By Vern Holmquist
I wish I knew the name of the young couple who came running to my rescue when they saw me take a nose dive off my two-wheel scooter on the steepest part of Main Street’s hill descending into downtown Silverton.
It seemed like I had barely hit the ground before they were helping me to my feet and asking if I were OK.
Silverton is like that.
Eager to lend a hand to a friend or a stranger in need.
More help came running to my rescue including two young ladies who I could not convince I was OK.
I got back on my scooter, bleeding like a stuck hog and rode to the 800 block on Water Street, where I had to wait for traffic to clear.
I looked back and found the two ladies had followed me in their cars and had called for medics.
Thank you, Linda and Chris.
After a bit of arguing with the medics, I remember one of them saying “but you are 92 years old.”
I was allowed to continue home where I took a shower, changed clothes and found my injuries were not as bad as they looked.
And after such a day, I met a friend for a much needed cold brew.
I remember telling my sons “Don’t be afraid to live a little dangerously.”
Sometimes doing so means some bumps and bruises – that all eventually heal. Living life means having stories worthy to tell.
Now I suppose these acts of kindness could have happened in another town, but this town makes a habit of it. I love how people are willing to lend a hand.
On the afternoon of the above, I had met with Commander Rod Wymore, Rod Jagodnic, George Carroll and Patricia Carroll all of the Molalla Post 3973 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars at the Silverton Senior Center.
These members are devoted to keeping the Veterans of Foreign Wars alive and serving veterans both in Silverton and Molalla.
If you are a veteran of overseas war duty, this is your organization whose purpose is to inform you of all the benefits due to you. I encourage you to join the VFW.
As a World War II vet, I am glad I did.
There are quite a few people in Mount Angel who need convenient transportation to Silverton for their health care needs, to buy their groceries and other merchandise, to take a pet to the vet or perhaps just visit friends.
The Silverton trolley does a great job of getting Silverton residents back and forth during Oktoberfest.
I am wondering if this wonderful service could be expanded so two or three days a week during daylight hours it would take residents from Mount Angel to Silverton.
I am sure a small charge would be acceptable for the convenience of the transportation. Perhaps someone has a better idea on how to serve Mount Angel residents. Let’s hear them.
