Silverton Community Advantage Magazine June 2023

BARK • SAND GRAVEL

SOIL • COMPOST • ROCK

CONCRETE HARDSCAPE

PAVERS • BOULDERS

SUPPLIES

THE VALLEY’S ONE-STOP

SHOPPE

FOR ALL YOUR LANDSCAPING NEEDS

Gamers of All Ages Win Big with Reliable Fiber Internet Connections

From Farmville to Fortnite, online and mobile gaming have seen a massive increase in popularity. Gamers encompass all age groups. A quality gaming experience is in demand by folks of all generations. 60% of gamers are 34 years or younger, but 34% are between 35 and 64 years old.*

From Farmville to Fortnite, online and mobile gaming have seen a massive increase in popularity.

Gamers encompass all age A quality gaming experience is in demand by folks of all generations. 60% of gamers are 34 years or younger, but 34% are between 35 and 64 years old.*

There are more than 2.7 billion gamers worldwide.* The introduction of fiber internet optic revolutionized the gaming experience the way for a booming, multieSports industry.

There are more than 2.7

service has revolutionized the gaming experience and paved the way for a booming, multibillion-dollar eSports industry.

ultra-thin glass strands that data using beams of in a fast, reliable the user. This makes for online gaming, nanosecond matters.

connection quality difference between a

Fiber uses ultra-thin glass strands that transmit online data using beams of light, resulting in a fast, reliable connection for the user. This makes fiber perfect for online gaming, where every nanosecond matters. Any drop in connection quality could be the difference between a win and a loss

transmit huge amounts of data downloading large games and

files requires significantly less time (see chart above).

files requires

significantly less time (see chart above).

DirectLink fiber internet supports speeds up to 1 Gigabit per second. Fiber also offers low latency times – that’s the delay that occurs when information travels from a gamer’s connected console or PC to the game server, and then back again. Older connection technologies often resulted in high latency, causing what’s commonly known as “lag.”

DirectLink fiber internet supports speeds up to 1 Gigabit per second. Fiber also offers low latency times – that’s the delay that occurs when information travels from a gamer’s connected console or PC to the game server, and then back again. Older connection technologies often resulted in high latency, causing what’s commonly known as “lag.”

Fiber can transmit huge amounts of data at once, so downloading large games and

Lag is a noticeable difference between the actions of a player’s controls and the actual gameplay on screen. Data moves quickly with fiber for a smoother, more reliable experience.

Lag is a noticeable difference between the actions of a player’s controls and the actual gameplay on screen. Data moves quickly with fiber for a smoother, more reliable experience.

Gaming might look different for some folks than others. Mobile online gaming has continued to grow, with an expected $285 billion in revenue in 2023.* Games popular with older players, like Candy Crush and Words with Friends, as well as those for younger audiences, like Pokémon Go and Fruit Ninja, have massive global followings.

Gaming might look different for some folks than others.

Mobile online gaming has continued to grow, with an expected $285 billion in revenue in 2023.* Games popular with older players, like Candy Crush and Words with Friends, as well as those for younger audiences, like Pokémon Go and Fruit Ninja, have massive global followings.

For those with an interest in taking their gaming skills to the next level, careers in eSports are becoming more and more viable and prosperous. As of 2023, 147 players have exceeded $1 million in earnings from gaming competitions.** Tournaments frequently offer tens of millions in overall prize pools. Those more interested in game development than competition also have increased career opportunities. From 2009 to 2017, the gaming industry in Oregon grew by more than 450%.***

Game On!

For those with an interest in taking their gaming skills to the next level, careers in eSports are becoming more and more viable and prosperous. As of 2023, 147 players have exceeded $1 million in earnings from gaming competitions.** Tournaments frequently offer tens of millions in overall prize pools. Those more interested in game development than competition also have increased career opportunities. From 2009 to 2017, the gaming industry in Oregon grew by more than 450%.*** DirectLink.coop/FGN

DirectLink has partnered with Fiber Gaming Network to offer weekly eSports tournaments and community trivia nights for folks on fiber. If you’re interested in receiving updates as they become available, www.DirectLink.coop/FGN.

503.266.8111

+Active residential DirectLink members on a fiber connection

And don’t worry about delivery. Landscape Shoppe will bring your supply order straight to your preferred location with reasonable rates and no minimum order. Delivery is available in Salem, McMinnville, Dallas, Independence, and even as far as the Oregon Coast. This is a huge perk as Landscape Shoppe stocks many unique products you can’t find just anywhere. “We have an excellent selection of landscaping stones, by far the best in this area, so that’s a niche for us,” says Tim. “Some people like to come in and place their orders personally just because they enjoy coming into the Shoppe. We have many interesting things, and with my background, they can find unusual pieces and parts for commercial landscaping equipment you can’t find at other stores.”

One-Stop Shoppe

By Angie Helvey, Contributing Writer

Photos by Laurel Bice

Summer is here. It’s the perfect time to plan a landscape project. Whether you’re a professional looking for bulk materials and the latest products, or a homeowner planning your DIY dream backyard, Landscape Shoppe is here to meet all of your outdoor supply needs.

Tim Barnes has been running a commercial landscape business in Salem for more than 30 years. Nine years ago, he and his family decided to share their expertise with their community and open Landscape Shoppe, stocking and delivering an impressive selection of high-quality products, including bark, sand and gravel, soil and compost, decorative rock, flagstone, boulder, and concrete hardscape. They also offer many other project supplies, such as fabrics and tarps, hardscape, seed and fertilizer, irrigation, water pumps and pond accessories, and various equipment and tools. The business is family-owned and -operated, with Tim’s son, Luke, as “shoppe” manager and his wife, Denise, as the financial manager.

Tim and his knowledgeable staff are ready to help you choose the right products for your project, big or small. “People often call, and we’ll help them build a landscape package, help them with material orders and decide how much they need of a product. Because of my commercial background, I can advise on all types of projects,” Tim explains.

Landscape Shoppe operates from a new location, just a half mile from its previous store. The new facility is professionally designed and well-laid out for the shopper’s ease. Tim and his team love their customers and work hard to provide exemplary service and products, boasting a slew of regular commercial and residential clientele. “We enjoy seeing people come back every season,” says Tim. “We’ve grown each year because we do the best job we can, helping people with their projects and giving them that personal, one-on-one interaction.”

Whether planning a residential or commercial landscape project, contact Landscape Shoppe for expert advice and the best materials delivered straight to you. Or visit their new location and get creative inspiration to design your next outdoor DIY project. Tim and his friendly staff are excited to work with you.

The Landscape Shoppe is located at 5000 Salem Dallas Hwy in Salem. Visit their website at landscapeshoppe.com for more info and delivery rates, or give them a call at 503-710-9765.

From left: Luke Barnes (manager), Tim Barnes (owner) and Daniel Perez.

BOREDOM BUSTERS FOR A SUNNY SUMMER!

By Donovan Darling, Staff Writer

Kids and adults alike CAN’T WAIT for summer to roll around every year. But without fail and after a few weeks, the phrases “I’m bored” and “There’s nothing to do!” are inevitable. Here are some fun things to do to BUST that summer boredom before it starts!

Climb a Tree

This might sound weird, but there’s no better way to feel like a kid or literally get into nature. Read a book or see how high you can climb!

Photograph

With modern cameras, almost anyone can take great photos. Look up a photo challenge or list of practice shots, and get out there. It’s actually quite fun!

Take a Hike

Just getting outside in the fresh air is a great way to enjoy summer. Long or short, flat or steep, woods or beach, it doesn’t matter. Bring some snacks and drinks!

Go Camping

Go to a local state or national park, the beach, or even your backyard! If you’re not a big camper (me neither), roast some marshmallows and hotdogs in a fire pit instead.

Make Popsicles

A favorite of mine and actually very easy. You just need a blender, popsicle mold and sticks, frozen fruit and juice, yogurt, and honey or agave nectar. And it’s a healthy and fun way to eat fruit.

Swim

When it’s finally warm enough to swim in the PNW, find a creek, river, lake, or local beach. If you don’t love swimming, at least get your feet wet, collect rocks or shells, or watch the wildlife.

Upcycle

No, not biking. Upcycling is where you take free old junk and make it into art or something useful, like a bathtub becoming a planter box. The possibilities are endless. Look online!

Play a Sport

Anything from yard games like croquet or cornhole, to golf and tennis, sports are great for exercise, endorphins, and vitamin D. And an easy way to socialize and get outside.

Movie Night

Just the family, or invite friends over. Pop some popcorn, bust out the candy and soda. For a real adventure, rent an outdoor projector and watch outside on a white sheet or blank wall.

BRAND NEW ITEM!

SKU# 1027011

Veteran-Tough Tools

Spec Ops dedicated to making a difference

At Long Bros., we salute our veterans, active military members and first responders. So, when we learned about Spec Ops Tools, we knew we wanted to carry the product line.

Short for special operations, Spec Ops was started in the spirit of camaraderie, the heart of our country’s armed forces. As stated on the company’s website (www.specoptools.com): “We were founded on more than just a determination to create better tools. We’re a band of brothers and sisters, brought together and inspired by a seemingly ordinary gym conversation between two army veterans: one, a former leader of a global tool company, and the other a combat veteran who was wounded during an ambush in

early 2018, Spec Ops Tools was born with a single mission: Never forget those who serve us and never fail those we serve.”

In support of veterans and first responders, Spec Ops donates 3% of sales from each purchase through nonprofit partnerships, direct charitable contributions to organizations, individuals and their families, event sponsorships and more. Spec Ops proudly supports the Green Beret Foundation, Navy Seal Foundation and the Gary Sinise Foundation.

Afghanistan. Paralyzed from the waist down, his challenges went beyond the hardships of transitioning to civilian life. He was struggling to secure the aid he needed to add wheelchair ramps to his home, and after far too many delays, he gave up and funded the modifications from his own pocket.

“It was this exchange that sparked the other veteran and his team to act. They became determined to leverage their industry experience to help not only veterans, like his friend at the gym but the millions of hardworking people who count on their tools to build their slice of the American dream. As a result, in

Spec Ops tools include: levels, hammers, tape measures, pry bars, screwdrivers, knives, nut driver sets, tool sets, chisels, nail sets, fastening tools, work lights, headlamps, and merchandise.

Stop by Long Bros. Building Supply to check out the special product line that’s so much more than just quality tools.

The Ease Of Composite

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Realistic wood-grain pattern, all at a budget-friendly price.

Deck boards won't rot, split, splinter or mold and require no sanding, painting or staining.

Offers an integrated shell two to three times thicker than that of other manufacturers' product to provide protection against severe weather and heavy foot traffic.

The engineered design also protects the top and sides of each board while letting the underside breathe to help prevent surface separation and ensure a long life.

Backed by a 25-year Limited Residential Fade and Stain Warranty!

We can special order railing or any other Trex Decking product!

12’ - $34.00

16’ - $45.00