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Bright spots: News may be grim, but goodness – and giggles – abound

The World is back at it again.

Brexit is a “Mess-ix.” Iran is in the head-lines for nefarious purposes as President Trump declares the “Revolutionary Guard” a terrorist organization (he is correct), and two popular Hollywood families are skewered in the press for helping their progeny get into prestigious schools by cheating. I have been meaning to work this into a column for years, and now the opportunity can’t be wasted: “You can put the kitty in the oven, but that don’t make him a biscuit.” Give people money and fame, but that doesn’t make them classy.  Read more... (648 words, 1 image, estimated 2:36 mins reading time)

Gerald Allen Drain 1959 – 2019

Gerald “Jerry” Allen Drain was born on Feb. 4, 1959, to Frederick Allen Drain and Diane Marie Ferguson, in Lafayette, Louisiana. He began elementary school in Maryville, Missouri, then completed elementary school in Mukilteo, Washington.

He graduated from Mariner High School in Everett, Washington in 1976. He went to Northwestern University in Maryville, Missouri for two years majoring in art history, then took a break and managed a race horse ranch for five years.

Tiring of the cold winters, he went back to school at Edmonds Community College in Edmonds, Washington, majored in Computer Science, and was the first student from ECC to be accepted into the University of Washington Computer Engineering School.  Read more... (435 words, estimated 1:44 mins reading time)

Trojans start fast: Baseball, softball teams also battling weather

The Kennedy baseball team is off to a 9-1 start and is 3-0 in Special District 2 play.

The Trojans, who won three of four games in a tournament in Redding, California, are ranked No. 4 in Class 2A-1A by the OSAA after a 2018 campaign in which they advanced to the state semifinals.

“We are off to a nice start,” coach Kevin Moffatt told
Our Town. “I was worried about our pitching after graduating two of our main guys.”

Now, like a lot of baseball and softball teams in the valley Kennedy is “trying to battle the weather now.”  Read more... (1135 words, 2 images, estimated 4:32 mins reading time)

All in the journey: Silverton teen hikes Pacific Crest Trail

Silverton hiker Anna Koch, shown at right at the start of the Pacific Crest Trail’s start near the Mexican border. Courtesy Rochelle Koch

By Melissa Wagoner

19-year-old, Anna Koch is setting out on the journey of a lifetime – a 2,663 mile trek along the Pacific Crest Trail.

“I’m starting in Idyllwild, [California,] which is the worst spot because they’re getting dumped on every day,” Koch shuddered. “I’m totally nervous because this year is a record snow year. I’d like to think I can do the Sierras but unless it melts…”  Read more... (838 words, 1 image, estimated 3:21 mins reading time)

SACA expands hours: Now offers families weekly food pantry access

Paul Scoville, SACA’s Communications/Events Coordinator and Sarah DeSantis, SACA’s Executive Director. Nancy Jennings

By Nancy Jennings

Effective April 1, Silverton Area Community Aid (SACA) began offering weekly food pantry visits rather than monthly ones – and added evening hours Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

According to SACA Communications/Events Coordinator Paul Scoville, “We went from a system where a person or family could come in for food once a month to now once a week. It’s taken quite a bit of time, energy and effort to make the change,” he said, adding that the expansion of services coincides with SACA’s vision of wanting to provide people in need in the community with more access to food.  Read more... (445 words, 1 image, estimated 1:47 mins reading time)

Silver Angels: Nurses open new foot care clinic at Silverton Senior Center

Silver Angels Foot Care’s Jackie Niemeyer, Angela Smith and Leana Smith. SUBMITTED PHOTO

By Melissa Wagoner

When Angela Smith found out the foot clinic offered by Legacy Silverton Medical Center for the past 28 years was being discontinued she knew she had to do something. So she took a leap of faith and decided to open her own.

“I just think it’s so important and these patients were in a panic,” she said.

The nurse-run clinic, which Angela is calling Silver Angels Foot Care, will continue offering the same basic services – toenail trimming, filing of calluses and screening for circulation and skin issues – that the estimated 275 patients have come to expect.  Read more... (469 words, 1 image, estimated 1:53 mins reading time)

Making a safe space: Giving teens skills to combat anxiety, suicide

By Melissa Wagoner

Suicide is an often dreaded – and therefore avoided – conversation, but it is also one that is important for parents to have with their children, according to Psychiatrist Audry Van Houweling, who said there has been a sharp rise in suicide and suicide ideation among youth in recent years.

“It’s risen 40 percent,” she noted sadly. “And just from the kids that I see in my office it’s pretty significant.”

Van Houweling, owner of She Soars Psychiatry in Silverton, said one of the many myths that cling to the subject of suicide is that it doesn’t happen – or that it happens less – in small, close-knit communities like Silverton.  Read more... (943 words, 2 images, estimated 3:46 mins reading time)

Beekeeping traditions: The Honey Haus – pure sweetness and more

Jennifer Anderson-Rumely of The Honey Haus in Mount Angel. Melissa Wagoner

By Melissa Wagoner

The smell of sweet honey is undeniably in the air in The Honey Haus, a unique Mount Angel shop that offers over eight different varieties of honey on tap.

“This was my husband’s idea,” Jennifer Anderson-Rumely said, indicating the wall of wooden boxes, fitted with taps behind her. “In the Middle East and Europe they have honey shops. And Germany has a lot of honey places. It’s Old World.”  Read more... (712 words, 1 image, estimated 2:51 mins reading time)

A tasty decision: Milk dispensers improve schools’ environmental efforts

The new milk dispenser in action at Butte Creek Elementary. Melissa Wagoner

By Melissa Wagoner

When a student throws away a partially-full milk carton, what has the biggest environmental impact? Surprisingly it isn’t the carton but rather the milk itself.

“From a climate change perspective, the DEQ has estimated that approximately five percent of a carton of milk’s impact is due to the carton itself,” Bailey Payne, a Waste Reduction Coordinator at Marion County Public Works – Environmental Services said. “The other 95 percent of a carton of  impact is the production, transportation and storage of the milk.”  Read more... (854 words, 1 image, estimated 3:25 mins reading time)

Tax cocktail blues: That sinking feeling when your money is siphoned

As it was approaching the Most Important Day of the Year for the federal government – Tax Day – I thought I’d take a few minutes and do my duty as a citizen-taxpayer and calculate what I owe to Uncle Sam. I downloaded one of those tax-preparation programs onto my computer, took a couple of sips of a margarita to steel myself and began.

After a few minutes, I could see that the New Tax Law our friends in Congress produced was working its magic. The tax program I use keeps a running total of the federal taxes I owe. Every time I touched a button on my computer, the total increased.  Read more... (637 words, 1 image, estimated 2:33 mins reading time)

Spring standouts: Kennedy, Silverton boast top track and field talent

The Kennedy High girls track and field squad has finished in the top 10 at state for the past eight seasons. This year’s squad looks primed to keep the streak alive.

“We have potential state champions, great experience with seven four-year seniors and decent depth,” veteran coach Steve Ritchie told Our Town. “The girls should be strong contenders for a district title and a top 3 finish at state.”

Senior Alejandra Lopez, who won a state title in cross country in the fall, took second in both the 1,500 and 3,000 at state a year ago. Senior Hallie Sprauer was second in the high jump, third in the triple jump, eighth in the long jump and ran a leg on the fifth place 4×100 relay squad.  Read more... (782 words, 1 image, estimated 3:08 mins reading time)

Silverton on foot: Walkers promote healthy, engaged lifestyle

By Melissa Wagoner

Forty-five people walked a combined 6,000 miles of community roads last year as a part of the Silverton Immanuel Lutheran Church Walking Club.

“We had a map up in the church where they would move their little person,” group founder Mary Miller explained. “There are some people who have never walked and now they are walking.”

Miller got the idea for the group two years ago when she read an article in Living Lutheran about walking with Jesus.

“I took that a step further and invited the congregation and had a competition,” Miller said.  Read more... (633 words, 1 image, estimated 2:32 mins reading time)

Legacy Silverton Medical Center receives $50,000 gift from Roth family

Michael Roth, president of Roth’s Fresh Markets, recently presented a transformational gift of $50,000 to the Silverton Health Foundation board of trustees to support the Campus Enhancement Project at Legacy Silverton Medical Center.

“The Roth Family’s incredible generosity will help us to continue to grow the comprehensive care our hospital provides the community,” said Sarah Brewer, president of Legacy Silverton.

“Silverton is a special place,” Roth said. “It’s such an asset when a town has its own hospital.”

Roth is the son of the late Orville N. Roth, who co-founded the chain of grocery stores in Silverton in 1962.  Read more... (271 words, 1 image, estimated 1:05 mins reading time)

A new leash on life: Le Pooch Dog Grooming moving, has new owner

By Nancy Jennings

Silverton’s Le Pooch Dog Grooming has moved down the way and has a new owner. Effective April 2 the new location at 106 N. First St. (formerly “Body Theory”) will be open for business.

Jodie DeSantis, who has owned Le Pooch for five years, has decided to pursue a new career path. She and her husband, Ken, live in Silverton with their rambunctious 10-year-old Welsh Corgi, Ruby. She is happy to hand the leash over to new owner, Joan Fusek, who presently lives in Corvallis – but eventually plans to move closer.  Read more... (478 words, 1 image, estimated 1:55 mins reading time)

In these halls: Students become ambassadors to State Capital

By Melissa Wagoner

The students in the Community Roots School’s Adolescent Program got a behind-the-scenes look at the Oregon State Capital when they visited on Feb. 25 as Ambassadors for Oregon Montessori Education Day.

“Not every kid gets to go to the capitol and give speeches,” seventh grader Naia Gigena said. “What grownups usually get to do – we got to do.”

As Ambassadors for public Montessori schools in Oregon, the class spent the day delivering  speeches on a variety of topics – more than a few on the value of Montessori as an educational model but many others delving into subjects the students feel passionate about.  Read more... (604 words, 1 image, estimated 2:25 mins reading time)

Adjudication: Silverton Youth Peer Court gives offenders a second chance

By Melissa Wagoner

Moira Rollins, 15, already knows she wants to be a prosecutor when she finishes school. So when she heard about the Silverton Youth Peer Court last year, she knew she had to join.

“My favorite part is definitely the idea that I am playing even a small part in our justice system,” she said. “[I]t’s fun knowing I’m helping others by doing this.”

Peer Court, which was established 20 years ago by Coordinator Cynthia Schaeffer, is an alternative court system for juvenile offenders who have committed a misdemeanor or violation offense and pled guilty in Juvenile Municipal Court.  Read more... (624 words, estimated 2:30 mins reading time)

Briefs for April 2019

Robotics teams seek assistance

Mt. Angel Middle School Robotics Team have earned the opportunity to compete in the upcoming VEX IQ Robotics Nationals competition.  Eight are headed to Iowa the first week in April. Ten more are bound for the World Competition in Kentucky the last week of April. 

“Most school robotics programs strive to get one team of three kids to one of these competitions, this season all seven team spots that represent Oregon’s clubs are from one program.  It’s kind of like suddenly having to send the whole football team to the playoffs,” explained JB Leahy, a parent of one of the competitors.  Read more... (337 words, estimated 1:21 mins reading time)

Jackie Douglas Kidd June 22, 1943 – March 15, 2019

Jack started his adventure in Lincoln, Arkansas on June 22, 1943 with parents Carl Thomas and Esta Elmina (Howard) Kidd. He joined older brother Tommy Dowe and four years later a sister, Donna Sue, arrived. The only life he knew was small town life and farming. Then right in the midst of his teenage years, just when he thought he knew everything and had the world by the tail his parents decided to move. The animals were sold, the farm was sold, the truck was packed and off they went to a totally different life– in Sacramento, California. He couldn’t go back; the only way was forward.  Read more... (323 words, 1 image, estimated 1:18 mins reading time)

The sorting life: Dave and Marge Kemper recycle for Senior Thrift Shop

By Nancy Jennings

Dave Kemper, 83, was a recycler before it was trendy and the word “repurpose” popped up. Along with his wife, Marge, 82, the Silverton couple have started their third year volunteering as a team at the Silverton Senior Center Thrift Shop.

On Thursday afternoons the Kempers arrive in their pickup and check out the latest donations that need their attention. Marge collects the clothing items and takes them home with her to sort.  Read more... (470 words, 1 image, estimated 1:53 mins reading time)

Wash, dry, repeat: Couple volunteers at laundry program for homeless

By Nancy Jennings

Sporting bright orange T-shirts with the words “WASH DAY” on them, Bob and Virginia Widing are easily identified at Silverton’s Laundry Depot. Since last May, the Molalla couple began showing up at the laundromat every other Tuesday afternoon from 12:30 – 4:30. They welcome area homeless attend to washing and drying their own laundry. Quarters aren’t required. Instead, the couple came up with a novel idea: tokens. Plastic coin-shaped tokens are issued in advance to recipients, who are pre-screened at SACA.  Read more... (488 words, 1 image, estimated 1:57 mins reading time)

Restoration: SHS Environmental Club plans to rehabilitate Silver Creek

By Melissa Wagoner

“People think of pollution like a diaper floating in the creek,” Alison Stolfus, a teacher in the Science Department at Silverton High School, laughed. “But it’s sediment and heat and level of flow. Silver Creek needs help now.”

Originally a field biologist, Stolfus has taught Environmental Science for 17 years. Now she is taking her students’ education one step further and, with the help of senior Ally Leboeuf starting an Environmental Club.

“I want to make it a student-led leadership opportunity,” Stolfus said. “My kids are way more creative. They have great imagination because they haven’t really been told ‘no’ that
much yet.”  Read more... (591 words, estimated 2:22 mins reading time)

Is that the moon? … and other things you can’t unsee

Spring is about to spring and The Man’s thoughts turn to sunshine, warmer days and what the heck is going on in local businesses… So-o-o-o-o, here we go… Ratchet Brewing of Salem is adding a second location – in Silverton, where Seven Brides used to be, Candy Babel is going in where Silverton Jewelry was, and The Peoples Taphouse still isn’t open. The former O’Brien’s Cafe building and Bazaar Americana both have been awarded facade enhancement grants, Lunaria has remodeled, Savvy Interiors and Stop and Go opened on Main Street. The Furniture Place moved out and Video Game Wizards shut down to focus on their Molalla store. Côté Chiropractic added Dr. Jennifer Martin, DC to the practice, Jonathan Hamm moved Audio Hearing to the former location of Dr. Alan Carter’s office and Gear Up is slowly making progress toward re-opening. Paul Brakeman, former chef at Angels Table, The Glockenspiel and Seven Brides is now servin’ up the grub at Silver Falls Brewing after Casey Craig, formerly of Seven Brides, Gather and Silver Falls Brewery moved his Loco Ono BBQ to the former Figaro’s Pizza location. In Mt. Angel, progress continues on the new retreat center up at the abbey –projected opening is in April, Paradis Vineyards has opened a tasting room on Charles Street, Benedictine Brewery is going strong and Hanson Vineyards has their seasonal tasting room open on weekends… and you thought nothing was going on…  Read more... (626 words, 1 image, estimated 2:30 mins reading time)

Culture of volunteerism: Oktoberfest receives President’s Award

Image by Jim Kinghorn

By Daniele Keating

Mt. Angel Chamber of Commerce Past President Pete Wall selected Oktoberfest to receive the 2018 President’s Award for its tremendous community accomplishments and charitable contributions.

Inaugurated in 2014, the President’s Award recognizes those who do a great service to the community or the Chamber. This year is the first time an organization has been selected for the award.

Oktoberfest, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation run by an all-volunteer board of directors. Since its inception in 1966, it has given more than $3.4 million in grants and donations to non-profit organizations, causes and charities
located in Mount Angel and the surrounding area.  Read more... (471 words, 1 image, estimated 1:53 mins reading time)

Hoops wrap-up: area squads shine at state tournaments

It was another banner year for basketball at Silverton and Kennedy. All four teams made it to state and three of the four squads brought home a trophy.

Here’s how it looked:

The Silverton boys took third in the Class 5A event at Gill Coliseum, moving up one slot from a year ago when the Foxes finished fourth. Silverton defeated Crater 57-39 in its opener, lost to eventual champion Wilsonville 50-45 in the semifinals, then came back to down Willamette 60-41 in the game for
third place.  Read more... (1106 words, 1 image, estimated 4:25 mins reading time)

Mount Angel Abbey: Chamber salutes 137 years of Distinguished Service

Abbot Jeremy Driscoll, above right, conducted the church service at last year’s Saint Benedict Festival. Nearly 1,000 people visited the Abbey in early July for an afternoon of prayer, music and a buffet picnic lunch with the monks. PHOTO COURTESY MOUNT ANGEL ABBEY

By Brenna Wiegand

Mount Angel Chamber of Commerce will honor Mount Angel Abbey with its 2018 Distinguished Service award at this year’s First Citizens Banquet. The Abbey has been entrenched in its surrounding community since 1882, co-settlers with the townspeople.  Read more... (1093 words, 1 image, estimated 4:22 mins reading time)