Our Town South: Nov. 1, 2022

David C Eder

David C Eder

318 N 3rd Avenue Stayton, OR 97383-1702 503-769-4902

318 N 3rd Avenue Stayton, OR 97383-1702 503-769-4902 edwardjones.com

Something

New festivities A little holiday ho-ho-ho

By Stephen Floyd

The day after Thanksgiving is being given a new face in Stayton with the inaugural Stayton Holiday Festival, scheduled for Nov. 25 and 26 throughout downtown.

Presented by Revitalize Downtown Stayton, this free event is open to all and features a Christmas tree lighting, pictures with Santa and window decorations at local businesses.

Co-organizer Kara Porterfield said it is the kind of event where people can shop and eat local, make memories and work on their Christmas lists.

“It’s free and has lots of activities,” she said. “Downtown is becoming a happening place. People will have a lot of fun. They can drink hot chocolate, mulled wine, eat some good food and get started on their holiday shopping.”

Porterfield said she and co-organizer Melanie Orr felt inspired by Christmas Hallmark movies and approached Revitalize Downtown Stayton for support, as the group’s goal is to make the city’s historic downtown a social and cultural hub. She said the local reaction has been very positive, and both businesses and the community have offered their support.

“The downtown businesses are excited to decorate their windows as they have a chance to win one of two $500

prizes,” said Porterfield. “[C]ome vote for your favorite!”

Stayton Holiday Festival kicks off Nov. 25 with a Christmas tree lighting scheduled for 5:15 p.m. on the corner of N. Third Ave. and E. Ida St. The evening will also feature live performances, carriage rides, a craft bazaar, family-friendly games and a Christmas movie playing at Star Cinema.

Throughout the festival, holiday displays will be featured in 25 local businesses, and residents will be able to vote on their favorites. A People’s Choice Award and a Mayor’s Choice Award, sponsored by the Stayton City Council, will be presented to the winners, along with two $500 prizes.

And what holiday festival would be completed without a chance to visit with Santa Claus? The jolly old soul will be found on N. Third Ave. between E. Florence St. and E. Water St., and families are encouraged to snap photos with their mobile devices.

Porterfield said they will consider the festival a success if, after the festival, people are still talking about how much fun they had and how much they enjoyed being downtown.

For more information, look for Stayton Holiday Festival or Revitalize Downtown Stayton on Facebook.

Fire recovery meeting set

By James Day

Marion County is hosting a public meeting to discuss a Santiam Canyon recovery plan from the 2020 wildfires on Saturday, Nov. 5, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Detroit Community Center, 345 Santiam Ave. Topics will include community planning, land use, economic development, housing, nature and recreation.

The meeting will be moderated by Sarah Reich, a consultant from EcoNorthwest in Portland. Reich will make a brief presentation and then open up the floor for feedback and questions, said Chris Eppley, the county’s community services department director.

“This plan is being developed as part of a technical assistance grant through the EPA,” Eppley said, “and the intent is to consolidate the information contained in other studies that the county commissioned earlier in the recovery process, combine that information with lessons learned, and create a plan to help provide a clear set of steps the county could take to continue facilitating a successful wildfire recovery.”

The plan ultimately will be put before the Marion County Board of Commissioners, with Eppley noting that “we are shooting for spring of 2023 to make that presentation.”

GUIDING YOU HOME

Kaitlin

Fairview Industrial Dr

Salem,

97302

Class

By Stephen Floyd

have been leveled

PacifiCorp in a lawsuit over the 2020 wildfires.

for the plantiffs in the suit charge the company

the existance of the lawsuit

adverse

a motion filed Oct. 7 in Jeanyne James, et al. v. PacifiCorp, attorneys for the plaintiffs said they had learned PacifiCorp investigators inappropriately interviewed multiple class members who were unaware of the suit, while defense counsel allegedly claimed to represent two class members who were also PacifiCorp employees.

The plaintiffs, represented by Edelson law firm, of Chicago, field the motion in Multnomah County Circuit Court to limit PacifiCorp’s communications with class members. It also seeks to compel PacificCorp to produce all records of class member interactions and asks for a court order barring the use of those records during trial.

PacifiCorp, represented by internal counsel and Los Angeles-based Hueston Hennigan LLP, opposed the motion Oct. 24, arguing there were no ethical or legal standards preventing its contact with class members. The response also noted that the conpany has already agreed to most of the plaintiffs conditions for class member contact and claimed a court order was unnecessary.

accused of unethical contact with wildfire survivors

When asked for further comment, a PacifiCorp spokesperson said it is their policy not to offer statements regarding pending litigation.

An eight-week trial in the case is scheduled for April 24, 2023.

The $1.6 billion suit was filed Sept. 30, 2020, by survivors of the Santiam Fire, who claim PacifiCorp negligently contributed to the fire’s growth by failing to maintain or de-energize equipment during high-risk conditions. These are claims PacifiCorp denies. On May 23, 2022 the class of plaintiffs was expanded to include survivors of the Echo Mountain Complex, Obenchain, and 242 fires, which impacted thousands of Oregonians during September of 2020.

The class has also gained plaintiffs as lawsuits are consolidated, including two lawsuits filed in August and September by more than 180 insurance companies seeking a combined $60 million, a $37.9 million suit filed Sept. 7 by residential property owners impacted by the Santiam fires, and a Sept. 1 lawsuit by Freres Timber Inc. seeking $40 million for physical and economic losses.

The cases were consolidated with Jeanyne James, et al. v. PacifiCorp by court orders in October.

When the class was expanded, it included numerous plaintiffs who were unaware of the lawsuit, termed “absent class members.” It is routine for plaintiffs’

attorneys to reach out to these absent members and inform them of the suit and the opportunity to become active participants, or to opt out of the litigation.

Once a class is defined, a defendant is barred from direct contact with plaintiffs, including absent members, as the class has legal representatives who are the appropriate points of contact.

On Oct. 6, plaintiffs’ attorneys learned during a deposition that a claims agent for PacifiCorp had been interviewing absent class members at the direction of defense counsel, without informing the interviewees of pending lawsuit.

According to a summary of the deposition, a PacifiCorp agent called at least three survivors of the 242 Fire between mid-September and early October to discuss fire damage. The 242 Fire burned more than 14,000 acres in Klamath County. The claims agent said the three individuals contacted PacifiCorp’s claims department to discuss damage caused by the fire, and she followed up by phone and email.

The agent said she asked questions including how they believed the fire started, then provided her interview notes to legal counsel for PacifiCorp. At no point were the trio advised of the lawsuit or the agent’s relation to defense counsel. Page 13

Holiday Bazaar

By Mary Owen

The Florida bound team – which included IdanhaDetroit Fire District Chief Fred Patterson – returned two weeks later with a new perspective on helping in emergency situations.

Patterson’s district knows what it is like to require the assistance of others in an emergency. The fires of 2020 took out the district’s fire station as well as a fire truck.

“I come from a small agency,” Patterson acknowledged. “At some point in time, I may have to ask for help to come to us in the event of something [else] major happening.”

Patterson’s role in Florida was to help Hardee County emergency managers and sheriff’s office. The goal of the two-week assignment was to focus on establishing road system infrastructure, developing stable communications,

and formulating temporary housing plans.

Upon arrival, the team was briefed on the mission by Paige Levati, who oversees the IMT program for the Florida Department of Emergency Management.

Team members found conditions to be “primitive” and

local resources were quickly overwhelmed.

According to the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, Hurricane Ian knocked out power to 99 percent of the county. The Florida division of Emergency Management requested aid through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, administered by

A collapsed bridge, washed out by Hurricane Ian, in Hardee County, Florida. SUBMITTED PHOTO

the OSFM. Three other out-of-state IMTs supported surrounding counties, including Virginia, New York and Ohio.

More than 50 personnel from Hardee County Emergency Management and the state emergency response team of the Florida Division of Emergency Management joined Oregon OSFM and worked long hours to support floodstricken communities.

“No matter what the situation, the Oregon Fire Service, that’s what we do,” said Ian Yocum, one of two incident commanders, in a video thread about the Florida situation. “People call for help and we jump on our trucks and our rigs. It’s an honor and a privilege to serve others.”

Neighbors Serving Neighbors is the motto of the IdanhaDetroit Fire District. To brush up on skills needed for incidents closer to home, firefighters partnered on Oct. 23 with a crew from Lyons Rural Fire District for a vehicle extrication drill.

“Inter-agency cooperation is important, especially for small rural districts,” Lt. Laura Harris explained in a post. “By drilling together with our mutual aid partners, we can ensure that we’ll be able to work better together to save lives on real vehicle crashes.”

She gave a special thanks to Rivers Run Grill for feeding

the volunteers and to Santiam Towing & Recovery for providing the vehicles for them to practice on.

Other team members who helped with Hurricane Ian included: Brett Deedon, Eugene Springfield Fire; Darren Bucich, McKenzie Fire and Rescue; Mark Corless, Clackamas Co. Fire Dist. 1; Don Maxwell, Marion Co. Fire Dist. 1; Damon Schulze, Grand Ronde Fire; Ian Yocum, Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue; Brandon McGarr, Sutherlin Fire & Rescue; Robert Root, Portland Fire & Rescue; Kyle Romey, Albany Fire & Rescue; and Rick Huechert and Erik Rau, OSFM.

“We are thankful to the Oregon fire service and our allhazard IMTs for answering the call to help Floridians,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said.

“I want to extend a thank you to the team members, their families, and the Oregon fire service for supporting this mission.

“Our IMT members train year-round to be prepared to assist in any kind of emergency or disaster, including hurricanes,” Ruiz-Temple added. “Our office stands ready to help protect lives and communities. We are keeping those in Florida impacted by this storm in our thoughts.”

OSFM teams primarily mobilize to wildfires that threaten lives, homes and critical infrastructure.

Is This A Good Fit For You or Someone You Know?

Advertising Assistant / Associate

If you enjoy working with people and have sales, customer service, and organizational and time management skills you may be a terrific fit for our family-friendly publishing company. We’re happy to train to fill in the gaps.

• 32 hours per week is considered full time. Hours and schedule flex according to individual project demands.

• Compensation starts as hourly but moves to salary plus bonus or commission as training advances. Starting wage based upon skills / experience.

• Position has paid time off, vacation and sick leave. We are a team focused on producing print and online products to help clients get their message in front of potential customers. As your familiarity with our com pany grows the ability to take the initiative on projects and work independently will become important.

We share a solid work ethic and commitment to follow thru to meet deadlines. Client contact includes social media, email, phone and face-to-face interactions.

Excellent communication and people skills are essen tial to success. Access to transportation is required.

Our business offices are in Silverton and Stayton, however, part of our sales staff operates out of Salem and Southern Oregon. You may know us as Our Town, The Canyon Weekly, or as publishers of magazines for chambers of commerce, economic development, tourism and business associations.

If you are interested in learning more about this position with Mt. Angel Publishing, Inc., please send resume to: paula.m@mtangelpub.com No phone calls, please. We may be on deadline!

Overcoming obstacles

By Mary Owen

Project Living Hope exists to empower Haitians to build a stronger Haiti, but the challenges are increasing.

“Haiti has always been a country that suffers from natural disasters, corruption, poverty and a lack of infrastructure,” said Laura Polynice, administrative assistant for the organization that was founded by Guesly Dessieux, a doctor with Santiam Hospital & Clinics in Stayton.

“In recent years, warring gangs have terrorized the country,” Polynice said. “The situation has gotten exponentially worse in recent weeks.”

Since September, she said the situation in Haiti has “deteriorated exponentially.”

“Violent gangs are terrorizing the capital and beyond, expanding their reach every day,” she said. “One gang has cut off the port where fuel is delivered to Haiti, blocking off fuel for the entire nation.

Hospitals, banks and businesses all run on generators. Without fuel they are having to limit their services and even shut their doors.

“Inflation is out of control,” she added. “In response to the violence, lack of fuel, rising prices and political frustrations, protests and roadblocks have broken out all over the country. Haiti has been in lock down for over a month now. Families are struggling to find food and drinking water. Schools have not opened for the new school year. Those fortunate enough to have a job are unable to travel to work. New cases of cholera are being reported for the first time since 2019.”

The United Nations, United States, Canada and other international powers are debating how to respond to the current humanitarian crisis in Haiti, according to Polynice.

Project Living Hope fosters change in Haiti

PLH’s campus in Camp Marie, Haiti consists of two FIFA regulation soccer fields, an NBA-sized basketball court, a vocational shop, a classroom and office, and a bathroom and locker room facility.

“This year, we added a kitchen, a fruit drying center, and a water purification center all with the purpose to create small businesses to employ locals and bring more sustainability to the organization and the community,” Polynice said. “These new facilities are completed but not yet operational as the situation in Haiti has delayed the delivery of key items.”

Plans and funds are starting to come together for the first large-scale building, the educational center.

“PLH is partnering with the 14 churches in the Camp Marie community to provide food assistance to families most in need,” Polynice said. “PLH is also collecting funds to purchase food staples that will then be distributed to families in the community.”

Polynice credits PLH for offering hope to in the midst of this crisis.

“Our vision is to see an increase in strong, self-sustaining Haitian families and communities who no longer look to outsiders to meet their basic needs.”

Under Dr. Dessieux’s lead, Project Living Hope works in four key areas: athletics, job skills training, disaster preparedness and community development.

“PLH offers courses in English, computer applications and personal finance,” Polynice said. “Every day, youth come to the PLH campus to participate in the PLH soccer academy. In a country where kids have very few places to play, this program provides kids with a safe environment where they can play, grow, and be trained holistically in their faith, sport and future.”

PLH also organizes events for kids and families in the community, she said.

“Some of our favorite events have included a father-daughter and mother-son date nights, candle-light Christmas Eve services, and a women’s craft night,” she said. “This past summer, the Haitian staff organized eight weeks of English classes and artisan crafts classes for kids in the community. The kids enjoyed learning these new skills and proudly showed off their work at an expo at the end of the summer.”

“The center will include four, fullyequipped, modern classrooms, a library and study hall, a conference room, computer lab and offices,” Polynice said. “These spaces will provide valuable education and training to hundreds.”

According to Polynice, PLH has 22 employees and contracts with six parttime workers.

“The jobs that PLH creates are empowering these individuals to care for their families,” she said.

People can give financially toward PLH ongoing programs and upcoming projects. Volunteers are also needed to serve on the construction committee, with events, assisting with curriculum development, teaching virtual classes and more.

To learn more about Project Living Hope, visit www.plhop.org or follow PLH on Facebook.

In March 2021, Project Living Hope’s Executive Director

Dr. Guesly Dessieux noticed a young boy riding his bicycle on Route Nationale 1 with his soccer gear on.

“Little did I know he was riding seven miles every day on a dangerous road to get to soccer practice and be a part of the PLH academy,” Dessieux said of the 11-yearold boy named David.

Though not a very talented soccer player, Dessieux called David “passionate” about the game.

“He travels all this way because he feels respected and accepted by his peers within the PLH program,” Dessieux said. “At that time, David was living with his mother who works in the market from sunup to

sundown and an older sister. David’s father died when he was young.”

After a conversation with the mother, Dessieux and academy staff agreed the highway was too dangerous for David to travel.

“One Saturday, David had a game at 9 a.m.,” Dessieux said. “He and a few friends decided to walk to the field. They left his house at 5 a.m. to ensure they were on time.

“I know the soccer academy matters to David,” he added. “In Haiti, a lot of youth end up drinking alcohol, doing drugs, joining gangs, and getting into trouble on the street. PLH is committed to providing them better options.”

Unfortunately, David’s mother died suddenly and it became even more difficult to attend the soccer program.

“Our goal is to have David back playing in the academy, but the instability in Haiti and severe fuel shortage has impacted his ability to come,” Dessieux said. “David is one of many kids in Haiti that come from a difficult family situation, aren’t seen for their full value, and are seeking a place to belong.

“The PLH soccer academy is about more than soccer,” he added. “The academy exists to offer kids safety, belonging, positive influences, opportunity and hope.”

a constructive place to belong

Project Living Hope’s water purification center in Haiti. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Molly Ann Freeman passed away on Oct. 17, 2022 in Stayton, Oregon. She was born on Nov. 30, 1967 to D.B. “Swede”and Mary Ann Gulstrom in North Bend, Oregon.

Molly was raised in Arago, Oregon enjoying time with lots of cousins and her three older brothers, and attending Camp Fircroft every summer. There a relationship with her future husband Dean began to grow.

On the summer of her junior year, she

Oregon. Together they raised two daughters in the Stayton and Lyons area. She served as a librarian aide (2007-2015) at Lyons Library.

Molly was a faithful member of Mehama Community Church. The past several years she was unable to attend regularly because of health issues. She loved her cats and had a very boisterous laugh.

Molly was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Dean; children, Jessica Ann Freeman and Brianna Rose Freeman; brothers, Rev. D. Leonard Gulstrom, Darrell D. Gulstrom, and Rev. Troy E. Gulstrom.

A graveside service was held on Oct. 21 at Norway Cemetery. Services were held at Mehama Community Church on Oct. 27. Serving the family, North Santiam Funeral Service, Stayton.

Frequent Address

Santiam Senior Center, 41848 Kingston-Jordan Road, Stayton 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. Seniors 50 and older. Daily, weekly, monthly events. 503-767-2009, santiamseniorcenter.com

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

Free Covid-19 Testing, 2 - 6 p.m., Ditter’s Square, 134 W Main St., Sublimity. No physician’s order required. Pre-register at labdash.net, 503-769-3230. Appointments are required by visiting santiamhospital. org/coronavirus. Repeats 2 - 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

Covid-19 Vaccinations, 2 – 5 p.m., Santiam Hospital, 1401 N 10th Ave., Stayton. First and second pediatric vaccines as well as pediatric boosters for children ages 5 – 11. Moderna vaccine available for pediatric patients who are 6 months to 5 years old. First and second adult vaccines as well adult boosters. Mon - Fri. Schedule an appointment at santiamhospital.org. Bingo, 1 - 3:30 p.m., Santiam Senior Center. Regular games $.05 a card. Blackout $.10 a card. 50 and older. Repeats Thursdays. 503-767-2009

Community Yoga, 7 p.m., St. Patrick’s Hall, 362 Seventh St., Lyons. Suggested donation $5 - 15. All levels. Repeats Wed. Kathy, mail2reed@gmail.com

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

Family Storytime, 11:05 a.m., Stayton Public Library. Explore early literacy through songs, stories. Children, family members of all ages. 503-769-3313

English/GED/Citizenship Classes, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Stayton United Methodist Church, 1450 Fern Ridge Road. No cost for class. Workbook is $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. Coffee, light refreshments served. Location varies each week. For location, call 503-769-3464.

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

Baby & Toddler Time, 11:05 a.m., Stayton Public Library. Explore the world of early literacy through movement, songs, rhymes, play. For infants and toddlers up to 24 months and their caregivers. Free. 503-769-3313

Tai Chi for Beginners, 11:15 a.m. - noon, Santiam Senior Center. 50 and older. 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. 50 and older. 503-767-2009

Beginner Line Dancing Class, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m., Santiam Senior Center. 50 and older. 503-767-2009

Advanced Line Dancing Class, 2 - 3 p.m., Santiam Senior Center. 50 and older. 503-767-2009

GriefShare, 6 - 8 p.m., Foothills Church, 975 Fern Ridge Road, Stayton. National, nondenominational support group. 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. Everything is provided. New members welcome.

Mama´s Community Market, 1 - 4 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 organization. 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.Different ways to move, grow, explore. Activities indoors, outdoors. Children and family members of all ages. Free. 503-769-3313

Saturday

After-Season Indoor Market, 10 a.m. - noon, Silverton Friends Church, 229 Eureka Ave. Local produce, eggs, meats, artisan crafts. Free admission.

Wednesday, Nov. 2

Daylight Saving Time Ends

Remember to turn your clocks 1 hour back.

Chamber Business Network

8:15 a.m., Stayton Cooperative Telephone Company, 475 N Second Ave. Network building event for local business, non-profit professionals. 503-769-3464.

Thursday, Nov. 3

Dungeons & Dragons

5:30 p.m., Stayton Public Library. First timers, experienced players welcome. Ages 12 and older. Free. 503-769-3313

Friday, Nov. 4

“Sarah, Plain and Tall” 7 p.m., The Spotlight, 383 N Third Ave., Stayton. Spotlight Community Theatre production. Tickets $15, $12, $8 at door or spotlightct.com. Repeats 7 p.m. Nov. 5, 11, 12; 2 p.m. Nov. 6, 13.

Sunday, Nov. 6

Shaw Knights of Columbus Breakfast

7:30 - 10 a.m., St. Mary Parish Hall, 9168 Silver Falls Hwy., Shaw. Biscuits and sausage gravy, eggs, hash browns, fruit cup, coffee, juice. Cost: $8 adults, $2 children 12 and under. 503-362-6159

Monday, Nov. 7

National Storywalk®

Stayton Public Library. Walk around the outside of the library, reading Imagine a Night by Sarah L. Thompson. Free. Runs through Nov. 13. 503-769-3313

Daughters of American Revolution

10 a.m., Stayton United Methodist Church, 1450 SE Fern Ridge Road. Speaker is Joseph Martin, State President of Children of the American Revolution (CAA). Refreshments served. Open to all. Linda, 503-689-6991

Stayton City Council

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

Tuesday, Nov. 8

Election Day

Ancestry Detectives

10 a.m. - noon, Silverton Senior Center. Pam Hutchinson speaks on “Proof and Sources in Genealogy: How to Prove Your Point.” Free. Open to all. Kathy, 503-5084251; ancestrydetectives.org

Virtual Playgroup

2 - 2:30 p.m. Zoom. Virtual playgroup for families with children age 5 and younger. Songs, stories. RSVP to mweeks@ familybuildingblocks.org or 503-769-1120. Repeats Nov. 22

Dementia Care Conversations

3 - 4 p.m. Zoom. Free group for unpaid caregivers providing support to a loved one living with dementia. The focus is to provide dementia care information, training and resources to family caregivers. Offered by Family Caregiver Support Program at NorthWest Senior and Disability Services. To request a referral to the group, contact the Aging and Disability Resource Connection at 503-304-3420. Repeats Nov. 22.

RDS Board Meeting

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

Cascade School Board

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

Wednesday, Nov. 9

Chamber Business Network

8:15 a.m., TBA. Chamber Business Network appreciation breakfast. For location, call 503-769-3464.

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. For Zoom invite, call 503-304-3432.

Thursday, Nov. 10

Acorn Cap Toadstools

5:30 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Make small toadstools with acorn caps and felted wool. Age 11 and older. RSVP to https://bit.ly/3yCt0Vy or at the library. Free. 503-769-3313

Aumsville Fire District

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

Friday, Nov. 11

Veterans Day

Saturday, Nov. 12

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

Book Reading & Signing

2 p.m., Silver Falls Library, 410 S Water St., Silverton. J. Allen Cross will read from two of his books, American Brujeria: Modern Mexican American Folk Magic and The Witch’s Guide to the Paranormal. Free. Open to all. 503-873-8706

Sunday, Nov. 13

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, Nov. 14

Sublimity City Council

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

Stayton Parks and Rec Board

7 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Agenda available. Open to public. 503-769-3425

Aumsville City Council

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

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. 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

Tuesday, Nov. 15

North Santiam Watershed Council

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

Wednesday, Nov. 16

Chamber Business Network

8:15 a.m., First American Title, 1161 N First St., Stayton. Network building event for local business, non-profit professionals. Coffee, light refreshments served. 503-769-3464

Stayton Public Library Board

6 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Open to public. 503-769-3313

Thursday, Nov. 17

Teen Tabletop Thursday

4 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Learn a new tabletop game. Teens age 11 - 18. Snacks provided. Free. 503-769-3313

NSSD Board

6 p.m., District Office, 1155 N First Ave., Stayton. Board meeting for North Santiam School District. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-769-6924, nsantiam.k12.or.us

She Kills Monsters

7 p.m., Stayton High, 757 W Locust St. Stayton theater department production. $5/adults, $3/students. Contains mature themes and language. Recommended for ages 13 and older. 503-769-2171

Friday, Nov. 18

Scio Holiday Market

3 - 7 p.m., ZCBJ Hall, 28704 N Main St., Scio, and IOOF Hall, 38952 Highway 226, Scio. Vendors, live music, food, gift wrapping. Bring three non-perishable food items for a free drawing ticket. Repeats 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Nov. 19 with Santa visiting 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. 503-362-6159

Maker Lab

3 - 4:30 p.m., Stayton Public Library.

Drop in to try out a craft activity. Limited number of take-home supply kits available beginning Nov. 19, while supplies last. Free. 503-769-3313

Saturday, Nov. 19

Bethel Clothing Closet

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

Aumsville Turkey Shoot

6 - 10 p.m., Aumsville Fire Station, 490 Church St. Win bingo, win a turkey. Suggested donation of $.25 per card per game. Food concessions available. Sponsored by the Aumsville Volunteer Firefighter Association.

Joseph’s Storehouse of Hope

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

Sunday, Nov. 20

Taizé Prayer

7 p.m., Benedictine Sisters’ Queen of Angels Chapel, 840 S Main St., Mt. Angel. Open to public. 503-845-6773

Monday, Nov. 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. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-769-3425, staytonoregon.gov

Thursday, Nov. 24

Thanksgiving Day

Monday, Nov. 28

Free Playgroup

10 - 11:30 p.m., Immaculate Conception Church, 1077 N Sixth Ave., Stayton. Free playgroup for families with children age 5 and younger. Activities, snacks. RSVP to mweeks@ familybuildingblocks.org or 503-769-1120.

Vigil for Peace

2:30 - 3:30 p.m., Towne Square Park, Silverton. Silverton People for Peace gather to advocate for peace, social justice issues on all levels of society including a focus on issues of current concern. Open to all. 503-873-5307

Sublimity Planning Commission

4:30 p.m., Sublimity City Hall, 245 NW Johnson St. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-769-5475, cityofsubllmity.org

Stayton Planning Commission

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

Wednesday, Nov. 30

Chamber Business Network

8:15 a.m., Stayton Flowers, 1486 N First Ave. Network building event for local business, non-profit professionals. Coffee, light refreshments served. 503-769-3464

Book Discussion

4 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Discuss Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson. Limited number of copies available at the circulation desk. Free. 503-769-3313

Place your ad in Marketplace 503-769-9525

GENERAL

SEASONED FIR FIREWOOD Cut and Split. $180 a cord. You haul, delivery extra. 503989-0368 or 541-926-3900

ANNOUNCEMENT

PEACEFUL VEGETARIAN

FREE CELEBRATION

Try a meatless Thanksgiving meal, with calming mantra meditation and kirtan, free at the Silverton Senior Center, Friday, Nov. 18, 6-8 p.m. RSVP to peacefulheartkirtan@ gmail.com

SERVICES

HANDYMAN & HOME REPAIR SERVICE Installation and repair of fencing, decks, doors, gutter cleaning, moss removal,

power washing, yard debris removal. CCB# 206637 Call Ryan 503-881-3802

GOT STUFF U WANT

GONE? From yard debris to scrap metal-From garage sale leftovers to rental clear outs. We repurpose, recycle, reuse or donate what we can. Call and find out what we can do for you. $20 minimum. Keith 503-502-3462

WOODS CREEK HORTICULTURE

Lawn Care-Weed Control Services-Fully licenced. Richard 503-507-9215

JESSE’S LAWN SERVICE

& HANDYMAN Pruning, edging, trimming, blackberry cleaning, gutter cleaning, arborvitae, moss treatment, yard clean-up, stump grinding, powerwashing,

haul-away. 503-871-7869

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If you enjoy working with people and have customer service, organizational and time management skills you may be a terrific fit for our family-friendly publishing company. We’re happy to train to fill in the gaps. We share a solid work ethic and commitment to meet deadlines. Excellent communication and people skills are essential. Start in a support position and learn the ropes. For more, email: paula.m@ mtangelpub.com.

© ALEXRATHS

123RF.COM

Class action

Continued from page 5

the

said she disagreed with assertions that PacifiCorp’s interests in investigating the fires were contrary to the interests of

investigation and our investigation as something that is in search of the truth of the ignition of the fire and I think that’s what most people want,” read an

transcript of the agent’s deposition

with the Oct. 7 motion.

also said additional class member contacts had occurred, but she did not recall specific details and no other contacts were described in the deposition excerpt.

records also described two men who were PacifiCorp employees as well as class members. PacifiCorp allegedly concealed their status as wildfire survivors and later claimed the two were represented by Hueston Hennigan.

The plantiff’s attornies attempted to depose one of the employees in April, but Hueston Hennigan said the employee was too traumatized by the fires to be verbally deposed, offering written testimony instead. A May 12 email asking for clarification on whether or not the employee was a potential class member generated no response from PacificCorp’s counsel.

Two PacifiCorp workers were later scheduled for deposition in August and at that time Hueston Hennigan disclosed both employees were class members, yet the firm still intended to prepare them for the deposition. When Edelson asked PacifiCorp counsel to cease all communications with these employees, Hueston Hennigan asserted both were “represented parties.”

Defense counsel cited laws around the rights of corporations to provide representation

for employees when the corporation is held liable for wrongdoing committed by an employee. But Edelson said the employees in question are not accused of wrongdoing and defense counsel had provided no legitimate grounds to continue representation.

“The actions of PacifiCorp’s counsel raise serious ethical concerns that we must address immediately,” said Edelson in an Sept. 4 email to Hueston Hennigan.

Edelson said these “misleading” interactions with class members have caused unknown harm and asked the court to restrict PacifiCorp counsel and all PacifiCorp representatives from communicating with class members regarding the substance of the lawsuit.

They also asked that PacifiCorp reach out to all class members with whom they have had improper contact and explain the inappropriateness of their actions and the company’s adversarial legal position.

These allegations are the latest in a series of legal maneuvers that plaintiffs criticized as underhanded.  A trial set for Aug. 15 was postponed after PacifiCorp challenged the broad definition of class members to the Oregon Court of Appeals in July. On Aug. 25 the challenge was rejected as meritless.

Then, on Aug. 15, PacifiCorp objected to the use of community groups in outreach to absent class members, arguing such entities would under-inform or misinform plaintiffs. Plaintiffs said this was an unfair mischaracterization of groups that have spent the last two years helping fire survivors. On Sept. 27 an outreach plan incorporating community groups was approved by the court.

Health

Almost there Marion County set to finalize parks recovery plan

By James Day

It’s an unprecedented opportunity. Six Marion County parks that were badly damaged by the 2020 Santiam Canyon wildfires have been the subject of an intense recovery project, led by county officials and consultants.

Now, the plan is just about ready for prime time, and a date with the Board of Commissioners, who will pass final judgment later this fall on the initiative that might wind up costing up to $24 million in the next 10 years or so.

The county’s parks commission received a final draft of a report Sept. 15 from its consultants, led by Walker Macy and ECO Northwest. Top parks planner Tom Kissinger took a reporter on a tour of the three sites in the North Fork area on Sept. 23.

“When I look at this project,” Kissinger said, “I look at it as a 50-year project.  When you are working in parks you are usually looking at a 10-year window. Even if we manage it well, it might well be 100 years before things look the way they did before.”

By “look” Kissinger meant the landscape, which remains dominated by blackened – but regenerating – trees and wide meadows where forests used to be. All of the hazardous trees are down, and the county and its federal partners with the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, continue to work on the list of piles that still need to be removed.

“It was a tragedy,” said Kissinger of the fires, “but it’s also a huge opportunity, a once in a generation opportunity. You don’t usually build things this way. It’s unique.”

A grant from Oregon Forests Forever will allow the county to plant 342,000 replacement trees. That work will begin this winter and continue in subsequent winters, with community volunteer planting parties planned.

Marion County hopes to restore sensitive natural areas, rid the parks of nonnative species, preserve wetlands and riparian corridors and build a culture of environmental education and nature interpretation in the six parks. That’s the restoration piece.

Recreationally, the project also aims to improve river access, rebuild entrance roads and parking lots and add campgrounds and

JAMES DAY

RV sites and yurts. Parks officials think that their counterparts in Linn County have done an admirable job of providing overnight amenities to its parks. More camping, the consultants and county officials say, fits better with what the parks user of the 2020s wants. And more camping also would provide revenue aimed at helping the county execute the plan and preserve the system’s resources.

Here is a park-by-park summary of the plan, starting with the Highway 22 parks and then the three in the North Fork area, which was hit harder and will take more time to be put back together. All the parks’ restoration goals include revegetation and adding bird/bat boxes.

Packsaddle: This park already is open, although its main utility right now is to keep in place its status as a put-in, putout stop for rafters and kayakers. Key recreation goals include an improved driveway, upgraded parking, a picnic shelter, more access points to the North Santiam River and improvements to the boat ramp. Restoration goals include restoring tributary riparian zones, engineering log jams in the tributaries and at the boat ramp.

Minto: The largest of the six parks at 70 acres, Minto will be the next to open, with only some salvage log removals standing in the way. Kissinger said parks officials are hoping for a “soft launch” this winter. Recreation goals include improved access and driveways, a new restroom and picnic areas, river access, trail upgrades and a road crossing. Restoration goals include log

jams and restoring the floodplain riparian zone and wetlands.

Niagara: Recreational goals here include a new restroom, improved parking and access, a buffer area, picnic areas, interpretive signs and a kiosk, river access, a footbridge and road crossings. Restoration goals include a native plants meadow, restored tributary and riparian zones and wetlands work.

North Fork: Its wide expanse of river access at a severe bend in the Little North Santiam makes it the most visited of the six parks.

“This was a black gooey mess,” Kissinger noted while looking down at the beach from the bluff above. He also noted that parks officials and the consultants have found sets of stone steps that had been “lost to time” until the fires burned away the vegetation that had overgrown around them.

Recreational goals include better road access, expanded parking, adding a host site and a new restroom, building a camping area and picnic shelters and better river access. Restoration goals include log jams, floodplain/riparian zone restoration, restoring an existing tributary and riparian zone.

Bear Creek: Parks officials and the consultants hope to make this site the destination for campers. The property sits between North Fork Road and the Little North Santiam and “because it is nice and flat it will be easier to develop,” Kissinger said.

Marion County also hopes to work with the Bureau of Land Management on a lease of property east of Bear Creek that could be used for more camping sites.

Kissinger said the park suffered 90% tree loss and shade will be a key challenge.

“This became a very sunny place all of a sudden,” Kissinger said.

Salvage logs already have been reduced to piles of chips for trails and walkways.

Recreational goals include picnic shelters, increased tent and RV camping, river access, buffer areas and new restrooms. Restoration goals include wetlands work and vegetative buffers between campsites.

Salmon Falls: Behind the falls there is an overflow parking lot that Kissinger says was rarely used.

“This is a really good flat space,” he said.

“You can punch a campground right in here. I’d love to do yurts here. This could be a really cool campground.”

Recreational goals for Salmon Falls are picnic shelters, a buffer area, an amphitheater, camping, river access and a falls overlook plus trails and a boardwalk through a wetland. Restoration goals include restoring tributaries and their riparian zones, including wetlands, plus vegative buffers between campsites.

Outreach, funding: Kissinger said the county plans to take the plan on the road for outreach meetings, perhaps in Gates, Lyons and/or Detroit and also organize online marketing and surveying.

The county has spent approximately $100,000 on the planning and consulting work. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has provided $1.2 million, and the county also plans to use its $300,000-plus in annual RV fee allocation from the state and $560,000 in one-time-only salvage timber sales.

The consultants broke down the $24 million total on a park-by-park basis. The report shows that Bear Creek will require $8.6 million, Salmon Falls $4.8 million, Niagara $3.8 million, Minto $2.8 million, North fork $2.4 million and Packsaddle $1.5 million.

The consultants suggest that Marion County aggressively pursue grant opportunities while also noting that new day-use and parking fees and camping revenue also would be in the mix.

Marion County parks planner Tom Kissinger is shown next to a swimming pool in the Little North Santiam above Salmon Falls. Before the 2020 wildfires, he said, few people knew the pool was there.

Eagles soaring Stayton boys take top seed into 4A soccer playoffs

Wright, Angel Garcia and Fernando Joachin also contributing to the attack. The defense has been anchored by three seniors, defenders Omar Garcia and Kevin Acevess and goalkeeper Luis Mejia.

Ismael Esparza scored for Stayton in

from Angel Garcia. Silas Pittman answered for Philomath, last year’s 4A champions, off a corner kick in the 60th minute.

The tie, one of eight that occurred in the Oregon West Conference season, left Stayton with a 7-0-3 league mark, just ahead of 6-0-4 Philomath. The two sides played to a 0-0 tie Oct. 6 in Philomath. Those draws help show the strength and balance of the league, which put five of its six teams into the 16-team playoffs. Stayton and Philomath earned byes, while North Marion (4-3-3), Cascade (3-5-2) and Newport (2-4-4) are in the play-in round. Cascade will visit Marshfield of Coos Bay. Stayton, 11-0-3 overall, will play a team

to be determined on Tuesday, Nov. 1.

Philomath enters as the No. 3 seed, with the two teams only meeting again if they make it to the Nov. 12 championship match in Hillsboro.

“I think we play in a tough league, against good teams,” Stayton coach Chris Shields said. “Many of them are senior-heavy such as Philomath and Cascade, who give us tests each time we step on the field. My feeling is that someone from this league gets to the final, so our chances are good because of the trials we have had to endure to get to this point.”

Esparza, a junior forward, leads the squad with 14 goals, with fellow juniors Jesse

The Eagles have outscored opponents 53-5 and trail only Henley (57) in terms of 4A scoring, but Shields said his squad still has room to grow offensively.

For the girls, North Marion (8-1-1) and Philomath (8-2) went 1-2 in the OWC race, with fourth-place Cascade (4-6) earning a play-in slot at North Bend.

Volleyball: Defending 4A champion Cascade hosted Pendleton on Oct. 29 (after Our Town’s presstime) with the winner advancing to the state tournament in Springfield. The Cougars, who also finished second at state under coach Cristina Williams in 2013, are 15-3 overall, finished 10-0 in the Oregon West and are seeded No. 2 in the tournament.

Stayton, meanwhile, which earned a playin nod by finishing 4th in the OWC, lost 3-0 to No. 1 LaGrande on Oct. 25. The Eagles finished 9-10. The state tournament, which is being conducted in tandem with the 3A event, runs Nov. 4-5 at Springfield High.

Football: Stayton (4-1) and Cascade (3-2) were in the hunt for Oregon West Class 4A playoff berths at Our Town’s presstime as they prepared for their annual rivalry game, with the Cougars hosting this year’s rendition at Lou Federico Field. Marist Catholic, which leads the league at 5-0, faced 4-1 Junction City as all four contenders battled with each other on the regular season’s final Friday. The OWC receives three automatic playoff berths with one statewide at-large berth out there as a possibility for the squad that finishes fourth.  Regis, meanwhile, went into its Oct. 27 home battle with Santiam with a Class 2A playoff spot already clinched. The Rams are 7-1 overall and 4-1 in the TriRiver conference. Their only loss was to top-ranked Colton in four overtimes.

The 4A and 2A playoffs both begin the weekend of Nov. 4-5.

Chris Shields. JAMES DAY

By Mary Owen

battle between a local business and a larger, national company is still brewing.

early January, I received notice from a friend that Operation Underground Railroad was using my trademark Break the Chain

selling T-shirts, stickers and sweatshirts,” said Tammi Grove Burns, who owns Break the Chain Apparel in Stayton. “I contacted them to ask them to please stop and let them know that I had the trademark. I didn’t hear back so I sent a cease-and-desist letter explaining that I had the trademark.

“On Jan. 19, I received an email from OUR’s trademark attorney that their legal team wanted to reach out to me to discuss my letter and also discuss an amicable resolution,” she added.

Burns spoke directly to OUR’s attorney, Brian Tucker out of Utah, to ask what they proposed as an amicable solution.

“He told me that he wanted me to

turn my head and ignore the fact that OUR was using my trademark and that they didn’t want to compensate me for anything,” Burns said. “I also found out that not only were they using it, they were actually filing for my trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.”

Burns successfully filed a Letter of Protest to block the registration.

“The fight is not over,” she said. “They are continuing to sell T-shirts and sweatshirts with Break the Chain on them to date, ignoring the cease and desist, and ignoring the cancellation of the registration with the USPTO under those specific classes. It’s a huge form of bullying by a larger company.”

Founded in 2013, Operation Underground Railroad is a nonprofit involved in the rescue of human and sex trafficking victims, with a special focus on children and a wider goal of eliminating sex trafficking world-wide, according to Wikipedia.

Wikipedia reports that in 2020, a Vice News investigation found “a divide between [OUR]’s actual practices and some of its claimed successes.” The organization allegedly has a list of discrepancies that has led to a number of criminal complaints, according Wikipedia.

By press time OUR had not answered Our Town’s request for comments. Burns filed for her Break the Chain trademark in 2006, and owns it to use on shirts, hats, stickers and motorsport entertainment.

“I’ve maintained my mark for 14 years,” she said. “I’ve had to defend it numerous times and have sent out dozens of ceaseand-desist letters and have always been met with understanding, and the offender has stopped until now. I am not a wealthy woman, and I have given all I have emotionally, financially and spiritually. I have fought, cried, lost, won and helped all that asked.”

According to Burns, Break the Chain was started to shine a light on domestic

violence, addiction, abuse, sex trafficking, suicide and violence.

“I stand for change,” said Burns, herself a former victim of domestic violence.

“I fight for what is right and just. We are being bullied by a company that wants to take what is not theirs. While I have nothing against what they do, I will not be bullied in business. I will fight with everything I have to protect what is ours.”

Burns wants people and business owners to know that “just because someone is bigger and has a larger bank account, it doesn’t give them the right to bully you or your business. Our country was built on tenacious small business people and standing up is how we Break the Chain.”

Unfortunately, to file a lawsuit against the national company Burns would need about $7,000, a cost that could go up to an estimated $30,000 on the low end.

“I cannot afford to financially fight them at this time,” she said. “I’m sure that is exactly what they were counting on.”

Kate

& Mike Ulven

Upcycled The Shabby Shed finds niche in Sublimity

By Mary Owen

The

The Sublimity store

three women who had

travel

venture put to rest by the

pandemic.

“Our current storefront became

we took a leap of faith and

said DD Harris, who owns the store with Jill Fery and Gina Martin. “The local support has been awesome.”

The trio repaints furniture and primarily uses paint they sell in their store.

Numerous vendors make items, from blue-tooth speakers made from old radios to hand-painted signs, candles, handmade soap, quilted items, birdhouses, jewelry and wooden flags. The Shabby Shed also sells local honey and wine.

“Some of our best sellers are our flags,

hand-painted signs and the local wine made by Colton Winery,” Harris said. “During the spring, fall and winter months, we have wine tasting once a month.”

The Shabby Shed participated in the annual downtown Stayton SummerFest in July and plans include adding more to the seasonal garden shed.

“We have been told we have a very cute upscale shop,” Harris added. “We have gotten many positive comments and a lot of return customers. We appreciate everyone’s encouragement and kind words and suggestions.”

Jim Evans credited the store as having “the absolute best items for sale.”

“Something for everyone,” he posted on Facebook. “Highly recommended!”

Consignments can be arranged, “if the need arises,” Harris said.

The Shabby Shed supports Honoring Heroes, a local nonprofit that helps disabled veterans.

To create a free account for Fred Meyer Community Rewards, visit www. fredmeyer.com, click on community awards, then select Honoring Heroes (Sublimity). The community organization number is U1190.

For information, visit The Shabby Shed on Facebook. The store is located at 493 S. Center St., Sublimity.

The Shabby Shed in Sublimity.

Secret sauce

I’m not a fan of most holidays.

I know what you’re thinking – this guy’s crazy. Who wouldn’t appreciate time off work to spend with loved ones?

But hear me out. By and large, holidays are stress-inducing budget busters, and the reasons behind them often get lost in clouds of fireworks and barbecue smoke. To add to the “fun,” even if you do get a day off, you still have to do the same amount of work in less time. Enjoy.

And if you say anything about holidays and what a pain in the neck they are, you’re labeled a party-pooper. I should have that tattooed on my forehead.

Having gotten that off my chest, there is one holiday I like – Thanksgiving. Yes, it has its stresses – especially if a boatload of people shows up at the last minute or expects to be waited on. That can be a problem. But by the time the pumpkin pie hits the plates,

Being thankful for what we all have to offer

hard to pay the rent or the mortgage and the other bills, put food on the table and raise a family.

everyone has pretty much settled in for an afternoon of chit-chat, board games or football.

What could be better?

Thanksgiving is rooted in a simple idea. It’s to get together and share the bounty. Historians now say most of what we were taught about the origins of Thanksgiving was rooted in myth, and that’s fine with me. I just like the concept of sitting down to a meal with friends and family. Whether the Pilgrims and Indians did it centuries ago isn’t something I worry about.

These days, most people don’t grow their food or hunt, but they do work

That in itself is worth celebrating. Togetherness is another benefit of Thanksgiving. Too many folks seem to go out of their way to draw lines. Politics, religion, ethnicity, even their affinity for sports teams is what identifies them. What they forget is that, as Americans, each of us is a full meal deal. We may have certain political and religious beliefs, but each of us is more than the sum of them.

In school we were told that the U.S. was a great melting pot, that we all have a place at the table. That concept is no longer in style, but I still think that all of us are the ingredients for the secret sauce that makes our nation exceptional.

If you don’t believe it, get out and walk around and talk with people. In short

order, you will be convinced this is a good and great place to live.

We are part of something bigger. Whether we’re part of a neighborhood, or a city or town. Whether we are Democrats, Republicans, Independents or Libertarians and whether we are Christians, or Muslims or atheists, we all have something to offer – ourselves.

We need each other. We need that diversity, but we also need to acknowledge and embrace the fact that we are all in this together.

Those who insist on standing on their side of a line are missing out, but so are we all. To understand each other and to work together are qualities that make us better people.

That is something for which we all can be thankful.

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

Aumsville

Main Street,

503.769.7546

1369 N 10th

Santiam Internal Medicine Clinic 503.769.7151

N 10th Ave, Ste 200, Stayton

503.769.6386

N. 10th Ave, Ste 100, Stayton

Santiam

503.897.4100

S 1st Ave, Mill City

Church Street,