www.ourtownlive.com

Listen and inquire: Opinions are great, but not the same as facts

Writing a column can be difficult at best, especially when one’s mind is following a single track and seldom strays from that. It would be easy to talk about politics every month since there is so much material to work with.

A good friend (Let’s call her “Cindy Jones”, in case she was seeking anonymity, lol) asked me recently, “How do we get back to courtesy in our civil discourse?”

Quite a question. Many answers, some of which are simply ideas slung onto a Velcro wall with a silent prayer that they stick. As one of my favorite human beings on earth, “Cindy” deserves a well-thought out response.  Read more... (654 words, 1 image, estimated 2:37 mins reading time)

John Little: Feb. 6, 1926 – June 21, 2019

John Patrick Little passed away peacefully at the age of 93 on June 21, 2019.  He was born Feb. 6, 1926 to Edward John and Alice Little in Portland. 

John attended Central Catholic
High School, Lincoln High School
and Columbia Preparatory. He received his BA and Masters Degrees from the University of Portland. 

His passing was preceded by his wife, Patricia; daughter, Kathleen; brother, Edward J. Little; and grandson, Sean.  He leaves behind a loving community of family and friends including his wife, Norma Autenrieth and her two children, Tina and Richard; sons and daughters, Joseph, Mary, Molly and Patrick Little; grandchildren, John, Megan, Joe, Caitlin, Chelsea, Eli and Patricia; compadres and comadres, Sonny and Zahidee Montes, José and Cathy Romero; nephews and nieces; and many “compas,” ahijados and friends.  Read more... (419 words, 1 image, estimated 1:41 mins reading time)

Academic stars: All 14 Kennedy teams finish above 3.0

Kennedy High athletes continue to do an excellent job in the classroom as well as on the playing fields.

All 14 Trojans athletic and activity teams turned in cumulative grade-point averages above 3.0, with ten of the teams landing in the top 10 in their OSAA classification. Ten Kennedy teams finished at 3.5 or above.

The highest-ranked team was volleyball, which tied for first in Class 2A with a 3.77 GPA. The best overall GPA was the 3.81 turned in by girls basketball, which was fifth in its class.

Here is a look at the other performances of the Kennedy teams:  Read more... (678 words, 2 images, estimated 2:43 mins reading time)

Briefs August 2019

Canyonview director Kinman steps down

Canyonview Camp has announced that Chris Kinman will be leaving the executive director position after this camping season at the end of August.
The board of directors of BTI said it appreciates the years of service and sacrifice Chris provided to Canyonview, first as associate director, and more recently as executive director.
John Walker will be serving as interim executive director.

Lunaria’s September exhibits

“True Colors,” an exhibit of current work by Lunaria artist Carol Murphy and visiting Lunaria founder Ann Altman, will be on display in September at Lunaria Gallery. Upstairs in The Loft, the exhibit “Existential Dread” (pictured) by Eilish Gormley will be on view. Artist reception is Sept. 6, 7 – 9 p.m.  Read more... (349 words, estimated 1:24 mins reading time)

My secret addiction: A fun, easy way to learn new things on the go

I have a secret addiction. Well, maybe
it’s not so secret because anyone who spends more than five minutes talking to me knows what it is. I love podcasts. I listen to them all day – or at least I would if I could.  Read more... (500 words, 2 images, estimated 2:00 mins reading time)

Next of Kin: In-law duo to celebrate 100th performance at Oregon Garden

Next of Kin: Lou Mickelson and her father-in-law Alan Mickelson. Submitted Photo

By Nancy Jennings

It is unusual to see the words “in-laws” and “harmony” used in the same sentence. But for Alan Mickelson and Lou Mickelson (20 years his junior), those exact words define who they are and what they do.

Aptly named “Next of Kin,” this father-in-law/daughter-in-law singing duo have been entertaining local audiences for five years. Alan plays the electric upright bass, while Lou plays the acoustic guitar and mandolin. They share strong melodies and tight harmonies. Their family friendly playlist runs the gamut with acoustic classic songs from artists such as Merle Haggard, Patsy Cline, Waylon Jennings, Anne Murray, Don Gibson, Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt.  Read more... (718 words, 1 image, estimated 2:52 mins reading time)

Tactile feelings: Silverton Fine Arts Festival poster artist strives to put kids in touch with art

Laura Koppes with her poster for the 2019 Silverton Fine Arts Festival, “Blue Basin.” Submitted Photo

By Brenna Wiegand

The painting chosen to represent this year’s Silverton Fine Arts Festival was the result of an earth-shaking experience.

Artist Laura Koppes of Tigard painted “Blue Basin” after a visit to the Painted Hills in Central Oregon.

“I’d seen all kinds of pictures of it and it just looked too perfect,” she said. “On my way there I was telling myself it’s not going to be as great as I thought – but it was.  Read more... (674 words, 1 image, estimated 2:42 mins reading time)

Mural pluralism: Silverton’s public art remains vivid thanks to volunteers

Babs and Vince Till have been advocates for Silverton’s murals since 1993. Brenna Wiegand

By Brenna Wiegand

Silverton’s beautifully done and scrupulously maintained murals are drawing attention, both at home and abroad.

For the first time, Silverton Mural Society is exhibiting at the Silverton Fine Arts Festival Aug. 17-18.

“It is really nice of them to invite us,” Vince Till, mural society vice president said. “We’re going to set up some brick and concrete blocks and [muralist] Tonya Smithburg will demonstrate painting
on rough surfaces, which will be very interesting.”  Read more... (922 words, 2 images, estimated 3:41 mins reading time)

The right rhythm: Back to school routines can pose difficulties for kids

By Melissa Wagoner

“Some years are boohoo years and some years are woohoo years, and this is more of a boohoo year,” Christine Eubanks, mother of three – Cosette, 9, Eli, 12 and Sam, 15 – said of the upcoming school year.

She explained that, although none of her children are new to the experience of going back to school, some years still hold challenges that others have not.

“This year is a little more emotional because Eli is going into a middle school classroom and Cosette is having a new teacher,” she explained.  Read more... (980 words, 2 images, estimated 3:55 mins reading time)

It’s getting better…There’s wisdom as you get older

There’s one advantage to being a “senior citizen.” You get lots of mail. And phone calls.

Ever since I flipped the calendar over on the cool side of 65, all sorts of folks have been lining up to help me with all sorts of things.

They offer help setting up a retirement plan, and if I’d only give them all my money they’d be happy to do it.

They offer extra medical coverage to make up for any gaps left by Medicare. All I have to do is send them a bunch of money every month.  Read more... (554 words, 1 image, estimated 2:13 mins reading time)

State champions: Silverton JBO takes title

For the first time ever a Silverton JBO team has taken home a state title. The program’s Minor American squad, nicknamed the “Wild Bunch,” edged Glencoe 13-12 on July 14 to take the championship at Dierickx Field in Gladstone.

Silverton went undefeated in the tournament, downing Central 13-3, Tualatin 16-6 and Banks 12-9 to advance to the title contest. Head coach Ty Hurl called them the “Wild Bunch,” noting that “they never give up and just keep on playing their hearts out.”  Read more... (599 words, 1 image, estimated 2:24 mins reading time)

Out of the ashes: Silver Falls ecosystem shows signs of natural re-growth

By Melissa Wagoner

It has been a year since the Silver Creek Fire burned approximately 30 acres of forest near Camp Silver Creek, in Silver Falls State Park. Presumably ignited by lightning – the sparks of which smoldered for some time before dry, hot weather caused it to spread – smoke from the fire was first reported on July 12, 2018.

“The fire killed most of the understory plants, saplings and shrubs as well as many of the larger western hemlock trees,” Kevin McLain, a park ranger at Silver Falls State Park said. “Although this was not a crown-fire, we know that if the fire completely circles the cambium of a large western hemlock the tree will most likely die, and this is what we see in this case.”  Read more... (995 words, 1 image, estimated 3:59 mins reading time)

Denny Martin’s life celebrated at Evergreen

A Celebration of Life for Dennis “Denny” Martin will be held on Saturday, Aug. 17 at 2 p.m. at Evergreen Golf Course in Mount Angel. All his friends and family are invited to join in to tell stories, share memories and the love that Denny inspired.

Denny was an avid golfer and loved to play at Evergreen. If you would like to golf nine holes in Denny’s honor beginning at 11 a.m. prior to the celebration contact Stacy at 503-871-1505.

The event is hosted by Colleen Martin, Kevin and Stacy Palmer and Jenny Martin.

Claire Nida: July 29, 1936 – July 18, 2019

Claire “Memere” Nida was born on July 29, 1936 in Brockton, Massachusetts. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rose and Frank Bussiere, and sister Rita Tougas.

She is survived by her husband and best friend, Dwayne Nida, as well as by the family whom she loved so much: son Paul and Suellen Nida, daughter Tambra and Bill McCowen, grandchildren Jamie and Brad, and great-grandchildren, Ray, Ryan, Indra, Isis, Kaitlyn, Royce, Dag’r and Ryder. She is also survived by her sisters, Gloria and Jean, and nieces, Lynn, Marie and Jennifer.  Read more... (169 words, estimated 41 secs reading time)

Sister Jeanette von Herrmann: Jan. 4, 1946 – June 6, 2019

Sister Jeanette von Herrmann, OSB, was born into eternal life at 8:20 p.m. on June 6, 2019. She was 73 years old and had been a Benedictine sister for 38 years. Sister Jeanette will be remembered for her gift of hospitality, her ability to relate to every member of the community, and deep love of Benedictine life.  Read more... (410 words, 1 image, estimated 1:38 mins reading time)

Seeing double: Northwest twins to walk in Homer Davenport Parade

Is it Lara Ghio Gaitan and Vicky Ghio-Lopez, or the other way around? They’re not telling. Submitted Photo

By Melissa Wagoner

Three years ago Lara Ghio Gaitan and her identical twin sister, Vicky Ghio-Lopez, attended the largest celebration of twins in the country – the Twins Days Festival in Twinsburg, Ohio.

“It’s just a place for twins to gather,” Ghio-Lopez explained. “There were newborns to 90-year-old ladies. Everybody just brings coolers and just watches the twins walk by.”

Enthusiastic about their experience – but not eager to travel halfway across the country each year – Gaitan and Ghio-Lopez began searching for something closer to home but came up empty-handed.  Read more... (365 words, 1 image, estimated 1:28 mins reading time)

Something for the Soul August 2019

Silver Falls Library reveals Book Cart Drill Team

The Silver Falls Library Book Cart Drill Team will perform for the first time in the Homer Davenport Parade, Aug. 3 beginning at 10 am. Comprised of library staff, the seven member team will execute routines with book carts.

“The purpose of a library book cart drill team is to show the community that the library is a welcoming place with fun staff and a fresh approach to community engagement,” said Silver Falls Library Director Christy Davis.  Read more... (449 words, 2 images, estimated 1:48 mins reading time)

A ‘Wendy house’: Enchanting playhouse built as fundraiser for ASAP

Mailey Peterson looks on as Bailey and Lil’ Dawg enjoy the spacious playhouse front porch Brenna Wiegand

By Brenna Wiegand

Hard to believe half a dozen years have passed since the middle school after-school program began.

At the time, local pastors saw a need for something constructive to fill the 3-6 p.m. gap for kids who haven’t much going on otherwise. They formed the Silverton Middle School After-School Activities Program – ASAP – and held it at Immanuel Lutheran Church, on the corner of Oak and Church streets.  Read more... (707 words, 2 images, estimated 2:50 mins reading time)

Pirouette: Globetrotting ballet dancer thankful for her Silverton roots

She is a dynamic woman, a wonderful ballerina who has danced in galas on Broadway and across the world. Smart as a whip, charismatic as all get out, planning to major in biological science. Her work ethic is impeccable. Her favorite ballet is La Bayadere about the love of an Indian peasant for a princess. Last summer she was dancing in Alicante, a port city on Spain’s Southeastern Costa Blanca, and Prague in the Czech Republic. In a few weeks she is heading to Barcelona to dance at a gala, London, and Italy and earlier this year she was living in New York City.  Read more... (574 words, 1 image, estimated 2:18 mins reading time)

Veteran addition: Limbird to coach Foxes boys soccer

Marty Limbird is the new boys soccer coach at Silverton High. The Silverton resident has both youth and community college coaching experience. Submitted Photo

Marty Limbird, a long-time youth soccer coach in the Silverton area who also enjoyed fabulous success at Chemeketa Community College, has taken over the Silverton High boys soccer program.

Limbird, a long-time Silverton resident whose wife Liz teaches at Robert Frost, takes over for Derek McElfresh, who led the Foxes to the Class 5A quarterfinals last year.  Read more... (619 words, 2 images, estimated 2:29 mins reading time)

Swimming: A healthy, life sport for any age

Diane Brooke likes to everywhere – including the ocean in colder seasons. Submitted Photo

By Melissa Wagoner

Diane Brooke likes everything about swimming.

“[I]t makes me feel so joyful and good,” she explained. “The feeling of being in the water and weightless – it feels kind of magical. Swimming and flying are kind of similar – and flying is magical if you think about it.”

A swimmer from an early age, Brooke took lessons at the local pool in her small hometown in Pennsylvania. Then, when she was still a year away from the age required, she snuck into the junior lifeguarding classes and started what would become a 40 year lifeguarding career.  Read more... (674 words, 1 image, estimated 2:42 mins reading time)

Margaret Gersch: May 23, 1925 – July 3, 2019

Margaret Mary Bielenberg Splonski Gersch passed on July 3, 2019. She was born on May 23, 1925 to Matt and Kate Bielenberg in Receda, California. At the age of six, she and her family made the long trek to a newly purchased farm in the foothills above Scotts Mills. She attended Noble Elementary and Mt. Angel Academy.

She married John Splonski in 1946 living in a cabin in the hills before moving to Scotts Mills where she raised four children and resided until her death.  Read more... (293 words, 1 image, estimated 1:10 mins reading time)

Unlocking origins: Adoptees advocate for more resources

By Melissa Wagoner

Laura Antonson and Tyler Boland have two fundamental things in common; they both love plants – Antonson is a Landscape Design Architect and Boland is the Horticulture Manager at the Oregon Garden – and they are both adopted – a fact they have both struggled with.

“It’s uncomfortable growing up and copying someone else’s family tree, wondering where you fit in,” Antonson admitted. “There were times I thought, please just let me be their child because I have no roots. I couldn’t say the word ‘adoption’ until my mid-twenties. It was triggering and terrifying.”  Read more... (1450 words, 1 image, estimated 5:48 mins reading time)

Anybody smell…Burnt weenies?

If you see some local parents huddled around their phones eagerly awaiting the next Snapchat-y, Instagram or Facebook-y you’ll know their child was part of the Oregon Ambassadors of Music group now touring seven European countries to make the hills alive with the sound of music. The kids, led by Frank and Mandy Petrik, all had to raise over $6,000 to fund their musical adventure of a lifetime.

For several months now PGE has been installing a new power substation in Silverton. As the project nears completion I think you’d have to agree that it’s a pretty impressive piece of equipment. Is The Man the only one thinkin’ “Flux Capacitor”?? Can’t wait to see the huge Jacobs Ladder electric arc’s between the uprights on that bad boy…  Read more... (537 words, 1 image, estimated 2:09 mins reading time)

Kiwanis launches Imagination Library program

Along with the start of the summer reading program at the Silver Falls Library came the start of a new book program for the community – Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (DPIL). The program, which is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Silverton, mails one free high-quality, age-appropriate book a month to children from birth until their fifth birthday.

In the program’s first three weeks, 125 local children enrolled and were entered into the DPIL registration system. Their first book will arrive in six to nine weeks.  Read more... (244 words, 1 image, estimated 59 secs reading time)