By Vern Holmquist Homer Davenport Days in Silverton appeared to be a big success again this year with the downtown area and the park full of fun-loving people, big smiles everywhere, the entertainment was first rate – each performance winning the approval of the audience. The kick-off party on Thursday night assured funds for next year’s celebration. I can only […]
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 […]
By Vern Holmquist Well, it was one of those nights. My friend, Gregg, was kind enough to take me on a shopping trip, we topped it off with a nice Chinese meal and a toddy and parted ways. Then, I remembered that Sunday night I often enjoy the jazz jam session at Mac’s Place on Water Street in Silverton. Now […]
By Vern Holmquist Well, it looks like I have missed writing a column for an issue or two. I apologize. One reason for this is my frustrating battle with high technology. At this time, I have again cut off my Internet service along with my TV and my telephone. I do have a working cell phone, only if I can […]
By Vern Holmquist A friend of mine always ended his email with “Life should not be a journey to the grave expecting to arrive in a good looking, well-preserved body, instead you should slide in sideways, used up, totally worn out and shouting loudly ‘Wow! What a ride!’ ” I will be 92 years old shortly and I’ve started thinking […]
By Vern Holmquist As I write this on Jan. 21, 2013, there are tears in my eyes as there were much of today – Inauguration Day. I am so proud to witness a man overcome obstacles that I would have considered insurmountable just a few years ago and become – for the second time – President of the United States of […]
By Vern Holmquist We are in the midst of the holiday season and while the spirits of most people are elevated to the state of joy, happiness and good will, we must take a moment to remember those who this time of year is rough on. There are people who have experienced a loss – from a loved one to […]
By Vern Holmquist Well, on Tuesday Nov. 6, 2012 we witnessed the demise of the GOP. Voters have shown we still live in a democracy – government by the people. We defeated the bold bid to turn our country into a Corporate State populated only by stocks and bonds. We have proved that Americans are still concerned with the welfare […]
By Vern Holmquist What is your favorite music? Whatever it is, it was there: rock, blues, Zydeco, African, jazz, folk, country western, all at Silverton’s music Shindig. There were 40 musical groups all over the downtown area — in business locations and out on the street. Of course, you could not be at two places at the same time, so […]
Well, by the time this hits your mailbox Mount Angel will be in the middle of Oktoberfest.
By Vern Holmquist My father told me a little story about Sen. Daniel Webster who may have had a bit too much to drink and was asleep on the Senate floor. “Senator, we are discussing the National debt,” the senator was told. Webster awakened with a start and exclaimed, “How much is it? I’ll pay it.” Well, I can’t pay […]
I’ve been sitting here kicking myself for telling myself money is not the most important thing in my life.
On my first visit to Silverton, some 14 years ago, I attended the Homer Davenport Days festival. I knew the name Homer Davenport but knew nothing about his fame as a political cartoonist.
By Vern Holmquist It is about five years old and a landmark that defines Mount Angel – the Glockenspiel. Nothing puts its stamp on tourists’ memories more. It is a rare day to be near the corner of Charles and Garfield and not find a small crowd standing – no matter the weather – to watch and listen to the […]
It was a chilly early spring evening. I hesitated going out but what I anticipated was too good to ignore.
This article is for the undecided. No, not undecided about the Republican candidate for president but for those of you who are undecided about attending Wurstfest on Feb. 17 and 18 in Mount Angel.
In December, I learned a World War II buddy died quietly in his sleep without any fanfare as I know he would have wanted it to happen.
While many people think the neutron bomb will be the way we meet our maker, it is being pointed out that we are far more likely to suffocate ourselves in plastic packaging.
I attend my first Occupy Wall Street assembly on Nov. 5 in Silverton. I found it to be an interesting affair.
I have always considered a move an adventure and while my recent move from Mount Angel to Silverton did not take me into far away or strange territory, I have seen many new faces and wonderful places to check out.
It’s moving day for the Old Curmudgeon and I am wondering how a single, old man like myself can have so much stuff to move.
I refer to Vern Holmquist’s column in July’s edition of Our Town Life. Once again Mr. Holmquist bases his opinions on senior center gossip and not facts.
By Vern Holmquist Well, here we go again, another windmill to topple. As I recall, when our present Mount Angel mayor took office there was a solemn pledge made by both mayor and city council: transparency. Yup! We were to get the message loud and clear as to what the city and council were up to. I confess I have […]
It has occurred to me lately that nothing has occurred to me lately. Well, there was this one thing that did happen when my friends Mary Grant and Ruth Warring hosted a very nice birthday party at The Glockenspiel to celebrate my 90 years on this earth.
On April 15 and 16 there will be people with heavy hearts as we say farewell to two of our treasured eating establishments.
