www.ourtownlive.com

50 years of service: Kiwanis have history of making a difference in Silverton

Warren Levecke, 89, is the club’s remaining charter member.

By Brenna Wiegand

In celebration of its 50th anniversary, Silverton Kiwanis Club honored its two living charter members by making them grand marshals of the Pet Parade last May. Orville Roth brought “TLC,” his “favorite bear who likes to throw candy to kids.” Beside him, Warren Levecke carried a photo of “Peaches” in his pocket. His loving lapdog had died the year before.

With Orville’s passing Oct. 13, 2013, Warren Levecke, 89, says he’s “the last of the Mohicans.”

Sometimes the Mohicans had to fight to survive; at other times they were rescued.  Read more... (1001 words, 1 image, estimated 4:00 mins reading time)

The feeling of home: Nealons return to Silverton, plan a ‘box burning’

Shelly and Jim Nealon with their children Grant, Chloe and Jack.

By Brenna Wiegand

The Nealon family returned to Silverton in August and don’t plan on moving again anytime soon. It would practically take an act of Congress for Shelly Nealon to consent to another 2,000-mile move. For in a dozen years, they’ve done it three times, Nebraska to Silverton, Silverton to Nebraska, Nebraska to Silverton.

Both Shelly and Jim Nealon are Nebraska born and raised. After four years of college for both and four years of medical school and a five-year residency for Jim on the plains, the Nealons had been searching for jobs closer to their family, but to no avail.  Read more... (1061 words, 1 image, estimated 4:15 mins reading time)

Making a difference: Jill Rivoli takes up reins at Silver Falls YMCA

Silver Falls YMCA team members are Brandon Lemon, Jill Rivoli, Moniqa Keisling and Elizabeth Sjolander.

By Kristine Thomas 

From being an archeologist at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to working on a ranch in Montana to most recently being the regional manager of SMART, Start Making a Reader Today, for six counties in Oregon, Jill Rivoli has a varied work background.

“I always choose jobs where I am making a difference in peoples’ lives,” Rivoli said. “It is important to me at the end of each day to know that I’m making a positive impact in someone’s life.”  Read more... (1068 words, 1 image, estimated 4:16 mins reading time)

To ask or to surprise? – Sage advice from men on shopping for women

Chuck Tauer

By Dixon Bledsoe

Remember the look of disbelief when your wife opened up her “Elvis” Chia pet for Christmas in 1971? Odds are you didn’t receive the reaction you thought you would.

What about the time you surprised your girlfriend with a diamond ring and  earrings? My guess is that sort of “shock”  was a lot more fun.  Read more... (518 words, 4 images, estimated 2:04 mins reading time)

Get a little nutty: Festival adds fun run, Love Bomb Go Go Marching Band

Sr. Terry Hall debuted the Benedictine Sisters’ Holy Hazelnut Monastery Mustard at last year’s Nut Fest.

By Steve Ritchie 

After a successful debut in 2012 the Hazelnut Festival – A German Holiday Market is back for a second appearance at the Mount Angel Festhalle on Dec. 7-8.

Co-Chair Maureen Ernst said the 2013 version of the Hazelnut Festival will be bigger and better than the first, citing more entertainment, more vendors, authentic German Christmas gift items from Christkindlemarkets, and a new 5K fun run – “Run for Your Nuts” – which is probably the only road run offering a bag of nuts for each finisher. And Santa Claus will be on hand to listen to children’s wishes on both days.  Read more... (1014 words, 1 image, estimated 4:03 mins reading time)

In Victorian tradition: Carolers bring holiday cheer to Silverton

Silverton resident Emily Flanagan will perform with Festival Chorale’s Victorian Carolers.

By Don Murtha

Whether you have a case of the humbugs or are bustling with holiday cheer, you are bound to be delighted by a wonderful musicial treat this Christmas season.

Festival Chorale of Oregon and the Festival Carolers who are a part of the acclaimed Festival Chorale will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13 at Silverton United Methodist Church.  The group of up to 24 carolers performs in Victorian costume and sings traditional Christmas carols. The repertoire may include music of Bach, Brahms, Mozart, Haydn, Puccini, Verdi and other classical composers. The Choral also performs more modern music by Gershwin, Cole Porter, Leonard Bernstein and others.  Read more... (416 words, 1 image, estimated 1:40 mins reading time)

Economic Development Grant applications due

By Mary Owen

Applications are now being accepted for Economic Development Grant funds allocated by Marion County. Grants up to $50,000 will be awarded from a fund provided to the county from Oregon Lottery proceeds, with the primary goal of assisting private-sector employers with job creation and retention.

“Because the funding is limited, the Economic Development board wanted to focus on local companies that are somewhat established,” said Don Russo, Economic Development manager. “There are business people in Marion County who are making the effort to grow. They are hard-working, strong, and do good work.”  Read more... (453 words, estimated 1:49 mins reading time)

Honoring Tony: Siblings pool resources to remember dad

Cheryl and Ron Bielenberg with the statue commissioned to honor former Scotts Mills Fire Chief Tony Bielenberg.

By Don Murtha

Tony Bielenberg was a pillar of his Scotts Mills community.

Fire chief for 30 years. Combat veteran of World War II, where he was wounded in action and received several decorations. Service station owner, mechanic, master gardener, Mr. Fix It, Jack of All Trades, father of seven children and devoted husband.  Read more... (515 words, 2 images, estimated 2:04 mins reading time)

New holiday venue: Daisy Salem welcomes vendors to historic setting

Daisy Salem decorates the Wolf Building while her daughter, Jasmine supervises.

By Brenna Wiegand

First Friday just keeps getting better as Silverton continues to fly its flag as one of Oregon’s Coolest Small Towns, so named by Budget Travel magazine in 2009.

Plus, those in the know, know that Silverton is also Santa Claus’ favorite place to visit during December, well, anytime really.

Believing it would be a shame to have the currently vacant Wolf Building closed during the most popular First Friday of the year when Santa is in town and holiday cheer abounds, Daisy Salem decided she had an opportunity to help small, craft businesses.  Read more... (776 words, 1 image, estimated 3:06 mins reading time)

A little perspective: Kurt Berning gives JFK students a pep talk

Mount Angel School District Superintendent Troy Stoops with JFK graduate and guest
speaker Kurt Berning

By Vince Teresi

“What you do now…matters,” Kurt Berning emphasized during a recent 40-minute presentation to the Kennedy High School student body.

A 2008 valedictorian, Berning was in town for a brief visit with family and friends before continuing his globe-trotting adventures that have spanned six continents.

After graduation from the University of Portland, Berning received a prestigious Fulbright scholarship to continue advanced studies in the United Kingdom in pursuit of a master’s degree. His bachelor degree was in the area of finance and business.  Read more... (817 words, 1 image, estimated 3:16 mins reading time)

Flying beyond expectations: Ashley Collins learns the power of believing in her dreams

Ashley Collins of Silverton accurately sees herself as something of a trailblazer in the aviation field.

By Steve Ritchie 

Think quickly: When was the last time you flew on an airplane that was flown by a female pilot?

If the question stumps you, don’t feel bad. Statistics show that only about 5 percent of the certified pilots in the United States are women, and that low percentage has not budged much since 1980.

Knowing those statistics, 19-year-old, newly-certified pilot Ashley Collins of Silverton accurately sees herself as something of a trailblazer in the aviation field.  Read more... (1112 words, 1 image, estimated 4:27 mins reading time)

Words become magic: Gordon Munro shares tales at Silver Falls

Gordon Munro, storyteller.

By Mary Owen

Gordon Munro was once a self-professed “king of the wallflowers” until he discovered his knack for storytelling.

“My first boss sent me to give a presentation to a city council,” Munro said. “I thought I was going to die. My legs were actually shaking when I got up there to speak.”

After several presentations, Munro decided to do something about his nerves and joined Toastmasters for three years.  Read more... (475 words, 1 image, estimated 1:54 mins reading time)

The Old Curmudgeon: Small is beautiful – Thinking about the perfect house

By Vern Holmquist

I have been watching with great interest the worldwide trend toward smaller, even micro housing.

And I agree with those who say we should be considering taking up less space on our planet.

With this in mind, I have studied all the floor plans I could find. Having lived many years in the somewhat confined space of mobile or what is now known as manufactured homes, I feel I have some knowledge on how small a home can be and still be functional.  Read more... (564 words, 1 image, estimated 2:15 mins reading time)

Something for the Soul: People are people… Love them anyway

By Winnie Bolton

Having majored in psychology in college, I have never stopped peering into people’s motivations for their behaviors.

Still searching for answers, I am pleased to have found one that can apply to a normal person, someone without psychological problems.

Mother Theresa once said, “No belief system need apply.”

It is so simple that any human could understand its far reaching effects.

She stated, “People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.

“If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.  Read more... (227 words, 1 image, estimated 54 secs reading time)

Bulldogs stop Foxes: West Albany wins state quarterfinal rematch 17 – 0

By James Day

The Silverton High and West Albany football teams have battled four times in the past 14 months. High stakes were on the line in all four games, but none higher than Saturday night’s OSAA Class 5A semifinal on a cold night at Hillsboro Stadium.

Bulldogs running back Jake LaCoste rushed for 207 yards and a pair of touchdowns to lift West Albany to a 17-0 victory, sending the team to a championship match against Sherwood.

LaCoste also rushed for a pair of touchdowns to lead the Bulldogs to a 13-0 win Sept. 27 in the rain in Albany, a victory that allowed West Albany to replace Silverton as Mid-Willamette Conference champions.  Read more... (584 words, 1 image, estimated 2:20 mins reading time)

A Grin at the End: Avoid being on naughty list

By Carl Sampson

The winter holidays means the invitations will be arriving for parties, get-togethers, reunions and parole hearings. With the exception of the latter, most gatherings are fun. It’s always a kick to get together with family, friends, co-workers – anyone – to celebrate. I can think of no better way of doing that than enjoying good food and company. There’s a trick to properly attending these gatherings. Some folks tend to violate the Golden Rule of Entertaining – never discuss religion or politics. Not only do some folks want to find someone to engage in a discussion, they hope to find someone they can set off like a skyrocket.  Read more... (508 words, 1 image, estimated 2:02 mins reading time)

Winter Wonderland: Twinkling Rediscovery Forest filled with surprises

Workers hanging decorations in the Discovery Forest for Christmas in the Garden. Photo by Brenna Wiegand.

By Brenna Wiegand

A magical and charming event at The Oregon Garden is bound to become a holiday tradition for families and friends.

Reminiscent of a traditional German Christmas market, Christmas in the Garden will take place from 4 to 9 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Nov. 29 to Dec. 22. Visitors will board the Holiday Express tram, which will whisk them through the Oregon Garden to the beautifully decorated Rediscovery Forest, that has been turned into a winter wonderland.  Read more... (1055 words, 3 images, estimated 4:13 mins reading time)

Wizard of instant replay: Bahr spent years on the road covering sports

Olaf Bahr now balances work and family by being a tech trainer.

By Steve Ritchie 

Every Thanksgiving, NFL broadcasts spend a few moments showing the video crew and the technical wizards who are responsible not just for telecasting the game but for providing all the graphics, highlights, replays, closeups, and other elements viewers have come to expect.  Read more... (1191 words, 1 image, estimated 4:46 mins reading time)

Cities collaborate: Economic development focus of new zone

The 35-acre parcel on Wilco Highway at Industrial Way in Mount Angel is now part of the Silverton-Mount Angel Enterprise Zone.

By Kristine Thomas

To compete for businesses looking to expand or to build new facilities, the city councilors of Silverton and Mount Angel realize they have an advantage if they collaborate.

The two cities have agreed to form a Silverton-Mount Angel Enterprise Zone. The Mount Angel City Council voted in October and the Silverton City Council voted in November on a resolution to expand the Silverton Enterprise Zone, created last spring, to include 35 acres in Mount Angel.  Read more... (539 words, 1 image, estimated 2:09 mins reading time)

A reminder of care: Prayer Shawl Ministry creates gifts

Sister Dorothy Jean and Barbara Beyer examine a shawl.

By Don Murtha

At a long table in the parish office at Saint Mary’s Church in Mount  Angel, several women sit knitting or crocheting under the guidance of Sister Dorothy Jean Beyer. The women are members of the Prayer Shawl Ministry. They knit and crochet shawls to give to the sick; those who have lost a loved one or to mark a joyful experience: a birth, a wedding, a graduation, an anniversary…. the possibilities are endless.  Read more... (542 words, 1 image, estimated 2:10 mins reading time)

The Man About Town: Is that a beard… or a squirrel?

By Jim Kinghorn

As our hearts go out to the victims of the recent typhoon in the Philippines, word comes that a floating island of debris three times the size of Great Britain has been spotted slowly making its way across the Pacific Ocean. The estimated 5 million tons of rubbish from the Japanese Tsunami in 2011 is expected to begin arriving on the coast of California sometime next year. The Man experienced an eerie feeling standing on the dock that washed up on the Oregon Coast last year…..imagine what it will be like to be among the twisted remains of peoples’ lives, hopes and dreams. It will be a powerful reminder that the heartbreak and devastation remain long after the news cycle has passed.  Read more... (656 words, 1 image, estimated 2:37 mins reading time)

SHS football determined: Team reaches quarterfinals

By James Day

The Silverton High football team just doesn’t like to lose. Since a 13-0 loss to West Albany on Sept. 27, the Foxes have won five consecutive games in dominating fashion, including a 35-0 Class 5A playoff dismantling of Mountain View of Bend on Nov. 8 at McGinnis Field.

Silverton (9-1) has outscored its opponents 231-18 since the West Albany loss and will visit Springfield Nov. 15 in the quarterfinals in a game that was played after Our Town’s presstime.  Read more... (651 words, 1 image, estimated 2:36 mins reading time)

Giving it her best: From the classroom to athletics to church

Lilly Paradis keeps a busy schedule. Photo by Jody Russ

By Tanner Russ

Silverton High School senior Lilly Paradis has been a soccer team captain, a basketball team captain, a record-setting member of a track and field 4×400-meter relay team as well as an excellent student and student body president.

And she seems to make a difference wherwever goes. Fred George, head coach of the Foxes’ girls soccer team, was quick to praise her.

“She’s really amazing. She’s been fantastic for us,” George said. “She’s a stellar player, she started out with not a lot of soccer skills, but innate athletic skills, and (Coach) Gary (Cameron) and I are so proud.”  Read more... (651 words, 1 image, estimated 2:36 mins reading time)

‘Arms and the Man’: SHS performs play

A senior at Silverton High School, Karissa Mathae is directing a play for her senior project that she has dreamed of doing since she was in the seventh grade.

Community members are invited to attend Arms and the Man by George Bernard Shaw at 7 p.m. on Nov. 21, 22 and 23 at Silverton High School, 1456 Pine St.

Mathae said the play is about a young girl who awaits the return of her fiancé from the Serbo-Bulgarian war in 1885. As she waits, an enemy officer crawls in her window seeking refuge from the fight.  Read more... (441 words, estimated 1:46 mins reading time)

People Out Loud: Thankful in many ways

By Dixon Bledsoe

I am thankful for autumn leaves. Not so much to rake them but in the beauty and serenity they provide us. Leaves are a little bit like relationships – they can bring us smiles and are there with dazzling colors when the days shorten, rains return and temperatures drop. But they take work. Take care of your leaves and relationships this season.  Read more... (733 words, 1 image, estimated 2:56 mins reading time)