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503-767-2317
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OREGON MAIN STREET GRANT COMPLETED
RDS has completed the $200,000 OMS grant for the Hobson Gehlen Building at 189 N 2nd Ave. in Stayton. The Oregon Main Street grant brought in over $275,000 into the Stayton economy.
Santiam Hospital & Clinics raised $5.3 million for its capital campaign. The hospital was rated Level 4 for trauma care prior to the emergency room expansion. Our Town Santiam Nov. 1 misstated this information. We regret any confusion this may have caused.
The deadline for placing an ad in the Jan. 1 issue is Dec. 16.
Calendar listings are free for community events. Submissions must include date, time, location and cost. Submissions for the Jan. 1 issue are due Dec. 16 Email calendar items to: datebook@mtangelpub.com Paula Mabry, Editor & Publisher George Jeffries, Advertising Executive DeeDe Williams, Office Manager Dan Thorp, Graphic Artist Sara Morgan, Datebook James Day, Sports Editor & Reporter Stephen Floyd, Digital Editor & Reporter
By Melissa Wagoner
In 2023 Denise Busch learned that, unless a new director took over the Stayton Christmas and Craft Bazaar, there would be no event that year.
“I knew this was going to be the 50th year,” Busch said. “And I used to go to the bazaar. That’s why I grabbed it…”
Initially overseen by Ed Tabor, the bazaar was transferred to Hayli Librande in 2019. Then it experienced turbulence when, after having just taken over the operation, Librande was forced to close for two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“She did it in 2022,” Busch recalled. Then decided to pass the event on.
“I made new banners and changed the sign and simplified it,” Busch said, referring to the new name, “The Stayton Holiday Bazaar.”
She also reached out to the North Santiam School District, negotiating a new facility-use agreement with Stayton Intermediate Middle School, where the event is held.
“Because I give all the money back to school groups in the area it’s no cost,” she said, listing the FFA, the Honors Society and the Oregon High School Equestrian Team as last year’s recipients. “It’s a student-motivated event.”
It’s also a student-run event. “The kids have to help,” she said. Which comes in handy because last year there were an estimated 750 shoppers.
“I think the one thing with the Stayton Bazaar is the sense of community,” Busch said. “People know each other.”
It’s an all-day event, opening on Dec. 7 at 10 a.m. and closing at 3:30 p.m. with three outdoor food trucks – Sip and Savor Coffee, Suzy’s Taqueria and Baked and Loaded
Stayton Holiday Bazaar
Stayton Intermediate Middle School 1021 Shaff Road
Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Free admission
66 vendors, three food trucks, a forest of Christmas trees and Santa Claus
Potatoes – and three indoor food vendors selling cakes, sourdough and quick breads.
“I’ve got everything,” Busch laughed, listing Christmas décor including resin products, woven items, woodworking projects, doll clothes, pottery and jewelry as examples of what shoppers will find inside the hallway, gym and cafeteria.
Stayton High School’s Associated Student Body will be erecting a Christmas tree forest for decoration by local businesses. The proceeds, collected through a voting process, will be contributed to a charity. “Last year the money went to Make a Wish,” Busch said.
“I think it’ll be great,” she added. “I just kept it alive.”
Something to Do Stayton lights up town from library to tree
By Melissa Wagoner
On Friday, Dec. 6 Stayton will light up like a “winter wonderland” thanks to the City of Stayton and Revitalize Downtown Stayton (RDS).
“The light display at the library will be the start of the event,” Melanie Raba – the head of Administrative Special Projects for the City of Stayton – said. She described the exhibit that, beginning at 5 p.m., will utilize both the inside and the outside of the Stayton Public Library.
Once the presentation is revealed, City Councilors will lead the way downtown.
“This will be a festive walk down Third Avenue, where shops will be decked out with lights and window displays,” Raba said. “Shop owners will be ringing bells and celebrating the season with our community members as they make their way to the tree. Covered Bridge will host hot chocolate for the walkers as they turn from Marion to Third, and Pioneer Cigars will host hot chocolate in the lot where the tree lighting ceremony will be taking place.”
Beginning at 6 p.m. children of all ages are welcome to gather beside the town tree for a reading of Dr. Suess’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Stayton Elementary School
Winter Wonderland Walk
Stayton Public Library, 515 N. First Ave.
Friday, Dec. 6, 5 p.m.
Free to all ages
Stayton Tree Lighting
Florence Street Parking Lot
Friday, Dec. 6, 6 p.m.
teacher Chuck Larimer.
“At 6:30 p.m. RDS will announce the winners of the window decorating contest and the passport basket winner,” Raba said. “We will then start the countdown and light the tree.”
Closing the ceremony, the Stayton Community Choir, led by Diane AllenJackson and Devon Garber, will sing a selection of carols.
“The event has always been built on community and bringing people together for the holidays,” Raba said, “this year we are building on that by adding community groups and putting our local talent on display.”
Sublimity parade, breakfast launch holidays
By Melissa Wagoner
This year the theme of Sublimity’s Christmas celebration is “Night of Twinkling Lights.”
“Everybody will decorate their vehicles or floats, or some people are walking,” Myrna Harding – office and finance manager for the City of Sublimity – said, describing the first holiday event, the Light Parade, which will kick off at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7.
“I think it’s the only one in this area,” she said. “We give out awards for best use of lights and best theme.”
Beginning at Early Settlers Park, the parade will wind its way through town before ending at City Hall where Santa Claus will initiate the lighting of the town Christmas tree.
“After that we move to the Fire Department,” Harding said. “Santa will be there, and people can get pictures.”
Then, the next morning, beginning at 8 a.m., community members can return to the Sublimity Fire District for the annual Candy Cane Breakfast.
“It’s biscuits and gravy,” volunteer fire fighter, Angela Hargin, said. “There’s
Night of Twinkling Lights and Tree Lighting
Early Settlers Park
245 NE Johnson St., Sublimity
Saturday, Dec. 7, 6 p.m.
Candy Cane Breakfast
Serving biscuits and gravy.
115 NW Parker St., Sublimity
Sunday, Dec. 8, 8 a.m. until 12 p.m.
Free with a donation to the Gift of Christmas food boxes.
no up-front cost. What we request is donations for our Gift of Christmas food boxes.”
In its 10th year, the Candy Cane Breakfast is a chance to meet the district’s fire fighters, support a worthy cause and see Santa.
“He’s usually here around 9:30 a.m. or 10 a.m. to see the kids,” Hargin said.
“It’s a lot of fun. People really enjoy it.”
Nominations requested for 79th annual Stayton Sublimity Chamber Awards
The Stayton Sublimity Chamber of Commerce is joining with presenting sponsor Umpqua Bank to “celebrate the unique and outstanding contributions of local businesses, non-profits and individuals who seek to enhance our region.” But they need your help.
Beginning Dec. 1, all area residents, business professionals, and leaders are invited to share their opinion regarding deserving nominees serving the communities of Stayton, Sublimity, Aumsville, Turner, Scio and the Santiam Canyon.
“This year’s categories include: New Outstanding Business (less than three years in business), Business of the Year, Non-profit of the Year, and the coveted, Distinguished Service Award,” Chamber CEO, Carmélle Bielenberg, wrote in a press release.
“Nominations can be submitted… by reaching out to the Stayton Sublimity Chamber of Commerce, who can provide both an online link or printed copy of the nomination survey.”
Concluding on Jan. 3, all nominations will be reviewed by a committee of previous winners with the finalists announced Feb. 1.
Finalists and community members will be invited to attend the 79th annual awards ceremony – this year themed, “Boldly Different, Brilliant Together.” It will be held at Foothills Church in Stayton March 13. The winners will be announced at the luncheon.
Stayton Council race
Carey in lead, second seat too close to call
By Stephen Floyd
The race for Stayton City Council was too close to call as of press deadline, with only 14 votes separating second and third place in an election that saw more than 70% voter turnout.
According to results published Nov. 22 by the Marion County Clerk’s Office, Ken Carey was leading with 27.49%, followed by Steve Sims with 26.72%, Luke Bauer with 26.44% and Gary Frank with 18.37%.
Two seats are open this election and Carey appears to be the presumptive winner of one, with 1,414 total votes. The second seat could still go to either Sims, with 1,374 votes, or Bauer, with 1,360, as the county continues to tabulate results.
The county has until Dec. 2 to certify the election. If the votes separating Sims and Bauer are eight or fewer, representing less than 0.02% of votes cast, this would trigger an automatic recount under state law.
Stayton saw 70.4% voter turnout, with 4,156 ballots cast out of 5,903 registered voters. This compares to 61.96% during the previous city election in 2022 and 76.61% during the previous presidential election.
This year’s turnout matched broader trends of high voter participation, including 69.91% county-wide and 75.1% state-wide.
Carey, an owner of local businesses such
as Baked and Loaded Potatoes, told Our Town he was “very surprised” by the results, particularly because he saw his fortunes change as results were updated. At first Carey was in third place and said he was ready to congratulate the two winners, and then saw his vote total climb during election night.
“As time went on and I kept checking, I was like ‘Oh wow, I’ve received the most votes,’” said Carey. “This is getting very real.”
Carey said he was “very humbled” to have the support of fellow community members and said he “pledge[s] to be approachable and open minded to the requests and needs of our community.”
Sims, an incumbent councilor and retired Navy commander, said he was surprised by the close race between himself and Bauer, and said the election was “definitely too close to call.” He noted voters had until Nov. 26 to correct issues with their signatures, so there was “definitely” an opportunity for more votes to come in.
Sims said he was happy with the high voter turnout and said this means many Stayton residents want to be civically engaged and have issues that are important to them.
Sims said, regardless of the outcome of the election, “it has been an honor and privilege to serve our town and the residents of Stayton.”
Nov. 5 local election results updates
All results are current as of Nov. 22. Certified results are due Dec. 2.
Aumsville: Mayor Angelica Ceja won re-election unopposed with 92.13% of the vote. Three open seats on the Aumsville City Council went to incumbents Katie Wallace with 34.01% of the vote, Scott Lee with 32.01% and Walter Wick with 30.67%.
Sublimity: Mayor Michael Taylor was elected with 96.85% of the vote after being appointed to the position on June 10. Incumbent Councilors Kari Lowe and Kerst Bosma, themselves appointed July 8, each received 54.81% and 54.81% of the vote. There were two positions on the ballot.
Chemeketa Community College: The college’s attempt to finance upgrades and remodeling through a bond measure has failed. Measure 24-507 was trailing by a 55% to 45% margin. It would have generated $140 million in improvements paid for by district taxpayers. The bond, had it been approved, would have replaced an expiring $92 million bond and used the same tax rate of 27 cents per
Our Town reached out to Bauer for his reaction to the election and did not hear back by press time. Bauer owns local contracting company Bauer Built Construction, and this would be his first time in public office.
Frank, a truck driver for Canyon Contracting and a Marine veteran, said his fourth-place finish was for the better
$1,000 of assessed property value. For a home valued at $400,000, the property owner would pay $108 per year, or about 30 cents per day. The Chemeketa Community College Board placed the measure on the ballot via a unanimous vote on June 26.
Legislature: Rep. Ed Diehl (R-Scio) was elected to another term for House District 17, which includes Stayton, Sublimity, Aumsville, Turner, Scio and the Santiam Canyon. He received 69.27% of the votes to 30.58% for David Beem (D-Salem).
Sen. Fred Girod (R-Silverton) also was re-elected for Senate District 9, including east Marion and north Linn counties, downing Mike Ashland (D-Silverton). Girod drew 68.85% of the voters to 31% for Ashland.
Marion Soil & Water: Incumbent Peggy Hart defeated Tony Shepherd by a 60.74% to 38.35% margin in the race for the conservation district’s at-large director No. 1 slot. Angela Plowhead ran unopposed in Zone 4 after incumbent Dave Budeau did not seek re-election.
because he was recently hospitalized with “a very deadly sickness” and would need months to recover.
He said the voters “did an amazing job” in selecting the top candidates. Frank said he will continue to follow city politics but was unsure what the future had in store.
For the most recent election results, visit co.marion.or.us/CO/elections.
Pointman Ministries Canyon Outpost Lyons, OR We wish everyone in our canyon a very merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas! 502-404-5552
Ken Carey
Steve Sims
Luke Bauer
Gary Frank SUBMITTED PHOTOS
Something to Celebrate
Doris’s New Place
By Melissa Wagoner
On Oct. 14 contractors broke ground on Doris’s New Place – the Santiam Canyon home of Family Building Blocks.
“We are very excited,” Family Building Blocks Executive Director Patrice Altenhofen said. “We need to be closer to the Canyon.”
Established in 1997 – in response to rising rates of child abuse and neglect stemming from the methamphetamine epidemic in Marion and Polk Counties – Family Building Blocks opened the first “relief nursery” in Eugene, providing support for families as far away as the Santiam Canyon.
“Our focus is children five and younger,” Altenhofen said. “But we really focus on prenatal to three years old because children can’t wait. That time is fleeting. And we know, if parents can bond at that time, that’s often for life.”
With these goals in mind, Family Building Blocks opened its first Stayton location, Doris’s Place – named after the Doris J Wipper Fund, which provides much of its operational funding – in 2010. But, because the site consisted of a single office, the location was only able to provide outreach services.
“That was part of the goal,” Altenhofen said. But without the ability to bring families in, it was difficult to build community trust. “We know you have to be physically present to… make people believe you will be there for the long term.”
Which is why the move to Third Street in 2013 was so exciting. It finally afforded Doris’s Place the ability to offer a playgroup and parenting classes.
“It was a step in the right direction…”
Altenhofen said. “But it wasn’t a classroom.”
Which meant Doris’s Space was unable to offer a crucial component of the Family Building Blocks model, the therapeutic early childhood classroom.
“[I]t’s where children spend time with children their age and learn social emotional skills and share meals family style,” Altenhofen said, describing the environment – a ratio of four adults (two of them teachers with an early childhood background) to eight children – which allows each child to have his or her needs met, whether that is being redirected, read to, fed or simply held.
“The idea is to have calm, stability,” Altenhofen said. “We want the same faces every time they go. It’s all natural colors and soft lighting. There are no battery toys that make noise. It’s a calm environment because they are often coming from a chaotic environment. It’s really a wonderful thing.”
But finding the space for such an “abundance mentality” was tricky.
“We kept looking for a really quality early childhood space,” Altenhofen said. “But it’s hard to partner with a church because often their rooms are upstairs. We searched high and low…”
Including in the Santiam Center where, for a time, Doris’s Place was co-located with other service providers.
“That turned out to be a good office space but not a great space for kids,” Altenhofen said.
Then the COVID-19 pandemic struck, and wildfire ravaged the Santiam Canyon.
“[W]e were like, we have to find classroom space,” Altenhofen said.
And still they struggled, moving into the community room of an apartment complex, which had previously housed Head Start.
“But it was just the class space and a kitchenette. Our office space was separate,” Altenhofen said, recalling days when the supervisor, who was required to be onsite, would sit in the hallway, working from a TV tray. “We were there for three years.”
As challenging as the space was, it did allow Doris’s Place to accomplish a big goal, relief nursery satellite certification.
“That means we receive [government] funding,” Altenhofen said. While at the same time providing “a safe, nurturing environment to support healthy development and healing from trauma…”
But still Doris’s Place – forced to move once again to its current location inside the Cascade Family Resource Center in Aumsville – did not have a permanent home. That’s when a board member discovered a vacant lot for sale only 0.2 miles from the hospital in Stayton.
“We started our capital campaign in February 2024,” Altenhofen said.
They also enlisted architects and contractors who began to design the new space.
“We decided to go big with five classrooms on the main floor,” she said. And while Doris’s Place will not utilize all five classrooms – Altenhofen currently estimates the organization will start off using just three, two as therapeutic classrooms and one as a play therapy space – the remaining classrooms will house community partners.
“We want to build capacity for the whole community,” Altenhofen explained.
Because that is what Family Building
Outreach goals for Doris’s New Place
• Increase the number of children ages zero to five served from 16 to 32.
• Enable 37 families to receive home visitation services.
• Allow 48 families to attend parenting classes.
• Ensure dozens of families can attend playgroups that foster parent-child attachment.
• Help hundreds of families meet their basic needs with items like food, diapers and clothing.
How To Help
• The total funds needed to open the doors on Sept. 2, 2025, are $4,022,413 with 78 percent raised so far.
• To donate visit www. familybuildingblocks.org/donate
Blocks is all about – building a stronger community by supporting families.
“It’s a two generational approach where you supply classroom experiences for children as well as support for the family,” Altenhofen said. She listed the additional provisions of a clothing closet, a food pantry, educational opportunities and respite care as just some of the many ways the organization helps parents be the best parents they can be.
“That means better health outcomes, lower incarceration rates and higher school achievement,” she said. “And who doesn’t want that?”
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
Family Storytime, 10:30 a.m., Stayton Public Library. Explore the world of early literacy through songs and rhythms, stories and rhymes. All ages. Free. 503-769-3313
Griefshare, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Foothills Church, 975 Fern Ridge Road, Stayton. Free class open to all who need support because of the loss of a loved one. 503-769-2731, griefshare.org
English, Citizenship, GED Classes, 6:30 - 8 p.m., United Methodist Church, 1450 Fern Ridge Road, Stayton. Classes are free; $20 for workbook. Repeats Thursdays. Join class anytime. Mary, 503-779-7029
Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 p.m., Calvary Lutheran Church, 198 SE Fern Ridge Road, Stayton. Open meeting. Follow path on right on building and use side entrance to church.
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. Learn about Sublimity and possibly your family history. Free. 503-508-0312 Toddler Time, 10:30 a.m., Stayton Public Library. Explore the world of early literacy together with your infant or toddler. Older siblings welcome. Free. 503-769-3313
Stayton Area Rotary, noon, Santiam Golf Club, 8724 Golf Club Road, Aumsville. Guests welcome. 503-508-9431, staytonarearotary.org
Cascade Country Quilters, 12:30 p.m., Santiam Senior Center, 41818 KingstonJordan Road, Stayton. 50 and older. 503-767-2009
Alcoholics Anonymous, 6 - 7:15 p.m., Calvary Lutheran Church, 198 SE Fern Ridge Road, Stayton. Open meeting. Follow path on right on building and use side entrance to church.
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.
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.
Saturday
Alcoholics Anonymous, 10 a.m., New Life Foursquare Church, 1090 N First Ave., Stayton. Open meeting.
Revival Youth Hangout, 5 - 6:30 p.m., New Hope Community Church, 657 N Second Ave., Stayton. Youth of area are welcome. revivalheartbeat@gmail.com
Boy Scout Troop 50’s annual Christmas tree sale at Yarnell’s Nursery, 1247 N First Ave., Stayton. Yarnell’s will help customers during the day. Boy Scouts will man the booth from 5 to 7 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. weekends. Proceeds help support Scout activities.
KofC Breakfast
7:30 - 10 a.m., St. Mary Parish Hall, 9168 Silver Falls Hwy., Shaw. Homemade biscuits and sausage gravy, scrambled eggs, hashbrowns, fruit cup, coffee, juice. Cost: $10. 503-362-6159
Silverton Christmas Market
5 - 9 p.m., Oregon Garden Resort, 895 W Main St., Silverton. German Christmas Market. For tickets, available only online, and a list of activities and events, visit silvertonchristmasmarket. com. Runs through Dec. 31.
Lyons Christmas Tree Lighting
5 - 7 p.m., Lyons Fire Station, 1114 Main St. Night filled with lights, hot cocoa, holiday treats, Santa and the Grinch make an appearance. 503-859-2410
Monday, Dec. 2
Daughters of American Revolution
10 a.m., Stayton United Methodist Church, 1450 Fern Ridge Road. Celebrating the holidays with our patriots. All welcome. 503-508-8246 Military Sexual Trauma Support
6 - 7:30 p.m. Zoom. For those who have served in the military, Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve members who have experienced Military Sexual Trauma. Participants are welcome regardless of gender, discharge status or veteran status. Info: info@ namimultnomah.org, 503-228-5692.
Repeats Dec. 16.
Stayton City Council
7 p.m., Stayton Community Center. Open to public. 503-769-3425
Tuesday, Dec. 3
Stayton Lions Club
Noon, Covered Bridge Cafe, 510 N Third Ave., Stayton. Club and new members are welcome. Repeats Dec. 17. staytonlionsclub.org
Stayton Parks and Rec Board
6 p.m., Stayton Planning Building, 311 N Third Ave. Open to public. 503-769-3425
Wednesday, Dec. 4
Poinsettia & Christmas Gift Sale
9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Santiam Hospital, 1401 N 10th Ave., Stayton. 6.5-inch poinsettias and four-inch Christmas cactus for purchase. Proceeds benefit scholarships, hospital and clinic needs. Repeats Dec. 5-6. Genny, 503-507-9450
Caregiver Connection
1 - 2:30 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 and register, contact Julie Mendez, 503-304-3432 or julie. mendez@nwsds.org
Thursday, Dec. 5
Little Women
7 p.m., Stayton High, 757 W Locust St. Stayton High Drama Department performs Little Women Admission is $10/adults, $7/students, $5/SHS students with ASB card. Tickets available at the door or https:// or-northsantiam-lite.intouchreceipting. com/DramaTickets. Repeats Dec. 6-7. 503-769-2171
5 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Stroll through the library’s enchanting light display. Walk continues through downtown with illuminated local shops and ends at the Florence Street parking lot for the tree-lighting celebration at 6 p.m. Celebration includes a holiday show featuring local performers. 503-769-3425 Spotlight’s Christmas Bazaar
4 - 7 p.m., Spotlight Community Theatre, 383 N Third Ave., Stayton. Repeats 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Dec. 7. Visit with Santa 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Dec. 7. Children, pets and families can take a digital photo with Santa for $10. 503-302-0036
Christmas Open House
5 - 9 p.m., The Lovin Oven, 240 E Ida St., Stayton. Free cookie decorating for youth ages 4-12. Free samples. Free hot cocoa and coffee. Prizes every hour. Carolers start at 7 p.m. Sweet treats available for purchase. 503-769-5538
Saturday, Dec. 7
Santa Cruise and Christmas Breakfast
8 - 11 a.m., Stayton Fire Station, 1988 W Ida St. Enjoy breakfast, make a Toys for Joys donation and view vehicles. Cruise-in registration is at 8 a.m. Entry fee is a new, unwrapped toy. Breakfast is $10/adults, $8/children 6-13 and seniors. Kids 5 and under eat free. For cruise-in information, contact Russ Strohmeyer, 503-930-8976.
Children’s Christmas Shop
9 a.m. - noon, Aumsville Community Center, 555 Main St. Opportunity for Aumsville children ages 3-9 to shop for their parents for free. Parents enjoy a free pancake breakfast and hot cocoa while children shop with Santa’s helpers. Sponsored by Aumsville Exchange Club.
6 p.m., Sublimity. Kickoff the Christmas season with a Christmas light parade through Sublimity. After the parade, Santa on hand to light town Christmas tree at Early Settlers Park after the parade. Cookies and crafts at Sublimity Fire Station following the tree lighting. Parade entries $5. Entry forms available at cityofsublimity.org. 503-769-5475
Beard Competition
7 p.m., Snow Peak Brewing, 280 E Water St., Stayton. Fun way to finish off No Shave November. Four categories: Over 4-inch, Under 4-inch, Best Mustache, Best Holiday Decorated. Professional judges; prizes awarded. Music by Tuff Shark Records and DJ Leslie. 503-767-2337
Sunday, Dec. 8
Candy Cane Breakfast
8 a.m. - noon, Sublimity Fire Station, 115 NW Parker St. All you can eat biscuits and gravy with a donation of three nonperishable items or monetary donation toward holiday food baskets. 503-769-3282, sublimityfire.com
Pictures with Santa 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Santiam Hospital, 1401 N 10th Ave., Stayton. Kids get a free photo with Santa, holiday cookies, hot cocoa and craft activity. Christmas items available to buy from the Auxiliary. santiamhospital.org
Brown House Tour
Monday, Dec. 9
Sublimity City Council
6 p.m., Sublimity City Hall, 245 NW Johnson. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-769-5475
Aumsville Planning Commission
6:30 p.m., Aumsville Community Center, 555 Main St., Aumsville. Open to the public. Agenda available. 503-749-2030
Lyons Fire District Board
7 p.m., Lyons Fire Station, 1114 Main St. Open to public. 503-859-2410
Stayton Fire District Board
6 p.m.,. Stayton Fire Station, 1988 W Ida St. Open to public. 503-769-2601
Tuesday, Dec. 10
Red Cross Blood Drive
8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., Cascade High, 10226 SE Marion Road, Turner. For appointments visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-3767.
STEAM Days
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. For a special reserved guided tour, call 503-769-8860.
Jingle Jam Family Night
4 p.m., Foothills Church, 975 Fern Ridge Road, Stayton. Families with youth in pre-k and elementary school can enjoy a Christmas story, songs, games and more. Free. 503-769-2731, foothillsstayton.org
3:30 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Explore forensic prints and traces with selection of experiments, activities. Free. 503-769-3313
Cascade School Board
7 p.m., Cascade District Office, 10226 SE Marion Road, Turner. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-749-8010
Wednesday, Dec. 11
Canyon Garden Club
1 - 3 p.m., Santiam Community Garden, 846 Fifth St., Lyons. First meeting is free, then dues are $20/year. If you need a ride, call Cheryl at 503-767-2248 or Rosemary at 503-769-2571.
Stayton Book Club
4 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Discuss A Slow Fire Burning by Paula Hawkins. Tea, treats, book talk. Free. 503-769-3313
RDS Board Meeting
5 p.m., Beauchamp Building, 278 E High St., Stayton. Revitalize Downtown Stayton monthly meeting. Open to public. 503-767-2317, downtownstayton.org
Santiam Heritage Foundation
6 p.m., Brown House Event Center, 425 N First Ave., Stayton. Board of trustees’ meeting. Open to public. 503-769-8860
Thursday, Dec. 12
Veteran Services Drop-in
9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Silverton 50+ Center, 115 Westfield St. VSO Eddie Granger on hand to answer questions, advise and educate individuals and groups on what benefits are available from federal, state, county and local resources. Help for veterans and family members in completing and filing benefit or survivor benefits claims. 503-873-3093
Red Cross Blood Drive
10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Santiam Hospital, 1401 N 10th Ave., Stayton. For appointments visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-3767.
Aumsville Food Pantry
Noon - 4 p.m., Bethel Baptist Church, 645 Cleveland St., Aumsville. Open to people in need of food items. Repeats Dec. 26. 503-749-2128
DIY Craftshop
5:30 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Create paper pinecones to use as an ornament, part of a wreath or centerpiece. Supplies provided. 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
Lyons Library Board
7 p.m., Lyons Public Library, 279 Eighth St. 503-859-2366
LGBTQ+ Peer Support
7 - 8:30 p.m. Zoom. Peer-led mental health young adult support group for LGBTQ2SIA+ individuals ages 18-30. Free on a drop-in basis. Sponsored by National Alliance on Mental Illness. Visit tinyurl.com/ yalgbtqgroup to register. Repeats Dec. 26.
Friday, Dec. 13
Community Play Group
10 - 11:30 a.m., Doris’s Place, 574 N 11th St., Aumsville. Free Community Play Group sponsored by Family Building Blocks. RSVP: 503-769-1120, familybuildingblocks.org. Fiber Art Connection
11 a.m., Stayton Public Library. Join other fiber arts enthusiasts of all ages and abilities for crafting and conversation. Bring a project or try one provided. Free. 503-769-3313
Christmas Radio Show
7 p.m., Spotlight Community Theatre, 383 N Third Ave., Stayton. Act on Radio presents A Gunsmoke Christmas, an oldtime radio re-creation. $10/person. Tickets at spotlightct.com or at door. Repeats 2 p.m. Dec. 14-15.
Saturday, Dec. 14
Craft Bazaar
9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Santiam Valley Grange, 1140 Fifth St., Lyons. Lunch served with hamburgers, potato salad, deviled eggs, dessert, coffee and pop. Free admission. 503-859-2161
Santa Visits Aumsville
9:30 a.m., Aumsville. Santa drives around town to visit children, then takes a break for some cookies and milk. Santa’s afternoon route begins at 1 p.m. To track where Santa is during his trip, visit “Aumsville Community Connections” Facebook group for live updates.
Gingerbread House Build
10 a.m., Foothills Church, 975 Fern Ridge Road, Stayton. Families with children of all ages are welcome to build a gingerbread house. Bring a box of graham crackers and package of candy to share, and the rest will be provided. Free. 503-769-2731, foothillsstayton.org
Holiday Festival at Silver Falls
10 a.m. – 4 p.m., South Falls Lodge, Silver Falls State Park, 2004 Silver Falls Hwy., Sublimity. Make a wreath, gingerbread house, cards, ornaments. Take a guided walk or attend an educational talk. Learn about the waterfalls in winter and animal tracks. $5 per vehicle day use fee. Repeats Dec. 15. Friendsofsilverfalls.net
Holiday Bazaar
10 a.m. - 3 p.m., The Oregon Garden, 879 W Main St., Silverton. Holiday market featuring local artisans, seasonal refreshments, holiday crafts, festive live entertainment and visits with Santa. Repeats Dec. 15. Visit oregongarden.org for tickets and more information.
Christmas on the Farm
11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Parnel Family Farm, 8561 SE Little Road, Aumsville. Pictures with Santa. Hugs and selfies with alpacas. Free hot apple cider or hot chocolate and cookies. Live Christmas caroling, games, fire pit. Shop for gifts and stocking stuffers. Free admission. 503-749-3268
Spirits of Christmas
1 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Cookies, cocoa and family-friendly ghost stories. Make Victorian-inspired ornaments afterwards. All ages. Free. 503-769-3313
Aumsville Christmas in the Park
5 - 7 p.m., Porter-Boone Park, 1105 Main St. Holiday festivities, hayrides, refreshments and entertainment. Annual tree lighting. Free. 503-749-2030
The Nutcracker
5 p.m., Stayton High, 757 W Locust St. Presented by Santiam Ballet Academy. Tickets are $12, find link at Facebook: Santiam Ballet Academy. Repeats 2 p.m. Dec. 15.
Tangled in Lights
6 - 9 p.m., Stayton High, 757 W Locust St. Father-daughter ball hosted by SHS Class of 2025 Senior Party Planning Committee. $20/person. For tickets, Venmo @ SHSSPPC; mail a check or money order to SPPC, 1740 Shaff Road No. 255, Stayton, OR 97383. Include name/ address to mail tickets.
Tuesday, Dec. 17
American Legion Post 58
6 p.m., Weddle Funeral Service, 1777 N Third Ave., Stayton. Monthly meeting of American Legion, which supports all services and veteran families. First-year membership dues for all new members are paid by Post 58. Jack, 508-503-2827, https://post58.us
Lyons City Council
6:30 p.m., Lyons City Hall, 449 Fifth St. Open to public. 503-859-2167
Wednesday, Dec. 18
Red Cross Blood Drive
Monday, Dec. 16
Stayton Friends of the Library
11 a.m., Stayton Public Library. New members welcome. 503-932-2733.
Stayton City Council
7 p.m., Stayton Community Center. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-769-3425
10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., North Santiam Eagles Lodge, 640 SW Broadway St., Mill City. For appointments visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-3767.
Dementia Care Conversations
1 - 2 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 register, contact group facilitator Julie Mendez at 503-304-3432 or julie.mendez@nwsds.org. On this holy night so long ago, our Savior, Prince of Peace was
Nichol Plumbing 615 Main Street, Aumsville 503-749-2071
Stayton Library Board
6 p.m. Stayton Public Library. Open to public. 503-769-3313
Thursday, Dec. 19
Public Arts Commission
6 p.m., Stayton Planning Building, 311 N Third Ave. Open to public. 503-769-3425, staytonoregon.gov
NSSD Board
6 p.m., District Office, 1155 N First Ave., Stayton. Board meeting for North Santiam School District. Open to public. 503-7696924, nsantiam.k12.or.us
Friday, Dec. 20
Red Cross Blood Drive
Noon - 5 p.m., Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1077 N Sixth Ave., Stayton. For appointments visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-3767.
Saturday, Dec. 21
Bethel Clothing Closet
9 a.m. - noon, Bethel Baptist Church, 645 Cleveland St., Aumsville. Clothing from newborn to 2x. Free. 503-749-2128
5 - 7 p.m., Stayton United Methodist Church, 1450 SE Fern Ridge Road. Drive by the Living Nativity or stop for a closer look and have hot chocolate and cookies. Canned food accepted for the Stayton Community Food Bank. Repeats Dec. 22 & 24. staytonumc.org
4 - 5 p.m., Stayton United Methodist Church, 1450 SE Fern Ridge Road. Join a sing-along of Christmas carols. Everyone is welcome. Informal, come as you are. Free admission. staytonumc. org, 503-769-5700
Monday, Dec. 23
Aumsville Planning Commission
6:30 p.m., Aumsville Community Center, 555 Main St., Aumsville. Open to the public. Agenda available. 503-749-2030
Tuesday, Dec. 24
Christmas Eve
Candlelight Worship Service
7 p.m., Stayton United Methodist Church, 1450 SE Fern Ridge Road. Sing carols, hear the story of Jesus’ birth in scripture and listen to an uplifting Christmas message. Be sure to visit the Living Nativity before service. All welcome. staytonumc.org, 503-769-5700
Wednesday, Dec. 25
Christmas Day
Thursday, Dec. 26
Crack the Code
Read, encrypt and decode your way through this year’s collaborative Winter Reading Challenge at Stayton Public Library. Runs through Jan. 31. 503-769-3313, staytonlibrary.org.
Friday, Dec. 27
Red Cross Blood Drive
Monday, Dec. 30
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
Stayton Planning Commission
7 p.m., Stayton Community Center. Open to the public. Agenda available. 503-769-3425, staytonoregon.gov
Tuesday, Dec. 31
New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve Gala
8:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m., Mt. Angel Festhalle, 500 NE Wilco Hwy. Live music, dancing, no-host bar, hors d’oeuvres, casino games, photo booth and more. Champagne toast at midnight. 21+ only. Tickets $60/person; available at discovermtangel.org
10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Aumsville Fire Station, 490 Church St. For appointments visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-3767.
Bridgette
Justis
Volleyball surge Eagles take fifth at state
Ruth Daniels has been working for nearly 10 years to make Stayton volleyball a success. After a few years working with the junior varsity players she took over as the head coach in 2019. COVID-19 wiped out the 2020 season and Daniels had to step away from coaching a year ago for health issues.
This year, Daniels was back and the Eagles were ready to turn the corner. They were 7-3 in Oregon West Conference play, just one game behind co-champs Cascade and Philomath. And then they caught fire in the playoffs.
Heading into the post-season with the No. 12 seed the Eagles opened by going on the road for 175 miles to North Bend and blanking the host Bulldogs, the No. 5 seed, 3-0. The victory earned Stayton its first final-eight appearance since 2001. And it meant traveling 175 miles back to North Bend, where the Eagles opened with an emphatic 3-0 win against No. 4 Pendleton in the quarterfinals. The dream ended there as the eventual champion downed the Eagles in the semifinals and Crook County bested Stayton in the match for fifth place.
Soccer: The Stayton boys turned in another exemplary season, finishing 15-1, with the lone loss a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Henley in the Class 4A semifinals. The Hornets went on to defeat North Marion, Stayton’s Oregon West Conference league rival, on penalty kicks in the final. The Eagles were short-handed against Henley, missing goalkeeper Roman Gould for the entire match, while Addison Samuell, the state’s leading scorer with 40 goals, was limited to less than ten minutes.
“It was a really good year,” said Chris Shields of his 23rd season coaching the Eagles. Shields ticked off the accomplishments of Gould and Samuell and noted that the team had just five seniors and another strong squad is likely for 2025.
Excellent performance is standard performance with the Stayton boys, who won a state title in 2010 as well as the eight-team “showcase” tournament during the 2020 COVID-19 season. Shields’ teams also have finished second five times.
Wednesday, Dec. 4
Girls Basketball
5:30 p.m. Regis vs Crosshill Christian
Boys Basketball
7 p.m. Regis vs Crosshill Christian
Saturday, Dec. 7
Boys Wrestling
10 a.m. Perry Burlison Invitational, Turner Stayton, Cascade
Tuesday, Dec. 10
Girls Basketball
5:30 p.m. Stayton vs Molalla
Boys Basketball
7 p.m. Stayton vs Molalla
Thursday, Dec. 12
Girls Basketball
Friday, Dec. 13
Boys & Girls
Basketball
TBA Cascade vs Astoria
Monday, Dec. 16
Girls Basketball
5:30 p.m. Regis vs Salem Academy
Boys Basketball
7 p.m. Regis vs Salem Academy
Tuesday, Dec. 17
Boys Basketball
TBA Cascade vs Bend
Wednesday, Dec. 18
Boys Basketball
7 p.m. Regis vs Cascade
Saturday, Dec. 21
Wrestling
8 a.m. SCTC Duals
Dec. 26-28
Boys & Girls Basketball
SCTC Holiday Classic
For schedule and times, visit shs. nssd29j.org.
Saturday, Dec. 28
Swimming 9:30 a.m. Stayton Invitational
Girls Basketball
5 p.m. Regis vs Portland Christian
Boys Basketball
6:30 p.m. Regis vs Portland Christian
Eagles senior Kenzi Hollenbeck was named secondteam all-tournament and the Eagles also took home the sportsmanship trophy.
“I have been working hard over the last four years to change the culture with the Stayton volleyball program,” Daniels told Our Town. “I have high expectations and standards for my players and parents as far as how they treat officials and opponents... It is my passion to not just train good athletes but also respectful humans that can make a difference in the world.
“Winning this award was huge for the program because it has been our goal since I took over. We want Stayton to be a place where teams want to come because they feel respected.”
Hollenbeck had lots of help. In the North Bend game Zuri Andersen had six blocks, Kathryn Samek had 12 kills and Kayla Neal Welke contributed 20 assists. Against Pendleton Raegan Nightingale had 11 digs, Samek added 15 kills and Welke turned in six kills and 25 assists.
“I am so proud of this team and all they have accomplished,” Daniels said. “My last brag is that this team also had the top GPA in the state for 4A volleyball. I’m training these girls to be successful in life by caring about their schoolwork, working hard on the court, and being good humans with integrity and respect. Really proud of what’s happening here in Stayton!”
Cascade, meanwhile, finished sixth in the state tournament and landed junior Irene Roche-Ibarra on the all-tournament second team. The Cougars, coached by Cristina Williams, won the 2021 4A title and were second in 2022. Cascade lost its opener to eventual champion Marshfield, outlasted Pendleton in a 5-setter in the elimination game and fell in the battle for fourth place to The Dalles.
Football: Cascade fell one game short of the Class 4A title match. The injury-riddled Cougars played a spirited semifinal on Saturday, Nov. 23 at Grants Pass High before falling to defending champion Henley 21-14 in overtime. The Hornets faced Marist, Cascade and Stayton’s Special District 3 rival, in the title match after Our Town’s presstime. The Cougars, who finished 10-2, were missing two-way standout Bryce Kuenzi and another two-way star, Matthew Hinkle, saw limited action. Henley played with a backup QB, Mark Carpenter, because of a knee injury to the starter. Senior Carter Condon played a heroic game at RB for Cascade, rushing 39 times for 128 and one of Cascade’s TDs. Junior QB Cade Coreson was an efficient 8 for 12 passing for 96 yards and a TD for the Cougars.
Stayton, meanwhile, advanced to the 4A quarterfinals before falling to Marist. The Eagles, who finished 7-4, were easily the best fourth-place team in Class 4A. The Eagles lost twice to No. 1 Martist, once to No. 2 Cascade and the fourth loss was to No. 6 Philomath.
Cross Country: Senior Haley Butenschoen led the Stayton girls cross country squad to a sixth-place finish at the Class 4A state cross country meet on Saturday, Nov. 9 at Lane Community College in Eugene. Butenschoen ran the five-kilometer course in 19:58.04 to finish 14th overall. Other Eagles scoring included junior Evelyn Welch (40th, 21:31.5), sophomore Amelia Bell (41st, 21:31.6), freshman Leslie Hunt (63rd, 22:48.9) and sophomore Madison Schacher (22:57.5). Makaila Kuenzi, the lone Cascade girls participant, was 35th in 21:09.5. Stayton freshman Brandon Wagar was 36th in the boys race in 17:42.9. Regis, meanwhile, finished seventh in the boys Class 2A-1A competition. Sophomore Stuart McLaughlin led the way with a 25th-place finish in 17:58.02. Also scoring for the Rams were sophomore Harper Stoops (40th, 18:25.3), freshman Kaison Acker (49th, 18:45.8), sophomore Kingston Whitmire (54th, 18:58.7) and junior Lucas Koehnke (67th, 19:34.1).
7 p.m. Cascade vs Jefferson
Thursday, Dec. 19
Swimming
4 p.m. Stayton vs Cascade
Addison Samuell JAMES DAY
6+ years for comic thefts
An Aumsville man has been sentenced to six-and-a-half years in prison after pleading guilty to stealing high-value comic books from numerous clients through his online comic restoration business.
Michael David DeChellis, 57, pleaded guilty Oct. 11 in Marion County Circuit Court to five counts of aggravated first-degree theft and was sentenced to 78 months in prison. He must also pay restitution to be determined later by the court. Investigators believe he stole more than $300,000 in comics and fraudulent restoration fees from an estimated 20 victims.
The thefts began in 2017, according to charging documents, and involved victims mailing DeChellis high-value comics as well as a $5,000 restoration fee. At the time DeChellis owned Hero Restoration Comics, which he operated out of his then-residence in the Lebanon area.
Victims claimed they never received the comics back or a refund of the fees.
DeChellis closed his business in 2023 and began selling the stolen comics online and to a private dealer in Washington. Police were alerted to the fraudulent sales in February and began investigating, but did not locate DeChellis until Aug. 14 as he had moved from Lebanon to Aumsville.
13 months for assault
A former Stayton man has been sentenced to 13 months in prison after pleading guilty to assaulting two women last winter.
Dakota Byran Selvidge, 23, of Salem, pleaded guilty Oct. 11 in Marion County
Circuit Court to third-degree assault and fourth-degree assault for an incident occurring Feb. 4.
He was accused of causing minor injuries to one woman and serious injuries to another.
As part of a plea agreement, prosecutors dropped a charge of second-degree assault, which carried a minimum sentence of 70 months in prison.
Selvidge is eligible for early release after 10 months and will be on post-prison supervision for three years.
20-year sentence appealed
An Aumsville man sentenced last year to 20 years in prison for raping an unconscious woman has appealed his conviction to the Oregon Supreme Court after an initial appeal failed.
On Nov. 13, Chase Angelo Gasperetti, 29, petitioned to have his case reviewed by the high court after the Oregon Court of Appeals upheld his conviction Aug. 28. The Supreme Court may take up the case or reject the petition. The latter would allow the appeals court ruling to stand.
Gasperetti was sentenced in Marion County Circuit Court Jan. 10, 2023, to 20 years in prison after being convicted the previous month of first-degree sodomy, first-degree sexual abuse, and three counts of first-degree rape.
According to court records, Gasperetti forced repeated sexual contact on a highly intoxicated woman June 26, 2021, in the woman’s home after Gasperetti had gone out drinking with the victim and her husband. During the trial he insisted he
The area’s only locally-owned and owner-operated funeral home Glenn has personally served the community for over 29 years.
was unaware the victim was incapacitated, however prosecutors produced video footage of the assault showing the woman was unresponsive.
Gasperetti appealed his conviction Feb. 9, 2023, and argued the trial judge erred by denying two motions to have the case thrown out. One motion argued Gasperetti’s right to equal protection was violated, and the second argued the evidence did not support the charges.
On Aug. 28, appellate Judge Courtland Geyer found no legal errors had been committed and affirmed the conviction.
Probation for DUII collision
A Stayton woman has been sentenced to probation and substance abuse treatment for a DUII collision near Scio last year.
On Sept. 26, Daron Alexandra AndallMcKinzie, 37, was sentenced in Linn County Circuit Court to three years of probation after pleading guilty July 8 to DUII, third-degree assault and two counts of reckless endangering.
She must also undergo substance abuse treatment, pay $1,655 in fines and fees and pay restitution to the victims. She was also sentenced to 50 days in jail with eligibility
for alternative incarceration, and a five-year driver’s license suspension.
According to court records, on June 10, 2023, Andall-McKinzie was traveling in an SUV on Hwy. 226 near Scio with her nineyear-old daughter in the back seat. She failed to negotiate a curve and struck an oncoming SUV occupied by a 54-year-old male driver and his 16-year-old son.
Andall-McKinzie suffered a broken femur and pelvis, and when she was hospitalized her BAC was measured at 0.11. The other driver suffered a broken femur. No injuries to the other occupants were reported.
Probation for gun threat
An Aumsville man arrested in March for threatening a woman with a gun has been sentenced to probation, accepting a plea deal. John Ivan Crum, 55, pleaded guilty Oct. 11 to unlawful use of a weapon and was sentenced to three years of probation. While on probation he may not possess weapons or consume alcohol, and must complete a batterer intervention program. Crum must also comply with all prescribed mental health treatment and undergo an evaluation for substance abuse treatment.
-- Stephen Floyd
Hilton Family, Owners
Locally-owned and owner-operated funeral home
North
224 N. Third Avenue, Stayton (503) 769-9010
hours: Mon - Sat 9-5
24 hour availability
www.santiamfuneral.com
nsantiamfs@wvi.com
nsantiamfs@wvi.com Glenn has personally served the community for over 30 years.
GENERAL
PASTOR CHUCK BALDWIN
Liberty Fellowship, Kalispell, Montana satellite group Sundays, 1:30 p.m. Call Kristen, 503-990-4584
ORGANIC VEGETABLE
GARDEN Do you want your own free organic vegetable garden? 30 years experience. Call if interested, 707-494-7666.
YOUR RIGHT TO SELF
DEFENSE Saturdays Age 10-12 at 5:00 Age 13 & up 6:15
Security & Correctional Officers 7:30 Private Lessons Available International Certification Curriculum available on request Call Harold 503-391-7406
LOOKING TO RENT space for an organic vegetable garden. Harvest donated to St. Vincent de Paul. 1,000 – 2,000 square feet, water requested. Call if interested, 707-494-7666.
HELP WANTED
HOUSEKEEPER WANTED
$20 an hour. Some errands as well. Home in Lyons. 503-383-4398.
SERVICES
SOUNDS GOOD STUDIO
Bands, artists, personal karaoke CDs, books, restoring VHS video to DVD, old Cassettes, reel-toreel & 8-track cassettes restored to CD. Call Harold 503-391-7406.
MAGIC CARPET CLEANING & MORE Since 1992. Carpet & upholstery cleaning at its best. Free estimates. Residential & commercial. Located in Silverton. Call Harold at 503-391-7406
GOT STUFF YOU WANT GONE?
From yard debris to scrap metalFrom garage sale left overs to rental clear outs. We repurpose, recycle, reuse, or donate what we can. Call and find out what we
Place your ad in Marketplace 503-769-9525
can do for you. $20 Minimum. Call Keith 503-502-3462
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 WANTED
LOOKING to PURCHASE a Commercial Building in downtown Silverton or surrounding towns. Two Story or three. Serious buyer looks for a serious seller only. Duke 505-429-1523
503-769-9525
Merry Christmas!
Christmas is a wonderful time of year. We love to sing: “Joy to the world! the Lord is come; Let earth receive her King!” But if we don’t really believe “the Lord has come,” it is pretty hard to rejoice. Unbelief pulls the rug out from under celebrating Christmas because this is the day that Christians all over the world take time to remember the historical events that led up to the birth of Jesus Christ.
The best way to celebrate Christmas is by gathering family members together and setting the stage for the older members of the family to tell the story of Christmas to the younger members of the family. This often comes with beautiful decorations, special foods and desserts, and, of course, holiday traditions like exchanging Christmas gifts. But we have to be careful not to allow our Christmas traditions to crowd out the true story of Christmas itself. It’s supposed to be the day we remember the birth of Jesus Christ, so we must not let that get lost in decorating Christmas trees or fibbing about Santa Claus. When you hear me say “Keep Christ in Christmas!” I’m preaching to Christians as well as to others. Saying “Happy Holidays” in public may be politically correct, but it just doesn’t cut it. It’s disloyal to Jesus. Cheerfully shouting “Merry Christmas” honors our Lord because Christmas is His holiday. It’s there in the name Christmas!
By Gregg Harris
today as Jesus Christ, to be born into this world as God Himself in a human body. This child would be the promised Savior. But in order to be the Savior, Jesus would have to grow up to be a perfect man, to live the morally perfect life that we were all supposed to live, but have not because of our own sin. Then, because Jesus would have no moral guilt of His own to pay for, He would be able to take upon Himself all the punishment that we deserve for our sin. Jesus would be able to voluntarily die in our place the death that we all deserve. God Himself would die in our place.
And So It Came To Pass.
Jesus was born in King David’s royal bloodline, the very Son of God Himself, to a Virgin named Mary in a stable there in Bethlehem. It was the real Christmas Day! “Joy to the world! The Lord has come! Let earth receive her King!”
It’s All About The Birth of A King.
The Christmas Story is a true story. Although holiday movies often fictionalize the story with talking animals, the real story is historically true. It’s about the birth of a long-promised King who is finally born into the humble circumstances of a stable. But this King is not just any king. This royal child is “the Christ,” the Jewish Messiah. The Bible describes Him as “Emanuel” (i.e., “God with us,” Is. 7:14). Daniel’s “Son of Man.” The King of kings. All of His titles point to this baby’s birthright to rule over everything and everyone forever. When you see a Nativity Scene in someone’s yard, the baby in that manger is Jesus, the newborn King. So, let’s take a closer look at the historical events surrounding His birth as we find them presented in the Bible.
God is omniscient. He knows everything. And as Creator, He lives outside of time. So, He knows everything from beginning to end, all at once. Because of this, God already knew, before He had even made the world, that the first human beings, Adam and Eve, would rebel against Him. He didn’t cause them to rebel, but He knew they would.
Why would they do that? It was because a fallen angel, named Satan, lied to them about
the moral character of God. Satan suggested that God is not really good. He said God was holding out on them something better than God’s will for their lives. He suggested that simply by disobeying God they would become like God, knowing both good and evil. (As outlandish as this may sound, it really did happen, and it explains a lot about why the world is the way it is today. Many still believe Satan’s lie.) Our first parents doubted the goodness of God enough to actually disobey Him, and as they say, “The rest is history.”
It Didn’t Go Well For Them.
It’s amazing that this Savior was promised by God on the very same day that Adam and Eve rebelled against God in the Garden of Eden. (See Genesis 3 for that moment in history.) God promised that the
“If we miss the connection between Jesus in the manger and Jesus on the cross, we miss the point entirely. If we do not believe in our heart that God actually raised Jesus from the dead, and repent of our sin, we miss out on the greatest Christmas Gift of all.”
Rather than becoming “like God,” Adam and Eve fell into what the Bible calls “sin.” It is any rebellion against God’s will — against His glory and against all that is good. So, Adam and Eve, and all of us as their offspring, now “fall short of the glory of God.” (Rom. 3:23). We became fallen creatures, separated from our Creator and cast out of His Paradise.
But there is more to it than that. God is Holy, and so He must be absolutely just in all His ways. We read in Ezekiel 18:4 that “The soul that sins must die.” So, Adam and Eve would have to die, but mercifully, not before they had had their children. Why was that?
Because some of their posterity, even down to the present day, would eventually repent of their sin, believe and be reconciled to God. God saw all of this ahead of time, and so, before the world even began, by His mercy He had already set in place the way by which He could forgive and rescue all those who would repent and turn back to Him. But remember, God had to remain absolutely just. He could not overlook sin. And He didn’t.
That’s why God the Father’s plan required Him to send His own Son, whom we know
Seed (singular) of the woman would one day crush the head of the serpent, Satan. The Story of Christmas really did begin before the world began. It transpired over the course of many centuries, with many prophecies. But all the pieces of the puzzle fell into place.
How Did This Happen?
The entire Bible tells the story of God’s unfolding plan of salvation. First God chose a man named Abraham to be the Father of a Nation called Israel (Yes, that Israel, the forebears of the modern Jewish nation of Israel.) It was through Israel that the promised Savior would be born. God promised Abraham that through his family all the earth would be blessed (Gen. 22:18). Later God promised a Jewish king of Israel named David that the promised Savior would descend through his own royal bloodline (Is. 9:7). Various prophets added more predictions. The Savior would be born of a virgin (Is. 7:14). The Savior would be born in a little town called Bethlehem just south of Jerusalem (Mic. 5:2). A star would appear in the sky to mark the time and place of the Savior’s birth (Num. 24:17). Enough was foretold that a few “wise men” from Persia would be able to figure it all out and show up in time to honor the newborn King with gifts.
But being born was just the first step toward fulfilling the purpose for which Jesus came into the world. The manger stood in the shadow of the cross on which Jesus would eventually die for the sins of the world. It also stood in the light of the tomb from which Jesus would ultimately rise from the dead. (1John 2:2). When God the Father raised Jesus from the dead it provided all the proof we need to know that Jesus was the promised Savior He claimed to be, and that He accomplished all that He said He would.
If we miss the connection between Jesus in the manger and Jesus on the cross, we miss the point entirely. If we do not believe in our heart that God actually raised Jesus from the dead, and repent of our sin, we miss out on the greatest Christmas Gift of all. In order to receive God’s free gift of salvation — to be born again, we must believe (Rom. 10:9) and repent (Acts 20:21). It is this that saves us. That is why we celebrate Christmas as we do. That is the entire purpose of Christmas.
Questions? Call or text 971-370-0967.
Gregg Harris, A Pastor at Gracious Cross Reformed Church in North East Salem
A Grin at the End
A love-hate relationship
All through my life I have had a love-hate relationship with cars. I love cars, and they hate me.
I love the concept of cruising down the road with the windows open and the radio blaring, the deep-throated exhaust raising my testosterone level.
But in reality, cars are a money pit with four wheels. Not only do they cost a mint to buy, you have to pay for gas – or electricity nowadays – and maintain them.
Often, cars strain the pocketbook. Sometimes they push their owners over the edge.
I had a friend in college who spent every free moment rebuilding a 1963 Volkswagen van. All semester, his dorm room was cluttered with engine parts, wrenches, oily rags and frustration. This was in 1975 at the University of Alaska in Fairbanks.
Finally, he managed to pull all of the pieces together and, through an act of will as much as mechanical know-how, got the van to run. Not very well, but it did run.
After graduation, we went our separate ways. I got a job as the entire staff of a weekly newspaper in Wrangell, Alaska, and he landed a job working for one of Alaska’s U.S. senators in Washington, D.C.
One day I got a call from him. He was in Canada and planned to catch a state ferry to Wrangell. I invited him to spend a couple of days in my apartment before he headed on to D.C.
I met him at the ferry terminal. No Volkswagen van. When I asked about it, all he said was a string of four-letter words, some that I had never heard before.
Here’s what happened.
He left Fairbanks in the Volkswagen, and
Cars can leave you jilted and alone
everything was fine, until a small noise developed in the engine. The small noise became a big noise and, ultimately, the big noise became no noise at all. The engine had gone kaput. Melted down. Crapped out.
Anyway you describe it, the Volkswagen was toast. He was in the middle of the Yukon Territory with a dead van and a hundred trillion mosquitoes.
There was only one way out. He had a gun, and the van had a half a tank of gas. By the time he got done, the van was burning like a 12-year-old’s marshmallow. He hitched a ride from a passing trucker, who was heading for the ferry terminal in Haines, Alaska. He had only a backpack and a torque wrench to his name.
Honda. I watched a couple of YouTube videos, ordered the part and was all set. After the requisite amount of crawling around on the floor of the garage, I managed to button it back up.
Then came the moment of truth. I started it and it didn’t make the original noise. It made a whole batch of new noises.
To paraphrase my reaction: Well, heck.
Not only that, when I drove it on the road it wouldn’t go faster than 20 mph. And the instrument panel looked like one of those old Pac-Man video games.
Gosh dang it.
My wife was kind enough to lend me her car and took my Honda “brick” to a repair shop. A week later, a real mechanic had it fixed.
And I was back on the road, driving with the windows open and the radio blaring and
