By Vern Holmquist
The amazing Lawrence Stone along with his devoted crew Gregg Sheesley, Ron Nelson and Greg Hart have done it again.
The 2015 Sidewalk Shindig gave the residents of our beloved Silverton a great day of entertainment.
Thanks, guys.
I personally had a very special happening. Some of you may remember that last year I wrote about the joy I had in teaching a young married couple to waltz.
They had been married a few years but had never learned to dance together. Well, I was standing in the parking lot by the Towne House during Shindig when this couple came up to me with big smiles and gave me a big thank you — a hug from the lady. I had added something to their love for each other. Made me feel rewarded.
I sometimes think of things we have lost in our high speed, high tech world. As a young man I remember the orchestra playing the waltz and the entire ballroom floor full of couples gliding, swaying to the simple but most romantic of our social dances.
1-2-3, 1-2-3, 1-2-3 is the easy to follow beat, the man with his right hand in the small of the lady’s back and left hand holding her right hand high, moving in unison in an acceptable and gentle form of contact between the sexes. We’ve lost it. But then, as long as you have never experienced it, you probably don’t miss it…
A good friend of mine, Jerry Grulkey, dropped by one recent Friday afternoon with an offer of a ride to Marquam. It must have been a year since I had visited the metropolis of Marquam, and what a surprise!
A new country story – and not just a country store – but one that looks like a country store ought to look.
It just says WELCOME, NEIGHBOR. Charming, nicely decorated, sparkling clean and amply stocked with the daily needs of those living in the area.
Not only does the store say “welcome,” but the charming owners say welcome!
Glenn and Vick Burbage are long-time residents in the area, their home just down the road. They have family close by as well. Their “welcome” handshake means something, and they are dedicated to be of service to the community, their friends and neighbors.
I asked them why they decided to open the store and they replied “We think it will be fun.”
I wonder if it is not this attitude that inspired them to offer coffee by the cup, a bag of popcorn, a hot dog or a bowl of family-recipe chili – something not out of a can – or maybe just a cold drink.
Now all of this does not mean you have to be a registered resident of the Marquam community to receive this big welcome and enjoy this convenient place to replenish your larder or buy a six-pack of beer.
It is right on Hwy 213, with the antique gas pump right there, just for show.
Maybe the owners will install a socket so you can recharge your electric vehicle someday.
OK, I was impressed.
You will be, too. Drop by and say hello to Glenn and Vicki.
