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Abiqua Falls for sale Abbey Foundation opens process to sell site
By James Day
For sale: “One 40-acre wooded parcel in the Cascade Foothills off of Crooked Finger Road.” Routine stuff, right? Well, this time it’s different because this 40 acres includes Abiqua Falls.
A 92-foot waterfall that welcomes thousands of visitors a year despite difficult access and zero supervision is not your normal real estate transaction. But there it is on Zillow, with Lisa Johnson of Horsepower Real Estate noted as the listing agent. As of this writing the listing has been viewed nearly 9,000 times.
Another interesting fact about this real estate deal is that the property has been owned since 1908 by the Mount Angel Abbey, with ownership moving to the Abbey’s foundation in 2000.
Which brings up the questions of why is the Abbey selling and where might the property wind up? Here is how Amanda Staggenborg, director of communications for the Abbey, answered:
“For over 100 years, Mount Angel Abbey and the Abbey Foundation of Oregon (AFO) helped preserve and protect Abiqua Falls and the surrounding land,” Staggenborg said in an email exchange. “We realize that this brings tremendous responsibility. While we are proud of the many years of conservation and stewardship, it is time for the land to be protected under new ownership who can better serve the public interest.
“We recognize that this brings about many questions, including the future of public access and usage. The Abbey Foundation of Oregon plans to choose a bidder who identifies and aligns with Mount Angel Abbey and the AFO’s values and mission. We encourage bidders who are willing to continue over 100 years of conservation efforts but want to encourage an open process for all interested parties, including individuals, conservation groups and government agencies.”
Our Town immediately went to work looking for conservation groups and government agencies that might be interested. Here is how the search went.
We started with the Bureau of Land Management.
“The BLM worked with the Abbey Foundation of Oregon on a land exchange request for the Abiqua Falls property,” said Camillie Bennett, a public affairs specialist with the federal agency’s Northwest office. “After review, the BLM determined the proposal was not in the best interest of the public, so could not move forward and is not pursuing acquisition at this time.”
Abiqua Falls is about six or so miles as the crow flies (or if you are an expert hiker with a good compass) from Silver Falls State Park, which contains some of the most visited waterfalls in Oregon and is owned and operated by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. So the next contact was Mike Baden, a communications specialist with Oregon State Parks.
“At this time, OPRD is not in a financial position to purchase or manage this property,”
Baden said. “However, we would like to see Abiqua Falls remain accessible to the public and protected for future generations. We are hopeful that, through other partnerships and conservation efforts, this can be possible.”
The Abiqua Falls property abuts Santiam State Forest parcels owned by the Oregon Department of Forestry, which also supervises waterfalls and park property at Shellburg Falls near Mehama. After an inquiry from Our Town the ODF’s Tim Hoffman issued a statement in response:
“Generally, ODF’s budget and legal authority does not allow for acquisition of lands for state forests through private real estate listings. The… division budget is for managing existing state forests. The owners of Abiqua Falls did not approach ODF about a land exchange, one of the existing legal mechanisms for adding lands to ODF management. That mechanism is not a purchase agreement, but an exchange of one property for another.
“While the property lot including Abiqua Falls poses an interesting opportunity for acquisition of additional public lands, ODF can’t pursue it without long lead times and additional legal authority and budget through legislative processes.”
Then there is the Willamette River Preservation Trust, led by long-time Willamette River environmental figure Travis Williams, a Scotts Mills resident. In just two years the Trust has purchased or received via donation four parcels, from south of Scio to northwest of Molalla and is working to preserve them, while allowing low-impact recreation via guided tours. “Conserving lands and waters in perpetuity” is its motto.
Williams, in both a telephone conversation with Our Town and in a notice on the Trust website, reported that he has been in conversations with the Abbey Foundation about Abiqua Falls for some time.
“Our first meeting,” the post on the website notes, “was in January of 2025. Over the past year we sought to get down
The listing
Rare 40-plus acre forestland holding featuring private ownership of Abiqua Falls, a nationally recognized, year-round waterfall with an approximate 92-foot vertical drop. The falls serve as the primary natural feature of the property and define both the landscape and overall character of the land. Private ownership of a waterfall of this scale and prominence is uncommon. Terrain includes forested ground, basalt formations, and natural topography shaped by Abiqua Creek and the falls. Property offers a secluded setting suited for conservation, recreation, and longterm stewardship. Zoned Forest (F), intended to conserve natural resources and limit intensive development. Buyers to perform due diligence regarding permitted and conditional uses. Property is offered through an open, auction-style marketing process without a published asking price or reserve. Offers may be submitted at any time using standard written purchase agreements through the listing agent. Seller reserves the right to review, negotiate, and accept any offer at its discretion. Please allow up to 30 days for seller response.
Source: Zillow
to details, but were always told ‘we are not quite ready,’ or something like that.”
Finally, said the post, “over the past couple of months, communication slowed down until we were sent an email three weeks back that they were listing the property with a commercial firm with no set price.”
The key concern of Williams and the trust is that listing the property for any and all offers does not guarantee public access. The trust post says that state ownership would be the best solution and that the organization hopes that something can be done in the current short session of the Legislature. That said, the Trust also submitted an offer on Feb. 6. If the state can’t acquire it, Williams said, the trust will fundraise in an effort to purchase it.
When asked to comment on the Trust’s interest in the property, Staggenborg of the Abbey replied, “the discussions have been ongoing and all proposals, including from the Willamette River Preservation Trust, are under consideration.”
Kurt Berning is executive director of the Pudding River Watershed Council, which works on habitat restoration and other environmental work in the Pudding watershed, which includes Abiqua Creek – and 47 other streams.
“Wow! Days like this don’t happen very often,” Berning told Our Town. “I talked to the real estate agent about the history of the property and what the Abbey is looking for in a buyer. It was educational and made me feel reassured a bit about future public access.”
The Abiqua Falls property includes lush forest property along Abiqua Creek. WILLAMETTE RIVER PRESERVATION TRUST
Water works Scotts Mills seeks $2.4M for water system upgrades
By Stephen Floyd
The City of Scotts Mills is seeking $2.36 million to tackle high-priority water system improvements after completing a Water System Master Plan last year.
Potential improvements include digging a new well for a backup water source, decommissioning a deteriorating 40,000-gallon reservoir, and replacing aging water pipes throughout the system.
City Manager Robin Fournier told Our Town the city will work on improvements in phases as funding becomes available.
Potential funding sources include a voterapproved bond, state and federal loans and grants. Fournier said the city council is pursuing multiple options with the goal of “prioritizing both fiscal responsibility and the
Unresolved
By James Day
Four individuals spoke on the subject of federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions during the public comment period of the Feb. 4 meeting and Mayor Jason Freilinger led a council discussion on next steps.
Topics broached by Freilinger included setting aside funds for the assistance of possible victims; training; legal questions on police cameras; and a letter or proclamation on the city’s view.
Councilors seemed to be in favor of thirdparty or social service funding for victims,
needs of the system.”
The city approved a new master plan, prepared by Tigard-based consultants CURRAN-McLEOD, Inc., in July of 2025 as an update to a previous plan from 2000.
The goal was to project 20 years of system needs, taking into account the expected lifespan of water system improvements and the likelihood of new system hookups as the city’s population grows.
The current water system consists of a 288,000-gallon reservoir constructed in 2006 and a main well constructed in 2009. The water distribution pipes are a composite of PVC, steel and iron, some of which may date back to the system’s original construction in the 1950s.
Consultants said the distribution system likely has significant leaks, but more tests are
needed to confirm.
According to the plan, Scotts Mills’ population is expected to grow from 438 in 2025 to 535 in 2045, an increase of 22 percent. This increase is not expected to exceed the system’s current capacity and it can handle projected growth “into the foreseeable future.”
Consultants did identify a need for a new well as a backup for the main well on 6th Street. The city already has a smaller second well at Scotts Mills City Park, however, this well is considered an emergency backup rather than a redundancy.
The plan said a new well is “a critical need” in the event the main well fails or must be shut off, and would cost an estimated $485,000.
Consultants recommended building the new well at the city park or at the reservoir on Grand View Heights.
The plan also recommended the replacement of water lines throughout the system to both improve water pressure in higher-use areas and reduce system leaks. The estimated costs for each replacement ranged from $100,000 to $300,000, with a total cost of $1 million for higher priority line replacements.
Additionally the city was advised to decommission an old 40,000-gallon reservoir on 7th Street once used to collect spring water. The reservoir is disconnected from the system but still requires repair and maintenance. The plan said it could be decommissioned for roughly $2,000 or replaced for an estimated $515,000.
Silverton Council discusses ICE situation again
had mixed views on the letter/proclamation concept, and in favor of cameras, assuming legal questions are answered affirmatively.
Freilinger noted that he has talked with other mayors from around the state. Ashland, Albany and Woodburn all require cameras, he said, while also noting that there have been no ICE apprehensions of individuals in Silverton. Woodburn has had approximately 80, Freilinger said, with one in Mt. Angel. An official resolution on city policy is likely to come back before the council at a later date.
Those who testified during public comment were uniformly critical of the federal policies and actions.
“The federal government is now the enemy,”
one resident said. “It’s hard to know what a crime is. Is holding up a sign a crime?”
In other city-council highlights:
EV poles: A collaboration between the city and Portland General Electric will allow Silverton residents to use neighborhood utility poles to charge their electric vehicles. The poles that feature the charging option are located at 706 N. Water St., 246 Coolidge St.; 241 Mill St., 223 Mill St., 510 E Main St., 404 S. Third St., 434 S. Second St. and 904 S. Water St.
“PGE’s pole charging program is an innovative and convenient way to provide charging on existing utility poles,” said Anik Shrestha, the program manager for PGE.
“This reduces the amount of infrastructure
needed, lowers the cost of installing chargers and creates a great opportunity for drivers who have on-street parking, but don’t have a driveway or garage for at-home charging.”
The program runs on a QR code on the pole that a phone can read. EV drivers scan the QR code; a cable will lower; drivers can push a button to extend the cable; plug in and get charged. Once charged, they disconnect the cable. It will automatically retract. Shrestha said the cost is $0.12 per kilowatt-hour with an additional peak time fee of $0.28 per kilowatt-hour added on weekdays from 5-9 p.m. An idle fee of $0.10 per minute is added after a 10-minute grace period if the car doesn’t move once it has finished charging.
Immigration issues continue to occupy the the Silverton City Council.
MLK event Silverton Grange sees biggest turnout in 23 years
By Melissa Wagoner
On Jan.19, the organization Silverton People for Peace partnered with the Silverton Grange to hold the largest MLK Observance event in that space in 23 years.
“It’s our favorite event of the year because the speakers are always great,” Lee Mercer, Grange president, said. “We usually have around 75 people.”
But this year’s crowd, which came to hear keynote speaker Reyna Lopez – executive director and president of PCUN, Oregon’s largest farm workers union – was standing room only.
Lopez began her speech by extolling Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s six principles of non-violence – the backbone of her own work as an activist with both PCUN and the newly formed collective, Oregon for All.
Q & A with Reyna Lopez
Then she quickly moved on to the focus of her speech – the way current immigration policies are affecting communities across the country.
“We’re one year in exactly… and we face a collective struggle that is worsening every day…” Lopez said. “Now they’re killing people… Renee Good should be with her children. She should be with her wife.”
Calling for an increase in community response, Lopez shared information about a series of monthly “Day Without an Immigrant” strikes and rallies that will be taking place across Oregon between now and May 1.
“We are the backbone of America, and yet we’re demonized…” Lopez – the daughter of immigrant farmworkers who became U.S. citizens in the 1990s – said. She hopes these strikes will have an impact on the public consciousness. “For generations
The executive director and president of PCUN, the largest farm workers union in Oregon, answered questions (bolded). Her comments are in italics. General information is in regular type.
What can we do to help?
“Fill out the [PCUN] pledge card, support the days of action… We’re looking for volunteers…”
Does PCUN have a fund for people who have lost work?
“Yes! Visit www.pcun.org to contribute. That money goes to families whose main breadwinner has been detained…”
Are people meeting in Silverton?
Silverton People for Peace meets every Friday at 2 p.m. at Town Square Park.
families have come here seeking safety and a better life… but that has been shattered.”
“As the daughter of immigrant parents… do I have to show my passport?”
“[A] lot of attorneys are saying it’s good to have documentation with you…emergency contacts…and any kind of verification you’re in the process [of obtaining citizenship].”
What do you think about whistles?
“Whistles are an important measure to inform the community ICE is around… but it’s not going to save you when you need deescalation. Whistles only go so far.”
Who is delivering food to people afraid to go out?
“We’ve been seeing churches step up and the food banks, but if you have the bandwidth that’s where you can [help].”
Contact SACA at www.silvertonareacommunityaid.org or visit the Facebook page “We All Dine in Silverton.”
And citizenship, for those who are seeking it, has become a near impossibility, according to Lopez.
“The opportunity to do things the right way, that ended decades ago. Now you have to enter a lottery for the chance to do what thousands of immigrants did before us. And that essential worker… they cannot apply.”
But it’s not only citizenship that has Lopez concerned, it’s safety as well.
“Look around the room…” she said to the audience of men and women of all ages who came to hear her speak. “We’re not going to agree on everything… but we agree on this… the safety of our families… We need each other right now. As they try to demolish our safety net… as they try to tear our families apart. Stand with us… Speak up against injustice. Stand with us because my fate is your fate. Si, se puede!” Yes, you can!
Are students at the high school getting support?
“The principals and counselors are aware [of the situation],” an attendee stated.
What if the parents of young children are detained?
“Parents can fill out family planning…” Visit the Oregon Law Center’s website at www.oregonlawcenter.org
Are ICE agents actually masquerading as utility workers?
“Yes, it was confirmed in Gresham.”
How do we know if ICE is in Silverton?
“The Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition calls people in Silverton.”
Visit www.pircoregon.org or call 1-888-622-1510 to receive updates or make a report.
They worked tirelessly with us for over a year and helped us find the perfect home. They are so knowledgeable, efficient and organized that we never had to worry about a thing. Whitney and Mike made the whole buying process seamless. We would certainly use them again and recommend them to all our friends.”
Reyna Lopez, the president and director of PCUN, with Robert Sisk, a member of Silverton People for Peace. COURTESY OF GUS FREDERICK
Showcasing the past
Silverton Country Historical Society joins Brown House 250th celebration series
By James Day
The Brown House in Stayton has set up a program of historical presentations set to assist with national celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Eight historical societies from throughout eastern Marion County and the Santiam Canyon will be participating in the series, which begins Feb. 21 and runs through November. The program offered by the Silverton County Historical Association on ag/vocational education is set for June 20.
The Brown House, the site of all eight programs, received grants from the Oregon Historical Society and the Marion Cultural Development Corporation to pay for the series.
All of the programs are free and light refreshments will be served.
“Each organization will introduce the work they do, and present a talk on a topic that is a specialty of their area,” said Steve Poisson, vice president of the board of the Santiam Heritage Foundation, which operates the Brown House. “Our goal is to mutually support these local history organizations, and broaden the reach of each of us. We are very excited about it.”
Here is a look at the eight programs, which all will take place on Saturdays from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Brown House, 425 N. First Ave. in Stayton.
Feb. 21: The Jefferson Historical Society will present “Building of Jefferson: The Conser Family”
March 21: The Aumsville Historical Society will discuss local early Oregon pioneers
April 18: The Scio Historical Society will feature the history of the Linn County Lamb & Wool Fair
May 16: The North Santiam Historical Society will present on the history of railroads in the Santiam Canyon
June 20: The Silverton Country Historical Association will showcase vocational and agricultural programs at Silverton High School
Aug. 15: The Santiam Historical Society will discuss Basques in Oregon
Sept. 19: Yesterday in Turner will feature “How to Restore Historic Houses 101”
Nov. 14: St. Boniface Community Archives & Museum in Sublimity will cover the beginnings of the Sisters of St. Mary in Oregon
For additional information see the Brown House website at brownhouse.org, call 503-769-8860, send an email to cmbrownhouse@gmail.com, or see facebook.com/brownhousestaytonoregon/.
The Oregon Historical Society worked with Oregon’s America 250 Commission and Oregon Heritage on the grant programs. A total of 13 awards were given to groups which hit at least one of the following guideposts:
• To inspire Oregonians to participate in the work of forming a more perfect union.
• To highlight the importance of civics and history education in building a better future.
• To highlight the work of Oregon’s many history and heritage organizations.
• To encourage a robust, thorough, and honest examination of our collective history.
• To celebrate the unique traditions, arts, and cultures of communities throughout Oregon.
• To honor the service and sacrifice made by Oregon’s veterans.
• To celebrate the power of place through Oregon’s remarkable landscapes and scenic beauty.
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subject to change
Theater in the round Silverton High stages musical medley
By Melissa Wagoner
The upcoming production of Heartstrings: A Musical Revue is like nothing Silverton High School’s theater department has done before.
“We thought it would be nice if we did something in the black box,” choir director Kimberly Skondin said. “Because we have this great space.”
The tale of one couple’s love story from beginning to end, Heartstrings is a compilation of scenes from famous plays – including Hamilton, West Side Story, Grease, High School Musical, Fiddler on the Roof and more – preformed out by a cast of 22 talented teens.
“It’s puppy love to end of life, conflict and commitment,” Skondin said. “It’s really good.”
Composed in partnership with SHS theater director Sarah Schmidt, Heartstrings will take place in the round with the audience seated close to each other and close to the stage.
“I wanted something intimate that brings the audience and the actors together,” Schmidt explained. “And it’s good experience, as an actor, to do theater in the round.”
Adding to the romantic atmosphere, the theater department is also providing a limited number of VIP
seats – bistro tables for two – that include assorted charcuterie and drinks.
“People want something different,” Skondin pointed out. “And we want to show the kids what is out there in the world to do.”
Performed nightly Feb. 19 through 21 at 7 p.m. and as a matinee on Feb. 22 at 2:30 p.m., tickets can be purchased at www.silvertonhighschoolchoir.ludus.com.
“Come see the show,” Skondin said. “And support the performing arts,” Schmidt added.
Heartstrings: A Musical Revue
Performed by the Silverton High Theater Department in the Black Box Theater 1456 Pine St., Silverton
Feb. 19 - 21, 7 p.m. Feb. 22, 2:30 p.m.
Recommended for ages nine and up.
Tickets: silvertonhighschoolchoir.ludus.com
The cast of the upcoming production of Heartstrings: A Musical Revue practicing with music director Kimberly Skondin.
MELISSA WAGONER
Something to Do
Fundraising The Warren hosts Bingo night to fund school programs
By Melissa Wagoner
Things tend to get a little competitive during The Warren’s Tuesday night Bingo events.
“It’s not your typical Bingo,” owner Kasey Knaus confirmed.
Winners aren’t awarded money, they get to spin the prize wheel. And the prizes on the wheel are a little unconventional, ranging from a free beverage to an item off the tchotchke table, a turn wearing the coveted banana hat, or a chance at the “green envelope of mystery.”
“Mostly [the envelope] is local gift cards for $20 to $100,” Knaus said.
But what makes the game really contentious is the rule that says players can steal each other’s prizes.
“It’s super fun,” Knaus added.
And each month the proceeds from the sale of the Bingo cards – which are $5 each or a can of food for SACA and are good for the entire night – are donated to a different
nonprofit. In January it was Silverton Mainstay which, after a month of Bingo fundraisers, received a check for $1,350.
“It’s such a great community event…” Lisa Gerlits, Silverton Mainstay Director said of the experience. “It’s such a fun way to support an organization you care about. Our participants and families enjoyed the lively atmosphere and helping to sell Bingo cards. And the prizes are super fun. Who doesn’t like to spin a prize wheel?”
In February, the nonprofit is the Silverton High School Performing Arts Booster Club, raising money for the choir, band and theater departments.
“We have a list through May,” Knaus said, listing Silverton Middle School Track and Field as March’s recipient. “It’s great for a group that doesn’t do a big fundraiser. And we get a lot of families… I think it’s something fun to do in this town on a weeknight… We definitely have our Bingo regulars.”
Beer, Bubbles and Bingo Fundraiser Night
The Warren 218 E. Main St., Silverton Tuesdays, 6 to 8 p.m.
Players of all ages are welcome Bingo cards are good for the entire night and are $5 each or a donation of a nonperishable food item for SACA.
$5 drink specials
Winners can spin the prize wheel or “steal” a prize from a fellow player
The proceeds from Bingo are donated monthly to a chosen nonprofit:
February – Silverton High School’s Performing Arts Booster Club
March – Silverton Middle School Track and Field
This garden grows more than just beautiful flowers.
The Oregon Garden is a perennial favorite, drawing more than 100,000 visitors to Silverton each year. In fact, according to Tripadvisor and Travel Oregon, it’s the #1 attraction in Silverton!
The Andrew Ulven Trust is proud to support the “crown jewel” of Silverton and recognizes its signifigance to our community and surrounding towns. People come to see the beautiful gardens but they stay to patronize our local restaurants, shops and hotels.
By supporting the Garden, you’ll not only help grow your business, your membership offers plenty of perks for you and your employees. Go to oregongarden.org or scan the code.
A participant at the Beer Bubbles and Bingo Fundraiser Night dons the coveted banana hat prize. COURTESY OF LISA GERLITS AND DEANNE FELLER
Glad to be back Acorn Dentistry for Kids opens in new space
By Melissa Wagoner
It’s been 18 months since the original building that housed the Silverton branch of Acorn Dentistry for Kids was demolished. So, it was with great excitement that the practice’s owners held an opening on Jan. 9, welcoming the community into the new space.
“It’s triple the capacity,” founder Tim Richardson said. “And it’s more spacious and comfortable.”
Initially planning to remodel the previous building in the spring of 2024, Richardson and his business partners, Jennifer Winslow and Tess Gladstone, were forced to change plans when it was discovered that the foundation was crumbling.
“I think it was a blessing in disguise,” Winslow said. “It made it easier to start fresh.”
And to ensure Acorn Dentistry’s headquarters, which has always been based in Richardson’s hometown of Silverton, would have plenty of room.
Acorn Dentistry for Kids
411 N. Water St., Silverton
Open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.acorndentistryforkids.com
Our Town Coffee Chat
Friday, March 6 • 8 to 10 a.m.
The Warren • 218 E. Main St., Silverton
Drop by for a cup of coffee or tea and an informal chat with Our Town Editor and Publisher Paula Mabry and some of the crew. Stay just long enough to say hello, or relax and talk for a while.
We’re looking for ideas on keeping independent, local journalism a sustainable part of our community. We welcome your thoughts. Or, if you have an idea for an article, we’re open to that, too.
“The original building had our support services in the basement,” Richardson said. “It was unfinished and unheated.”
In other words, an upgrade was needed. But that didn’t make the past 18 months – a time when both personnel and patients were rerouted – any less challenging.
“I think people really missed [the Silverton Acorn],” Gladstone confirmed. “And it’s nice to bring all of our support people into the clinic.”
It’s also integral to the cohesive pediatric dentistry approach Richardson strives to construct across all six of Acorn’s offices.
“Everybody who works with us, the first day they meet here,” Richardson said. “We call it Culture Club.”
And the upper story of the new location is the new headquarters.
“We have our own library,” Richardson said. “As well as an assisting and training program we do internally.”
Acorn also has a specially constructed mezzanine overlooking the waiting room,
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where new employees can observe patients and their parents as they enter the front door.
“We wanted new people to get a bird’s eye view because a big part of working here is empathy,” Richardson explained. “And we wanted them to see that with their own eyes…”
Another tenet of Acorn Dentistry is early access to dental care – they suggest before age one – and education for parents. It’s a mission Richardson refers to as, “Every child gets a smile.” But that was difficult when the bustling Silverton office could only accommodate three chairs.
“Now we have nine,” Richardson said, confirming that the Silverton office is accepting new patients from birth through adolescence.
“I think parents are realizing that, just like pediatric medicine is different, so is pediatric dentistry,” Richardson said. “And the way we’ve designed the space [illustrates that]. You see the child-sized door and kids know immediately, this is a place for them.”
Tim Richardson, Jennifer Winslow and Tess Gladstone, owners of Acorn Dentistry for Kids. MELISSA WAGONER
Moving forward PT practice opens in fitness center
By Melissa Wagoner
Joe Bochsler didn’t start out in the physical therapy field.
“I was actually originally an engineering student at Oregon State University,” he said. “But engineering didn’t seem like a good fit.”
Instead, he began taking different science classes, eventually finding his way to the physical therapy department where he shadowed in-patient providers at Salem Health.
“It was intriguing, the wide range of it,” Bochsler said, listing the treatments he observed during that time, which aimed to help patients recovering from surgery, traumatic injuries and chronic illnesses. But it was when he shadowed an outpatient provider that he really found his calling.
“The cool thing about [outpatient] PT is there are a lot of different settings,” Bochsler said.
Including inside workout studios like Anytime Fitness in Silverton, where Bochsler opened his practice, Delta Physical Therapy on Sept. 3, 2025.
“It’s a cost-effective way to start,” he pointed out. “Because you have access to all the materials.”
Which is important because physical therapy utilizes not only hands-on treatments but movement as well.
“I like to tell people we might as well treat with a wide-cast net and ask our body to participate,” Bochsler said. “You create longer lasting healing.”
Specializing in one-on-one care, Bochsler is currently accepting patients aged 10 and older who are suffering from post-surgical conditions, sports injuries, vertigo, balance issues, mild neurological impairments and general orthopedic rehabilitation needs.
“Even if you’re not sure it’s PT appropriate, come see me…” Bochsler said. “Together we’ll find a plan forward…”
Delta Physical Therapy
Located inside Anytime Fitness, 118 Brown St. Suite C, Silverton
Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and some Saturdays
For an appointment, call or text 503-877-3012 or email deltaptsilverton@gmail.com www.deltaphysicaltherapy.net
Briefs Zenith club offers adult scholarship
A $1,000 scholarship opportunity is available to support returning adults in pursuing higher education. The scholarship, offered by the Silverton Zenith Women’s Club, is intended to assist adults with demonstrated financial need and to help offset college-related expenses. Funds awarded will be paid directly to the recipient’s college or university.
The application must be postmarked by July 1. All required information must be submitted by the deadline. Applications should be mailed to: P.O. Box 1273 Silverton, OR 97381.
To qualify applicants must:
• Meet federal poverty level income guidelines.
• Reside within the Silverton School District.
• Be accepted to or enrolled in an accredited college or university and list the institution on the application.
For questions or additional information contact: alexandria.cressey@gmail.com
Pride • Integrity • Respect • Loyalty •
Since 1974, John's has aimed to embody five core values; pride, integrity, respect, loyalty, and the ability to thrive. This month we would like to highlight local Silverton High School Student Aliyah Garza Aliyah is being recognized for exemplifying the value; to Thrive.
Aliyah demonstrates a remarkable resilience and maturity as she balances her course work, personal responsibilities, and work. She is a dedicated student who seeks help when needed, remaining focused on her future goals and how she can best work towards them. She truly thrives academically, personally, and socially.
Joe Bochsler MELISSA WAGONER
Sheltering Silverton New family shelter opens with community help
By Melissa Wagoner
The mission of Sheltering Silverton is to provide shelter for people experiencing homelessness, a goal that executive director Sarah White thinks is especially important when those “people” are families with children.
“It’s the best piece of prevention we can do, to focus on families with children and unaccompanied minors,” White explained. “Because when we neglect children, we’re perpetuating homelessness.… Yet, as a system we’re usually focused on adults.”
Never was that nationwide focus more apparent than on July 1, when Sheltering Silverton lost the state funding necessary to rent the hotel rooms – an option previously utilized to temporarily house families – forcing them to instead refer families to St. Joseph Shelter in Mt. Angel or the ARCHES Project in Salem.
“We couldn’t help our local families,” White pointed out.
Then she learned about an opportunity for Sheltering Silverton to partner with Oak Street Church – the owner of a small, vacant home – in the creation of a family shelter that would provide temporary, 28-day accommodations.
to maintain robust services because it works.”
Approved by the City Council in November for a one-year trial while the organization seeks a permanent funding source, Sheltering Silverton finally began renovations of the house in December by partnering with another local institution, Sequoia Falls Academy – a support program for teens in the Silver Falls School District.
“Sequoia Falls does a service-learning project (SLP) every year,” White explained. “So, [instructor] Helen Thomas asked what if we do [the renovations] as an SLP?”
“This church has been so supportive,” White said, referring to Oak Street’s history as the home of the first Sheltering Silverton-run warming shelter. “They are thoughtful but willing partners.”
A location secured, Sheltering Silverton moved on to procuring funding by putting in a formal request with the City of Silverton in September 2025.
“The city has been a great partner,” White said. “They want
In agreement, White provided the students with an overview of the project, a $1,500 budget and a detailed budget tracker.
“My main worry was everyone’s different styles clashing together,” MJ, a Sequoia student, said.
She was also concerned the budget would not be enough to renovate and furnish the small house, as well as to fill it with everything a family would need for their stay.
“So, we made a [Facebook] post and Silverton, within hours, got it done…” Jewel McPherson, the student in charge of crowdfunding, said.
Donations from the community poured in, enabling the students to focus their energy and budget on cleaning and organizing the space.
“I was honestly amazed at how good we did,” classmate Tatiana said. “I didn’t think we would get it done in a week.” But they did, and the finished space was just what White had in mind.
“We want the experience these moms have to be walking into a space that’s clean and comfortable, not a hotel room or a shelter,” White said. “Because we feel like helping parents feel regulated is going to help the kids.”
That’s the mission the students – some of whom have experienced homelessness themselves – kept in mind as they cleaned, painted, fluffed pillows and stocked shelves.
“I hope they’re happy and I hope they feel safe,” Tatiana said. It was a sentiment all the students Our Town spoke with shared, along with the feeling that this SLP was the most impactful they had participated in.
“At Sequoia I feel like the staff really pays attention,” McPherson said. “And they knew this project would bring us together. Because this wasn’t just a school project, it was way more than that.”
It showed the students a side of each other they hadn’t seen before, building bonds between groups that hadn’t previously talked. And it showed another aspect of their teachers as well.
“I saw a lot of teachers show emotions during the project,” McPherson said. “We were on a person-to-person level. We got to make decisions [together]. It was good to see a different side.”
It was an experience the students are hoping will continue, even now that Kimberly Cottage (the name Sheltering Silverton chose to honor a former client) is up and running.
“They’ve offered to come and clean between families,” White said. “And that collaboration piece is my favorite.”
It’s also an important part of keeping the shelter viable longterm because without community support – from Oak Street Church, the City of Silverton, Sequoia Falls Academy, and individual donors – unhoused families in Silverton would have no choice but to leave the community they call home. “Everyone was so willing to help,” McPherson said. “And we put a little of everybody in each room.”
60th Oktoberfest pushes community giveback total to over $4 million
The 60th Mt. Angel Oktoberfest, which ran Sept. 11-14, pushed the festival past the $4 million mark in terms of money flowing back to the community.
Financial information released at the Jan. 22 annual meeting of the festival board and the membership, showed that the community aid piece of the 60th event produced a record $155,135, bringing the overall figure to $4,059,952.
“Thanks to the hard work of so many, it was a record-breaking year for Oktoberfest,” Board President Bill Bischoff said. “We’re really proud of that $4 million number.”
The large food, beer and music venues continued to shine in terms of income, with the Weingarten’s $376,9721, the Biergarten’s $288,822 and the Alpinegarten’s $234,965. The Engelgarten joined the smaller venues with $21,227, the Hopfengarten at $51,982 and the Prostgarden $48,047.
Big-ticket expenses were led by police service and security at $212,778. The security piece of the festival will be enhanced for the 2026. The Mt. Angel Police Department received a grant of more than $115,000 for additional street barriers. Other key expenses included
entertainment ($183,760) and street cleanup ($81,376).
In addition to the $155,000 that went back to the community, Mt. Angel Community Foundation paid for 30 scholarships for Kennedy High students, bringing the total to more than 160, reported Foundation VP John Gooley.
“We usually have good reasons to celebrate,” summed up Bischoff. “The streets and venues were all packed and we had four fantastic days of weather.”
The 2026 event runs from Sept. 17-20. The theme is “Tapping Into Tradition.”
Sheltering Silverton’s executive director Sarah White in the living room of Kimberly Cottage, the organization’s newly opened family shelter.
MELISSA WAGONER
Oktoberfest dancers. JIM KINGHORN
Bloom duty
New coordinator for Mount Angel baskets
By Stephen Floyd
Flower baskets in Mount Angel are as much a part of the summer as the 4th of July Parade, hops harvesting and Oktoberfest, and have been a focal point for volunteerism and community spirit.
For decades the Mt. Angel Chamber of Commerce ran this program, working with local growers to purchase and water the flowers, and with volunteers to hang baskets and window boxes.
In recent years costs have risen, particularly related to watering the flowers throughout the summer. In some instances the chamber had to spend $10,000 more than the program raised through contributions, and the number of baskets displayed had to be reduced.
In late 2025 the chamber announced it was looking for someone else to adopt the flower basket program so it could focus more on other programs and events including the 4th of July festivities and Volksfest.
Mount Angel Mayor Joe Pfau stepped forward to keep the program going, not on behalf of the city but as a private citizen.
Now the program is being relaunched as “Blumenstadt,” German for “City of Flowers.”
“My goal was to make it a single citywide initiative and work to keep it successful,” he told Our Town
In a public statement Feb. 4, Pfau said maintaining the program is “especially important for tourism and local businesses, as the displays often create lasting first impressions for visitors.”
Pfau said the support model for Blumenstadt will be more communitybased, with residents and businesses able to directly sponsor a basket for $300. He said the number of baskets displayed will depend on the total amount raised. Display locations will begin in the downtown core and move outward as resources allow.
Pfau also said he will be mindful of the areas of town which have gone
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without flower displays in recent years and try to balance this with available resources so the program can truly be “community wide.”
Pfau said they will continue working with Woodburn-based Fessler Nursery, which has traditionally produced the flowers. Both the chamber and Oktoberfest boards have agreed to be major sponsors.
To facilitate payments, Blumenstadt is partnering with local non-profit Discover Mt. Angel, which was formed in 2023 to support local businesses and tourism postCOVID.
Sponsorship checks can be made out to: Discover Mt. Angel with “2026 Flower Baskets” in the memo line and mailed to P.O. Box 591, Mount Angel, OR 97362, or hand-delivered to Clem Butsch Insurance, 175 N. Main St.
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New!
Coming Soon!
Flower baskets have become a fixture of Mount Angel over the summer. The program has recently been reorganized by Mayor Joe Pfau. MT. ANGEL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Geraldine Beyer
Oct. 5, 1931 – Jan. 29, 2026
Geraldine Ann Traeger was born on Oct. 5, 1931, to Anthony and Grace Traeger in Timberlake, South Dakota. She was the sixth of nine children. When she was five years old, her family fled the Dust Bowl conditions in South Dakota and moved to Oregon. The family felt they had reached the perfect destination when they arrived in Mt. Angel; a Catholic farming community with many opportunities for work and provisions for the family including fruit falling off the trees.
Geraldine (Gerry) completed first grade at McKee School, a one-room schoolhouse between Woodburn and Mt. Angel. The family moved into town at the end of that school year and set up their household. She began second grade at St. Mary’s School and then eventually went on to high school at Mt. Angel Academy.
After graduating high school, she began working as a bookkeeper at Farmers Union Warehouse on Main Street (Wilco). There she crossed paths with a handsome young man who had returned from the Marines after World War II. John Beyer had been working on his family’s farm and then had begun working seasonally at the Warehouse.
John and Gerry were introduced at a New Years Eve party. After a short engagement, they were married at St. Mary Catholic Church on Sept. 6 (Labor Day), 1954. Over the next 12 years they welcomed seven children.
In 1960, they purchased a farm one mile south of Mt. Angel where they raised the children and crops, including berries, wheat, alfalfa, and a few head of cattle. John had a daytime job and was a farmer in the evenings and on the weekends. Gerry was the consummate farmer’s wife… she supported John in every way while raising the children and taking care of the home. During the summers she ran the berry crew and kept the kids working on the farm as well. The farm became a welcoming location for so many family and friends. Gerry hosted countless bridal showers, baby showers, prayer meetings, sing-alongs, and family gatherings around the holidays and on any given day.
Gerry was always very active in the community. Her involvement in the St. Mary Parish included the Catholic Daughters, helping with all care of the church and community as well as many dishes provided for funerals. She was a Eucharistic Minister for many years and taught religious education in the schools. She was an avid learner in terms of her spirituality and loved to attend Bible studies, read books, and listen to lecture tapes while working in the kitchen.
Nothing compared to Gerry’s love for her family and friends. She volunteered to help others in any way possible and that often included babysitting the children of family and friends to help out. One of her gifts was her real interest and involvement in the lives of all the generations. She knew the names of all the spouses, children and grandchildren of her nieces and nephews in the Traeger and Beyer families. Each of them knew that they were special to “Aunt Gerry.”
Gerry had a sincere heart for people of every age and a sincere passion for the sanctity of life. Throughout her years she championed the causes of Natural Family Planning, pro-life education and candidates, and also ministered to the dying.
The final years of John and Gerry’s lives were spent at Mt. Angel Towers. The family would like to express their appreciation for all the staff that cared for their parents, especially their mother in the four years after John’s passing.
In addition to her children, Ruth, Ron (Laura), Doug (Deana), Kathy (Jack) Belleque, Janet (Scott) Sanders, Joan (Greg) Puckett and Lisa (Dave) Holt, Gerry is also survived by 27 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren as well as her sister, Regina Schiedler.
Gerry was preceded in death by John, her husband of 67 years; grandson, Michael; and siblings Leo Traeger, Sr. Antoinette Traeger, Margaret Bernard, Mary Schurr, Monica Stuckart, Fran Traeger, and Tom Traeger.
Funeral service was held Feb. 5, 2026, at St. Mary Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts be made to St. Mary Catholic Church, Mount Angel, Oregon.
Passages
Sheryl Rose Raustein
Sheryl Rose (Kane) Raustein, 90, was born in Chicago, Illinois, to parents Margaret (Zubas) and Francis Kane July 24, 1935.
She spent her youth riding horses and playing basketball as her family lived and worked throughout the Midwest, eventually settling in Silverton, Oregon.
She graduated from Silverton High School and enlisted in the US Air Force, serving in the Air Defense, while playing basketball for the USAF and serving as a flight attendant.
She met her husband, Horst, while stationed in Oklahoma. They married in 1957. In 1966, with her parents aging, they relocated to the Woodburn area to take over day-today management of what became Blue Crop Farm. They also helped found the Oregon
Lindia Lee Cox
She was born in Coalinga, California March 12, 1937, and lived a life defined by faith, kindness, resilience, and deep devotion to her family.
July 24, 1935 – Jan. 26, 2026
Blueberry commission.
Sheryl was an active mom, a group leader with Camp Fire Girls, and a member of the Silverton Hospital Auxiliary.
Throughout her life she was an avid needle worker, quilter, and reader.
Sheryl passed Jan. 26, 2026. She is survived by her three children, Victoria Briggs, Peter Raustein, and Anne Snedecor; two grandchildren, Joanna (Trevor) May, Eric (Nicole) Raustein, Nicole Holden Raustein; and two great-granddaughters, Addison Joanne and Riley Mae.
A remembrance service with light refreshments will be held on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2 p.m. at Mt. Angel Towers in Mount Angel.
March 12, 1937 – Jan. 29, 2026
In 1968, Lindia embarked on the greatest adventure of her life when she, her husband Preston David, and their five children moved to Rocky Ridge Ranch in Silverton.
Once Lindia managed to get the chickens out of the newly purchased home, she made the ranch truly her own. It became more than just a place to live; it became the heart of family gatherings, hard work, laughter, and countless cherished memories.
Wayne Lee Smith
Wayne Lee Smith, 88, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family Jan. 30, 2026.
Born in Fort Lupton, Colorado, Aug. 21, 1937 to Ivan and Elinor Smith, he grew up building houses and raising chickens. He had a quick wit and got into plenty of mischief before joining the Air Force in 1954. In 1965, he joined Pacific Northwest Bell where he worked until retiring in 1997.
While raising five children, Lindia also worked at the Woodburn Auction, joking that it gave her a break from the kids – a “break” that lasted 49 years. Lindia leaves behind her children, David Jr., Jerry, Randy (Christy), Karen Brady (Joe), and Greg (Michelle); her brother, Vaughn Kraft; 19 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and one great-greatgrandchild. Her children shared that Lindia was one of the nicest people they ever met, and they were truly blessed to call her Mom.
Donations can be made to Willamette Valley Baptist Church, 650 N. First St., Aumsville, Oregon, 97373. Arrangements by Unger Funeral Chapel.
Aug. 21, 1937 – Jan. 30, 2026
He married Donna DeSantis in 1961 and they had five children together. Wayne spent evenings and weekends working on houses with his children, passing along
his knowledge and work ethic. Wayne was loved by his nieces and nephews who grew up experiencing his pranks and words of wisdom.
Wayne was a member of the local Knights of Columbus and the Silverton Elks Club and volunteered at St. Paul’s Church.
He is survived by his wife Donna; children Brian (Petra), Vicki (Mark), Shelly (Johan), Tamra (Mitch), and Daron (Holly); and grandchildren Landon, Morgan, Chase, Sadie, Megan, Karla, Claire, Stella, and Olivia. Services will be Feb. 26, 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Church in Silverton.
Lindia Lee Cox, 88, of Silverton, Oregon, passed away peacefully Jan. 29, 2026.
Martin ‘Marty’ Hunter
Martin Hunter was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, July 28, 1948 to Mabel Canada and Benjamin Hunter. The oldest of five sons, Marty naturally stepped into the role of caregiver and provider early in life– a role he would carry with quiet strength throughout his years.
July 28, 1948 – Jan. 25, 2026
Upon graduating from high school Marty joined the U.S. Air Force. He served a tour in Vietnam, and was later stationed in Utah, where he met Sharon Tassone, the love of his life. They married soon after, beginning a partnership that would span 54 years and become the cornerstone of Marty’s life. Marty received a BA in Forestry from Utah State University. Following a job opportunity, Marty and Sharon moved to Oregon, settling in Keizer, where they purchased a home and began growing their family.
Together, Marty and Sharon raised four daughters: Nikki, Lindsay, Katie, and Haley. He loved being a dad and grandpa. He enjoyed woodworking, travel, speed walking, and passionately critiquing the driving habits of others. He loved time with his family,
a cold beer or peaty scotch, and the calm of the outdoors. His steady presence, dry humor, and unwavering dedication shaped his family in ways that will be felt for generations.
Marty embraced his deep love of the outdoors through a 35-year career with the Bureau of Land Management in Oregon. His work took him into the woods he cherished – walking public lands, fighting forest fires, and protecting the natural spaces he believed belonged to everyone. He and Sharon moved to Silverton about a decade ago.
He passed away Jan. 25, 2026. Marty was preceded in death by three of his brothers and his son, Brian. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Hunter; his four daughters and their spouses; nine grandchildren, his brother Billy, and many who knew him as a mentor, protector, and friend.
Marty’s life was defined by service– to his country, his land, his faith and his family. He found joy in simple things, strength in responsibility, and peace in the outdoors. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
In Memory Of …
Gary Richmond Jr.
Dec. 18, 1953 – Jan. 15, 2026
Lee Hauser Helstrom
Jan. 5, 1944 – Jan. 16, 2026
Linda Kay Dennis
July 26, 1946 – Jan. 16, 2026
Donna Jean Hitchcock
May 19, 1940 – Jan. 17, 2026
D. JoAnn Ayers
Sept. 9, 1931 – Jan. 17, 2026
Selso Luis Bosquez
Mar. 21, 1972 – Jan. 18, 2026
Carole Elaine Smith
Aug. 3, 1939 – Jan. 18, 2026
Perla Nieto
May 9, 2005 – Jan. 18, 2026
Rock Joseph Sander
Jan. 30, 1954 – Jan. 20, 2026
Willetta Gladys Bashor
May 20, 1930 – Jan. 21, 2026
Geraldine Ann Beyer
Oct. 5, 1931 – Jan. 29, 2026
Lindia Lee Cox
Mar. 13, 1937 – Jan. 29, 2026
Fernando Lopez Moreno
Mar. 18, 1974 – Jan. 30, 2026
Wayne Lee Smith
Aug. 21, 1937 – Jan. 30, 2026
Mary Jo Moles
Jul. 17, 1940 – Jan. 30, 2026
Rita Rava
Mar. 24, 1927 – Jan. 30, 2026
Helen Loretta Dettwyler
Feb. 11, 1927 – Jan. 30, 2026
Matthew Carl Franklin
Nov. 9, 1961 – Feb. 2, 2026
Georgia Lynn Hoerauf
Sept. 11, 1945 – Feb. 4, 2026
Philip Gordon Clites
Apr. 20, 1926 – Feb. 4, 2026
Rock Joseph Sander, a 48-year resident of Silverton, Oregon, passed away at the age of 71. After a courageous 15-year battle with cancer and nearly completing treatment at OHSU, he passed in the company of his wife of 47 years, Christy Koop Sander. Larger than life in every sense, Rock leaves behind a legacy of laughter, kindness, and fierce love that will be echoed for generations.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ed; and sister, Mary Agnes. He is survived by his wife, Christy; his three daughters, Natalie, Monica, and Caitlin, of whom he was endlessly proud; seven beloved grandchildren, Sander, Aidan, Isaac, Xavier, William, Elisa, and Sebastian; five brothers, Louie, Leo, Ray, Bernie, and Bob; three sisters, Joan, Irene, and Dot; 18 nieces and nephews; and hundreds of others who were fortunate enough to be witness to his vivacious personality and rambunctious presence.
Rock was born on Jan. 30, 1954, in Tillamook, Oregon, to Alfred and Arlene Sander. Rock was the sixth of 11 spirited brothers and sisters. He spent his youth running amok on the family dairy farm, helping his father (loosely, by his own admission) supply milk to the Tillamook Creamery. Rock attended first through eighth grades at Sacred Heart Catholic School and was often remembered for his humor, big laugh, and mischievous antics often at the expense of the priests and nuns. After briefly attending Mt. Angel Seminary for his freshman year, he then graduated from Tillamook Catholic High School in 1972.
Though playful by nature, Rock also possessed depth and curiosity. After high school, he made the decision to attend the University of Portland. There, he was a member of the Upsilon Omega Pi fraternity, briefly served as the university’s energetic mascot, made lifelong friends, and met the love of his life. He graduated in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science degree.
After the University of Portland, Rock held a brief position with Boyd coffee company before returning to Oregon and marrying Christy Elizabeth Koop, a recent University of Portland graduate and second grade teacher at Eugene Field Elementary in Silverton. They began their married life in a small home on south Water Street and quickly embedded themselves in the Silverton community and St. Paul’s Catholic Church, where Rock would spend decades serving, singing, and showing up wholeheartedly.
In 1978, Rock began what would be a long career with Portland General Electric, beginning as a meter reader and retiring as a Service Design Consultant in 2015. Among the Silverton community, Rock served several years on Silverton City Council, participated in a number of St. Paul committees, ran the parish youth group with his wife for a time, and sang with the choir in the loud and joyful voice for which he was known. Rock was an avid golfer, a boisterous neighbor, and enjoyed traveling with his wife far and wide to visit their daughters wherever life took them. He loved his girls and grandkids, cheering on the Ducks and Seahawks, puttering around their South Abiqua property, occasionally acting with Center Stage, dining and drinking with good friends, golf weekends with his buddies, raucous Sander family gatherings, stories around a fire, tight breath-squeezing bear hugs, deep belly laughs, nonsensical outbursts of joy, and above all welcoming everyone he met into his merry world of silliness, jokes, and deep unending love.
Services will be held Tuesday, Feb. 24, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Silverton. A funeral mass will begin at 11 a.m., followed by the internment of ashes at St. Paul’s Cemetery. Following the cemetery all are welcome at the Parish Hall for a luncheon and Celebration of Life, beginning around 12:30 p.m. If you would like to attend either the funeral mass or the Celebration of Life luncheon, please reach out to Rock’s wife or daughters. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations made in his name to Silverton Area Community Aid or the Father Bernard Youth Center in Mount Angel, Oregon. Rock will be deeply missed but has left all with a loud echo of joyful memories that will be treasured as his love and laughter are passed on to others. Bring joy to all you meet, and let everything you do be done in love. Arrangements by Unger Funeral Chapel.
Storm cleanup
By James Day
The fierce windstorms that whipped up and down the Cascades in late December produced some serious damage to Silver Falls State Park, which will remain in a rebuilding mode for several months to come.
Park Manager Jason Wagoner told Our Town that some restoration work might not be completed until summer, although numerous major attractions remain open to visitors.
Hikers and other visitors who enjoy some of the key Silver Falls landmarks such as North Falls and the popular Trail of 10 Falls, might have to wait until the summer months to get reacquainted with some of their favorite spots.
Here is a summary of the closures:
• The North Canyon and North Falls trailheads.
• The Rim Trail between Winter Falls and North Falls.
• The short trail to Upper North Falls that connects with the Perimeter Trail.
“We are working on resolving the issues around North Falls now,” said Wagoner, who has taken over as park manager with Chris Gilliand’s move to a district position. “The damage from the storm uprooted several trees that are suspended over the cliffs and trails in that area. We hope to have everything open before summer.”
Now, here is the good news.
• The campground, cabins and other overnight facilities in the Smith Creek Village area all are open.
• Back country trails such as the Perimeter, the Catamount, Buck Mountain and Racket Ridge also are open, but Wagoner cautions that “it is winter so there is always a chance of downed trees, limbs, or water on the trail.”
“There were a lot of downed trees from the winter storms,” summed up Tim Hoffman, a public affairs officer with the ODF, but a combination of staff work and a volunteer party have everything back on an even keel.
The main casualty, the Upper Shellburg Falls Trail, which connects the trailhead/parking lot with the most visited waterfall, has been swept clear and has reopened, with Hoffman noting a volunteer party the weekend of Jan. 10-11 that helped turn the tide.
• Hikers still can do a five-mile loop from Winter Falls to South Falls and can pass seven waterfalls (Winter, Middle North, Drake, Double, Lower North, Lower South and South)
• All of the trails and amenities in the South Falls area are open, including the paved path that goes under South Falls as well as the Lodge, store and restaurant. The Maple Ridge Trail, which traverses the east side of Silver Creek’s South Fork, also is open, as is the bike path and the paved bike loop near Winter falls.
Wagoner also praised the staff and volunteer assistance the park has been receiving.
“The staff at Silver Falls have been working along with some great volunteer organizations like Trail Keepers or Oregon and Salem Area Trail Alliance to open all of the trails possible,” he said. “Please abide by all trail and trailhead closures for the safety of the visitor, crews working on the trails, and any emergency personnel that would be needed if an issue arises.”
For questions, contact the park office at 503-873 -8681.
Further up Highway 22 near Mehama, the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Shellburg Falls area has reopened.
“All the trails in the Shellburg Falls area are open,” Hoffman said. “Currently we do not have any other recreation trails closed in the Santiam State Forest.”
However Hoffman offered words of caution for visitors.
“Recreationists may still encounter blowdowns on some trails,” he said. “Volunteer groups and ODF crews are actively working to have them cleared as soon as possible. Recreationists should always use caution in fire-impacted landscapes and after recent storm activity.
“Also, there are multiple road related issues in the Santiam State Forest that the local district is working hard to repair. One road impacted provides access to the Rock Creek Campground. Access to Rock Creek Campground will be closed until repairs are made. Recreationists should look for road and trail updates on our ODF website, or call the nearest ODF office, before heading out into the woods.”
At the Santiam Horse Camp, which is in the same general neck of the woods as Rock Creek in the Santiam State Forest south of Highway 22, Hoffman said that the camp did suffer some minor damage.
“A crushed manure bin and a damaged horse corral, that’s about it,” he said. “Debris has been cleared and repairs have almost all been made.”
Crews at Silver Falls State Park work on clearing the trails at the park after Decembers’ violent windstorms. SILVER FALLS STATE PARK
Something ToThink About
Autism spectrum disorder
By Melissa Wagoner
Many people, when they hear the word, “autism,” picture a very specific set of traits.
“Some of us might picture a savant with some social challenges and others may picture severe disability without the possibility of independence or progress,” explained Audry Van Houweling, owner of She Soars Psychiatry in Silverton. “Both can be damaging.”
The word “autism” – derived from Greek roots meaning “a state of being focused on oneself” – has been around since 1908, when it was coined by Swiss psychiatrist, Eugen Bleuler. But the condition that word describes has been everchanging.
First described by Bleuler as a “detachment from reality,” autism was later redefined by Austrian-American psychiatrist Leo Kanner as “early infantile autism,” or “an inability to relate to people from the beginning of life.”
It would not be until 1980 that the first formal diagnosis of autism was published in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
“[I]n its original form, the diagnosis was reserved for individuals exhibiting significant intellectual disability as defined by an inability to form social attachments, deficits or the absence of speech/language, and behaviors that could be self-destructive or harmful towards others,” Van Houweling said. “At the time, it was seen as a very ‘rare disorder’.”
That is no longer the case. The number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as it is now known, has been continuing to rise from one in 150 children in 2000 to the current rate of one in 31 children 25 years later.
“[I]t is important to know that the majority of this increase has been among children classified as ‘non-profound’,” Van Houweling said. There are three levels of ASD, broken down into mild (or non-profound), moderate and severe.
“Many individuals who may qualify for a level one diagnosis may have become skilled at masking or emulating social behaviors… and yet, find the idea of socializing exhausting or very anxiety provoking,” Van Houweling described.
Alternatively, those displaying behaviors supporting a level two diagnosis can exhibit behaviors ranging from abnormalities in eye contact and body language to a total lack of facial expressions and nonverbal communication that often require more support and intervention.
“[S]ocial challenges and communication difficulties are increased,” Van Houweling summarized, “intellectual disability may be present.”
Finally, those receiving a level three diagnosis frequently exhibit both intellectual disabilities and severely limited or absent communication skills.
“[F]or some individuals, 24/7 care will be required lifelong,” Van Houweling said.
But knowledge about ASD and how best to assist those with a level three diagnosis is continuing to increase.
“[T]he rise of technology and communication devices has allowed for new avenues of connection and understanding for non-verbal individuals,” Van Houweling said. “Assistive technologies such as video modeling and virtual reality can be helpful in teaching social skills via observational learning. Safeguards such as location tracking and app tracking can also help provide safety and reassurance for caregivers.”
And knowledge about the needs of those diagnosed with level one and two ASD has increased as well. Now
psychiatrists know that, while those with ASD can find reading social and emotional cues challenging, they do not suffer from an absence of emotion or a lack of empathy.
“[I]n fact, many with ASD resonate with feeling very sensitive to emotional disturbances to the point that this can be overwhelming,” Van Houweling said.
But changes to the environment or to social or cultural expectations can be helpful. That’s why understanding the needs of the individual, through an early ASD diagnosis is important.
“[M]y greatest concern is how certain challenges can impact a child’s self-concept if there is not openness to exploring professional guidance,” Van Houweling said. “A diagnosis can provide pathways to greater supports, accommodations, and a context that often allows for more self-compassion and grace for the individual and their caregivers.”
But diagnosing ASD can be difficult.
“Because there is no true understanding of the etiology of autism…” It is possible variables like genetics, premature birth, environment factors, maternal age and even gender may play a role. As yet “no true physiological definition…” has been nailed down, making ASD “subject to bias and the lens of the diagnostic professional.”
In other words, even 117 years after psychiatrists began studying autism, there is still a lot more to learn about ASD and why the numbers of individuals diagnosed continue to rise.
“It is hard to say whether increased prevalence rates are due to greater awareness and symptom recognition leading to more prompt diagnosis or if there is a true increase in symptoms and potential disability,” Van Houweling said. “My suspicion is that it is a mix of both.”
Regardless, Van Houweling would like to see an increase in the understanding of and acceptance of those with all mental health challenges, including ASD.
Dan Wilgus Owner
SOUTH SALEM 3BR, 2BA home in Davis Heights. Built in 2019, close to Secor Park and Crossler Middle School. No pets. Price reduced! $2,395/mo
BROOKS 3BR, 2BA 2-story w/fenced yard, nice deck, attached garage. No animals, no smoking, landscaping included. Price reduced! $2,250/mo
“Some of us will better align with social and cultural expectations, others of us will have challenges…” she said, sometimes, that is a very good thing. “We need people to think outside the box, challenge norms, and innovate beyond what’s expected in order for growth to happen!” Vivian Caldwell 50 3-873-7069 Property Manager yourhomepm@gmail.com www.yourhomepm.com
Autism puzzle. NASTUDIO / 123RF.COM
Standing in line at the Silverton branch of Goodwill on Jan. 8, Wendy Haugen – a counselor at Silverton Middle School –saw three of her students do something unexpected.
“Basically, we were walking around at Goodwill, and I thought I saw a $1 bill,” seventh grader Aurora Grant recalled.
“I picked it up and it was a $100 bill. So, I took it to the cashier… and she put it in the back and said they would look up the cameras.”
Standing just out of her students’ view, Haugen’s presence went unnoticed, but she couldn’t believe her eyes.
“I think we have ethical kids here…” Haugen said. “But I was impressed and happy because the temptation [to keep the money] is there.”
According to Grant and her two friends –Matilda Olivas Leyva and Vanessa Morales Sierra – the idea of keeping the money never crossed their minds.
“It was the right thing to do because someone…could have been saving for something important,” Grant pointed out.
So far, Grant and her friends still don’t know who the money belonged to or if it was reunited with the rightful owner, but they don’t mind because that’s not why they turned it in. They handed the money over because they wanted to do what was right, something they aren’t sure most community members would expect from a group of middle schoolers.
“Usually when I’m out with my friends, I’m chaotic,” Grant said. “But we like to respect people, and I hope that they see that.”
Haugen definitely did. To thank her students for their commendable deed she not only bought them a cake, but reached out to Our Town with their story.
“As the SMS school counselor, I am always looking for opportunities to highlight, both to our community and to our students themselves, the truly wonderful kids we have here,” she wrote
in an email.
“Youth have historically been an easy target for broader societal frustrations, and they are often judged harshly. That said, when given the opportunity to demonstrate that character and ethics are very much alive in the next generation, I feel it’s important to shine a light on those moments.”
Aurora Grant, Matilda Olivas Leyva and Vanessa Morales Sierra, the seventh graders from Silverton Middle School who turned in the found money. MELISSA WAGONER
GENERAL
MT. ANGEL SENIOR CENTER
is a non-profit consignment store for artisans over 50, a community center, home to Meals on Wheels, and serves as a food bank. Volunteers welcome! 195 E Charles St. 503-845-6998 or mtangelcommunity@gmail.com
PASTOR CHUCK BALDWIN
Liberty Fellowship, Kalispell, Montana satellite group Sundays, 1:30 p.m. Kristen, 503-990-4584
RENT EVENT SPACE AT THE SILVERTON GRANGE HALL
291 Division St, Silverton.
Affordable hourly, half day, full day rates. Family gatherings, classes, yoga, dances, meetings, baptisms, weddings and more!
Fully equipped kitchen, plenty of parking. Hall seats up to 70. Call Silverton Grange, 503-516-5722
LYONS ROOM FOR RENT: $650/mo Tech savvy helpful. 503-409-1810
SERVICES
GOT STUFF YOU WANT GONE?
From yard debris to scrap metal, garage sale leftovers to rental clear outs. We repurpose, recycle, reuse, or donate what we can. Call to find out what we can do for you. $20 min. Call Keith 503-502-3462
SOUNDS GOOD STUDIO BANDS, Sounds Good Studio Bands, Artists, Personal Karaoke CDs, Books, Restoring Picture Slides & VHS video to DVD. Old Cassettes, Records, Reel to Reel & 8 Track Cassettes restored to CD. Call Harold 503-391-7406 . A Magic Carpet Cleaning & More Service YOUR RIGHT TO SELF DEFENSE Saturdays Age 10-12 at 5:00, ages 13 and up. 6:15, Security and Correctional Officers. 7:30, private lessons available. International Certification Curriculum available upon request. Call Harold 503-391-7406
HANDYMAN & HOME REPAIR
SERVICE Installation and repair of fencing, decks,doors, gutter cleaning, moss removal, power washing, yard debris removal. CCB# 206637 Call Ryan 503-881-3802
MAGIC CARPET CLEANING
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LOST & FOUND
LOST WALKING CANE
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2010 Linden St., Mt. Angel PAIR OF TRI FOCAL GLASSES Lost at Visions Salon. Desperately needed. Please call 503-873-4589 or 503-873-6363
SILVER FALLS FAMILY
#T2926 AMAZING DUPLEX $579,000
Live in one side and collect rent from the other or rent out both sides for income potential! These wonderfully maintained units have been beautifully updated. Newer flooring, bathrooms, sinks, HVAC, water heaters and so much more. Each unit is on the corner and offers unique privacy in this quiet neighborhood. Conveniently located in the Sunset Meadows area. You won’t be disappointed with all these have to offer. Call Becky at ext. 313 (WVMLS# 837113)
#T2922 LOCATION, LOCATION,
LOCATION
$1,595,000 This property has it all! Close to town with amazing views of the top of Silverton and valley. Custom built 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home with all the amenities. Attention to detail on everything about this home and property. Dual-zone HVAC, 2 laundry facilities, shop with 3 bays, bathroom and additional office space, plus a woodshed and extra storage. Professionally landscaped with sprinkler systems and driveway designed to accommodate everyone. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 (WVMLS# 836460)
#T2924 SALEM LOVELY COUNTRY SETTING 3 BR, 2.5 BA 1874 sqft 1.07 acres. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $737,400 (WVMLS#836633)
#T2922 SILVERTON LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION 4 BR, 2.5 BA 3838 sqft 2.07 acres. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $1,595,000 (WVMLS#836460)
#T2921 SILVERTON OWN PRIVATE ESTATE 5 BR, 2.5 BA 3529 sqft 9.67 acres. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $1,050,000 (WVMLS#836457)
#T2917 SILVERTON ABOVE ABIQUA CREEK 2 BR, 2 BA 1275 sqft 3.05 acres. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $1,098,000 (WVMLS#835689)
#T2910 SCOTTS MILLS ONCE IN A LIFETIME 2 BR, 3.5 BA 4253 sqft 9.36 acres. Call Chuck at ext. 325 $1,825,000 (WVMLS#834432)
#T2911 MONMOUTH HORSE LOVERS DREAM 3 BR, 1.5 BA 1832 sqft 5 acres. Call Becky at ext. 313 $785,000 (WVMLS#834926)
#T2920
CLASSIC 1910 HOME
$675,000 Great location for this classic 1910 home that sits on one lot with an adjoining second lot. 5 bedroom, 2.5 bath home with views on a well manicured property. Deck overlooking the second lot that you can keep for future investments or add a shop/ADU. Wonderful views overlooking the Valley and views of the Abbey in Mt. Angel. Well on the property used for irrigation. This home has been well maintained over the years and is ready for the new owner. Call today! Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 (WVMLS# 836428)
SILVERTON
NEW — #T2925 DESIRED 55+ COMMUNITY 2 BR, 2 BA 1188 sqft. Call Kirsten at ext. 326 $149,000 (WVMLS#836660)
#T2920 CLASSIC 1910 HOME 5 BR, 2.5 BA 2232 sqft. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $675,000 (WVMLS#836429)
#T2919 WHAT AN OPPORTUNITY 4 BR, 3 BA 2277 sqft. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $595,000 (WVMLS#836273)
#T2890 SHORT DISTANCE TO DOWNTOWN 3 BR, 2 BA 2264 sqft. Call Michael at ext. 314 $555,000 (WVMLS#830000)
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#T2924 LOVELY COUNTRY SETTING
$737,400 Lovely country setting, single level home on 1.07 acres. 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, with formal living and family room/dining area off the kitchen. So many nice updates to this home, bathrooms have been completely redone with modern amenities. Formal living looks out over large patio area that is meant for entertaining and beautifully maintained landscaping. Sits above the Fruitland Creek. Plus storage for your RV, boat or workshop space. Come view this home today! Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 (WVMLS# 836633)
NEW — #T2926 –AMAZING DUPLEX Two units 4 BR, 4 BA 2175 sqft. Call Becky at ext. 313 $579,000 (WVMLS#837113)
#T2924 SALEM LOVELY COUNTRY SETTING 3 BR, 2.5 BA 1874 sqft 1.07 acres. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $737,400 (WVMLS#836633)
#T2923 SALEM SINGLE LEVEL HOME 3 BR, 2 BA 2036 sqft. Call Meredith at
FOR RENTALS Call Micha or Sarah at 503-873-1425 or visit SilvertonRealty.com
