Caring and sharing
A core trait in our towns is that neighbors care and share. With the economy down and the jobless rate up, residents are jumping into action to assist others.
Tank top turmoil: Silverton mayor’s attire instigates debate over propriety
CNN, Fox News and media outlets across the nation have been talking about Silverton in the past two weeks, and it all started with an appearance by Mayor Stu Rassmussen before students in Silverton Together’s Apple Tree Drive.
Queen of Angels Monastery: Sisters work to fill community needs for more than 125 years
This is a continuation of a year-long series of stories about historical people and institutions of our region, which Our Town is publishing in commemoration of Oregon’s Sesquicentennial. By Linda Whitmore Religion is an integral part of the story of Mt. Angel and surrounds. Among institutions established in the region’s early white settlement is Queen of the Angels Monastery. The community […]
Entrepreneurs: Women start businesses despite tough economy
By Linda Whitmore Three women are defying cautionary warnings of negative economic conditions and jumping headlong into new endeavors in Mt. Angel and Silverton. Two of the entrepreneurs bring years of business experience and one is fulfilling a dream. The Green Store Michelle Fenney is one who not only has operated businesses before, but has taught others how to succeed. […]
Set your cap: Bonnets to be fashion feature of 150th fete in Mt. Angel
By Linda Whitmore Mt. Angel Chamber of Commerce President Mary Grant got a bee in her bonnet and now she’s buzzing about town sharing her idea. It started with planning for the community’s commemoration of Oregon’s Sesquicentennial. A Marion County-wide event known as the 150 Miles for 150 Years Relay will bring visitors to Mt. Angel, Scotts Mills and Silverton […]
Top 10 town: Silverton chosen one of nation’s coolest small towns
Budget Travel magazine recently conducted a contest to determine the coolest small towns in the America. Silverton placed in the top 10 – tying for eighth place. “We are the only town on the West Coast to get the honor so we like to think of ourselves as the Best of the West,” Chamber Executive Director Stacy Palmer said.
The magazine recently announced winners on the CBS Early Show and will publish a feature about Silverton in its October issue. This, Palmer acknowledges, will be too late for this year’s primary tourist season, but will be a boost for fall travel. The Chamber will use the designation in its promotions for the season’s advantages and activities.
Battle of the Abiqua: Tensions escalate into deadly conflict
This is the fourth in a series about 150 years of history in the region including Molalla, Mt. Angel, Scotts Mills and Silverton. Language in the historical source material may be considered inappropriate today, but has been retained in direct quotes. By Linda Whitmore Relations were uneasy between natives and the first whites who settled the area from Molalla to […]
What recession?: Business owners decide it’s time to expand
There’s a recession out there – some say it’s the worst since the Great Depression – but you’d never know it when talking to several business owners who recently either expanded or opened new enterprises in Silverton and the surrounding area.
The Molallas: Region’s native residents felled by epidemics in the 1820s
This is the third segment in a year-long history series Our Town is publishing to commemorate Oregon’s Sesquicentennial. This story relates to the daily lives of the native population who lived here before white settlement. There will be a sequel next month about a decisive battle that took place along the Abiqua River. By Linda Whitmore As Oregon marks its […]
Seven Brides Brewing: Growth ‘snowballs’ in one year
April has significance for Seven Brides Brewing Co. Exactly one year ago, the Silverton craft brewers debuted their product and this month they begin operations in their much larger facility.
Farm and family: Traditions continue more than 150 years
By Linda Whitmore As Oregon celebrates its Sesquicentennial, Our Town Life salutes the families and institutions that have a long history in the Silverton, Mt. Angel, Molalla and Scotts Mills region. This is the second segment in the year-long series. Tom Ewing and his wife, Virginia, live west of Mt. Angel on a farm established by Tom’s ancestors early in […]
Erin go bragh: Irish Potato Bake, stew top off St. Patty’s Day
When it comes to St. Patrick’s Day, everyone is Irish for a day. Families often celebrate with corned beef and cabbage for dinner but there are other Irish options. A traditional Irish stew, made with lamb, is sure to warm a chilly March evening.
Silver Falls goes under: Citizens Bank takes over operations
President Obama, in his Feb. 24 speech to Congress about the federal stimulus package and the road to economic recovery, noted that banks needed federal support so that they could issue credit, fund building projects and get the economy rolling again. The speech, four days after the demise of Silverton’s community bank, held a little irony for local investors. It was “a heavy dependence on commercial construction loans, many of which were not performing or being repaid” that felled Silver Falls Bank, according to David Tatman, administrator of the Oregon regulator’s Division of Finance & Corporate Securities.
The Geer family: A heritage of Oregon history
By Linda Whitmore The threads of one Silverton family’s story run through the quilt of Oregon history. The Geer family – in addition to being among the few today who can trace their genealogy to the earliest settlers – has the unique distinction of still living on the farm their ancestors settled. As Oregon celebrates its 150th anniversary of statehood […]
Chamber’s challenge: Helping existing business, recruiting new jobs continues in tough times
Acknowledging that “we have quite a few businesses that are struggling right now,” Stacy Palmer, Silverton Chamber of Commerce executive director, says the organization of merchants and other businesses aims to continue to serve and strengthen the local community.
Behind the scenes: Don Kelley produces, directs community efforts
When Chamber of Commerce ambassadors suddenly entered his law office to announce he’d been selected Silverton’s First Citizen, Don Kelley was flabbergasted.
Rasmussen takes office
By Linda Whitmore On Jan. 5, Stu Rasmussen conducted his first council meeting as Silverton’s newly elected mayor. He served several terms as a councilor and also was elected mayor in 1988 and 1990. In addition to the mayor, re- elected incumbent councilors Sherry Hoefel, Kyle Palmer and newly elected Judy Schmidt took oaths of office. Former mayor Ken Hector […]
Money management: Silver Falls Bank adjusts to meet FDIC/DFCS order
By Linda Whitmore Silver Falls Bank is conducting “business as usual,” said Steve Way, president and chief executive officer. His assurance comes despite an order to “cease and desist” banking practices termed “unsafe or unsound,” by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and Oregon Division of Finance and Corporate Securities. The FDIC and DFCS took action Nov. 24, after, without […]
150 Years: A salute to state’s history
They came at the plodding pace of the oxen pulling their wagons thousands of miles over dusty prairies and forested mountain passes. Others made their way in creaking schooners on voyages down the Atlantic coast of two continents, around the treacherous tip of South America and up the lengthy Pacific coast before sailing into the Columbia River to their goal.
Rollercoaster ride: Local housing market ups, downs and turnarounds
Just as sighting the first yellow crocus after a long period of dreary days portends a brighter season ahead, the gloomy real estate market is seeing signs of improvement. But whether that promise blooms or fades is yet to be seen.
Back to basics: Christmas simplicity can be a shared joy or tradition
By Linda Whitmore The tale of 2008 – the stock market is down, home foreclosures are up, the job market is soft. and times are just plain hard. Perhaps it “‘tis the season to be jolly” but parents are experiencing difficulties they never anticipated would happen in their lifetime. Some are struggling, but they want to make the holidays […]
Testing the Waters: Multi-story housing for independent seniors proposed for Potter property
An idea for a future housing development for “active seniors” on the Potter Automotive property in downtown Silverton was opened for public review and discussion Nov. 19.
A holiday toast: Celebrate the season with a warm drink
A holiday open house is a low-stress way to share lively conversation and festive treats with friends and relations.
Senior Center: Moving Ahead
Plans are rolling along on Silverton’s new senior center and although money is coming in to fund the project, more is necessary to bring it to fruition. For several months Silverton Area Seniors’ board has met with Rowell Brokaw Architects of Salem to design the layout of the facility that will house programs and activities for people aged 55 and over.
Heritage homes: Neighborhood proposed for National Historic Registry
A project is under way to consider placing a Silverton neighborhood on the National Register of Historic Places. Heritage homes on Fiske, Coolidge and West Main streets have been proposed to become the Coolidge Neighborhood Historic District.
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