By Vern Holmquist
I want to thank the Silverton Police Department for a fine piece of detective work.
The case wasn’t earth-shattering and nothing that would make the evening news.
But it meant something to me to know the little things matter and make a difference.
It was First Friday, Oct. 4 and I was having something to eat at the Town House when his Honor the Mayor of Silverton laid a paper bag of two bananas and three photos on my table explaining they must belong to me.
It so happens I have a new scooter, a bit speedier than my old one but with less cargo capacity and I had bought more groceries than it would hold.
When I got home, I found that two of my bananas were missing along with the photographs of Mayor Stu Rasmussen that I had carried with me in hopes of meeting with him.
It was a mystery to me where the two bananas and the photographs had disappeared.
It seems one of our fine Silverton police officers had found the package in the street, noticed the photos of our mayor and thought at first the package belonged to Stu. He shared what he found with the mayor.
Recognizing the photos as ones I had taken, Stu determined who the items belonged to. The mystery was solved. Thanks to our police and our mayor I now had my bananas back and Stu has the pictures.
Saturday, Oct. 5 was another great day in Silverton, the Sidewalk Shindig kicked off with the Silverton High School Jazz Band playing some of the old tunes from the Big Band Swing Era. SHS teacher Tim Duffy is doing great service by keeping this memorable music alive and teaching it to the younger generation.
The Reggae band playing at Larsen-Flynn Insurance was a good taste of a different culture adding much to the day. Again Brad Hirsch charmed folks at Creekside Grill with his amazing way of getting a beautiful melody out of his steel drum.
Then I learned Terry Barber, the Northwest Panman at A&I Jewelery playing his steel drums was the inspiration for Brad. And then there was Bob Agee sounding real mellow on his trombone, he reminded me of Trummy Young of yesteryear.
The 15 gals with their ukuleles charmed those who stopped by the Silver Creek Coffee House with their enthusiastic strumming. Reminded me of warm nights and sunny beaches. Finished up this glorious day at the coffeehouse to see The Jim and Allen Show. All this assures me that this successful event will be around again next year.
Well, I did not get around to listen to all the music that was offered. There was so much entertainment, so I will close with thanking the Red Bench for bringing in Norm Sylvester and his superb blues band, the crown jewel of the Shindig.
Thanks to all the volunteers, businesses, musicians and everyone else who made the event possible.
