Our Town North: August 1, 2026

Pride • Integrity • Respect • Loyalty •

Honorary Diploma Recipient

Since 1974, John's has aimed to embody five core values; pride, integrity, respect, loyalty, and the ability High School Teacher; Scott Towery. This year he hool.

ng the past twenty years at SHS. He has inspired generations of students through classroom instruction and FFA leadership. After earning degrees from Bakersfield College and Fresno State University, Scott discovered his true passion was teaching and mentoring young people. Throughout his career, his students have earned 27 Oregon FFA State titles. Scott is passionate about developing student leaders and encouraging each student to seize opportunities, believing that the greatest regret is not getting involved. Outside of the classroom he enjoys spending time with his family, camping, fishing, and welding. He credits his wife and four daughters for their unwavering support throughout his career. His guiding philosophy reflects the FFA motto: "Learning to do, doing to learn, earning to live, living to serve." Keep the the great work Scott!

SFSD

It’s off to the races with a self portrait of Homer

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Public Notice

Chemeketa Community College Budget Committee Vacancies

Chemeketa Community College is seeking candidates to fill vacancies on its Citizens Budget Committee in Districts Zone 3—North Salem, Zone 4–South Marion County, Zone 5—East Salem, and Zone 6–North Marion County. The person selected for each zone will fill a three-year term ending June 30, 2029. Call the President’s Office, at 503.399.6591, or email: nette. abderhalden@chemeketa.edu to obtain an application packet or for information about zone boundaries. A subcommittee of Chemeketa’s College Board of Education may interview candidates and make recommendations to the College Board of Education. The deadline to submit a completed application is 5 pm,Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026. For more information about Chemeketa, visit www.chemeketa.edu. Published TCW 7/31/26, OT 8/1 & 8/15/26

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Homer Days

By Melissa Wagoner

This year the organizers of Homer Days and the Silverton Chamber of Commerce are uniting to create a new partnership between the festival and the businesses downtown.

“Our main reason is we want to encourage people to support local businesses…” Homer Davenport Community Festival board member Deanne Feller said. “Because we get a lot of push back saying that weekend is hard for businesses.”

So, starting with the annual Kickoff to Homer Davenport Days – this year Aug. 6 from 5 to 9 p.m. in Silverton’s downtown –organizers are making a concerted effort to get more businesses involved.

“[The Kickoff] is the same as we always do for First Friday,” Stacy Palmer, executive director of the Silverton Chamber of Commerce, explained. Except in August, it will be a “First Thursday.”

“There will be a street dance, beer, vendors, cornhole and stuff like that – family activities – and a glass blowing demonstration…”

Palmer said. “We want the businesses to feel engaged.”

The partnership with local businesses won’t end there. During the entire festival – Aug. 7 through 9 – and the week leading up to it, visitors are encouraged to make purchases from Silverton businesses, then present their receipt at the festival’s beer garden to receive one free drink.

“Our whole mission is to support local,” Feller explained.

It’s a priority the festival board focuses on, not only during the festival, but throughout the year by offering student scholarships and donating to other charitable organizations including, in 2025, the presentation of a $10,000 check to Silverton Area Community Aid (SACA).

“It’s a fun festival, but it also gives back,” Feller said.

Which is why she is hoping, while admission to the festival and the events surrounding it are free, visitors will consider donating online to the Homer Davenport

Community Festivals’ general fund, the scholarship fund, or to SACA by utilizing one of the food drive barrels that will be placed along the Homer parade route –scheduled for Aug. 8 at 10 a.m. – this year.

“Also, this year the Fun Run will run the parade route and start the parade,” Feller said, describing another addition to the festival. “And Dan Schacher and [Doug] Ousterhout are announcing at the High Water Grill.”

The Grand Marshall will be 25 military veterans. Representatives of the Silverton High School Performing Arts will carry the parade banners. Then, after the parade, more new events: a Pinewood Derby hosted by Cub Scout Pack 485 at Old Mill Park and a coloring contest for all ages at the Silverton Arts Association.

“The coloring contest is new because we’re not doing the cartoon contest (this year),” Feller explained, listing the four age categories (between zero and 100), each receiving a $25 gift card to a local business as a grand prize. “Sunday the winners will be

announced in front of the Arts Association.”

The rest of the festival – including vendors, live music, the Davenport Races and the car show – will remain largely unchanged.

“It’s a great community event,” Palmer said. “It celebrates our history… and it’s amazing how many people take it in.”

A complete schedule of events as well as registration information and a link to donate can be found in the Our Town special insert and at homerdavenport.com/homer-days.

An illustration from The Country Boy by Homer Davenport. PUBLIC DOMAIN

Rate hikes

By James Day

Trash and recycling rates for Silverton residential and commercial customers will be going up this fall. The only question is by how much.

Republic Services, the waste hauler for the city, issued a formal rate increase request at the July 15 City Council meeting at City Hall. Company officials offered two options, a 6.1 percent rate increase or an 8.6 percent rise. The larger figure would include Republic’s absorption of a projected 7.5 percent increase in 2027 in the company’s expenditures based on current challenges in state landfill operations. Because of the closure of the Covanta trash burning center in Brooks, only Coffin Butte north of Corvallis and a site in Wasco County in Eastern Oregon are available to receive Marion County trash.

Councilors and the mayor seem inclined to choose the 8.6 percent figure rather than take the 6.1 percent and have the company come back with a new request next year. No vote was taken, but a decision is possible at

Silverton trash, recycling rates to rise; pool plans reviewed

the Aug. 5 session. Option 1 would mean $2.40 extra per month for a customer using a standard 35-gallon cart. Option 2 would add $3.39 to the monthly bill.

In other city updates:

Swimming pool: Councilors heard a report from Integrus Architecture of Portland on the costs to replace or repair the city pool.

The company said it would cost almost $11 million to replace the pool and $7.8 million to repair it, although the consultants recommended the replacement option.

A key challenge, Integrus officials said, was that the pool’s shell is 85 years old and leaks. The consultants noted that building a replacement pool on its current site on Miller Street would mean a lengthy period in which there would be no pool in town.

A secondary option would be to build a new pool at another site, although no funding currently is available for such a project. Councilors also discussed the possibility of including the Silver Falls School District and the Silver Falls YMCA in a broader

discussion of pool replacement but no formal discussions have taken place.

“We keep talking about it and talking about it,” Councilor Marie Traeger said of the pool issue during her council comments portion of the meeting. “It’s time to get serious.”

Pettit Lake: State health officials have issued an algae bloom caution regarding the reservoir south of The Oregon Garden along the Cascade Highway. At least one illness has been reported.

Macy Mulholland, communications director for the city, told Our Town that initial laboratory results received on July 8 showed a microcystin concentration of 7.06 ug/L, which was below OHA’s recreational use advisory threshold of 8 ug/L.

“Based on those results alone,” Mulholland said, “an advisory was not initially recommended. However, OHA later notified the city that, after considering the illness investigation, the proximity of the toxin level to the recreational advisory threshold, and forecasted warmer temperatures that could promote additional

algae growth, OHA decided to issue a recreational advisory for Pettit Lake.”

Pettit Lake is not officially open to the public, Mulholland said, “but the city is aware that some community members access the property. As a precaution, educational warning signs have already been posted around the lake, and the city will update those signs to reflect OHA’s recreational advisory.”

The OHA, in a July 10 press release, said people should avoid swimming and other water activities with a high risk of swallowing water or inhaling water droplets in areas of the lake where blooms are present. Ingestion or inhalation of water is the exposure route of concern. Toxins are not absorbed through the skin. However, those with skin sensitivities may get a puffy red rash.”

Silverton will begin a trail project at Pettit this month. Mulholland said that “once construction mobilizes, the project area will be closed to public access for the duration of construction.”

HD 18 face off

Kaufmann takes on Staehely in November

By James Day

Silverton resident Roy Kaufmann has entered the race to replace retiring state Rep. Rick Lewis in District 18.  The district covers portions of Marion and Clackamas counties, including Silverton, Mount Angel, Scotts Mills, Aurora, Hubbard and Molalla as well as parts of Salem and Woodburn.

Kaufmann, 48, has spent 20 years in and around Oregon government, including stints as speechwriter for Governor John Kitzhaber and as communications director for Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum.

Kaufmann will run as the Independent Party of Oregon candidate, although his writein total of 488 votes in the May 19 primary earned him the Democratic nod as well. Kaufmann said he also will be seeking the endorsement of the Working Families Party.

He will face nursery owner Amanda Staehely of Canby in the Nov. 3 general election.

Staehely, 40, won the fivecandidate Republican primary with 43.68 percent of the vote.

we can use it to support farmers, small business owners, school districts and local governments with the kind of financing and investment that will make Oregon stronger and more economically resilient.”

He also said he supports Health Care For All Oregon, which advocates a publicly funded state universal health care system.

Staehely, who took part in an interview with Our Town before Kaufmann had announced his candidacy, said the size of the field and Lewis’ endorsement of Starr were daunting primary challenges.

Bryan Starr, who was endorsed by Lewis, finished second with 36.12 percent, while three other candidates received less than 10 percent each.

Kaufmann kicked off his campaign with a June 30 event at The Warren in Silverton. “IPO’s core issues are opening up primaries so that we stop disenfranchising the largest voting bloc in Oregon, and getting obscene and excessive money out of the political process.

“I’ve spent the last six months talking to local elected officials in towns and cities across House District 18, as well as with farmers and nursery owners, small timber operators, small business owners, teachers, students, social service providers, retirees and young families. Their frustrations with state agencies is palpable, as is their frustration with both the Democratic Party leadership in Oregon and the Republican Party’s standard rhetoric.”

Kaufmann said he favors a State Bank of Oregon, with one in North Dakota as his model. Such an entity “will keep more of Oregon’s wealth in Oregon, where

“I knew early on that I was up against many strong political endorsements and their financial backing,” she said. “I also knew that such support wins races most of the time. It was a very intimidating feeling. I needed to lean on community support and hard work, which is exactly what I did. The incredible agricultural community, especially the nursery industry, came out in full force to support my race and I will forever be grateful to them. It took a lot of short days, long nights, and missed sporting events, but we did it, and I couldn’t be prouder of the race we ran.”

Looking forward to November and beyond, Staehely said “I hope to be a piece in the puzzle that gets Oregon back on track. There is a team in Salem fighting to change the trajectory of our state, and I am enthusiastic and ready to be a part of it. Besides evening out the scale in Salem, there are a few key issues I want to address in my first legislative session. A lot of it has to do with accountability for policies passed. There are a lot of policies coming out of Salem that we know are harming our communities.

“Before the legislature piles on more legislation, I would like to see some of this legislation reviewed, fixed, or repealed. I would love to see a repeal of the death tax and CAT (Corporate Activity Tax); agricultural overtime amended; a revised funding formula for our education system, and restored education/graduation requirements; and much less red tape and tax burdens for businesses.”

Roy Kaufmann SUBMITTED

Amanda Staehely SUBMITTED

RECIPIENT OF FOUR AWARDS: 2 026 Pacific NW News Conference

OREGON NEWSPAPER PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION (ASSOCIATE MEMBER PUBLICATIONS CATEGORY)

In competition with publications in Oregon, Washington and Idaho.

General Excellence

SECOND PLACE

Staff

Judge’s comment: “You had me at ‘Teacher Meg.’ That was a story anyone in the community could relate to.”

Graphics

FIRST PLACE

“Teenage Homelessness” designed by Tavis Bettoli-Lotten - January 1, 2025 Judge’s comment: “Powerful graphics for an important story.”

Best Editorial Column FIRST PLACE

“A Slice of the Pie” by Melissa Wagoner May 15, 2025

Judge’s comments: “Writing about yourself can easily slide into self-indulgence. But this columnist manages to explore such diverse topics as nostalgia, electric cars, and gun violence in a way that draws the reader into her own thinking and, in the end, prompts the reader to think. The writing is especially intimate and conversational.”

Best Editorial Column SECOND PLACE

“A Grin at the End” by Carl Sampson Dec. 1, 2025

Judge’s comments: “I was especially impressed by this columnist’s range of topics - home repair, the value of newspapers and cats. In each case, his column was insightful. His writing style drew me in from the first sentence and held my attention to the end.”

If you would like to support Our Town’s award winning, locally focused and independent news, please visit tinyurl.com/support-ourtown-news. Thank you!

Doula training Compass Perinatal Family and Community Support gets funding

By Melissa Wagoner

When Becky Gilliam became a parent, she learned the experience can be transformative, but isolating and overwhelming as well. And so, in 2021, determined to make the experience a positive one for other moms – she became a certified perinatal doula.

“A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period,” Gilliam – now the owner of Empowered Birth Care and board secretary for the nonprofit Compass Perinatal Family and Community Support – said. Adding,

“Unlike medical providers, doulas do not perform clinical tasks; instead, we focus on helping families feel informed, supported, heard, and empowered throughout the process… offering a steady, calm, and loving presence. Research consistently shows that doula support can improve birth outcomes and help families feel more confident and less isolated.… Doulas can

help people navigate the healthcare system, understand their options, build coping skills for labor, and receive compassionate support during pregnancy and postpartum recovery. For many families, especially those who may face barriers to care or lack strong support systems, having a doula can make a meaningful difference in both physical and emotional well being for the birthing person and their family.”

And even the community at large, which is why Compass Perinatal included the word “community” in the organization’s title.

“When families feel supported during pregnancy and postpartum, the effects ripple outward into healthier children, healthier parents, and stronger communities,” Gilliam explained. “We’re incredibly grateful for the partnerships, providers, and community members who believe in this work and are helping us expand access to compassionate perinatal care in our region.”

One of the most prominent supporters has been the Willamette Health Council – an entity overseeing PacificSource Community

Solutions, a Medicaid affiliated health insurance agency for Marion and Polk counties – which funded the development of the Traditional Health Worker Birth Doula Training program in 2025.

“This funding allowed us to build a local training pathway, reduce financial barriers for aspiring doulas, and invest in long-term community-based care infrastructure,” Gilliam said.

The first six-day in-person Birth Doula Training Program took place in February 2026 at no cost to the first four cohorts of students who committed to serving the Marion-Polk region as a community doula, which was a condition of the funding.

“Our first two trainings we held in Silverton have been incredibly encouraging and reaffirming of the need for this work in our community…” Gilliam said. Seventeen doulas had already graduated from the program when she spoke with Our Town “Each doula… brought their own unique stories, perspectives, and goals to support the families in their communities. We are

so grateful and proud…”

And excited to continue their mission.

“[W]e are currently accepting interest and registration inquiries for upcoming trainings through our website,” Gilliam said. “We especially encourage applicants from underrepresented and historically underserved communities to apply.”

The goal of Compass Perinatal is that everyone should have access to quality perinatal care. That includes “evidencebased childbirth education, culturally responsive care, postpartum support, and mental health resources.”

“By creating our nonprofit, we have the opportunity to reach more families in the perinatal period, build up the credibility of our organization, and also apply for funding to help sustain our work,” Gilliam said.

For information about Compass Perinatal Family and Community Support, to register for upcoming doula training courses or community birth classes or to obtain peer support, visit compassperinatal.com.

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Court roundup Prison for firearm threat

By Stephen Floyd

A Mount Angel man has been sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty to threatening another man with a firearm earlier this year.

Demetre Jean Marseille, 24, pleaded guilty July 20 in Marion County Circuit Court to unlawful use of a weapon, resisting arrest, felon in possession of a firearm and altering a firearm ID number.

He was sentenced to 36 months in prison with credit for nearly five months already served in the Marion County Jail while awaiting trial, and 24 months of post-prison supervision.

The court approved a higher sentence than normal after prosecutors argued incarceration was necessary for public safety due to Marseille’s threats of violence, use of a weapon and disregard laws.

Marseille was arrested Feb. 7 for an incident in Salem when he threatened a Salem man with a handgun. He was not allowed to possess the weapon due to a 2025 felony conviction for attempt to elude related to a 2023 domestic assault.

Prison time for drug sale

A Silverton man has been sentenced to more than three years in prison after pleading guilty to selling meth and running from police.

he fled in a vehicle, striking two other vehicles during the pursuit, according to police.

In a separate case, Reyna-Gutierrez pleaded guilty to shoplifting more than $1,000 in merchandise from Lowe’s Home Improvement. He was sentenced to six months in prison, to be served alongside his previous sentence.

Possible prison for elder theft

A Silverton man may be headed to prison for theft after allegedly failing to pay $300,000 in restitution to the estate of his late father-in-law.

Adam Eugene Kobs, 42, was scheduled to appear July 30 in Washington County Circuit Court for an alleged probation violation related to a series of thefts occurring in Forest Grove.

According to court records, Kobs and then-wife Mary Kobs, 42, stole large sums of cash from Mary Kobs’ father, Wayne Appleman, of Forest Grove, between 2015 and 2019. At the time the defendants were the legal caretakers of Appleman, who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

Both defendants pleaded guilty in 2021 to first-degree aggravated theft and first-degree criminal mistreatment. They were sentenced to five years of probation, with the possibility of three years in prison if probation was revoked.

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Francisco Javier Reyna-Gutierrez, 35, pleaded guilty May 21 in Marion County Circuit Court to delivery of methamphetamine, attempt to elude a police officer and felon in possession of a firearm.

He was sentenced to three years and five months in prison, and three years of post-prison supervision.

Reyna-Gutierrez was arrested Dec. 6, 2025, by the Salem Police Department after attempting to sell more than 10 grams of methamphetamine. When police initiated contact,

Adam Kobs has since legally changed his last name to “Hartmann.” Mary Kobs was granted a divorce in 2023 and now goes by Mary Curtis.

Restitution has yet to be paid, according to court records, and on May 26 prosecutors filed a motion to revoke Hartmann’s probation.

Appleman died in 2023 at age 85. His estate has filed a lawsuit in Washington County against Hartmann and Curtis to recover the stolen funds, as well as $600,000 in additional damages for elder abuse.

School Spotlight

Board outlines bond

By Stephen Floyd

The Silver Falls School District (SFSD) would have roughly $17 million more to work with than initially expected if voters pass a facilities bond this November, allowing for additional projects.

During the July 13 regular meeting of the SFSD Board, it was reported that renewal of a current bond expiring next year would raise an estimated $87 million, $7 million more than projected in June.

This revised figure was based on an analysis conducted by Piper Sandler that looked at historic interest rates and the total assessed value of properties within the district.

The expiring bond rate is $1.88 per $1,000 of assessed property value, and the proposed bond would keep this rate unchanged.

Then on July 21 the district learned it was approved for a $10 million grant from the state, which was offered as an incentive for voter support and would only be awarded if the bond passed.

That brings total project funding to $97 million and would allow for additional improvements including deferred maintenance and building upgrades throughout the district. The biggest projects for the proposed bond would be rebuilding Silverton Middle School and constructing a new K-8 school to replace Central Howell, Evergreen and Pratum schools.

The board is expected to vote on a resolution Aug. 10 that would formally place the bond on the Nov. 3 ballot. The resolution would include a specified list of proposed projects.

SFSD has been considering a facilities bond since a previous bond effort failed in November of 2023.

The previous bond would have raised $138 million to rebuild SMS and address deferred maintenance and upgrades at each of the district’s 11 campuses and the district

office. This would have raised taxes by $1.60 per $1,000 of assessed value.

The measure failed with 55.8 percent opposition, with many residents concerned about higher taxes and whether or not the district needed $138 million in building improvements. There were also questions about transparency and whether or not the district had given enough weight to community input when drafting the bond proposal.

The process for the current bond cycle included formation of a Long Range Facilities Committee, which helped lead a series of public meetings in early 2026. The committee worked with consultants from BRIC Architecture to study building needs and draft a recommendation to the board for necessary projects.

The committee’s report was presented to the board June 8 and highlighted the projects it believed “would provide the greatest overall improvement to district facilities.” At the time the estimated bond amount was $80 million.

Projects included rebuilding the middle school and a new westside k-8 school, as well as “select high-priority deferred maintenance projects across the district.” These included roof replacements and repairs, as well as HVAC, electrical and security upgrades and accessibility improvements at different facilities.

The report also identified a need for greater access to facilities that allow “hands-on science, art production, or CTE exploration” for grades 6th through 8th throughout the district.

On Aug. 10 the board is expected to finalize which aprojects will be included in the bond. The board meeting starts at 7 p.m. in the Silverton High School Library, 1456 Pine St., Silverton. The public is welcome to attend.

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Debut novel

By Brenna Wiegand

Rachel Stadeli, born and raised in Silverton, has published her first novel, As Good As Any Other. The book imagines the back story of Mrs. Jennings, the enthusiastic matchmaking widow from Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility.

“I’ve been writing stories since I was about five,” Stadeli said. “It’s always been a big part of my life.”

As a senior at Corban University, Stadeli was excited to learn the theater department would be performing Sense and Sensibility. She was cast as an older character: Mrs. Jennings.

“Here I am, 21, and they’re basically telling me I look like I’m around 50 years old,” she said with a laugh.

She was upset for about a week.

“I was having lunch with a friend who had also gotten a role she didn’t want,” she said. “However, we both really wanted to be in the play, so we decided to stick together and make the best of it.” As rehearsals

Silverton native inspired by Sense and Sensiblity stage role

progressed, Stadeli enjoyed playing Mrs. Jennings but struggled to connect with the character.

“I was trying to make her comic relief,” she said. “One of our assistant directors encouraged me to give her more depth, but I just didn’t know how. I started asking myself what could have happened to her in her youth.”

The breakthrough came during a scene in which Mrs. Jennings enthusiastically promises Dashwood sisters husbands.

“Another assistant director encouraged me to think about why she was so adamant about finding them husbands,” Stadeli said.

While many viewed the character as simply meddling, Stadeli saw something more. “If you look at the time period, marriage was a woman’s security,” she said. “Without an inheritance or a husband, a woman’s options were few and far between. If you didn’t have a sister to live with, you could wind up on the streets, in prostitution, or any number of bad situations.”

In that moment, she imagined that Mrs. Jennings must have had someone close to her suffer that fate.

“Knowing this woman’s backstory, I knew where I was operating from,” she said. “Everything just simplified in my brain, and I was able to make her so much deeper for the rest of the show.”

By the time the production ended, Stadeli knew the story needed to be written.

“I finished my first draft within a month,” she said.

Although she received encouraging responses from publishers and literary agents, Stadeli ultimately chose to selfpublish.

“I chose to self-publish for creative control and for the community of self-publishing authors. There’s no sense of competition. We’re all here to support each other.”

She promotes the novel primarily through Instagram. Closer to home, word of mouth has also helped.

“In the first few weeks it was available for preorder, I sold 30 copies.”

Now 29, Stadeli credits her family for encouraging her dream from the beginning.

“My family has always taken my writing seriously, and I really, really appreciate that,” she said. She has another novel scheduled for release in October and says she plans to keep writing for the rest of her life.

“Whether I get to do it full time or part time, I have an entire Mason jar full of ideas.”

Rachel Stadeli as Mrs. Jennings in Sense and Sensibility. CATHY STADELI

Business Ready to grow

By Melissa Wagoner

During the seven-plus years Abigail Coleman taught preschool, she observed that each family’s childcare needs were  almost as unique as the children themselves.  And so, when it came time to open her own childcare facility – The Learning Grove in Silverton – she wanted to offer as much flexibility as she could, while still offering the best education possible.

“Whether a family is looking for preschool only, full-day care, part-time care, beforeand after-school care, school break care, or summer camps, I wanted The Learning Grove to be a place they could rely on throughout their child’s early years,” she said. “I believe all families need access to programs that support high quality learning. My goal is to create continuity for children while providing flexibility and peace of mind for parents.”

Offering both full-time (Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and part-time (Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m.

The Learning Grove plans September opening in Silverton

to 12:30 p.m.) care for children ages three to five, Coleman and a team of qualified educators will lead the Learning Grove’s preschool program.

“Our curriculum is grounded in research on how young children learn best, allowing us to intentionally support their social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and fine motor development,” Coleman described. “Children participate in hands-on learning experiences in literacy, early writing, math, science, art, music, social studies, and social-emotional learning, with activities designed to build skills through exploration, repetition, and meaningful engagement… Our goal is to foster independence, confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning while preparing children for kindergarten.”

Currently renovating a 4,000-square-foot facility on the west end of Pine Street to include “three large classrooms, a spacious indoor gross motor playroom with an indoor playground, a dramatic play village where children can learn through imaginative play,

The Learning Grove

Offering full-day and half-day preschool to children ages three to five, before- and after-school care for children aged three to 12, and camps for children aged three to 12.

1726 Pine St., Silverton

An open house is planned for prospective families prior to the center’s opening in September. For information visit silvertonlearninggrove.com or follow the social media handle silvertonlearninggrove.

and a large outdoor playground designed for active exploration,” The Learning Grove plans to be open in September, by the start of the 2026-2027 school year.

“From the beginning, this project has been about more than opening a childcare center,” Coleman, who was raised in Silverton, said. “Every classroom, every learning space, and every detail of the renovation has been intentionally designed with children’s development in mind. We’ve carefully created an environment that encourages curiosity, creativity, independence, and meaningful play because we believe the spaces children learn in matter greatly. Our vision is to provide high-quality early childhood education while creating a welcoming place where children feel safe, families feel supported, and learning is filled with joy, exploration, and purpose. We are excited to become a part of the Silverton community and look forward to helping children learn, grow, and thrive for years to come.”

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Caldwell

Abigail Coleman SUBMITTED

The data on energy drinks and teens isn’t good

By Melissa Wagoner

Caffeine is a naturally occurring substance that has been utilized throughout human history for a variety of medical purposes including in the neonatal intensive care unit where it is sometimes used to wean premature babies off a ventilator, according to Dr. Mark Helm, a pediatrician and owner of Small Town Pediatrics in Silverton.

“It is sometimes used to help keep them breathing,” Dr. Helm confirmed. “It seems to keep them just irritated enough that they don’t fully relax into a pattern of too slow breathing.”

More commonly, caffeine is an ingredient in some over-the-counter pain relievers used for migraine or menstrual cramps and as a remedy to maintain alertness.

“[C]affeine is the most commonly used psychoactive drug on the planet,” Erik Cross, the Physical Education and Health Department lead at Silverton High School, said. “It is mild and can allow us to be more

alert and awake. Responsible and sensible use can be done safely in most people.”

But today’s energy drinks – many of them boasting caffeine levels three times what’s found in an eight-ounce cup of coffee, five times what’s found in a 12-ounce caffeinated soda, and seven times what’s found in an eight-ounce cup of tea – are a different story.

“[I]n my opinion, energy drinks, as well as the high calorie coffee and tea drinks, have more downside than upside, especially for young, growing bodies,” Cross said.

That’s because a 16-ounce energy drink not only contains three times the caffeine recommended for children under 18, according to Dr. Helm, but also additives like guarana and taurine and either sugar or an artificial sweetener, which Cross said is a potentially harmful combination – especially in high doses.

“I have seen a lot of young people drinking several of these drinks a day,” he pointed out. “The result is a chronically stimulated

nervous system, potentially triggering the stress response and chronic anxiousness in many.”

And because the stimulants in energy drinks are habit-forming, they keep people either coming back for more or dealing with withdrawal symptoms like irritability, fatigue and lack of motivation.

“To counter these, we often increase low nutrient-dense, ultra-processed, high sugar/ fat, quick and easy food choices… reduce physical activity, are less productive… or go back to the artificial stimulant to get out of the ‘low’ we are feeling,” Cross said.

It’s a cycle that is not only uncomfortable but potentially dangerous, according to emergency medicine specialist, Dr. Michael McQueen who said what concerns him most about current energy drink trends is the research that shows 75 percent of energy drink consumers are also under the influence of substances like alcohol or – in the case of teens – ADHD medications such as Ritalin.

“I think the most concerning one is probably the alcohol…” Dr. McQueen said. “Because anything that makes you think you’re up, so you don’t know how down you [actually] are…your body hates that, and it can have a cardiotoxic affect.”

It’s a phenomenon America’s Poison Centers – which oversee the nation’s Poison Help Line – documented in a 2024 article that detailed a 24.4 percent increase in calls reporting a possible energy drink overdose in a person under 20. Described symptoms documented included both mild indications – insomnia, increased heart rate and blood pressure, tremors, nervousness, anxiety, irritability, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea – and serious ones – difficulty breathing, seizures and irregular heartbeat – which required immediate medical attention.

“I’ve received reports for kids who had heart palpitations, sweating and enough concern for their behavior that they needed to be assessed in the ER,” Dr. Helm said of his own experience.

Likewise, Dr. McQueen has also witnessed patients exhibiting these symptoms. But what concerns him most isn’t what he is seeing or what has been reported to poison control, but rather the extreme energy drink usage that is going unnoticed, especially amongst athletes who may be using the beverages to keep weight off or heighten short-term performance.

“The risk of giving your all while running down the sidelines or hitting someone as hard as you can [after drinking an energy drink] there’s a risk of arrhythmia…” he said. “I think parents should be worried about it, or at the very least they shouldn’t enable them by purchasing it.”

Instead, both Dr. McQueen and Dr. Helm recommend parents consider the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendations that children under 18 avoid caffeinated beverages altogether. Or, if that is unrealistic, that children between the age of 12 and 18 ingest no more than 100mg of caffeine per day. And for all ages they additionally suggest a diet including as little added sugar as possible.

“Excess calorie intake – especially from the kinds of sweeteners used by the beverage industry – contribute to short and long term health risks,” Dr. Helm explained.

And that includes tooth decay which, for those who regularly drink energy drinks, is an increased risk.

“Energy drinks are highly acidic and can

break down the protective enamel layer of our teeth. Especially if the drink is paired with sugar, it can be a recipe for disaster,” Kendra Coxen, a dental hygienist for the past 14 years, said. “Not only will it increase your risk of cavities, but it can also cause sensitivity, discoloration of the teeth, and gum irritation that can lead to gingival recession (shrinking of the gumline).”

And some of these symptoms – particularly “when decay has broken through the enamel layer” are irreversible, a fact Coxen thinks parents should know.

“Children and teens have one of the highest age risk windows for tooth decay due to frequent snacking, developing teeth, and improper brushing/flossing techniques and habits,” she said. “With energy drinks being constantly marketed toward teens, this puts them at a significantly higher risk of having adverse effects on the teeth.”

Those marketing trends – which allow children of all ages to purchase energy drinks without parental knowledge or consent from stores, coffee shops and vending machines – are what McQueen (the father of two teenage sons) wants parents to be aware of.

“Males [in particular] are more susceptible to that caffeine… and it’s specifically marketed to males,” he said. “They’re pretty colors and they’re bright and shiny.”

They’re also habit-forming, a detail Cross hopes his students will consider when deciding whether to make energy drinks a part of their daily life.

“Our habits have some of the greatest impact on our health and well-being,” he pointed out. “Selecting which habits we pattern in our life can determine positive or negative health outcomes. I encourage the students I teach to establish as many healthy habits as they can. As for the less healthy habits (maybe the use of energy drinks), I ask them to reflect on and research what impact these habits have in the short and long term. If the habit is only serving them in the moment but has a negative impact on who they want to be or how they want to feel today, a year, five years, etc., it is time to make adjustments.”

Experts say young people should be cautious with energy drinks and caffeine consumption.

Frequent Addresses

Mt. Angel Public Library, 290 E Charles St. Silver Falls Library, 410 S Water St. Silverton Arts Association, 303 Coolidge St. Silverton Council Chambers, 410 N Water St. Silverton 50+ Center, 115 Westfield 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 4 - 6 p.m. Tues., 9 a.m. - noon Thurs. 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

Senior Meals, 11:30 a.m., Silverton 50+ Center. Congregate dining. Congregate dining repeats Tuesday, Thursday. Delivery Monday-Friday. $3 suggested donation. Make reservations three days in advance. Age 60+. 503-873-6906

Silverton Recovery AA, noon - 1 p.m., SACA, 1030 N First St., Suite B, Silverton. Seven days a week.

Free Monday Dinner, 5:30 - 7 p.m., Oak Street Church, 502 Oak St., Silverton. Sit down or take to go. All welcome. Free. 503-873-5446, oakstchurch@gmail.com Tuesday

Bible Study, 10 a.m. - noon, Silverton First Christian Church, 402 N First St. All welcome. 503-873-6620

Senior Meals, 11:30 a.m., Mt. Angel Community Center, 195 E Charles St. Congregate dining and delivery available Tuesday, Thursday. Age 60+. $3 suggested donation. 503-845-9464 APPY Hour, noon - 1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Technical assistance for electronic devices. 971-370-5040

Silverton Mainstay, 1 - 4 p.m., Silverton United Methodist Church, 203 W Main St. Community space and activities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Repeats Thursday. silvertonmainstay.org

Mission Benedict Food Pantry, 1 - 4 p.m., 870 S Main St., Mt. Angel. Repeats 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Wednesday, 1 - 3 p.m. Thursday, Friday. 503-385-3231

Growing Awareness, Nurturing Compassion, 7 - 8:30 p.m. Zoom. Secular presentation promoting mindfulness. No experience needed. Invite: 971-218-6641, compassionatepresence@yahoo.com.

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, 9:30 a.m. - noon, Trinity Lutheran Church, 500 N Second Ave., Silverton. trinitysilverton@gmail.com

Boogie Woogie Wednesdays, 10 a.m., Silver Falls Library. Ages 0-4. 503-873-8706

Family Storytime & Indoor Playtime, 10:30 a.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Ages 25 w/adult. Free. 971-370-5040

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, 822 NE Industrial Way, Silverton. 503-873-7353

Crochet Club, 2 - 4 p.m., Silver Falls Library. Learn to crochet. All supplies provided. Free. Repeats 4 - 5:30 p.m. Friday. 503-873-8706

Thursday

Thursday Painters, 10 a.m. - noon, Silverton Arts Association. Join other artists for open studio time. Free. 503-873-2480

Baby Birds Storytime, 11 a.m., Silver Falls Library. Stories, music, bubbles. Ages 0-4. Free. Repeats Friday. 503-873-8706

TOPS (Take Pounds Off Sensibly), 6 p.m., United Methodist Church, 203 W Main St., Silverton. Weight loss with continued support. First meeting free. Monthly dues $4. All welcome. David, 503-501-9824

Friday

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 ages welcome. Free.

Silverton Sisterhood AKA Chicks

Connect, 9 - 10:30 a.m., Silverton 50+ Center. Women’s group focused on personal and professional growth. New members welcome. Sue Brown, 925-890-4656, suebrownpremier@gmail.com

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

Silverton Ukulele Network, 1 - 2:30 p.m., Silverton 50+ Center. Song circle. Free. All welcome. 503-873-3093

Stand for Democracy, 2 - 4 p.m., Main Street, Silverton. Advocate to protect and strengthen American democracy and call attention to issues that threaten it. Sidewalk just above Silverton Town Square Park. Open to all. Signs welcome. robertjsisk@yahoo.com, 503-873-5307

Saturday

Silverton Farmer’s Market, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Silverton United Methodist Church, 204 W Main St. silvertonfarmersmarket.com

Saturday Serenity Al-Anon Family Group, 10 a.m., Zoom. For families and friends of alcoholics. Zoom link: Janet.h.salem23@gmail.com

Silverton Country Historical Museum, 1 - 4 p.m., 428 S Water St. Repeats Sunday. Open to public. 503-873-7070. Art of Mindfulness Meditation, 2 - 3:30 p.m. Silverton Arts Center. No experience needed. Dave Steinberg, 971-218-6641.

Class Reunions

Silverton High Class of 1961 – 4:30 p.m., Aug. 7, Mt. Angel Towers, 1 Towers Lane. 65-year reunion celebration. $20/ person. RSVP: Nancy Ohren, 503-9894796; Carole Christensen, 503-703-8897

St. Boniface High All-School – 1 - 4 p.m., Aug. 9, Early Settlers Park, 245 NW Johnson St., Sublimity. Bring chairs, snack and drinks. janschott621@hotmail.com

Regis High Class of 1996 – 5 p.m., Aug. 22, Snow Peak Brewing, 280 E Water St., Stayton. Visit with classmates and spouses. Food truck onsite for dinner. No-host. ‘90s music. Minors welcome.

Saturday, Aug. 1

Free Nitrate Screening

9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Silverton Farmers Market, 203 W Main St. Bring ½ cup unfiltered well water in clean cup. Free. Provided by OSU Extension Service. All-day Art Event

9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Create a piece for the library’s “Nature Walk” art contest. Participants will create a mixed-media 4x4 wooden block. Pieces due by Aug. 8. Winners determined by library patrons. All ages. Free. 971-370-5040

Sunday, Aug. 2

Community Picnic

Noon - 4 p.m., Geercrest Farm, 12390 NE Sunnyview Road, Salem. Indigenous farming demo, Aztec dancers, games, free ice cream. Bring a dish to share. Free. info@silvertonfood.coop, geercrest.org

Monday, Aug. 3

Music Mondays

6:30 - 8 p.m., Old Mill Park, 412 S Water St., Silverton. Free concerts in the park presented by Silverton Friends of Music. Today: Timothy James Duo. 8/10: Billy and the Rockets. 8/17: Matt & the Monkats. 8/24: Best Day Ever! 8/31: The Finn Yang Quintet. silvertonfriendsofmusic.org

Mt. Angel City Council

7 p.m., Mount Angel Public Library. Open to public. 503-845-9291, ci.mt-angel.or.us

Tuesday, Aug. 4

BEE Amazed

4 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Museum of Natural and Cultural History presents discussion about bees. Free. All ages. 971-370-5040

National Night Out

5 - 7 p.m., Silverton Police Department, 411 N First St. Emergency preparedness fair, face painting, community resource fair & more. Silver Dogs and Kona Ice. Free. Open to all. 503-873-5326

Mt. Angel National Night Out

Wednesday, Aug. 5

Storytime in the Garden

10:30 - 11 a.m., The Oregon Garden, 879 W Main St., Silverton. Meet by pirate ship in children’s area. Preschool-age children. Free admission using your CCRLS library card. mtangelpubliclibrary.com, silverfallslibrary.org

Deaf Community Social

3 p.m., Silverton 50+ Center. Gathering for the Deaf community and ASL conversant. Repeats Aug. 19. 503-769-3093

Silverton City Council

6:30 p.m., Council Chambers. Work session followed by regular meeting. Open to public. 503-873-5321, silverton.or.us

Scotts Mills City Council

7 p.m., Scotts Mills City Hall, 265 Fourth St. Open to public. scottsmills.org

Thursday, Aug. 6

Amazon Basin

4 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Oregon Coast Aquarium presents a dive into the world of the Amazon River Basin. Learn about animals, plants and ecosystem of South America’s largest river. All ages. Free. 971-370-5040

SHS Alumni & Friends Reunion Party

5 - 9 p.m., Mt. Angel Festhelle, 500 S Wilco Hwy. Sponsored by Silverton High School Alumni Association. No-host bar. Buffet dinner at 6:30 p.m. Tickets and more information at shsfoxes.com.

Homer Kick Off Party

6 - 10 p.m., downtown Silverton. Live music. Make a purchase at any downtown Silverton business during the week leading up Homer Davenport Days, bring your receipt to the event and enjoy a free beer, cider or wine. Must be 21+ with valid ID. homedavenport.com

Silverton Lions Club

7 p.m., Silverton Immanuel Lutheran Church, 303 N Church St. New members welcome. Aug. 20. Dagmar, 971-720-3811

Friday, Aug. 7

Train Museum Storytime

10:30 a.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Storytime at library followed by a trip to the Train Museum. Spots are limited. Call or visit library to sign up. 971-370-5040

Home Davenport Community Festival

6 p.m., Garfield Street, Mt. Angel. Food, music. discovermtangel@gmail.com.

11 a.m. - 8 p.m., Coolidge McClaine Park, Silverton. Arts, crafts, food, music, parade, Davenport races, beer festival, derby races. Free admission. Repeats 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Aug. 8; 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Aug. 9. For a complete list of events, visit homerdavenport.com.

LEGO Challenge

3 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Build an ocean-themed creation to display at the library. All ages. Free. 971-370-5040

Lunaria Opening Reception

6 - 8 p.m., Lunaria Gallery, 113 N Water St., Silverton. Meet the artists for Lunaria’s August shows. Main Floor Gallery: “All Things Bright and Beautiful, All Creatures Great and Small,” ceramics by Marta Magistrali and paintings by Margaret Plumb. Loft Gallery: “Tree, River, Sky,” plein air paintings by Cynthia Herron. Free. 503-873-7734, lunariagallery.com

Saturday, Aug. 8

Harvest Breakfast

7 a.m. - noon, Coolidge McClaine Park, 300 Coolidge St., Silverton. Lions Club all-youcan-eat pancakesbreakfast. $10/adults. $5/ youth 10 and under. Repeats Aug. 9. Homer Days Car Show

9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Potter’s Auto Specialties, 205 S First Avenue, Silverton. KIZN FM DJ, 50/50 drawing, t-shirts for sale. $20 entry fee. Sponsored by Silverton FlyWheels. silvertonflywheels@gmail.com

Run the Mile

9:45 a.m., Silverton. Runners gather at N Water and Brown streets to run Homer parade route. Winners introduced on Homer Music Stage at 1:30 p.m. Register at runsignup.com or day of race before 9:30 a.m. Entry $10/person or $20/entire family. 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. Free. All ages. 503-897-8796

Sunday, Aug. 9

Silverton Downtown Walk

10 a.m., Safeway, 301 Westfield St., Silverton. Join Willamette Wanderers as they walk 5K/10K routes through downtown Silverton. Leashed dogs welcome. Meet between 9:45 and 10 a.m. Julia, 541-967-3001

Second Chance Market

Noon - 3 p.m., Earthlight Solar, 812 McClaine St., Silverton. Silverton Food Co-op selling perishable produce left at the end of the day from Silverton Farmer’s Market. Produce sells for the same price it was offered by the farmer on Saturday. Farmers and Silverton Food Co-op split the proceeds 50/50. silvertonfood.coop

Scotts Mills Historical Museum

Noon - 4 p.m., 210 Grandview Ave., Scotts Mills. Open for public browsing. Free. Open by appointment by contacting Joe Plas, 503-871-9803; ksplonski@aol.com

Scotts Mills Homecoming Picnic

Noon, Scotts Mills City Park, 330 First St. 503-873-5435

Monday, Aug. 10

Mt. Angel School District Board

6:30 p.m., St. Mary’s Public School, 590 E College St. Open to public. masd91.org Silver Falls School District Board

7 p.m., Silverton High, 1456 Pine St. Open to public. 503-873-5303, silverfallsschools.org

Tuesday, Aug. 11

Dementia Caregiver Support

1 p.m., Silverton 50+ Center. Learn practical tools, new resources and make emotional connections with other caregivers. Free. 503-768-3039

Germination Station

4 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Watch as a seed turns to a sprout and then a plant. Ages 4-12. Free. 971-370-5040

Ukulele Play and Sing-Alongs

6 - 7:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. Ukulele lesson followed by play and sing-along time for all skill levels. Music provided; bring ukulele. 503-873-8796

Silverton Planning Commission

6:30 p.m., Council Chambers. Open to public. 503-874-2212, silverton.or.us

Thursday, Aug. 13

Wonders of the Sea

11 a.m., Silverton 50+ Center. Dive into stories, interactive trivia and underwater discoveries. Open to all. 503-873-3093

Red Cross Blood Drive

12:30 - 5:30 p.m., Immanuel Lutheran Church, 303 N Church St., Silverton. For appointments visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767.

Book Pre-sale for Teachers

4 - 5:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. Used book pre-sale for teachers only. Venmo, cash or check. Benefits Friends of Silver Falls Library.

Writing Group

6 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. A short warm-up followed by a fun challenge with a group of fellow writers. Teens & adults. Free. 971-370-5040

Silverton Zenith Women’s Club

6:30 p.m., Silver Creek Fellowship. Refreshments and fellowship followed by a meeting at 7 p.m. All welcome. Becky, 971-600-4713

Friday, Aug. 14

Mount Angel Garage Sales

All day. City-wide garage sale. Sign up by Aug. 7 to be placed on official flyer. Listing free for residents. $5/businesses. Repeats Aug. 15. 503-845-9291

Summer Book Sale

10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Silver Falls Library. All genres. Venmo, cash or check. Repeats 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Aug. 15. Benefits Friends of Silver Falls Library.

Summer Reading Closing Ceremonies

Noon, Mt. Angel Public Library. Games, crafts and activities, drawing grand prize winners. 971-370-5040

Silverton Community Picnic

5 - 9 p.m., Coolidge McClaine Park, Silverton. Dinner, kid activities, resource tables, music. Open swim at pool. Free. Open to all.

Teen Hangout

6 p.m., Humpert Park, 400 Alder St., Mt. Angel. Make s’mores and sing karaoke. Kids and teens. 971-370-5040

MiScast: OUTcast

7 p.m., Brush Creek Playhouse, 11535 NE Silverton Road, Silverton. Focuses on Nina Simone and other great singers. Music, poetry, monologues and more. Repeats 7 p.m. Aug. 15, 2 p.m. Aug. 16. Tickets at brushcreekplayhouse.org.

Outdoor Movie Night

9 p.m., Humpert Park, 400 Alder St., Mt. Angel. Goat on the projector screen. Snacks. All ages. 971-370-5040

Saturday, Aug. 15

Murder Mystery

6:30 p.m., Paradis Vineyards, 17627 NE Abiqua Road, Silverton. Evening of mystery, wine, and delicious bites. $45/person. Reservations required by visiting paradisewine.com.

Monday, Aug. 17

Red Cross Blood Drive

11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Mt. Angel Fire Department, 300 Monroe St. For appointments visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767.

Vigil for Peace

2:30 - 3:30 p.m., Towne Square Park. Silverton People for Peace gather to advocate for peace, social justice issues. Open to all. 503-873-5307

Tuesday, Aug. 18

Grief Support Group

11 a.m., Silverton 50+ Center. Free grief group for anyone experiencing grief. Open to public. 503-873-3093

Puzzle Palooza

4 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Challenge yourself or a group to put together a jigsaw puzzle at the library. Free. All ages. 971-370-5040

Wednesday, Aug. 19

Silverton City Council

6:30 p.m., Council Chambers. Work session followed by regular meeting. Open to public. silverton.or.us

Thursday, Aug. 20

Silver Falls Film Festival

7 p.m., Palace Theatre, 200 N Water St., Silverton. Short films from films created locally to international treasures. $5/ general admission. $12/recliner seats. Tickets at silvertonarts.org. Mt. Angel Planning Commission

7 p.m., Mount Angel Public Library. Open to public. ci.mt-angel.or.us

Potluck Trivia

7 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Play solo or form a team of up to five adults. Prizes. Families welcome. Bring your favorite dish to share. 971-370-5040

Friday, Aug. 21

Red Cross Blood Drive

Noon - 5 p.m., Silverton Elks Lodge, 300 High St. For appointments call 800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org or

Chess Club

3 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Play chess with friends. Free. All ages. 971-370-5040

Saturday, Aug. 22

Silverton Arts Festival

10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Coolidge McClaine Park, 303 Coolidge St. Artists showcasing original works, pottery, jewelry, woodwork, textiles, photography, glass art and more. Live music, children’s activities, food and shopping. Free admission. Repeats 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Aug. 23. silvertonarts.org

Saalfeld House Open

11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Saalfeld House and Museum, 195 E College St., Mt. Angel. Saalfeld House is one of Mt. Angel’s oldest houses and the permanent home of Mt. Angel Historical Society. Open to public. Free. 503-845-9202

Community Appreciation Event

11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Silver Creek Animal Clinic, 874 McClaine St., Silverton. Tour clinic, meet staff. Games for all ages, along with food and refreshments. Free admission. All ages. Please leave pets at home.

Tuesday, Aug. 25

3D Model Making

4 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Create 3D model using open-source software. Laptops limited; bring own if possible. Teens and adults. Free. 971-370-5040

PFLAG Silverton

7 p.m., Oak Street Church, 502 Oak St., Silverton. Everyone welcome. Under 18 must have parent/guardian. Christy, 541786-1613, silvertonpflag@gmail.com

Wednesday, Aug. 26

TAB/Book Club

4:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Discuss The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. Afterward, meet for Teen Advisory Board (TAB) meeting. Pizza. Free. Ages 12-18. 971-370-5040

Thursday, Aug. 27

Cancer Support Group

11 a.m., Silverton 50+ Center. Free group for those affected by cancer. Open to public. 503-873-3093

Embroider It!

1 & 6:15 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Use the library’s embroidery patterns or create a design. Teens and adults. 971-370-5040

Friday, Aug. 28

Tabletop Gaming Club

3 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Join a team of heroes to explore the world of magic and mystery using D&D. No experience required. Free. Teens and adults. 971-370-5040

Family Movie Night

4:15 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. The Goofy Movie. Free admission and popcorn. All ages. 971-370-5040

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A True “Tale As Old As Time”

In the Disney film, Beauty and the Beast there is a theme song that begins with the line, “Tale as old as time.” It’s only about a fairy tale, but there is in fact a true tale that is as “old as time.” It is the old, old story of our creation, of the purpose of life, the rebellion of mankind, the judgment of God, and then, the mercy of God to provide for our reconciliation.

As old and simple as it is, many still find it hard to understand, let alone to believe. And so, let me tell the tale again, from the very beginning.

What Is the Purpose of

When most people think of the purpose of life they view it as something they get to choose for themselves. But that is a grave mistake. The purpose of life is not ours to define. Our purpose is defined by the One who made us, and His purpose for creating us is wonderful.

We are meant to be part of the display of God’s moral perfection — to put His goodness, His wisdom, His love, His zeal for justice and His mercy on visible display within our unique circumstances. We are to do what God would do. That is what it means to be “godly.” We are meant to be like God in every positive way.

This is what the Bible means when it speaks of being holy — to be totally focused on doing what pleases God. It is also what the Bible means when it speaks of God’s glory — to display His perfections. And so, since God created us to be holy, by being totally devoted to living for His glory, that is the purpose of life.

It’s a bit like a mosaic where each little tile plays its own small part in creating the larger picture. Each one of us is uniquely designed and equipped by God to play our part well, and without failure. Every human being has been designed, empowered and assigned by God to be exactly the person God made them to be. If we had all done so, it would have been truly glorious. God would have been displayed in our lives, if we had not rebelled against Him.

But, our first parents, Adam and Eve, were lied to by a rebel angel called Satan (see Gen. 3). He told Eve that if she disobeyed God’s command, by eating of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, she and her husband, Adam, would “be like God,” knowing both good and evil for themselves. Satan assured her that there was something better than the purpose of God for their lives. She believed Satan’s lie and both Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit. Their eyes were in fact opened, but instead of being “like God” the

way they had hoped, they were suddenly responsible to always do what is good, and to never do what is evil. But they were already guilty of disobeying God’s command in the first place. They were unable to save themselves from the death penalty God had told them would result.

Is This So Hard to Believe?

If all this seems incredible to you, reading as you are from a modern, scientific, materialistic worldview, let me point out that quantum physics is now catching up with the Bible. Mind-blowing discoveries concerning the nature of reality cause many to believe we are in fact living in a “designed reality,” created for us by a superior intelligence. If the brightest among us can believe that, is it too much to suggest that perhaps that “superior intelligence,” is the Creator God revealed to us in the Bible? We are living in what appears to have been a perfectly designed habitat. But, it is no longer perfect, for reasons my tale will explain.

So,

Back to the Story

God could have just destroyed Adam and Eve right then and there for their disobedience. But that would have destroyed, not only them, but also all of their posterity, before we were ever born. So, God chose instead to make life harder. He cursed the ground with weeds and thorns, making it more difficult for us to grow food. Childbirth for women would be more painful. Interspersed between sunshine and blue skies would come natural disasters. Tornadoes, volcanoes, earthquakes, floods, and plagues would occur without warning to keep us all in a state of insecurity. We would

by Gregg Harris

have to live in the ruins of what was once our perfect planet, and creation now groans. But not all hope was lost. God also promised to send a Savior who would one day defeat Satan. Though the penalties pronounced would still be enforced— Adam and Eve would eventually die physically—it would not after they had given birth to their children. Why? Because through their children all of mankind would eventually be born. In this way God established both justice toward all the rebellious, and mercy toward all who would repent and put their trust in Him.

Would It Work?

In the Garden God promised that one day “the Seed of the woman” (singular) would “crush the head” of the serpent, who is Satan, but in doing so, Satan would “bruise his heel” (Gen. 3:15). It would cost the Savior to win the battle. This prophecy has already been fulfilled by the virgin birth, the perfect life, the horrible death, and wonderful resurrection of Jesus Christ. He alone was “born of a woman”— the virgin Mary — without the involvement of any human father. Jesus is the Son of God. Then, He lived the perfect life of holy devotion to His Father’s glory that we have all failed to live. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). It is only Jesus who never sinned.

This “Seed of the woman” then voluntarily took

“When most people think of the purpose of life they view it as something they get to choose for themselves. But that is a grave mistake. The purpose of life is not our’s to define. Our purpose is defined by the One who made us, and His purpose for creating us is wonderful.”

the place of all those who repent of their sins and put their trust in Him. Jesus died on the cross for sinners. He had no debt of sin of His own to pay, and so His death is the only “extra death” in the accounting books of God’s justice. We are now able to transfer His death to our own account by faith, setting ourselves free from the punishment we deserve. Jesus died for sinners so that whoever believes in Him can be free to live for God’s glory, just as we were all intended to do from the beginning. The simplicity of this good news makes it all the more profound. We read in John 3:16, the

most famous verse in the Bible, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” It’s all there. Then, in order to prove that Christ’s sacrifice for us was sufficient, and that God’s plan of salvation truly works, God raised Jesus from the dead. Jesus is alive. He is alive right now. He is there to respond to our prayers as we repent of our sins and put our trust in Him. Through Jesus, God has kept His promise to Adam and Eve. Now we can all be restored to God’s purpose for our lives. We can be saved.

Seek First God’s Kingdom

By faith in Jesus Christ people all over the world are being “born again,” not only into the family of God as His sons and daughters, but also into the kingdom of God. Why is that important? It is because the kingdom of God is the means by which God generally provides for all the things we need in life (see Matt. 6:25-34). The kingdom of God is a set of “righteous relationships,” and when we “seek first God’s kingdom” and embrace God’s “righteousness” in each of the relationships that make up His kingdom — as husbands and wives, as children and parents, as employees and employers, as neighbors and friends, God’s provision flows to us, and through us, to meet the needs of others (see Eph. 5:22-6:9). This is why sins like thievery, drunkenness, sexual immorality, and even swindling, are all forbidden (1 Cor. 6:9). They break the kingdom relationships that God uses to provide for us over the course of our lifetime. When we break these relationships with sin, we, and everyone around us, suffer the painful consequences. This is truly “a tale as old as time.” We have all been created by God to fulfill His purpose for our lives. That purpose is to live for His glory. Though we have all sinned, by trusting in what Jesus has done for us we can still be reconciled to God and get back to fulfilling His purpose for our lives. That is the good news!

Questions? Call or text 971-370-0967

Attention All Christians!

Show your support for the gospel by joining with us as we march in The Homer Davenport Days Parade on Sat. August 8th!

We will gather at the Middle School at 9 A.M. Call 971-370-0967 to RSVP. For info go to NobleMenOfOregon.org

The views expressed by this advertiser do not necessarily represent the views of Our Town or its staff.

Gregg Harris, Teaching Pastor at GraciousCross.org

Passages

Ralph Kuenzi Dec. 13, 1933 – June 28, 2026

Ralph W. Kuenzi, a lifelong Salem resident and respected member of Oregon’s agricultural community, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2026, at the age of 92, surrounded by his family.

Born on Dec. 13, 1933 in Silverton to Harvey and Emma Kuenzi, Ralph built a lifetime of hard work, from farming and owning local businesses to becoming

a well-known agricultural equipment salesman throughout the Pacific Northwest.

In retirement, he enjoyed gardening, staying connected with family and friends, and sharing his lifelong passion for farming and farm equipment.

Ralph is survived by his wife, three daughters, two sons, two stepchildren, four grandchildren, and seven greatgrandchildren.

Zachary Jaxon Shetler Jan. 25, 2026 – April 25, 2026

Zachary Jaxon Shetler, was born on Jan. 25, 2026, at Ronald Reagan UCLA Hospital in Los Angeles, California, to Peter and Jenny Shetler, weighing four lbs., 14.3 oz.

Diagnosed in the womb with a severe heart defect and Edward’s Syndrome (Trisomy-18), doctors projected a grim prognosis for Zachary’s life. His family is thankful for the three months they had with him.

Miraculously, his heart started beating again, giving time for his dad, six of Zachary’s siblings, and his Shetler grandparents to make the drive down to Los Angeles and spend the next three days with him. However, his weakened body never fully recovered. After being held all day by each present family member, Zachary passed away peacefully on April 25.

Tom Bauman Sept. 16, 1946 – July 10, 2026

Lifelong Mount Angel resident and former Mayor Tom Bauman, a devoted public servant whose love for his community defined his life, has passed away.

Thomas Charles Bauman was born on Sept. 16, 1946, in Silverton, Oregon, to Ivo and Tecie (Barr) Bauman. He died in Mount Angel on July 10, 2026, following surgery. The oldest of seven children, Tom grew up in Mount Angel, a place that remained central to his life and to the many ways he served others.

Tom graduated from Mt. Angel Preparatory High School in 1964. After graduation, he attended the University of Portland, then transferred to Mt. Angel College, earning a degree in mathematics in 1968. That fall, Tom enlisted in the United States Air Force. He married Diane Smith in 1969, and they made their first home in Fairfield, California, near the Air Force base.

After four years in the Air Force, Tom began a 36-year career at the Mt. Angel Telephone Company. He started as an accountant, and later served as President from 1989 until he retired in 2008. While Tom’s professional life was important, his passion was serving his community. His decades-long public service began in 1975, when he joined the Mt. Angel Planning Commission. He was elected to the Mt. Angel City Council in 1980 and served until 1989. In 1998, Tom was elected again to the council by write-in vote. In 2004 he was chosen by the council to serve as Mayor of Mount Angel, and was later elected to a second term.

During his short life, Zachary received excellent care at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital with his parents by his side. Hundreds of people prayed and followed his daily life through CaringBridge.org.

Zachary underwent open-heart surgery on March 6 to reconstruct his aorta arch, which was successfully performed. Zachary developed complications from his heart surgery that affected his lymphatic system, causing numerous delays in his recovery progress. Despite improvement and plans to transfer him to Oregon for breathing support, his heart stopped on April 22 during a chest drain tube placement.

Zachary’s parents cherish the time spent with him: gazing into his eyes, holding his fingers, stroking his hair, snuggling him and seeing his personality shine through as he captured the hospital staff’s hearts. Zachary’s name means God remembers and Jaxon means God is merciful.

The family would like to thank the UCLA medical staff for their outstanding care; family, friends, and followers for all their prayers, and physical and financial support; Ronald McDonald Westside Los Angeles House, MamaBearCare.org, and Unger Funeral Home for arrangements.

Laurel Fisher May 9, 1939 – June 16, 2025

Laurel Fisher was born in New Rockford, North Dakota. He died on June 16, 2025 in Vancouver, Washington.

Laurel came to Silverton with his parents, Steve and Cecile, around 1949. He ultimately joined the Silverton Police Department, and later the Woodburn Police Department. He then worked at

MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility until his retirement. He enjoyed fishing and hunting with his dad and brothers.

There will be a graveside memorial service on Aug. 15, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Bethany Cemetery, followed by a gathering at Monty and Mary’s home at 10475 Hazelgreen Road, Silverton.

Tom’s involvement with nonprofit and community organizations demonstrated his care for the broader community. He lent his time and leadership to many groups, including North Willamette Valley Habitat for Humanity, Mt. Angel Training Center, Benedictine Sisters Advisory Board, Benedictine Foundation of Oregon, Oregon Community Foundation Advisory Council, Mt. Angel Area Development Corporation, Silverton Health Foundation, Providence Benedictine Nursing Center Foundation, and the Mt. Angel Community Foundation. He was especially proud of the work he did in helping build the Mt. Angel City Library, and in establishing two endowed scholarship funds through the Mt. Angel Community Foundation.

Tom’s passions included tending to his vegetable and flower garden, and spending time outdoors. He enthusiastically cheered on local sports teams, especially when one of his grandkids was participating. And anyone at a table with him knew he especially enjoyed a good card game.

Tom’s near-daily routine included morning coffee with his closest friends. His memory for birthdays was legendary – he rarely missed the chance to remind others whose special day it was. And he especially loved Mount Angel Oktoberfest, because it provided four days filled with stories and reconnecting with friends.

Tom’s children and grandchildren were his greatest source of pride. Tom is survived by his wife, Diane (Smith) Bauman; his children, Trina Bauman of Silverton, Matthew Bauman of Mount Angel, and Teresa Bauman of Mount Angel; and his grandchildren, Clay Dummer, Kyle Dummer, Luka Bauman, and Liesl Bauman. He is also survived by his siblings: Jean Jensen of Portland; Mary Madison of Corvallis; Virginia Adams of Keizer; John Bauman of El Sobrante, California; Joe Bauman of Tumwater, Washington; and Jim Bauman of Lake Oswego.

Tom’s life was one of quiet dedication – to his family, his community, and the people around him. His steady leadership, generosity, and deep love for Mount Angel will be remembered by all who knew him. And the advised fund he and his wife created through the Oregon Community Foundation will provide support to community organizations for generations to come.

Memorial gifts may be made to North Willamette Valley Habitat for Humanity or to the Mt. Angel Community Foundation: Tom & Diane Bauman Scholarship Fund.

A funeral mass was held at St. Mary Catholic Church in Mount Angel. Tom is interred at Calvary Cemetery Mount Angel.

Richard Hammelman Dec. 14, 1948 – June 30, 2026

Richard John Hammelman was born on Dec. 14, 1948, at Silverton Hospital. He passed away on June 30, 2026, in Portland, Oregon.

Richard was born to Francis and Adelene (Bochsler) Hammelman and attended Mt. Angel Prep, graduating from John F. Kennedy High School in 1967 and Salem Tech in Mechanical Engineering in 1969.

He lived the majority of his life in the Mount Angel area, where he farmed, raised his family, and was a lifelong parishioner of St. Mary Catholic Church. Rich served three terms as Monitor School Board Chairman, was part of the Monitor Rural Fire Board, and was awarded NORPAC cauliflower grower of the year. He also served in the

Woodburn National Guard.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Marylee Shaeffer and Diane Sowa. He leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Marilyn; daughter LaVonne (Matt) Mattison; sons Ben (Katie) Hammelman and children Clayton, Hank, Sofia, and Luke; and Bruce (Claire) Hammelman and children

Mark, Grace, John, Andrew, and Jacob; two brothers, Fr. William Hammelman OSB, and Dan (Bernadette) Hammelman.

The recitation of the rosary was held on July 7 with mass of Christian Burial on July 8, both at St. Mary Catholic Church. He is interned at Calvary Cemetery Mount Angel. Arrangements by Unger Funeral Chapel.

Submissions welcomed: If there an obituary of a local resident you’d like to share, send it to ourtown.life@mtangelpub.com or mail it to Editor, Our Town, P.O. Box 927, Mount Angel, OR 97362, or drop it by our office at 401 Oak St., Silverton any weekday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Clifton McKinley Feb. 10, 1948 – July 4, 2026

Clifton “Clif” Ronald McKinley passed away at home surrounded by loved ones. Clif was born in Warsaw Township, Minnesota, to Ronald and Amy McKinley. He was the seventh child of 14. In 1959 the McKinley family moved to Oregon, settling in Scotts Mills.

In 1962 Clif met Rosemary Barber who became his high school sweetheart and they married in 1966. Clif also enlisted in the US Navy in the summer of ’66 and was stationed in California. Their first child, Jeff, was born in 1967. Once discharged, Clif returned to Oregon and moved his family to Silverton, where they would have three more children, twin daughters Candy and Sandy, and another son, Randy.

Clif spent the majority of his life working the lumber industry. Clif and Rosie were fond of good Sunday drives. They spent much of their free time square dancing with the Capitol 8s and then

the Willamette Squares. They eventually transitioned to managing hotels on the Oregon Coast, before returning to the Valley to manage apartments and storage complexes.

In their retirement, Clif and Rosie spent much of their time attending the events of their 13 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

In 2009 Clif was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer which he beat and was in remission for the last 17 years. Clif enjoyed being with his family, whether it was a picnic or just hanging out at home.

Clif will be missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers and sister.

Clif spent the better part of 64 years with Rosie, setting a fine example for his family that the world’s wealth is in love.

The family is hosting a Celebration of Life on Aug. 30 at Willamette Mission State Park (parking fees will apply).

Memory Of

James Taylor Williams

June 12, 1941 - June 17, 2026

LaVonne “Bonnie” Lee Goode Sept. 21, 1934 - July 4, 2026

Thomas Charles Bauman Sept. 16, 1946 - July 10, 2026

Jose Angel Zepeda March 19, 1961 - July 13, 2026

Frederic Fabian Aranas April 28, 1939 - July 13, 2026

Marian T. Bielemeier May 14, 1927 - July 17, 2026

Silverton boys hoops

Andrew Vancil has taken over as the boys basketball coach at Silverton High. Vancil, who coached most recently at Beaverton, replaces David Morgan, who was 24-24 in two years with the Foxes.

Vancil, 39, was born in Beaverton and grew up there, ultimately graduating from Beaverton High. He eventually became head coach at Beaverton in 2014 and was 189-114, won four Metro titles and twice led the Beavers to the Class 6A semifinals.

I want my players to have a positive experience. I want them to become better people after playing for me. I want them to come back after they graduate and feel like they have a basketball home. I want my teams to play with purpose and max effort. If we do that every night I am a happy coach. I take pride in being a classy program. My teams have won the sportsmanship award at the 6a state tournament twice and one time at the LSI. We want to win, compete with class, and improve each time we step on the floor. We want our players from 3rd 12th grade taking a ton of pride in being a Silverton Hooper.

Is there anything else that you would like to add?

His family recently put in an offer on a home near the Silverton Community Pool and he said he hoped to move in this month.

Vancil comes from Beaverton to take over Foxes

Dan Lever was able to lead the 2025 squad to a class 5A state title.

The administration and AD have been great at Silverton. It has been a really nice change and a breath of fresh air. I am very thankful for everyone who has been so welcoming and supportive.I am excited to get going!

he placed 164th out of 402 participants.

Also participating were James Stearns, Emmett Von Flue, William Von Flue, and Joseph Clotfelter. Coaching the squad at nationals was Fred Zurbrugg. The team resumes another season in the fall. Interested shooters should email Zurbrugg at silvertontrapteam@gmail.com.

Gymnastics: The Silverton Gymnastics Academy has received a statewide sportsmanship award for this year’s state championships in Salem.

I am currently holding interviews for frosh, jv, and varsity assistant coaches at the high school level. If you are interested in talking with coach Vancil they can email me at andrewvancil86@gmail.com

“Andrew Vancil brings a proven record of success, outstanding leadership, and a commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the court,” Foxes athletic director Andy Jones told Our Town. “Known for building disciplined, competitive teams, coach Vancil emphasizes accountability, teamwork, and player development while fostering a positive culture that prepares athletes for success

Vancil told Our Town that Silverton has been on his radar for a while.

“I have grown up competing against and watching Silverton from afar and I have always had a ton of respect for the culture of the town, the school pride, and the importance of the athletic programs,” said Vancil, who will teach middle school social studies in the fall. “When I first took the job at Beaverton in 2014 I recall having battles with Jamie McCarty teams in the summer and I always respected Silverton basketball. My wife and I have talked for the past few years about different towns we would like to live in throughout Oregon, and Silverton was always on our list. When the job opened and I had the chance to check it out I saw an opportunity where I can make a meaningful impact on the student-athletes and basketball community. I am really excited to see what I can do and how I can impact the community.”

The Foxes won a Class 5A title in 2015 under coach Steve Roth. McCarty took over in 2017 and led the program to five consecutive Mid-Willamette Conference championships and a mind-boggling 69-1 league record. McCarty’s Foxes finished second in Class 5A in 2022, third in 2019, fourth in 2018 and were getting set to face Crater and Nate Biddle in the 2020 semifinals when COVID-19 shut down the tournament. McCarty was 114-13 overall in those five years. He returned for a single season two years later and went 16-9.

Silverton is 51-47 with no state playoff victories since that 2022 squad fell to Wilsonville in the state title matchup. Vancil said he is particularly impressed by the caliber of athletes that Silverton possesses and the way football coach

“It is my belief that the athletes are at Silverton,” he said. “It is my job to increase the amount of time our kids are hooping and working on their skills. Creating more of a basketball culture to match what coach Lever has done with the football program is my goal. We have talked about how we can work together to feed off each other’s programs and I am excited to have such a competitive football program to feed off of and a great coach like Dan to work alongside with.”

Silverton lost three seniors from the 2025-26 team, Sam Haugen, Chase Dominguez and Sutton Kuenzi. Vancil said he is hoping to persuade athletes who play other sports to give hoops a try.

Trap shooting: Silverton High sent a five-person trap shooting squad to the National Championships July 8-12 in Mason, Michigan. The squad hit 459 out of 500 targets, finishing 96th out of 234 squads entered. The squad narrowly missed qualifying for the team championship. Each of the squad members also competed individually. Between the team and individual qualifiers, all earned a national championship patch for hitting 25 consecutive targets. Sophomore Hunter Jackson hit 96 out of 100 targets in the individual qualifier, finishing at 314th out of 1,752 participants. He went on to break 97 out of 100 targets in the individual championship, picking up a second 25 straight. For the championship,

“We are so excited to receive this award,” said head coach and owner Celia Storey. “This was a brand-new award category added this year, recognizing clubs that demonstrate respectful, inclusive behavior from athletes, coaches and families.”

Silverton Gymnastics also won 21 state championships in the March 13-15 event and its five teams all finished fifth or higher.

Got a news tip? Email me at james.d@mtangelpub.com. Follow me on X (Twitter) @jameshday and Our Town on Facebook.

Andrew Vancil SUBMITTED

The Silverton High trap shooting team at nationals in Mason, Michigan. Squad members, from left, are Hunter Jackson, James Stearns, Emmett Von Flue, William Von Flue and Joseph Clotfelter. SUBMITTED

The Silverton Gymnastics Academy. From left are Justice Barry, head coach Celia Storey, Haley Lahman, Mila Seledkov and Javan Austin. SUBMITTED

A Grin at the End

Not so smart

“I’ve never seen that before….” The man perched next to me on a bench near Waikiki Beach pointed at the twenty-something fellow wading in waist-deep water. He was nose-deep in his smart phone, oblivious to all, even the monk seal heading straight for him like a torpedo. The seal veered away from him at the last second.

It was one more example of how smart phones are dangerous to humans. Not only do hundreds of millions of people find it necessary to monitor their phones nearly every waking minute, but they have no idea what’s going on around them.

Such dangerous encounters make me wonder whether these phones should be banned, or their use limited. Many schools now require students to put their phones in safe-keeping when they are supposed to be learning. I think that’s a good idea, but it doesn’t go far enough.

As the Hawaiian wader demonstrated, smart phones are known to be addictive to the point that everything else, including an approaching seal, is ignored.

They are also purveyors of misinformation. Anyone who has ever fact-checked Facebook or any other social media platform knows many of the posts are wrong, especially those generated using artificial intelligence. A recent survey published by USA Facts found that only 13 percent of Americans trust AI.

Not only that, smart phones may be making Americans less fertile. Yes, you read that right. According to researchers at a nonpartisan group called the National Bureau of Economic Research, much of the 22 percent drop in the U.S. fertility rate may be traced to the introduction of the iPhone in 2007.

“Overall, the diffusion of the iPhone explains 33 to 52 percent of the decline in the general fertility rate among women

Quality Dental Care in a Friendly Environment

aged 15 to 44,” researchers Caitlin Myers and Ezekiel Hooper wrote. “Nationalsurvey evidence on time use and sexual behavior is consistent with the iPhone reducing in-person interactions, increasing pornography use, and reducing sexual frequency.”

Now consider that social media companies are wholesaling your personal information to other companies, political candidates, and one allegedly even considered giving it to a foreign government.

In a spasm of ineptitude, Congress and several state legislatures have tried to kill the China-owned social media platform TikTok for collecting data about Americans. What Congress missed is that Facebook allegedly considered giving that information to China before TikTok arrived on the scene. The trade would have allowed Facebook to set up shop in China.

The allegation was in a recently published book by a former Facebook executive.

Sarah Wynn-Williams alleges in her book, Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power,

Greed, and Lost Idealism, that Facebook considered handing over “millions of Chinese and U.S. citizens’ data to the Chinese Communist Party in exchange for access to the Chinese market,” according to a Wall Street Journal article.

Facebook, now called Meta, is muzzling her through an arbitration enforcement action, preventing her from talking about her book even though it is a bestseller.

Meta told the BBC that it is “no secret we were once interested” in operating services in China. “We ultimately opted not to go through with the ideas we’d explored.”

That is amazing. Not only are smart phones making us more ignorant and less fertile, companies like Meta monitor users – you and me – for their gain and to our detriment.

I don’t know about you, but I think the techies have demonstrated ample contempt for the American people and our right to privacy.

It’s time for us to hang up on them.

Silverton 503-873-8614

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is a non-profit consignment store for artisans over 50, a community center, home to Meals on Wheels, and serves as a food bank. Volunteers welcome! 195 E Charles St. 503-845-6998 or mtangelcommunity@gmail.com

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NEW — #T2952 OVERLOOKING SILVERTON 3 BR, 2.5 BA 2050 sqft. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $674,800 (WVMLS#842952)

#T2948 LOW-MAINTENANCE SILVERTON HOME 3 BR, 2 BA, 2212 sqft. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $793,000 (WVMLS#842618)

#T2936 WELL MAINTAINED SILVERTON HOME 3+ BR, 2.5 BA, 1980 sqft. Call Becky at ext. 313 $520,000 (WVMLS#840048)

#T2935 CHARMING 1990’s HOME 3 BR, 2 BA, 1540 sqft. Call Chuck at ext. 325 $509,900 (WVMLS#839889)

SOLD — #T2938 SILVERTON PRIVATE OASIS 3 BR, 2.5 BA, 2078 sqft, .31 acres. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $689,700 (WVMLS#840466)

SOLD — #T2939 SILVERTON WONDERFUL DOUBLE WIDE 55+ PARK 3 BR, 2 BA, 1620 sqft. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $148,700 (WVMLS#840467)

#T2933 CHARMING SILVERTON HOME 2+BR, 2 BA, 2087 sqft. Call Becky at ext. 313 $499,000 (WVMLS#838925)

SOLD — #T2941 SILVERTON INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY

2 BR, 1 BA, 936 sqft. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $297,800 (WVMLS#840963)

#T2943 BEAUTIFULLY UPDATED 55+ HOME 2 BR, 2 BA, 1152 sqft. Call Becky at ext. 313 $158,000 (WVMLS#841456)

#T2935 CHARMING 1990s HOME

$509,900 Home with modern upgrades and energy savings... Well-maintained theee-bedroom, two-bath home with classic 1990s character and thoughtful modern updates. Spacious primary suite with Jacuzzi tub creates a private retreat at the end of the day. A bright, functional kitchen is equipped with newer appliances. Major exterior improvements, including a newer roof, siding, and fresh exterior paint, provide peace of mind and great curb appeal. Call Chuck at ext. 325 (WVMLS#839889)

#T2945 HAS IT ALL 3 BR, 3 BA, 3117 sqft., 2 acres. Call Michael at ext. 314 $825,000 (WVMLS#842038)

SILVERTON- T2934 CLASSIC 1915 FARMHOUSE 3 BR, 3 BA, 2384 sqft., 2.33 acres. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $824,800 (WVMLS#839102)

#T2940 WHAT A VIEW! 5 BR, 3.5 BA 3804 sqft., 3.02 acres. Call Michael at ext. 314 $825,000 (WVMLS#841014)

SOLD — #T2928 SCOTTS MILLS 5+ PEACEFUL ACRES 3 BR, 2.5 BA, 1660 sqft., 5.19 acres. Call Chuck at ext. 325 $699,000 (WVMLS#837712)

#T2917 SILVERTON HOUSE & BUILDABLE LOT 2 BR, 2 BA, 1275 sqft., 3.05 acres. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $944,800 (WVMLS#835689)

#T2910 SCOTTS MILLS ONCE IN A LIFETIME 2 BR, 3.5 BA, 4253 sqft., 9.36 acres. Call Chuck at ext. 325 $1,825,000 (WVMLS#834432)

#T2876 COMM-RETAIL-CONDOS 9,500 sqft. Mt. Angel. Call Michael at ext. 314 $810,000 (WVMLS#829897) #T2918 MT. ANGEL RETAIL/OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE 2410 sqft, $1.10/sqft. Call Michael at ext. 314 $2651/mo (WVMLS#836050)

#T2876 COMM-RETAIL-CONDOS

$775,000 Listing includes commercial condo units only. Three leasable spaces on STREET LEVEL of Glockenspiel Building in the heart of Mt. Angel. Two of the three spaces are currently leased with 3.5 years remaining on leases. These are modified gross leases. Upper floors are owned by MCHA and not part of the sale. 2410 sqft. with bathroom is vacant and available to lease or occupy. Call today! Call Michael at ext. 314 (WVMLS#829897)

SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES

#T2949 CLASSIC 1920’s MULINO HOME 2 BR, 2 BA, 2468 sqft., 2 acres. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $763,750 (WVMLS#842586)

#T2950 SINGLE LEVEL MT. ANGEL HOME

3 BR, 2 BA, 1392 sqft. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322

$452,898 (WVMLS#842555)

#T2951 SUBLIMITY METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED 3 BR, 2 BA, 2038 sqft. Call Whitney at ext. 320, Mike at ext. 312 $620,000 (WVMLS#842595)

#T2931 PRATUM EXPAND YOUR BUSINESS 3 BR, 3 BA, 2792 sqft., 1.09 acres. Call Kirsten at ext. 326 $645,000 (WVMLS#838134)

#T2923 SALEM SINGLE LEVEL HOME 3 BR, 2 BA, 2036 sqft. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $486,000 (WVMLS#836536)

#T2910 SCOTTS MILLS ONCE IN A LIFETIME 2 BR, 3.5 BA, 4253 sqft., 9.36 acres. Call Chuck at ext. 325 $1,825,000 (WVMLS#834432)

#T2937 SALEM CHARMING 1990’s HOME 4 BR, 4 BA, 3463 sqft, .29 acres. Call Chuck at ext. 325 $695,000 (WVMLS#840104)

SOLD — #T2944 MT. ANGEL MOVE-IN READY 2 BR, 1 BA, 912 sqft. Call Kirsten at ext. 326 $370,000 (WVMLS#841464)

Homer Davenport

EVERY DAY

Food Vendors

Something for everybody! A variety of vendors will offer lunch and dinner. Sponsored by Astound Broadband.

Arts & Crafts

Discover unique treasures from local and regional artists.

Homer Davenport

Invitational Brew Fest

Regular festival hours in the Park. Featuring beers, ciders and wineries from all over the region. Sponsored by Willamette Valley Bank; ticket booth sponsored by Silver Falls Eyecare.

Live Music

Enjoy a variety of acts every day of the festival. See schedule opposoite page.

THURSDAY, AUG. 6

New for 2026:

Town-wide Kick-Off Party!

Bring any Silverton business receipt dated Aug. 1-9 and receive one FREE BEER in the Beer Garden! One per person; must be 21 and up. Sponsored by Guild Mortgage and Willamette Valley Pie Co.

SATURDAY, AUG. 8

Lions Club Harvest Breakfast

7 a.m. - 12 p.m. in the Park Pavilion. 78th anniversary! Silverton Lions Club and Silverton Scout Pack & Troop 485 serve ham, eggs cooked to order, pancakes and beverages. $10 for adults, $5 for 10 & under.

Silverton Flywheels

Annual Car Show

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. on First St., between Lewis & Jersey. Classic cars on display, prize drawings, trophies and more.

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. Sponsored by BST Realty, Lamp Post Properties, and Les Schwab.

Pinewood Derby Races

1 to 4 p.m. at Old Mill Park, adjacent to the All-Abilities Park. Ages five and up, including business class, alumni and outlaw racers. Register in advance at silvertoncommunitypinewoodderby.com.

Organized by Cub Scout Pack 485 of Silverton.

Coolidge McClaine Park

303 Coolidge St., Silverton

Coloring

Contest

Get coloring sheets at tinyurl.com/mr3muskj.

Submit entries to the Silverton Chamber by Aug. 6. Entries will be on display at the Silverton Arts Association on Friday and Saturday to vote for your favorite. Sponsored by Xfinity.

Festival

President Richard Carlson

Committee

Parade & Sponsorship

Stephanie Colyer

Jeff Ulvin

Logistics Coordination,

Davenport Races & Vendors

Deanne Feller

Treasurer Jennifer Brown

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

Remember Folks... No Honest Man Need Fear Cartoons!

Photos by Jim Kinghorn

KIDS AREA

Parade

Homer’s Shuttle

SUNDAY, AUG. 9

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 midnight Aug. 8.

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.

MUSIC SCHEDULE