Mount Angel, OR 97362 401 Oak St. Silverton, OR 97381 503-845-9499
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Our Town mailed free to residents and businesses in the 97362, 97375, 97381 zip codes. Subscriptions for outside this area are $60 annually. Deadline for ads or submissions for the Oct. 15 issue is Oct. 6.
Paula Mabry Editor & Publisher
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James Day Sports Editor & Reporter
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Above
Lisa Gerlits and her new young adult novel, Rewilding. PORTRAIT BY MELISSA WAGONER
On the Cover
Reckon Krüe performing at a previous Silverton Sidewalk Shindig. COURTESY SARAH WEITZMAN
When you need someone to listen, 988 Oregon is here.
Whether you’re feeling stressed, having trouble with drugs or alcohol, or just feeling really down, our caring counselors are here to listen. Support is free, confidential and available 24/7.
By James Day
The reality that is United States politics in 2025 was on display at the Silverton City Council meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 17.
The back story is this: On Sept. 10, prominent conservative activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated by a sniper while speaking to a university audience in Utah. His death has provoked passionate responses. In a social media post, Silverton Councilor April Newton said that the violence of the Kirk murder was appalling but she wished his supporters would be as passionate about the victims of school shootings.
In Silverton, as well as throughout the nation, people took action based on Kirk-related social media postings. The New York Times, on page 1 of its Sunday, Sept. 21, edition, published a story that noted that more than 100 people from a wide range of occupations nationwide have faced criticism and potential repercussions after speaking out in the aftermath of Kirk’s death.
Newton’s post resulted in 10 or 12 comments of concern being forwarded to the city, according to City Manager Cory Misley. Backers of Newton sent out pleas to residents to show up at the Sept. 17 meeting, fearing that Newton opponents would show up en masse and demand her resignation. Misley deployed two Silverton Police officers in the council chambers for the meeting. He said the Kirk assassination led to the caution, and it was not a reflections of any threats to Newton. End of the back story.
The council chambers were full on the 17th; a rarity. Sixteen people testified on a wide range of topics during the public comment period. Eight of those comments appeared to be in support of Newton, who received strong applause when she entered the room. No speaker named her, although some referred to her gender, however free speech and the First Amendment were prominent in the comments.
One resident brought a guitar and led the audience in a rendition of Let’s Get Together, the mid-1960s song of peace and brotherhood written by Chet Powers and made famous by The Youngbloods and others. For the record, three members of the council sang along, Newton, Eric Hammond and Mayor Jason Freilinger. Newton did not address the Kirk issue or the public comments at any point in the proceedings.
In other council action:
Labor: The meeting’s public comment period included five individuals who expressed concern about negotiations for the city’s unionized Public Works employees. Most of the employees framed their comments on the challenge of being able to afford to live in town on the salaries they are paid. Misley thanked the employees for their passion and interest in the city and told the council that an application period for a current Utility I opening recently closed with 66 applicants. The pay range is approximately $22 per hour to $28 per hour. A fourth round of mediation talks on the Public Works contract are scheduled for Oct. 2.
Committees 1: Councilors approved the formation of two additional city committees, one to review possible revisions to the city’s charter, which has not been updated since 1985, and one to look at developing a policy on public art on city property. The public art policy would affect efforts by a local group to construct a statue of former mayor and transgender pioneer Stu Rasmussen and place it near the entrance to City Hall.
Committees 2: Resident Scott Walker spoke during public comment about what he said was a lack of effectiveness of task forces he has participated in on the comprehensive plan and park/Main Street planning. “Neither of these task forces have taken a vote on anything,” he said.
Trees: Councilors unanimously approved a new tree code that will guide development and hopefully preserve the city’s tree canopy. A previous iteration was opposed by local developers and the Home Builders Association of Marion & Polk counties and returned to city staff for further work. The goal was to ensure that the city’s standards were “clear and objective.”
Park/Main Street: Councilors unanimously approved an amendment to an existing contract with Mackay Sposito that calls for spending up to $2.155 million on early design and construction work on the Main Street redevelopment project and the park at the south end of the City Hall block. Councilors engaged in a debate on whether the park should include a water play area, although Misley advised them that the list of improvements mentioned in the staff report was just conceptual. The water play issue split the council pretty evenly and likely will come to a vote at a future council meeting.
Misley told Our Town that the major decisions concerning amenities and the size and complexity of the projects likely will take place over the next six to nine months.
This artist’s rendering shows how a park might look on the property south of City Hall in the block that used to be occupied by Eugene Field School. MACKAY SPOSITO
A walk in the park Silverton gets grant to pay for Pettit Lake project
By James Day
A successful grant application means the City of Silverton is closer to adding a major new park property southwest of town at Pettit Lake.
On Sept. 17 the Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission signed off on a $547,000 grant request at its meeting in Astoria. Silverton expects the project to cost about $910,000. It would have had to postpone the project if the grant did not come through.
The major amenity planned for the property, which was once the home for the family of astronaut Donald Pettit, is a trail that will start north of the lake at The Oregon Garden’s lower parking lot and circle the lake. Possible future expansions might add a covered picnic shelter or perhaps kayak and paddleboard rentals.
The Pettit Lake trail also will provide connectivity to the skate park, the dog
park and the new pickleball courts, which are under construction next to the Silverton 50+ Center.
City Manager Cory Misley told Our Town that for the next step “we’ll need to prepare a bid package and see what comes back, although the plan is to bid it this fall - early winter and construct winterspring. We don’t know exactly when the work will begin.”
City funds will be required to make up the difference between the grant award and the total project cost.
The grant process was extremely competitive, with representatives of 40 cities and park districts making pitches before a state committee at a three-day meeting in Salem in July.
The state received 40 grant requests for a total of $26 million, with only $14 million in funds available.
Timothy L Yount Financial Advisor
313 N. Water St. Silverton, OR 97381 503-873-2454
Daniel Hailey Financial Advisor
108 N. First St., Suite 101 Silverton, OR 97381 503-874-6162
Pettit Lake is just south of The Oregon Garden in Silverton. The city is planning to build a trail around the reservoir. JAMES DAY
Rudolf
Quality Dental Care in a Friendly Environment
Novichihin steps down from MASD Board
By Stephen Floyd
The Mt. Angel School District Board is seeking to fill a vacant seat after former Board Member Irene Novichihin stepped down in September.
Novichihin announced her resignation during the board’s Sept. 8 regular meeting. She said she was retiring from the board because she was moving out of Mount Angel.
“It’s been a great run, but it’s time to go,” she said.
Novichihin was elected to the board in 2021 following a career in education that included 20 years as a principal for the Woodburn School District.
Board Chair Andrea Pfau said Novichihin had a significant impact on the district in a short timespan.
“You’re going to be difficult to replace,” said Pfau.
Superintendent Lisa Harlan, who joined the district in July, said she appreciated
how warm and supportive Novichihin has been and that she was sad to hear Novichihin was leaving.
“This board was a huge reason why applying was even appealing to me, and [Novichihin was] a huge part of that,” said Harlan.
The board is expected to discuss procedures for filling Novichihin’s seat, Position 1, during its regular meeting Oct. 13. District policy largely leaves board appointments open-ended and board members will discuss how they plan to identify candidates and a timeframe for making an appointment.
An appointee would serve the remainder of Novichihin’s term through June of 2026. After that point the position would be filled by the winner of the May 2026 Special District Election. An appointee would be free to participate in the election.
SFSD Board candidate interviews set for Oct. 13
The Silver Falls School District (SFSD) Board is scheduled to interview candidates for an open seat on the board during its next regular meeting Oct. 13, with a possible appointment that evening.
Position 7 on the board has been vacant since former Board Member Tom Buchholz resigned effective Aug. 31 due to increasing professional obligations.
An announcement on the district’s website said applications for the
position were being accepted through Sept. 26, and candidate interviews would take place Oct. 13.
The board could then vote on an appointee, but would not be obligated to make a decision that night and could also extend the review process.
An appointee would serve the remainder of Buchholz’s term through June 30, 2027.
– Stephen Floyd
New leadership MASD’s Harlan prioritizes learning, wellbeing
By Stephen Floyd
The new superintendent of the Mt. Angel School District is prioritizing academic achievement and student wellbeing for this school year as she settles into her role.
During the Sept. 8 meeting of the MASD Board, Superintendent Lisa Harlan said, among other goals, she’s focusing on elementary English, middle school math and students’ sense of belonging.
Harlan said she based her goals on statistics recently reported to the Oregon Department of Education for its annual At-a-Glance profiles, to be published in October. She also said she chose numbers that would be attainable.
Specifically she hopes to improve:
• Third grade English test scores from 34 percent to 39 percent or better.
• Eighth grade math test scores from 31 percent to 33 percent or better.
• English language learners who increase proficiency by one level from 60 percent to 70 percent or better.
• Special education students who meet or exceed English language standards to 7 percent or better.
• Regular attendance for all students from 73 percent to 76 percent.
Additionally, Harlan said she will prioritize student’s sense of belonging and learn more about what makes a student feel like they do or don’t fit in. This will include focus groups at different grade levels, lessons on friendship, conflict resolution and antibullying, and communication of clear expectations to both students and families.
Harlan said her goal is to see a 10 percent increase in students who say their classmates “are nice and respect each other.” She said a significant piece of this will be improving regular attendance, as “it’s really hard to feel like you have a place at school if you’re not there as often.”
In an interview with Our Town prior to the board meeting, Harlan said every student, regardless of where they live, deserves an excellent education and opportunities to succeed. She said small towns are especially well-positioned to support academic excellence and student wellbeing.
“In a rural community like Mount Angel, we have the unique advantage of close-knit relationships – our schools are truly at the heart of the community,” said Harlan. “That means we can personalize learning, know our students well, and connect with families in meaningful ways.”
She said her overall goal as superintendent is to prepare students for success and strengthen the community.
“The district already has great work underway, and my goal is to build on that momentum while keeping students at the center,” said Harlan.
Her first day on the job was July 1 following the retirement of former Superintendent Rachel Stucky.
– SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4-5 •
$878,000
Classic farmhouse in the woods. 40.74 acres. Pasture, timber. Borders BLM. 24x48 shop on slab. 24x36 Equipment Bldg. Seller financing available! 20739 Hazelnut Ridge Rd. NE, Scotts Mills. MLS#823491
$869,000
24.16 acres. 2 bd. 1 ba. 1228 sq ft. farmhouse. Shop/office. Livestock bldg. 7560 sq. ft. 2 commercial greenhouses. sm. pond. 38591 Gilkey Rd., Scio. MLS#827670
$298,000 2 acre panoramic view home site.
Approved for standard septic. Electrical vault installed. Good water well. Sellers may consider a contract. 7685 Dovich Ln. SE, Salem. MLS#827459
Under Contract SIX LOTS at $600,000 TOTAL Rosemary Way lots: 601, 605 & 611 MLS#810425; 615, 619 & 623 MLS#810404. Builder, Developer! Located in Monitor Road Estates. These lots will require wetland remediation. Buyer must have a development plan.
$255,000 Creek frontage on 3.99 acres. Bareland. Ideal for recreational use. Swimming hole. Campsite. Seller will carry a contract. Off of Crooked Finger Rd., Scotts Mills. MLS#822303
Superintendent Lisa Harlan
Something to Celebrate
Hector honored for Chemeketa work
Ken Hector, a former Silverton mayor and councilor and longtime community activist, has been honored for his work on community colleges.
Hector, a member of the Chemeketa Community College Board of Education, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Pacific Region Trustee Leadership award. Winning the Pacific Region award automatically qualifies Hector for the national Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) award, which will be announced later this year in Seattle. The award honors trustees who have made significant contributions to their colleges and the advancement of community college education.
“Ken Hector exemplifies what it means to be a public servant and a community college advocate,” said Chemeketa President and CEO Jessica Howard.
“His leadership on our board, his commitment to students, and his passionate work to expand educational opportunity in Oregon and beyond have left a lasting impact.”
Hector, who has served on Chemeketa’s Board for 12 years, was recognized for his “exceptional leadership, tireless advocacy, and deep commitment to expanding access to higher education.”
“Hector has been a driving force in legislative advocacy at both the state and national levels. His efforts have been instrumental in advancing applied baccalaureate degrees for Oregon’s community colleges, securing critical funding for infrastructure, and championing initiatives that support student success and workforce development.”
Hector has twice served as chair and vice-chair of the Chemeketa board and played a pivotal role in the college’s successful May $140 million bond campaign. – James Day
Regional honors
JFK’s Korrie Shull named Teacher of the Year
By James Day
Kennedy High agriculture sciences and welding teacher
Korrie Shull is $1,000 richer after being honored as one of 16 regional Teachers of the Year in Oregon.
The regional honor puts Shull in the running for state Teacher of the Year, which will be announced in October. The state winner receives $10,000 and the school an additional $5,000. Shull was the lone regional winner in the five-county area that includes Marion, Linn, Polk, Benton and Yamhill.
The Teacher of the Year program is paid for by Oregon Lottery funds and facilitated by the 19 Oregon education service districts (ESD). Students, colleagues, administrators, friends and family all were eligible to nominate teachers, with the Willamette ESD handling the award for this region. Applicants submitted testimonials and letters of support and were assessed by a panel of regional representatives on leadership, instructional expertise, commitment to equity, community involvement, understanding of educational issues, vision and professional development.
Seven students submitted nominations in support of Shull. Here is a sampling:
Audrey Brenden: “She is one of those most inspiring and motivated people I have known. Thanks to her I know how to network, drive a tractor, forgive people and to push through the hardest of times.”
Yahir Cortes: “Mrs. Shull has led many students to great achievements during the years she’s been working here. She makes sure that students can gain from what they have learned. The access to jobs and scholarships is one of the biggest achievements she does for kids. This opens up career pathways for students to access and benefit from.”
Cody Pistulka: “Mrs. Shull always strives to help each student out if they are struggling with something. Whether it’s in another class or outside the school environment she is always here to provide advice. And show you the right way of doing things. She creates a safe place to learn and
feel safe at trying and asking new questions.”
Shull responded to the nomination by noting that “my passion for teaching agriculture sciences and technology stems from a deep belief that students learn best when they feel connected to the material.”
Oregon Lottery funds have been allocated for education since 1995. Since then the lottery has provided more than $10 billion to school districts statewide. In the past year the Mt. Angel School District received nearly $400,000, with the total in Marion County overall exceeding $32 million.
“We are thrilled to recognize this year’s regional teachers of the year – outstanding educators whose tireless dedication, creativity, and compassion enrich the lives of students and communities across Oregon,” said Charlene Williams, director of the Oregon Department of Education.
“Each recipient embodies the values of innovation, leadership, and inclusivity, and we are proud to honor and learn from their inspiring work. These extraordinary teachers remind us that great education transforms lives and strengthens communities.”
Ken Hector
Oregon Lottery officials presented regional teaching honoree Korrie Shull with a check in an early morning ceremony. JAMES DAY
Something Fun
Sidewalk Shindig
By Melissa Wagoner
When organizers of the Silverton Sidewalk Shindig learned of founder Lawrence Stone’s passing on April 8, 2025, they decided to honor him in the way that made the most sense – by creating a Shindig poster worthy of the man who designed the very first one.
“When Lawrence was still on the planning committee the poster formation was a good chunk of the meeting.” current Shindig chair Sarah Weitzman said. “Many hours of discussion on which street vantage the current year’s poster should be. His signature trumpet Satchmo-like logo lives on in all of our Shindig material.”
Created by board member and graphic designer Emily Pawlak, this year’s poster features a street view tribute to Stone’s earlier designs, with a musician standing on a sidewalk paved with posters Stone drew.
“[Then] we remembered the picture I took of Lawrence holding his big bunch of purple balloons… like Mary Poppins… heading up to the big musical stage in the sky,” Weitzman said.
“Lawrence was one of a kind…” Weitzman recalled. “He was always around on Shindig day with his hand-painted music shirt, fun hat, and a love for music… He will always be remembered as one of the key founders of the
Fond memories for co-founder, more fun to come
Silverton Sidewalk Shindig.”
Joined in his love for live music by Gregg Sheesley, Greg Hart and Ron Nelson, the men came together 14 years ago to kick off the very first Sidewalk Shindig.
“He was a driving force in its creation and success,” board member Alan Mickelson said. “He was an excellent cartoonist, humorist, writer, and artist… Lawrence will be long remembered for his sense of humor and perseverance. Each year, especially on the first Saturday in October, he will be in the hearts of many of us for his foresight and diligence.”
And this year will be no exception. The 14th Sidewalk
Silverton Sidewalk Shindig
Live music throughout downtown Silverton Saturday, Oct. 4, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Free admission: Event programs, maps at all venues or use the QR code on poster. Kids activities at Town Square Park.
Extra parking: Trinity Lutheran Church, 500 N. Second St. and next to the old Silverton City Hall, 306 S. Water St.
Shindig kicking off on Oct. 4 at 11 a.m. with a New Orleans-style band called DTW. That act will be followed by a host of new performers as well as old favorites in locations all over downtown including on newly added stages in the parking lot of Citizens Bank and in front of Silverton Art and Frame.
“The Shindig is an opportunity for performers to showcase a variety of entertainment, and maybe more importantly, for Silverton venues to showcase their businesses, inviting customers back…” Mickelson said. “Thank you, Lawrence, you helped bring a lot of joy to Silverton.”
A band playing in front of The Palace Theater at a previous Silverton Sidewalk Shindig. COURTESY SARAH WEITZMAN
$600,000 LIVE AUCTION on Oct. 2. Bidding to start at $600,000. See this home by Open House only. Visit HarcourtsAuctions.com for download pack and property info. Donna Paradis 503-851-0998 MLS#833557
$2,199,000 Experience refined country living with this stunning 4600 sqft estate on 22+ acres. Mountain views, separate sauna and turn-around drive. Scott Stokley 503-586-8126 MLS#832203
$549,000 Maryhill Park single level home quality built in 2009, 1812 sqft with 3-car tandem garage, clean and move in ready. Listed by Scott Stokley 503-586-8126 MLS#832948
$869,000 Picturesque views of Silverton Reservoir from wall of windows. Unique master suite with loft, quality shop building and 2.6 acres. Rosie Wilgus 503-409-8779 MLS#830610
$595,000 What a Great Room! Soaring ceilings in living room, kitchen & dining; big island for entertaining. Corner lot, loaded with amenities. Angela DeSantis 503-851-9286 MLS#833135
$799,000 Freshly Updated on the Creek. 212’ Abiqua creek frontage, one-level home, 1920 sqft and separate shop w/full bath. Listed by Donna Paradis 503-851-0998 MLS#832444
$655,000 Elegant Victorian style house on a huge .61-acre lot. Historic home is full of character from 10’ ceilings to stained glass windows. Donna Paradis 503-851-0998 MLS#828366
$659,000 Great room with soaring ceilings, open staircase, ideal home for entertaining. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, room for RV pad, 3-car garage. Valerie Kofstad 503-871-1667 MLS#831509
$785,000 Retreat on the Abiqua with 2 homes, extensive creek frontage, enjoy the view and tranquil setting. Donna Paradis 503-851-0998 MLS#831913
All info current at time of publication Prices and availability subject to change
COVID shot Legacy settles lawsuit
By Stephen Floyd
Legacy Silverton Medical Center has settled a lawsuit by a former nurse who was fired in 2021 for refusing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
On Sept. 16, a lawsuit brought by Brittanee Johnson, of Wasilla, Alaska, was dismissed in Marion County Circuit Court after Johnson notified the court a settlement had been reached. Terms of the settlement were not made public.
Johnson sued Jan. 3 claiming Legacy committed religious discrimination when she was fired Oct. 19, 2021, for refusing the vaccine. At the time she was a local registered nurse.
The suit claimed Johnson requested a
religious exemption and was improperly denied. She sought unspecified damages including for economic and noneconomic losses, punitive damages and legal costs.
Legacy did not file a formal response to the suit. In similar suits the company said its COVID policies were applied equally regardless of religious affiliation, and that employees can’t claim discrimination just because they disagree with a policy.
A similar suit by former Silverton nurse Rachael Brady was dismissed by the court Jan. 24 for becoming inactive. Brady had sued March 26, 2024, for $450,000 claiming religious discrimination.
$75 million awarded in latest PacifiCorp trial
By Stephen Floyd
Ten fire survivors have been awarded $75 million in the latest trial against PacifiCorp over the 2020 Labor Day fires, including a new record high for individual damages.
The trial concluded Sept. 16 in Multnomah County Circuit Court and was the ninth damages trial in James et al vs. PacifiCorp. Awards included $5.48 million in economic damages, $50.15 million in noneconomic damages, $13.9 million in punitive damages and $5.48 million for a wildfire caused by recklessness.
Individual damages ranged from as low as $730,000 to a new record of $16.88 million for South Obenchain Fire survivor Michael Bateman who lost his ranch near Eagle Point where five generations of
his family had raised cattle. He testified about harrowing survival and deep personal loss, and jurors awarded a record $12.65 million in noneconomic damages, in addition to $4.23 million in other damages.
This brings total damages to $541 million for 100 plaintiffs. Nearly 2,000 additional plaintiffs are scheduled to have their claims heard during similar trials through March of 2028, with the next trial scheduled for Oct. 6 for nine plaintiffs. PacifiCorp was found liable in 2023 for negligently causing the Santiam, Echo Mountain Complex, South Obenchain and 242 fires on Sept. 7, 2020. The company denies wrongdoing and has appealed this verdict.
Court proceedings were made available through cvn.com
Frequent Addresses
Mt. Angel Public Library, 290 E Charles St. Silver Creek Fellowship, 822 NE Industrial Way, Silverton. Silver Falls Library, 410 S Water St. Silverton Arts Association, 303 Coolidge St. SilvertonCouncil Chambers, 410 N Water St. Weekly Events
Monday
Silverton 50+ Center, 115 Westfield St. Daily, weekly, monthly events. 503-873-3093, silvertonseniors.org
Mt. Angel Community & Senior Center Store, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., 195 E Charles St. Repeats Tuesday - Saturday. Volunteers needed. 503-845-6998
Meals on Wheels Lunch, 11:30 a.m., Silverton 50+ Center. $3 suggested donation. Make reservations three days in advance by calling 503-873-6906. Repeats Tuesday and Thursday.
Silverton Recovery AA, noon - 1 p.m., 302 N Water St. 7 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
Boy Scouts Troop 7485, 7 - 8:30 p.m., St. Edward’s Episcopal Church, 211 W Center St., Silverton. Scoutmaster Dave Tacker, 760-644-3147, dave.tacker@gmail.com
Tuesday
Bible Study, 10 a.m. - noon, Silverton First Christian Church, 402 N First St. All welcome. 503-873-6620
APPY Hour, noon - 1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Drop in for technical assistance for electronic devices. All ages. Free. 971-370-5040
Silverton Mainstay, 1:30 - 4:30 p.m., Silverton United Methodist Church, 203 W Main St. Community space and activities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Repeats Thursday. silvertonmainstay.org
Yoga for All Levels, 6 p.m., Silverton 50+ Center. $10/members. $12/nonmembers. Post-class optional wine social $5/glass. All welcome. 503-873-3093, silvertonseniors.org
Cub Scout Pack 485, 6:30 p.m., Silverton First Christian Church, 402 N First St. Boys and girls in grades K-5. Elisha Kirsch, 503-507-6087
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. silvertonchamber.org
Quilters Group, 9 a.m. - noon, Trinity Lutheran Church, 500 N Second Ave., Silverton. trinitysilverton@gmail.com
Family Storytime & Indoor Playtime, 10:30 a.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Ages 2 - 5 w/ adult. Free. 971-370-5040
Mission Benedict Food Pantry, 1 - 4 p.m., St. Joseph Shelter, 925 S Main St., Mt. Angel. Repeats Friday. 503-873-7645
Silver Chips Woodcarving Sessions, 1 - 4 p.m., Silverton Arts Association. All skill levels. 503-873-7645
Mission of Hope Food Pantry, 2 - 4 p.m., Silver Creek Fellowship. 503-873-7353
Thursday
Yoga for All Levels, 8:30 a.m., Silverton 50+ Center. $10/member. $12/non-member. All welcome. 503-873-3093, silvertonseniors.org Yoga, 9 a.m., Silver Creek Fellowship. Open to all. Sheila, 503-409-4498
Thursday Painters, 10 a.m. - noon, Silverton Arts Association. Oopen studio time. All art forms welcome. Free. 503-873-2480
TOPS (Take Pounds Off Sensibly), 6 p.m., United Methodist Church, 203 W Main St., Silverton. Weight loss with support. First meeting free. Monthly dues $4. All welcome. David, 503-501-9824
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. Free. Silvertones Community Singers, 10:30 a.m., Silverton United Methodist Church, 203 Main St., Silverton. Anyone who loves to sing is welcome. Tomi, 503-873-2033
Saturday
Sunshine Fitness, 10 a.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Light exercising with “Fast and Furious: 20-minute Insane Worksout” by Beach Products. Signed waiver required. Teens & adults. Free. 971-370-5040
Saturday Serenity Al-Anon Family Group, 10 a.m., Zoom. For families and friends of alcoholics. Zoom link: Janet.h.salem23@ gmail.com
Oregon Crafters Market, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., 215 N Water St., Silverton. Local crafters & artists, live music, food, spirits. Repeats noon - 5 p.m. Saturday. oregoncraftersmarket.com Silverton Country Historical Society, 1 - 4 p.m., 428 S Water St. Museum open for viewing. Repeats Sunday. 503-873-7070
The Art of Mindfulness, 2 p.m. Silverton Arts Association. Connecting mind, heart, and body. Listen, meditate, contemplate, share thoughts. 971-218-6641 Creciendo Juntos/Growing Together Storytime, 3 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. ¡Leamos libros sobre murciélagos y aprendamos sobre murciélagos todo el mes! No se realizará el 18 de octubre / Let’s read books and learn about bats all month long! Not occuring Oct. 18
971-370-5040
Wednesday, Oct. 1
Silverton City Council
6:30 p.m., Council Chambers. Work session followed by regular meeting. Open to public. silverton.or.us
Scotts Mills City Council
7 p.m., Scotts Mills City Hall, 265 Fourth St. Open to public. 503-873-5435
Thursday, Oct. 2
Silverton Kiwanis Club
Noon, Main St. Bistro, 201 E Main St., Silverton. New members welcome. Repeats Oct. 16. silvertonkiwanis.org
Friday, Oct. 3
Family Movie Night
4:15 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Watch Lilo & Stitch (PG) on the big screen. Free hot popcorn. All ages. Free. 971-370-5040
Lunaria Opening Reception
6 - 8 p.m., Lunaria Gallery, 113 N Water St., Silverton. Meet the artists for October’s showings. Main Floor Gallery features “Grounded in Water,” ceramics by Debra Meadow and paintings by Margaret Plumb. Loft Gallery features “Two,” mixed media works by Rebekah Rigsby. Refreshments served. Open to all. 503-873-7734, lunariagallery.com
Saturday, Oct. 4
Silverton Farmer’s Market
9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Silverton United Methodist Church, 204 W Main St. Fresh produce, plants, flowers. Repeats Oct. 11. 503-873-5615
Makers Market
10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Silverton Grange, 201 Division St. Handmade and homemade food and gifts from local artisans, bakers, crafters and makers. Free admission. 971-267-9364, rgembree@gmail.com
Glass Beads Ornaments
11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Silver Falls Library. Create glass bead ornaments inspired by Czech and Slovak traditions. Ages 14 and older. Sign-ups required; call 503-873-8796.
Silverton Sidewalk Shindig
Noon - 8 p.m., downtown Silverton. Free, family-friendly live music festival in Historic downtown Silverton. Visit www.facebook.com/sidewalkshindig for details.
Hops & Vine 2025
6 - 9 p.m., SACA, 1030 N First St., Silverton. Live music, vintage trucks, chili, baked potato bar, charcuterie. Enjoy Oregon beer, wine & cider. Silent and dessert auctions. Tickets $50. Hosted by Silverton Rotary. Tickets at https://ticketstripe.com/HAV2025
Monday, Oct. 6
Silverton Fire Open House
6 - 8 p.m., Station 2, 13404 SE Riches Road. Free food, station tours, games. All ages. Open to all.
Mt. Angel City Council
7 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-845-9291
Tuesday, Oct. 7
Silverton Public Works
5:30 p.m., Council Chambers. Regular meeting of Silverton Public Works Advisory Board. Open to public. 503-873-8679
Silverton Fire Open House
6 - 8 p.m., Station 3, 17447 NE S Abiqua Road. Free food, station tours, games. All ages. Open to all.
Mt. Angel American Legion
6:30 p.m., Legion Hall, 740 E College St., Mt. Angel. All veterans welcome. Masks optional. Jim, 503-845-6119
Wednesday, Oct. 8
Mt. Angel Friends of Library
4:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Friends of the Library in a non-profit group that supports the library and its programs. Open to all adults. 930-371-5040
Silverton Fire Open House
6 - 8 p.m., Station 1, 819 Rail Way Ave. Free food, station tours, games. All ages. Open to all.
Thursday, Oct. 9
Red Cross Blood Drive
1 - 6:30 p.m., Immanuel Lutheran Church, 303 N Church St., Silverton. For appointments visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-3767.
Craft Day
1 & 6 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Create a banned book-themed secret book box. Teens & adults. Free. 971-370-5040
Silverton Fire Open House
6 - 8 p.m., Station 8, 480 Third St., Scotts Mills. Free food, station tours, games. All ages. Open to all.
Silverton Zenith Women’s Club
6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Silver Creek Fellowship, 822 Industrial Way, Silverton. Learn about the oldest women’s volunteer organization in Silverton and how it supports the community. Open to public. Free. mcadyras1@gmail.com
Friday, Oct. 10
Home Market on Union Hill
10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Union Hall Grange, 15775 SE Grange Road, Sublimity. Local vendors, coffee carts, food trucks, home decor, sewing items, pottery, candles and more. Repeats 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Oct. 11. Free admission. Lisa Kuenzi, 503-779-4725
LEGO Lab
3 - 4:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Build a creation out of LEGOs to display in the library. All ages. Free. Repeats Oct. 17 & 24. 971-370-5040
The Next Friday
5 - 8 p.m., Mt. Angel. Music, cars, vendors, shopping and more. Last one of the season. discovermtangel@gmail.com
Silverton Fire Open House
6 - 8 p.m., Station 9, 4724 NE Crooked Finger Road, Scotts Mills. Free food, station tours, games. All ages. Open to all.
Italian Conversations
6 - 7:30 p.m., Curbside Italian Kitchen, 115 N Water St., Silverton. Practice your Italian. All levels. Free. 503-851-8774
Aztec Dancers
6:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Library hosts Aztec dancers during Next Friday celebration. All ages. Free. 971-370-5040
Saturday, Oct. 11
Jigsaw Puzzle Race
Noon - 2 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Form a team of up to 5 and compete to finish the same 500-piece puzzle in two hours or less. All ages. Free. Supplies provided. Preregistration required: 971-370-5040.
Sunday, Oct. 12
Scotts Mills Historical Museum
1 - 4 p.m., 210 Grandview Ave. Open for public browsing. Free. Open by appointment by contacting Joe Plas, 503-871-9803; ksplonski@aol.com
Monday, Oct. 13
Columbus Day
Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Red Cross Blood Drive
11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Mt. Angel Abbey, 1 Abbey Dr., St. Benedict. For appointments visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-3767. Mt. Angel School District
6:30 p.m., St. Mary’s Public School, 590 E College St., Mt. Angel. masd91.org
Silver Falls School District
7 p.m., Silverton High, 1456 Pine St. Agenda available. Open to public. 503-873-5303
Tuesday, Oct. 14
Ancestry Detectives
10 a.m. - noon, Silver Falls Library. Join fellow family history explorers finding new cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents. All are welcome to help the group direct its future. Free. ancestrydetectives.org
Ukulele Play and Sing-Alongs
6 - 7:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. First 30 minutes is beginner’s ukulele lesson followed by play and sing-along time for all skill levels. Music is provided but bring your ukulele. 503-873-8796
Silverton Zenith Women’s Club
6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Silver Creek Fellowship, 822 Industrial Way, Silverton. Learn about the oldest women’s volunteer organization in Silverton and how it supports the community. Open to public. Free. mcadyras1@gmail.com
Silverton Planning Commission
7 p.m., Council Chambers. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-874-2207, silverton.us.or
Wednesday, Oct. 15
Silverton City Council
6:30 p.m., Council Chambers. Work session followed by regular meeting. Open to public. Agenda available. 503873-5321, silverton.or.us
Library Advisory Board
6:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. The Library Board meets to advise, recommend and advocate for the library. Any interested community member is welcome. 970-371-5040
Jigsaw Puzzle Competition
6:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. The team that finishes first or uses the most pieces wins. Teams can be 1-4 people. Sign-ups required by calling 503-873-8796
Thursday, Oct. 16
Women’s Connection Luncheon
Noon, Trinity Lutheran Church, 500 Second St., Silverton. Jessica Boswell from Mt. Angel US Bank, talks about how to avoid scams and fraud. Speaker Georgia Golling shares her faith story. Call Stacey, 503-680-3786, for reservations.
Dewey Decimal System
4 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Workshop to explore the Dewey Decimal System that revolutionized library science. Ages 5-12. Free. 970-371-5040
Silver Falls Writers Group
6:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. Share what you’re working on and listen to what others are writing. Free. Ron Drake, 503-873-8796
Trivia Night
7 p.m., Pub 201 East, 201 E Charles St., Mt. Angel. Test your knowledge. Play solo or form a team of up to5 people. Free. All ages. 971-370-5040
Mt. Angel Planning Commission
7 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-845-9291, ci.mt-angel.or.us
Saturday, Oct. 18
Authors’ Book Discussion
11 a.m., Silver Falls Library. Two Salem authors discuss their most recent books. Sixty Seconds by Steven Mayfield tells the stories of nine people leading up to the end of WWII. Julie, John, and Robert by Michael Strelow is a story about small-town childhood friends. Free. Open to public. 503-873-8796.
Memoir Writing Event
11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Intergenerational memoir writing program. Lunch provided. Free. Ages 12-18 & 65+. Space is limited; call 971-370-5040 to register.
Reading with Local Authors
11 a.m., Ripple Toys and Games, 101 S First St., Silverton. Reading and games with Lisa Gerlits, author of Rewilding, and Shelly Monte, author of Puffin and the Amazing Rescue. All ages. Free. Our People, Our Stories
3 - 5 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Author Tina Ontiveros discusses how writing her childhood memoir influenced her relationship with family, self and the Pacific Northwest. Ontiveros will sign copies of Rough House. Free. All ages. 971-370-5040
Scotts Mills Fireman’s Chicken Dinner
4:30 - 7 p.m., Scotts Mill Fire Station, 480 Third St. 46th annual firemen’s chicken dinner. Drive-thru only; while supplies last. $15/adults. $12/seniors. $10/children 12 and younger.
Sunday, Oct. 19
Chesterton Open House
2 - 4 p.m., Chesterton Academy, 900 S Main St., Mt. Angel. Tour the school, meet students and faculty and learn more about its classical, faithfilled education. 3:30 p.m. presentations. All ages. Registration: chestertonwv.com/events.
Thursday, Oct. 23
Craft Day
1 & 6:15 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Bring your outdoor treasurers or use what the library provides to create a 3-D framed collage. Teens & adults. Free. 971-370-5040
Book Swap and Meet
5:30 - 6:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. Bring a book and take home a book. Sponsored by Friends of Silver Falls Library. Free. friends@ silverfallslibrary.org
Saturday, Oct. 25
Silverton Winter Farmers Market
10 a.m. - noon, Immanuel Lutheran Church, 303 N Church St., Silverton. Local produce, eggs, meats, artisan crafts. Free admission. Grange Pie Auction
2 - 4 p.m., Silverton Grange, 201 Division St. Compete with your best homemade pie. Or come to taste and bid to take one home. Auction at 3:15 p.m. Enter contest at tinyurl.com/grange-pie-contest-2025.
Monday, Oct. 27
Vigil for Peace
2:30 - 3:30 p.m., Towne Square Park, Silverton. Silverton People for Peace gather to advocate for peace, social justice issues. Open to all. 503-873-5307
Tuesday, Oct. 28
Red Cross Blood Drive
8:15 a.m. - 2 p.m., Silverton High, 1456 Pine St. For appointments visit redcrossblood. org or call 800-733-3767.
Silverton Planning Commission
6:30 p.m., Council Chambers. Work session. Open to public. 503-874-2207 PFLAG Silverton
4:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Learn to make Rice Krispie Treats. Ages. 12-18. Free. 971-370-5040
Teen Hangout
5 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Learn to investigate crime scenes for Master Forensics Night. Ages 12-18. Free. 971-370-5040
7 p.m., Oak Street Church, 502 Oak St., Silverton. All welcome. Under 18 must have parent/ guardian. Christy, 541-7861613,
Wed, Oct. 29
Holiday Tree Craft
6:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. Make a holiday tree ornament for the library and one to take home. Sign-up: 503-873-8796.
Thursday, Oct. 30
TAB/Book Club
4:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Discuss Bone Gap by Laura Ruby. Afterward, meet for Teen Advisory Board (TAB) meeting. Ages 12-18. 971-370-5040
Friday, Oct. 31
Halloween
Mt. Angel Candy Crawl
3 - 5 p.m. Trick-or-treat at participating businesses. discovermtangel.org
Trunk or Treat
6 p.m., Scotts Mills Grange, 299 Fourth St. Decorated vehicles hand out treats.
Are You A Mouse In The Cookie Jar?
Young Corrie ten Boom was confused when she saw Nazi soldiers sitting around her in the church services one Sunday morning. She knew they were evil people. They were killing Jews just for being Jewish. Later, her father, Papa ten Boom, explained to her that “Just because a mouse is in the cookie jar, doesn’t make it a cookie.” Papa ten Boom died just a few years later for the crime of hiding Jews in his own home and helping them escape. You can read the story in The Hiding Place ten Boom. But what he explained to his daughter that day is what Christians call “nominal Christianity” — being a Christian “in name only.” These are the folks who are lost in their sin, but who don’t realize they are lost.
How Great is That Darkness!
There is a category of lost sinner that is especially hard to reach. Jesus speaks to them in Matt. 6:23 where He warns them, “If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” In other words, if you think you are already full of light when in fact you are filled with darkness, then you are filled with the darkest kind of darkness. You won’t consider the possibility that you have yet to be saved because you are convinced that you are already saved. In the Christian community this kind of confusion can begin in Vacation Bible School as a child, or in an evangelistic meeting of any sort. You may have been asked to come forward, to kneel and pray “The Sinner’s Prayer.” Then you may have been warned by someone to “never doubt” that you have been born again, that you are “saved.”
any
more than being in a cookie jar makes you a cookie. This lack of evidence of salvation is what it means to be a “nominal Christian.” This is not an insult. It’s not even your fault. It’s just something that happens when churches send out the wrong message.
So, Let’s “Test Ourselves”
To be sure, many have come to a saving faith in Christ by this means, and I don’t mean to cast stones at it entirely. But many have been given false assurance of salvation by this careless approach. When a supposed “believer” has borne no spiritual fruit in their life since the day they were supposedly saved, it raises the question, “Is this person really a Christian?”
Putting your faith in what Jesus accomplished for you when He died in your place on the cross and then rose from the dead makes a noticeable difference. When you have been born again you receive a new, believing heart that wants to please God. You receive a new spirit that loves others. This new birth is noticeable, to say the least. It’s when the mouse becomes a cookie.
It is foolish to tell someone “Never doubt your salvation,” when the Bible explicitly tells them to “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.” (2 Cor. 13:5). Just because you go to church and consider yourself to be a Christian does not make you a Christian
In order to help us address this issue I have developed a simple test. Its purpose is to help you identify credible evidence that you are in fact a believer in Jesus Christ. You will be looking for some proof that the Good News concerning His life, death, burial and resurrection has converted your soul by giving you that new heart full of new godly desires and the Holy Spirit to empower you to live boldly for Jesus Christ. If you think you are a Christian, and not just a “nominal Christian,” just be honest with yourself, and with God, as you answer each question: A. Never. B. Once in a while. C. Often. And remember, be honest.
Question #1: How often do you pray to God when you are all alone?
I don’t mean praying over meals with others around, or praying in other groups. I mean talking to God while you are all alone and out of earshot, just because you believe He is there, listening to you, and answering your prayers.
Question #2: How often do you read the entire Bible just because you believe it’s God’s Word? Again, not because somebody is going to ask you if you have read your Bible today. Not in order to win some Bible memory contest, or to impress someone with your Bible knowledge. Not even to prepare a sermon. How often do you
By Gregg Harris
read your Bible just because you believe it is the actual Word of the true and living God?
How often do you obey God just because you believe it pleases Him?
This will involve turning away from things the Bible says are wrong and obeying the things that the Bible says are right. It will require forgiving those who have hurt you, and getting out of any immoral relationships. It might be giving away money to help someone else in need. How often do you obey God just because you believe He is there, and you want to do what you believe pleases Him?
How often do you share your faith in Jesus and the gospel with others?
It may be directly in conversation or indirectly by supporting evangelistic efforts (like this article). How often do you share the gospel?
Based on your answers to these first four questions, Question #5: “Do you see enough evidence in your life to be convinced that you have trusted in Christ and been born again?”
If you cannot answer “C. Often” to these questions, something is not right. These observable actions do not, in and of themselves, save anyone, but “if Christ is in you,” and you are in fact “in the faith,” these actions do provide evidence that you believe. Even though you will never do these things perfectly (no one ever does), you will at least be practicing all these things with the intention of doing better.
So, based on your answers to these first five questions, do you see enough evidence of faith in your life to convince you of being born again?
Don’t be afraid to be honest at this point, because if your answer is “No,” there is still hope for you. You don’t have to remain a “mouse in the cookie jar.” You can become a born again believer in the Lord Jesus Christ right now.
If your answer to this question is “No,” then I have one final question for you. Question #6: Do you want to be born again?
Now, you may notice how I have phrased this last question. “Do you want to be born again?”
The key word here is “want.” If you are saying “Yes. I want to be born again,” then where did that new want come from? Your heart is your “wanter,” and so, if it has changed, who changed it? God alone is able to turn a rebellious human heart into a loving, obedient heart. So, that means your miracle is already happening!
Now, Hold On For Just A Minute!
We must be careful not to jump to any conclusions at this point. We don’t want to add to
the confusion. If you have, in fact, just now, believed and been born again, we can expect evidence for that to pile up pretty quickly. Jesus made it clear that He is not pleased when those who claim to be His followers are ashamed to be seen with Him (Luke 9:26). He is pleased when we are happy to identify ourselves as a Christian, and especially when it costs us something to do so. So, do you find yourself wanting to let others know you believe in Jesus? If so, go tell someone what has happened to you as soon as you can.
It is also pleasing to your new Lord and Savior that you seek out other faithful believers and get involved in sharing and caring for one another as Jesus commanded. He tells us to “…love one another: just as I have loved you” (John 13:34).
Finding and joining a solid, Bible-believing local church, where the gospel is honestly believed and faithfully preached, is one of the best ways to start obeying all of Christ’s commandments. Doing these things does not save you, but they are credible evidence that you have been saved. To learn more, or to offer feedback, please call or text me at 971-370-0967. I’d love to meet you.
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
High praise for Silverton Police Officer Hibbs
On Aug. 29, 2025, my bike was stolen while situated in front of a local business. The next day [I was] contacted [by] the [business]’s notably approachable and sympathetic manager. Moreover, an assurance was made that efforts would ensue to try to identify the culprit. However, given that it was the Labor Day weekend, understandably I [should] not anticipate much would happen in the interim.
On Sept. 2, 2025, while walking in town, and on an admitted total whim, I decided to enter the Silverton P.D. building. My thought being that I’d fill out some form reporting a missing item, and that would be it.
Instead, one of the staff referred me to Officer Hibbs. Subsequently provided was the requisite information. I also expressed much doubt I’d ever again see the bike. Whereas, Officer Hibbs was far more encouraging in demeanor, in part saying that sometimes success follows in such cases.
Is Bynum
serious?
US House Representative Janelle Bynum held a Town Hall meeting in Silverton on Saturday, Sept. 6. Approximately 75 people attended her “Give ‘Em Hell” tour at the Middle School.
Her main goal, as reported in Silverton’s Our Town Life (September 2025) was “to spread the message that she rejects the Trump Administration’s harmful agenda and to engage with her constituents.”
Oddly enough, over half of her constituents are the ‘Em, in the “Give ‘Em Hell” title. There was actually one brave conservative who showed up at Bynum’s event and heckled the woman until she began to get riled up. The heckler respectfully stopped.
When speaking with the crowd about reproductive rights, Bynum said the issue may cause young people to decide to move elsewhere to go to college. How dreadful. Maybe the issue will also cause young people to consider using protection until they’re able to have their own children. (Pardon the sarcasm.)
Only [a small percentage] of a million and a half [people who received] abortions per year suffered rape or incest, or claimed their health would be at risk.
Only about two hours later Office Hibbs phoned me. First stated was that a ‘viable lead’ in the case had developed. Second, should the bike be found, I was asked which of two options did I want to select. I chose the first, indicating the preference for the return of my bike, nothing more.
About ten minutes later Office Hibbs phoned again. The bike had been located, and was also ready for me to pick up at the same business location where previously it had been stolen.
Officer Hibbs’ conduct throughout the duration of this process was truly exemplary. The Silverton P.D., as well as this community, clearly are fortunate to have available an individual who provides demonstrably exceptional public service.
Greg Marlowe Silverton
The rest seem to want removal for convenience sake. It would seem more convenient to use a condom than to have people groping around our nether parts and removing things.
Janelle Bynum has also chosen to concern herself with Florida’s decision to lift their vaccine mandates and is scared to death for them. Oregon has people dying from drug overdoses in our streets but Florida is bad.
Also mentioned in Our Town was the Detroit Dam drawdown. Bynum asked if there was anyone there who was concerned about it. The claim is that it won’t affect Silverton, but if our neighbors are going to end up with a water shortage, we should all be very concerned.
Ms. Bynum seems to want to continue the Biden Administration’s efforts to divide us in as many ways as possible, and doesn’t seem to be slowing down. At least she’s only sharing her thoughts with half of her potential audience.
Cindy Baker Silverton
Special election not an option under state law
Jesse S. Smith raises a legitimate concern about filling school board vacancies (letter published in the mid-September issue). Yes, it might be nice if voters could have a say.
However, the letter misrepresents what is required by law. Oregon Revised Statute 341.335(3) has very specific directions: “…board members shall meet and appoint a person to fill the vacancy…”
The Silver Falls School Board is required by law to handle this matter by appointing the replacement. It does not have the option to declare a special election.
As to “…hand-pick…” and “…never have to face…an equal opponent…”: Yes, that may be how it appears, but it doesn’t matter: The Board must do what is required.
Smith needs to talk to the Oregon legislature. Meantime, we should be thankful our elected officials follow the law.
Mark Dickman
O’fest
a community effort
The Mt. Angel Oktoberfest Board of Directors would like to extend a huge THANK YOU to all the citizens of Mt. Angel, the Mt. Angel School District, all the nonprofit food booth groups and thousands of local volunteers that made our 60th annual Oktoberfest a success. The residents in town put up with a lot and we want to make sure to recognize everyone’s potential frustrations as well as the understanding of Oktoberfest’s overall mission of giving back to the community and other nonprofits or civic organizations to continue all the good that they do throughout each year. The festival also creates a huge fundraising opportunity for so many groups with food booths to succeed.
We would also like to thank the City of Mt. Angel for their partnership and all their efforts in the town set up and policing during the event. Having a strong foundation to build upon is very helpful.
See you all next year at our 61st annual Oktoberfest, Sept. 17-20.
Bill Bischoff Oktoberfest Board Chair
The Warren
By Melissa Wagoner
When Kasey Knaus tore the paper off the windows of her new restaurant, revealing The Warren for the first time, she relished the effect the new space had on passersby.
“It was such a blank canvas,” Knaus said of the building, which previously housed the Serenity Home and Spa Shoppe. “My favorite comment was ‘we made it look like it was always there.’”
The idea for the wine bar, café and “community social house” came to Knaus when she and her husband, Mark, were traveling in Ireland.
“I was really inspired by the multi-use spaces,” Knaus recalled. “And with Oso doing so well… I got the three-year itch.”
And so, upon their return, the couple decided to open a second restaurant just down the block from the first. This time with a rabbit theme.
“We didn’t want to do Oso II,” Knaus explained. “I wanted it to have its own life. And I love rabbits and the whole Celtic culture with rabbits.”
Opening for the first time Aug. 4, The Warren surprised customers, not only with its very existence (which Knaus purposely kept concealed) but also its layout – one long, centrally located community table surrounded by other smaller seating areas including couches and armchairs.
“We wanted it to have a sense of hospitality…” Knaus explained. “You can sit and talk and meet new people.”
It’s a goal that not only inspired the décor but the menu – lighthearted and filled with puns – as well.
“Food has gotten a little too transactional,” Knaus said, describing her vision for the space as one where customers of all ages will feel comfortable eating, drinking or playing games like darts, bar billiards or one of a stack of board games.
“We have gotten pushback for not having hard liquor, but we want to be family friendly…” Knaus said. “And we have a huge selection of non-alcoholic beverages that are unique and fun.”
And The Warren offers wine as well, a beverage that, according to Knaus, is in keeping with the restaurant’s community café aesthetic.
“When you share a bottle of wine, you’re connecting with the person you’re with,” she said. “You’re intentionally there in each other’s company.”
It’s a phenomenon Knaus witnessed at Oso.
“We have the wine club…and so many people have met people through that,” she said.
Now she’s watching it happen at The Warren as well.
“We had a moment our first week when… the place was full; there were people talking and playing games. I said, ‘They’re getting it.’” Knaus recalled.
“Because I was concerned people wouldn’t get it.”
And now she just wants to make sure that younger members of the community –particularly teens and tweens – get it as well.
“When I was in high school, we had
The Warren
A wine bar, café and community social house
218 E. Main St., Silverton
Sunday – Thursday: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. ; Friday, Saturday: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
coffee shops open late to be social,” Knaus said. “We want to encourage that… because we’re forgetting how to interact with people.”
And she doesn’t want a lack of money to hold anyone back, which is why she developed the “Community Chest, pay it forward” board – a place where customers can purchase a menu item for someone who otherwise couldn’t afford it.
“The employees got to start it out. They picked their favorite things to give back,” Knaus said. “But I hope other people start utilizing it and learn what it is because there are [people] struggling with food insecurity and I hope this is a way they can come in and not be embarrassed.”
It’s just one of the many aspects of The Warren she’s looking forward to seeing flourish in the coming year.
“I’m just really excited about the space and to see what the town makes of it,” she said. “Because honestly, this is a love letter to Silverton.”
The staff of The Warren in Silverton. MELISSA WAGONER
Ripple effect Hands-on toy store
By Melissa Wagoner
Alison Wigowsky knows, when it comes to shopping for toys and games, touching and even playing with the items on display is part of the experience – especially for children. That’s why when she and her husband Paul opened Ripple Toys and Games in Silverton on April 16 they made sure many of the stuffed animals, figurines and games were available for close inspection.
“At a regular store you can’t interact with the objects,” Alison said. “But I want people to move around with ease… I wanted a space for people to pick up a game they’re interested in and play it.”
around the store, which she has filled with tastefully displayed, sustainably sourced toys and a wall of carefully chosen games.
“I knew I wanted to focus on sustainable toys because I knew that would make families feel good,” she said. “And I liked to look for those as a mom.”
But when it comes to choosing the board games – that’s all Paul.
Ripple Toys and Games
101 S. First St., Silverton Wednesday - Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.rippletoys.com
A preschool and kindergarten teacher for several years, Alison discovered, upon leaving the vocation, she no longer felt connected to the community.
“But I had all of this space to think about what I wanted to do next,” she said. She recalls an afternoon when she and her daughters, Evie and Leah, found themselves reminiscing about the toys and games they loved best.
“That play engagement spurred this,” Alison said, looking
“That’s his joy,” Alison said, describing plans to eventually hold monthly in-store game nights. “He’s so great at getting games that are interesting… and people have been really happy about the selection.”
Currently planning for the upcoming holiday season – which will be the store’s first – Alison is hopeful members of the community will visit Ripple for their toy, game and children’s book shopping.
“I don’t know what to expect,” she admitted. “But I want to have a little bit of everything for everyone – children and adults. I hope it’s a bright spot in the community for people to connect.”
Alison Wigowsky, owner of Ripple Toys and Games. MELISSA WAGONER
Rewilding Silverton
By Melissa Wagoner
It all started eight years ago, when Silverton author Lisa Gerlits and her family found a baby bird in their woodpile.
“We were like, ‘What does this bird eat?’” Gerlits said, recalling the family’s attempts to feed and care for the foundling. “We knew it was a California scrub jay, and we were trying to feed it worms…”
gave Gerlits an idea – what if she wrote a book about a young, female protagonist who had a similar experience?
“At first it was just her caring for the bird,” Gerlits said.
Then the story began to grow.
“There were people in my life struggling with some problems and I thought, what if a child was dealing with this?”
help of a few good friends and one quirky, earth-conscious neighbor.
“One of the biggest messages in this book is to find your people,” Gerlits said. “We have this instinct to hide and do it ourselves – especially kids.”
Especially Joy.
The discovery of the jay changes that, propelling Joy and Ian into exploring their connection with the world around them.
Wild About Birds
Reading and games with Lisa Gerlits, author of Rewilding and Shelly Monte, of Puffin and the Amazing Rescue
Ripple Toys and Games
101 S. First St., Silverton Saturday, Oct. 18, 11 a.m.
Free
Silverton Authors Night
Research ensued and it wasn’t long before the family discovered that not only did the baby they’d rescued have dietary needs quite different from what they originally thought, but the bird itself wasn’t actually in need of their help.
“We learned fledgling jays spend their time on the ground or in wood piles,” Gerlits laughed.
Returned to the wild from whence it came, the adventure was short-lived, but it
It was a puzzle that kept Gerlits writing for nearly three years before she finally had a manuscript she thought worthy of submission, first to her agent, Red Chair Press. They signed a contract for publication of Rewilding in 2024.
“It’s about this girl [Joy] and her younger brother [Ian] who are dealing with some tough stuff at home,” Gerlits said.The storyline follows the siblings’ journey to heal both themselves and the jay with the
“There’s a lot about letting nature do what it will do and not landscaping,” Gerlits said. “It’s part of how [the siblings] get through and deal with the bird.”
For sale now wherever books are sold, including Ripple and Books N Time in Silverton, and as an audiobook from Audible, Rewilding has already received a silver medal from the Readers’ Choice Book Awards, a NABE Pinnacle Award and positive reviews from the School Library Journal, including one that read, “[A] poignant must-have for all middle grade collections.”
A meet-and-greet with local authors including Lisa Gerlits.
Leaf and Vine Wine Lounge
111 N. Water St., Silverton Saturday, Nov. 8, 7 to 9 p.m. $20 per person
But for Gerlits, the real joy has come from the response of readers.
“What I really love is people sending pictures or messages saying, ‘I just got this book!’”, Gerlits confirmed.
“That’s the real thriller.”
Rewilding author Lisa Gerlits
MELISSA WAGONER
Joyce Anita Sloan Nov. 26, 1936 – Sept. 2, 2025
Joyce Anita Sloan, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on Sept. 2, 2025, at the age of 88. She was surrounded by her angels at the Davenport House.
Joyce was born in Petersburg, Virginia, on Nov. 26, 1936, to William and Bessie Gates. Her love of animals started early. She enjoyed sharing memories of riding horses and of cherished childhood cats and dogs. While attending church she met her one love, Tom Sloan, who had joined the choir while stationed there on service. They enjoyed 56 years of marriage.
As an avid reader Joyce was also very involved at the Silver Falls Library where she frequently won reading club awards.
Joyce was a proud dog mom and could frequently be found chatting with neighbors and making friends on dog walks.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Tom Sloan and son Joe Sloan. She is survived by her children, Steve (Nicole) Sloan, Cynthia Sloan; grandchildren Kelly Sloan Maddux, Joel (Amanda) Sloan, and Elijah Sloan; as well as her great-grandson, Weston Sloan.
Dustin Steven Ritchie
Dustin Steven Ritchie lived life to the fullest, always planning the next adventure with his beloved wife of 67 years, Deanna. On Sept. 7, 2025, at the age of 88, Steve passed away peacefully at their home in Silverton, surrounded by family.
Steve was known for his loyal, humble, and genuine heart, his quick wit, and his kind sense of humor. His abundant love and gentle presence touched everyone around him.
With the bond of a close-knit family and a legacy that lives on, Steve is survived by his wife, three daughters, seven grandchildren, and 11 greatgrandchildren.
proudly served two years in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and went on to work for 33 years as a mechanical engineer at Mobil Chemical.
Together, Steve and Deanna built a life rich in adventure and love. They created lasting memories through RV travel, cruising, houseboating, and home building. Steve’s strong work ethic, generous spirit, and sharp problemsolving skills led to countless projects. Whether designing, remodeling, welding, or constructing, he poured his heart into projects for his family. His legacy lives on in the furniture he crafted – each piece a reflection of his patience, kindness and unwavering love.
After marriage Joyce and Tom moved across the country and planted their roots in California. They raised their family and made a career selling real estate in the San Francisco Bay Area. At the end of their careers they retired and moved to Silverton, Oregon. Here they made a second chapter of life, getting involved in their church and community. Joyce spent several years actively involved in her church. She loved plants and was a member of the garden club.
Bruce Kingwell
Bruce Kingwell, 71, passed away peacefully on Sept. 9, 2025. Born on July 6, 1954, in Munich, Germany, he lived a life rooted in faith, service, and love for his family and community.
Bruce is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Julia, with whom he shared a lifetime of unwavering partnership and love. He was a beloved father to two daughters, Lalena (Jon) Shantz and Elora (David) Paganie. His legacy continues through his cherished grandchildren: Isabel, Jonah, Joshua, Lily and Helena Shantz, and Juliet, Ava and Caleb Paganie.
A man of deep faith, Bruce served as an elder at Silverton First Baptist Church in Oregon, where he was a guiding presence and compassionate leader. In retirement, after many years living in Katy, Texas, Bruce moved to Silverton to devote himself to charitable work and church ministry, touching countless lives through
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions in Joyce’s memory be made to a nature or animal organization of your choice. Joyce will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by her family, friends, and those who knew her.
The family thanks the lovely ladies at the Davenport House, Traditions Hospice, and Unger Funeral Home.
A memorial service will be held 12 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 5, at the Silverton Senior Center.
July 6, 1954 – Sept. 9, 2025
his kindness, humility, and dedication.
Bruce is also survived by his brothers, Robert Kingwell of Plano, Texas, and James Kingwell of El Paso, Texas, and Anne Greenshield of Scottsboro, Arizona.
He will be remembered for his quiet strength, his commitment to serving others, and the deep love he had for his family and community. His presence will be missed but his legacy will live on in the lives he touched.
A memorial service will be held at Silverton First Baptist Church. Details will be shared with friends and family in the coming days.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Bruce’s memory to one of the local charities he supported so faithfully: Hope Pregnancy Clinic in Salem, Oregon.
Born in 1936, in Omaha, Nebraska, Steve moved with his family to California. There he discovered a passion for fishing. From creeks and rivers to lakes and oceans, he was never far from the water.
He earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Cal Poly, where he also enjoyed beach volleyball and basketball –and met the love of his life, Deanna. Steve
His family is profoundly grateful for the beautiful lives they’ve lived because of who Steve was – his integrity, hard work, gentleness, humor and boundless love. He made them better people simply by being in their lives. Steve will be deeply and dearly missed.
Arrangements by Unger Funeral Chapel.
In Memory Of
Isavel Tavera Aug. 31, 1955 — Sept. 5 , 2025
Clara Hilda Cubbage Dec. 31, 1935 — Sept. 7, 2025
Dustin Steven Ritchie Jr. Oct. 30, 1936 — Sept. 7, 2025
Bruce William Kingwell July 6, 1954 — Sept. 9, 2025
Una Arce Dec. 27, 1961 — Sept. 12, 2025
“Bud” Francis Church May 26, 1930 — Sept. 13, 2025
Always honoring your request for traditional, eco-friendly or aqua cremation, celebration of life, and services involving earth burial. We also offer pre-planning alternatives to control costs.
Connie Jo Bacon July 17, 1949 — Sept. 15, 2025 www.ungerfuneralchapel.com
Fall potpourri
The Silverton High softball program, the Silver Fox Foundation and Silverton Youth Softball are teaming up on a project to provide a softball hitting facility on the Pine Street campus.
Money is currently being raised for the 60-foot by 80-foot all-weather facility, which would be placed beyond the outfield fence at the high school varsity field. The facility would serve softball players of all ages in the Silverton community and allow for quality training in bad weather. Amenities would include turf, drop-down nets and the additional equipment necessary for skill-building, confidence and continued growth of Silverton-area athletes.
Here is how you can help:
• Make a financial gift of any size;
• Sponsor part of the facility (nets, turf, lights, signs, etc.);
• Donate materials or construction expertise; and,
• Spread the word and help connect organizers with potential donors and supporters.
Tax-deductible contributions can be made to the Silverton Fox Foundation by sending a check to P.O. Box 352, Silverton, OR 97381 with “softball hitting facility” noted in the memo line.
For those seeking further information, email or call Sam Wurdinger at SilvertonYouthSoftball@gmail.com or 503-932-8386 or call Foxes varsity coach Ralph Cortez, 503-930-2721.
Reunion: Silverton High’s Class of 1976 is staging pieces of its 50th class reunion around the Oct. 17 Homecoming football
game between the Foxes and Lebanon. Class members will participate in the parade, which starts at 4 p.m. at the middle school (the old Silverton High). For more information on the parade and the float, call Darlene, 503-871-5540.
A tailgate party will follow the parade and take place in the parking lot between the
information or to arrange for a reunion T-shirt or sweatshirt call Beckie, 503-743-2028, or Dawn, 503-507-0325.
Cross country: More than 30 teams and 530 runners took to the trails and forest roads of Silver Falls State Park on Sept. 10 in the annual Silver Falls-Oktoberfest Invitational, the longest continuous cross country meet in Oregon.
Co-host Silverton made a splashy showing by taking first in the girls junior varsity team race, second in boys JV and fifth in both varsity races. Crescent Valley won boys JV, Molalla won boys varsity and Dallas took the girls varsity race.
tennis courts and McGinnis Field. Class members will participate in decorating the bleachers. Gates to the stadium open at 6 p.m. and the game begins at 7 p.m. There will be no admission charge for Class of 1976 members. For more
in 27:08.2. David Villanueva Cortes of Woodburn was the boys varsity winner in 16:08.2. Carter Bielemeier (17:17.8) was 15th for Silverton, with Kennedy’s Bohden Sowa 17th in 17:47.7.
The boys junior varsity winner in the 3.4K race was Junior Arellano of Gervais in 12:38.2. Curran Bay of Silverton was third in 13:03.3. Natalie Tidwell of West Albany won the girls JV race in 14:54.3, while Silverton’s Layla Powell (6th, 15:26.6) and Makiyah Villasenor (7th, 15:28.2) helped lead the Foxes to the team win.
The meet was conducted under nearperfect conditions with temperatures about 70 degrees under partly cloudy skies.
Alumni watch, McCarty: Former Foxes standout QB Jordan McCarty threw for four touchdowns and rushed for a fifth on Sept. 20 to lead Western Oregon to a 66-3 win against Sul Ross State at McArthur Field in Monmouth. McCarty, a 6-1, 190-pound junior has passed for 618 yards and six touchdowns for the Wolves, 2-1 overall and 1-0 in the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference.
Kelsey Rodl (19:05.2 over 5-kilometers) and Amber Green (19:13.8) went 1-2 for Dallas to lead the Dragons to first place in varsity girls. Katelyn Buchnoff of Silverton was fifth in 20:21.6 and Jazmyne Santana of Kennedy took 75th
Alumni watch, Pfeifer: Jackson Pfeifer, another former Foxes standout, is third in rushing for Linfield University, with 53 yards in the Wildcats’ two games. Also on the roster for Linfield, 1-1 overall, are former Silverton wide receiver Elijah Howard and lineman Xavier Orozco.
Got a news tip? Email me at james.d@ mtangelpub.com. Follow me on X (Twitter) @jameshday and Our Town on Facebook.
Rendering of the planned softball hitting facility at Silverton High. The goal is to place the new facility just beyond the high school varsity field in time for the 2026 spring season. SUBMITTED IMAGE
Thursday, Oct. 2
Boys Soccer
4 p.m. Kennedy vs Columbia Adventist (WA)
Volleyball
6 p.m. Kennedy vs Western Christian
6:30 p.m. Silverton vs McKay
Girls Soccer
4:30 p.m. Kennedy/Gevais vs Amity
7 p.m. Silverton vs West Albany
Friday, Oct. 3
Football
7 p.m. Kennedy vs North Marion
Tuesday, Oct. 7
Girls Soccer
6 p.m. Kennedy/Gervais vs Taft
Boys Soccer
7 p.m. Silverton vs Corvallis
Thursday, Oct. 9
Boys Soccer
4 p.m. Kennedy vs Willamette Valley Christian
Girls Soccer
6 p.m. Kennedy/Gervais vs Blanchet Catholic
Friday, Oct. 10
Football
7 p.m. Silverton vs Grants Pass
Monday, Oct. 13
Boys Soccer
4 p.m. Kennedy vs Southwest Christian Volleyball
6 p.m. Kennedy vs Regis
Tuesday, Oct. 14
Girls Soccer
7 p.m. Silverton vs Lebanon
Thursday, Oct. 16
Volleyball
6 p.m. Kennedy vs Gervais
Boys Soccer
7 p.m. Silverton vs Central
Friday, Oct. 17
Football
7 p.m. Silverton vs Lebanon
Monday, Oct. 20
Boys Soccer
4:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Grand View Christian Academy
Tuesday, Oct. 21
Volleyball
6:30 p.m. Silverton vs Woodburn
Girls Soccer
7 p.m. Silverton vs Crescent Valley
Thursday, Oct. 23
Volleyball
6:30 p.m. Silverton vs Corvallis
Boys Soccer
7 p.m. Silverton vs South Albany
Tuesday, Oct. 28
Volleyball
6:30 p.m. Silverton vs TBD
Girls Soccer
7 p.m. Silverton vs McKay
Thursday, Oct. 30
Boys Soccer
7 p.m. Silverton vs Woodburn
Friday, Oct. 31
Football
7 p.m. Silverton vs Corvallis
7 p.m. Kennedy vs Valley Catholic
For complete schedules, visit osaa.org.
Kennedy/Gervais girls home soccer games are played at Gervais.
The cost of raising kids
I recently read in The Wall Street Journal that it takes $300,000 to raise a child from birth to 17 years old.
My immediate reaction: someone has been cooking the books. There’s no way it took my wife and me $300,000 – or anything near it – to raise each of our four kids.
I know that for a fact because there has never been a 17-year stretch when I made $1.2 million or anywhere near it.
My suspicion is the story was written for New Yorkers and other urbanites. You know, the folks who spend $50,000 a year on preschool and even more on private high schools.
Then they hire tutors because their kids weren’t smart enough to get into the “right” college on their own. And they chauffeur junior to play year-round competitive sports. They even pay for airfare and hotels for tournaments.
Oh yeah, don’t forget the cost of
bribing a coach to get a scholarship at a fancy college, like some of the folks in “Hollyweird” have done.
Raising kids is not particularly costly. You, as parents, just need to think before taking out the checkbook.
First, kids want their parents to spend time with them, not money. Helping with homework, a game of Monopoly every now and then, or just hanging out and talking are solid ways to keep them and you entertained.
Our two oldest kids had a knack for doing impersonations. They would do Mick Jagger and Keith Richards – and anyone else who came to mind – and make me
Now Offering Same Day CROWNS
and
to –
laugh until my sides ached. You can’t buy that kind of entertainment.
Movies were another diversion. We would rent films and, after we all watched them, the discussion would begin. “It sucked” was not an adequate assessment. The kids were expected to back up their opinions. What was good, what was not good, did the actors and director do a good job? And why.
When they were old enough to get a job, they became lifeguards at the local pool, worked at the cannery or better yet, they got jobs at the local theater. All four of our kids worked there and enjoyed it. The money was a plus.
They also played sports – soccer, track, cross-country and tennis. While they had a good time, they weren’t expected to get college scholarships. They were just supposed to get some exercise and learn about sportsmanship.
They also followed other interests. All four
were in plays at the local high schools. One son joined a robotics club and went to the national competition a couple of times.
Now he works for a computer chip manufacturer. His brother was in the high school choir and got a college scholarship. He toured Europe a couple of times with his college choir.
I suppose my wife and I could have done more checkbook parenting, but we just didn’t have the money, or the interest.
We didn’t take fancy vacations. In fact, the only vacation that comes to mind is the one that we won at a fundraising auction. It was a week at Lake Havasu, Arizona. In August. It was 116 degrees each day. We also spent a few days in Phoenix, where it was just as hot. Their uncle taught the kids how to hunt scorpions with machetes. Now there’s a family activity for everyone! And it was free.
Carl Sampson is a freelance writer and editor. He lives in Stayton.
Visit
website or call to schedule your appointment.
GENERAL
SILVERTON ELKS FLEA
MARKET 300 High St. Silverton.
9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Second Saturday of each month, Sept. – Nov. New vendors, contact Lori at 503931-4517 thewhiteoakgallery@ gmail.com
PASTOR CHUCK BALDWIN
Liberty Fellowship, Kalispell, Montana satellite group Sundays, 1:30 p.m. Call Kristen, 503-990-4584
RENT EVENT SPACE at Silverton Grange Hall, 201 Division St., Silverton. Affordable hourly, half day, full day rates. For gatherings, classes, dances, meetings, weddings and more!
Fully equipped kitchen. Hall seats up to 70. Plenty of parking. For rental info call Becky at 503-516-5722. Grange info at http://grange.org/ silvertonor748/.
HELP WANTED
HOUSE CLEANING 20/hr.
Computer tech help wanted 20/hr 503-383-4398
SERVICES
MAGIC CARPET CLEANING
& MORE Since 1992. Carpet & upholstery cleaning at its best. Free estimates. Residential & commercial. Located in Silverton. Call Harold at 503-391-7406
SOUNDS GOOD STUDIO Bands, artists, personal karaoke CDs, books, restoring picture slides, and VHS to DVD. Old cassettes, records, reel-to-reel & 8-track cassettes restored to CD. Call Harold 503-391-7406.
YOUR RIGHT TO SELF DEFENSE
Saturdays Age 10-12 at 5:00, ages 13 and up. 6:15, Security and Correctional Officers. 7:30, private lessons available. International Certification Curriculum available upon request. Call Harold 503-391-7406
Place your ad in Marketplace 503-845-9499
HANDYMAN & HOME REPAIR
SERVICE Installation and repair of fencing, decks, doors, gutter cleaning, moss removal, power washing, yard debris removal. CCB# 206637 Call Ryan 503-881-3802
GOT STUFF YOU WANT GONE? From yard debris to scrap metal. From garage sale left overs to rental clear outs. We repurpose, recycle, reuse, or donate what we can. Call and find out what we can do for you. $20 Minimum. Call Keith 503-502-3462
HOUSE CLEANING JOBS
WANTED: Experienced - Many references. Please call Tammy at 503-910-8331
To place an ad, call 503-845-9499
Pride • Integrity • Respect •
Since 1974, John's has aimed to embody five core values; pride, integrity, respect, loyalty, and the ability to thrive. This month we would like to highlight local Mount Angel High School Student Austynn Garrison. Austynn is being recognized for exemplifying the value; loyalty
She embodies the value of loyalty both in and out of school. Whenever someone needs help in class, she is there to lend a hand. Austynn is an amazing friend, and is always there for the people around her. She is a genuinely nice human being.
#T2903 LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION $1,595,000 This property has it all! Close to town with amazing views of the top of Silverton and valley. Custom built 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home with all amenities. Attention to detail on everything about this home and property. Dual zone HVAC, 2 laundry facilities. Shop with 3 bays, bathroom and additional office space, plus woodshed and extra storage. Professionally landscaped with sprinkler systems and driveway designed to accommodate everyone. Call Meredith at ext. 324 or Ryan at ext. 322 (WVMLS#832647)
#T2868 CREEKSIDE GETAWAY
$1,390,000 TOTAL REMODEL ON THE CREEK! This 1.48-acre property sits along the year-round Abiqua Creek just 5 miles east of downtown Silverton. Quiet rural setting of upper-end homes with acreage. Rock wall and rock stairs accesses nice swimming hole. Entire home, garage, and property remodeled in 2024 w/custom everything. Balcony bedroom suite on 2nd level overlooking creek. A large walk-in closet, kitchenette, amazing bath with heated floors, and large steam shower. Request list of amenities. Call Michael at ext. 314 (WVMLS#833486)
#T2868 CREEKSIDE GETAWAY 2 BR, 2 BA 2029 sqft 1.48 acres. Silverton. Call Michael at ext. 314 $1,390,000 (WVMLS#833486)
#T2877 BUILD YOUR OWN 3 BR, 1 BA 1080 sqft 9.47 acres. Silverton. Call Michael at ext. 314 $400,000 (WVMLS#830242)
#T2894 SILVERTON ACREAGE ESTATE 4 BR, 3.5 BA 3804 sqft 3.02 acres. Silverton. Call Michael at ext. 314 $895,000 (WVMLS#830085)
#T2895 PRIVATE LOCATION 3 BR, 3.5 BA 2566 sqft 1.52 acres Silverton. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $926,700 (WVMLS#829660)
#T2903 LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION 4 BR, 2.5 BA 3838 sqft 2.07 acres. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $1,595,000 (WVMLS#832647)
Now is the perfect time to list your home.
#T2857 WELL MAINTAINED 55+ HOME $80,000 AMAZING VALUE!
Well-maintained manufactured home with tons of yard space. Located in the desirable 55+ community, Silverton Mobile Estates. Plenty of storage with built-ins and 3 sheds. 2 driveways with 2 separate car ports. Oversized yard! Large main suite with bathroom and walk-in closet. 2 full bathrooms with walk in showers. Newer roof. Mini-splits and forced air HVAC systems. Leaf guard gutter system and other updates throughout. Priced to sell! Call Becky at ext. 313 (WVMLS#823771)
Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $338,400 (WVMLS#825158)
#T2890 GREAT NEIGHBORHOOD 3 BR, 2 BA 2264 sqft Call Michael at ext. 314 $599,000 (WVMLS#830000)
#T2892 CLASSIC 1910 HOME 5 BR, 2.5 BA 2232 sqft Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $723,000 (WVMLS#829584) SOLD — #T2899 SILVERTON 4 BR, 3.5 BA 2504 sqft Call Michael at ext. 314 $1,295,000 (WVMLS#831233)
#T2902 SILVERTON GREAT SINGLE LEVEL HOME 3 BR, 2 BA 736 sqft Call Becky at ext. 313 $599,000 (WVMLS#831993)
#T2896 GARDEN GETAWAY $699,000
Looking for a garden getaway with opportunities to enjoy a park-like setting in a home developed by a true artist? Check out this fully landscaped 2.7-acre property, tucked away in the foothills above Scotts Mills, with a 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home and over 2,200 sqft of living space. Marvel at the country kitchen with hand-crafted cabinetry, natural wood finished, and large deck to relax and observe the wildlife at your front door. A studio/office w/bath extends the living space outside the home. Call Chuck at ext. 325 (WVMLS# 830657)
#T2878 NATURE’S PARADISE 4 BR, 4 BA 3463 sqft. Salem. Call Chuck at ext. 325 $719,000 (WVMLS#828227)
#T2896 SCOTTS MILLS GARDEN GETAWAY 3 BR, 2.5 BA 2248 sqft. Call Chuck at ext. 325 $699,000 (WVMLS#830657)
#T2901 COUNTRY LIVING 3 BR, 3 BA 2792 sqft. Call Kirsten at ext. 326 $795,000 (WVMLS#831900)
#T2904 PRIVATE DEAD-END STREET 5 BR, 2.5 BA 2687 sqft. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $665,000 (WVMLS#832673)
