Our Town South: April 1, 2023

2340 Martin Drive #104, Stayton 503-769-9525

ourtown@mtangelpub.com

www.ourtownlive.com

The deadline for placing an ad in the May 1 issue is April 20.

Calendar listings are free for community events. Submissions must include date, time, location and cost. Submissions for the May 1 issue are due April 20. 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 $40 annually

Learn about local resources and register your preschooler or kindergartener for school.

Santiam Center

11656 Sublimity Road SE, Sublimity Saturday, April 22, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Free. Info: https://bit.ly/Kfest23

For information about booth registration or to volunteer contact Tiffany Gallagher at tgallagher@ earlylearninghub.org

Kinderfest

Event helps parents prepare for school

By Melissa Wagoner

The first ever Santiam Kinderfest is coming to the Santiam Center in Sublimity on April 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. thanks to the Marion and Polk Early Learning Hub – a nonprofit that supports “families and children in early childhood education and development.”

“We have for many years wanted to engage the community in the canyon in a different way,” Tiffany Gallagher, the Parent Education and Family Engagement Coordinator, said. She described Kinderfest as “a way for us to get to know the community and promote early [school] registration.”

It’s also a way for families – especially those with young children – to find out more about local community resources and the different schools available to them.

“We’re working with all of the elementary schools to hopefully have a table,” Gallagher said. “We’ll also have some preschool focus. The idea is to have families get to know their schools.”

Kinderfest will be able to help with registration in the North Santiam, Santiam Canyon and Cascade school districts. Also present will be organizations like WIC, the Oregon Department of Human Services, local food banks and public libraries with the goal of helping families discover “how they can be really successful and who to turn to when there are challenges.”

Free, the event will also provide refreshments, giveaways and a drawing for a bike or gardening kit.

“This is our first Kinderfest and we’re hoping it’ll be a success,” Gallagher said.

Santiam Kinderfest

One challenger in school district race

By James Day & Stephen Floyd

Amy McKenzie Watts is challenging incumbent board vice-chair Erin Cramer for the Position 2, Zone 2 slot in the North Santiam School District.

Three other incumbents are running unopposed in the May 16 election: Mike Wagner (Position 4, Zone 3), Mark Henderson (Position 5, At-large No. 1) and Coral Ford (Position 6, Zone 2).

Three other board members, Chair Alisha Oliver (Position 7, At-Large No. 2), Laura Wipper (Position 3, Zone 2) and Mackenzie Strawn (Position 1, Zone 1), do not face the voters until 2025.

Cramer, who has served on the board since 2019, is the director of medical clinics at Santiam Hospital. Watts is a web designer and former sixth grade teacher at an outdoor science school in California. She also has served on the Stayton Planning Commission.

Election Dates

April 17: Out of state ballots are mailed April 25: The last day to register to vote

April 26: When local ballots are mailed

May 16: Election Day

Aumsville Rural Fire Protection District: Joshua Phillis (Position 1), Wayne Kuhl (Position 4) and Odas Coleman are running unopposed for the three seats on the ballot.

Stayton Fire District: Incumbent directors Michael Odenthal and Russ Strohmeyer have filed for re-election for Positions 2 and 3, respectively. They are the lone positions on the ballot for the five-member board.

Sublimity Rural Fire Protection District: Tyler Butenschoen (Position 1), James Heater (Position 2) and Ralph Fisher (Position 3) are running unopposed for the three seats on the ballot.

County OKs new west side artery

By Stephen Floyd

The Marion County Board of Commissioners has passed an ordinance expanding Sublimity’s Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) to allow for a new main road on the city’s west side.

During their March 1 meeting, commissioners ratified a September 2022 decision by the Sublimity City Council to expand the UGB by 7.2 acres to allow construction of a second north-south main road.

Board Chair Colm Willis said this was an overdue step toward realizing the city’s long-term development goals, and due to a “quirk” in state law was not finalized until now.

In 1998, the potential road was identified in the Sublimity Transportation System Plan as a means to increase safety and serviceability of the west side of town. Willis said this plan was approved without a corresponding extension of the city’s right of way. The UGB expansion will allow for this extension.

“This is super important to the city,” said Willis. “If this doesn’t happen, then they can’t develop the west side.”

Commissioner Kevin Cameron said the new road would be a win-win for the city and county. “By doing this we’re going to create potential tax revenue for the county.”

The city first approved UGB expansion Sept. 12, 2022, after public hearings held by the city council and planning commission. The proposed expansion would allow a new north-south road to be constructed parallel to South Center Street from NW Starr to just south of SW 9th.

Revised Industrial farm bill scaled back in proposed amendment

By Stephen Floyd

A bill that would impose a moratorium on new industrial agriculture in Oregon is being scaled back to focus only on poultry farms for a limited time, causing concern for some local activists.

House Bill 2667 originally proposed a moratorium on new and renewed permits for confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) as lawmakers considered the need for tighter regulations.

The bill was not progressing through committee and on March 6 lawmakers proposed combining it with Senate Bill 85, which would direct state regulators to study the impacts of CAFOs.

A proposed amendment to SB 85 submitted March 20 by Sen. Jeff Golden (D-Ashland) would limit the moratorium to chicken, turkey and duck farms, and the restrictions would sunset June 30, 2025. The amendment was the subject of a public hearing March 22 before the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and is expected to be discussed April 3

during a committee work session.

HB 2667 died in committee after no action was taken by a March 17 deadline to advance the bill. Related Senate Bill 399, which would have limited stock water exemptions for large farms, also did not advance.

Farmers Against Foster Farms (FAFF), a community activist group based out of Scio, said the amendment would not go far enough to mitigate the alleged public health risks of CAFOs. The group was organized in 2021 in opposition to three proposed chicken ranches in the area that would generate a combined 12.5 million broiler chickens annually for Foster Farms.

In an email to supporters March 21, FAFF said a 2025 sunset on the moratorium would not give lawmakers enough time to consider appropriate regulations. They also expressed concerns that the moratorium would apply only to “Tier 2” farms, representing the largest poultry CAFOs in Oregon.

A Tier 2 broiler farm would raise at least 350,000 chickens at a time. The three local ranches would raise six flocks per year ranging between 550,000 and 750,000 birds per flock.

FAFF encouraged supporters to speak in favor of the March 6 amendment to SB 85, which had a sunset date of June 30, 2031, and would apply to all varieties of livestock. This first amendment would still only apply to Tier 2 CAFOs.

“Should the (March 20) amendments be moved forward instead of the (March 6), we have every reason to believe that the poultry operations in our community could break ground as soon as they have their permits and build facilities to house up to 350,000 birds and then wait out the moratorium to expire and continue to expand,” said FAFF. “If passed, this moratorium would only be for about 18 months when all is said and done, which does not allow for the state to pass adequate rules. This is not enough protection for our community.”

Though the March 20 amendment would tone down the impacts of SB 85, opponents of the bill say this does not address their concerns and the entire legislation should be scrapped. Rep. Jami Cate (R-Lebanon), whose district includes Scio, told Our Town that concerns about the health risks of poultry CAFOs are baseless.

“We have had chicken farms each raising millions of chickens a year for decades in the PNW,” said Cate. “This scale of operations is not new, but has been completely unnoticed by our communities for generations – because they haven’t caused problems. There are no facts to indicate that track record will be changed by the proposed chicken farms in the Scio area.”

Cate said SB 85 stands to cripple agriculture and the proposed amendments do not change this overall impact, so she remains opposed to the bill.

Helping Hands

Upward Bound Community plans track in Gates

By Mary Owen

Upward Bound Camp invites interested community members to participate in planning a Field of Dreams for all to enjoy.

“We are gathering local folks to discuss the impact of having a track and field available to the community, how it could be utilized, and what it will look like,” said Diane Turnbull, UBC executive director. “As part of the rebuild of UBC at the Old Gates School, post fires, we are planning to open our facilities to the local communities of Gates, Mill City and beyond.”

The Old Gates School Track and Field of Dreams project, alongside the camp rebuild and the restoration of the Old Gates Schoolhouse, are essential pieces in UBC’s community engagement strategy, Turnbull said.

“Our master plan includes a splash pad and a new gymnasium, both of which would be open to community members during weekends in the summer as well as in the offseason,” she said.

In February, Turnbull said UBC contracted with Michael Bergmann, former Nike employee and founder of IncubatorU Consulting. Bergmann is spearheading track and field projects in rural areas.

“My brother, Dave Turnbull, is the track coach at Summit High School in Bend, and he heard about Michael’s work

building a track in Maupin,” she said. “Dave contacted Michael about our track here at the school/camp and now it is happening!”

Over the course of his 30-plus years at Nike, Bergmann spends his time turning challenges into opportunities. He is dedicated to impacting organizations and communities by helping them to “transform their teams and create exponential success,” according to online information.

Founded in 2014, IncubatorU values freedom, diversity, innovation, empowerment, education, belonging and sustainability.

As well as the new track, UBC’s vision for the future includes providing a place to gather, build community, celebrate, attract tourism engagement, and host community programming and events.

A planning session for the Field of Dreams part of the restoration project will be held 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on April 14 at UBC, 40151 Gates School Road in Gates. A working lunch will be included.

To participate or for more information, call 503-897-2447 or contact Turnbull at Diane.Turnbull@upwardboundcamp.or.

Auxiliary on hunt for newspaper clippings

The Santiam Hospital Auxiliary is seeking any newspaper clippings from newspapers that mention Santiam Hospital. The hospital was opened as Santiam Memorial Hospital in 1953. The auxiliary has an ongoing project to organize and complete the archive of the hospital’s history; all eras of clippings are welcomed.

Please send to Santiam Hospital, 1401 N. Tenth Ave., Stayton, Oregon  97383, attn: Zuzana Holcova.

Copies of the submissions will be made and the originals immediately returned by mail. Include a return address with the submission.

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Something for the Soul Francis House Fr. Marquez seeks support for Colombian girls school

By Melissa Wagoner

When Pope Francis, while touring the Middle East in 2018, called on “all people of good will” to open their churches, buildings and hearts to those in need – especially the children – it felt to Father Raul Marquez as though the Pope was speaking directly to him.

Born in Colombia, Father Marquez was raised by a mother who worked seven days a week to provide for the family. And while he began attending school at the age of six, with “very little supervision and support at home” he struggled to advance.

“My mother started looking for a boarding school for me and found one where I could live Monday through Friday and go to school while receiving the support I needed to study,” Father Marquez recalled. “At this boarding school I had food, board and adult supervision. As a result, I was able to improve my school performance, graduated from high school and [college], and finally join the seminary.”

Which is why, when Father Marquez heard

the Pope’s words, it was the creation of a school, not so different from the one he had attended in Colombia, that sprang to mind.

“I am convinced that education is a right of each child,” he wrote on the school’s website. “Along with providing an education for our children, we also must provide the right environment for them to be able to learn. When families cannot provide that environment because of their lack of resources, we are called to help them. Francis House will provide the spiritual, emotional and economic support to 12 little girls for them to succeed.”

But it cannot provide those benefits for free, which is why on April 15 from 4 to 10 p.m. at St. Peter Catholic Church – where Father Marquez is Pastor – he will hold the Francis House Gala, a “red carpet charity dinner” and silent auction.

“Or if they want to they can support by donation,” DeeAnne Aboud, a friend and former parishioner helping advertise the event, said. “Because the day of the Gala is also Padre’s birthday.

Francis House Gala

Charity event supporting Francis House, a girls boarding in Colombia.

St. Peter Catholic Church

5905 S.E. 87th Ave., Portland

Saturday, April 15, 4 to 10 p.m.

Tickets $100, call 503-777-3321

Donations: mail to St. Peter’s with “Francis House” in the memo line or made at www.stpeterpdx.org/church

Acquainted with Father Marquez since 2010 when he was given his first assignment as Parochial Vicar of Immaculate Conception in Stayton – where she attends – Aboud has made it her work to support the Francis House mission.

“The circle of love that is involved here… it gives me goosebumps,” Aboud said. “Just think of the impact he will make with Francis House.”

It’s an impact that’s already underway with

12 students, aged six to nine, currently attending the little blue school.

Like eight year old Liz Guadalupe – the youngest of eight children – who, before coming to Francis House, lived in a social housing project with her mother, her brother and an infant nephew “in conditions of extreme poverty” with “food shortages and lack of the basic needs”.

“Two of her oldest sisters are already living in a house for poor girls outside the city…” a biography of Liz listed on the school’s website reads. “Her mother is the only economic provider for the family doing laundry for people who hire her from time to time.”

It’s a story not so far from that of Father Marquez’s own and why Francis House –and its continued support – is a venture close to his heart.

“The dream is that each of these girls will benefit from all our efforts providing them a safe home where they can be children and experience the love and care of God,” he wrote.

Murder case dismissed

By Stephen Floyd

A murder case against a Stayton man accused of shooting his aunt to death in 2021 has been dismissed after prosecutors decided they could not gain a conviction.

Brian “Charles” Schaefer, 41, was scheduled to stand trial March 27 in Marion County Circuit Court on charges of second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon. On Feb. 23, the Marion County District Attorney’s Office asked that the charges be dismissed because they could not prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.

“Further investigation reveals it would be in the interest of justice that said action be dismissed,” said the prosecution’s motion for dismissal. Schaefer was arrested Jan. 10, 2021, following the shooting death of aunt Karen Schaefer, 71, at a home they shared on the 300 block of W. Water St., in Stayton.

With the charges dismissed, Schaefer has no other cases pending in Oregon.

Arson case dismissed

Allegations of arson have been dropped against a Lyons man accused of burning down his neighbor’s home after the 2020 wildfires, though a related civil suit remains pending.

On Feb. 28, the Marion County District Attorney’s Office requested dismissal of charges against William “Dale” Hopson, 50, after prosecutors determined they could not achieve a conviction.

Hopson was charged after the home of his neighbors, Connie and Herman Frieden, burned down Sept. 9, 2020, along North Fork Road. This was just two days after the Beachie Creek and Lionshead fires devastated the region.

“In this case, it became clear that the state would not be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Dale Hopson committed the crime of arson, so it would have been unjust to continue the prosecution,” said Deputy District Attorney David Wilson.

- Stephen Floyd

Serial offender gets ten more years in prison

By Stephen Floyd

A Gates man has been sentenced to ten additional years in prison after violating the terms of Linn County Drug Court in multiple cases.

Billy Raymond Edge, 32, was sentenced March 1 in Linn County Circuit Court to 122 months in prison, to be served in addition to three years already imposed in a Wasco County case.

The sentence included convictions in eight separate Linn County cases involving vehicle theft, burglary, trespassing and similar property crimes since 2021. His most recent cases included the theft of four separate vehicles in Mill City and Lyons during October of 2021.

Edge was convicted in Wasco County Circuit Court Dec. 28, 2022, of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and sentenced to three years in prison. He still has outstanding cases in Polk and Marion counties.

Do you consider yourself a gardener?

What kind of gardener are you?

Are you a person who appreciates the visual, culinary or functional gardening that nature and plant people provide, or are you one of the plant people?

Studies all around the world reveal that people who garden generally live longer than those who do not.

Gardeners develop a healthy lifestyle. While providing for plant needs they provide for their own needs, physically and mentally.

Gardeners get more exercise (most of the year), enjoy the oxygenated outdoor air, and eat better with fresh nutritious foods. They spend less money on groceries and add fresh quality foods to their diets. There is peace of mind knowing where and how the food is grown.

Gardening provides mental health benefits. When plants actually grow according to plan there is a sense of accomplishment. A homegrown tomato always tastes better than the hydroponic tomato shipped from far away. There is comfort in knowing the food was grown safely with no or minimal chemicals. There is security in having food available when the family is hungry.

Planning a garden not only exercises the brain’s decision-making ability, but allows the gardener to create a sense of order in a chaotic world.

Garden design is a creative process. Garden maintenance is a problem-solving process. The world in a garden is a peaceful place to meditate or let the mind wander. A gardener’s mind sharpens while observing the intricacies of nature: growth, interaction of plants and insects or animals, daily changes, effects of weather and more. Just sitting on a stump or stool, watching natural life happen brings basic satisfaction and relaxation.

A gardener becomes a botanist, an entomologist, and a meteorologist.

Gardening is a lifelong learning activity, constantly beginning again, with new challenges every season.

Social interaction is enriched when friends or family garden together. There is little to argue about and a lot to feel proud of. Sharing the results of a pleasant environment or nutritious home-

grown meal brings happiness and a feeling of accomplishment that encourages positive relationships.

What kind of gardener will you be?

Hobby, leisure, culinary or financially frugal? Yard maintenance for neighborhood pride? Indoor, outdoor, front yard, back yard? Community, family or solitary?

Flowers, shrubs, trees, vegetables, fruits, perennials, annuals, houseplants or combination? Full landscape or a dedicated space? Sustainable, native natural areas, artistic design, manicured?

Are you a planner, supervisor, worker? Do all your own work or have help?

Don’t have time to garden? How are you using your time now? Is there any advantage if you substitute gardening for some other (in) activity in your life? Is there more value in exercising the body and mind in a garden or sitting unproductively?

Greenhouses open to the public April, May and June.

fesslernursery.com

Grower direct quality at great prices!

Specializing in hanging baskets, fuchsias, annual bedding plants, and houseplants.

Hours: April and May M-Sat 9-5, Sundays 10-4.

June hours: M-F 9-4 Sat 9-3 Closed Sundays

By Diane Hyde, OSU Master Gardener

Shop Local!

12666 Monitor McKee Rd. NE • Woodburn, OR (Just outside of Mt. Angel)

Wondering what plants to add to your garden landscape? There is an Oregon State University Botany and Plant Pathology website (and books) that lists all known Oregon plants. It is tied into the herbarium at OSU and herbarium across the nation to provide complete information about plants in an easy-tosearch format: oregonflora.org

There is a Grow Natives resource to help us choose the right plant for a beautiful and truly Oregon landscape. We can search for plant pictures and descriptions by where we live, size, sunlight, flowers, foliage, ease of growth, size and even wildlife support. Pull-down menus allow us to select the qualities we want, then a page-full of pictures pops up for more specific information on plants that meet our needs.

There is a plant ID tool that makes it easy to find out what a mystery plant might be. A map pops up to indicate a radius where the plant was seen, then all the native plants known to be in that area appear on the screen to compare. More specific information, like plant family narrows down the field of choices, then recognizable characteristics can be selected to narrow down the possibilities further. Profile pages of plants, with pictures and descriptions, are available to compare known plants with what was seen. A plant finder tool also has a map to look for a native habitat of a specific plant.

An exploration section looks into the OSU herbarium collection of plants, mosses, lichens, algae and fungi. Just type a plant name into the comprehensive guide search line and images from Oregon

State, University of Oregon Willamette University digitized collections appear. There is cross-reference for plants that may have multiple names. Again, profile pages of selected plants provide all the information the researchers can provide. There is a resource page with links to OSU plant and weed identification service, Oregon Department of Agriculture weeds and weedmapper, the ODA plant conservation site and Mountain Plants of the Western Cascades and Oregon imapinvasives. On a national level, there are links to USDA PLANTS database, US Forest Service Region 6 Plants, Consortium of Pacific Northwest Herbaria and Flora of North America eFlora. There are links to native plant societies in several states, and sites for information about gardening with native plants. Publications with lists and descriptions of plants are listed and linked from universities, public and private organizations, and recommended authors. Beautifully illustrated hard copy books of Oregon Flora volumes 1 and 2 are available for ordering, at a bargain price of $75 and $85 each, respectively. Volume 3 is currently in process and donations for its development are gladly accepted. The entire project is funded by grants, donations and book sales. If you have a computer or smart phone, all the data is available online, but the books are truly works of art that can provide a plant person hundreds of hours of entertainment. Not to mention all the information!

Looking for a special plant, something you saw on a nature walk, or ideas for landscaping with plants adapted and native to our area? Check out oregonflora.org.

OSU Gardener’s April Chores

Planning

Write in your garden journal throughout the growing season.

Prepare garden soil for spring planting. Incorporate generous amounts of organic materials and other amendments, using the results of a soil analysis as a guide.

Prepare raised beds in areas where cold soils and poor drainage are a continuing problem. Incorporate generous amounts (at least 2 inches) of organic materials. Use a soil thermometer to help you know when to plant vegetables. When the soil is consistently above 60 degrees Fahrenheit, some warm season vegetables (beans, sweet corn) can be planted.

Maintenance and cleanup

Allow foliage of spring-flowering bulbs to brown and die down before removing.

Apply commercial fertilizers, manure or compost to cane, bush (gooseberries, currants, and blueberries), and trailing berries.

Place compost or decomposed manure around perennial vegetables, such as asparagus and rhubarb.

Cut back ornamental grasses to a few inches above the ground.

Cover transplants to protect against late spring frosts.

This is an optimum time to fertilize lawns. Apply 1 pound nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn. Reduce risks of runoff into local waterways by not fertilizing just prior to rain, and not overirrigating so that water runs off the lawn and onto the sidewalk or street.

De-thatch and renovate lawns.

If moss has been a problem, scratch the surface before seeding with perennial ryegrass.

Prune and shape or thin springblooming shrubs and trees after blossoms fade.

Planting and propagation

Plant gladioli, hardy transplants of alyssum, phlox and marigolds, if weather and soil conditions permit.

It’s a great time to start a vegetable garden. Among the vegetables you can plant, consider: Broccoli, Brussels

sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, chard, chives, endive, leeks, lettuce, peas, radishes, rhubarb, rutabagas, spinach and turnips.

Pest monitoring and management

Use chemical controls only when necessary and only after thoroughly reading the pesticide label. First consider cultural, then physical and biological controls. Choose the least-toxic options, and use them judiciously. Some examples include insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils, botanical insecticides, and organic and synthetic pesticides. Clean up hiding places for slugs sowbugs and millipedes. Least toxic management options for slugs include barriers and traps. Baits are also available for slug control; use caution around pets. Read and follow all label directions prior to using baits or any other chemical control.

Monitor strawberries for spittlebugs and aphids; if present, wash off with water or use insecticidal soap as a contact spray. Follow label directions.

If necessary, spray apples and pears when buds appear for scab

Cut and remove weeds

Weed seedlings are vulnerable to hoeing, hand pulling or rototilling. Mature weeds are more difficult to remove. Weed early and often near the garden to remove potential sources of plant disease.

Use floating row covers to keep insects such as beet leaf miners, cabbage maggot adult flies, and carrot rust flies away from susceptible crops.

Help prevent damping off of seedlings by providing adequate ventilation.

Manage weeds while they are small and actively growing with light cultivation or herbicides. Once the weed has gone to bud, herbicides are less effective.

Spray stone fruits such as cherries, plums, peaches and apricots, for brown rot blossom blight, if necessary, such as cherries, plums, peaches and apricots, for brown rot blossom blight, if necessary.

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By Diane Hyde, OSU Master Gardener

“Why hasn’t my tree recovered from last year’s heat wave?” For some damaged or traumatized trees and shrubs is takes years to die, just like a neglected cactus plant.

Our plant hardiness zones have changed. Our minimum extreme temperatures have risen over the last 30-year average.

There are not many studies to determine heat tolerance models for plants. What’s a plant to do when the pace of warming has spiked the last few years?

Higher summer temperatures have effects on plants, including those in our vegetable gardens. Cucumbers, peppers and tomatoes can get sunburn at temperatures over 104 degree F, apples over 125 degrees F in direct sun.

Some, like corn and tomatoes, may not set fruit over 92 degrees F. Greens, like spinach and lettuce, will bolt and go to seed at 90 degrees F, and will likely not survive. For most plants growth rates slow dramatically over 95 degrees F.

Moisture stress occurs during hot weather. Plants need to uptake more moisture from the soil to keep leaves and stems from wilting – even trees. Watering the soil deeply to root zone is important for plant survival in summer.

Mycorrhizal relationships with plants are effected by moisture content of the soil, too. With moisture present, organic matter converts to nutrients faster. Without moisture, friendly fungi may not be able to function in the soil.

Even with lots of rainfall stream flows are lower. Water will become limited and more expensive. More efficient irrigation systems, more composting and use of cover crops will be increasingly important.

Our local growing season has increased by 16 days with earlier last frost and later first frost. We may have

to adapt our tastes to cold-hardy, early spring/early fall vegetables and heat-hardy summer vegetables that originate from tropical zones.

How can we compensate for dryer summers? OSU is experimenting with dry farming of garlic, rhubarb, winter squash, tomatoes, potatoes, peppers and dry beans. More information is available at http://extension.oregonstate.edu.

As gardeners, we can prepare by starting vegetables earlier, growing our own transplants (versus lesspredictable direct seeding) and planning for shorter rotation time of crops.

Weeds must be kept out of the growing area so they do not steal the available moisture. We may need to let lawns go dormant to use the water for food crops and special trees or shrubs.

Besides drip irrigation, mulching, row covers and shade cloths, we may need to use windbreaks, cold frames and greenhouses to protect plants from heat and cold. Soil thermometers and moisture meters are useful tools for assessing conditions for plant growth.

Grouping perennial plants by water requirements and replacing ailing perennials with those more adapted to dry summers and wet winters – think Mediterranean –makes sense for water zone planning. Perhaps we should take a cue from some innovative Mediterranean farmers, using head lamps to garden in the cool of evening and early morning, sleeping mid-day when it’s hot. Afternoon naps can actually be energizing.

Because short-term weather is becoming less predictable, and predictions less reliable, we will lose some and win some. We can win more, and help plants survive, by planning and preparing shelter from hot summer sun and good winter drainage. We need to plan to protect gardeners, too, becoming alert to heat stress symptoms on humans.

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“I Was There!”

There was a movie in the theaters recently called The Jesus Revolution tells the story of how millions of young people in my generation turned from their hippie way of life to become Jesus People in the early 1970s.

As my dear wife, Bonnie and I sat there in the dark theater watching the story unfold, it brought back vivid memories from my own life. You see, I was there! I was living as a singer/song-writing troubadour and terrarium enthusiast in Laguna Beach, CA, just South of Costa Mesa where it was all happening.

I was 19, sitting on a rock out on the beach, looking out to sea and trying to write a new song for my restaurant gig as a troubadour when two young men, who looked a lot like me, walked up and said, “Hey, man! That’s a far out guitar. Do you know Jesus?”

I said, “Thanks, man. Yeah, its pretty cool. But I know all I want to know about Jesus. My mom is really into church back in Ohio. I’m not into that. I kind of believe in a little bit of all the different religions, you know?”

“That’s great, man.” They said, “All religions, even a lot of Christianity, are just people trying to find their way to God. But Jesus is different. He’s all about searching for people to rescue them from having to go to hell when they die. Jesus is God the Son, man. None of the other religions have that.”

“Well,” I said, “I know all about that. I grew up going to a Baptist church every Sunday. It was terrible and I hated it. And I must have gone to Vacation Bible School every summer. I think I prayed the Sinner’s Prayer, like 5 times. But it never worked.”

“How did you get out here, man?” The other guy asked.

“I ran away from home as soon as I could.” I said.”I was getting beaten up by redneck hillbillies in Miamisburg, Ohio. Every time I showed my face the jumped me. They hated me because I was against the War in Nam and I wrote love songs that their chicks really dug. I even got hit on the side of the head with a tire iron once. That was it. I just left town and never looked back.”

“Wow! That’s heavy, man.” He said, and we all nodded silently in agreement.

“So, what are you doing now?” The first guy asked. “It sounds like you’re pretty good on the guitar. We could hear you singing from way up there.”

“I’m okay.” I said. “I write all my own songs and play for tips as a troubadour at the Old

By Gregg Harris

They looked at one another like they were saying, “Yep, that’s the problem.”

“Well, a lot of people have been saved while praying that Sinner’s Prayer” he said, “but not because of it. It’s more of a distraction than anything else. The whole point of getting saved is to come back to God and trust in Jesus to save you from the punishment your sins deserve. That ‘repeat after me’ stuff can get in the way of what’s really important. It makes it seem like it’s all about what you’re saying and not about what’s happening in your heart.”

“Okay” I said, “I think I see what you mean. I was thinking it was some kind of magical incantation or something, like saying, ‘Abracadabra! Now you’re saved.’”

“Yeah.” They both nodded, “It’s not like that at all. It’s the cry of your heart to know God though His Son, Jesus. It’s like, faith.”

to save our souls from death and hell. Isn’t that cool? And it worked! When Jesus rose from the dead, the arms of God opened wide and it was like He said ‘Come to Daddy!’”

I laughed. The thought of God wanting to give me a hug was just crazy. But something deep inside me trembled. They were both looking at me like they were expecting me to drop to my knees. But I just nodded.

“I never thought of it like that before.” I said. “You guys are really cool Jesus Freaks.”

“Yes!” They said. Their enthusiasm was amazing. “And we want you to be one too.”

“I’ll have to think about it.” I said.

“You do that, man.” The first guy said. “And pray about it, too. Just ask Jesus to forgive you. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you. Ask Him to give you the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit will guide you into the truth, man.”

Brussels Restaurant

They don’t pay me anything, but I make good tips and I get a free meal at the end of each night from whatever they have left in the kitchen.”

I

“That’s cool!” The other guy said and we all nodded in agreement again.

“Well, we’re down here to tell people about Jesus.” The first guy said. “We just got saved and filled with the Holy Spirit a few weeks ago and our lives are completely cool now. We have this crazy joy, and like happiness, you know? And we’re not afraid to die. We don’t do drugs or have sex anymore because chicks deserve respect from guys and we shouldn’t be trying to bed them before we marry them, you know?”

I nodded, “I guess so.”

“So what happened to get you saved?” I asked, “Did you have to do anything?”

“All we had to do was repent of our sins and ask God to forgive us.” The 2nd guy said.

“You mean like pray the Sinners Prayer.” I asked. “I tried that and nothing happened.”

“Well,” the other guy said, “Sometimes we don’t really understand what we are saying. Did somebody ask you, “Repeat after me? And then lead you in some kind of prayer?”

“Yeah,” I said. “They did.”

“So, how does it work?” I asked. “What do I have to do to be saved?”

They gasped at one another and said, “Praise God, man! You’re doing it already!”

“What am I doing?” I asked.

“You’re asking ‘What must I do to be saved,’ man! That’s in the Bible! (See Acts 16:30-31)

That’s the heart attitude God is looking for. So here’s the deal. This next part is what is called ‘the Gospel.’ It’s the good news about who Jesus is and what He has done for us.”

“I think I already know this part.” I said. “Jesus died for me on a cross and then on Easter morning He rose from the dead.”

“Exactly! But there’s a little more to it than that. Jesus lived the perfect life we were all supposed to live, but no one has. Then He allowed Himself to be captured and beaten and crucified by the religious leaders and the Roman government. He suffered and died in our place in order to pay for our sins.”

“Okay,” I said, “I think I understand all that.”

“Yeah, but then, in order to prove that His plan worked, God the Father raised God the Son from the dead by the power of God the Holy Spirit. The whole Trinity worked together

A few months later I did just that. God answered my prayer. I was saved. It was amazing. I have never been the same again.

As the lights came up in the theater, tears were running down my cheeks. My Bonnie reached over and took me by the hand as she whispered, “You were there, weren’t you?” “Yes,” I said, “I was there.” We wept. Silverton is no beach town. This is not the 70s. But the same Jesus who saved me can also save you. I would love to play the part those “Jesus People” played in my life in your life today. “Hey man! Do you know Jesus?”

So, drop by my shop, Silver Falls Terrariums, anytime. I’m open from 11am to 5pm, Wed.Sat.. Or, let’s meet up for coffee whenever and wherever it works for you. I’ll buy.

And if you’re already my brother or sister in following Jesus, I’d like to meet you as well. Let’s let our lights shine brighter in this town and see what God will do. Who knows? He might even start another Jesus Revolution

Early Morning Men’s Breakfasts

Every Thursday, 5:30 to 7am at Noble Inn, 409 S Water St, Silverton, OR Join me for Breakfast, Prayer, Bible Study, Swapping Stories & a Weekly Challenge. Call 503-926-1388 to RSVP.

“‘When Jesus rose from the dead, the arms of God opened wide and it was like He said ‘Come to Daddy!’”

laughed. The thought of God wanting to give me a hug was just crazy. But something deep inside me trembled.”

Gregg Harris

On Feb. 15, 2023, Beverly Wilson of Salem, Oregon, passed away at her home. Beverly was a faithful Christian who drew strength and comfort from her faith.

Beverly was born to Howard Headrick and Lois Godwin on Oct. 29, 1951, in Fort Worth, Texas. She attended Paramount High School in Los Angeles County, California, and the University of California, Berkeley, where she fully embraced the hippy movement by protesting the war and enjoying the rock-n-roll of her generation.

Her career as an emergency room RN and Orthopedic Nurse in private practice later changed to an Apartment Manager and Accountant. Since 2011, she has helped found, served on the board of, and directed plays for Aumsville Community Theatre (now Spotlight Community Theatre).

Beverly had a very generous heart. She enjoyed giving and took delight in the holidays that brought the family together, like Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. She was kind and helpful and had time for everyone. Her family and friends will dearly miss her.

Beverly is survived by her husband, Maurice; her daughters, Shannon Rempel (Michael) and Maudie Wood; step-sons, Maury Wilson (Kristie) and Matthew Wilson (Sabrina), Michael ElwongerWilson (Sarah); stepdaughters, Michelle Thornberg (Joshua), and Corina Desmoreaux (, Mark); her grandchildren, Andrew Rempel (Kathryn), Mathew Rempel, Rebekah McGuire, Brandon Wood, and Storm Elijah (Levi); her step-grandchildren, Jon Wood, Taylor Obenauf, Kayla Wilson, Alex Wilson, Izaiah Wilson, Courtney Desormeaux, Payton Desormeaux, Zachary Cutburth, Maison Thornberg, Travis Wilson, Austin Wilson, and Curtis Wilson; her great-grandchildren, Lilah Fasel, Jaxson Wood, Annalee Elijah, Sophie Guthrie, and Lily Guthrie.

A celebration of life was held on March 11 at the Chester Bridges Community Center in Aumsville, Oregon. Her family scattered her ashes on the Oregon coast during a private gathering on March 12.

Submissions welcomed:

Our Town appreciates the opportuity to share life’s Passages with our readers. If there is a birth, engagement, wedding, anniversary, college graduation or obituary of a local resident you’d like to share, please send it to ourtown.life@mtangelpub.com or mail it to Editor, Our Town, P.O. Box 6, Stayton, OR 97383, or drop it by our office at 2340 Martin Drive #104, Stayton.

Shirley Maxine Wodtly Miller

May 30, 1937 – Feb. 14, 2023

Shirley Maxine Wodtly Miller passed away at her home in Sublimity, Oregon on Feb. 14, 2023.

Shirley was born in Portland, Oregon on May 30, 1937 to Harold and Maxine (Stout) Wodtly. The family moved to Stayton, Oregon in 1945 where Shirley graduated from Stayton High School.

She worked as a laundry room facilitator at the Cannon Beach Conference Center for many years. After retirement, she moved back to Stayton. She was a member of First Church of the Nazarene in Salem, Oregon.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Gayle Miller; sister, Nancy (Gary) Swanson; her niece, Jill Girod-Theroux (Greg); and nephew, Jeffrey Girod (Heather). She also leaves ten great and great-great nieces and nephews as well as eight cousins. Michael Cunningham, step grandson-in-law and sister-in-law, Shirley Rains also survive.

She was predeceased by her parents, Harold and Maxine Wodtly and her son, Terry Miller.

Services are planned sometime in the spring. Serving the family is North Santiam Funeral Service in Stayton, Oregon.

Please send memorial contributions to Cannon Beach Conference Center, P.O. Box 398, Cannon Beach, OR 97110-0398.

Frequent Address

Stayton Community Center, 400 W Virginia St. Stayton Public Library, 515 N First Ave.

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. Seniors 50 and older. Daily, weekly, monthly events. 503-767-2009, santiamseniorcenter.com

Senior Meals, 11:30 a.m. Age 60 and older. Serves Stayton, Sublimity, Aumsville, Lyons, Marion, Mehama. Repeats Wednesday, Friday. $3 donation suggested. Ginger, 503-769-7995

Free Covid-19/Flu/RSV Testing, 2 - 5 p.m., Ditter’s Square, 134 W Main St., Sublimity. Pre-register at labdash.net, 503-769-3230. Appointments required by visiting santiamhospital.org. Repeats 2 - 4:30 p.m. Saturday & Sunday. Covid-19 Vaccinations, 2 – 5 p.m., Santiam Hospital, 1401 N 10th Ave., Stayton. Pediatric, adult Covid-19 vaccinations and boosters available. Mon - Fri. Schedule an appointment at santiamhospital.org.

Santiam Canyon Community Chorus, 7 - 8:30 p.m., Stewart’s Hall, 158 SW Broadway, Mill City. New members welcome. Jo Ann, 503-859-2502

Tuesday

Toddler Storytime, 10:15 a.m., Stayton Public Library. Content is planned with toddlers in mind but all ages are welcome. 503-769-3313

Family Storytime, 11:00 a.m., Stayton Public Library. Content is planned for preschool-aged children and up but all ages are welcome. 503-769-3313

English/GED/Citizenship Classes, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Stayton United Methodist Church, 1450 Fern Ridge Road. Class free. Workbook $20. Runs through June. Repeats Thursdays. Mary, 503-779-7029

Wednesday

Stayton/Sublimity Chamber Business Network, 8:15 a.m. Network building event for local business, non-profit professionals. Location varies each week. For location, call 503-769-3464. St. Boniface Archives and Museum, 9 a.m. - noon, 370 Main St., Sublimity. Free. 503-508-0312

Baby & Toddler Time, 11:00 a.m., Stayton Public Library. For infants and toddlers up to 24 months and caregivers. Free. 503-769-3313

Stayton Area Rotary, noon, Santiam Golf Club, 8724 Golf Club Road, Aumsville. Guests welcome. 503-5089431, staytonarearotary.org

GriefShare, 6 - 8 p.m., Foothills Church, 975 Fern Ridge Road, Stayton. National, nondenominational support group. Through April 26. Register at griefshare. org or contact Christy, 406-431-8256.

Thursday

Sublimity Quilters, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., St. Boniface Catholic Church, 375 SE Church St., Sublimity. Make quilts for local community donations and charities. New members welcome.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m., Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1077 N Sixth Ave., Stayton. Families with young children can visit St. Anne’s Atrium to learn about the bible and learn life skills. RSVP to Sacha Eztel, 503-769-2656; dre@immacstayton.org.

Mama’s Community Market, 1 - 4 p.m., Aumsville Pentecostal Church, 10153 Mill Creek Road. 971-710-5665

Point Man Ministries, 6 p.m., Canyon Bible Fellowship, 446 Cedar St., Lyons. Veterans support. 503-859-2627

Friday

Cars & Coffee, 8 a.m., Covered Bridge Cafe, 510 N Third Ave., Stayton. Bring your classic vehicles for coffee, breakfast. Family Fit & Fun, 11:05 a.m., Stayton Public Library.. Activities indoors and outdoors. For children and family members of all ages. Free. No class March 10. 503-769-3313

Saturday

After-Season Indoor Market, 10 a.m. - noon, Silverton Friends Church, 229 Eureka Ave. Free admission.

Revival Youth Hangout, 5 - 6:30 p.m., New Hope Community Church, 657 N Second Ave., Stayton. Youth of the area are welcome. Follow “Revival_ Heartbeat” on Instagram and Tiktok. revivalheartbeat@gmail.com

Notices

Auxiliary Scholarship

Santiam Hospital Auxiliary is accepting applications for the 23-24 school year. Applicants must be interested in a medical profession. Application packets, available at santiamhospital.org, must be received no later than 5 p.m. April 7.

Diaper Drive

Sublimity Les Schwab is accepting donations of diapers throughout the month of April. Diapers size 4-7, pull-ups and wipes are needed.

Saturday, April 1

April Fool’s Day

Camp Taloali Clean Up

8 a.m., Camp Taloali, 15934 N Santiam Hwy., Stayton. Pick up branches, clear paths and trails, clean cabins and roofs, wash windows. Hot drinks and lunch is provided. 503-400-6547, taloali.org

Free Gardening Workshop

9 - 10:30 a.m., Santiam Community Gardens, 846 Fifth St., Lyons. Learn about container gardening. In the garden, plant a pot with vegetables or flowers. Free supplies. Registration required. seedsupper97358@gmail.com or 503-859-2517.

Pop-Up Food Drive

10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Roth’s Fresh Market, 1770 SE Shaff Road, Stayton. Members of the Stayton Lions Club collects food and money donations to benefit Stayton Community Food Bank.

Sunday, April 2

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, hash browns, fruit cup, coffee, juice. Cost: $9 adults, $2 children 12 and under. 503-362-6159

Jam Session

1 p.m., Snow Peak Brewing, 280 E Water St., Stayton. Bring your instrument or just come listen. Free. 503-767-2337

Monday, April 3

Daughters of the American Revolution

10 a.m., Stayton United Methodist Church, 1450 SE Fern Ridge Road. Speaker is OSSDAR State Regent Nancy Slagle. All welcome. Refreshments. Abigail Scott Duniway chapter serves the communities of East Marion County and Santiam Canyon. 503-689-6991

Santiam Artists Connection

10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Old School Community Center, 22057 Emma St., Lyons. Artists gather to paint and draw. Artist bring own supplies, projects. All levels welcome. Free; donations to Community Art Center accepted. santiamh2a.org

Stayton City Council

7 p.m., Stayton Community Center. Open to public. staytonoregon.gov

Tuesday, April 4

Stayton Lions Club

Noon, Covered Bridge Cafe, 510 N Third Ave., Stayton. New members welcome. Repeats April 18. staytonlionsclub.org

Sublimity Parks and Rec Board

6 p.m., Sublimity City Hall, 245 NW Johnson St. Open to public. 503-769-5475

Stayton Parks and Rec Board

7 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Open to public. 503-769-3425, staytonoregon.gov

Wednesday, April 5

Auxiliary Tulip Sale

9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Santiam Hospital, 1401 N 10th Ave., Stayton. Fundraiser for Santiam Hospital Auxiliary. $8/bunch. Repeats 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. April 6, 9 a.m. - noon April 7.

Caregiver Connection

1 - 2 p.m., Zoom. Free educational support group for unpaid family caregivers caring for a loved one 60 years of age or older, or caring for a person living with dementia. Zoom invite, register: 503-304-3432.

Thursday, April 6

Dungeons & Dragons

5:30 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Play Dungeons & Dragons at the library. Sign up at https://bit.ly/3GRzRPB. There are two sessions each month. Identical games for both sessions. Age 12+. Free. 503-769-3313

Footloose

7:30 p.m., Stayton High, 757 W Locust St. Stayton High Theater presents Footloose $5/adults, $3 students. Contains mature language and themes recommended for ages 12 and older. Repeats 7:30 p.m. April 7 - 8; 2 p.m. April 8. Tickets available at www.nsantiam.k12.or.us/SHS.

Friday, April 7

Oregon’s Dino-Story

Stayton Public Library is partnering with Museum of Natural and Cultural History to bring a full exhibit uncovering the mysteries of Oregon in the age of the dinosaurs. Explore fossil evidence, dig deep into time, and discover what makes a dinosaur a dinosaur. Open during library hours through May 2. Free. 503-769-3313

Red Cross Blood Drive

10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., Aumsville Fire Station, 490 Church St. Appointments needed by visiting redcrossblood.org.

Saturday, April 8

Free Gardening Workshop

9 - 10:30 a.m., Santiam Community Gardens, 846 Fifth St., Lyons. Learn about companion planting, slug control. In the garden, Make slug, earwig and ant traps. Free marigold seeds and garden supplies. Registration required.seedsupper97358@ gmail.com or 503-859-2517.

Camp Taloali Easter Egg Hunt

9 - 11 a.m., Camp Taloali, 15934 N Santiam Hwy., Stayton. Bring a basket or sack to collect eggs. 503-400-6547, taloali.org

Spring Garden Market

9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Molly Mo’s, 440 NE Cherry St., Sublimity. Hand-selected collection of vintage goods for home and garden. 503510-0820, Facebook “Molly Mo’s”

Aumsville Easter Egg Hunt

9:45 a.m., Mill Creek Park, 1110 Main St., Aumsville. Egg hunts for all ages. Free.

KofC Easter Egg Hunt

11 am., St. Boniface

Catholic Church, 375 SE Church St., Sublimity. Ages 0 - 12. Free.

Brown House Tour

Noon - 2 p.m., Brown House Event Center, 425 N First Ave., Stayton. Tour the historic Charles and Martha Brown House. $5/ person. Children under 18 are free. Open to public. 503-769-8860

Sunday, April 9

Easter

Easter Egg Hunt

1 p.m., Santiam Valley Grange, 1140 Fifth St., Lyons. Ages 0 - 12. 503-859-2161

Monday, April 10

Homeless Task Force

6 p.m., Stayton Community Center, 400 W Virginia St. Open to public. 503-769-3425, staytonoregon.gov

Sublimity City Council

6 p.m., Sublimity City Hall, 245 NW Johnson. Open to public. 503-769-5475, cityofsublimity.org

Aumsville City Council

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

Lyons Fire District Board

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

Stayton Fire District

7 p.m.,. Stayton Fire Station, 1988 W Ida St. Open to public. staytonfire.org

Tuesday, April 11

Dementia Care Conversations

3 - 4 p.m. Zoom. Free group for unpaid caregivers providing support to a loved one living with dementia. Offered by Family Caregiver Support Program at NorthWest Senior and Disability Services. Request a referral: Aging and Disability Resource Connection at 503-304-3420. Repeats April 25.

RDS Board Meeting

6 p.m., Beauchamp Building, 278 E High St., Stayton. Revitalize Downtown Stayton monthly meeting. Open to public. 503767-2317, downtownstayton.org

Cascade School Board

7 p.m., Cascade District Office, 10226 SE Marion Road, Turner. Open to public. 503749-8010, cascade.k12.or.us

Thursday, April 13

Storytime in the Garden

10:30 a.m., The Oregon Garden, 879 W Main St., Silverton. Specialthemed storytime. Get a free book. Tour Children’s Garden. Entrance fee waived for those attending this storytime with a CCRLS library card. 503-769-3313

Egg Carton Succulents

5:30 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Create decorative succulents by upcycling egg cartons. Adults and youth ages 11 and older. Free. Sign-up by calling 503-769-3313.

Aumsville Fire District

6:30 p.m., Aumsville Fire Station, 490 Church St. Open to public. aumsvillefire.org

Lyons Library Board

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

Saturday, April 15

Free Gardening Workshop

9 - 10:30 a.m., Santiam Community Gardens, 846 Fifth St., Lyons. Learn about birds, butterflies, wildlife, dog friendly garden ideas. In the garden, bird feeder, Mason bee house and honey bee hive tour. Registration required. seedsupper97358@gmail.com or calling/text to 503-859-2517.

Flea Market

9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Santiam Valley Grange, 1140 Fifth St., Lyons. Crafts, collectibles. Hamburger lunch available. 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

Regis Hall of Fame

5 p.m., Regis High, 550 W Regis St., Stayton. 2023 Regis Hall of Fame induction ceremony. $30/person. Tickets at regisstmary.org.

Monday, April 17

Red Cross Blood Drive

1 - 6 p.m., Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. 1077 N Sixth Ave., Stayton. Appointments: redcrossblood.org.

Stayton City Council

7 p.m., Stayton Community Center. Open to public. 503-769-3425, staytonoregon.gov

Tuesday, April 18

Tax Day

Doris’s Place Luncheon

Noon, Foothills Church, 975 SE Fern Ridge Road, Stayton. Complimentary lunch. Stories of the impact donors make in the Santiam Canyon. Reserve a seat by contact Julie Duran, 503-566-2132, jduran@familybuildingblocks.org.

North Santiam Watershed Council

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

Wednesday, April 19

Teen Games

4 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Tweens and teens ages 11 - 18 can join for a session of Codenames. Free. 503-769-3313

Thursday, April 20

NSSD Board

6 p.m., Sublimity School, 431 E Main St. Board meeting for North Santiam School District. Open to public. 503-769-6924

Friday, April 21

Red Cross Blood Drive

10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Santiam Hospital, 1401 N 10th Ave. Appt: redcrossblood.org.

Saturday, April 22

Earth Day

Free Gardening Workshop

9 - 10:30 a.m., Santiam Community Gardens, 846 Fifth St., Lyons. Learn about perennial crops. In the garden, prune roses and berries. Free strawberries, asparagus, dahlia and iris tubers. Registration required. seedsupper97358@ gmail.com or 503-859-2517.

KinderFest

10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Santiam Center, 11656 SE Sublimity Road, Sublimity. Connect with and learn about resources and register your kindergartener for all schools in the Santiam Canyon/East Marion County area. Hearing and vision screenings. Children’s activities. parentinghub.org

Earth Day Celebration

10 a.m. - 4 p.m., The Oregon Garden, 879 W Main St., Silverton. Environmentallyconscious exhibits, educational activities, explore garden. Free. oregongarden.org

Reds Whites & Brews

5 p.m., Santiam Golf Club, 8724 SE Golf Club Road, Aumsville. Wine, craft beer, cider tasting. Dinner by Taste of Hawaii. Drawings. Dessert and Silent auctions. $55/person. Hosted by Stayton Area Rotary. Proceeds benefit student scholarships. Tickets at https://staytonarea-rotary-foundation.square.site/.

Monday, April 24

Free Playgroup

10 - 11:30 p.m., Immaculate Conception

Catholic Church, 1077 N Sixth Ave., Stayton. Free playgroup for families with children age 5 and younger. Activities, snack. RSVP to mweeks@familybuildingblocks.org or 503-769-1120.

Sublimity Planning Commission

6 p.m., Sublimity City Hall, 245 NW Johnson. Open to public. cityofsublimity.org

Aumsville City Council

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

Stayton Planning Commission

7 p.m., Stayton Community Center. Open to public. 503-769-3425, staytonoregon.gov

Tuesday, April 25

Lyons City Council

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

Wednesday, April 26

Book Discussion

4 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Discuss Libertie by Kailyn Greenidge. Tea, treats provided. Free. Adults. 503-769-3313

Thursday, April 27

Dungeons & Dragons

5:30 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Play Dungeons & Dragons at the library. Sign up at https://bit.ly/3GRzRPB and choose between April 27 and May 4. Identical games for both sessions. Age 12 and older. Free. 503-769-3313

Friday, April 28

Arbor Day

Willamette Valley Savour

4 - 9 p.m., The Oregon Garden, 879 W Main St., Silverton. Visitors sample Oregon wines, craft beers, hard ciders, tasty bites and artisan crafts. Fundraising event for Regis St. Mary Catholic School. Adults 21 and older/$15 online, $20 at gate. Ages 12-20/$8 online, $10 at door. Children under 12 are free. Repeats noon - 9 p.m. April 29. Tickets at www.regisstmary.org.

Saturday, April 29

KPO Fishing Derby

Detroit. Weigh-ins will be at Kane’s Marina across from Detroit State Park. Lunch is served after weigh-ins. $500 first place prize. $55 for current Kokanee Power of Oregon members; $90 for non-members, which includes membership for the current calendar year. $10 discount if registered two weeks before derby date. kokaneepoweroregon.com

Undefeated Cougars take state conference for second straight year

By James Day

It’s hard to win one state title, much less two. And it becomes even harder to go back-to-back when you lose one of your best players to a summer knee injury, the program also is working under a new coach and you have to beat a league rival for the third time to take the top trophy.

The Cascade High boys basketball team took on all the challenges and challengers and rode them out of town. The Cougars went undefeated in the Oregon West Conference and won their four playoff games by an average of 25 points. The closest an opponent came in the postseason was 9 points in Cascade’s 61-52 March 11 title game victory vs. Philomath at Forest Grove High. Who would have expected this after the loss of four key players from the 2022 championship squad, 6-11 big man Dom Ball, versatile wing Kellen Sande, valuable backup Isaac Schnepp and 6-7 junior Ty Best, who injured his knee and missed his entire senior season.

“I knew at the end of summer league we had a talented team,” first-year coach

Justin Amaya told Our Town. Amaya coached the Amity boys to three state tournament appearances before spending the past four years assisting Mark Stevens with the Cascade girls.

“However, all the coaching polls and media sites had Philomath/Stayton ahead of us in pre-season polls. Our lack of size was questioned, lack of rebounding... we used everything as motivation. Going into league I was unsure how we stacked up with our rival Stayton and Philomath. We continued to focus on our strengths. Speed and defense.”

Ah, Stayton and Philomath. That’s almost always the situation in the Oregon West. Last season Cascade and Philomath tied for the league title at 11-1, while 8-4 Stayton clawed its way to a quarterfinal berth opposite the Cougars. Cascade won the third match with the Eagles on the way to the title.

This season the Cougars went 10-0 in league, beating Stayton and Philomath

Winter highlights

Lots of sports news to catch up on. Here goes!

Wrestling: The Bischoff brothers of Regis helped lead the Rams to an eighth-place finish in the Class 2A-1A championships Feb. 24-25 in Portland. Thomas Bischoff took first at 170 pounds, pinning top seed Jake Doman of Crane in 5:42. Brother Luke made the final at 160 before dropping an 8-4 decision to top seed Jacob Beauchamp of Central Linn.  Also scoring for Regis, in just its second year of offering wrestling, were Noah Emch, who went 4-2 at 220 and Logan Kirsch, who won one match at 182.

The Cascade boys sent 15 wrestlers to the Class 4A event and took home sixth. The Cougars scored 111 points and two wrestlers, Blake Perlichek and Nicholas Lopez, advanced to the finals.

Perlichek, the No 3 seed at 195 pounds, took second, falling 8-1 in the final to Wyatt Anicker of Scappoose. Lopez, No. 4 at 285, lost via fall in the final to

twice, but somehow the OSAA computers spit out the Warriors as the top seed and placed Cascade as the No. 3. Stayton was ninth and fell at Crook County in the round of 16.

Cascade beat Philomath by 1 and 3 points during the league season and the championship game also was a tight one.

“In the championship I called a timeout early third quarter and I told our boys that our defense wasn’t good enough to win a championship...They responded with a 9-0 run and we never trailed after.”

Cascade trailed 25-23 when Amaya called that timeout 49 seconds into the period. A steal by Rogue Newton led to two free throws by the senior guard. Spencer Horne then made a steal that led to a Landon Knox jumper. Spencer Horne fed twin brother Samuel for a layup, Knox snagged a defensive rebound that led to his 3-pointer at the other end and Cascade led 32-25 at the 4:58 mark. The Cougs never surrendered the lead, with the winners leading by double digits for much of the final period.

Both Hornes were named secondteam all-tournament, as was Anthony Best, Ty’s younger brother (16 for 25 from the floor and 39 points during the tournament). The Hornes went onetwo in the tournament in steals with 12 for Samuel (and 11.3 points per game) and 9 for Spencer (and 15.0 points per game). The two 6-2 seniors combined for 13 3-pointers, with Spencer leading the tournament with 60% marksmanship from long range (6 for 10).

“I have never coached one let alone two players like the Horne brothers,” Amaya said. “The defense and intensity they play with is unmatched in my coaching career... I feel lucky to have had this opportunity to coach them.”   Knox and Spencer Horne were named to the first team all-Oregon West Conference squad. Samuel Horne made the second team and Newton, Anthony Best and Kaiden Ford received honorable mention. Amaya shared coach of the year honors with Blake Ecker of Philomath and Tully Wagner of North Marion.

Bischoff boys lead way for Regis wrestling

Matthew Evans of Astoria. Also making strong showings for Cascade were Tucker Melton (fourth at 182), Brody Copple (sixth at 126) and Trenton Wymore (sixth at 145). Melton and Wymore advanced to the semifinals in their weight classes before dropping into the consolation bracket.

Also winning matches for the Cougars were Drew Baker (106), Tayton Miller (138), Connor Stapleton (145), Ethan Coates (160), Matthew Hinkle (160), Caleb Darby (170) and Andrew Snyder (195). Payton Burlingame (113), Cole Drager (120) and Brett Welch (182) also participated.

Stayton, meanwhile, scored 27.5 points and finished 18th in Class 4A. Conrad Baxter (120) advanced to the final before losing to Dylan Clark of Henley by decision. Leonard Michel (126) and Lyric Burroughs (160) also won matches for the Eagles, while Oscar Areceneaux (138) also participated.

In the 4A-3A-2A-1A girls competition Evelyn Wirfs (170) took third and Chelsie Howard (190) was sixth for Cascade and Riley McCalmant took eighth at 145 for Stayton.   Boys Basketball: Regis finished 21-11 overall and took home sixth place at the Class 2A tournament in Pendleton. After an 11-4 regular season in the Tri-River, the Rams played conference foes 5 more times in the playoffs and won three of the five games.  Regis downed Blanchet Catholic and Western Christian in the league playoffs before falling to Santiam. The No. 11 Rams then moved on to Pendleton with a 93-81 playoff win at Stanfield. Once in Pendleton the Rams lost to Tri-River foe Salem Academy in the quarterfinals before besting Tri-River foe Santiam in the consolation bracket. Regis then lost to No. 1 seed Mannahouse Academy of Portland in the game for fourth place.

Rams senior guard Diego Aguilar led the tournament in scoring with 55 points, an 18.3 per game average. He hit 9 of 25 3-pointers, tied for the tourney

lead in assists with 11 and was named first-team all-tournament (eight of the ten honorees were from the Tri-River).  Aguilar had loads of help. Sophomore guard Isaiah Koehnke averaged 17 points per game and led the tournament with 11 3-pointers. Senior forward Josh Blish was a tower of strength on the boards, with a tournament-leading 40 rebounds.

Stayton, meanwhile, finished 17-8 after falling 56-52 at Crook County in the Class 4A round of 16. The Eagles were 5-5 in the Oregon West, which sent Cascade and Philomath to the 4A title game. Garrett Callsen (first team), Gavin Berning (second team) and Jace Aguilar (honorable mention) represented Stayton on the all-OWC squad.

Girls Basketball: Cascade, the undefeated Oregon West Conference champions finished 14-7 overall after a 50-41 loss to Madras left the Cougars one win shy of the Class 4A tournament in Forest Grove. Stayton, meanwhile, wound up 13-11 after a 52-40 play-in round loss at Klamath Union.

Monday, April 3

Softball

4 p.m. Stayton vs Marist Catholic

4:30 p.m. Cascade vs Cottage Grove Baseball

4:30 p.m. Stayton vs Marist Catholic

Tuesday, April 4 Softball

4:30 p.m. Regis vs Western Christian

Wednesday, April 5

Softball

3:30 p.m. Stayton vs YamhillCarlton

4:30 p.m. Regis vs Kennedy Boys Tennis

4 p.m. Stayton vs Marist Catholic Track & Field

4 p.m. Cascade vs West Salem

Thursday, April 6

Baseball

2 p.m. Regis vs Colton (doubleheader)

Track & Field

4 p.m. Regis vs Harrisburg

Monday, April 10 Girls Tennis

4 p.m. Stayton vs Molalla Baseball

4:30 p.m. Stayton vs Newport

4:30 p.m. Cascade vs North Marion/Gervais

Tuesday, April 11 Girls Tennis

4 p.m. Cascade vs Estacada

Thursday, April 13 Boys Tennis

4 p.m. Stayton vs North Marion

4 p.m. Cascade vs Philomath Baseball

4:30 p.m. Stayton vs Newport

4:30 p.m. Cascade vs North Marion/Gervais

Softball

4:30 p.m. Cascade vs North Marion

4:30 p.m. Regis vs Gervais

Friday, April 14

Softball

2 p.m. Stayton vs Philomath/Alsea

Baseball

2 p.m. Regis vs Santiam (doubleheader)

Wednesday, April 17

Baseball

4:30 p.m. Stayton vs Philomath/Alsea

Softball

4:30 p.m. Cascade vs Stayton

Tuesday, April 18

Softball

4 p.m. Stayton vs North Marion

4:30 p.m. Regis vs Culver Girls Tennis

4 p.m. Stayton vs Philomath

4 p.m. Cascade vs Junction City

Baseball

4:30 p.m. Regis vs Central Linn

Wednesday, April 19

Baseball

4:30 p.m. Stayton vs Philomath/Alsea

4:30 p.m. Cascade vs Newport

Thursday, April 20

Boys Tennis

4 p.m. Cascade vs Stayton

Girls Tennis

4 p.m. Cascade vs Stayton

Softball

4 p.m. Stayton vs Newport

4:30 p.m. Cascade vs Sweet Home

Monday, April 24

Softball

4 p.m. Stayton vs Sweet Home

4:30 p.m. Cascade vs Philomath/

Baseball

4:30 p.m. Cascade vs Philomath/ Alsea

Tuesday, April 25

Girls Tennis

4 p.m. Stayton vs Sisters Baseball

4:30 p.m. Regis vs Blanchet Catholic

Wednesday, April 26

Baseball

4:30 p.m. Stayton vs Sweet Home

Thursday, April 27

Softball

4 p.m. Stayton vs Cascade

4:30 p.m. Regis vs Central Linn

Girls Tennis

4 p.m. Stayton vs Creswell Baseball

4:30 p.m. Cascade vs Philomath/ Alsea

Saturday, April 29

Track & Field

10 a.m. Stayton vs Culver, Madras, Molalla, Regis

Home improvement

I’m standing in my home office. It is buried in pink insulation – the aftermath of one more home improvement project gone wrong.

I should explain.

My wife and I had a bright idea. Our house is 60 years old, so we thought it would make sense to put more insulation in the attic. Save on heating bills and all that.

We rented one of those blowers and bought a batch of that pink insulation. For those who have not had the pleasure, the insulation comes in plastic bales. You cut them in half and jam them in the blower, which shoots the insulation through a hose into the attic.

Easy-peasy.

We watched a couple of videos on how to do it and got everything set up. The blower and I were in the garage, and my wife was in the attic.

Then things went wrong. Very wrong. The hose, which had two 50-foot

For some it’s cruel and unusual punishment

can screw up home improvement projects. Paint spills, crooked fences – you name it.  It’s not that I’m an idiot – I think –it’s just that, in my heart of hearts, I consider home improvement projects to be punishment. Torture might be a better word.

So this lawyer was trying to keep junior out of the electric chair.

sections, came apart, spewing insulation all over my office. In our defense, we had taped the sections together but the tape obviously wasn’t up to the job. So there I was jamming insulation into the blower and shooting it through the hose into my office, and my wife wondering why she wasn’t getting any insulation in the attic. She checked out the hose, and my office had been decorated in a foot of Barbie-pink snow. She ran down and told me what was going on and I hit the “off” button.

I have to admit, I haven’t laughed that hard in a long time – since the last home improvement project I got involved in. There’s no limit to the number of ways I

Which brings me to a book I have been reading. In it was a profile of a lawyer who travels around the nation trying to keep the worst criminals off death row. Her clients are a rogue’s gallery of bad guys. Child rapists, murderers, bombers – the lowest of the low. And there she is trying to get a jury to have sympathy for these guys. One of her clients was the guy who, with his brother, set off a bomb near the finish line of the Boston Marathon. Her defense of his actions boiled down to: his big brother made him do it.

I had a big brother, so I know how that works. But I will guarantee you that big brothers cannot make a little brother slaughter three innocent people, kill a cop and maim 264 others without the little brother’s agreement.

Let me just say that I’m not a big fan of capital punishment, for any number of reasons. But the main reason is it’s too easy on the bad guys. I really, truly want them to live a long and horrible life and think every day about what they did.

To accomplish that, I suggest they be sentenced to do home improvement projects, which I admit is cruel and unusual. Painting, hammering – blowing insulation! – day after day and year after year will make them wish they had stayed out of trouble.

I will stipulate that some people actually like home improvement projects. Maybe we can find something else horrific for them to do. I suggest making them listen to politicians 24/7. That would be enough to make anyone beg for mercy.

Carl Sampson is a freelance writer and editor. He lives in Stayton.

GENERAL LOOKING FOR SILVERTON HIGH 1971 CLASSMATE

I’m looking for John Withers from the Scotts Mills area, going to SUHS from 1968 to 1970. I am Catherine Wyatt from Silverton. I was a grade behind John. We dated my freshman year. I go by ‘Raven Wyatt’ on Facebook. If anyone knows his whereabouts, please contact me on Facebook.

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Santiam Wound & Infusion Center

Santiam Wound & Infusion Center, part of Santiam Hospital & Clinics, is a hospital-based clinic that provides advanced wound care and medication administration services for our community members throughout the Willamette Valley.

• Advanced wound care for acute and chronic wounds

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