Arts & Entertainment
Civics 101
Two bands’ paths to the Silverton Sidewalk Shindig – Page 4
Vol. 23 No. 19
Meet the five candidates running for Silverton City Council – Page 8
COMMUNITY NEWS
Serving Silverton, Mount Angel & Scotts Mills
October 2026
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Survivors reflect on their experiences– page 18
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Sports & Recreation
Former SHS QB has stellar career at WOU – page 20
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Contents
15
Helping Hands Habitat for Humanity chapter celebrates 40th anniversary................................. 10 Abiqua Falls acquisition finalized..........11 Datebook.................................. 12 Business Roasting up something good at Silver Falls Coffee Co. ................................... 15
Arts & Entertainment Banding together at the Sidewalk Shindig.. 4
Something to Do Workshop fosters civil discourse............ 5 Election forums at the Grange................. 5 Civics 101 SFSD bond............................................ 6
The Forum................................ 16 Passages................................... 17 Your Health Breast cancer survivor reflections........ 18 Sports & Recreation SHS alum makes his mark at WOU........ 20
Silverton Council addresses data centers,
Sports Datebook................................. 20
meets Ukrainian delegation ................. 7
A Grin at the End............... 22
Five Silverton council candidates........... 8
Marketplace......................... 23
Above
On the Cover
Silver Falls Coffee Company’s roastery manager Mark Kaser inspects beans. MELISSA WAGONER
One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime ©TIYANMCD7, 123RF.COM.
Correction P.O. Box 927, Mount Angel, OR 97362 401 Oak St., Silverton, OR 97381 503-845-9499 ourtown.life@mtangelpub.com ourtownlive.com 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. 5.
Paula Mabry Editor & Publisher Jerry Stevens Ad Director Sheldon Traver Advertising DeeDe Williams Office Manager James Day Sports Editor & Reporter Stephen Floyd Digital Editor & Reporter Bea Shapiro Designer & Copy Editor Melissa Wagoner Reporter Sara Morgan Datebook Editor Janet Patterson Distribution Steve Beckner Custom Design Thank you for spending time with Our Town. Your comments and suggestions are always welcome.
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In the Sept. 15 issue of Our Town, an article titled ‘In-house improvements: SFSD food services pairs quality, savings’ should have said the program has reduced deficit spending by 43.8% from a peak two years prior, and program overages were $365,372 in 2022-23, $406,521 in 2023-24, $129,518 in 2024-25 and $228,435 in 2025-26. Our Town regrets the errors.
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October 2026 • 3
Arts & Entertainment
Finding their groove Two bands share their love of music at shindig By Melissa Wagoner
continue,” Christensen said. And they plan to – at least for the rest of the school year.
There is magic that happens when a band takes to the stage. But music instructors Ed Kopp and Corey Christensen (owner of SoundStream Music in Silverton) argue there is just as much magic happening off the stage, during rehearsal. “We try to inspire people to get together and play music,” Kopp said. “Because a lot of people do stuff alone on YouTube, but coming together [as a band], there’s some emotional intelligence there.” And playing music in a group is an effective way to not only improve as a musician, but as a performer as well. “We get a lot of people who come into our doors that have performance anxiety and they want to get over that,” Christensen said. “The goal of a band is to play [gigs]…so it definitely levels you up.” That’s what he was hoping to do for students Mary Fronza and Gretchen Huebsch – both seniors at Silverton High this year – when he suggested they form a band in 2024. “Gretchen and I were already friends,” Fronza said, recalling the subsequent addition of drummer Heidi Beilenberg (also a senior) and guitarist Angelina Gifford (a junior).
“I’m going to be really sad when they leave,” Christensen admitted. “But [music] will always be that hobby that’s supportive and enriching.” Fever Dreams at the Silverton Arts Festival. SHELDON TRAVER
Silverton Sidewalk Shindig 15th annual day of free music downtown Saturday, Oct. 3, music starts 10 a.m. More than a dozen venues, plus roaming musicians Water Street Band, Town Square Park, noon Fever Dreams, Silver Falls Brewery, 5:15 p.m. Program: Silverton Sidewalk Shindig on Facebook said. “It makes us all better.” And they’ve each improved musically since their first public performance at Silver Falls Brewing. “The first time was embarrassing because I knew it was a little rough…” Fronza said.
Now all four have a band – Fever Dreams – and a bond, each with a role to play both on the stage and off.
But after months of practice, playing for an audience has gotten much easier and more fun – a development that was obvious to those in attendance.
“Angie is really good at holding people accountable,” Fronza
“A lot of people at the [Arts Festival] said I hope those girls
6
And there’s always a chance the members will go on to join another band as adults. Because you’re never too old to try something new… At least that’s how the members of fellow Arts Festival performers, the Water Street Band, see it. “We’re a room full of adults open to learning,” Kopp said of the five-member band that started as an informal “song circle” class at SoundStream. Soon they began booking gigs with the help of harmonica player, guitarist and manager, Dave Castle, and before long they had nine performances under their belt. “Being in a band takes commitment…” Castle said. “But when you start playing with other people, you get better.” It’s the joy they’ve found for performing the music they love for an audience that’s kept them together. “We pick songs people know and enjoy…” Kopp said. “It’s all about connection and good memories.” Both bands are performing at the upcoming Silverton Sidewalk Shindig Oct. 3.
REASONS TO VOTE YES FOR THE SILVER FALLS SCHOOL BOND
MAINTAIN.
MEASURE 24-528
the Current Tax Rate, With No Increase For Tax Payers 1 Maintain
the District’s Rural K-8 Educational Model replacing three aging schools with one new K-8 school 2 Maintain
MODERNIZE.
Time to Replace Our Aging Schools Replace Silverton Middle School & three K-8 schools 3 It’s
4 Address Prioritized Maintenance Needs Across District SAVE.
5 through replacing four aging schools with two new facilities
Save District and Taxpayer Money on Operational Costs
Dollars Stretch Further through $10.2 Million State Matching Grant (if passed) 6 Bond Paid for by Yes for Silver Falls Schools, PAC ID # 25253
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Something to Do
Silverton Grange hosts election forums Oct. 8, 15
Healing the divide
Free workshop encourages understanding, discourse By Melissa Wagoner Jeff Spitzer has a theory that many of the problems the U.S. now faces could be solved with better communication. “[W]e don’t try to understand each other anymore,” he said. “We’d rather preach our own beliefs and demonize anyone who doesn’t agree, especially in the age of social media.” And so, amidst the chaos of 2020, he joined an organization with the mission to remedy rising polarization by helping Americans see each other, not as enemies, but as fellow citizens. That organization, Braver Angels, was founded in 2016 to “inspire and equip Americans to practice courageous citizenship across political differences through skill-building, convening, and collaborative action.” “Since then, the political polarization continues to be an issue,” Spitzer, an alliance co-chair, moderator, ambassador, and organizer for the organization for the past six years, said. “As long as we continue to view those with differing beliefs as evil, misguided, or just stupid, this work will remain vital.” But he is optimistic that Braver Angels can help. It’s why he helps facilitate workshops all over the state, including one being held Oct. 14, 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Silver Falls Library in Silverton.
“To have constructive disagreement, it’s important to learn the skills for that make it possible. That’s what we teach in this workshop…” Spitzer said. “We are teaching people to get past the stereotypes that create division.” Free and open to the public, the workshop – titled “Skills for Disagreeing Better” – is not an opportunity for attendees to share their political opinions, but rather to learn how to do so in a constructive manner. “Will you leave the workshop being perfect at these skills? Of course not,” Spitzer said. “Like anything, they will take practice. Learning them is the first step and that’s what this workshop is designed to do.” And if you are one of the 37 percent of U.S. citizens who has lost relationships due to political differences in the past 10 years (according to a University of California poll), Spitzer maintains, “this workshop is the road back.” “[W]e can learn to understand the other person’s viewpoint, even if we still disagree with it,” he said. “We are teaching people to get past the stereotypes that create division.”
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County commissioner candidates include Republican incumbents Colm Willis (position 2), Kevin Cameron (position 1) and Democratic challengers Sara Duncan (position 1) and Maria Hinojos Pressey (position 2). Doors open for both events at 6 p.m., with forums set to begin at 6:30. The Grange is at 201 Division St. off of South Water Street. The election is Nov. 3, with ballots scheduled to be mailed on Oct. 14. – James Day
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The Thursday, Oct. 15, forum will feature candidates for Oregon House District 18 and two spots on the Marion County Board of Commissioners. Invited to participate are Republican Amanda Staehley, independent Roy Kaufmann, who also is representing the Democratic and Working Families parties, and Libertarian Patrick Marnell.
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October 2026 • 5
Civics 101
Silver Falls school bond
Projects take shape as election nears
By Stephen Floyd
The finished new school would be similar in size to Butte Creek School and would house an estimated 350 students. The district estimates that a newer facility combining the schools would reduce longterm maintenance and operating costs, including a simplification of administrative services that are currently spread across or shared by the three campuses.
A proposal to rebuild Silverton Middle School and construct a new westside K-8 school in the Silver Falls School District is taking shape as voters consider a bond to fund the projects. Ballots will be mailed out Oct. 14 for the Nov. 3 election, and district residents will be asked to consider Measure 24-528, which would continue a property tax of $1.88 per $1,000 of assessed value. According to the district, the average homeowner would pay the same amount as they currently pay under a bond set to expire in July of 2027. The average, based on home value, is $438 per year for Marion County residents and $415 per year for Clackamas County residents. The bond would raise an estimated $87 million, and would be paired with a $10.2 million state grant, for a total of $97.2 million in project funds. If the bond does not pass the state grant will not be awarded. During recent community presentations, district officials have shared updated information on proposed projects including diagrams of how the SMS rebuild and the new K-8 school might look. SMS would feature a complete rebuild of the derelict 1938 wing that was originally constructed as Silverton
If the bond passes other projects are planned at buildings throughout the district to improve utilities, security and ADA access and address deferred maintenance. The district has planned a series of public events to share information about the bond and answer questions. These include:
Rendering of proposed middle school renovation, addition COURTESY OF AXONS
High School, a full renovation of the classrooms along James Street, and a partial renovation of the cafeteria, library and the 1969 addition. The existing gym, which was retrofitted a few years ago with a seismic refit, would be maintained without significant alterations. The new K-8 school would likely be built on an existing school property such as Pratum School or Central Howell School. The facility would replace Pratum, Central Howell and Evergreen School, which all date to between 1928 and 1947.
Michael M. Bliss, DMD, PC
• A building design session on Oct. 9, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the District Office Conference Room, 612 Schlador St. • A bond Q&A session Oct. 16, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., at the SMS Library, 714 Schlador St. which will include a tour of the building at 6:15 p.m. • A booth during Trunk or Treat on Oct. 30, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., at the District Office Conference Room. 612 Schlador St. Residents are welcome to drop in and ask questions, offer opinions and share ideas.
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Data centers Silverton Council wades into issue By James Day
In other highlights from the Sept, 16 meeting:
The Silverton City Council took on the data center issue at its Wednesday, Sept. 16, meeting.
The Oregon Garden: The meeting featured a joint session involving the City Council and the Oregon Garden Foundation Board. Silverton owns the property, which is managed by the OGF Board. Three councilors, Newton, Palmer and Hammond, are on the board. The two entities are working on a memorandum of understanding and a new lease, with a key proviso being the city’s forgiveness of $570,000 in Garden debt. The money owed to the city is the final financial piece for the Garden to pull out of receivership.
Numerous Oregon communities, including Salem, Woodburn and Hillsboro have taken action to slow the growth of such facilities, of which there are more than 100 in Oregon. Most of them are in the Hillsboro area and Eastern Oregon. Residents and municipalities have raised concerns about the environmental challenges of such facilities, with water, power and noise issues the most prominent. Other concerns raised, both in Oregon and nationally, include doomsday scenarios involving computers as well as potential catastrophic job losses, but neither topic was addressed in the Silverton discussion. Silverton Community Development Director Jason Gottgetreu noted that most data centers require up to 100 acres of land or more. Silverton, he said, has no industrial parcel available larger than 7.5 acres. Councilors ultimately voted 5-2 to direct Gottgetreu to work on code language that would make it more challenging for data centers to be built here. Voting in favor of the new code language were Mayor Jason Freilinger and councilors Kyle Palmer, April Newton, Elvi Cuellar Sutton and Marie Traeger. Councilors Eric Hammond and Matt Gaitan voted against the motion. Hammond said it was unfair for Silverton residents to use data but demand that the centers all be built elsewhere. Gaitan said that if such centers could be made environmentally safe and provide a tax boost to the city “I wouldn’t say no to that.” Freilinger said he was thinking about reducing his data use, but he did not provide any specifics. Palmer indicated he was hopeful that city officials could come up with code that essentially means such centers would be a “not permitted” use of city land.
Gifts left for the city by a delegation from Natuyshen, Ukraine, which visited Silverton Sept. 14. JAMES DAY
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City Manager Cory Misley did not have a projection on how long the memorandum process will take. “This is a marathon, not a sprint,” he said. “Whether it takes three months, six months, nine months or more … we’re not going to rush it.” Silver Falls school bond: Silver Falls School District Superintendent Kim Kellison, board chair Phil Wiesener and district financial chief Tom Andrews, briefed the council on Measure 24-528, a $97 million facilities bond that will be on the Nov. 3 ballot. District officials hope to replace Silverton Middle School and create a new K-8 school on the west side of town that will combine the operations of Central Howell, Pratum and Evergreen. A more-expensive facilities bond failed in 2023. District officials emphasized that because the new bond will replace the expiring bond that paid for the completion of the Pine Street high school campus, property taxes will not increase if Measure 24-528 passes. Freilinger and the councilors spoke in favor of the bond effort but no vote was taken. Silverton welcomes Ukraine delegation: The council welcomed a delegation from its friendship city of Netishyn, Ukraine, on Monday, Sept. 14. Silverton established the relationship with the town in 2023, with a pastor/community organizer, his wife and a councilor making the trip. Gifts left by the delegation can be viewed at City Hall. Netishyn has approximately 40,000 residents and is at the western edge of the country, far from the current fighting between Ukraine and Russia. The main industry in town is a nuclear power plant complex. Up next: The city council meets again on Wednesday, Oct. 7.
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Together, we build community
October 2026 • 7
Civics 101
Election 2026
Five candidates vie for three Silverton council seats
By James Day
before making decisions.”
Five candidates are competing for three Silverton City Council seats in the Nov. 3 election.
Although she did not mention specific projects or initiatives, Ohren said that the current council “could have done a better job communicating with the public before making significant decisions. I would favor earlier disclosure, clear explanations, and more opportunity for public input before decisions are made.”
On the ballot are three incumbents, Eric Hammond, April Newton and Marie Traeger and challengers Scott Walker and Jenny Ohren. All three incumbents were elected in 2022. Walker is a former councilor who served from 2009-13. Ohren was part of the seven-candidate field in 2022 in a race in which there were no incumbents. The three other councilors, Elvi Cuellar Suttton, Kyle Palmer and Matt Gaitan, do not face the voters until 2028. Mayor Jason Freilinger also is on the ballot. Elected in 2022 after 10 years as a councilor, Freilinger is seeking a third two-year term as mayor. For the second consecutive election cycle he is running unopposed. Community members looking for a chance to hear from the candidates can attend a forum sponsored by the Silverton Grange on Thursday, Oct 8. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the forum starts at 6:30 p.m.
Scott Walker
She added that “the city needs to place greater emphasis on maintaining the infrastructure and services we already have before taking on major new projects.”
Walker said he was motivated to run because of the proposed city charter amendment, Measure 24-527, that also Hammond works as propagation is on the Nov. 3 ballot. The and production manager at a tree measure calls for changes in and shrub nursery. He serves on how the city manager role is the city’s sustainability and urban handled and makes numerous forestry advisory board as well other changes to put Silverton being one of the three councilors in line with the model code serving as a member of the of the League Of Oregon Oregon Garden Foundation. He Cities. Walker is urging voters Eric Hammond is perhaps the council’s leading to vote “no” on the measure advocate on climate change and and recommends a new charter that calls sustainability issues. for councilors to be elected to represent “I want Silverton to remain a welcoming, specific districts. affordable, resilient community while “In my opinion, the council has become preserving the qualities that make it a more detached from the residents,” he said. great place to live,” Hammond said. “A revised charter could create a council “Council has a long way to go that is more responsive to the residents. on affordable housing. When The new revised charter could create the most vulnerable residents of voting districts where a majority Silverton are exposed to pain, of the councilors would be elected our community suffers. We from and by specific areas of worked hard to remedy that town. Everyone would have problem.” their own councilor to advocate Eric Hammond
Here is a look at the five candidates, all of whom responded to an email questionnaire from Our Town that included questions on the council’s achievements and challenges. Their order in the story was determined by pulling names out of a basket. Because of the finite amount of space in the print version of Our Town, the Jenny Ohren responses are excerpted. For the full statements and answers go to ourtownlive.com. Jenny Ohren Ohren, a Silverton High graduate, works in social services and recovery. She also participated on the city’s travel and tourism “Destination Strategy” travel and tourism task force. “I’m running because I care about Silverton and believe our city government should be transparent, accountable, and responsive to the people it serves,” Ohren said. “I’ll listen, ask questions, and do the research
8 • October 2026
Walker is a retired government budget analyst with a master’s in biostatistics from Georgetown Scott Walker University in Washington, D.C. He has served as a director of the Marion Soil & Water Conservation District Board and assisted on the Silverton task force that developed a new comprehensive plan.
Hammond said he was proud of the work the council has done in support of Sheltering Silverton’s efforts to battle homelessness and in its urban forest management plan “that protects our water now and as development progresses.”
Hammond also praised city efforts “to increase access to city government – new website, communications outreach through the press and social media. That matters a lot, but it isn’t enough. The best thing local government could do is to help citizens understand what it can’t do, how it is constrained by law, and where it can act; this is complex stuff, and we should all be happy it’s so.”
for their neighborhood.”
KEY ELECTION DATES Oct. 5: Out of state voters’ ballots mailed Oct. 13: Last day to register to vote for Nov. 3 election Oct. 14: Ballots mailed Nov. 3: Election Day Nov. 30: Last day to certify election April Newton Newton, a timber owner and retired rural mail carrier, serves as the council president. She also serves as board chair and secretary of the Oregon Garden Foundation Board. “I am running because I am personally invested in Silverton and serving our community to make our town as vital and livable as possible for everyone,” Newton said. “The last four years we have worked hard to accomplish many projects, but we are also in the middle of much important work that I am committed to following through on.” Key achievements cited by Newton include the new amenities (dog park and pickleball courts) on Westfield Street. She also praised the improvement in ties between the city and the Oregon Garden. “I believe the Oregon Garden is a wonderful community asset and I am proud to be directly involved in our renewed commitment to the partnership between the city and Garden,” she said.
Walker, who testifies regularly April Newton during the public comment section of council meetings, also The Westfield property also is scheduled expressed concerns about the way two to be the site of an affordable housing major projects, the redevelopment of Main project that features city collaboration with Street and the park proposed for south of City Hall, are being handled. the Hacienda Community Development Corporation. The complex has been “The Main Street/Park Plaza Project stalled by design and infrastructure was dominated by consultants who were challenges and Newton said “ I definitely selling their ideas at the expense of (the) thought we would be much further needs of Silverton residents,” Walker said. along… by now. This project is incredibly “The council should have directed the important for our community. I consider consultants to thoroughly evaluate our affordable housing one of our biggest needs and values before they developed their plan.” challenges.”
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Marie Traeger Traeger is a teacher and correctional counselor with a master’s in education from Oregon State University. She works with the Silver Falls YMCA’s executive council and her other contributions include recycling and waste issues and as the council member on the city’s new public art advisory group.
to improve recreation, the arts, tourism, parks, and the overall quality of life in Silverton.” Traeger expressed concerns about transportation and traffic.
“Silverton continues to grow, but many of our streets and intersections were never designed for the amount of traffic they carry today,” she said. “We also have state and “Silverton is a special county roads running through community,” she said, “and as our community, which means we continue to grow, we need the city cannot solve every to make thoughtful decisions problem on its own. I would like that protect what people love to see us continue working more about living here while also Marie Traeger aggressively with ODOT and preparing for the future. I try to Marion County on traffic flow, pedestrian approach each decision by listening, asking safety, sidewalks, bike routes, and problem questions, doing my homework, and intersections. These projects take time and considering how it will affect our residents, significant funding, but I hear concerns businesses, and community as a whole. about traffic and transportation regularly My involvement in Silverton goes beyond from residents, and I believe we need to my seat on the council. I have had the continue making it a priority.” opportunity to serve on committees and community organizations that are working For the full answers go to ourtownlive.com.
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October 2026 • 9
Helping Hands
Habitat chapter celebrates 40 years By James Day
40th Anniversary Gala
The North Willamette Valley chapter of Habitat for Humanity is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a gala event at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Festhalle in Mount Angel. Silverton $409,000 Charming 1920 bungalow with a view over downtown. 2 bedroom, 1 bath, hardwood floors, original details, basement. Korinna Barcroft 503-851-1283 MLS#840171
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Silverton $625,000 Newer construction located near Silverton High, built in 2023, covered patio, lovely backyard, open floor plan. Korinna Barcroft 503-851-1283 MLS#844891
Silverton $980,000 Timeless quality loaded with amenitites, sauna, soaking tub, wall of windows, covered patios, 2-story entry. Valerie Kofstad 503-871-1667 MLS#845650
Silverton $1,250,000 Stunning! Reclaimed timbers, open beam interior, wrap porch, 12’ ceilings, grand kitchen. Custom home by Riedman Construction. Valerie Kofstad 503-871-1667 MLS#842873
Silverton $1,435,000 Upscale country 53.79-acre estate, over 3,000 sqft. home. Sunset views, pond and creek, shop, barn, greenhouse, coop. RV pad with hook-ups. Korinna Barcroft 503-851-1283 MLS#843333
Mt. Angel Festhalle 500 Wilco Hwy NE Saturday, Oct. 10, 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. Tickets: $50, include dinner, drinks
The evening will honor the volunteers, donors, homeowners, businesses and community partners who have helped NWV Habitat create affordable homeownership opportunities throughout northern Marion and southern Clackamas counties since 1986, said Dan Haun, executive director of the chapter.
nwvhabitat.org
Haun, executive director of NWV Habitat. Proceeds will support NWV Habitat’s ongoing work, including affordable home construction, critical home-accessibility projects and programs that help local families build strength, stability and self-reliance.
Guests, Haun said, will enjoy dinner, inspiring stories, a live destination auction, an electric-bike raffle, a wine pull, a dessert auction and a celebration of the people who have helped build the organization’s 40-year legacy.
Tickets, sponsorship opportunities and additional information are available at nwvhabitat.org/gala.
“This gala is an opportunity to celebrate everyone who has contributed to our mission over the past 40 years while helping ensure that local families continue to have access to safe, stable and affordable homes,” said
NWV Habitat serves communities in northern Marion and southern Clackamas counties, including Silverton, Mount Angel, Woodburn, Canby and Molalla.
Lori’s 2 Story
nd
Bumpable Buyer Silverton $949,000 Beautifully remodeled home with gorgeous farmhouse kitchen, 3 acres with sunset view, 49x60 shop, level usable ground and circular drive. Valerie Kofstad 503-871-1667 MLS#840763
NWV Habitat for Humanity
Mt. Angel $659,000 Saint Mary’s Ave., solidly built home with remodeled kitchen, 1950’s charm, large backyard and basement. Sheila Sitzman 303-885-0679 MLS#841363
Rare Finds for You and Your Home
formerly Bilyeu Creek Collectibles
105 N. Main St. Mt. Angel 503-845-5100 Open: Wed Wed – Sun S 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Back on Market Silverton $749,000 3398 sqft. home with lots of room! 4 bed, 3.5 bath plus den/office. 3-car garage, Silverton Heights subdivision. Korinna Barcroft 503-851-1283 MLS#840890
Silverton $699,900 55 acres to build your dream home! Already has a road, power, well and septic, old manufactured home on the property. Valerie Kofstad 503-871-1667 MLS#841127
Silverton $95,000 55+ community, near Silverton High School on Pine Street, 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1344 sqft. Korinna Barcroft 503-851-1283 MLS#839213
All info current at time of publication. Prices and availability subject to change.
119 N. WATER ST., SILVERTON, OR
503-873-8600
harcourtssilverton.com 10 • October 2026
@harcourtssilverton ourtownlive.com
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FOR HOUSE DISTRICT 18
Independent Like You!
Abiqua Falls, the hard-to-reach but popular landmark in the hills above Silverton. The property has been sold to the Oregon State Parks system. COURTESY TRAVIS WILLIAMS, WILLAMETTE RIVER PRESERVATION TRUST
Abiqua Falls acquired
HERE’S WHAT YOUR NEIGHBORS ARE SAYING ABOUT ROY: “We need a true Independent to combat the limitations of the short-sighted two-party system. Roy understands that looking for common ground is what we need.”
State finalizes $2M purchase A state commission has approved the purchase of Abiqua Falls, the 92-foot landmark natural jewel in the hills near Silverton. The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission approved the $2 million purchase at its Sept. 23 meeting in Salem. The price includes $600,000 for the 40-acre falls property that had been owned since 1908 by the Mount Angel Abbey as well as 160 acres of adjacent land that had been under the control of Weyerhaeuser, the giant forest products firm based in Seattle. “Abiqua Falls is a great example that parks are not just nature,” said OPRD Director Lisa Sumption. “It takes continuous staff, time and money for us to bring a property like this up to state park standards and keep it there.” Although the sale of the property to the state removes the scenario of the acreage winding up in the hands of owners who might limit public access, just what that public access might mean in the future is an issue that will play out in the months and years to come. The property off of Crooked Finger Road on Abiqua Creek is popular but difficult to reach. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department still is working through options for the properties’ development and management, according to a press release issued by the commission. The agency anticipates having something more concrete
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by the time the property transaction closes, likely near the end of the year.
- Dixon Bledsoe, Realtor & Community Leader
Depending on the level of development and management structure, the potential costs for such work is unknown, state officials said. The commission directed OPRD staff to provide an update in November, prior to finalizing the transaction, about plans for development and long-term management. The state is engaged in ongoing discussions with Marion County and the Oregon Department of Forestry on the project. Abiqua Falls will be moving to a state parks system that is in severe stress. The system is running a $14 million deficit and has increased fees for parking and camping in the past two years. And whatever future is proposed for the property will have to be balanced with the needs of the rest of the parks system. “It is with deep gratitude and hope for the future that the Abbey Foundation of Oregon entrusts the stewardship and legacy of Abiqua Falls to the state of Oregon,” said Amanda Staggenborg, director of communications for the Abbey in an email exchange with Our Town at the time the intent to sell to the state was announced. “The beauty of Abiqua Falls will be enjoyed by generations of Oregonians and all those who love Oregon’s natural wonders.” The Abbey Foundation had managed the property since 2000 and had announced plans to sell it in March.
“I have spent the last 25 years of my career caring for families in our wonderful community. I’ve seen what the for profit healthcare crisis is doing to hospitals, providers, and patients. I’m excited for Roy to fight for health care for all Oregonians. It’s our right. “ - Elizabeth Blount, MD, Retired Family Physician
“I grew up in Silverton. I came back here to start a family. Roy’s going to work tirelessly to help Oregon be a great place to raise kids. That’s the North Star I know he’s following.” PAID FOR BY FRIENDS OF ROY KAUFMANN FOR HD 18
By James Day
- Bailey Weißenfels, Epidemiologist & Mom
NO MATTER THE ISSUE, I’LL LOOK AT THE FACTS AND ASK WHAT YOU THINK. BECAUSE I WORK FOR YOU. ENDORSEMENTS: Silverton Mayor Jason Freilinger Silverton City Council President, April Newton Aurora Mayor, Brian Asher Nurses & Friends for Singer Payer Oregon League Of Conservation Voters (OLCV ) Oregon School Employees Assn (OSEA)
KaufmannForOregon.com
ourtownlive.com
October 2026 • 11
datebook 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+. Daily, weekly, monthly events. silvertonseniors.org SACA Food Pantry, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., SACA, 1030 N First St., Silverton. Repeats 4 - 6 p.m. Tuesday, 9 a.m. - noon Thursday. 503-873-3446, silvertonareacommunityaid.org Mt. Angel Community & Senior Center Store, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., 195 E Charles St. Repeats Tuesday - Saturday. Volunteers needed. 503-845-6998 Senior Meals, 11:30 a.m., Silverton 50+ Center. Congregate dining. Delivery available Mon-Fri. $3 suggested donation. Age 60 and older. Make reservations three days in advance. Congregate dining repeats Tuesday and Thursday. Connie, 503-873-6906 Silverton Recovery AA, noon - 1 p.m., SACA, 1030 N First St., Suite B, Silverton. Seven days a week. Bridge, 1 - 4:30 p.m., Silverton 50+ Center. Members free. Non-members $5. 503-873-3093 Open Acoustic Jam, 1:30 - 3 p.m., Silverton 50+ Center. Bring your own instrument. Singers welcome. Free. 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, dave.tacker@gmail.com
Tuesday
Qigong, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m., Silverton 50+ Center. All welcome. Free for members. $5 non-members. 503-873-3093 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 or delivery Tuesdays and Thursdays. Age 60+. $3 suggested donation. Ginger, 503-845-9464 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 - 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
12 • October 2026
Mission Benedict Food Pantry, 1 - 4 p.m., 870 S Main St., Mt. Angel. Fresh produce, protein, dry goods. Repeats 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Wednesday, 1 - 3 p.m.; Thursday, Friday. Self Defense for Seniors, 4 p.m., Silverton 50+ Center. All welcome. Free for members. $5 non-members. 503-873-3093 Yoga + Sip with Suzanne, 6 p.m., Silverton 50+ Center. $10/members. $12/nonmembers. Post-class optional wine social $5/glass. All welcome. 503-873-3093 Cub Scout Pack 485, 6:30 p.m., Silverton First Christian Church, 402 N First St. Boys and girls in grades K-5. Elisha, 503-507-6087 Growing Awareness, Nurturing Compassion, 7 - 8:30 p.m. Zoom. Secular presentation promoting mindfulness. Invite: compassionatepresence@yahoo.com.
Wednesday
Silverton Business Group, 8 a.m., Silver Falls Brewery, 207 Jersey St., Silverton. Networking of business community hosted by Silverton Chamber of Commerce. All welcome. silvertonchamber.org Quilters Group, 9:30 a.m. - noon, Trinity Lutheran Church, 500 N Second Ave., Silverton. trinitysilverton@gmail.com Yoga + Breath, 11 a.m., Silverton 50+ Center. Gentle mat flow with Amelia of Old Soul Yoga. $49/five classes. 503-873-3093 Knit Whiz, 10 a.m., Silverton 50+ Center. Free handcrafting group. 503-873-3093 Boogie Woogie Wednesdays, 10 - 10:40 a.m., Silver Falls Library. Come dance. Ages 0-4. Free. 503-873-8706 Open Studio Painting, 1 - 4 p.m., Silverton 50+ Center. Open to all. Free. 503-873-3093 Silver Chips Woodcarving Sessions, 1 - 4 p.m., Silverton Arts Association. All skill levels. 503-873-7645 Line Dancing, 1 p.m.(intermediate/ advanced), 2 p.m. (beginners), Silverton 50+ Center. Intermediate/advanced. Members free; $5 non-members. 503-873-3093 Mission of Hope Food Pantry, 2 - 4 p.m., Silver Creek Fellowship. Fresh produce, protein options, dry goods. 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 Move and Groove, 10 - 10:40 a.m., Silverton 50+ Center. Members free. Nonmembers $5. All welcome. 503-873-3093, silvertonseniors.org Thursday Painters, 10 a.m. - noon, Silverton Arts Association. Join other artists for open studio time. All kinds of art forms welcome. Free. 503-873-2480 Baby Birds Storytime, 11 a.m., Silver Falls Library. Stories, music, bubbles and more. Ages 0-4. Free. Repeats Friday. 503-873-8706 Mahjong, 1 p.m., Silverton 50+ Center. Play Mahjong. Free. $5 non-members. All welcome. 503-873-3093
TOPS (Take Off Pounds 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
The Home Market
10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Union Hill Grange, 15575 Grange Road, Sublimity. Handmade and homemade plus vintage items and furniture. Open to public. Free admission. Repeats 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Oct. 3. Lisa, 503-779-4725.
Active QiGong, 9:30 a.m., Silverton 50+ Center. $5. 503-873-3093 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, 9 - 10:30 a.m., Silverton 50+ Center. Group focused on personal, professional growth. All welcome. Sue Brown, 925-890-4656 Silvertones Community Singers, 10:30 a.m., Silverton United Methodist Church, 203 Main St., Silverton. Open to anyone who loves to sing. 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 Bridge, Silverton. Advocate to protect and strengthen American democracy, call attention to issues that threaten it and encourage getting out the vote. Open to all. Signs welcome. robertjsisk@yahoo.com, 503-873-5307 Crochet Club, 4 - 5:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. Learn to crochet. All supplies provided. Free. 503-873-8706
Lunaria Opening Reception
Saturday
Mt. Angel City Council
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, 971-218-66
Thursday, Oct. 1 Red Cross Blood Drive
8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Kennedy High, 890 E Marquam St., Mt. Angel. Visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767.
Silverton Kiwanis Club Noon, Main St. Bistro, 201 E Main St., Silverton. New members welcome. Repeats Oct. 15. silvertonkiwanis.org
Silverton Lions Club 7 p.m., Silverton Immanuel Lutheran Church, 303 N Church St. New members welcome. Repeats Oct. 15. 971-720-3811
Friday, Oct. 2 Model Train Event
10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Albany Public Library, 2450 SE 14th Ave. Miniature train station with tracks. All ages. Free. Repeats 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Oct. 3. 541-917-7580
ourtownlive.com
6 - 8 p.m., Lunaria Gallery, 113 N Water St., Silverton. Meet the artists for October’s showings. Main Floor Gallery: “Once Upon A Time,” artwork by Jenny Armitage. Loft Gallery: “Elemental Pacific Northwest Rocks, Trees and Water,” paintings by Christine Schulbach. Free. Open to all. 503-873-7734, lunariagallery.com
Saturday, Oct. 3 Coffee with the Chief
9 a.m., Mt. Angel Fire Station, 300 Monroe St. Join Chief Jim Trierweiler for coffee and an informal Q&A about the Mt. Angel-Monitor fire district consolidation measures. Open to all. Free. 503-845-2438
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.
Monday, Oct. 5 DAR Chapter Meeting
10 a.m., Stayton Fire Station, 1988 W Ida St. Meeting for Daughters of the American Revolution Abigail Scott Duniway Chapter. Open to all. 503-689-6991 7 p.m., Mount Angel Public Library. Open to public. 503-845-9291, ci.mt-angel.or.us
Tuesday, Oct. 6 Mt. Angel American Legion
6:30 p.m., Legion Hall, 740 E College St., Mt. Angel. All veterans are welcome. Masks optional. Jim, 503-845-6119
Wednesday, Oct. 7 Silverton City Council
6:30 p.m., Council Chambers. Work session followed by regular meeting. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-873-5321
Scotts Mills City Council 7 p.m., Scotts Mills City Hall, 265 Fourth St. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-873-5435, scottsmills.org
Thursday, Oct. 8 Cancer Support Group
11 a.m., Silverton 50+ Center. All ages. Free. Repeats Oct. 22. 503-873-3093
Mahjong Lessons Noon, Silverton 50+ Center. Learn to play Mahjong. Lesson are free. Registration required by calling 503-873-3093
Red Cross Blood Drive 12:30 - 5:30 p.m., Immanuel Lutheran Church, 303 N Church St., Silverton. Visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767.
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Silverton Candidate Forum
6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Silverton Grange, 201 Division St. Silverton City Council candidates will speak to their qualifications and vision for the city with time for Q&A. All candidates invited. Open to public. silvertongrange@gmail.com
Silverton Zenith Women’s Club 6:30 p.m., Silver Creek Fellowship. Refreshments and fellowship followed by a meeting at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Becky, 971-600-4713
Friday, Oct. 9 CPR/First Aid Class
1:30 - 5 p.m., Silverton 50+ Center. Become certified in CPR, first aid and AED. $40/ members. $50/non-members. Payment required at registration. Visit the center or call 503-873-3093 to register.
Saturday, Oct. 10 Flea Market
9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Silverton Elks Lodge, 300 High St. Free admission. New vendors welcome. $10/table, $5/each additional table. Lori, 503-931-4517
Ready Fair 2026 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., OEM Office, 3930 SE Fairview Industrial Dr., Salem. Oregon Department of Emergency Management presents free, family event designed to help build resilience and preparedness. Learn how to prepare for emergencies, becoming self-sufficient for at least two weeks following a disaster. oregon.gov/oem
Scotts Mills Historical Museum Noon - 4 p.m., 210 Grandview Ave. Open for public browsing. Free. Open by appointment by contacting Joe Plas, 503-871-9803; ksplonski@aol.com
Marquam Lasagna Dinner 5 - 6:30 p.m., Marquam United Methodist Church, 36971 S Hwy. 213, Mt. Angel. Lasagna, green salad, rolls, beverages, pumpkin pie. $15/each. Kids 6 and under are free. Tickets at door. Benefits nonprofits.
Habitat Gala & Auction 5:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Festhalle, 500 S Wilco Hwy. North Willamette Valley Habitat for Humanity 40th anniversary gala and auction. Catered dinner and drinks, auction. $50/person. Tickets at mwvhabitat.org/gala.
Sunday, Oct. 11 Second Chance Market
1 - 4 p.m., GeerCrest Farm, 12390 NE Sunnyview Road, Salem. Silverton Food Co-op selling perishable produce left at the end of the day from Silverton Farmer’s Market. Same price as Saturday. Farmers and Silverton Food Co-op split the proceeds 50/50. silvertonfood.coop
Monday, Oct. 12 Red Cross Blood Drive
11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Mount Angel Abbey, 1 Abbey Dr., St. Benedict. For appointments, visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767.
Facebook.com/OurTown.SMASM
Silverton Public Works
5:30 p.m., Council Chambers. Advisory board meeting. Open to public. 503-874-2210
Mt. Angel School District 6:30 p.m., St. Mary’s Public School, 590 E College St., Mt. Angel. Agenda available. Open to public. masd91.org
Silver Falls School District 7 p.m., Silverton High, 1456 Pine St. Agenda available. Open to public. 503-873-5303, silverfallsschools.org
Tuesday, Oct. 13 SCORE Mentoring
9 a.m. - noon, Silverton 50+ Center. Free business counseling and mentoring drop-in. 503-873-3393
Ancestry Detectives 10 a.m. - noon, Silver Falls Library. Learn how to preserve headstones and recover the important information they hold with Heather Lagaso, cemetery preservationist. Open to all. Free. Text Linda Brown, 503-551-9028.
Dementia Caregiver Support 1 p.m., Silverton 50+ Center. Support group provides a safe space to learn practical tools, new resources and make connections. Free. 503-873-3093
Ukulele Play and Sing-Along 6 - 7:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. Beginner’s ukulele lesson followed by play and sing-along time for all skill levels. Children must be accompanied by adult. Music is provided; bring ukulele. 503-873-8796
Silver Falls Writers Group
Thursday, Oct. 22
Mt. Angel Planning Commission
7 - 9 p.m., The Bistro, 201 E Main St., Silverton. Introduction to the program. All welcome. Free.
7 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Open to public. 503-845-9291
Antique Fire Trucks Show
6:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. Share what you are working on or listen to others. Free. Ron, 503-873-8796
Saturday, Oct. 17 No Kings Rally
11 a.m. - 2 p.m., McClain and West C streets, Silverton. All signs welcome but primary message for the day is getting out the vote and voting early. Do not park in the Grocery Outlet lot.
Sunday, Oct. 18 Fox Trot Walk/Run
9 a.m., McGinnis Field, 802 Schlador St., Silverton. 5K run/walk benefiting Future Foxes Football & Cheer. $35/ runner. Sign up at racenorthwest.com.
Tombstone Tales
3 p.m., Silverton Cemetery, 800 McClaine St. Meet five people from history who changed Silverton with living history performances at their final resting place. Free; donations support Silverton Country Historical Society. 503-873-7070, silvertonmuseum.org
Monday, Oct. 19
1:30 - 3 p.m., Silverton 50+ Center. Share gardening tips, information and stories. Led by Mary Seel. Free. 503-873-3093
7 - 8:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. Discuss The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. All welcome. 503-897-8796
Braver Angels
Wednesday, Oct. 21
Candidate Forum
6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Silverton Grange, 201 Division St. Candidates for Oregon House District 18 and Marion County Commissioners will speak to their qualifications and vision for the city with time for Q&A. All candidates invited. Open to all. silvertongrange@gmail.com
11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Saalfeld House and Museum, 195 E College St., Mt. Angel. Saalfeld is one of Mt. Angel’s oldest houses and the home of Mt. Angel Historical Society. Open to all. Free. 503-845-9202
Trunk or Treat 4 - 6 p.m., Robert Frost Elementary, 201 Westfield St., Silverton. Open to all. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Free. info@robertfrostptc.org
Bingo Night Fundraiser 7 - 9 p.m., Immanuel Lutheran Church, 303 N Church St., Silverton. Prize for best adult & child costume. Prizes and raffles. $10/4 cards and $1 each additional card. Sponsored by Silverton Zenith Women’s Club benefitting Tree of Giving
Vigil for Peace
Tuesday, Oct. 20
Thursday, Oct. 15
Saalfeld House Open
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, faith-filled education. Presentations begin promptly at 3:30 p.m. Register at chestertonwv.com/events.
Wednesday, Oct. 14
6 - 7:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. Skills for Disagreeing Better workshop helps participants understand the values and concerns of those who differ from them politically and teaches essential skills for communicating across differences and finding common ground. Open to all. Register at https://bit.ly/BA1014.
10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Mt. Angel Fire Station, 300 Monroe St. Antique fire trucks, military vehicles and classic cars. Talk fire safety and the Mt. Angel-Monitor fire consolidation. Free. 503-845-2438
Sunday, Oct. 25
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Silverton 50+ Center. Updates to Medicare for 2027 with Tim Kelley. RSVP: 503-873-3093
6:30 p.m., Council Chambers. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-874-2212
Monitor Garden Club
Saturday, Oct. 24
Medicare for 2027
2:30 - 3:30 p.m., Towne Square Park, Silverton. Silverton People for Peace gather to advocate for peace, social justice issues on all levels of society. Open to all. 503-873-5307
Silverton Planning Commission
Peace Education Program
Silver Falls Library Book Club
Parkinson’s Disease Support Noon, Silverton 50+ Center. All ages welcome. Free. 503-873-3093
Jigsaw Puzzle Competition
6 - 7:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. Puzzle solo or gather team and compete. Sign up at Reference Desk or call503-873-8796.
Silverton City Council 6:30 p.m., Council Chambers. Work session then meeting. Open to all. Agenda available. 503-873-5321
ourtownlive.com
Chesterton Open House
Tuesday, Oct. 27 PFLAG Silverton
7 p.m., Oak Street Church, 502 Oak St., Silverton. All welcome. Under 18 with parent/guardian. Christy, 541-786-1613, silvertonpflag@gmail.com
Saturday, Oct. 31 Halloween Mt. Angel Candy Crawl
3 - 5 p.m., Mt. Angel. Trick-ortreat at businesses. discovermtangel.org
Goblin Walk 4 - 6 p.m., downtown Silverton. Collect candy and explore local businesses. Watch for the orange pumpkin signs at participating businesses.
Silver Creek Trunk or Treat 5 - 7 p.m., Silver Creek Fellowship, 822 Industry Way. 503-873-7353
Costumes & Cocoa
Synergy Silverton, 309 S Water St., Silverton. 503-851-0800
October 2026 • 13
Paid Advertisement
Are You “A Mouse In The Cookie Jar?”
Y
oung 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 by Corrie 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.” To be sure, many have come to a saving faith in Christ by these means, and I don’t mean to cast stones at them entirely. But many have been given false assurance of salvation by such a 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 any more than being in a cookie jar makes you a
read your Bible just because you believe it is the actual Word of the true and living God? Question #3: 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? Question #4: How often do you share your faith in Jesus and the gospel with others?
Gregg Harris, Tea
ching Pastor at
GraciousCross.o
rg
cookie. This lack of evidence of salvation is what it means to be a “nominal Christian”— a Christian in name only. This is not an insult. It is simply something that can happen when, in our eagerness to save a soul, we send out a wrong or incomplete presentation of the gospel.
So, Let’s “Test Ourselves” 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,” 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 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
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, here is 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 basic questions, there is cause for concern. Though the New Testament test is not, Have I achieved a certain frequency? It is asking, Is there a new, noticeable change of direction, new desires, repentance, faith, and spiritual fruit in my life? 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 can and should provide evidence that you are in fact a believer. Even though you will never do these things perfectly (no one ever does), you will at the very least be practicing these things with the intention of doing even better. So, based on your answers to these first five questions, do you see enough evidence of faith in your life to convince you that you have been 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
By Gregg Harris heart into a loving, obedient heart. So, that means your miracle is already happening!
Now, Hold On for Just a Minute! We need to be careful not to jump to conclusions at this point. We don’t want to add to the confusion. So, if you have just now believed the gospel and been born again, we can expect the evidence of 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 identify ourselves openly as Christians, and especially when doing so actually costs us something. So, do you find yourself wanting to let others know that you believe in Jesus? If so, tell someone what has happened to you as soon as you can. Don’t hide the Truth from others. It is also pleasing to your new Lord and Savior when you seek out other believers in Christ and get involved in caring for one another as Jesus commanded. He tells us to “…love one another; as I have loved you” (John 13:34). We will need others to be there for us in good times and bad, but we also need to be there for them. Finding and joining a faithful, Bible-believing local church in your community is the best way to grow strong in your newfound faith in Jesus. So, go and find your place in the family of God. To learn more or to offer feedback, please call or text me at 971-370-0967. I’d love to meet you.
Attention Christian Community!
It is time once again for us to raise the financial support we need in order to publish these evangelistic articles for the coming year.
This project presents a clear explanation of the gospel to over 23,000 households each month who might otherwise never hear and understand it. At the same time we are raising the level of basic Bible literacy in our community. For 2027 our cost for each article will be $2118.20. That’s just 9¢ per household! It adds up to $25,418.40 for the entire 12 months of publication in Our Town. If you would like to help us keep this going, please make your tax-deductible donation by December 31st, 2026. Just make your check out to: GCRC and mail it to: GCRC Articles, 409 S. Water Street, Silverton, OR 97381. Join us as we present the gospel of Jesus Christ to our community.
The v iews ex pressed by th is adve r ti s e r do no t ne ce s s ar i ly re pre s e nt t h e vi ew s o f O u r Tow n o r i t s s t a f f. 14 • October 2026
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Business
Grounds for success Silver Falls Coffee Company blends art, science By Melissa Wagoner
It’s success that has Silver Falls Coffee Company – now roasting over 100,000 pounds of coffee beans a year – swiftly outgrowing the building where it got its start, prompting Kaser and Dahl to ask, ‘What’s next?’
The smell of coffee gains strength as you near Silver Falls Coffee Co., located in a repurposed shop on a farm outside Silverton. “Our main focus over here is farming…” roastery manager Mark Kaser said. “And technically [coffee roasting] is an agricultural business.” But it’s one Kaser – who spent much of his career managing feed mills – knew nothing about until his cousin, Eric Dahl, called to ask if he would consider learning something new. “I’ve since gone to [roasting] school in Sand Point, Idaho,” Kaser said. “I initially just got the basics, then I played around with it from there.” Now the master of more than a dozen blends with beans from eight countries, Kaser can smell what’s in his trusty 10-yearold roaster before he walks through the door. “With this Sumatran blend,” he says providing an example, “you can smell
Silver Falls Coffee Company’s roastery manager, Mark Kaser. MELISSA WAGONER
chocolate. And there’s an Ethiopian blend, if you roast it properly, it tastes just like blueberries.” Opened in 2009, the Silver Falls Coffee Company primarily sold beans at the Silverton Farmers Market before Orville Roth gave the company its big break. “Orville Roth is the reason we are where we are today,” Kaser said. “And because of Roth’s we [recently] had Safeway approach us.”
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“I have one that works very good for espresso and a couple that work good with pour-overs…” he confirmed. “And I’ve never met anyone who’s had my decaf that doesn’t like it.” The biggest reason, Kaser said, is because –
“I’ll put [Hometown Heroes’] cold brew up against any in the country,” Kaser said, listing another new product, their K-cup pods, as equally exciting. “They’ve become a big part of our business. It’s amazing how many people drink that…We have a subscription service online.” Keeping up with all that demand has become a full-time job for Kaser.“I enjoy it,” he said. “I sit here, by myself, drink coffee and make local people happy.” For more information visit silverfallscoffee. com.
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“Every roast I have is done to my own personal palate,” Kaser said. Explaining that while he likes his own coffee straight from the coffee maker, no sugar or cream, he has a blend of beans perfect for about everyone.
They also deliver to coffee shops all over the Willamette Valley, including at Silver Falls State Park, Silverton Hospital, Rosie’s Mountain Coffee House in Mill City and Hometown Heroes Coffee Co. in Silverton.
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“We don’t have a [Silverton] coffee shop yet… but it’s always been an idea,” Kaser said. “And we’ve been approached by multiple people asking, ‘When are you going to have one?’” But the perfect space has, thus far, eluded them. For now the duo focuses on doing what they do best – roasting beans for the perfect cup of coffee.
unlike larger roasting companies – his coffee is always sold fresh. “My beans get roasted, go to the store, and then turn over in about a week and a half…” Kaser said. “It’s still small batch roasting… We’re at Silverton’s Roth’s two times a week.”
LCB #7928
October 2026 10/1 Chasing Cowboys Country 10/17 Nate and Josh Country 10/2 Melts In Your Mouth Acoustic 10/18 Dirk Alan Classic Rock, Country, Blues & Originals 10/3 Rough Riders Classic Rock, Country, Blues & Jazz 10/19 Austin Sweeny Country 10/4 Lisa James Country Folk 10/20 Don Mitchell Classic Rock, Country, Blues & Jazz 10/5 James F. Wright Acoustic/Songwriter 10/21 Harmony Road 50s, 60s & 70s 10/6 Don Mitchell Classic Rock, Country, Blues & Jazz 10/22 Chihuahua Desert Country/ Americana 10/7 Rudolf Korv Americana 10/23 Harlan River Band Country 10/8 M&M Classic Rock, Country & Blues 10/24 Local Brew Classic Rock Cover Band 10/9 BlackSmith Neighbors Americana 10/25 Gabe Hess Country 10/10 Ellen Whyte & Garry Meziere Duo Blues 10/26 Aram Arslanian Folk Rock & Classic Rock 10/11 Malderine Singer/Songwriter & Rock 10/27 KFM Classic Country & Light Rock 10/12 Barrie Dempsey Folk/Americana 10/28 Sig Paulson Americana 10/13 Billy D Roots Based Rock (Classic & Blues) 10/29 Deni Hermann 60s-80s Folk Rock 10/14 Bernie Sims Singer/Songwriter 10/30 Jess n josh Acoustic Country 10/15 Next of Kin Acoustic Country 10/31 Chasing Ebenezer Folk 10/16 Rudolf Korv Americana
895 W. Main St., Silverton
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Music schedule is subject to change. Visit OregonGardenResort.com for current schedule.
October 2026 • 15
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Submissions Welcomed Letters to the editor can be directed to ourtown.life@mtangelpub.com or mailed to Editor, Our Town, P.O. Box 927, Mount Angel, OR 97362. It is recommended submissions be limited to fewer than 350 words. Our Town reserves the right to edit for clarity or space.
The Forum
Our kids deserve safe, modern schools In just a few weeks, on Nov. 3, voters across our community have an important opportunity to fix critical issues in Silver Falls school buildings by voting YES on Measure 24-528. Right now, parts of the Silverton Middle School campus are completely unusable, forcing students to attend core classes in portable classrooms behind an 80-year-old building. Patching up these aging, failing facilities simply isn’t working anymore. Passing this bond measure will replace Silverton Middle School and tackle overdue maintenance across our entire district. It will also honor our rural heritage and preserve the K-8 model by combining three aging rural schools into one modern, efficient building. This plan did not happen overnight. I served on the community committee that helped shape it. We toured the facilities, reviewed the inspection reports, listened to building experts, and reached a clear agreement on these priorities. What is especially vital for local taxpayers to know is that passing a General Obligation Bond is the only way public schools can fund major construction – and this measure will not raise our current tax rate. Our community watched previous bond measures fall short in May 2013 and November 2023. Over the years, the problems have only gotten worse, and construction costs have continued to climb. Our kids cannot wait any longer. I stepped up as campaign manager for the “Yes for Silver Falls Schools” PAC because our students deserve safe, modern spaces conducive to learning. We welcome everyone in the Silver Falls School District to get involved, whether by putting up a yard sign, donating, or talking with neighbors.
503-949-1648
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Recognizing an often thankless job I would like to commend the hard working construction company that is doing the water line upgrades on the Central Street area. They have worked very hard – every single worker I have spoken to was polite, pleasant, and informative. It is a huge job and can’t help but inconvenience residents to some extent. On one particular night they were trying to finish up and ran into difficulties with equipment. Rather than leave us at the end of the road unable to get in or out, they worked non-stop until almost 9 p.m. so we would be accessible for the weekend. I feel very badly that there were folks who complained to the city and the police about the noise – I suspect they were not likely to lose their access. The company should be applauded for the fine work they are doing!
for everyone!
Tim, the Insurance Man
Tim Kelley
Licensed Insurance Agent Serving Silverton & surrounding areas
Calling the number above will direct you to a Licensed Insurance Agent. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the government or federal Medicare program.
16 • October 2026
Amy Coyle Silverton
Patti Lindquist Silverton
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Explore options Review plans Answer questions Please call or email me with questions:
When your ballot arrives, please join me in voting YES on Measure 24-528. What we decide now will not just shape our schools today – it will impact generations of local families to come. Let’s invest in our kids and finally get this done.
To learn more or sign up to help, please visit the
Curious about Medicare Advantage plans? I can help you:
https://linktr.ee/Yes4silverfalls.
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Passages
Walter Alan Smith March 14, 1957 – Sept. 6, 2026
David Sampson Oct. 12, 1984 – Sept. 10, 2026
Walter Alan Smith was born March 14, 1957, to Leonard and Florence Smith.
David Sampson was born Oct. 12, 1984, in Silverton, Oregon, to parents Minetta Eileen (Abernathy) Sampson and Guy William Sampson. David passed away Sept. 10 after a two-year battle with cancer.
love of cruises, travel, woodworking and his sense of humor.
Wally grew up in Mount Angel, Oregon. He attended Silverton High School and graduated with the class of 1975. After high school, Wally moved to Salem and worked for Boise Cascade. He eventually moved to Vancouver, Washington, and worked for Boise Cascade there. Later he worked for GE in Vancouver until his retirement. Wally was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mount Angel when he was 13. He will be remembered for his faith,
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He was preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Florence Simth, and is survived by his son Timothy Smith and his former wife Roberta Smith, siblings Paulette (Bruce) Stahlecker of Silverton, brother David (Ximena) of Tigard, Oregon, and sister Kathy (Dan) Bachelder of Vale, Oregon, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. Services for Wally were held on Sept. 26 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mount Angel. Arrangements by Unger Funeral Chapel.
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He is survived by his partner Gina Sterling; Joseph and Emma Sampson; nieces and nephews Gavin and Taylor Sampson, Lilly and Liam Riches, and Jacob Brandtner. David was a gifted artist. He loved drawing, painting, 3D art, and metal working. He also enjoyed making
custom-built motorcycles, gates and fences. David was self-employed as an artist, mechanic and welder. He enjoyed fishing, gardening and listening to music. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Robert Abernathy, Eileen Andrew and William Sampson. Donations may be made in his name to OSU Extension Service, 4H Program, 1320 Capitol St. NE #110, Salem, OR 97301.
Submissions welcomed: If there is a birth, engagement, wedding, anniversary, college graduation or obituary of a local resident you’d like to share, please send it to ourtown.life@mtangelpub.com or mail it to Editor, Our Town, P.O. Box 927, Mount Angel, OR 97362, or drop it by our office at 401 Oak St., Silverton weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In Memory Of …
Carlos Martinez Aguirre Jeanne Marie Youngerman Eric Dean Gray Irene Faye Brown Norma “Leona” Wenger Betty LaVerne Fisher Gary Lee Espe David Joseph Derosier
Sept. 23, 1950 - Sept. 9, 2026 Nov. 13, 1931 - Sept. 14, 2026 March 30, 1956 - Sept. 14, 2026 Jan. 31, 1932 - Sept. 14, 2026 Feb. 11, 1933 - Sept. 14, 2026 Sept. 17, 1937 - Sept. 14, 2026 April 6, 1936 - Sept. 14, 2026 Feb. 11, 1953 - Sept. 14, 2026
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October 2026 • 17
Your Health
Their lives, their voices
Survivors share their thoughts for Breast Cancer Awareness Month By Melissa Wagoner
Heather Sowa (diagnosed at 35): “Balancing intensive treatment and many surgeries with a new job while nurturing my second grader, kindergartener, and preschooler took every ounce of my strength. Yet, wrapped in the arms of faith, family, and friends, I survived to serve others and beautifully reclaim a chaotic and precious normal.”
Chelsea Eichenauer (diagnosed in 2026 at 41): “Being diagnosed with stage three breast cancer is scary, but each member of my medical team has been amazing! While there were tough moments, I felt incredibly supported throughout, and I’m so grateful for how well everything is turning out.”
Tonia Castro (diagnosed in 2022 at 49): “I was 49 years old. I was ready to give up when I heard the news, but my husband told me, ‘Giving up means that the cancer has already won…’ My breast cancer team at Salem Hospital was a godsend; they helped me every step of the way, along with my family and my first granddaughter… I have been breast cancer-free for almost four years now.”
Bonnie Conner (diagnosed in 2013): “After I had my surgery and I had radiation, my hair started breaking off. I was pretty devastated about that. The burning was terrible from the radiation I could barely move. But then I was diagnosed cancer-free about one year later and I have been [cancer-free] ever since.”
Deb Satterfield (diagnosed in 2016 at 45): “When I received my diagnosis, my normal, strong resolve deteriorated to what I term a bag of broken glass. Fear was my initial companion... I had several surgeries, chemo and radiation... I viewed each treatment as crossing a bridge which was then behind me. This allowed me to focus on what immediately needed to be done rather than being overwhelmed... I am grateful for each day and pray for all the pink warriors!”
Amy Caster Winegarten (diagnosed in 2026 at 59): “My experience with breast cancer is new and ongoing. I am a nurse [in oncology, emergency and radiology services], wife, mother, and grandmother… My family history does not include cancer… So my risk was very low. I have gotten my annual screening mammogram for years… I absolutely believe screening mammograms can save your life!”
Eva Campbell (diagnosed in 2013 at 47): “I never imagined that the lump I had felt for nearly two years would turn out to be breast cancer. I had multiple mammograms that showed nothing and was assured by two different doctors it was nothing to worry about since the lump didn’t show on the mammograms… Eventually, an MRI was the only imaging that revealed my cancer… My experience taught me that a clear mammogram should never mean ignoring what you can feel. If you feel a lump advocate for yourself. Ask about an ultrasound, biopsy, MRI, or other appropriate follow-up, and keep asking questions until you feel heard.”
Diane Lindstrom (diagnosed in 2020): “Many women such as myself are NED – no evidence of disease – and live with the chance of reoccurrence every day… Resilience becomes the emphasis after active treatment… Every morning for the past almost six years my first thought is appreciation before a cup of coffee and read[ing] yet another article focusing on breast cancer or answering emails from other survivors around the country.”
18 • October 2026
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Laurie Blan (diagnosed in 2014 at 57): “I started chemo in January 2015 and surgery in June a bilateral mastectomy and by the grace of God have been cancer free ever since.”
Rebecca Brant Mathae (diagnosed in 2004 at 40): “[W]hen a survivor meets a newly diagnosed person; we can be a resource. That makes every drop of every infusion worth it, to help someone with their own journey.”
Leanna Chapin (diagnosed in 2025 at 48): “The best advice I can give is to research the treatment plan. The standard plan of care isn’t for everyone. I also saw a naturopath that specializes in cancer and he was worth his weight in gold.”
Sarah Mullen (diagnosed at 32): “The day before Christmas Eve I was told, ‘you have breast cancer and we don’t know why…’ My advice for all women is to do monthly self breast exams and to advocate for themselves.”
Alyson Farrens (diagnosed in 2026 at 50): “Although this journey has been one of the most difficult experiences of my life, I am incredibly grateful for the medical professionals who cared for me and for the love and support I received from my family, coworkers, and NA/AA recovery community. I truly could not have gotten through it without all of them.”
Ashley Smith (diagnosed in 2019 at 38): “Treatments are far more advanced than they used to be, but early detection is still critical! I found a lump prior to ever having my first mammogram.”
Lisa Spencer (diagnosed in 2026 at 54): “I was diagnosed… following a routine mammogram… I have no known genetic components…[I am] thankful my cancer was not one that responds to chemo so that was not a part of my treatment plan.”
Gisella “Goose” Gillen (diagnosed in 2018 at 50): “To say my life changed that day is an understatement… After many, many doctors’ appointments, treatments and surgeries I am still here. I’ve had a village helping me through it all and I’m so grateful for them, especially my husband. Through sickness and health is no joke around here!”
Know your risk, get screened. 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. The two most common risk factors are being born female and getting older. Learn more at komen.org Maria Nunez (diagnosed in 2023 at 40). “Check yourself, it is worth it. It saved my life.”
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Pam Gregory (first diagnosed in 2019): “My second diagnosis of triple negative breast cancer was August of 2024. I have been out of treatment for one year the end of September.”
Shawna Anundi (diagnosed in 2017 at 44): “Salem Health took great care of me. I had a lumpectomy, 33 radiation treatments, and took Tamoxifen for four years. I am thankful to be a nine-year survivor!”
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October 2026 • 19
Sports & Recreation
Stellar career McCarty, WOU in the Division II top 20 Former Silverton High quarterback Jordan McCarty is finishing up a sterling career at Western Oregon. The redshirt senior has played in 35 games for the Wolves, 2-1 and ranked 17th nationally in NCAA Division II. The 6-1, 190-pounder helped lead Silverton to a 2021 OSAA Class 5A title before moving on to an opportunity at the Air Force Academy that did not work out. McCarty is set to graduate this winter with a business degree and hopes to have a career in sales. But first he has a senior year in Monmouth to finish, and it could be a special one, although McCarty downplayed the ranking issue.
how you do everything.” McCarty, who played for coach Josh Craig at Silverton, noted some key lessons he picked up with the Foxes.
for 122 more yards. He passed or ran the ball on 51 of WOU’s 65 plays from scrimmage. Career-wise McCarty has 1,119 rushing yards and 14 TDs and 3,002 passing yards and 24 TDs. And the Wolves still have eight games left to play for McCarty to add to those totals.
“An important thing I learned in high school is how important culture is,” McCarty said. “Coach Craig did an amazing job creating a strong culture and adhering to it throughout the season. This was a great example I could bring into college and try to model a good culture in a lot of the ways coach Craig did.”
McCarty, however, was fantastic, passing for 206 yards and three TDs and rushing
McCarty’s success at WOU has sparked a bit of a debate among some Our Town sources who are close to the Silverton program. The question: How does McCarty’s college success rank with those of other ex-Foxes? Yes, the 800-pound (metaphorically) gorilla of Scott Gragg has to be at the top of the list after a standout college career at Montana and 11 years in the NFL. But what about some of the McCarty said the college other guys such as Josh experience also has taught Jordan McCarty WESTERN OREGON UNIVERSITY Ort (Linfield) or Cole the importance of “the little Chandler (Pacific Lutheran) or some things.” of the stars from the 1991 state Class “My biggest surprise is how all of the 3A title team? I’m still hunting around little details matter,” he said. “Whether for more candidates and am planning a that is watching film and seeing column on it for later this fall. Email me tendencies of other teams, or little with nominees at james.d@mtangelpub. things in practice that need to be done com. well. These things translate to success on game day. How you do one thing is Cross country: Class 6A Tualatin was the
Sports Datebook
All home games. Visit osaa.org for full schedules.
“The rankings really do not mean much to us as a team,” McCarty told Our Town in an email interview. “It is great seeing Western Oregon football getting some recognition, but we are always focused on the team internally. I think this team can be as good as we want. It comes down to how hard we work every week at practice, and I think we have a great group of guys who can be really successful if we remember this.” The Wolves’ lone 2026 loss to date came on Sept. 18 at perennial West Coast D-II rival Central Washington. WOU led 24-17 at halftime and was within 38-36 with five minutes left before the Wildcats scored a late TD to clinch the 45-36.
Thursday, Oct. 1 Volleyball
6:30 p.m. Silverton vs Corvallis
Boys Soccer
7 p.m. Silverton vs Churchill
Friday, Oct. 2 Football
7 p.m. Kennedy vs Salem Academy
Tuesday, Oct. 6 Girls Soccer
4 p.m. Kennedy vs Santiam Christian
Boys Soccer
4:15 p.m. Kennedy vs C.S. Lewis Academy
20 • October 2026
When asked about the challenge of adjusting to college ball McCarty said it “was understanding defenses. In high school, you can get away with just playing football and not thinking too much about what the defense runs. In college, you have to know what teams do on defense and adjust to find the right guy to throw to.”
Volleyball
6 p.m. Kennedy vs Delphian 6:30 p.m. Silverton vs South Albany
Thursday, Oct. 8 Boys Soccer
4:30 p.m. Kennedy vs East Linn Christian
Girls Soccer
7 p.m. Silverton vs South Albany
Friday, Oct. 9 Football 7 p.m. Silverton vs West Albany
Tuesday, Oct. 13 Boys Soccer
TBD Kennedy vs Faith Bible/Life Christian
Girls Soccer
6 p.m. Kennedy vs Dayton
Volleyball
6:30 p.m. Silverton vs Lebanon
Wednesday, Oct. 14 Volleyball 6 p.m. Kennedy vs Regis
Thursday, Oct. 15 Girls Soccer
4:15 p.m. Kennedy vs Blanchet Catholic 7 p.m. Silverton vs Lebanon
Monday, Oct. 19 Volleyball
6 p.m. Kennedy vs Santiam
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big winner at the Silver Falls Oktoberfest Invitational at Silver Falls State Park. The meet, believed to be the longest running cross country invitational in Oregon, was hosted by Silverton and Kennedy. Tualatin won the boys and girls team titles and boasted two individual winners as well, Jayden Atkins in the boys 5K varsity race (15:55.8) and Andrew Beddes in the boys 3.4K JV race (12:06.8). Alexa Montgomery of Crescent Valley (18:27.3) was the girls varsity winner and Lucy Green of Dallas ran 15:16.2 to win the JV girls event. Silverton took fifth in varsity boys, led by Cole Rose (7th, 16:52.6). Kennedy was 14th, paced by Bohden Sowa (27th, 18:00.9). Silverton was seventh in varsity girls led by fifth-place finisher Katelyn Buchnoff (20:27.1). The Foxes were second behind Roseburg in JV girls, led by Addison Dalisky (4th, 15:33.2). Silverton was seventh in JV boys, with Zane Christensen (7th, 12:38.4) leading the Foxes. Fun run: The Future Foxes football and cheer program is hosting a fundraising 5-kilometer run on Sunday, Oct. 18 at McGinnis Field. The run starts at 9 a.m. and costs $35. The course starts and finishes on the track at McGinnis, with the route running west and looping through the Silverton High campus and athletic fields. Sign up at https://tinyurl. com/2pcsa68e/. Got a news tip? Email me at james.d@mtangelpub.com.
Tuesday, Oct. 20 Volleyball
Tuesday, Oct. 27 Boys Soccer
Boys Soccer
Thursday, Oct. 29 Boys Soccer
7 p.m. Silverton vs Crescent Valley
6:30 p.m. Silverton vs Dallas 7 p.m. Silverton vs West Albany
7 p.m. Silverton vs Corvallis
Wednesday, Oct. 21 Boys Soccer
4:15 p.m. Kennedy vs North Marion (JV2)
Thursday, Oct. 22 Girls Soccer
Friday, Oct. 30 Football 7 p.m. Silverton vs Corvallis 7 p.m. Kennedy vs Gervais
7 p.m. Silverton vs Dallas
Friday, Oct. 23 Football
7 p.m. Silverton vs Crescent Valley
Soccer ball © Sorapong Chaipanya; football © tiero BOTH 123RF.COM
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October 2026 • 21
A Grin at the End
Introducing CarlCare® A budget-friendly healthcare proposal There just aren’t enough billionaires in this country. And that’s a problem.
“free” health care in Oregon. Proponents in Oregon appear to be relying on wishful thinking, taxing the rich and getting a supertanker full of federal money each year.
The latest fad among politicians is to have government pay for everything.
Even then, they’d have to raise income taxes on the rest of us or start a state sales tax.
Universal health care? Check. Policing the world? Check. Trillions for other projects? Double check.
Money – sounds great.
And every time someone asks how Uncle Sam is supposed to pay for it all, the answer is to make the rich pick up the check.
Except for one thing. Oregonians typically spend $31 billion a year on health care, according to the Oregon Health Authority. If the state were to pay the entire bill it would take about 49% of its current budget.
I’m all for that, except for one tiny problem. There aren’t enough billionaires. According to The New York Times, between 900 and 990 U.S. billionaires have net worths totaling $9.2 trillion. At the rate Congress spends money – $7 trillion a year – we could take every penny and it would cover about 16 months of federal spending. What brings this to mind is an idea that’s been making the rounds in Oregon: free health care for all. It sounds great. The idea that I could get sick and the state of Oregon would pay for the doctors, hospitals and other services using RPM – Rich People’s
Every year Oregonians pay between $9.5 and $13.2 billion in individual income taxes, according to the Federal Reserve Bank. Companies kick in an additional $2 to $2.5 billion in corporate taxes. Where does the rest of the money come from? The federal government. About $19.3 billion was sent to Salem this year, according to USA Facts, an independent nonprofit that tracks such things. Which brings me back to the reality of
Of course, most of the money would come from Uncle Sam. The only problem is he’s currently $40 trillion in debt. You’ll note that I am not defending the current health care “system.” Far from it. Instead, I propose... CarlCare. I would cap the $2.3 trillion the federal government spends on Medicare, Medicaid and other health care programs and combine it with private insurance. Here’s how this hybrid system would work: Every U.S. citizen would be covered for $5,000 in medical expenses each year, including prescriptions, dental and eye care. The money would come directly from Uncle Sam and go to providers. In turn, citizens would be required to purchase health insurance with a $5,000
deductible. All pre-existing conditions would be covered, with no co-pays. Premiums would be capped at $100 a month for individuals and $200 for families. Premiums would be relatively low because insurance companies depend on large pools of customers to remain profitable. In this case, the pool would have 337 million Americans. Veterans, unemployed, homeless and those otherwise unable to pay would have their $100 a month paid by the states – far less than they currently pay. CarlCare has many advantages. They include incentivizing Americans to get annual physicals and eye and dental checkups. It also caps the federal government’s costs for Medicare, Medicaid and the Veterans Administration. Those currently on Medicare would see their monthly premiums go down almost 80%. Short of finding more billionaires, CarlCare just makes sense. If someone else has a better idea, bring it on! Carl Sampson is a writer and editor. His latest book will be published this fall.
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22 • October 2026
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MT. ANGEL SENIOR CENTER is a non-profit consignment store for artisans over 50, a community center, home to Meals on Wheels, and serves as a food bank. Volunteers welcome! 195 E Charles St. 503-845-6998 or mtangelcommunity@gmail.com Tired of THE AD? Month after month the full page PAID ADVERTISEMENT invades our mailboxes. Visit tiredofgreggharris.com
SERVICES
AVEFENIX CLEANING SERVICE We clean houses and all kinds of offices. Free estimates, 20 years’ experience. Email avefenixcleaningservicesllc@gmail. com, or call 503-779-9244 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 & VHS video to DVD. Old Cassettes, Records, Reel to Reel & 8 Track Cassettes restored to CD. Call Harold 503-391-7406. A Magic Carpet Cleaning & More Service YOUR RIGHT TO SELF DEFENSE Saturdays Age 10-12 at 5:00, ages 13 and up. 6:15, Security and Correctional Officers. 7:30, private lessons available. International Certification Curriculum available upon request. Call Harold 503-391-7406 HANDYMAN & HOME REPAIR SERVICE Installation and repair of fencing, decks, doors, gutter cleaning, moss removal, power washing, yard debris removal. CCB# 206637 Call Ryan 503-881-3802 GOT STUFF YOU WANT GONE? From yard debris to scrap metal, garage sale leftovers to rental clear outs. We repurpose, recycle, reuse, or donate what we can. Call to find out what we can do for you. $20 min. Call Keith 503-502-3462
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EVENTS
RUMMAGE SALE to benefit Missions. Friday & Saturday, Oct. 2 - 3, 9 am - 4 pm. 303 N Church St., Silverton. Something for everyone! SILVERTON ELKS FLEA MARKET Oct. 3, Nov. 14 and 28. Located: Silverton Elks Lodge 300 High Street Call: Lori 503-931-4517 for vendor details.
Friday, October 9th, 2026 6pm-8pm
Autumn Author Appearance & Book Signing AN EVENING OF STORIES, INSPIRATION & THE BEAUTY OF NATURE
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October 2026 • 23
Kirsten Barnes Broker 873-3545 ext. 326
Whitney Ulven Broker, GRI 503-873-3545 ext. 320
Mike Ulven Broker 503-873-3545 ext. 312
Meredith Wertz Broker, GRI 873-3545 ext. 324
Ryan Wertz Principal Broker, GRI 873-3545 ext. 322
Chuck White Broker 873-3545 ext. 325
#T2965 1915 CRAFTSMAN $464,700 Step into this charming 1915 craftsman on Adams Ave. Original character shines with fir floors, crown molding, dining room built-in, and inviting front porch. Irrigated front lawn and spacious fenced backyard with paver patio, garden/RV space, chicken coop, and contemporary studio-style shop with French doors, ready to finish. Updates include a wood stove, new fence, replaced plumbing and hot water heater. Short stroll to the pool, library and downtown. Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 (WVMLS#845225)
WWW.SILVERTONREALTY.COM
#T2943 BEAUTIFULLY UPDATED 55+ HOME $158,000 Manufactured home in Silverton Mobile Estates offers comfort, style, and convenience. Recent improvements include a new roof, newer flooring, updated cabinets, modern countertops, and newer appliances. Covered front deck, perfect for relaxing or entertaining year-round. Home features a spacious layout with two large bedrooms and two full bathrooms, for comfort and functionality. Located at the entrance, a prime location. Truly unbeatable! Call Becky at ext. 313 (WVMLS#841465)
Mason Branstetter Principal Broker, GRI 873-3545 ext. 303
Becky Craig Principal Broker, GRI 873-3545 ext. 313
Michael Schmidt Principal Broker GRI 873-3545 ext. 314
Micha Christman Office Manager 873-1425
Sarah Sanders Property Manager 873-3545 ext. 311
Tayler Whitaker Secretary 873-3545 ext. 300
#T2910 ONCE IN A LIFETIME $1,825,000 Rare opportunity! Passive solar home includes 2 (+3 unfinished) beds, 1.5 (+2 unfinished) baths, spectacular kitchen separated from living/dining areas by floor-to-ceiling fireplace, all facing a large spring-fed pond surrounded by trees providing a private, peaceful setting for ducks and geese to gather. Unfinished upstairs area is completely framed, allowing buyer to finish to their custom needs. Sellers will carry LSC with monthly payments at no interest. Call Chuck at ext. 325 (WVMLS#834432)
#T2876 THREE COMMERCIAL UNITS $700,000 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. w/ bathroom is vacant and available to lease or occupy.
S I LV E R TO N
C O U N T RY / A C R E A G E
NEW — #T2965 CHARMING 1915 CRAFTSMAN 4 BR, 1 BA, 1683 sqft. Call Meredith ext. 324, Ryan ext. 322 $464,700 (WVMLS#845225)
T2958 SILVERTON OVER 2000’ CREEK FRONTAGE 3 BR, 3 BA 2006 sqft., 7.78 acres. Call Michael at ext. 314 $789,000 (WVMLS#844393)
#T2962 SUBLIMITY CLASSIC HOME 2 BR, 1 BA, 910 sqft. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $390,000 (WVMLS#844878)
NEW — #T2966 AFFORDABLE HOME 3 BR, 2.5 BA, 1548 sqft. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $414,700 (WVMLS#845506)
#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)
#T2959 SALEM DOUBLE LOTS 3 BR, 3 BA 3117 sqft 4.27 Acres Call Michael at ext. 314 $1,460,000 (WVMLS#844214)
#T2960 SILVERTON 6.54 ACRES IN CITY LIMIT 6.54 acres bare land. Call Chuck at ext. 325 $499,900 (WVMLS#8444464)
#T2940 WHAT A VIEW! 5 BR, 3.5 BA 3804 sqft., 3.02 acres. Call Michael at ext. 314 $799,000 (WVMLS#841014)
#T2954 BEAUTIFUL CLASSIC SILVERTON HOME 4 BR, 2 BA, 2878 sqft. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $713,000 (WVMLS#843728)
#T2955 SILVERTON SINGLE-LEVEL HOME 3 BR, 2 BA, 1441 sqft. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $449,800 (WVMLS#843724)
SILVERTON T2957 CLASSIC SILVERTON HOME 3 BR, 1 BA, 1340 sqft. Call Becky at ext. 313 $449,900 (WVMLS#843950) SOLD — #T2952 OVERLOOKING SILVERTON 3 BR, 2.5 BA 2050 sqft. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $674,800 (WVMLS#842952) #T2935 CHARMING 1990’s HOME 3 BR, 2 BA, 1540 sqft. Call Chuck at ext. 325 $504,900 (WVMLS#839889)
#T2949 MULINO CLASSIC 1920’s HOME 2 BR, 2 BA 2468 sqft., 2 acres. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $744,900 (WVMLS#842586) #T2953 SILVERTON NESTLED IN THE FOOTHILLS 3 BR, 2 BA, 2126 sqft., 6.32 acres. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $725,000 (WVMLS#843369)
#T2946 SILVERTON SO MUCH CHARACTER! 3 BR, 2 BA, 2352 sqft., 6.03 acres. Meredith ext. 324, Ryan ext. 322 $858,000 (WVMLS#842027)
COMMERCIAL
#T2933 CHARMING SILVERTON HOME 2+BR, 2 BA, 2087 sqft. Call Becky at ext. 313 $499,000 (WVMLS#838925)
#T2876 THREE COMMERCIAL UNITS 9,500 sqft. Mt. Angel. Call Michael at ext. 314 $700,000 (WVMLS#829897)
#T2943 BEAUTIFULLY UPDATED 55+ HOME 2 BR, 2 BA, 1152 sqft. Call Becky at ext. 313 $158,000 (WVMLS#841456)
#T2918 MT. ANGEL RETAIL/OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE 2410 sqft, $1.10/sqft. Call Michael at ext. 314 $2651/mo (WVMLS#836050)
503.873.3545 24 • October 2026
SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES
#T2956 SALEM GATED 55+ COMMUNITY 2 BR, 2 BA, 1512 sqft, Call Michael at ext. 314 $125,000 (WVMLS#843961) #T2949 CLASSIC 1920’s MULINO HOME 2 BR, 2 BA, 2468 sqft., 2 acres. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $744,900 (WVMLS#842586)
#T2931 PRATUM EXPAND YOUR BUSINESS 3 BR, 3 BA, 2792 sqft., 1.09 acres. Call Kirsten at ext. 326 $645,000 (WVMLS#838134) #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 CONTEMPORARY 1975 HOME 4 BR, 4 BA, 3463 sqft, .29 acres. Call Chuck at ext. 325 $669,900 (WVMLS#840104) SOLD — #T2944 MT. ANGEL MOVE-IN READY 2 BR, 1 BA, 912 sqft. Call Kirsten at ext. 326 $370,000 (WVMLS#841464)
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