By Jim Kinghorn
Local photographer and art maven Barry Shapiro is working on a program to beautify downtown Silverton. The June Drake Photography Center will be a mobile gallery that will take up residence in one of the empty storefronts with the theory that occupied buildings look more vibrant, are easier to rent and can provide exhibit space for local artists. The Man says it’s one of them thar win – win situations. Barry is looking for volunteers to help get the project off the ground. To help, email barry[at]bshapirophotography.com
It’s all quilts, all the time at the Oregon Garden next week as those crazy stitchers in bloomers convene for shows, lectures and workshops. The Man hopes Police Chief Rick Lewis has extra officers on duty as I hear this group can get out of hand pretty quickly. Check out oregongarden.org if you dare.
The Man’s Quote of the Month: “Some politicians are too concerned with making the other side look bad rather than making us (insert country, state or city, for instance, here) look good.” – Joe Lieberman
Even in the deep, dark, dank depths of January there is business activity for The Man to tell you about so here goes: Connie Hinsdale and her associates have dropped their affiliation with Coldwell Banker and will go independent under the moniker of NW Oregon Realty Group… Darrell Mathews and Marion Varney have packed up their Bangs and Burned out of the Green Store and joined forces with Becky Rowe at 204 Jersey Street… Sue Countryman is back and has reopened her Jefferson Street location as The MillTown Pub… Molallians Greg and Star Hart have purchased the Silver Creek Coffee House from Howard Hinsdale, who will continue to operate the appropriately named Howard Hinsdale Wine Cellars Wine Bar… Dick and Mary Humphreys sold Silverton Self Defense to Chad White of Keizer Martial Arts… Rumors that Anna Kuzmin is thinking of changing “The Gathering Spot” to “Murphy’s Spot” due to the law that seems to be hampering her opening are unfounded. In fact, with a little more luck and a little less Murphy, she may very well be open by the time you read this… And you thought nothing was going on…
As The Man observed the recent Silverton City Council meeting it occurs to me that at any given time, a city official is going to have half of the people think he or she is a moron just because they don’t agree on an issue. That is a shame because councilors are citizens, just like you, trying to do the best job they can for the city. Or maybe they give up their spare time and sanity for the glory… No, I don’t see any glory … Maybe, it’s for the power… Nah, that can’t be it… Oh, I know, it must be for the pay and benefits… What? No pay either?!? (Geeze, maybe they are morons). The Man suggests the next time you don’t agree, come to a meeting, respectfully state your opinion and ask yourself “What do I do to make this a better place to live”… And leave your pitchforks at home.
Don’t miss Mount Angel’s wurst festival, the third annual Wurstfest, Feb. 12 and 13. This will be your last chance to say goodbye and relive old memories in the Biergarten building before the crew from Wurdinger Recycling dismantles it to make way for the new community hall. I don’t know about you but The Man has fond memories of recycling a beer or two inside those walls… I just hope they find that roll of “USDA Prime Meat” stickers I lost in there back in ’96.
See you on the street!
