 boys, who tied Philomath for the Oregon West title, will host a game March 4, while the 2nd-ranked girls, who finished behind No. 1 Philomath in the league race, play March 5.

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Stayton’s boys and girls squads, meanwhile, must win twice to make it to the state tournament in Forest Grove. Both squads finished third in the Oregon West Conference at 8-4, with all 4 losses to Philomath and Cascade. The girls, who are ranked 7th, hosted Cottage Grove on Feb. 25, while the 8th-ranked boys entertained McLoughlin on Feb. 26.

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Basketball: Stayton-area teams were battling for possible state tournament berths as Our Town went to press. The Regis boys, 21-6, who surprised Jefferson in the Central Valley Conference playoffs, hosted Mannahouse Christian on Feb. 25 with a spot in the March 3 2A quarterfinals in Pendleton on the line.

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Sports Datebook Monday, March 14 The key factors in the new rules, the OSAA said, were concerns about declining numbers and squad size, and player safety. Regis and Santiam will continue to play in the Class 2A Tri-River Conference, linked with foes Blanchet, Chemawa, Colton, Culver, Gervais and Willamina. Perennial Tri-River and state power Kennedy, which has appeared in the state title game 4 times since 2015, will move up to Class 3A and continue to play 11-man. Stayton and Cascade will face some new foes, based on the special football district configurations that were released along with the 9-man decision. The Eagles and Cougars will play in a new 7-team Oregon West, with Cottage Grove, Junction City, Marist, Philomath and Sweet Home. Stayton and Cascade’s “regular district” includes Newport, North Marion, Philomath and Sweet Home, but Newport and North Marion are playing down at Class 3A for football only.

Thursday, March 17

Baseball 4:30 p.m. Regis vs Scio

Girls Tennis 4 p.m. Stayton vs Valley Catholic Boys Tennis 4 p.m. Cascade vs Marist Catholic

Tuesday, March 15

Girls Tennis 4 p.m. Cascade vs Blanchet Catholic Baseball 4:30 p.m. Stayton vs Banks

Wednesday, March 16 Boys Tennis 4 p.m. Stayton vs Blanchet Catholic

“Having more teams in the league sure makes scheduling easier,” said Stayton athletic director Darren Shryock. “We will welcome Marist, Cottage Grove and Junction City with open arms. I still find it weird that our football league is completely different from all of our other sports, but that is the decision and we’ll roll with it. It will be a very competitive league. Making the playoffs (top three) will be a challenge.”

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Friday, March 18

Wednesday, March 30

Monday, March 28

Thursday, March 31

Baseball 5 p.m. Stayton vs Gladstone

Baseball 3 p.m. Stayton vs Newport Softball 4:30 p.m. Stayton vs Newport

Softball 4:30 p.m. Stayton vs Valley Catholic 4:30 p.m. Cascade vs Marist Catholic

Tuesday, March 29

Baseball 4:30 p.m. Cascade vs Marist Catholic

Baseball 4:30 p.m. Regis vs Oakridge

Baseball 4:30 p.m. Cascade vs Philomath

Baseball 3 p.m. Stayton vs Newport Girls Tennis 4 p.m. Stayton vs Estacada Softball 4:30 p.m. Stayton vs Cascade

Girls Tennis 4 p.m. Cascade vs Dallas

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March 2022 • 17

A Grin at the End

1. Name one U.S. territory. 2. Name one of the two longest rivers in the United States.

For two years, I taught a class in a church basement getting folks ready to take the citizenship test and helping them polish their English skills.

3. During the Cold War, what was the main concern of the United States?

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These were not the hardest questions. For example, I could have asked you to name your U.S. representative. Or to name two of the Cabinet members. Or which territory I was born in. Just kidding. Only my wife and kids know that answer. So are you ready to be a U.S. citizen? Carl Sampson is a freelance editor and writer. He lives in Stayton.

1. Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, Guam.

I know a little about that test. It is made up of 100 questions given to immigrants who apply to become U.S. citizens. During the citizenship interview, they are asked ten of the questions.

10. What is one promise you make when you become a United States citizen?

2. The Missouri and the Mississippi Rivers.

Just for kicks, let’s take a look at some of the questions and see how well you do. Hopefully, readers of this column are better informed than the general population. (The answers appear at right.) You have to get six out of ten answers correct to be eligible to become a U.S. citizen.

9. The Federalist Papers supported passage of the U.S. Constitution. Name one of the writers.

3. Communism.

That’s depressing. To not have a basic understanding of what makes our country tick means many of us are just making it up as we go. Not good.

8. Before he was President, Eisenhower was a general. What war was he in?

4 . Woodrow Wilson.

The test is easy. It is a basic history, geography and civics test about the good old United States of America. A typical middle school student should be able to pass it with flying colors.

5. Fought for women’s and civil rights.

7. What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803?

I was reading the results of a national survey. It found that, in 49 states, less than half of the adults could pass the U.S. Citizenship Test. Only in Vermont did more than half of the respondents – 53% – pass the test.

6. War of 1812, Mexican-American War, Civil War, Spanish-American War.

6. Name one war fought by the United States in the 1800s.

7. The Louisiana Territory.

5. What did Susan B. Anthony do?

Flip for answers:

8. World War II.

4. Who was President during World War I?

9. James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, “Publius” (look it up).

I was reading The Wall Street Journal the other day and my heart sank. No, I wasn’t looking at my mutual funds and how they have fallen through the floorboards in the last couple of months. That’s a whole other column.

Just get six right 10. Give up loyalty to other countries, defend the Constitution and laws of the United States, obey the laws of the United States, serve in the U.S. military (if needed), serve (do important work for) the nation (if needed), be loyal to the United States.

Are you ready to be a citizen?

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March 2022 • 19

TULIP SALE APRIL 13TH–15TH 9am–5pm

Main Lobby of Santiam Hospital 1401 N. 10th Ave., Stayton santiamhospital.org

Proceeds beneﬁt the Santiam Hospital & Clinics Auxiliary Scholarship Program, and fund the purchase of needed items for various Santiam Hospital & Clinics departments.

20 • March 2022

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