In the July 1 edition of Our Town, an article titled “No easy fix: SFSD unable to restore staff in ‘25-26” should have said the Silver Falls School District had an ending fund balance goal for the 2024-25 school year of $1 million. This was incorrectly reported as $2.5 million to $3 million, which is the goal for the next school year. Our Town regrets the error.
By James Day
Silverton-area residents received some useful pointers on emergency preparedness during a three-hour fair held July 12 in the City Hall parking lot.
More than a dozen groups were on hand with booths and representatives of five groups spoke during 20-minute sessions under a pair of tents. The warm weather might have hindered the turnout, but it also pointed toward the dangers of fire season and the challenges of being prepared.
Here are some highlights from the presentations:
Silverton Fire District: Max Hughes, public outreach officer, talked about how important it is to be ready to go when an evacuation alert hits. He used a backpack as a prop, noting that if you get the “evacuate now” alert, you should grab your pack and leave immediately, hopefully with copies of key documents such as car tags, Social Security card and items such as prescriptions for yourself and medication for your pets.
Hughes also noted the challenge of evacuating in remote, rural areas such as the hills east of Silverton, where leaving promptly is more likely to lead you to safety and leaving late might mean a massive traffic jam. Knowing an alternate route could be a life-saver, he said. Hughes said it is critical that a home have an address sign that is readable from the street. If they can’t find your house they can’t put out the fire.
He added that property owners can help out by cleaning their gutters and creating “defensible space” around their properties by clearing brush and limiting the chance that embers will jump from a tree to your roof.
Property owners can call the district at 503-873-5328 to arrange an assessment of their home’s vulnerability. Grants are available from the Office of the State Fire Marshal to reimburse property owners for defensible space work.
Firewise: Garnet Cooke spoke on behalf of the organization that helps neighborhood groups collectively improve their chances of surviving fire or other emergencies.
Cooke, like Hughes, emphasized the “before” piece of emergency work and also spoke of the importance of defensible space.
A wooden fence running right up to the house is a no-no, she said. “Break things up,” she said. “Use metal in the final few feet near the home.”
“If your home is not defensible the fire department will just drive on by,” Cooke
It’s an ambitious project, especially given the fact that the equipment costs $225,000 per command post. Hoggan has been furiously writing grant applications to try to expand the group’s footprint.
“We’re not a state agency and we’re not the government,” Hoggan said. “We want to be sure everyone is prepared and has a plan.”
First-responders: Silverton Police Chief Todd Engstrom and Silverton Fire District Lt. Dan Brown answered a wide range of questions from residents.
One clarifying bit of information that appeared helpful was that the ambulance service that covers Silverton comes from Woodburn and is not part of the police or fire departments.
said, noting that in the catastrophic Camp Fire that destroyed the town of Paradise, California, in 2018, 80% of the homes that caught fire were ignited via embers.
Fires, she said, are driven by a combination of topography, weather and fuel, and “you control the fuel. Fire makes you feel out of control, but you do have control over the fuel.”
For more information go to firewise.org
Oregon Livestock Council: Karla Hoggan, who has a horse farm with her husband in the Beavercreek area of Clackamas County, started the group because of the 2020 wildfires. The goal of the group is to set up command posts and trailers around the state to be ready to assist livestock owners with evacuating their animals.
The fire district runs on a combination of professional firefighters and 70 volunteers. Brown noted that the district is always working to recruit more volunteers particularly for the Scotts Mills and Abiqua stations.
During the destructive 2020 wildfires that came within a few miles of the Silverton area, 80 percent of the Silverton Fire District volunteers were on the fire lines, Brown said.
One audience member asked about the danger of a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. Would it liquefy the dam?
Chief Engstrom noted that the new City Hall was designed to be out of any flood zone from a catastrophic dam failure. Brown added that during a catastrophic quake “it also will take down every bridge in town.”
By James Day
The Silverton City Council has signaled that it plans to reject a proposal that would have led to perhaps as many as 120 housing units in the hills above town.
The council at its July 6 meeting voted 6-0, with one councilor absent, to direct city staff to write an ordinance calling for rejection of the development plan.
Councilors are scheduled to review the ordinance and vote at their Aug. 6 meeting.
The property is on the tiny spur of Pioneer Drive that connects with Crestview Drive off of Steelhammer Road. The bulk of Pioneer runs from South Water Street through some relatively new housing developments before dead-ending in rural property. The city’s transportation plan calls for Pioneer to eventually run from South Water to Oak Street, but such a change is years away.
The 6.18-acre parcel currently contains a single-family home. Property owner Aaron Mengucci and veteran local builder Owen Von Flue have proposed annexing the property into the city and changing its comprehensive plan designation and underlying zoning from R1 (single family residential) to RM-10 (multifamily residential).
The Silverton Planning Commission held a public
hearing on the matter at its June 10 meeting. Eighteen community members spoke in opposition, with three testifying in favor. The commission voted unanimously to recommend that the City Council reject the plan.
Public opposition was similar at the council’s public hearing on July 6. Three people spoke in favor, 11 were opposed and three individuals offered neutral testimony. The council chamber was nearly full and at one point a brief shouting match occurred between a backer and an opponent of the plan.
Key concerns residents have about the proposal are traffic
on Crestview, possible storm water impacts and the lack of a second access road into the property. The proposal includes access via Crestview, but a private easement elsewhere on the property would be required, both for residents and emergency vehicles.
In a second housing-related discussion the council heard an update on plans for an affordable housing complex on property west of the Silverton 50+ Center on Davenport Lane. The project, led by Hacienda Community Development Corporation of Portland, would consist of approximately 40 units.
Earlier timelines indicated that construction might begin in late 2025. However, the city is facing challenges with getting water and sewer service to the site. City Manager Cory Misley told Our Town that ground likely won’t be broken until perhaps early in 2027.
New Face: The city has hired Hilary Dumitrescu to serve in the new position of assistant to the city manager/ deputy city recorder. Dumitrescu, an 11-year Silverton resident, has a background in education and publishing and has been active in a wide range of community groups. Macy Mulholland, meanwhile, moves to the new role of communications manager.
$882,000
Picturesque views of Silverton Reservoir, wall of windows
to take in the view and sunlight, unique master suite with loft, quality shop building and 2.6 acres. Listed by Rosie Wilgus 503-409-8779 MLS#830610
$739,000
Single level beauty located near Coolidge Park, complete remodel in 2023, cook’s kitchen with impressive ammenitites. Listed by Linda Webb 503-508-7387 MLS#830163
$590,000
Beautiful house and a massive 3 bay insulated shop, 220v wiring, lots of parking. Rare opportunity. Rosie Wilgus 503-409-8779 MLS#829599
$499,000 Maple Grove area, just outside of Scotts Mills, affordable country setting, 5 Acres, 2 Large Shops! Michael Kemry 503-851-2914 MLS#828692
$795,000
One-of-a-kind custom home in Mt. Angel, great location near schools.
2,968 sqft built in 2001 with amenities galore. Donna Paradis 503-851-0998 MLS#826550
$659,000
Soaring ceilings in this great room, open staircase, great home for entertaining. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, room for RV pad, 3 car garage. Valerie Kofstad 503-871-1667 MLS#831509
$520,000
Webb Lake location, upgraded custom cabinetry throughout, thoughtful floor plan, lots of built-ins. Donna Paradis 503-851-0998 MLS#830013
$469,000 Sparkling and updated bathrooms and kitchen, just blocks from downtown Silverton and Silver Creek. Sheila Sitzman 503-885-0679 MLS#829956
$345,000 Peaceful Silverton Neighborhood. Just 2 blocks from neighborhood park. Create some fun memories that your family will treasure. Valerie Kofstad 503-871-1667 MLS#826719
$499,000
Great location above the City lights of Silverton, a few blocks from downtown, renovated kitchens and bathrooms, attached work shop, zoned for multi-family potential. Michael Kemry 503-851-2914 MLS#830545
$462,000 Single level home with huge great room, excellent backyard access, great for entertaining and 1 block from St. Marys School. Listed by Donna Paradis 503-851-0998 MLS#823570
New Listing $250,000 Build your dream home on this 3.2 acres with an expansive view. Near Drakes Crossing. Curtis Allen 971-701-3352 MLS#831716
All info current at time of publication Prices and availability subject to change
By Melissa Wagoner
The parking lot was packed with cars and emotions were running high at the ribbon cutting ceremony on July 14 honoring the opening of a new facility for Silverton Area Community Aid (SACA).
“It’s been a long haul,” Laura Wanker, the Facilities Chairperson who led the project, said on a tour of the now nearly completed building. “But we ended up with something that’s going to get used for years to come.”
Housed in the dark, cramped basement of the Silverton Community Center on Water Street for 20 years, the need for a new facility was first raised at a board retreat on July 20, 2017.
“[Mike Grady] wrote ‘big audacious goal,’” on a white board, Wanker recalled. “He said, ‘We need a new building…’ Later we came down to Ratchet [Brewery] and I said, ‘Look around, this is our new building.’”
Initially meant as a joke, Wanker’s statement was proven prophetic when, six years later, a “little bird” let it slip that the 5,500 square foot brewery was indeed going on the market.
“Whoever gave us the anonymous tip this place might be available, they’re a gem,” Wanker said in her speech at the ribbon cutting event where she publicly thanked the many volunteers, donors, sponsors, employees and supportive family members that made the $4 million project possible.
“You all helped to make this possible…” SACA’s executive director, Sarah DeSantis, added in her own speech.
“And we appreciate you.”
Preparing to showcase the newly refurbished and nearly complete space, which will not only house SACA’s food pantry, but also community partners like WIC and the Silverton Coffee Club, DeSantis marveled at a journey that took eight years, $4 million in funding and the dedication of countless individuals to reach its conclusion… or nearly reach it.
“We’re not quite there…” DeSantis admitted, referring to the finishing touches that still remain. “But we’re out from the basement… welcome to our new home.”
By Melissa Wagoner
Long, sweltering summer days affect everyone, but they can especially affect pets who do not have the ability to turn on an air conditioner, get a cool drink or don shoes to protect their feet all on their own. It’s up to owners to make decisions that will ensure the safety of their animal friends, which can be more difficult than it might seem.
“[I]t really depends on the pet,” Dr. Jenny Ceremuga, a veterinarian at Silver Creek Animal Clinic, said. “What is safe and comfortable for one animal, may be way too hot for another.”
Some surprising factors include body type – especially those short-nosed breeds like French and English bulldogs and pugs –and overall respiratory health.
“Dogs cannot sweat (except from their paw pads) so their primary way of cooling themselves is by panting and evaporation from their respiratory tract,” Ceremuga explained. “Therefore, any dogs that have any kind of compromise to their
respiratory system are at much higher risk of overheating or experiencing heat stroke.”
But for all pets, regardless of their breed, Ceremuga recommends taking precautions in temperatures over 70 degrees.
“A young, healthy pet, with no underlying health issues, and no respiratory risk factors, can safely be outside in pretty warm temperatures (i.e. 90s, maybe even 100) as long as they are given proper shelter from the sun, and clean cool water,” she said. “However, safe
temperatures are much lower for pets with health conditions or risk factors.”
And for those who must be confined to a kennel or a leash, Dr. Arthur Mills, a veterinarian practicing in Salem for four decades, suggests adding more of everything.
“You need to provide a lot of water, very good shade and an area where there is good air movement,” he said. “And if you are not able to provide this, then [the pet] needs to be inside.”
It’s also important to remember that, while a dog may have been leashed or kenneled in the shade, within a few hours that same spot may be in full sun.
“I think it is all about being careful and paying attention to their needs,” Ceremuga said.
Which includes monitoring the heat of the ground on which they are walking.
“When our pets are on sidewalks, streets, etcetera – if you cannot put your hand on the surface for several seconds then it is too hot for your pets and will burn their feet,” Mills said.
Similarly, Ceremuga suggested, “If it is too hot for you to stand barefoot on the sidewalk or asphalt, it is too hot for your pet. This can happen quickly at temperatures of just 75 to 80 degrees.”
The same is true for the inside of a car which, Ceremuga noted, can cause pets to overheat and should be avoided if outside temperatures are above 70 degrees.
“[N]ever leave them unattended in the car,” she said. And when travelling long distances with pets, “Consider the rest areas you are going to stop at, are they pet friendly? Make sure that your dog… and I suppose your cats… are on a leash or somehow contained
when you stop so that they do not get loose in an unfamiliar place!”
And if you stop for a swim, avoid still water with a blue or greenish film. It could be a sign of cyanobacteria, which is especially common in the late summer and early fall.
“Ingestion of these toxins can lead to liver and nervous system disease, and it can be very quickly deadly,” Ceremuga said. “I think the best advice is to pay attention to signs posted around the water.”
“If you wouldn’t swim in the water,” Mills added, “keep the dogs out.”
If, despite your best efforts, your pet does show signs of toxic algae poisoning or heat stroke – rapid panting, foaming at the mouth, weakness, collapse, difficulty breathing or seizures – it’s best to get them to a veterinarian immediately.
“It can actually be dangerous to cool an animal in heat stroke too quickly…” Ceremuga said.
If the symptoms are mild and the dog is still in the panting stage, then cooling them down by bringing them indoors, providing fresh cool water to drink and for their paw pads may help.
There is a lot to remember when it comes to keeping pets healthy during the heat, but helping her clients do so is part of the reason Ceremuga chose to go into the veterinary field.
“I (of course) enjoy working with animals, but what really brought me to the field is seeing how much joy pets will bring to people, families and the community as a whole,” she said. “I love being a part of keeping our dogs and cats healthy, and therefore supporting the bonds between pets and their families and our community.”
By Melissa Wagoner
After attending the Twin Festival in Twinsburg, Ohio in 2016, Vicky Ghio Lopez and her twin sister, Lara Ghio Gaitan, decided to hold their own twin gathering in their hometown of Silverton.
“It was such an amazing and unique experience…” Lopez said. “It’s the world’s largest annual gathering of twins.”
Piggybacking on the annual Homer Davenport Parade, Gaitan and Lopez invited all identical twins, triplets and other multiples living in the Silverton area to dress alike and walk in the parade under the name, “Pacific Coast Twins.”
The idea was a success and now the twins are doing it again.
“There is only one rule… you must dress identical during the parade walk,” Lopez said. But if you want to bring candy to pass out, that’s OK, too.
Encouraged to preregister on the Facebook page, PacificCoastTwins, participants will gather alongside other Homer Davenport Parade participants at Silverton Middle School on Aug. 2 at
8:30 a.m. to prepare for the parade, which will kickoff at 10 a.m.
“Look for the Pacific Coast Twin banner…” Lopez said. “[The goal is] to reunite with other twins and to have a place where twins can share twin stories and the special bond we all have together… and have some fun!”
By Melissa Wagoner
An avid hiker, biker and all-around outdoors person, Beth Dayton knows that the creation and maintenance of the Willamette Valley’s trails and parks takes more than just paid staff, it takes a solid base of volunteers.
“For me it’s like a second career… I average over 1,000 hours a year in volunteer hours,” Dayton said. She got her start in 2003 when she discovered a partially built and unmaintained biking trail near her home in Salem. That discovery led to what she referred to as “a three-year experiment to get [Croisan Scenic Trail] built out and acknowledged by the city.”
“It’s a great connector and I used it for 20 years to ride my bike to work,” she said of the 0.8-mile trail that inspired her to seek out other, similar projects.
In 2013 Dayton joined the nonprofit Salem Area Trail Alliance (SATA) in the creation of a series of mountain biking trails at Silver Falls State Park, starting with the Catamount Trail.
“It took three years to do it by hand,” Dayton recalled. “In that rugged terrain it takes a long time.”
Funded by a Recreational Trails Grant, the 7.3-mile Catamount took five years and over 1,000 volunteer hours, but according to Dayton – SATA’s board president – it was all worth it.
“The feeling I get on a warm summer day when there are 40 little kids on their bikes…” Dayton said. “A state park is very family oriented, so I feel like it’s been a good partnership.”
It’s one that is ongoing because, now that the trails are complete, they must be maintained.
“They’re like, you’ve built 12 miles of trails, who’s going to maintain them?” she said. “And we’ve proven that [SATA] can do that.”
Using a small budget consisting of a few grants and a lot of donations as well as ongoing volunteer commitments, SATA partners with Silver Falls State Park. It is similiar to the way the nonprofit Cascade Volunteers partners with the Willamette National Forest. Dayton joined the Cascade Volunteers in 2017.
Overseeing 35 volunteer groups that maintain and repair hundreds of miles of recreational trail, plant trees and even answer visitor questions at popular trailheads, Cascade Volunteers has become an integral part of the Willamette National Forest’s operations.
In February, when the Trump administration conducted a mass reduction of federal staff – including Willamette National Forest and Forest Service employees, Cascade Volunteers felt the impact.
“My main contact there – who was seasonal – had just been promoted, so she got ‘DOGEd.’ And that happened all over the Forest Service,” Dayton said, using a newly coined term that refers to the firing of federal employees in response to spending cuts made by the Department of Government Efficiency.
“That was stunning. They cut out the entire Willamette
National Forest trail crew.”
Though a portion of that staff was eventually rehired, the number of workers now tasked with overseeing the 1,675,407 acres constituting the Willamette National Forest remains cut by half, according to Dayton who said, “Now they’re really relying on volunteers.”
The work needed to maintain the Willamette Forest’s recreational areas – not to mention conduct new projects –was already overwhelming because of the fires that swept through 176,000 acres during the Beachie Creek and Lionshead Fires in 2020.
“One of the areas affected by funding cuts that SATA has also done work with is Shellburg Falls,” Dayton said. “They were hit by the 2020 fires and the trails require maintenance. So, the Shellburg Falls director approached SATA and asked if we wanted to adopt a couple of trails.”
It’s work SATA and organizations like Cascade Volunteers are more than happy to take on, but to do so requires more volunteer commitments and more funding than before.
“All the maintenance is truly done by volunteers,” Dayton said. “But trailers, tools and insurance come out of our small budget.”
Which is why both organizations are looking for additional community support.
“I’m not really one to go to public protests but I can go out and do things with my hands,” Dayton said.
It’s a type of action she’s hoping others are willing to take.
“There’s something for everybody,” she said. “And even if people spend one day on the trail it really opens their eyes… because having this all ripped away is just…” unimaginable. For information about supporting the organizations visit www.salemtrails.org or www.cascadevols.org/.
By Melissa Wagoner
It might seem strange that Lainie Pyper, an integrative nutrition coach, and Tracy Roberts, a life coach, share the same office. But once the two women explain how they help clients regain their health by reclaiming their own power over their mind, body and spirit, the partnership makes sense.
“Truly, the client is the boss of their health,” Pyper said. “We give that back to the person.”
Former colleagues at Anytime Fitness in Silverton, where Roberts taught yoga and Pyper is still a personal trainer, the duo formed a partnership in August 2024 after discovering they were each seeking additional health certifications.
“My focus was, for so many years, working on the outside, physical body,” Roberts – who also founded the skincare company, Shine Essentials – said. “And I still do training and worry about what people put on their skin.”
But now, through her newest enterprise, Radiant Life Coaching, Roberts also works with clients who struggle with weight loss, food and body image issues, food addiction and the notion that they are “unworthy of taking care of themselves.”
“I always clarify to people that I am not a therapist…” Roberts stated. “But if you can change your thoughts, you can change everything.”
It’s an inside-out approach that pairs well with Pyper’s work as an integrative nutrition coach at Nourish You NW – a vocation she pursued after a cancer diagnosis in 2021 inspired her to take a deeper look at the way nutrition not only fuels a body, but can heal it as well.
“I love just teaching people about the amount of control they have in their life, even if they are diagnosed with diabetes or cancer,” Pyper said. “I want that for all my clients, that empowerment… to seek for themselves the answers. Because we were told questions are bad. But they are so good. We welcome that questioning.”
Often with those questions come the answers to the body’s problems.
Lainie Pyper, a health and wellness coach and owner of Nourish You NW, with Tracy Roberts, a certified life coach and owner of Radiant Life Coaching. MELISSA WAGONER
Specializing in helping those who struggle with weight loss, food and body image issues and food addiction.
541-279-4126
RadiantLifeCoachingHQ@gmail.com
Integrative nutrition coaching with Lainie Pyper
971-241-9979
nourishyounw@gmail.com
Instagram: @nourishyounw and Facebook: NourishYou NW
“There’s always a reason the body is doing what it’s doing,” Pyper said. “Because the body bears the burden.”
Which is why the two-pronged healthcare approach Roberts and Pyper offer works for their clients.
“Tracy helps them get out of that cycle [of defeat],” Pyper said. “Because you can’t move forward if you can’t get out of your head.”
“And Lainie is all about nutrition…” Roberts added.
It’s why the duo chose to share an office inside Silver Creek Natural Health on Water Street.
$1,200,000
4 acre Silverton estate. 4 bd, 3.5 ba. 3530 sq. ft. 3 commercial greenhouses, 24x36 shop. Security gate. Koi pond with waterfall. 4269 Victor Point Rd. NE, Silverton. MLS#829683
$878,000
Classic farmhouse in the woods. 40.74 acres. Pasture, timber. Borders BLM. 24x48 shop on slab. 24x36 Equipment Bldg. Seller financing available! 20739 Hazelnut Ridge Rd. NE, Scotts Mills. MLS#823491
$929,000
10.41 acres in the Silverton Hills on Powers Creek. Custom home with 5bd,
$869,000
24.16 acres. 2 bd. 1 ba. 1228 sq ft. farmhouse. Shop/office. Livestock bldg. 7560 sq. ft. 2 commercial greenhouses. sm. pond. 38591 Gilkey Rd., Scio. MLS#827670
$398,000 0.45 ac. Beautiful Santiam River frontage. Fisherman’s Paradise. 1 bd., 1 ba. 39 ft. trailer and bunk house. 10x12 shop, & 10x10 Bldg on slab. 40474 Shoreline Dr., Lyons. MLS#814406
PENDING $298,000 2 acre panoramic view home site. Approved for standard septic. Electrical vault installed. Good water well. Sellers may consider a contract. 7685 Dovich Ln. SE, Salem. MLS#827459
Under Contract SIX LOTS at $600,000 TOTAL Rosemary Way lots: 601, 605 & 611 MLS#810425; 615, 619 & 623 MLS#810404. Builder, Developer! Located in Monitor Road Estates. These lots will require wetland remediation. Buyer must have a development plan.
$255,000 Creek frontage on 3.99 acres. Bareland. Ideal for recreational use. Swimming hole. Campsite. Seller will carry a contract. Off of Crooked Finger Rd., Scotts Mills. MLS#822303
By Stephen Floyd
The Silver Falls School District (SFSD) has seen a number of administrative shifts as students prepare to return for the 2025-26 school year, including internal transfers and new hires.
District-wide
Elyse Hanson is now the director of the district’s new Student Wellness and Achievement program, formed this school year to replace the district’s prior vendor-based food services program. She was formerly principal at Evergreen and Victor Point.
She joined SFSD in 2023, and beforehand spent a year with the Salem-Keizer School District as an assistant high school principal. She has also been an administrator for Oregon Virtual Academy, and an English and social studies teacher at districts throughout Oregon in an education career that spans 13 years.
Joe Traeger is a new assistant principal at Silverton High School, having been hired from a similar role at Stayton High School. He takes over for former assistant principal Therese Gerlits.
Timothy L Yount
Financial
Advisor
313 N. Water St. Silverton, OR 97381
503-873-2454
Daniel Hailey
Financial Advisor
108 N. First St., Suite 101 Silverton, OR 97381
503-874-6162
Traeger joined Stayton in 2021. In his prior position he taught health and PE at Southridge High School, in Beaverton, for 11 years.
Josh Craig is also a new assistant principal at SHS, transferring from his role as assistant principal at Silverton Middle School. He takes over for Patrick Mulligan.
Craig first joined SHS as teacher and coach in 2014 and in 2017 became head football coach. In 2021 he led the team to a Class 5A state title. Craig stepped down in 2022 to help take care of his young family, and in 2024 returned to the district as an administrator for SMS.
Tiffany Brownson is the new assistant principal for Silverton Middle School, transferring from her role as principal for Scotts Mills and Silver Crest schools. She takes over for Josh Craig.
Brownson joined SFSD last year. Before that she worked as an administrator and teacher for the Colton School District. This included serving as interim district viceprincipal, principal at Colton Middle School, and teaching at Colton Middle School and Colton High School.
James Rise is the new principal for Central Howell and Pratum schools, having been hired from the Cascade School District where he worked as athletic director. He takes over from Taryn Wold.
Before joining Cascade in 2022, Rise was the athletic director and an assistant principal for Silverton High School for four years. He is a former PE teacher and coach for the school.
Patrick Mulligan is the new principal for Evergreen and Victor Point schools, transferring from his role as
assistant principal at Silverton High School. He takes over from Elyse Hanson.
Mulligan joined SFSD in 2021 from the North Clackamas School District, where he worked as a middle school assistant principal. Before that he worked for the Salem-Keizer School District as an alternative program teacher and coach.
Robert Frost
Taryn Wold is the new principal for Robert Frost Elementary, transferring from her role as principal for Central Howell and Pratum. She takes over for former Principal and longtime SFSD administrator Jamie McCarty, who is now principal at Stayton High School.
Wold has spent 18 years as a teacher for districts including SFSD, the North Santiam School District, Cascade School District and North Thurston School District.
Scotts Mills
Rachel Ayers is the new principal at Scotts Mills School, transferring from her role as a special services teacher for Bethany Charter School. She takes over for Tiffany Brownson.
Ayers’ prior experience in education spans more than 20 years and includes the Silverton Community Transition Program. She is expected to continue supporting special education services district-wide.
Silver Crest
Therese Gerlits is the new principal for Silver Crest School, transferring from her role as an assistant principal for Silverton High School. She takes over from Tiffany Brownson.
Gerlits has previously served as principal at Butte Creek School. Her new role will also include some district-level administration.
St. Mary’s Public School, in Mount Angel, has a new principal this school year as Katie Shumway takes over from retiring former Principal Kathleen French.
Principal Shumway joins the district from the SalemKeizer School District where she had been principal at Mary Eyre Elementary School since 2023.
Shumway was principal at Auburn Elementary from 2017 to 2023, and at McKinley Elementary from 2015 to 2017. Before Salem-Keizer, Shumway worked as a grade school teacher for 11 years at the Dallas School District.
In a public statement, the Mt. Angel School District said Shumway is knowledgeable and experienced, and “an excellent fit for St. Mary’s.”
“[Shumway] possesses deep expertise in special
programs and is firmly committed to expanding opportunities that enhance educational access for every student,” said the district release.
French departs after serving for two years as principal, having joined in 2023 after the resignation of former Principal Jasmine Winslow. French joined MASD after a career as an administrator with the Molalla River School District.
MASD posted on Facebook French “led with optimism and wisdom” and wished her well.
The district also noted the retirement of educator Renee Bland, who served the district in various roles for 26 years. The district said Bland “has a servant’s heart and we will miss her warm smile in these halls.”
– Stephen Floyd
77th
EVERYDAY Crafts Fair
Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sun: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Arts and crafts vendors, food court, and fun stuff for all ages.
Homer Davenport
Invitational Brew Fest
Regular festival hours in the Park. Featuring beers, ciders and wineries from all over the region. Sponsored by Astound Broadband, ticket booth sponsored by Willamette Valley Bank.
International Cartoon Contest Exhibit
Friday & Saturday, 12 - 6 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Vote for the People’s Choice Award. The exhibit will include full-size original Davenport cartoons from the Silverton Country Historical Society’s collection. Sponsored by Xfinity.
FRIDAY, AUG. 1
First Friday
7 - 9 p.m. in Downtown Silverton. Galleries and shops open late.
SATURDAY, AUG. 2
Lions Club Harvest Breakfast
7 a.m. - 12 p.m. in the Park Pavilion.
77th anniversary of this Silverton tradition. Silverton Lions Club and Boy Scout Troop 485 serve ham, eggs cooked to order, pancakes and beverages. $10 for adults, $5 for 10 & under.
Silverton Flywheels
Homer Car Show
9 a.m. -3 p.m. Jersey and Lewis Streets, near Silver Falls Brewery. Classic cars on display –muscle, trucks, hot rods and more! Scholarship fundraising silent auction: 8 a.m.1 p.m. Oral auction: 1 p.m.
NEW EVENT!
Homer’s Parade Mile Run
9:45 - 10 a.m. in Downtown Silverton. Run the parade route ahead of the parade! Organized by Silverton Runner’s Club. Pre-registrations only (ends Aug. 1 at 5 p.m.): runsignup.com/Race/Or/ Silverton/HomerClassic/.
Hometown Parade
10 a.m. in Downtown Silverton. See route map on opposite page. Floats and fun. The 2025 Grand Marshall is Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist Jack Ohman. Sponsored by BST Realty & Lamp Post Properties.
President
Richard Carlson
Logistics Coordination,
Davenport Races & Vendors
Deanne Feller
Treasurer Jennifer Brown
Program
Parade & Sponsorship
Stephanie Colyer
Jeff Ulvin
Brew Fest
Eric Druliner
Cartoon Contest & Media
Gus Frederick
Volunteer Coordinator
Josh Ort
Music Coordinator
Tim Gettman
Cashier Coordinator
Adam Ehrlicher
Chamber Liaison
Stacy Palmer
Roth’s Liaison
Georgia Marsh
Homer’s Classic
Steve Ritchie
Silverton Flywheels
Cruise-In
Rand Breitbach
Parade Horse Parking
Silverton Country
SATURDAY, AUG. 2
The Life & Times of Homer Davenport 1:30 & 3:30 p.m. at Silver Falls Library. A visual overview of Homer Davenport, presented by local historian Gus Frederick.
SUNDAY, AUG. 3
Lions Club Harvest Breakfast 7 a.m. - 12 p.m. in the Park Pavilion. See info for Saturday.
Homer Classic
8K Run & 2-Mile Run/Walk
9 a.m. Starts at Silverton High School, 1456 Pine St. near tennis courts. The 8K route includes Gallon House Bridge. Ribbons presented to top three in each of the five age brackets. Organized by Silverton Runners’ Club, proceeds benefit high school track & cross country programs. More info at: runsignup.com/Race/Or/Silverton/ HomerClassic/. Register by Aug. 2 at 10 p.m.
Barb Rue Memorial Davenport Races
12 - 3 p.m. on Main Street in Downtown. Participants assemble at 11 a.m., judging is at 11:30 a.m. The legendary Homer Davenport tradition of racing couches on wheels in the middle of town. Sponsored by Maps Credit Union.
FRIDAY,
4
By Stephen Floyd
A for-profit hospice provider looking to partner with Providence brings with it a years-long pattern of Medicare fraud that critics say is symptomatic of for-profit healthcare.
Compassus plans to buy a 50 percent stake in Providence Home Health and Hospice and take over operation of the program including Providence Benedictine Home Health in Mount Angel and Providence Home Health in South Salem, both of which serve the greater Marion County area.
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is accepting public comment on the proposed deal through September as part of its regulatory review process. The agency will then issue an order to approve, modify or deny the transaction.
Compassus was founded in 2006 in Tennessee. It currently provides hospice services in 30 states. It is owned by private equity firm TowerBrook and healthcare network Ascension Health, which acquired the company in 2019.
For much of the company’s history, it has been dogged by accusations of Medicare fraud, resulting in civil penalties totaling more than $9 million. Allegations include admitting patients who did not qualify for hospice care and billing for services that were not necessary. Compassus denied committing medicare fraud in a statement to Our Town Providence backed the company saying Compassus adheres to high standards of care and compliance.
OHA told Our Town the agency was made aware of “legal action taken against Compassus in other states” during its review. A spokesperson said OHA’s ultimate decision will depend on multiple factors including benefit to the public, impacts on healthcare cost, and positive healthcare outcomes.
A $4 million settlement
In 2009, two separate whistleblower lawsuits were filed in federal court alleging systemic Medicare fraud at multiple Compassus facilities.
The first was filed in Alabama by former regional director Kathi Holloway, who claimed the company admitted “hundreds” of hospice patients since 2007 who were not terminally ill. Holloway claimed this was not an oversight but the result of a deliberate “scheme” to defraud the government.
The second lawsuit was filed in Michigan by former facility director Haven Smallwood, who claimed she was pressured by superiors to admit hospice patients she knew were ineligible. She also claimed Compassus was using Medicare funds meant for patient care to pay employee bonuses earned by signing up patients.
These lawsuits caught the attention of the U.S. Department of Justice, and in 2014 DOJ announced a $3.92 million settlement had been reached with Compassus over the allegations. The settlement included $712,000 for Holloway and Smallwood to signify their contributions to retrieving misspent government funds.
Medicare participation terminated
In 2018, Compassus’ eligibility to receive Medicare reimbursement was terminated in Missouri after violations
at facilities in Kansas City and St. Louis that year. The Missouri Department of Health had received complaints about care standards and found multiple instances of nurses failing to provide basic care for at-home patients. Violations included failure to properly assess pain needs, failure to properly treat bed sores, and refusal to provide after-hours care for a patient experiencing a crisis with a catheter.
These violations placed patients in “immediate jeopardy,” said the department, and Compassus failed to correct the issues in follow-up visits. Missouri subsequently announced Compassus’ Medicare eligibility was being terminated. Compassus challenged this decision. In separate orders in 2022 and 2023 Missouri regulators upheld Compassus’ termination from the program.
In 2020, federal audits were conducted at Compassus facilities in Arizona and Tennessee which resulted in the return of more than $5 million. The audits focused on Medicare claims filed between January of 2014 and March of 2016, and examined 100 samples at both facilities. In Arizona auditors found 31 claims were out of compliance, and in Tennessee 33 claims were out of compliance.
Violations included admitting patients who were ineligible, billing for a higher level of care than a patient required, failure to document services, and the untimely filing of required paperwork. Auditors determined Compassus received $1.87 million in ineligible Medicare reimbursement in Arizona and $3.46 million in Tennessee. The company was required to pay the total $5.33 million back and was instructed to strengthen procedures to ensure compliance.
In 2019, a whistleblower lawsuit was filed in federal court in Illinois by former Compassus case manager Jennifer Ramirez. She claimed she was fired in 2018 for refusing to admit hospice patients who did not qualify for Medicare. Compassus denied the allegations, and in 2020 reached an undisclosed settlement with Ramirez.
In 2020, a federal lawsuit was filed in California by former Compassus social worker Kristi Harrison Lightfoot, claiming she was fired in 2019 after a whistleblower complaint to her superiors alledging hospice patients were being admitted without informed consent of their benefits, without meeting Medicare criteria, and that staff were told to admit patients before receiving support of Medicare eligibility. Compassus denied wrongdoing, and in 2021 reached an undisclosed settlement with Lightfoot.
Official response to allegations
In a statement to Our Town, Compassus said “any suggestions that Compassus team members have committed Medicare fraud are unfounded.”
“We have a longstanding record of compliance and cooperation with regulators and are proud to partner with leading not-for-profit health systems like Providence,” the company said. “We remain focused on our mission: to deliver comprehensive, individualized care that honors the needs and goals of each person we serve.”
By Stephen Floyd
A former local Emergency Room doctor accused of a fatal hit-and-run has filed motions to suppress evidence, claiming he was not properly informed of his rights and that police improperly seized evidence. Kenneth John Kolarsky, 58, of Portland, filed motions July 16 and 17 in Marion County Circuit Court through attorney Ryan Anfuso accusing authorities of improper conduct.
Kolarsky is charged with failure to perform duties of a driver to seriously injured persons for a Dec. 26, 2024, collision in Woodburn that killed pedestrian Nicolas Hernandez Mendoza, 44, of Woodburn. The charge is a class B felony carrying up to 10 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine.
At the time of the incident and of Kolarsky’s arrest May 17, he was an emergency room doctor at Legacy Silverton Medical Center. According to the Oregon Medical Board, he is not currently employed at any medical institutions. The board issued a notice of proposed disciplinary action on June 3 against Kolarsky for “unprofessional or dishonorable conduct and repeated acts of negligence in the practice of medicine.” Details including whether or not this action related to Kolarsky’s arrest were not included in the notice.
According to court records, Hernandez Mendoza was walking across N Pacific Hwy. near Williams Avenue at around 9 p.m. Video footage shows an SUV strike the victim then come to a complete stop before driving around the victim’s body and continuing from the scene.
A license plate number retrieved from surveillance footage matched a vehicle owned by Kolarsky. On Jan. 9 he was approached by detectives at the end of his hospital shift. At the time he was suspected of hit-and-run and possible criminally negligent homicide. Anfuso’s July 16 motion claims police began questioning Kolarsky as though he may be a potential witness rather than a suspect. Kolarsky said he did not see anything unusual at the time and place indicated by police. Detectives then told Kolarsky they had strong evidence he was the suspected driver.
Kolarsky told police his girlfriend had driven the SUV in question to Minnesota two days after the collision to be with Kolarsky’s family. He said his girlfriend struck a deer while driving to Minnesota which damaged the car. When the girlfriend was contacted by police she said the vehicle was being repaired at a local shop. Authorities seized the SUV, as well as the cell phones of Kolarsky and his girlfriend.
Anfuso’s motions claim these seizures were unlawful because his client was not properly given his Miranda rights during the interrogation, even after he asserted his right to an attorney. The motions argued all evidence resulting from the interrogation including the seized items and Kolarsky’s answers to police should be suppressed. As of press time prosecutors had yet to respond to the motions.
A grand jury indicted Kolarsky May 6 for hit-and-run.
Donna Bates April 21, 1948 – July 11, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Donna Bates, 77, of Silverton, Oregon, who after a courageous struggle with Alzheimer’s, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2025. Donna loved life and was a very happy and giving person. She loved all children, especially those she cared for, and she was deeply devoted to her family. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, wife, sister, friend, and caretaker.
Donna was born on April 21, 1948, in Silverton to Marie Sprauer of Mount Angel and Hubert Esser of Wuppertal, Germany. She grew up on a chicken farm outside of town, and attended Serra Catholic High School in Salem, graduating in 1966. She married RJ Bates in 1968 at the military base church in Frankfurt, Germany. They returned to the United States in 1969, choosing to live in Donna’s treasured hometown of Silverton close to her family.
Donna owned and operated her own business, Donna’s Day Care. For nearly 40 years she opened her home and her heart, helping raise more than one generation of children from the community. She had a whole wall in her home dedicated to photos, cards, and announcements from her babysitting kids. She loved them and she was proud of them, and they loved her right back. She was active in the local chapter of TOPS, serving as President for several years. She enjoyed Aquacise at the Silverton pool and was active at St. Paul’s parish.
But Donna’s most cherished act in life was being a mother and grandmother. For her, being a mom was her true calling. Motherhood brought her tremendous joy, fulfillment, and a beautiful tapestry of memories that she cherished and loved to share, smiling cheek to cheek. Hope, faith, gratitude, generosity, dependability, forgiveness, family, and unwavering love were all values that guided her life and that live on in her three children and four grandchildren. She is survived by daughter Kelly Bates and grandsons Owen George Morgan and Charlie George Morgan of Portland, Oregon; son Aaron Bates, his wife Aimee, granddaughter Laura Faith Mendell and grandson Ryan Michael Mendell of Hamilton, Montana; and son Michael Bateschell, and his wife Miranda, of Portland, Oregon.
To Donna, family was everything. She loved to tell stories about her parents, siblings, and growing up on the farm, and she would get excited for weeks leading up to the annual vacation at Timothy Lake. Donna survived her brother, Carl Esser, and sister Jean Esser and is survived by her siblings, Dolores Esser, Paul Esser, and Linda (née Esser) and David Gerlits along with their kids and grandkids that she loved so dearly and who brought endless smiles to her face.
Donna embraced life. She was warm, fun, loved to celebrate, and had a good sense of humor. She enjoyed playing pinochle, hot days at the pool, everything blue, particularly blueberries, watching Blazers games, and listening to music, especially Johnny Cash. And she enjoyed and embraced all the people that came into her life. Her light shone bright upon all of us; now that she has entered eternal rest, may perpetual light shine upon her and may she rest in peace.
Friends and family are invited to the Funeral Mass on Saturday, Aug. 2 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s Church in Silverton, Oregon, with reception to follow. Rosary service will precede mass at 10:30 a.m. Contributions preferred in Donna’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association or Birthright.
Lawrence Stone (a.k.a. Larry Stenberg) passed away peacefully on April 8, 2025, at the age of 86. A born storyteller, Lawrence lived to connect with others –lighting up rooms with his charisma, humor, and an endless supply of good tales.
Aug. 20, 1938 – April 8, 2025
After graduating from the University of Puget Sound, Lawrence became part of the founding administrative team at Evergreen State College, helping to shape a new and experimental institution with energy and vision. He held a number of key leadership roles including Dean of Students and Director of Community and Alumni Relations.
At heart, he was an event planner. He helped bring to life the Washington Centennial celebration in 1989 and
Evergreen’s Super Saturday. He was also one of the three founders of the beloved Silverton Sidewalk Shindig.
He is survived by his daughter, Lynne; his son, Lucien; and his grandson, Andrew. There will be a Celebration of Lawrence’s Life at Rum Runner (formerly the Town House) located at 203 E. Main St. in downtown Silverton Saturday, Sept. 20, from 4 to 7 p.m. to honor and remember him.
In lieu of flowers, Lawrence wishes were for donations to be made on his behalf to the Silverton Sidewalk Shindig. Go to https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_ button_id=GWPF7LLE9EZ3Q for more information.
Karen Sheckard March 18, 1955 — June 30, 2025
Arthena Satern Sept. 17, 1926 — July 4, 2025
William Bonillas Feb. 14, 1952 — July 6, 2025
Always honoring your request for traditional fire cremation, eco-friendly aqua cremation, celebration of life and funeral services involving earth burial.
We offer pre planning alternatives to control costs. Make your wishes known and we will do our best to relieve family distress.
Your local funeral chapels serving Mt. Angel since 1919 & Silverton since 1924.
Always available at your time of need
www.ungerfuneralchapel.com
Louise Satern, 98, of Silverton, Oregon passed away July 4, 2025 in Mount Angel, Oregon.
She was born to John and Edith McDonald, Sept. 17, 1926, in Silverton. Louise graduated from Silverton High School in 1944 before starting a long career in banking.
Sept. 17, 1926 – July 4, 2025
She married the late Marshall Satern, her high school sweetheart in 1946. Louise is survived by two of her three children, Dianne (Reggie) Sherwood of Salem and Michael Satern (Warren Leach) of Silverton.
She is also survived by four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Louise was predeceased by her loving husband in 2013 and her son Robert in 2022.
Louise started her banking career at Coolidge and McClaine Bankers before taking a break to raise her children. She returned to banking in 1966 at Commercial Bank in Silverton and later became bank manager for the Mount Angel and Wilsonville branches of Citizens Savings and Loan Association. She later served as manager in the Salem branch.
Louise was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and enjoyed gardening, baking and traveling with her husband in their motorhome.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Silverton. Arrangements by Unger Funeral Chapel.
Oct. 14, 1942 – May 26, 2025
Robert VanEpps, known to many as “Colorado Bob,” passed away peacefully on the morning of Memorial Day, May 26, 2025, at age 82 in Silverton, Oregon. Born on Oct. 14, 1942, Bob lived a life full of adventure, hard work, and a strong connection to the places he lived and the people he met.
He is survived by his wife, Rosemary; his children, Justin, Cole and Breann; and his siblings, Betty, Dorothy and David. Bob’s parents, Martha and Claude, and his sister, Marilyn, passed away before him.
During his life, Bob lived in many different places across the United States and Canada. He went to university in Montana. For work, he traveled a lot as a corporate sales representative for Frontier Airlines. Later, he started his own business, a successful property management company called Comainco Services in Colorado, and also bought and fixed up properties in the Denver area.
When he retired to Silverton in 2001, Bob wasn’t ready to stop; instead, he started his dream of owning a horse ranch. He named it Abiqua Country Estate and Equestrian Center. For the next 25 years, he boarded horses, held summer camps and clinics, hosted Oregon High School Equestrian Teams, and turned the land into a beautiful spot for weddings, hiking,
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, please send it to ourtown.life@ mtangelpub.com or mail it to Editor, Our Town, P.O. Box 927, Mount Angel, OR 97362
fishing, and a beloved home.
In Oregon, people started calling him “Colorado Bob.” He made new friends with boarders and neighbors, riding horses and exploring the area with them. Bob loved his quiet mornings taking care of the horses and warm evenings reading by his fireplace. Even though he was busy with barn work and caring for his boarders, Bob also stayed involved in his community by proudly serving on the Silverton Fire District board.
No matter where he lived, Bob always loved being outdoors, camping, hiking, boating, and skiing. A very important part of his life was dedicated to the Boy Scouts of America. Following his father’s example, he became an Eagle Scout and served as a scout master, camp director, and a helpful mentor for both adults and young leaders. Some of his most memorable scouting trips were challenging and rewarding journeys to Philmont, the Northern Tier, and SEA BASE, where he spent weeks doing what he enjoyed most.
Bob’s life reflects the importance of staying active and involved, finding real meaning and connection through hard work, helping the community, and spending time in nature and with the animals he would befriend along the way.
Mt. Angel Public Library, 290 E Charles St. Silver Creek Fellowship, 822 NE Industrial Way, Silverton Silver Falls Library, 410 S Water St., Silverton Silverton Arts Association, 303 Coolidge St. SilvertonCouncil Chambers, 410 N Water St. Weekly Events
Monday
Silverton 50+ Center, 115 Westfield St. Seniors 50 and older. Daily, weekly, monthly events. 503-873-3093, silvertonseniors.org
SACA Food Pantry, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., SACA, 1030 N First St., Silverton. Repeats 3 - 6 p.m. Tuesdays, 9 a.m. - noon Thursdays. 503-873-3446, silvertonareacommunityaid.org
Mt. Angel Community & Senior Center Store, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., 195 E Charles St. Repeats Tuesday - Saturday. Volunteers needed. 503-845-6998
Meals on Wheels Lunch, 11:30 a.m., Silverton 50+ Center. $3 suggested donation. Make reservations three days in advance by calling 503-873-6906. Repeats Tuesdays and Thursdays. Silverton Recovery AA, noon - 1 p.m., 302 N Water St. Seven days a week. Free Monday Dinner, 5:30 - 7 p.m., Oak Street Church, 502 Oak St., Silverton. Stay and eat or take to go. All are welcome. 503-873-5446, oakstchurch@gmail.com
Boy Scouts Troop 7485, 7 - 8:30 p.m., St. Edward’s Episcopal Church, 211 W Center St., Silverton. Scoutmaster Dave Tacker, 760-644-3147
Tuesday
Bible Study, 10 a.m. - noon, Silverton First Christian Church, 402 N First St. All welcome. 503-873-6620
APPY Hour, noon - 1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Drop in for technical assistance for electronic devices. All ages. Free. 971-370-5040
Silverton Mainstay, 1:30 - 4:30 p.m., Silverton United Methodist Church, 203 W Main St. Community space and activities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Repeats Thursdays. silvertonmainstay.org
Cub Scout Pack 485, 6:30 p.m., Silverton First Christian Church, 402 N First St. K-5th boys and girls. Elisha, 503-507-6087 Growing Awareness, Nurturing Compassion, 7 - 8:30 p.m. Zoom. Secular presentation promoting mindfulness. No experience needed. Invitation for virtual gathering: compassionatepresence@ yahoo.com. 971-218-6641
Wednesday
Silverton Business Group, 8 a.m., Silver Falls Brewery, 207 Jersey St., Silverton. Networking meeting of Silverton business community hosted by Silverton Chamber of Commerce. Everyone welcome. silvertonchamber.org
Quilters Group, 9 a.m. - noon, Trinity Lutheran Church, 500 N Second Ave., Silverton. trinitysilverton@gmail.com
Family Storytime & Indoor Playtime, 10:30 a.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Ages 25 w/adult. Free. 971-370-5040
Mission Benedict Food Pantry, 1 - 4 p.m., St. Joseph Shelter, 925 S Main St., Mt. Angel. Repeats Friday. 503-873-7645
Silver Chips Woodcarving Sessions, 1 - 4 p.m., Silverton Arts Association. All skill levels. 503-873-7645
Mission of Hope Food Pantry, 2 - 4 p.m., Silver Creek Fellowship. 503-873-7353
Thursday
Yoga, 9 a.m., Silver Creek Fellowship. Open to all. Sheila, 503-409-4498
Thursday Painters, 10 a.m. - noon, Silverton Arts Association. Join other artists for open studio time. All art forms welcome. Free. 503-873-2480
TOPS (Take Pounds Off Sensibly), 6 p.m., United Methodist Church, 203 W Main St., Silverton. Weight loss with continued support, encouragement. First meeting free. Monthly dues $4. All welcome. Dave, 503-501-9824
Friday
Toastmaster Club, 7:30 a.m., Zoom. Increase listening skills, speaking, thinking, evaluating. Contact tmcommunicators@ gmail.com for Zoom link.
Mt. Angel Model Railroad, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., The Depot, 90 W College St., Mt. Angel. Lionel (O-gauge), HO-gauge, N-gauge model layouts on display. All welcome. Free. Silvertones Community Singers, 10:30 a.m., Silverton United Methodist Church, 203 Main St., Silverton. Anyone who loves to sing is welcome. Tomi, 503-873-2033
Saturday
Silverton Farmer’s Market, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Silverton United Methodist Church, 204 W Main St. Fresh produce, plants, flowers. 503-873-5615
Sunshine Fitness, 10 a.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Light exercising with “Insanity: Fast and Furious: 20-minute Insane Workout” by Beach Products. Signed waiver required. Teens & adults. Free. 971-370-5040
Saturday Serenity Al-Anon Family Group, 10 a.m., Zoom. For families and friends of alcoholics. Zoom link: Janet.h.salem23@ gmail.com
Oregon Crafters Market, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., 215 N Water St., Silverton. Local crafters & artists, live music, food & spirits. Repeats noon - 5 p.m. Saturdays. “First Friday” of each month 6 - 9 p.m. oregoncraftersmarket.com
Silverton Country Historical Society, 1 - 4 p.m., 428 S Water St. Museum open for viewing. Repeats Sun. 503-873-7070
The Art of Mindfulness, 2 p.m. Silverton Arts Association. Connecting mind, heart, and body. Listen, meditate, contemplate, share thoughts. 971-218-6641
Creciendo Juntos/Growing Together
Storytime, 3 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. ¡Aprendamos sobre las criaturas marinas durante todo el mes! Read books on sea creatures all month long! 971-370-5040
Just for Today Al-Anon Family Group, 6:30 p.m., Silverton Coffee Club, 302 N Water St. For families and friends of alcoholics.
Notices
MASD Free Summer Meals
Mt. Angel School District offers free breakfast and lunch for youth 1 - 18 Monday - Thursday thru Aug. 14. 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. breakfast. 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. lunch. Mt. Angel Middle School, 460 E Marquam St. Weekend grab & go meals available Thursday at lunch.
SFSD Free Summer Meals
Silver Falls School District offers free grab and go meals for youth 1 - 18 Monday, Wednesday, Friday thru Aug. 22. Drivethrough pickup 11 - 11:30 a.m. at Robert Frost, 201 Westfield St., or 11:45 a.m.12:15 p.m. at Mark Twain, 425 N Church St. Meals include breakfasts and lunches until next pickup day. Parent/guardian pickup only; no daycare pickups. Friday, Aug. 1
Tea Party & Doll Museum
10 a.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Bring your favorite doll or action figure to create hats for a stroll to the Doll Museum. After museum, there is a tea party at the library. All ages. Space is limited. Register: 971-370-5040.
LEGO Lab
Noon - 4 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Build an original creation to display at the library. All ages. Free. Repeats Aug. 15. 971-370-5040
Home Davenport Community Festival
11 a.m. - 8 p.m., Coolidge McClaine Park, Silverton. Arts, crafts, food, music, parade, car show, fun run, Davenport races. Brew Fest, where attendees can sample beers from different breweries. Free admission. Repeats 11 a.m.
- 8 p.m. Aug. 2; 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Aug. 3. For list of events, visit homerdavenport.com.
Cone with a Cop
4 - 6 p.m., Silverton Bake Shop, 310 N Water St. Relaxed way for neighbors of all ages to meet Silverton police officers, ask questions. Free. 503-873-5326
Silverton First Friday
5 - 9 p.m., downtown Silverton. Car show, outdoor dining, Night Crafters Market, shopping, vendors, live music. silvertonchamber.org
Lunaria Opening Reception
6 - 8 p.m., Lunaria Gallery, 113 N Water St., Silverton. Meet the artists. Main Floor Gallery: “Visions from the Muse,” ceramics by Lee Jacobson and fused glass by Anne Shams. Loft Gallery: “Sketchy Characters,” editorial cartoons by Pulitzer Prize winner Jack Ohman. Refreshments served. Free. 503-873-7734, lunariagallery.com
Saturday, Aug. 2
Qigong in the Park
9:45 a.m., Coolidge McClaine Park, Silverton. Move. Breathe. Connect. Free. Open to all. Every Saturday in August. Who Was Homer Davenport?
1:30 p.m., Silverton Falls Library. Gus Frederick presents a visual overview of the life and times of Oregon’s first media super star, political cartoonist Homer Davenport. Repeats at 3:30 p.m. Free. All ages. 503-897-8796
Monday, Aug. 4
Music Mondays
6:30 - 8 p.m., Old Mill Park, 412 S Water St., Silverton. Today: Roundhouse Band Duo. 8/11: Matthew Price Trio. 8/18: Garrison. 8/25: Hannah Paysinger. Free; donations encouraged. Presented by Silverton Friends of Music.
Mt. Angel City Council
7 p.m., Mount Angel Public Library. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-845-9291
Tuesday, Aug. 5
Vibrant Aging Nutrition
11 a.m. - noon, Silverton 50+ Center, 115 Westfield St. A review of previous classes. $10/class for Center members. $15/nonmembers. Register in-person at the Center or call 503-873-3093. nourishyounw.com
Trapped in a Video Game
4 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Ever wonder what it would be like to be trapped in Minecraft? Here’s a taste of it board game style. There will be some fun Minecraft books to get you started. All ages. Free. 971-370-5040
Mt. Angel National Night Out 6 - 10 p.m., Garfield Street, Mt. Angel. Food, music, Gigglebritches the Clown, police and fire activities, library activities.. Stop by library booth to make a personalized button and have a cool treat. mtangelchamber.com
Wednesday, Aug. 6
Friends of the Library
4:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Planning meeting to prepare for August fundraiser. All ages. 971-370-5040
Scotts Mills City Council
7 p.m., Scotts Mills City Hall, 265 Fourth St. Open to public. 503-873-5435
Silverton City Council
6:30 p.m., Council Chambers. Work session followed by regular meeting. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-873-5321
Thursday, Aug. 7
Silverton Kiwanis Club
Noon, Main St. Bistro, 201 E Main St., Silverton. New members welcome. Repeats Aug. 21. silvertonkiwanis.org
Undersea Embroidery
1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Create an embroidered undersea design either on your own cloth or on one provided. All supplies provided. Teens and adults. Second session at 6:15 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 8
Mt. Angel Garage Sales
All day. Mt. Angel city-wide garage sale. Sign up by Aug. 5 to be placed on official flyer. Listing is free for residents. Pick up a flyer beginning Aug. 7 at City Hall, Lou’s Kitchen, Chic Skape, Bochsler’s, Mt. Angel Senior Center, Touch of Bavaria. Repeats Aug. 9. 503-845-9291
Red Cross Blood Drive
Noon - 5 p.m., Silverton Elks Lodge, 300 High St. For appointments visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-3767.
The Next Friday
5 - 8 p.m., Mt. Angel. Music, car show, vendors. discovermtangel@gmail.com
Mt. Angel FOL Fundraiser
5 - 8 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Join Mt. Angel Friends of the Library for life-sized games, cupcake walk, and annual book and puzzle sale. All ages. 971-370-5040
S’mores Cooking Lab
8 p.m., Fisher Park, 501 May St., Mt. Angel. One s’more per person, while supplies last. You can bring your own to make. All ages. 971-370-5040
Movie at Fisher Park
9 p.m., Fisher Park, 501 May St., Mt. Angel. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy Minecraft (PG) in the library’s outdoor theater. All ages. Free. 971-370-5040
Sunday, Aug. 10
Scotts Mills Historical Museum
Noon - 4 p.m., 210 Grandview Ave. Open for public browsing. Free. Open by appointment by contacting Joe Plas, 503-871-9803; ksplonski@aol.com Chamber Music Concert
3 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 500 N Second St., Silverton. Live concert featuring Nielsen & Goy Duo. Works by Lourdes Montgomery, Christopher Wicks, Willem de Fesch and more. Freewill donations at the door. Aage Nielson, 503-470-0083, aage.igen@gmail.com
Monday, Aug. 11
Mt. Angel School District
6:30 p.m., District Office, 730 E Marquam St. Open to public. 503-845-2345 Silver Falls School District
7 p.m., Silverton High, 1456 Pine St. Open to public. 503-873-5303
Tuesday, Aug. 12
The Art of Conservation
4 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Learn about the causes of plastic pollution, impacts on the ocean and ways to help. Create something out of everyday trash. All ages. Free. 971-370-5040
Silverton Tourism Task Force
5:30 p.m., Council Chambers. Open to public. 503-874-2212, silverton.or.us
Ukulele Play and Sing-Alongs
6 - 7:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. First 30 minutes is beginner’s ukulele lesson followed by play and sing-along time for all levels. Music is provided but bring your ukulele. 503-873-8796
Silverton Planning Commission
7 p.m., Council Chambers. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-874-2207
Wednesday, Aug. 13
Fall Sports Physicals
3:30 - 6:30 p.m., Kennedy High, 890 E Marquam St., Mt. Angel. For students in grades 6-12. Students under 15 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Bring completed sports physical form, available at osaa.org or at district office. $20. Cash, card or checks made payable to Mt. Angel School District. masd91.org
Friends of the Library
4:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. All welcome. 971-370-5040
Thursday, Aug. 14
Women’s Connection Luncheon
Noon, Silverton Methodist Church, 203 W Main St. Featured speaker is Pamela Lucht from Willamette Valley Melon Company. Jim Desmond also speaks. For reservations, call Stacey at 503-680-3786
Trinket Boxes
1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Paint a box to hold trinkets. Library has multiple designs. All materials provided. Teens and adults. Second session at 6:15 p.m. Free. 971-370-5040
Garden Concert Series
5:30 - 8 p.m., The Oregon Garden, 897 W Main St., Silverton. Features Freight Train Jaine. Free parking. Price includes afterhours admission to the Garden. $10 ages 13+. $5 Garden members. Ages 12 and under free. oregongarden.org
Friday, Aug. 15
Post Office Storytime
10 a.m., Mt. Angel Post Office, 90 N Garfield St. Get tour of the post office, read stories, write a postcard to send. For preschoolers. Sign up by phone, 971-370-5040, or at the library. Used Book Sale
10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Silver Falls Library. All genres including children and young adult, CDs, DVDs, audio books. Repeats 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Aug. 16. Sponsored by Friends of the Silver Falls Library.
Silverton Community Picnic
5 - 9 p.m., Coolidge McClaine Park, Silverton. Hot dogs, activities, family photos, ice cream social, resource tables, music. Bingo 7 - 8 p.m. Open swim at the pool 7 - 9 p.m.. Free. Open to all. Sponsored by Kiwanis Club of Silverton and Silver Falls Family YMCA. Brush Creek Playhouse Presents 7 p.m., Brush Creek Playhouse, 11535 NE Silverton Road, Silverton. Maxwell Anderson’s The Bad Seed, directed by Norman Gouvia. Runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Aug. 31. Tickets at brushcreekplayhouse.org.
Monday, Aug. 18
Red Cross Blood Drive
11 a.m. - 4p.m., Mt. Angel Fire Department, 300 Monroe St. For appointments visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-3767.
Tuesday, Aug. 19
Power Play for the Planet
4 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Explore our planet and imagine a brighter future. Play games, solve puzzles, tackle wacky challenges. Presented by the Museum of Natural and Culture History at University of Oregon. All ages. Free. 971-370-5040
Affordable Housing Task Force
5:30 p.m., Council Chambers. The Affordable Housing Strategies Project Task Force meets to develop and recommend policies and initiatives to improve access to affordable housing in Silverton. Open to public. 503-873-5321, silverton.us.or
Wednesday, Aug. 20
Sensory Playtime
2 - 4 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Enjoy a playtime that engages all the senses with an Under the Sea theme. For preschoolers. Free. 971-370-5040
Silverton City Council
6:30 p.m., Council Chambers. Work session followed by regular meeting. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-873-5321, silverton.or.us
Thursday, Aug. 21
Trivia Night
7 p.m., Pub 201 East, 201 E Charles St., Mt. Angel. Test your knowledge. Play solo or form a team of up to five people. Free. All ages. 971-370-5040
Mt. Angel Planning Commission
7 p.m., Mount Angel Public Library. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-845-9291, ci.mt-angel.or.us
Friday, Aug. 22
Red Cross Blood Drive
Noon - 5 p.m., Silverton Elks Lodge, 300 High St. For appointments visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-3767.
Potato Palooza!
1 - 3 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Celebrate last day of summer reading program on National Potato Day. Events include a potato derby (pick up a take home activity kit to create), potato art, potato science, potato games, potato prizes, potato snacks and sno cones. All reading logs due by noon. Prize drawings at 2:30 p.m. Free. All ages. 971-370-5040
Saturday, Aug. 23
Mt. Angel Historical Society
1 - 4 p.m., Saalfeld House, 195 E College St., Mt. Angel. View pictures and other memorabilia about Mt. Angel. Open to public. Free. Also open on Next Fridays. 971-370-0057
Monday, Aug. 25
Red Cross Blood Drive
10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Symrise Silverton, 1702 Eska Way. For appointments visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-3767.
Vigil for Peace
2:30 - 3:30 p.m., Towne Square Park, Silverton. Silverton People for Peace gather to advocate for peace, social justice issues on all levels of society. Open to all. 503-873-5307
Mt. Angel Park Tree Board
7 p.m., Mount Angel Public Library. Open to public. 503-845-9291, ci.mt-angel.or.us
Tuesday, Aug. 26
Explorer’s Lab
4 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Use one of the library’s kits to design, construct and then compete with each other. Ages 5-12. Free. 971-370-5040
Silverton Planning Commission
6:30 p.m., Council Chambers. Work session. Open to public. 503-874-2207 PFLAG Silverton
7 p.m., Oak Street Church, 502 Oak St., Silverton. Everyone welcome. Under 18 must have parent/guardian. Christy, 541-786-1613, silvertonpflag@gmail.com
Wednesday, Aug. 27
Water Wednesday
2 - 4 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Enjoy water activities in the courtyard for kids 6 years and younger with a caregiver. Bring a towel, sunscreen. Weather permitting. Free. 971-370-5040
Thursday, Aug. 28
TAB/Book Club
4:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Discuss Save Me a Seat by Sara Weeks and Gita Varadarajan. Copies available at Circulation Desk. Afterward, meet for Teen Advisory Board (TAB) meeting. Snacks provided. Grades 6-12. 971-370-5040
Friday, Aug. 29
Library Movie Night
4 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Watch Snow White (PG) on the big screen with free popcorn. All ages. Free. 971-370-5040
August is upon us, and as they say, “It’s gonna be hot as hell!” But is it really? According to the Bible, hell is the place of fi torment for the devil and his demons. It wasn’t meant to be for us. So, it gives me no pleasure to even bring it up. But I want to spare you the grief that would come if you actually went to hell.
It’s Not Going To Be Easy!
Because of mankind’s rebellion, Jesus said most of us will, in fact, end up in hell. In Matt. 7:13-14, He said, “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”
“But,”
That narrow gate is faith in Jesus. Only a relative few are going to buck the culture of unbelief in this world and follow the narrow path that leads to life in heaven.
One of the reasons so many go to hell is that they think that’s where the party is going to be. With so many of their friends and family already there, they stupidly assume they will get together, stand around in the flames, throwing back beers, and singing “Highway to Hell.”
It’s Not Gonna Be Like That.
Imagine trying that even in the middle of a forest fire. The heat would be too excruciating to do anything but wail in pain. In hell, there will be no reunion, no party, no beer, no singing. After all, it’s a place of eternal punishment! It’s a real place, and it is “hot as hell.”
you may be thinking, “that’s still where most of my family and friends will be. I just want to be with them.” That is sweet and understandable. After all, who are we to escape the fires of hell while our loved ones are already burning there? But believe me, it’s not going to work that way. Even if your loved ones are there, you probably will never see them.
The Rich Man And Lazarus
In the Bible there is a story that reveals what hell is like. It’s not a parable. It’s a description found in Luke 16:19-31 where Jesus tells us, “There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table.”
The beggar died and was carried by the angels to the place where
the righteous went before they went on to heaven. The rich man also died but found himself in the terrible flames of the place where unrighteous people went before they went on to hell. The rich man looked up and saw Lazarus sitting beside Abraham on the other side of a great chasm that separated them.
So, the rich man called out to Abraham asking him to send Lazarus over with a little water because he was being tormented ames. But Abraham said that would not be possible.
“Then the rich man said, ‘I beg you therefore, father, that you would send Lazarus to my father’s
“Notice that if the rich man could have gotten any message back to his five brothers, all he wanted to say to them was ‘Don’t make same the mistake I made.’”
house, for I have five brothers, that he may warn them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’
But Abraham said, “They have the Scriptures. Let them take heed to that.’ And the rich man said, “No, but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ But he said to him, “If they do not heed the Scriptures, neither will they be persuaded though one rises from the dead.’” Think about that. Even if someone rises from the dead to warn them, they will still not believe. That is the sad reality we face in our modern culture today.
By Gregg Harris
What Will It Take For You?
The sad thing is that Jesus Himself came into this world to voluntarily die in our place the death that we all deserve because of our sin and rebellion. Then, as proof that His death was sufficient, Jesus did in fact rise from the dead! Is that enough for you repent and believe?
But, one more thing, notice that if the rich man could have gotten any message back to his five brothers, it would be, “Please don’t make the same mistake I have made.”
I know it’s hard to hear, but if your loved ones in hell could call you right now, all they’d want to say is, “Trust in Jesus before it’s too late!”
Questions? Call 971-370-0967.
FREE TICKET! Family-Friendly Movie
The Palace Theater
Tues., August 12th, 6:30 PM
Chronicles Of Narnia #2
Rated PG-13
First Come, First Served. Sponsored by NobleMenOfOregon.org
Attention Christian Men! Join us every week for our Noble Men’s Breakfast at The Noble Inn 409 S. Water St., Silverton, OR 97381 Thurs. mornings from 7 to 8:30 AM For info go to NobleMenOfOregon.org Join us as we seek to have an impact on our community for Christ.
The views expressed by this advertiser do not necessarily represent the views of Our Town or its staff.
By Melissa Wagoner
In 2023 a father in Utah named LJ Wilde began marketing the Cascade Tandem Hiking Cart, a contraption he created to enable his daughter, Luciana – normally confined to a wheelchair – to participate in family hikes. The advertisements, posted on social media, were so compelling they snagged the attention of not one, but two Silverton women, both looking for a similar hiking solution for two vastly different reasons.
“Our daughter [Ferne] is five and she has a physical disability,” Kellie Strawn said, describing her family’s early hiking attempts, which mostly included either Strawn or her husband, Jordan, staying behind in a park lodge with Ferne or else strapping her into an uncomfortable, often impractical stroller.
“A jogging stroller isn’t even able to be used on many trails,” Strawn pointed out. “And at five Ferne doesn’t want to be tucked away.”
So, when Strawn saw photos of the Cascade Cart – a lightweight, maneuverable solution – she was excited.
“[T]here was a date when they were opening orders,” she said. “And we were online right at that moment to order it. But it took several months. They were building them as they were shipping them.”
Meanwhile, only a few miles away, Autumn Kuenzi, the founder of Wild Wellness – an organization offering free hikes for moms and their children – also saw an Instagram story featuring the Cascade Cart.
“Me and my partner [Emily Dresser] had been saying our events were for everyone,” Kuenzi said, recalling a moment when, prior to one of their Mom and Me Outdoor Meet-ups, she and Dresser realized the hike they had planned would be impossible for a child with physical limitations.
“We realized we have so much to educate ourselves on,” she recalled.
So, when she saw the advertisement for the Cascade Cart, it felt like a good place to start. All she needed was to raise the funds.
height and weight to pull a passenger of up to five feet six inches tall and 150 pounds.
And there’s a bit of a learning curve.
“It has some side-to-side movement when you’re walking,” Strawn, who received her own cart around the same time, said. “So, getting the harness adjusted and the bar is necessary… it’s really like pulling a trailer. You have to do these really wide turns.”
But for Strawn the adjustment has been worth it because now her whole family is able to hike together on just about any trail – including ones with stairs.
Available for loan through Wild Wellness, visit www.huckleberryhiking.com
Establish cart availability by emailing autumnkuenzi@gmail. com or calling 503-949-9865.
For a schedule of Mom and Me Outdoor Meet-ups visit www.thewildwellness.co
“Someone said I should create a GoFundMe,” she said, recalling the overwhelming support she received. “It took us two days to raise $3,000.”
That amount was sufficient for purchasing not only the cart itself but also an upgraded version of the tire and a heavy-duty carrying case for travel. In September 2023 Kuenzi began advertising that she now had a Cascade Cart available for loan.
“There’s a sherpa-size ratio… but there’s a video to see how you would measure up,” Kuenzi said, describing the cart’s capacity, which enables a “sherpa” of sufficient
“There are a few things we’ve learned are easier with a second person behind,” she said. “But if you use the mirror and the brake just right it helps you go down the stairs… that’s just kind of the nature of what you’re doing.”
It’s a privilege Strawn does not take for granted, knowing that, for many families, both the cost of the cart and its significant size are prohibitive.
“And if you’re a family that only goes hiking once a year…” she said.
Which is why she was thrilled to learn about Wild Wellness’ cart loaning program.
“There’s a population of people who would benefit…” she said. “Because it’s so much easier to do the things you want to do if you can get the equipment.”
Kuenzi agrees, and it is her goal to make sure any family in the Silverton area who could benefit from the use of the Cascade Cart has access to it.
“If a family is going camping, I want them to think, ‘Let me call Autumn and see if it’s available,’” she said. “I don’t want them to feel like it’s a burden.”
The Silverton High swimming program is hosting its second Aqua Fox Alumni and Friends Swim Meet at 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 1 at the Silverton pool.
Sponsorships run for up to $500, and interested parties should contact head coach Lucky Rogers (rogers_lucky@ silverfall.k12.or.us) or assistant coach Clarissa Bay (bay_clarissa@silverfalls.k12. or.us) or go to silvertonaquafoxes.square. site or the Aqua Foxes Facebook page to sign up to swim or donate.
Bay said that 40 individuals participated in year one, last summer.
“The goal was to bring alumni and friends back to see each other and remember good times from swim team,” Bay told Our Town. “Anyone that has had a role in swim team, as a swimmer or a supporter, is welcome to sign up and enjoy the event.”
Funds raised will go toward purchasing new starting blocks and other needed equipment for the swim program. Swimmers can sign up for $30 on race night. Thirteen individual events and three relays are on the schedule, which also includes diving and cannonball competitions and T-shirt relays.
Alumni Watch: Ethan Kleinschmit turned in a banner first season with the Oregon State University baseball program. Kleinschmit, who led Kennedy High to a pair of OSAA Class 2A-1A titles before moving on to LinnBenton Community College, was 8-5 for the Beavers, who advanced to the College World Series. Kleinschmit, a sophomore lefthander who was the regular Sunday
starter for coach Mitch Canham, led OSU with 113 strikeouts and allowed just 63 hits in 91 innings. Kleinschmit was a third-team all-American and a first-team all-region pick.
Equestrian: Silverton scored 67 points to finish 16th among large teams in the Oregon High School Equestrian Teams state championships in Redmond. The top finisher for the Foxes was the freestyle fours team of Alyssa Brown-Maxwell, Penelope Ottosen, Wylie Blamer and Preslie Cary that took third. Cary also finished ninth in barrels. Kennedy scored 12 points in the medium team category, led by its 11th place freestyle fours team of Sesen Walker, Isabella Rocha, Sydney Hudson and Reaghan Williams Scholarships: Brody Kuenzi, a member of Silverton’s Class of 2025, has won a $3,500 scholarship from Maps Credit Union. Kuenzi, who will study fire science at Chemeketa Community College, was one of 20 Mid-Willamette Valley students who shared $70,000 in funds. Kuenzi also starred in football and basketball for the Foxes.
Daddy Dash: Nearly 170 runners and walkers participated in the Daddy Dash on Saturday, June 14 in Mount Angel. New this year was a 13.1-mile half marathon, which was
won by John Kintz, 19, of Silverton in 1:20:55.2. Ashlyn Logan, 34, of Silverton ran 1:47:08.6 to take sixth and lead all women runners. Joshua Steffen, 26, of Silverton captured the 10K in 38:17.6. Twins Anika Jenson and Annalyse Jenson, both 17 of Molalla, took third and fourth, respectively, in 41:29.7 and 41:49.0 and led all female participants. Corey Repucci of Lyons, 35, took first in the 5K run/walk in 21:48.2. Jenna Miller, 33, of Silverton was fifth in 24:04.5 and was the top woman finisher. In the kids’ run it was girls runner H. Perttu-Helms, 7, of Silverton crossing first in 1:39.1. F. Walker of Canby, 8, was second in 1:52.6 and led boys runners.
Administrative Shift: Jamie McCarty has taken over as the principal at Stayton High. McCarty, 51, had served for the past nine years in a series of administrative positions as principal at a number of Silver Falls School District schools, most recently at Robert Frost. McCarty also coached Silverton High to five consecutive Mid-Willamette Conference boys basketball titles from 2018 through 2022 and placed in the top four at the Class 5A tournament five times. Before coming to Silver Falls McCarty was a boys basketball coach and athletic director at Stayton High and also served as an administrator in the North Santiam School District.
Baseball: The Kennedy baseball team which finished second in Class 2A-1A this spring, dominated the Special District 2 all-star squad. Pitcher/infielder Henry Beyer was named player of the year and Kevin Moffatt earned the top coaching honor. Beyer was joined on the first team by shortstop Kody Graves, outfielder Colby Rich, catcher
Rylee Walker and designated hitter Creo Walker. Pitcher Brody Panuke, third baseman Gio Vaquera and outfielder Jake Beyer were named to the second team.
The 2A-1A all-state team featured Henry Beyer on the first team, Rich Walker and Creo Walker on the second team, Rylee Walker on the third team and Graves at honorable mention.
Softball: Kennedy sophomore Grace Traeger was named co-player of the year in Class 2A-1A’s Special District 2. Joining Traeger on the first team were first baseman Madelyn Schaecher and infielder Audrey Brenden. Outfielders Brianna Traeger and Emily Ruef were placed on the second team and catcher Gabriela Farnsworth and Meghan Cuff received honorable mention. Grace Traeger, Brenden and Schaecher all received honorable mention on the allstate squad.
Cross Country: Long-time Kennedy High cross country coach Steve Ritchie has stepped down from his head coaching duties. Ritchie first started coaching Trojans runners in 1998. He will serve as an assistant coach in the fall, with former Kennedy standout runner Lauren Stokley stepping in as head coach. Stokley, who competed in college at Clackamas Community College, served as a volunteer assistant last fall. Ritchie won more than a dozen boys and girls district titles in his 28 years and developed one individual state champion, Alejandra Lopez in 2018. Ritchie told Our Town he will continue to coach track and field for at least one more year.
Follow me on X (Twitter) @jameshday and Our Town on Facebook.
Dear Editor,
I would like to bring attention to a safety concern in our community: the crosswalk at the intersection of James Street and C Street.
As currently constructed, this intersection is hazardous to pedestrians and does not discourage drivers from stopping and giving pedestrians the right-of-way. The flags at both ends of the crosswalks are ineffective, and the trees on the Taco Bell/KFC side of the street obscure the crosswalk entrance from cars approaching in that lane. This requires a pedestrian advancing far out into the street to be noticed by motorists. This is dangerous, especially since vehicles often go above the posted speed of 25 MPH and round that corner at such a speed.
This crosswalk is utilized heavily by children during the school year, and based on the current construction, this concerns me. This is an especially poor intersection at night, considering the issues detailed
At a time when I supported adding fluoride to municipal water, I didn’t realize there were reasons not to add it, thinking it was simply the right thing to do for tooth decay prevention. Maybe you’ve felt the same way. But today, more information is available including potentially serious health risks from fluoridated tap water, especially for those with impaired kidney function.
As a nurse and citizen, I believe that avoiding harm to vulnerable populations, such as those with
above combined with limited visibility.
An ideal crosswalk at this intersection would have a timed crosswalk where motorists must stop. At the very least, this intersection needs a blinking signal, indicating motorists to slow down and prepare to stop to let pedestrians cross the street.
As a community member and healthcare professional, I feel strongly about protecting our citizens and advocating for their safety.
I encourage readers to draw attention to this issue by submitting a concern to the City of Silverton so that awareness can be brought to this issue, and we may collaborate with the city on resolving this issue.
Will Sisk, BSN RN Assistant Nurse Manager, Emergency Department
Legacy Silverton Medical Center
impaired kidney function, outweighs the general benefit of supporting dental health with fluoride, which can be achieved through alternative, safer methods.
Fluoride is scheduled to return to Silverton’s drinking water by October. If you’d like the City Council to reconsider, you can leave a comment for their review at: publiccomment@ silverton.or.us.
Julie Chambers, Silverton
Dr. Daniel Côté, DC
Dr. Jennifer Martin, DC
Licensed Massage therapists available 503-873-8099
Letters to the editor can be directed to ourtown.life@mtangelpub.com or mailed to Editor, Our Town, P.O. Box 927, Mount Angel, OR 97362. It is recommended submissions be limited to fewer than 500 words. Our Town reserves the right to edit for clarity and space.
Anonymous letters will not be published, nor will letters that include personal attacks, use hate speech or advocate discrimination |or violence.
I wasn’t invited, and I’m just a little bit torqued. My best friends, Lauren and Jeff, tied the knot recently, and I had my bags packed for the trip to Venice. Oprah was invited. So was the whole Kardashian clan. Bill Gates, Tom Brady and a bunch of “famous” people that I had never heard of were there, too. But my invitation never came. Maybe it was sent via Amazon and got lost. Or maybe, just maybe, Jeff forgot that the reason he and his sweetie could afford a full-throttle blow-out of a wedding was a bazillion folks like me were forced to spend a ton of money buying made-inChina crapola from him. You’re welcome.
He thinks he’s a business genius, and maybe he is. But what really turbocharged Amazon was the politicians – his friends – who shut down the economy a few years ago to “fight” a virus. We were forced to
take vaccines that (sort of) worked, thousands of stores and other businesses were closed and many of us were booted out of our jobs, or forced to stay home. And Amazon and other online companies needed to buy fleets of frontend loaders to handle all of the extra money they raked in.
Rich people make me laugh. As a guy who lived in trailer parks for much of his life, I know what it’s like to scrimp and save. Growing up in northern Louisiana, my idea of a “mansion” was a double-wide.
For four years in Alaska, I lived in a 30-foot travel trailer. Bezos has $700
and
million worth of mansions in places like Beverly Hills, Miami, Washington, D.C., Hawaii and a penthouse in New York City. I haven’t checked with a tape measure, but I bet I could park my trailer in the living room of each of them.
The other day I was talking with Charlie. You know him, because you’ve seen him and thousands of other homeless folks who shuffle along the streets of Oregon cities. Charlie had been huddled under a tree in the pouring rain. When my wife asked if we could give him a hand, he said he needed a ride to the bus station in Salem. He climbed in the backseat of the car, and we headed for the station. He had some food he had tucked away, and seemed healthy and lucid. He just needed a hand.
Charlie wasn’t asking for much. Just a ride. We gave him some bus fare,
and he was off, disappearing into the bus station.
It was no big deal. Charlie appeared to be just a guy down on his luck.
I thought about Charlie as I was reading about the Bezos wedding. The private jets flying in from around the world and the yachts forming an armada at Venice. Bezos even has two yachts because he can’t get all of his stuff into one. The helicopter won’t fit.
Life is hard all over.
I don’t know what I would do if I had Bezos’s wealth – about $237 billion at last count.
But I sure as hell wouldn’t spend it on a fancy-pants wedding to impress myself. Instead, I might give a hand to folks like Charlie.
Carl Sampson is a freelance writer and editor. He lives in Stayton.
SEEKING VENDORS for Silverton
Elks Flea Market, 300 High St, Silverton. Second Saturdays starting in September. Contact: thewhiteoakgallery@gmail.com or text 503-931-4517
HUGE MULTI-FAMILY- SALE Fri-Sat, Aug. 8 & 9 , 9-5ish , 5227 Madrona Hts. Dr. 1966 Mustang Project Car, Schwinn bike, old Pyrex, tools, art, rugs, furniture, home decor, crafts, jewelry, old toys.
“Not Your Average Sale.” Come See Us and Find Some Treasures!
SILVERTON ELKS FLEA MARKET
300 High St. Silverton. 9 a.m. -
3 p.m., Second Saturday of each month, Sept. – Nov. New vendors, contact Lori at 503-931-4517 thewhiteoakgallery@gmail.com
PASTOR CHUCK BALDWIN Liberty Fellowship, Kalispell, Montana satellite group Sundays, 1:30 p.m. Call Kristen, 503-9904584 FOR SALE Day bed w/ beautiful reversible bedspread. 469-416-9542.
DBL/WIDE MFD HOME FOR SALE 2 br, 1 bath/step-in shower, PLUS add-on entry & room 7' x 16' in Sublimity Sr. Living Space. Rent $755. Completely furnished (furniture, fixtures & appl.) $67,920. By owner 503-680-9803.
TODAY IS YOUR LUCKY DAY
This is your lucky number!
All Set Plumbing is standing by at 503-964-4965. Jason is ready to fix your plumbing.
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
Place your ad in Marketplace 503-845-9499
MAGIC CARPET CLEANING & MORE Since 1992. Carpet & upholstery cleaning at its best. Free estimates. Residential & commercial. Located in Silverton. Call Harold at 503-391-7406
SOUNDS GOOD STUDIO Bands, artists, personal karaoke CDs, books, restoring picture slides, and VHS to DVD. Old cassettes, records, reel-to-reel & 8-track cassettes restored to CD. Call Harold 503-391-7406.
GOT STUFF YOU WANT GONE? From yard debris to scrap metal. From garage sale left overs to rental clear outs. We repurpose, recycle, reuse, or donate what we can. Call and find out what we can do for you. $20 Minimum. Call Keith 503-502-3462
JESSE’S LAWN SERVICE & HANDYMAN Pruning, edging, trimming, blackberry cleaning, gutter cleaning, arborvitae, moss treatment, yard clean-up, stump grinding, powerwashing, haulaway. 503-871-7869
Civic journalism informs, engages and empowers local citizens to support the processes required for a healthy community.
It advances public discussions and connects members of the community.
It provides reporting and storytelling that encourages participation in community endeavors.
The staff at Our Town believes it’s important work.
If you do, too, join in the support of the Our Town News Team by making a tax deductible donation at: tinyurl.com/support-ourtown-news
Or send a check to made out to OPIP (Oregon Public Information Partnership). Put “Our Town – Silverton” on the memo line. You will receive a donation receipt for tax purposes. Our Town, P.O. Box 927, Mt. Angel, OR 97362.
#T2890 GREAT NEIGHBORHOOD
$614,000 Built in ‘95 home overlooks the HOA common area w/ pond An open floor plan w/ no step entry. Vaulted Great Rm. Large BR suite on main. Bonus Rm. could be office or 4th BR. Recent upgrades include: new carpet, LVP flooring, granite & quartz counter tops, sprinkler system, Hi-eff. HVAC, whole home surge protection, solar panels. 50yr. roof installed in ‘16. Lower level has paver patio. Located on the east side of Silverton on a quiet / low traffic street. Short distance to downtown. Call Michael at ext. 314 (WVMLS#830000)
$1,200,000 20+ yr old, 34.08 acre BlueJay variety Blueberry Farm. Soils are high value farm soils, primarily Woodburn silt loam w/approximately 1/3 being Amity silt loam. There are 35.2 acres of water rights covered by (1) irrigation well, being utilized by overhead sprinklers. Per Marion County, property is buildable for single family dwelling under proper conditions; buyer to do due diligence regarding buildability. Farmland in this area rarely comes up for sale to the public...don’t miss this opportunity! Call Whitney at ext. 320 or Mike at ext. 312 (WVMLS#829133)
#T2868 CREEKSIDE GETAWAY 2 BR, 2 BA 2029 sqft 1.48 Acres. Silverton. Call Michael at ext. 314 $1,390,000 (WVMLS#830250)
#T2877 BUILD YOUR OWN 3 BR, 1 BA 1080 sqft 9.47 Acres. Silverton. Call Michael at ext. 314 $400,000 (WVMLS#830242)
#T2894 SILVERTON ACREAGE ESTATE 4 BR, 3.5 BA 3804 sqft 3.02 Acres. Silverton. Call Michael at ext. 314 $895,000 (WVMLS#830085)
#T2887 DREAM LOCATION 3 BR, 3 BA 3321 sqft 2.92 Acres, Salem. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $975,000 (WVMLS#829336)
#T2891 – ACREAGE PROPERTY 4 BR, 2.5 BA 2558 sqft 3.16 Acres, Silverton. Call Michael at ext. 314 $975,000 (WVMLS#829686)
#T2895 PRIVATE LOCATION 3 BR, 3.5 BA 2566 sqft 1.52 Acres Silverton. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $938,700 (WVMLS#829660)
#T2876 COMM-RETAIL-CONDOS 9,500 sqft. Mt. Angel. Call Michael at ext. 314 $850,000 (WVMLS#829897) #T2864 MULTI-USE BUILDING 3862 sqft. Silverton. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 or Michael at ext. 314 $650,000 (WVMLS#825970)
$938,700 Private location at the end of a private lane, 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath traditional style home that was built in 2002, formal living room, plus kitchen open to the Family room with a rock fireplace and gas insert, large kitchen with lots of windows to enjoy the meticulously maintained landscaping. Home sits above the Abiqua Creek, fenced back yard and lots of areas for your outdoor entertaining. Garden area, plus a detached shop for your extra storage and hobbies. Call Meredith at ext. 324 or Ryan at ext. 322 (WVMLS# 829660)
#T2857 WELL MAINTAINED 55+
HOME $85,000 Huge Price Drop! Well maintained manufactured home with tons of yard space. Located in the desirable 55 and over community, Silverton Mobile Estates. Plenty of storage with built-ins and 3 sheds. 2 driveways with 2 separate car ports. Oversized yard! Large main suite with bathroom and walk-in closet. 2 full bathrooms with walk in showers. Newer roof. Mini-splits and forced air HVAC systems. Leaf guard gutter system and many other updates through-out. Priced to sell! Call Becky at ext. 313 (WVMLS# 823771)
#T2893 HASSLER FARMS ESTATES 4 BR, 2 BA 1813 sqft. Sublimity. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $569,700 (WVMLS#829967)
#T2880 WEST SALEM LOCATION 4 BR, 2.5 BA 3055 sqft. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $643,700 (WVMLS#828689)
SOLD — #T2887 DREAM LOCATION 3 BR, 3 BA 3321 sqft 2.92 Acres. Salem. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $975,000 (WVMLS#829336)
SOLD — #T2884 WONDERFUL RURAL SETTING 2 BR, 2 BA 1052 sqft. Salem. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $476,800 (WVMLS#828718)
SOLD — #T2888 SOUTH SALEM GEM 4 BR, 2.5 BA 1652 sqft Salem. Call Michael at ext. 314 $449,900 (WVMLS#829536)
#T2889 MCNARY HEIGHTS ESTATES 3 BR, 2.5 BA 3321 sqft Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $349,800 (WVMLS#829480)
#T2878 NATURE’S PARADISE 4 BR, 4 BA 3463 sqft. Salem. Call Chuck at ext. 325 $749,000 (WVMLS#828227)
#T2869 BUILDABLE LOT
1.35 Acres Silverton. Call Michael at ext. 314 $450,000 (WVMLS#826488)
#T2886 BLUEBERRY FARM 34.08 Acres Salem. Call Whitney at ext. 320 or Mike at ext. 312 $1,200,000 (WVMLS#829133)
