By Dixon Bledsoe
In 2013, empty storefronts in Silverton became vibrant again and our beautiful little corner of the world is alive and well.
Finishing a four-year run at Silverton Area Community Aid in 2013 was bittersweet for me. While I am excited about owning a successful business, SACA left me with indelible thoughts of service and generous people.
It is difficult to think of 2013 without thoughts of Orville Roth. I first met him in 1962 when he was a fledgling grocer and last saw him when he came up from behind me at a high school football game, gave me a huge bear hug, and asked, “How ya doin’, Big Boy?” just a few weeks before he passed away. He taught kids how to work, give great customer service, and take personal responsibility. He also gave hundreds of local kids a paycheck. This town is filled with success stories, and Orville served as a co-writer for so many of them. They broke the mold after making the man in the green bow tie.
2014 has begun, and I was saddened to learn we had lost Dr. John Schmidt on Jan. 4. What I do know is he fixed my pain and made me laugh. I knew him as brilliant, witty, acerbic in a fun way, and able to convey complex health information in a way I could understand. My condolences to the entire extended Schmidt family. I am sorry for your devastating loss.
A new First Citizen, Business of the Year, Distinguished Service recipient, Future First Citizen, and Lifetime Achievement winner for Silverton will be honored Feb. 15 at The Oregon Garden. The stars are going to shine on some wonderful people that night and way beyond just the five winners.
What am I predicting for 2014?
I can only hope for a surging economy, a serious drop in unemployment, peace in the Middle East and a self-sufficient Afghanistan and Iraq, viable immigration reform, and a functioning and a thriving Affordable Care program where those without insurance get it and those helping to subsidize it see the value.
I can see a beautiful wedding Aug. 9 for a soon-to-be pediatric nurse and her handsome paramedic/fire fighter fiancee. Briana Bledsoe and Ethan Hupp – what a perfect match.
I see a Seahawk flying into the 2014 Super Bowl, emerging with a satisfied grin at the expense of a Bronco.
I predict that more people who enjoy the benefits of so many service clubs and nonprofits will actually join those clubs. New blood and old blood mixed rejuvenates tired blood. Simply ask for the average age of those serving their communities in the Lions, Elks, Rotary, Zenith Women, Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis, Oktoberfest, and dozens of other groups, and the answer is simple. It is way above the 50 year-old mark.
While you stroll through Oktoberfest enjoying Bavarian music, food and beverages, think about how many people put it on for your benefit. Did you like Homer Days? It didn’t happen by magic. More than 100 volunteers gave up their time so that you could enjoy this homegrown festival.
Did your dog, llama, cat or pig enjoy being in the spotlight at the Pet Parade? Were you up at 5 a.m. putting up signs for the parade? Volunteers were. Under 50 years old? Many civic organizations could use your help from volunteering on a weekly to a project basis. Your talents are needed.
I wish you gratefulness and graciousness. I hope our veterans can take a break. I wish you an even temper when tempers are flaring all around you. I wish you common sense. Most of all, I wish you peace, good health, and an appreciation for living in the greatest nation on earth. Life is good.
