www.ourtownlive.com

In a blink . . . Diapers to diplomas

My wife, Lisa, and I went out to eat recently and talked with a nice couple. Turns out we had met before – their son knows my wife from her years in education, and I coached the little tyke in T-ball and basketball. He’s 24 now.

I love the pictures proud parents post on social media, showing their progeny at their first day of school in kindergarten next to one of their last as they graduate from high school. The transformation is amazing, but the speed of time is difficult to understand.  Read more... (664 words, 1 image, estimated 2:39 mins reading time)

Joseph (Joe) Carl Hess: September 30, 1932 – May 25, 2019

Joseph (Joe) Carl Hess September 30, 1932 – May 25, 2019

Joe Hess was born to Karl and Josephine Hess in the Victor Point area of Silverton. Born at home in the family farm house, Joe was the third of four children. A lifelong lover of both practical jokes and hard work, he spent his childhood outside causing trouble while working hard on farms. He met his wife, Myrna, at the young age of 13 while picking strawberries, where his first day of knowing her, he pelted her with strawberries for wearing all white to work in the fields.  Read more... (562 words, 1 image, estimated 2:15 mins reading time)

Kennedy rules state: Trojans claim 4th all-sports trophy in a row

Kennedy clinched its fourth consecutive OSAA Cup on May 31, a memorable day in Trojans history when the baseball and softball teams both competed for state title.

Many fans, parents and students attended both events. Kennedy lost both games, but with both squads going undefeated in league play and finishing 50-8 overall, well, it’s hard to view this season as anything other than a raging success for the teams and veteran coaches Kevin Moffatt (baseball) and Walt Simmons (softball).

The OSAA Cup is awarded to the best overall athletic program in the association’s six classes. The points system includes academics and sportsmanship in addition to sports success.  Read more... (1038 words, 2 images, estimated 4:09 mins reading time)

Candy galore: Nostalgic store caters to sweet tooth

Michelle White with sons, Gabriel and Robbie. Nancy Jennings

By Nancy Jennings

Michelle White wants everybody to feel like a kid in a candy store inside of Candy Babel. Her Silverton candy store – officially opened in February – offers a wide variety of domestic and international bulk candies to “pick and mix.”

Countries represented include: Indonesia, Spain,
Russia, Germany, Japan, China, Korea, Thailand, Canada, Australia, Turkey, Venezuela, Mexico, USA and the United Kingdom.

“I’m steering clear of candy you can get just about anywhere,” White said. “My favorites are the German ‘Kinder Bueno’ chocolate bar and Russian ‘Roshen’ candies. They are divine.”  Read more... (436 words, 1 image, estimated 1:45 mins reading time)

Motivated to succeed: Morales brothers flourish with hard work

Luis and Eduardo Morales. Melissa Wagoner

By Melissa Wagoner

While other sixth graders were just trying to make it through middle school, Luis Morales was already planning for college. And not just getting into college, but getting into college and having it paid for through a Gates Millennium Scholarship, an award he learned about while attending 4-H summer camp.

During the camp, a motivational speaker, who happened to be a Gates Millennium Scholar, regaled the campers with stories of full college funding, which – awarded to low-income, minority students whose GPA, leadership qualities and writing abilities set them apart – would pay for a recipient’s college degree up to the doctorate level. Luis was intrigued – and not just by the award – but by the speaker, who had once been a kid, just like him.  Read more... (942 words, 1 image, estimated 3:46 mins reading time)

First responders shine : Silverton students win pair of state titles

Four Silverton state champions from the SkillsUSA conference at Camp Withycombe in Clackamas.From left are Zach Stutzman, Magaly Nino-Gomez, Samira Weathers and Easton Peoples. Submitted Photo

By James Day

Silverton High continues to excel in just its second year of participation in Protective Services competitions.

Silverton repeated as state champions in firefighting and also won a state championship in career pathway in March at Camp Withycombe in Clackamas.

The SkillsUSA-sponsored competition also hosts a national event, with four Silverton students scheduled to participate June 24-28 in Louisville, Kentucky.  Read more... (268 words, 1 image, estimated 1:04 mins reading time)

July 3 celebration set to dazzle

The Oregon Garden Foundation will host its annual  Silverton Day Celebration presented by Roth’s Fresh Markets on July 3 at The Oregon Garden. Festivities include a fireworks show, live music by The Flextones and 3Rivers Crossing, family activities and great food from local vendors, along with beer and wine.

The celebration kicks off at 5 p.m., with food and drink vendors and family activities, including a bounce house, face painting and balloon animals. Some activities will have an additional charge. At 10 p.m., the fireworks show begins. Following the show, the live entertainment continues until 11 p.m. For the entire event schedule and list of activities, visit the garden’s website.  Read more... (296 words, estimated 1:11 mins reading time)

Space to transition: St. Edward’s breaks ground for tiny shelter homes

Vicar Shana McCauley, Reverend Neysa Ellgren Shepley, and Sarah White break ground at St. Edward’s Church. MELISSA WAGONER

By Melissa Wagoner

Gloria’s path to homelessness began last December – on her birthday – when the woman who employed her as a live-in caregiver had a stroke. By Christmas she found herself living in her van with two dogs. And by Jan. 4 she was sleeping under the Marion Street Bridge in Salem with nothing but her dog and the clothes on her back.  Read more... (457 words, 1 image, estimated 1:50 mins reading time)

Hands that preserve: HistoriCorps volunteers come to Silver Falls

Joan Wierzba working at Camp Silver Creek. MELISSA WAGONER

By Melissa Wagoner

Preserving historic structures isn’t a job just anyone can – or should – do, according to Ryan Prochaska a Historic Preservation Professional. The expertise, equipment and time needed are something few contractors possess. But with the help of HistoriCorps – a non-profit dedicated to maintaining historic structures for public use across the United States – now anyone can help preserve the nation’s most treasured structures.  Read more... (774 words, 1 image, estimated 3:06 mins reading time)

Second takes: Grading grievance resolved; retirement plans withdrawn

By Brenna Wiegand

Grievances filed in February 2018 by Silver Falls Education Association on behalf of a Silverton High School English teacher were resolved as of the school board’s June 10 meeting.

The matter surfaced in September 2017 when the grading protocol for the college English course Writing 121/122, taught by Ben Hynes-Stone and colleague Travis Woodside, was brought into question by SHS assistant curriculum principal Johnnie Ferro.

Kids were getting F’s. Meant to motivate and provide accurate feedback, Ferro said the grading system was drawing numerous complaints from emotionally distressed students and parents.  Read more... (624 words, estimated 2:30 mins reading time)

Time for play: Parenting coaches offer summer tips for enjoying the break

Vienna Sheldon and a friend, berry picking. Summer Sheldon

By Melissa Wagoner

Summer in Oregon is fantastic for so many reasons but one of the biggest can be the additional time many parents get to spend connecting with their children once the schools have closed. But that time can also feel overwhelming with so many hours to fill and kids who – let’s face it – don’t always get along.

“I loved summer with my kids,” Meg Feicht said, a mother of two grown children, Kyle, 35, and Emily, 22, as well as a teacher at Silverton Christian Preschool in Silverton and parenting educator for Silverton Together. “They both say, ‘We had so much fun in the summer.’”  Read more... (1150 words, 1 image, estimated 4:36 mins reading time)

Wasn’t it wonderful? (The good) life without a cell phone

Carl Sampson

The other day I left my cell phone at home. It was the best mistake I ever made.

To me, a cell phone is a leash, a cinder block tied to my leg as I try to do important things, only to be distracted by constant beeping, dinging and vibrating.

Some people apparently need to know what Kim Kardashian is doing at the very moment she posts on Instagram about it, when I don’t understand why anyone would ever care about anything she has ever said or done.  Read more... (600 words, 1 image, estimated 2:24 mins reading time)

A record spring: Foxes, Trojans shine at state track

The Silverton High track and field teams turned in superb performances May 24-25 at the OSAA Class 5A state championships in Gresham.

The Foxes’ girls team finished second behind North Salem, while the boys squad took third behind North Bend
and Ashland.

“This is the highest placing for the girls since I have been coaching,” coach Erik Cross told Our Town. “The last time Silverton girls placed second was in 1991. This is the third time the boys have placed third in the program’s history. The last time was in 2011. I’m very proud of how the whole group came together and gave their best efforts for each other.”  Read more... (1305 words, 2 images, estimated 5:13 mins reading time)

David Wayne Jenks: Feb. 2, 1935 – May 19, 2019

David Jenks was born to Aasel and Mabel Jenks in Woods Cross, Utah. When he was still small, they moved to Heyburn, Idaho, where he went to elementary and high school.

He married Clara Korb in 1951. They had three children. During their marriage, he was drafted into the US Army and served at Ladd Air Force Base in Fairbanks, Alaska. After nine years, the couple divorced. He moved to Spokane, Washington and lived near his eldest sister, Alice Koch.  Read more... (541 words, 1 image, estimated 2:10 mins reading time)

Sister Alberta awarded Christus Magister medal

Sister Alberta Dieker, OSB, a member of Queen of Angels Monastery in Mount Angel, was awarded
the Christus Magister medal from the University of Portland during their annual commencement ceremonies on May 5.

She received the honor for her lifetime service to the three central tenets of the University of Portland’s mission – teaching and learning, faith and formation, and service and leadership.

Sister Alberta entered Queen of Angels Monastery in 1939, and professed her vows in 1942. Her teaching career spanned 45-years, and ranged from elementary school to college. In addition to serving as prioress,
she was also a history professor at Eastern Oregon College and served as dean and president of Mount Angel College.  Read more... (250 words, 1 image, estimated 1:00 mins reading time)

Olde Moon Farm: Produce for farmers market, restaurants

By Melissa Wagoner

Spring has definitely sprung at Olde Moon Farm on the outskirts of Silverton. Where, just over a year ago, there was only green lawn, now nearly an acre of garden plots is scattered over the hillsides. What was once the lawn and small garden of Megan and Roger Garrett is now the productive farm of Jordan and Jay Ulth.

“It’s pretty intimate,” Jay said of the lease arrangement, which allows the Ulths to not only farm the Garrett’s land but also to live in the small, bunkhouse situated on the property.  Read more... (615 words, 1 image, estimated 2:28 mins reading time)

Out of tune: Silver Falls School District at odds with Silverton Friends of Music

By Brenna Wiegand

Silverton Friends of Music presented a 41-page status report “Music in Silver Falls School District” to the Silver Falls School District Board at its May 13 meeting.

The nonprofit, formed three years ago to promote music instruction in area schools, hired Minnesota-based consultant
Dr. John Benham, author of Music Advocacy: Moving from Survival to Vision (www.save-music.org) to survey the district’s music offerings and give ideas for improvement.  Read more... (1145 words, estimated 4:35 mins reading time)

Speaking up for success: Debate prepares for competition, life

Silverton High School Speech and Debate coaches, Stephen McClanahan and Katie Kantrowitz. Nancy Jennings

By Nancy Jennings

Stephen McClanahan is all about communication. The 24-year-old Salem resident, a 2013 graduate from Silverton High School, is now a co-coach with his former Speech and Debate teacher, Katie Kantrowitz. Now in her sixth year of teaching Speech and Debate, Kantrowitz, 30, recalled observing McClanahan’s steady and enthusiastic progress.

“I became his teacher in his senior year. He was captain of the speech team,” she said. “He was so awesome.”  Read more... (587 words, 1 image, estimated 2:21 mins reading time)

Take a moment…Remember the Fallen

Memorial Day is upon us, and as most of you know by now, I love veterans. In this day and age where most people think about barbecues, beer, and three-days off, many of us give time to say thanks to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in serving our country, fighting for freedom, and protecting the American Dream. And lest we not forget, we think of those who served, were injured physically or emotionally, and those who stand ready to protect us today. Please say thanks to our fighting men and women, and a silent prayer for those who died with honor or are still captured or missing, so that we could continue to taste freedom.  Read more... (840 words, 2 images, estimated 3:22 mins reading time)

Proposals unveiled: Eugene Field site ideas to be discussed May 20

By James Day

The Silverton City Council plans to review proposals for the Civic Center project on the site of the now-demolished Eugene Field School at a May 20 work session. The city and MiG, its landscape design consultants, have developed four possible concepts for the project. The work session begins at 6 p.m. at the Council Chambers, 421 S. Water St.

The options have been labeled Embrace, Festival Plaza, Civic Park and Silver Creek Eddy. All of the design scenarios include a City Hall, police building and parking and also include room for other development.  Read more... (306 words, 1 image, estimated 1:13 mins reading time)

Befriending the falls: Volunteers enjoy perks at Silver Falls State Park

Susan Ransom, Friends of Silver Falls volunteer.

By Melissa Wagoner

Susan Ransom’s enthusiasm for Silver Falls State Park is palpable. Get her talking about the waterfalls and the people who visit them and she is all smiles.

“What’s not to love?” she asked. “The beauty, the peace, the stillness – most  people can’t even use their phones up here.”

A native of California, Ransom has yearned to live in Oregon since she was a teenager. So when her husband retired, she jumped at the chance to pack up and head north.  Read more... (555 words, 1 image, estimated 2:13 mins reading time)

Mt. Angel School Board: Candidates discuss skills, challenges

Mt. Angel School District Board of Directors election
Position 1:
John Conklin vs. Donna Hues
Position 4:
Theresa (Schaecher) Kinkaid, unopposed

Three candidates are running for two open seats on the Mt. Angel School District Board of Directors in the May 21 election. John Conklin is running against incumbent Donna Hues for Position 1 and Theresa (Schaecher) Kinkaid runs unopposed for Position 4.

The five members of the school district board volunteer for four-year terms, are the district’s only elected officials and may not be district employees. The current candidates’ terms commence July 1, 2019.  Read more... (1188 words, 1 image, estimated 4:45 mins reading time)

Silverton Rural Fire District: Meet the candidates

By Brenna Wiegand

Four people vie for two positions on the Silverton Rural Fire Protection District Board of Directors in the May 21 Election. Stacy Palmer and Tara Von Flue are competing for Position 1, and incumbent Warren (Rick) Jackson runs against Robert Mengucci for Position 5. The new board members will serve four-year terms that commence July 1, 2019.

As a special-purpose rural district, Silverton is composed of five stations in Silverton, Scotts Mills, Victor Point, North Abiqua and the Crooked Finger area. In addition to six paid staff at the main station, the district is fueled by 68 volunteers.  Read more... (901 words, 1 image, estimated 3:36 mins reading time)

Fulfilling legacy: Lions Club’s community projects celebrate centennial

By Nancy Jennings

To fulfill its Lions Club International “Centennial Community Legacy Projects” in 2017, and commemorate the service organization’s 100th year of its founding, Silverton’s chapter has completed two community projects – Silverton’s Reservoir fishing area has been renovated, and two new iron benches will be installed at the dog park near the Senior Center.

Lions Club Joint Secretary Tomi Wolff, Silverton’s first woman member, has been involved in the club for 30 years. She said her father helped create the Salem chapter in the 1940s, and she’s proud being a second-generation Lion.  Read more... (522 words, 1 image, estimated 2:05 mins reading time)

May Briefs

Little Nell returns to Brush Creek

Brush Creek Playhouse has brought back back a favorite melodrama, Little Nell.  Written by John Nash and directed by Norman Gouveia, the classic plot of “marry-me-or-I’ll-foreclose” stars the large, awkward heroine Little Nell, the slinky mustachioed villain Carlton Bainbridge, and the affable but-oh-so-slow hero Hector Skyscraper.

Performances are 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays May 17, 18, 24, and 25, with 2 p.m. matinees May 19 and 26.

Reserved seats can be purchased for $10 ($8 for children, students & seniors 60+) at Books-N-Time at 210B N. Water St., Silverton or at Runaway Art & Craft Studio at 311 Commercial St. NE, Salem. Tickets are available at door 30 minutes before performance.  Read more... (512 words, estimated 2:03 mins reading time)