Our Town North: Nov. 15, 2022

$649,000

Renovated & updated Craftsman Home, 4 bed, 2 ba. 2784 sq. ft. 30x40 shop, Custom fence & gates. 295 Cleveland St, Mount Angel. MLS#793598

$649,000

Beautiful renovated Craftsman Home, 4 bd, 2 ba.1900 sq ft. on 1.30 acres. Outstanding Valley Views! 14448 Evans Valley Rd. NE, Silverton. MLS#792811

$625,000

3bd, 2 ba. home on 2.230 acres. 2 shops, barn, 3 separate pastures, fenced. sm. orchard. 35267 S. Acer Ln. Molalla. MLS#796779

$595,000

4bd, 2ba. 1650 sq ft manf. home on 6.360 acres, updated kitchen, 3 fenced pastures, creek & pond. 9200 Smith Rd. SE Aumsville. MLS#796433

Rd. NE, Woodburn. MLS#791368

$298,000

Excellent value! Ideal starter home, 2bed, 1 ba. 764 sq ft. Nice shop, near Silverton pool & park. 50x145 lot dimension. 108 Cowing St., Silverton. MLS#799081

Saturday, Dec. 3 & Sunday, Dec. 4 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Lots of AWESOME Home made & handmade items… Over 20 Vendors!

PLUS: Lunch Special (both days) 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. ONLY $5

Saturday: Chili Cook-Off… Sample and vote for your FAV. Then order a bowl with a roll and beverage + dessert (chips too!)

Sunday: Baked Potato Bar… Lots of toppings to choose from… + beverage & dessert HOLIDAY

James

Janet

Melissa

Stephen Floyd

Sara Morgan

By James Day

Jason Freilinger, a 10-year city council veteran, has been elected Silverton mayor.

Freilinger will replace Kyle Palmer, who has served as both a councilor and mayor since 2004. Palmer chose not to seek reelection.

Although results have not been certified, Freilinger leads with 56.88% of the vote to 43.12% for planning commissioner Morry Jones. Jones already has called to congratulate Freilinger on his victory in the Nov. 8 balloting.

During the campaign forums the two contenders vowed to work together no matter who won and Freilinger told Our Town he plans to reach out to Jones soon. Jones will remain a member of the city’s planning and budget committees.

In an interview Wednesday conducted while he was out picking up campaign signs, Freilinger said his first priority “is for us to come together as a community. It’s not Jason’s vision – it’s what we want as a community that is important.”

Freilinger opened his Wednesday with a dental appointment, perhaps an odd choice given the events of the previous night. But he told Our Town that he had scheduled the dental checkup months ago knowing it was the day after the election and that he would need the day off from work to pick up the signs.

Key challenges that Freilinger hopes he and the new City Council can work on in the next cycle are water infrastructure, parks, downtown and housing.

It will be a very inexperienced council that Freilinger will be working with. Incumbents Dana Smith, Crystal Neideigh and Jim Sears chose not to seek re-election. Council newcomers Marie Traeger, April Newton and Eric Hammond are their likely successors.

Traeger, a corrections counselor with the state, spent 30 years as Silver Falls School District teacher. She lead the 7-candidate field election night with 24.22% of the vote, followed by Newton, a retired rural mail carrier and SACA and school district volunteer, at 21%. Hammond, a horticulturist and member of Sustainable Silverton, was third at 17.04%. At press time unofficial results showed a gap of more than 500 votes between Hammond and the 4th-place finisher.

Trailing the top 3 were Gregg Harris, owner of Silver Falls Terrariums and vice president of the Silverton Mural Society with 11.46%; Chuck Hawley, engineer and children’s book author, with 11.43%; Makai Brusa, juvenile corrections employee, at 7.60%; and Jenny Ohren, who works in hospitality, public health and social services, with 7.25%.

One of the first acts by the new council will be to appoint someone to replace Freilinger. The mayor-elect said that he has been juggling a number of ideas for how to move forward on the appointment and said he hopes to have a new member in place within

a month after the Jan. 9 swearing in.

With just two holdovers, Elvi Cuellar Sutton and Jess Miller, Freilinger said “it will be very important that we get training prepared to get everyone on board.”

Freilinger said the current and in-coming councilors will meet in mid-December to talk about goals and priorities.

Pool levy

Also on the Silverton ballot was Measure 24-473, which easily passed with nearly 67% of the vote. The measure renews the city’s local option property tax levy that pays for pool maintenance and operations. This is the third renewal of the levy, which raises $1.375 million for 5 years. The rate of 28.45 cents per $1,000 of assessed value is not changing. That means a property owner with an assessment of $300,000 would pay $85.35 per year for the pool. Passage of the levy does not represent a tax increase. The levy pays for about $275,000 of the approximately $1 million pool budget.

Jason Freilinger

Mt. Angel Donohue, Eder keep seats – third seat too close to call

By Stephen Floyd

Incumbents were winning the elections for Mt. Angel City Council after an initial vote count, though it was a close race for third place on election night.

As of Nov. 8 at 10 p.m., city councilors Matthew Donohue, Ray Eder and Tony Astorga were leading with 590, 564 and 377 votes, respectively, with three council seats at stake.

Still in contention was challenger Joseph Pfau, with 372 votes, who just needed six more votes to overtake Astorga.

Rounding out the count were Justin Roney, with 320 votes, and Mary Franklin, with 273 votes.

Ballots will continue to be counted through Nov. 15 under Oregon’s new rule allowing ballots postmarked by election day, so vote totals could change until then. Election results will not become official until they are certified by Dec. 6. When Our Town reached out for comment on election night, Donohue was

not available. He is about to finish his first term after being elected in 2018.

Eder said he was grateful to a community that trusted him enough to grant a fifth term on the council.

“I’m happy,” he said. “I’m willing to serve the Mt. Angel community for another four years.”

Astorga said it felt good to receive voter support, as his term on the council began with an appointment in 2021 when theCouncilor Don Fleck was elected mayor.

“I feel like I am trying my best to represent [voters] and what they think about issues

Vote Tally on Election Night Mayor

Pete Wall 736 (100.00%)

City Council (3 open seats)

Matthew Donohue: 590 (23.64%)

Ray Eder: 564 (22.60%)

Tony Astorga: 377 (15.10%)

Joseph Pfau: 372 (14.90%)

Justin Roney: 320 (12.82%)

Mary Franklin: 273 (10.94%)

that pertain to them in town,” he said.

When asked about the close race for third place, Astorga said he would continue being involved in the city council even if he did not win.

“What I plan on doing is attending the council meetings when certain subjects come up and not be a thorn in their side but hold them accountable and hold their feet to the fire,” he said.

Pfau said he still hopes the election turns his way, but if not he may seek another

path to the council such as applying for the seat recently vacated by Pete Wall. Wall was appointed to fill the remaining term of Fleck after the late mayor died suddenly in June. On Nov. 8, Wall was elected to a full mayoral term unopposed. Pfau said, even without a win, he felt grateful to receive so much voter support while running against three incumbents with deep ties to the community.

“Even though I haven’t been here as long, I’ve been part of the community for almost 15 years now,” he said. “I support the issues that I feel that resonate with the majority of the town.”

Roney also said he intends to pursue Wall’s vacant seat, or another avenue to join the council. When reflecting on the tight race for third place, Roney said he sees this as a sign voters want change on the council.

“I think it goes to show that people in Mt. Angel want to see some new people and hear some new voices,” he said.

Franklin could not be reached for comment on election night.

formerly Hazelnut Fes

November 25 – 27

Friday: 5 - 9 p.m.

Saturday: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Sunday: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Matthew Donohue SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Ray Eder

BANKING

This year Citizens Bank is celebrating 65 years of service to our customers and our communities. On November 20th, Citizens Bank’s Silverton Branch is also commemorating the centennial anniversary of their historical building located at 217 E. Main Street. For 100 years the building has served as a bank for the Silverton community and Citizens Bank is proud to be a part of this rich history.

Mayor

By Stephen Floyd

Scotts Mills re-elects Brakeman

Voters in Scotts Mills have given Mayor Paul Brakeman a fourth term in office after he received an overwhelming majority of votes in the Nov. 8 election, according to initial results.

As of 10 p.m. Nov. 8, Brakeman had received 89 votes, or 79.5 percent of those cast for mayor, compared to challenger Jason Axness, who received 23 votes, or 20.5 percent.

First elected in 2016, Brakeman said his re-election means voters want to see him stay the course.

“I still have a job to do, I guess,” he said. Brakeman said his priority moving forward will be to increase community outreach, with elected officials engaging residents in more meaningful ways to develop a clearer idea of their needs and priorities.

“We need to have more of the community involved, and I need to figure out a way to do that, even just telling us what they need,” he said.

Brakeman said he knows local residents want to keep the city from growing too fast and to maintain its small-town feel. He added, if growth is coming, there needs to be a plan to manage it at a steady pace.

“My impression is we really don’t want the town to grow too big,” he said. “If we’re going to have to expand the city, that’s a process that’s going to take some time.”

The mayor also had encouraging words for Axness, with Brakeman saying he was glad someone was willing to step up and try to have a positive impact on the city. Brakeman said he hopes Axness will

Paul Brakeman SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Jason Axness

remain involved in civic leadership and find ways to serve Scotts Mills.

“I’m always happy to have people try to get involved in the town, so I hope we could use [Axness’] support in other ways,” said Brakeman.

Axness said he does intend to remain engaged, and will continue attending City Council meetings and speaking up on important issues. He also congratulated Brakeman on his win, and encouraged Brakeman to keep up the work that has instilled confidence in voters.

“He’s doing a good job,” said Axness. “... The town seems pretty happy.”

Axness added he is not done seeking public office, and may make another try for the mayor’s office in a couple of years. If that is the case, Brakeman said he is ready for a rematch.

“Maybe next time [Axness] will do better, maybe he’ll beat me,” he said.

City Council

Incumbents re-elected to Scotts Mills

By Stephen Floyd

Incumbents had a clean sweep of open seats on the Scotts Mills City Council during the Nov. 8 general election, according to initial election results.

As of 10 p.m. Nov. 8, city councilors Monika Martin, Casey Dean and Robin Fournier secured new terms with 91, 86 and 71 votes, respectively.

Challenger Shawna Kelley rounded out the election with 61 votes, while an additional 13 candidates were submitted as write-ins.

Fournier, who is also city manager, said these tallies may technically be close, but for a city as small as Scotts Mills the outcome is unlikely to change when the election is certified Dec. 6. She said most voters in Scotts Mills submit ballots early, so initial election counts often reflect the final outcome.

The most recent election results can

be found at www.co.marion.or.us/CO/ elections

In regard to her re-election, Fournier said she was grateful voters granted her another term.

“I’m honored that [voters] have trusted me to represent them for another four years on the City Council, and I will continue to look out for their best interests just like I have until now,” she said.

Dean also said he was grateful for voter support and viewed his re-election as a directive to continue advocating for residents.

“It certainly feels like a mandate, and I look forward to continuing to serve the interests of our citizens,” he said.

Neither Martin nor Kelley could not be reached for comment prior to deadline.

Scotts Mills Vote Tally on Election Night

Mayor

Paul Brakeman: 89 votes (79.46%)

Jason Axness: 23 (20.54%)

City Council (three seats open)

Monika Martin: 91 votes (29.45%)

Casey Dean: 86 votes (27.83%)

Robin Fournier: 71 votes (22.98%)

Shawna Kelly: 61 votes (19.74%)

Vote to be certified Dec. 6, 2022

Regional Ballot Measures

24-465 Prohibits Psilocybin Manufacturing / Service Centers in Unincorporated Marion County

YES: 52,279 (58.20%)

NO: 37,550 (41.80%)

24-473 Five-Year Operating Levy for Silverton Swimming Pool Operation/Maintenance

YES: 2,388 (66.61%)

NO: 1,197 (33.39%)

Storm damage Power outage, heavy rains combine for Silver Creek headaches

By James Day

Mother Nature has thrown a wrench into the city of Silverton’s ongoing project to replace its intake structure and water pumps on Silver Creek.

Recent heavy rains leading to increased creek flows have damaged the portable dam that was erected to protect the work site. City officials briefed the City Council on the issue at their Nov. 7 meeting.

The problem began when a power outage at 12:52 a.m. on the morning of Nov. 6 shut down the pumps that were keeping the water from the work area, and debris has torn the tarps that were serving as the portable dam.

City Manager Ron Chandler said city officials still are working on a mitigation plan so that work on the $5 million project can resume. A log boom might be needed to direct debris away from the dam, said Travis Sperle, director of Public Works. City engineer Bart Stepp noted that wiggle room was built into the timetable because of the in-water work windows required for the project, which is scheduled to be completed in October 2023.

Silver Creek serves as one of the main sources of water for the city.

In other action from the Nov. 7 meeting councilors:

• Unanimously approved adding Juneteenth to the list of holidays for which city employees are eligible. Juneteenth, which is celebrated June 19, notes the end of slavery in the United States. It became a federal and state holiday this year.

• Unanimously passed a supplemental budget resolution that nails down the funding for the proposed all-abilities playground at Old Mill Park. The $375,000 project is being funded by a combination of Rotary Club contributions, urban renewal funds and city funds. No timetable was available on when the project might move forward.

• Unanimously approved a resolution that will provide $450,000 in federal Community Development Block Grant funds for manufactured home repairs. There are income eligibility rules attached to the grants and homeowners must have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Interested parties can apply to John Schmidt at the Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Governments at 503-540-1640 or by emailing jschmidt@mwvcog.org

• Unanimously approved a new telephone franchise agreement with Ziply Fiber. The telecommunications firm pays the city 7% of its gross local revenues, which averages approximately $85,000 per year.

• Heard from members of the Silverton Mural Society who spoke during the public comment period and asked the city to pay for a mural on the new civic center building. Councilors said they will consider the proposal.

$99 New Patient Special

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Here is a look at the work site for Silverton’s water intake project on Silver Creek. Heavy rains have washed away the portable dam that was created to shield the work from the creek. JAMES DAY

Silverton Senior Center’s ReVamp Thrift

Next?

By Melissa Wagoner

Senior center asks for input

Brockamp said.

Bigger, brighter

More than a million lights on holiday displays

The annual Silverton Christmas Market is quickly approaching and tickets are on sale now.

Returning this holiday season with more lights (over a million), a longer walking path and a larger vendor market. The Oregon Garden Resort, hosts the Silverton Christmas Market which starts Friday, Nov. 25 and runs through Jan. 1 (closed Dec. 24 and 25).

“It’s truly magical to watch families make holiday memories,” said Alexis Federico, public events manager for the Oregon Garden Resort.

The doors of the Silverton Senior Center’s ReVamp Thrift Boutique, located on High Street in downtown, closed on Oct. 3 so that the space could receive a much-needed health and safety overhaul.

“We’re revamping the ReVamp,” Executive Director, Dodie Brockamp, confirmed. “It’s a pivoting time.”

Opened in July 2013 as a place for downsizing seniors to donate goods that, when sold, would provide the Senior Center with additional income, the concept has, over the past nine years, developed one major flaw – too much supply and not enough demand.

“We were really more of a storage space,”

Which is why, she and the members of the Senior Center’s Board of Directors, are conducting a needs assessment survey to determine what the future of ReVamp should be.

It’s a question the board hopes will be answered by the entire community.

“We want to meet the needs of the people,” member Mike Ashland said.

“The future of the Senior Center isn’t just seniors, it’s the people growing into being seniors,” Brockamp added.

Community input is requested in order to decide the future of the ReVamp Thrift Shop Boutique. To participate, take the survey available at www.50plus.help.

“We have more lights and larger light displays than ever before – lots of light tunnels and themed areas, along an even longer walking path.

“The event is only a few weeks away, so we encourage everyone to buy their tickets and book their overnight stays, since they’re selling quickly!”

The event offers a magical experience for all ages. Visiotrs can walk through an immersive path packed with more than a million lights, cruise down the snowless tubing hill presented by Power Kia, take a picture with Santa or Frosty, enjoy live music and a brew in the Biergarten presented by Western Beverage, taste international cuisine and drink and shop for handmade gifts and imported German goods at an authentic outdoor German

Silverton Christmas Market at Garden Resort

Get your tickets now to create magical holiday memories! Pricing varies depending on the night, and children 5 and under are always FREE!

Monday – Wednesday (excluding the week of Christmas): $15 for adults, $5 for kids ages 6-12

Thursday – Sunday (including the week of Christmas): $18 for adults, $8 for kids ages 6-12

Silverton residents save $2 off adult admission with promo code LOCALS at check-out (with proof of residency).

Add-ons include VIP parking and snowless tubing tickets.

market.

The event gathers inspiration from German Christmas Markets, featuring collectible mugs; traditional lebkuchen (gingerbread hearts) and gluhwein (mulled wine); a booth selling imported, handcrafted German nutcrackers, smokers and ornaments; and a light section dedicated to Krampus – the wicked German counterpart to St. Nicholas.

Boutique has closed. Now the senior center board has a survey out asking the community to help set a new direction for the site. MELISSA WAGONER

Reciprocal benefits Helping Hands

By Melissa Wagoner

When Scotts Mills Elementary School’s Parent Teacher Community Club (PTCC) heard that the Mt. Angel Chamber of Commerce needed help staffing their annual Oktoberfest booth and that they were willing to share proceeds with any organization that volunteered, they jumped at the chance.

“Katie Sommer, PTCC president, volunteered to head this up and find volunteers for two full days. At three shifts per day with at least four people per shift,” Courtney Goode – PTCC treasurer for the past nine years – recalled. No small feat for an organization whose board consists of four full-time members. However, undaunted and driven by the pressing need to fund this year’s eighth grade graduation fund, the PTCC made it work, enjoying themselves in the process.

“The chamber booth sells souvenirs (hats, pins, ornaments, buttons, steins, etc.) and it was tons of fun seeing locals

and meeting folks from all over the country – and the world,” Goode said. She volunteered alongside her daughter Brielle, a seventh grader at Scotts Mills.

The shared experience, and the bonus of customer service skills Brielle and the other student volunteers gained, made this fundraising opportunity one the PTCC hopes to do again.

“We would love to partner with Mt. Angel Chamber again,” Goode said. “This was a great opportunity for our middle schoolers to give back and earn some money for their class.”

The $1,000 the Mt. Angel Chamber presented to PTCC president Katie Sommer for the group’s help could go a long way toward funding future projects, like the much-needed covered playground the PTCC hopes to build one day.

“Nine grades of PE and recess can get tricky in poor weather, and our kids often choose to get wet rather than miss out on free time,” Goode explained. “We

By Melissa Wagoner

Most people are familiar with the term, “Black Friday,” in reference to the day after Thanksgiving – traditionally the biggest shopping day of the year. But in 2010 a new phrase was coined, “Small Business Saturday,” as a way of encouraging consumers to shop locally during the holiday season. And this year, according to many business owners, that message may be more important than ever before.

“With a lot of the focus this year being on the economy and worldly events, business owners and restaurateurs have been feeling the same ‘wallet punch’ that everyone is feeling,” Deanna Perkins, owner of Serenity Home and Spa Shoppe in downtown Silverton, said. “In an effort at keeping staff, ordering new products, maintaining food quality, etc., it’s even more important now to continue to support local businesses so we can all make it through these tough times.”

Many small businesses are owned by members of the communities in which they are based.

Silverton-Mt. Angel Shop Hop

Gather stamps at participating locations Nov. 25 - Dec. 13.

Completed passports can be entered into Dec. 14 prize drawing. Passports at: 426 S. Water St., Silverton 5 N. Garfield St., Mount Angel

Mt. Angel Christkindlmarkt

HazelnutFest and German holiday market, downtown Mt. Angel.

Retailers, restaurants, a biergarten and sidewalk vendors open.

Friday, Nov. 25, 5 - 9 p.m.; 6 p.m. tree lighting Saturday, Nov. 26, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 27, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

“These merchants are more invested in the quality of life, the welfare and the future of the community… more likely to contribute to community organizations, charities

and the community in general,” Karolle Hughes, owner of Books-N-Time, LLC, said. “Local merchants help to create the character of the town… are more likely than not to create more personal relationships with their customers than the ‘unknown’ person… or the big box stores.”

On Small Business weekend, retailers and restaurateurs in Silverton and Mount Angel are urging the community to take advantage of the goods and services offered right here. “It definitely makes a difference to families like ours when you shop locally,” Sarah Sampson, owner of The Wild Dandelion in Silverton, said. “It really causes a circle of giving and success... When we thrive, we can give back even more to Silverton.”

The Silverton-Mt. Angel Shop Hop – put on by the chambers of commerce in both towns – runs Nov. 25 - Dec. 13.

“[I]t’s still a great way to visit those shops maybe you haven’t gone into in a while, or ever, and check out what they carry,” Silverton Chamber Executive Director Stacy Palmer explained.

With a passport listing all participating businesses, contestants can visit each location and obtain a Shop Hop stamp. Once filled, the card can be turned in for a chance to win a prize during the drawing on Dec. 14.

That’s not the only local shopping event. Also in the works is Mount Angel’s Christkindlmarkt – a combination of the annual HazelnutFest and a traditional German holiday market Nov. 25 - 27.

“Downtown businesses and restaurants will be open along with vendors on the streets,” Scott Stokley, owner of Touch of Bavaria, Angel Mountain Christmas and Lou’s Kitchen, explained. The event promises “entertainment, Christmas tree lighting, Santa, biergarten, lots of lights and much more,” he said.

It brings the community together. “[N]o matter where you shop or dine, you’re met with a friendly face from a neighbor or a former classmate,” Laurie Carter, yarn and gift shop owner of Apples to Oranges, said. “Old and new friends alike.”

Passages

Virginia Lee Stevens Sept. 28, 1939 – Sept. 19, 2022

Loving daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother, Virginia Lee Stevens, was born in Coos Bay, Oregon and raised in Empire with her two siblings, Richard Kent and Betty Lorsung.

After meeting Delbert Stevens at a Coos Bay skating rink, they were happily married for 56 years.

In 1977 they bought the Silverton A&W Restaurant. In 1986 they built and operated Burger Time in Mount Angel. Virginia worked and served her community as a nurse at Salem Hospital for 25 years. She was known to those around her for her caring heart and love for travel, having visited 32 countries.

She is survived by her siblings, three sons, seven grandchildren, and five greatgrandchildren. Memorial service plans are to be determined.

E. Leon ‘Moose’ Morgan

Dec. 21, 1948 – Oct. 17, 2022

On Monday, Oct. 17, 2022, E. Leon “Moose” Morgan, loving husband, uncle, life-long diehard N.Y. Yankees fan, and catdad, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at the age of 73.

Moose was born on Dec. 21, 1948 in Tacoma, Washington to Norman and Elna Morgan.

The family later relocated to Milwaukie, Oregon and he graduated from Clackamas High School in 1967.

Moose received an associate’s degree from Clackamas Community College, and attended the University of Portland, Portland State University, and Western Oregon State College (now Western Oregon University).

A life-long music lover and collector, he was truly in his element managing record stores for For What It’s Worth Records and Music Millennium. He moved to a new career in the floral industry, mostly working for Flowers Flowers in Wilsonville, Oregon which he pursued until retirement.

On March 19, 1978, he married Andrea Kleve. They settled in Silverton, Oregon, where she taught high school. Together they enjoyed concerts, cats and friends.

Moose’s musical interests were varied. He sang in rock bands beginning in high school, touring nationally with Mr. Lucky and the Gamblers. He also sang with Menagerie, a cover band that played venues throughout the Willamette Valley.

Moose is survived by his wife, Andrea; numerous nieces and nephews; his dear friends, Dennis Struck and John Calcagno; and his cat, Rosey.

Memorial contributions in Moose’s memory would be appreciated to the Cat Adoption Team in Tualatin, Oregon, or the Jeremy Wilson Foundation’s Musician Health & Services Program.

A Celebration of Life gathering was held Nov. 13.

Nick Albert Ebner

Dec. 25, 1954 – Oct. 31, 2022

Nick Albert Ebner, 67, passed away suddenly Oct. 31, 2022. He was born in Silverton, Oregon on Dec. 25, 1954 to Irene (Eder) and Patrick Joseph Ebner.

He leaves behind his wife, Ruth GrosJacques Ebner; brother, Ron (Diane) Ebner; sisters, Darlene (Harvey) Atkison and Judy (Joe) Smith; step-sons, Jared (Jenna) Powell and Jacob (Alyssa) Powell; nieces, nephews and many close friends.

Nick’s mother passed away when he was very young. His father then married Charlotte Ficker who joined in raising Nick and his siblings on their Mount Angel farm. Nick worked at Fessler Farms his entire career starting at age 15. He recently retired as manager. Nick considered the Fesslers family. He loved the farm, family and friends, watching sports, playing cards, and traveling abroad.

Services were held at St. Mary Catholic Church in Mount Angel on Nov. 10. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church or a charity of your choice. Assisting the family is Unger Funeral Chapel – Mount Angel.

Regina Kleinschmit

Regina Kleinschmit passed away peacefully on her late husband Ralph’s birthday, Oct. 23, 2022.

Regina was born on June 23, 1926 in Mount Angel, Oregon to Ed and Mayme (Long) Hoffer. Regina was one of six children in the Hoffer family. Regina lived her entire life in Mount Angel, she attended Mount Angel schools and graduated from Mount Angel Academy in 1945.

Regina married Ralph Kleinschmit in 1947. They shared 61 years of marriage. She is survived by her six children: Dave (Eileen), Patt (Mick), Ed (Sandy), Michael (Jason), Gene (Tanya) and Bill (Tania). Regina had 13 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

Regina will be deeply missed by her family and friends. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Willamette Valley Hospice, or the Catholic Daughters. The family would like to thank the staff at the Mount Angel Towers and Willamette Valley Hospice.

Her funeral service was held Nov. 3 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mount Angel, with Rosary and Funeral Mass.

James Arvid Loftis Oct. 4, 1939 – Oct. 26, 2022

James (Jim) Arvid Loftis was born in Portland, Oregon on Oct. 4, 1939 to Cristina Pearl Adams and James Pierce Loftis. He passed away Oct. 26, 2022.

He was married to Loretta Roraback. They had two children, George and Shawn. After separating from Loretta, Jim married Mary Jean Johnson, with whom he lived happily until her death on Feb. 14, 2016.

Mary Jean and Jim raised schnauzers (Silka, Luki, and Felix), along with several Percheron horses. Jim was heralded for saving a stranger’s life by administering CPR until emergency services arrived. Without his unrelenting effort the person would not have survived.

Jim served in the US Navy until 1962, received his associate’s degree from Chabot College in 1977, and worked at Lawrence Livermore Lab in California until he retired.

Along with Steve Riley, he designed and oversaw the installation of the Veterans

Memorial in Silverton. After Mary Jean’s passing, Jim began a close relationship with Jean Fischer. They were married in December 2021.

He is survived by his two sons, George Douglas Loftis of Benicia, California and Shawn Joseph Loftis of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; as well as his beloved schnauzer Missy.

He is also survived by siblings Janetta Goddard, Lucy Broussard, AnnaLee Bowcut, and Willis Loftis. He was predecesed by siblings Rosa Lora Loftis, Geraldine Bateman, Laneece Loftis, Leland Loftis, George Loftis, Georgina Stephens, Lois Loftis, and JudaAnn Loftis.

His many friends and family members including his niece, Cristina Pearl Packham, and Ellen Strong, will remember him fondly.

A Celebration of Life was held on Nov. 5 in Silverton. Assisting the family is Unger Funeral Chapel – Silverton.

Vicki L. Lowery July 8, 1962 – June 13, 2022

Vicki Lowery was born in Apple Valley, California to Jim and Geneva Thomas. They lived in Big Bear Lake, California until moving to Silverton, Oregon in 1974. She graduated from Silverton High School, class of 1981.

She was Mom to Michelle (Charlie) Rodriguez and Emily (Logan) Williamson, but her favorite role was Grandma to Ayasha, and soon-to-be-born Koda.

Vicki was a wonderful free spirit and loved to create. She crafted whimsical artwork for her family and friends that will be cherished.

She loved trips to the ocean, tea parties, working in her yard, and concerts. Always dreaming of the Jimmy Buffet lifestyle, she was rock & roll with a little

bit of country. Vicki was always up for an adventure and was a loyal friend. She was a protector of the underdog and had huge compassion for those hurting.

Vicki wore many hats while working with Benedictine Nursing Center for more than 20 years. She was a delivery driver for NAPA Auto Parts, a phlebotomist with Chemawa Indian School and most recently, the Red Cross of Oregon. Her battle with leukemia (AML) forced her to retire in 2021.

She left a huge hole for all who had the pleasure of having Vicki as part of their lives. She will be missed.

At her request she was laid to rest in a private service.

Submissions welcomed: Our Town appreciates the opportuity to share life’s Passages with our readers. If there is a birth, engagement, wedding, anniversary, college graduation or obituary of a local resident you’d like to share, send it to ourtown.life@ mtangelpub.com or mail it to Editor, Our Town, P.O. Box 927, Mount Angel, OR 97362.

Complex histories Artist weighs in on inclusion of controversial figure

Susan Bielenberg wrote to Our Town expressing her concern about the October 2022 cover photo (Vol. 19 No. 19) featuring my painting of Margaret Sanger, one of the women represented in my October exhibit at Lunaria Gallery, “Portraits of Inspiring Women in the Classical Style.”

I’m very glad Susan wrote. She is correct to object to Margaet Sanger’s involvement in the eugenics movement prevelant in her era of the 1920s, and she correctly states that Planned Parenthood has removed Sanger’s name from its building.

But I fear Susan is dangerously wrong to conflate abortion with birth control because the current polemics about the overturning of Roe v. Wade are dangerously poised to spill over onto pre-pregnancy birth control. Sanger was not an advocate of abortion. Sanger’s core mission was to prevent unwanted pregnancy with birth control. Planned Parenthood did not offer abortions until they were made legal under Roe v. Wade in 1973. Sanger died seven years earlier in 1966.

I want to relate why I included Margaret Sanger’s portrait in my paintings of inspiring women, even though my daughter, a Ph.D. in American Studies and professor of history, warned me about the controversies that Susan brought to attention in her letter. It’s very personal: my mother left her five living children (two babies did not live), having been pregnant every year since marriage, and

making that decision while stirring spaghetti sauce in the midst suffering a miscarriage of her eighth pregnancy.

Her desperate departure was devastating to my father and his family and changed all of our lives. I lost my family and “my children.” I was the eldest, and at age four I was tasked with taking care of my siblings. I was called “the little mother.” The result of my mother’s departure was a divorce, in which the two eldest (my sister and I) were given into the custody of my mother, and the youngest (my three brothers) were given to my father. I did not see my brothers again until my mid-twenties.

I do not want women to ever be in the state of desperation that led my mother to flee, leaving five children, her youngest at age two. I am very grateful for birth control and for Margaret Sanger, whose pursuit of “the Pill” led to the first generation of the one I used as a young woman, a pill that hormonally directs the menstrual cycle and ovulation, and thus prevents an unwanted pregnancy.

For an article that discusses the relationship of Margaret Sanger to eugenics, see “The Published Writings and Speeches of Margaret Sanger, 1911-1959” by The Margaret Sanger Papers Project hosted at New York University (www.nyu.ed/projects/sanger).

– Ann Shams, Silverton

Our Town’s Facebook page received a comment in response to Susan Bielenberg’s letter that included a link from Reuters Fact Check: http://tiny.cc/reuters_sanger

Your thoughts are welcome

If you would like to send a letter to the editor, please submit to ourtown.life@mtangelpub.com. Deadline is the 20th of the month for the issue published on the 1st and the 5th of the month for the issue of the 15th.

Letters are published on a space-available basis. Please keep Guest Opinions and letters to no more than 500 words. Submissions must be signed to be considered for publication. Our Town does not publish anonymous opinion pieces.

Please include your phone number, for verification purposes only. The number will not be published. Email ourtown.life@mtangelpub.com or mail to Our Town Editor, PO Box 927, Mt. Angel, OR 97362. Submissions also may be dropped off at our office, 401 Oak St., Silverton, weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Silverton earned 17 spots on the all-MidWillamette Conference football teams as selected by league coaches. The Foxes were playing Wilsonville in the Class 5A quarterfinals on Friday after the Our Town presstime.

Top honors went to Jackson Pfeifer, offensive player of the year, and Xavier Orozco, defensive lineman of the year.

Pfeifer was on the first team at running back and as a kick returner while also earning a second-team nod at defensive back. Orozco was first-team in the defensive line and earned honorable mention on the offensive line.

Cohen Mulick also earned a pair of firstteam honors, at wide receiver and defensive back.

Other first teamers for the Foxes were offensive linemen Sam Clements and Sam Schaffers. On the second team were edge rusher Brody Sullivan, Schaffers on the defensive line and quarterback Sawyer Teeney

Also earning honorable mention were defensive back/wide receiver Elijah Howard, linebacker Brash Henderson, tight end Steely Mucken and running back Alex Briseno

Kennedy, meanwhile, also is in the quarterfinals, facing Vale in Silverton on Saturday after the Our Town presstime. Like the Foxes the undefeated Trojans dominated their all-league squad.

JFK filled 18 individual slots on the Class 3A Special District 2 team and won three of the top four honors: QB Elijah Traeger was named offensive player of the year, Briggs Snell earned lineman of the year honors and Joe Panuke received the coaching honor.

Traeger was named the first-team QB and also first-team defensive back, while Snell was a first-team pick on both the offensive and defensive lines. Other Trojan two-way first-teamers were WR-DB Owen Bruner and lineman Matt Hopkins. Rounding out JFK’s first-team selections were wide receiver Luke Beyer, tight end Brett Boen, linebackers Carlos Recendiz and Isaac Berning and place-kicker Charlie Beyer.

Second-teamers included running back William Schaecher, Berning on the offensive line, Boen on the defensive line and linebacker Javier Rodriguez. Defensive back Ethan Kleinschmit earned honorable mention.

Volleyball: Silverton advanced to the Class 5A quarterfinals for the second year in a row and finished the season 23-5. The Foxes, under first-year coach Reilly Rosecrans, were 12-1 in Mid-Willamette Conference play, and the league sent four teams to the state tournament. C.V. claimed the state title, with West Albany 4th and South Albany 6th. The Foxes went 0-2 in the tourney, losing to eventual runner-up Bend and South Albany.

Foxes junior setter Alexis Haury was named second-team all-tournament, following up on a regular season in which she was named MVP of the Mid-Willamette Conference. Joining Haury on the league all-star squad was Rowan Reilly (2nd team outside hitter), Gracie Jensen (2nd team libero) and

Cross Country: The Kennedy girls took second at district cross country and finished 12th in the state for Class 3A-2A-1A. The top runner for the Trojans was Yulissa Chavez Cortes, who took 12th at district and 59th at state. Also scoring for JFK at state were Briar Hachenburg (69th), Nora Brenden (77th), Alyse Williams (81st) and Stephanie Cardenas (88). Also participating were Paityn Garcia (91st) and Haley Kline (98th). Jesus Cortes of the Trojans took 5th at districts and 33rd at the 2A-1A boys state meet.

Silverton, meanwhile, sent its girls team to state, where the Foxes finished 13th in Class 5A. Silverton qualified by taking 4th at the district meet. Lauren Ortega finished 19th at districts and followed up by taking 64th at state. Also scoring for the Foxes at state were Gabriella Richardson (66th),

Rebecca Noordam (70th), Paige Davisson (78th) and Hannah Bashor (79th). Also participating were Makayla Rose (87th) and Adeline Kuenzi (88th). JD Arthur of the Silverton boys squad took 4th at districts and 15th at state.

Soccer: The Silverton girls squad, under first-year coach Renee Cantrell, finished third in the MWC with a 4-1-3 record. Silverton was 4-5-5 overall. The Foxes advanced to the first round of the 5A playoffs before falling to Ashland, 6-0. The boys were 3-5 in league, 3-9-2 overall and landed Jason Leon on the second team of the league all-stars. Eli West and Travis Grimes earned honorable mention.

Winter season: The next cycle of high school sports, including basketball, wrestling and swimming, is ready to get underway. Monday, Nov. 14 was the first practice day authorized by the OSAA. The first contest day is Nov. 30.

honorable mention middle blockers Tayler Westfall and Olivia Rosborough

Silverton captains Jackson Pfeifer (1), Sam Clements (75), Sam Schaffers (79) and Cohen Mulick (15) combined for 8 slots on the all-Mid-Willamette Conference football all-stars. JAMES DAY

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Firsts Bearing witness to a growing nation

On a number of occasions acknowledgment has been given to “Firsts.” The first Black Supreme Court justice, the first Black QB in the NFL, the first Black president.

While many have celebrated these firsts, others have condemned these as “making things about race.” My position is that these firsts are cause for celebration; an acknowledgment of positive change.

When I think about important firsts, I think about the parents with an eighth grade education watch their youngest child graduate with a college degree. The pride they must feel in knowing they inspired their child to see that anything is possible if they have the desire to achieve it.

I considered it a triumph when the first female astronaut took a rocketship ride into space. There’s no doubt she looks back on her studies and training feeling

The Reality of Living Alone for Seniors

For seniors who live alone, winter can be especially harsh. The cold conditions make travel or more problematic, and running errands can be difficult furthermore the darker days and the isolation are simply depressing.

Social isolation can take a toll on your overall health and general wellbeing. Numerous studies continue to stress the health benefits of staying socially active, including lowering the risk for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular problems, some cancers, Alzhei mer’s disease, and cognitive decline. Isolated seniors tend to have a weaker immune system making them susceptible to illness and infection.

What’s the solution? At Country Meadows Village, we ENGAGE! We engage with one another and love our community living. To help facilitate interactions, our activities calendar is filled with opportunities for residents to get fit, get smart, get their game on, get a drink, and get entertained.

NIGHTINGALE Community Relations Director at Country Meadows Village

like the sacrifices were all worth it. She might even find it her role to encourage little girls so they can dream beyond what is deemed traditional.

Most importantly to me, I think about my dear mother, Carol.

A first she had the fortune to see was the election of the first president of color in our beloved nation. This particular first had a great deal of meaning for her. She had taken advantage of every opportunity in front of her, while knowing other things just were not available to her. Things like certain drinking fountains, bathrooms, or some institutions of higher learning.

To see Barack Obama elected was a meaningful sign that we were growing as a nation.

This particular first resulted in her securing tickets to the inauguration.

Two busloads – my mom and her peers – took off from Fort Wayne, Indiana headed for D. C. to observe, firsthand, a monumental piece of history.

The motivation to embark was all about feeling as though their journey – their life journey – was worth it.

They felt as though the work they did to achieve their goals, despite the obstacles, had paid dividends; that they, and those they brought forth, could feel even more as though they belonged.

Their joy was about seeing a nation grow out of some negative things and into a place where we can exist together, embracing the things that make us similar as well as those things that make us unique.

We get it! Here, we are a family and look out for one another. There is no time for isolation or winter doldrums because we are too busy having fun. Isn’t it time to have more fun in your life? If you are curious about community living, come into Country Meadows Village. Let’s share a meal together and attend an activity. Talk with residents and spend the day finding out if you’d like to stay.

The best way for you to know if you’d like it here is to spend some time with us and give it a try.

Call for a tour! I’d love to meet you.

155 S. Evergreen Road, Woodburn 503-982-2221 CountryMeadowsVillage.com

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