Our Town South: May 1, 2025

Page 1


Daily Mass: Monday-Friday, 8:15 am, Saturday, 8:00 am

bar, Tipsy Wheels hosting an event.

zip codes. Subscriptions outside the area are $48 annually

Weekend Mass Schedule: Saturday Vigil, 5:00 pm, Sunday, 8:00 am, 10:00 am English, 12:00 pm Spanish Adoration: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 2:30-3:30 pm Tuesday, 1:00-5:00 pm, Thursday, 7:00-10:00 pm

All Night Adoration: First and Third Fridays, 9:00 pm to 7:00 am Saturdays

Nocturnal Adoration: First Saturdays, 10:00 pm to Sundays at 6:00 am Confession: Saturday, 11-11:30 am, 3:30-4:30 pm, Thursday, 7:00 pm - 7:45 pm, or by appointment 1035 N. 6th Ave, Stayton

On May 20th,

Voters will have the opportunity to consider a ballot measure which would fund an expansion of career and technical education (CTE) programs, teaching and learning spaces, campus safety, and building infrastructure maintenance at Chemeketa Community College.

What the Bond Measure Would Do If Passed

Expand and enhance career and technical education programs –65% of bond funds will upgrade classrooms, labs, and hands-on learning spaces for high-demand career fields.

Build a new Trades Center – This new facility would provide specialized training and certification opportunities to grow our local skilled workforce in the high-demand building trades.

Fund $30 million in facility improvements – Repairs to parking lots, HVAC systems, roofs, and aging interiors will extend the life of Chemeketa’s buildings.

Enhance campus safety – Upgrades include better lighting, additional security cameras, and safer parking areas.

Does NOT increase Current Tax Rate – If passed, the measure would cost property owners $0.27 per $1,000 of assessed property value, which is the same as the current tax rate. Current tax expires in June, 2026. Find out more at go.chemeketa.edu/bond

EO/AA/ADA/Title IX institution | www.chemeketa.edu/about/legal

Detroit Lake Drawdown postponement gives region time to study options

The Santiam Canyon has moved off of DEFCON 5 amid a change of timing on the part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The Corps, which was planning to draw down Detroit Lake to its lowest level in history this fall, issued a statement April 3 indicating it has postponed the move until at least next year. Public outreach sessions will be scheduled as part of the review process but none has been set yet.

Officials up and down the river expressed relief at the Corps’ decision.

“Yes, we are very relieved we have some breathing room,” Stayton City Manager Julia Hadjuk told Our Town while adding that “nothing is being added to (our list of options) specifically because of this extra time. We are just grateful to have the time to work through solutions and to have the opportunity to continue sharing our concerns with the Corps and others.”

Stayton officials have noted that their slow sand filtration system is not robust enough to withstand an onslaught of high-sediment water.

Other officials echoed Hadjuk’s response.

“This gives us a little bit of time to relax and take a thoughtful approach to things,” Detroit Councilor Denny Nielsen said.

Detroit Mayor Jim Trett agreed.

“Of course we are pretty happy that they put it off for at least a year while they do more studies to provide us with more of the information that we have asked for,” Trett said.

Trett participated in an April 7 meeting of a group studying federal lakes and noted that “the Corps said at the meeting that they don’t think a drawdown will have as much impact here as it did on the South Santiam because of differences in the reservoir.”

The main user of the North Santiam River water that courses through Detroit and Big Cliff dams is the city of Salem, with trickle down effects throughout the watershed.

“We are a wholesale water customer of the City of Salem, and it is our only water supply,” said Turner City Administrator Scott McClure. “We are watching the issue of the proposed drawdown very closely.”

McClure also noted the oddity that

“Salem water is taken out of the South Santiam River near Stayton and then sent to a reservoir in Turner. Then it heads to Salem. Due to this, Turner customers get to partake in Salem water before Salem customers.”

Drawdowns in the South Santiam/ Green Peter region in 2023 and 2024 led to catastrophic die-offs of kokanee and affected water quality as far downstream as Albany and Millersburg.

The Corps is trying to comply with a National Marine Fisheries Services biological opinion of Dec. 26, 2024 that mandated the drawdown at Detroit to ease fish passage issues of endangered Chinook and steelhead stocks. Officials up and down the river have expressed concern about the economic impacts of a drawdown as well as the water quality issue.

The Corps still might draw down Detroit Lake in the fall of 2026 but before they do a new scoping session and draft environmental impact statement (EIS) will be worked up.

No dates or sites have been announced for the public feedback sessions, with Corps officials telling Our Town that the agency likely is looking at late spring to early summer for the scoping phase and late summer to early fall for the discussion of the draft EIS. Officials said that it was likely that there will be multiple locations for the sessions, which will include a Zoom component.

The NMFS biological opinion called for the drawdown at Detroit Lake to its lowest level ever, 1,395 feet above sea level (1,558 feet above sea level is full pool) as part of

BY CITY IMPACTS

Here is a look at how the water systems in the Santiam Canyon might fare amid a Detroit Lake drawdown. Many communities use wells for ground water, making it unlikely – but not impossible – for water quality to be affected.

Aumsville, Mill City and Sublimity: Wells

Gates, Jefferson, Lyons-Mehama Water District, Santiam Water Control District, Stayton and Turner: Face the possibility of poor water quality in the North Santiam River overwhelming their water treatment systems.

a series of measures aimed at fixing the water temperature and passage for winter steelhead and spring Chinook.

During the scoping/EIS period the Corps also will be studying discontinuing the hydropower piece of the Willamette system. On Jan. 4, 2025, in a transaction conducted with little fanfare, thenPresident Joe Biden signed off on legislation that would order the USACE to look at removing the dams’ ability to produce hydropower.

The theory, as outlined in reporting done by Oregon Public Broadcasting and ProPublica, is that the amount of electricity produced by the Willamette dams is just not worth the negative impacts. Also, the cost of the species collectors and other infrastructure being considered to assist with fish passage has been estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

Scio: Has an underground artesian aquifer that is shared with other users.

Idanha and Detroit: Both towns are above the level of Detroit Dam and not affected, although officials there, as well as those in Gates, Mill City, Lyons and Mehama, are concerned about the economic impact of a drawdown.

The Willamette dams were mainly built to prevent flooding in the valley, with the hydropower a bit of a handy byproduct. However, the dams’ tall, concrete structures are not compatible with fish passage. Also, the power produced in the Willamette is microscopic compared to that stemming from the massive dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers. The OPB and ProPublica reporting also noted that Willamette power costs more to produce in the Willamette region than on the Columbia or Snake.

Stayton City Manager Julia Hadjuk and interim Public Works Director Barry Buchanan review a map of the city’s water infrastructure during a visit to the city’s water treatment complex. JAMES DAY

Sewer bill passes House, headed to Kotek Wildfire surcharge bill passes Senate

A bill that would block utilities from passing on the costs of wildfire litigation to ratepayers has passed the Oregon Senate by a wide margin and is headed to the House.

SB 926 was approved April 23 in a 22-6 vote with bipartisan support and received its first reading in the House April 24.

The bill would prevent electric utilities from charging ratepayers for settlements, court judgments and civil penalties for wildfires caused through a utility’s negligence.

The bill was expanded significantly while before the Senate Committee on Judiciary to include litigation costs and rebuilding costs among the expenses that could not be recovered from ratepayers.

Other amendments included a ban on utilities paying shareholder dividends while a utility has unpaid legal judgments for wildfires. And court judgments from utility-caused

wildfires would no longer be subject to insurance offsets, whereby an award is reduced by the amount a plaintiff received for the same claim from an insurer.

Among those voting against the bill was Sen. Mike McLane (R-Powell Butte), who also voted against the bill while it was in committee. McLane said at the time the numerous amendments should first be vetted by a workgroup and that the amended bill too little resemblance to the original.

Just as support was bipartisan, so was opposition with three Republicans and three Democrats voting against.

Critics such as Portland General Electric said the bill failed to distinguish between allegations of negligence and proof of negligence, or to consider that settlements do not require a finding or admission of fault.

– Stephen Floyd

A state bill that would allow construction of a regional sewer plant in the Santiam Canyon has passed the Oregon House and may soon be signed into law by Gov. Tina Kotek. On April 23, Senate Bill 1189 passed without opposition following unanimous approval in the Senate April 7.

Kotek (D-Portland) has five business days to sign the bill into law, according to state policy. The bill has an emergency clause and would take effect immediately after becoming law.

Marion County was a strong proponent of the bill, and on April 23 Commissioner Kevin Cameron said its passage will help local communities recover faster from the 2020 wildfires.

“This unanimously-supported bill will allow the communities of Gates and Mill City to not only recover more quickly after the fires but to also grow economically while keeping our water supply clean and safe,” said Cameron.

SB 1189 was proposed March 18 by Sen. Fred Girod (R-Silverton) and Sen.

THE SISTERS CLEANING SERVICE

Deb Patterson (D-Salem) as a solution to regulatory hurdles that had stalled the proposed sewer plant.

Marion County and the North Santiam Sewer Authority have been working to construct a sewer plant serving Mill City and Gates using a $50 million pandemic relief grant.

A property for the plant was purchased in Mill City last year and since then construction has been delayed over whether or not the project should be exempt from the Three Basin Rule. This policy prevents DEQ from issuing new sewer discharge permits for treatment plants within the North Santiam River Basin, as well as the McKenzie and Clackamas river basins.

At issue is a deadline to spend the $50 million grant by Dec. 31, 2026. If construction begins as scheduled June 1, the project would be complete by November of 2026.

SB 1189 allows the project to bypass the Three Basin Rule so construction may proceed on time. The plant would still need to obtain appropriate permits to operate.

She LEADS Chamber-sponsored event empowers women in leadership

On May 9, the Stayton Sublimity Chamber of Commerce will hold the first She LEADS Conference, a one-day retreat for women in business leadership.

“Women are often juggling the demands of both work and family, simultaneously trying to be super-mom while climbing the corporate ladder or dealing with the challenges of entrepreneurship,” Chamber CEO and conference producer Carmélle Bielenberg wrote in a press release advertising the event. “We wear so many hats, pouring ourselves into our businesses, families, and community… I have watched so many women struggle with ‘burn-out.’ This event seeks to fill an immense need for both professional development and intentional selfrestorative time, by offering a diverse menu of learning and stress-relieving activities, specifically curated for our growing population of female business professionals.”

Taking place at The Farm on Golden Hill near Silverton, the event will include a variety of workshops and speakers

including keynote presenter, Pamela J Green – a leadership and communications consultant and coach from Washington, D.C. – who will present on the topics of “authentic communication in leadership” and “bridging the gender communication gap in the workplace.”

“I started in this field from a deep curiosity about how communication shapes leadership and connection,” Green said. “My early work in corporate leadership and executive coaching showed me how often communication challenges stall progress – not lack of skill or vision. I love this work because I get to help people unlock their potential simply by finding and using their authentic voice. Many of my clients are women in or advancing to leadership – corporate executives, founders, and emerging leaders – who want to lead with impact without losing their identity.”

Also presenting, wealth advisor Denise Talbert, will “share her expertise on Women and Wealth” in the hope of empowering more women to take control of their financial journey.

Tipsy Wheels

Before Magen Winters began working in law enforcement, she had a job as a cocktail waitress and bartender at the sports bar Magoos in Salem.

“I absolutely loved that job and contemplated going back into bartending for fun,” she said. “However, I wanted to give being my own boss a try. So, my husband and I started researching mobile bartending.”

What Magen and her husband, Michael, found was a sage green, 1971 Miley horse trailer that was already partially renovated into a mobile bar.

“[W]e just brought it up a few notches and made it gorgeous,” Winters recalled.

And then they searched for a name.

She LEADS Conference

A women in business leadership conference presented by the Stayton Sublimity Chamber.

The Farm on Golden Hill, 11506 Kaufman Road Northeast, Silverton Friday, May 9 at 8 a.m. Tickets, $75, can be purchased at  https://stayton-slash-sublimitychamber-of-commerce.square.site/

“Typically, when we gather with our girlfriends or sisters, we don’t discuss how well our 401(k) performed last month,” Talbert pointed out. “However, at this conference, we’ll take some time to talk about investing. The truth is, women make excellent investors, and with a bit of information, we can become even better. Growing our money steadily through long-term investing can provide us with the financial freedom to pursue our most important relationships and personal

goals. That’s why I’m eager to have this conversation with the women leaders in our community.”

Also on the schedule are breakout sessions by functional and holistic nutritional therapist and owner of Bend Your Own Nutrition, Megan Basl, and community development consultant and WomanSpeak coach, Cayla Catino as well as opportunities for networking during the provided breakfast and lunch and during the optional happy hour at the end of the day.

“I’m excited to be in a room full of women committed to growth, community, and empowerment,” Green said.

“My goal is that every woman who attends walks away with one bold insight and one clear action she’s excited to try. If that happens, it’s a win… Women already have what it takes to lead powerfully – we just need spaces that affirm and equip us. I’m honored to be part of a conference that does exactly that.”

Mobile bartending, party support, comes to Stayton

Tipsy Wheels Bar and Events now provides both alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks to all kinds of events including weddings, birthday parties, bridal showers, bachelor and bachelorette parties, graduations, public events and even kids’ parties.

“I took the idea to Facebook… made a group and invited my entire friends list to submit votes…” she recalled. “Tipsy Wheels won the majority, so we went with it. But in all reality, it fits so well because if she is not stabilized, she does tip.”

Launched in 2023 out of their hometown of Stayton,

“We know that not all environments are able to accommodate the trailer so we do have a bar we can set up at any location or work from an existing bar,” Winters said. “Also, we are not just mobile bartending, we offer other event services too, such as keg tap rental, balloon arches, outdoor tent rentals, charcuterie boards, and ‘drop and go’ drink set up services…”

With summer just around the corner, the event calendar is filling up fast – for 2025 and 2026 as well.

“Not going to lie, mobile bartending is a huge trend, but we feel our level of customer service and satisfaction speaks for itself...” Winters said. “My heart goes into each event no matter how big or small because I love to see people enjoy themselves.”

For information or visit www.tipsywheelsmobilebarevents. com/.

Magen Winters, owner of Tipsy Wheels Mobile Bar and Events. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

The first time Emily Heuberger came across a reiki practitioner she was 22, wandering through a farmer’s market and uninterested in experiencing what was referred to as “energy healing.”

“But for some reason, the word ‘reiki’ stuck with me,” she said.

And so, when she came upon it again in 2019 – at a metaphysical fair she attended with the goal of finding a way to help her mother cope with her recent Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis – she decided to try it.

“I was blown away; in 15 minutes I felt like I was electrically charged and connected to all positive possibilities in my life…” Heuberger recalled. “So, I left there, knowing that I was going to take a reiki course, what I was going to do with it afterwards I did not know, but I was hoping it would help my mom.”

Japanese in origin, reiki is based on the theory that all bodies have a constant flow of life force energy (or “ki”) flowing through them and that when that flow is blocked by stress or trauma, physical and emotional pain can result.

“A reiki treatment works by balancing the body’s energy flow and removing any blocks in the energy body that may have been built up for years… [leaving] you feeling reenergized, revitalized, and motivated,” Heuberger said.

It’s how she felt after just one 15-minute treatment. Which is why, in 2020 she began Fire Reiki I and II training.

“The first month after the class you are advised to focus on you and your own healing and growth before you offer reiki to others,” Heuberger remembered. “So, I

Emily Heuberger, owner of NW Healing Alternatives in Sublimity. MELISSA WAGONER

NW Healing Alternatives

Offering reiki appointments and Timeline Activation Sessions as well as monthly reiki training courses and Reiki Shares for fellow practitioners.

103 S. Center St., Sublimity 406-552-8444 www.nwhealingalternatives.com

did self-reiki sessions every day and then I started sharing with my family and friends.”

Including her mom.

“I send Reiki to my mom when she is confused, has high anxiety or sadness due to the diagnoses,” Heuberger said. “It has helped tremendously… Just being able to transmute the fear emotion into love is all it takes sometimes.”

Inspired by her own self-work, her sessions

with her mom and the encouragement of friends, Heuberger opened her own practice – True to You Reiki – on Third Street in Stayton in 2021.

“I chose this name because I remember my mom always telling me, be true to yourself…” Heuberger said. “And I feel that reiki brings out this aspect in ourselves… your session means that you are going to receive what you need at this time so your reiki session will look nothing like somebody else’s because you are not somebody else you are you.”

Open for two years, True to You Reiki was a success, but when Heuberger became her mom’s full-time caregiver in 2023 she decided to close the doors and focus on her family.

“It felt like 10 years of emotional, spiritual growth was put into two years,” Heuberger said. “I’m definitely a different, more patient, empathetic and kind person not only to others but to myself and for me that’s what I needed to step into my next evolution of existence.”

Training as a Holy Fire Karuna Reiki Master in the past year, Heuberger decided to not only open another reiki practice, NW Healing Alternatives, LLC – this time in her hometown of Sublimity – but to also begin offering reiki training as well.

“Teaching reiki is so different than mainstream subjects. Yes, there’s plenty of book work but… the students leave feeling like a new person with new insights about themselves, knowledge and usually a whole lot of energetic weight and baggage lifted off of them,” Heuberger said. “They not only leave with the feeling that sky’s the limit and now I have an energetic tool to assist in making it happen but also the knowledge to conduct a reiki healing session

for themselves and others.”

Keeping class sizes small – no more than four students can register at a time –Heuberger hopes to offer one weekend session each month as a way of keeping up with demand.

“The reason why I decided to teach reiki is because I saw all of the ways that it has helped me become a better mom, wife, daughter and person,” Heuberger said. The courses aren’t just for those who want to offer reiki professionally.

“I look at reiki as a tool in my life’s toolbox that makes life easier, more enjoyable and expansive. I feel everyone can and should be attuned to reiki energy because life can be tough and having something that eases that discomfort can be life changing.”

Which is why, after receiving her first reiki session with Heuberger, Jana Carp signed up for a class.

“During my session, I felt so deeply peaceful, such a sense of belonging in my body and in the world, that before it was over I knew I wanted to learn how to do it myself,” Carp said. “That came as a surprise to me, but all I can say is that it felt right.”

Additionally offering a variety of reiki sessions, reiki shares – a time for reiki practitioners to connect, timeline activation sessions provide clients with an energy “clean sweep” and partnerships with other healing modalities, Heuberger is looking forward to taking NW Healing Alternatives to the next level.

“[M]y intention is to let it grow and evolve in a way that it will be able to help more people step into a life, mindset and life experiences that they deserve and desire,” she said.

Let’s get connected, Stayton and Sublimity

We’re coming to your area, and we’re bringing faster internet

At Xfinity, we want to make your whole home a binge, scroll, share, stream zone. That means delivering fast, reliable WiFi that fuels everything from morning video calls with your colleagues to late-night gaming sessions with your crew.

Do what you love (and love how fast you do it) with fast, reliable Xfinity Internet

Count on your connection even when everyone’s online

Stay connected with WiFi coverage that delivers the speed your devices need

Frequent Address

Santiam Senior Center

41818 Kingston-Jordan Road, Stayton

Stayton Community Center

400 W Virginia St.

Stayton Public Library

515 N First Ave.

Weekly Events

Monday

Stayton Community Food Bank, 9 a.m. - noon, 1210 Wilco Road. Repeats Monday - Friday. 503-767-4088

Santiam Senior Center, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday-Friday. Seniors 50+. Daily, weekly, monthly events. 503-767-2009, santiamseniorcenter.com

Senior Meals, 11:30 a.m. Delivery only. Age 60+. Serves Stayton, Sublimity, Aumsville, Lyons, Marion, Mehama. Repeats Wednesday, Friday. $3 donation suggested. 503-769-7995

Bingo, 1 - 3:30 p.m., Santiam Senior Center. Cards $.05-.10 per game. Bring non-perishable food for Stayton Food Bank, get a free card. Seniors 50+. Free. Repeats Thursdays. 503-767-2009

Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 p.m., New Life Foursquare Church, 1090 N First Ave., Stayton. Open meeting. Repeats Thursday and Friday.

Santiam Canyon Community Chorus, 7 - 8:30 p.m., Stewart’s Hall, 158 SW Broadway St., Mill City. Anyone is welcome. JoAnn, 503-859-2502

Tuesday

Family Storytime, 10:30 a.m., Stayton Public Library. Explore the world of early literacy through songs and rhythms, stories and rhymes. All ages. Free. 503-769-3313

English, Citizenship, GED Classes, 6:30 - 8 p.m., United Methodist Church, 1450 Fern Ridge Road, Stayton. Classes are free; $20 for workbook. Repeats Thursdays. Join class anytime. Mary, 503-779-7029

Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 p.m., Calvary Lutheran Church, 198 SE Fern Ridge Road, Stayton. Open meeting. Follow the path on right of building; use side entrance to church.

Wednesday

Stayton/Sublimity Chamber Business Network, 8:15 a.m. Network building event for local business, non-profit professionals. Location varies each week. For location, call 503-769-3464. St. Boniface Archives and Museum, 9 a.m. - noon, 370 Main St., Sublimity. Learn about Sublimity and possibly your family history. Free. 503-508-0312 Toddler Time, 10:30 a.m., Stayton Public Library. Explore the world of early literacy together with your infant or toddler. Older siblings welcome. Free. 503-769-3313.

Intermediate Tai Chi, 10:15 - 11 a.m., Santiam Senior Center. Seniors 50+. Free for members. Repeats Fridays. 503-767-2009

Beginner Tai Chi, 11:15 a.m. - noon, Santiam Senior Center. Seniors 50+. Free for members. Repeats Fridays. 503-767-2009

Stayton Area Rotary, noon, Santiam Golf Club, 8724 Golf Club Road, Aumsville. Guests welcome. 503-508-9431, staytonarearotary.org

Cascade Country Quilters, 12:30 p.m., Santiam Senior Center, 41818 KingstonJordan Road, Stayton. 50 and older. 503-767-2009

Beginner Line Dancing, 12:30 - 1:30

p.m., Santiam Senior Center. Seniors 50+. Free for members. Repeats Fridays. 503-767-2009

Pinochle, 1 p.m., Santiam Senior Center. Single deck.

Beginner Line Dancing, 1:45 - 2:45 p.m., Santiam Senior Center. Seniors 50+. Free for members. Repeats Fridays. 503-767-2009

Alcoholics Anonymous, 6 - 7:15 p.m., Calvary Lutheran Church, 198 SE Fern Ridge Road, Stayton. Open meeting. Follow path on right on building and use side entrance to church.

Thursday

Sublimity Quilters, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., St. Boniface Catholic Church, 375 SE Church St., Sublimity. Make quilts for local community donations and charities. Everything is provided. New members welcome.

Point Man Ministries, 6 p.m., Canyon Bible Fellowship, 446 Cedar St., Lyons. Veterans support organization. 503-859-2627

Friday

Pinochle, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Santiam Senior Center. Double deck.

Saturday

Alcoholics Anonymous, 10 a.m., New Life Foursquare Church, 1090 N First Ave., Stayton. Open meeting. Aumsville Historical Society, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Aumsville Historical Museum, 599 Main St. Not open holiday weekends. Ted Shepard, 503-749-2744

Revival Youth Hangout, 5 - 6:30 p.m., New Hope Community Church, 657 N Second Ave., Stayton. Youth of the area are welcome. Follow “Revival_ Heartbeat” on Instagram and Tiktok. revivalheartbeat@gmail.com

Sunday

Community Lampstand, 5 -7 p.m., Brown House Event Center, 425 N First Ave., Stayton. Learn how the Bible inspired the works of the Founding Fathers in the creation of the United States and its founding documents. Free. Diannah, 503-881-6147

Alcoholics Anonymous, 6 - 7:15 p.m., Bethel Baptist Church, 645 Cleveland St., Aumsville. Open meeting.

Friday, May 2

Red Cross Blood Drive

9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Stayton High, 757 W Locust St. For appointments visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-3767.

Red Cross Blood Drive

11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sublimity Fire Station, 115 NW Parker St. For appointments: redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-3767

Stayton FFA Plant Sale

3 - 5 p.m., Stayton High, 757 W Locust St. Flowers, herbs, vegetables, hanging plants. Repeats 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. May 3 and 10; 3 - 5 p.m. May 9. 503-769-2171

Saturday, May 3

Goonies 3K walk/run

8 - 10 a.m., Camp Taloali, 15934 Highway 22, Stayton. Fundraiser for summer camp for deaf youth. $45 at the door. Prizes awarded. taloali.org

Free Health Screening

9 - 11 a.m., Sublimity Fire Station, 115 NW Parker St. Get screened for cholesterol, glucose and blood pressure. Register at salemhealth.org/ CHEC or 503-814-2432.

Free Dental Clinic

9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Sublimity Fire Station, 115 NW Parker St. Services: tooth extraction, cavity fill, x-rays, exams, treatment of infection. By appointment only. Call 503-769-9319.

Courage Fund Soccer Camp

9 - 11 a.m., Stayton High, 757 W Locust St. 1st-4th grade students. 5th-8th grade camp runs 1 - 3 p.m. $20/camper. Sign up by emailing alexpelayo721@ gmail.com or at camp. Courage Fund provides financial support for children to access education in Ghana. The fund was started in memory of Regis alum Courage Minten.

Elkhorn Station Open House

Noon - 2 p.m., Elkhorn Fire Station 85, 32788 SE North Fork Road, Lyons. Learn how to protect your home using defensible space, check out improvements projects, meet firefighters. Free hot dog lunch. Familyfriendly. 503-769-2601

Free Kids Workshop

Noon - 2 p.m., Wilco, 1385 N First Ave., Stayton. Kids 12 and under decorate a small planter and plant a flower. While supplies last. 503-769-6301

Sunday, May 4

KofC Breakfast

7:30 - 10 a.m., St. Mary Parish Hall, 9168 Silver Falls Hwy., Shaw. Homemade biscuits and sausage gravy, eggs, hashbrowns, fruit cup, coffee, juice. Cost: $10. 503-362-6159

Monday, May 5

Cinco de Mayo

Daughters of the American Revolution 10 a.m., Stayton Methodist Church, 1450 Fern Ridge Road. Guest speaker is Roger Porter from Turner Historical Society on the restoration project at Turner Twin Oaks Cemetery. Open to all. 503-508-8246

Stayton City Council

6 p.m., Stayton Community Center. Work session followed by regular meeting. Open to public. 503-769-3425

Tuesday, May 6

Stayton Lions Club

Noon, Covered Bridge Cafe, 510 N Third Ave., Stayton. Club and new members are welcome. Repeats May 20. staytonlionsclub.org

Stayton Parks and Rec Board

6 p.m., Stayton Planning Building, 311 N Third Ave. Agenda available. Open to public. 503-769-3425

Wednesday, May 7

Aumsville Senior Social Circle

10 a.m. - noon, Riverview Bank, 112 Main St., Aumsville. Join Aumsville’s senior community for cards, dice, conversation. Free. Sponsored by Aumsville Exchange Club. Repeats May 21.

Thursday, May 8

Aumsville Food Pantry

Noon - 4 p.m., Bethel Baptist Church, 645 Cleveland St., Aumsville. Repeats May 22. 503-749-2128

Santiam Heritage Foundation

6 p.m., Brown House Event Center, 425 N First Ave., Stayton. Board of trustees meeting. Open to public. 503-769-8860

Aumsville Fire District

6:30 p.m., Aumsville Fire Station, 490 Church St. Open to public. 503-749-2894

Lyons Library Board

7 p.m., Lyons Public Library, 279 Eighth St. 503-859-2366

Friday, May 9

Quilt Show & Flower Sale

9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Stewart’s Hall, 158 SW Broadway, Mill City. Free admission. Repeats May 10. Presented by Santiam Hearts to Arts. Proceeds from sale of hanging baskets help preserve historic Stewart’s Hall.

Huge Fabric Sale

10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Santiam Valley Grange, 1140 Fifth St., Lyons. Free admission. Repeats 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. May 10, 10 a.m.2 p.m. May 11. 503-859-2161 Community Play Group

10 - 11:30 a.m., Doris’s Place, 574 N 11th St., Aumsville. Free Community Play Group sponsored by Family Building Blocks. Snacks. RSVP: 503-769-1120

The Princess Bride – on stage 7 p.m., The Spotlight Theatre, 383 N Third Ave., Stayton. The Princess Bride and Other Fantastical Stories in 30 minutes or less. Repeats 7 p.m. May 10, 16-17; 2 p.m. May 11 & 18. $15 general admission, $12 seniors 60+ and college students, $10 teens ages 13-17, $8 youth ages 3-12. Tickets at spotlightct.com or at the door.

Saturday, May 10

Lyons City-wide Clean Up

9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Freres City Park, 13th Street, Lyons. Bring yard debris, scrap metal, appliances, furniture, usable paint in original containers, etc. Volunteers on site may not be able to help unload. Most items are free; fees for electronics, kitchen appliances, tires. For residents of Lyons with ID only. 503-859-2167 Cascade Car Show

9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Cascade High, 10226 NE Marion Road, Turner. Car show, food trucks. $20 per vehicle entered. All proceeds go to the Senior All Night Party. Contact Wendy McNitt, 503-949-5032, wendimcnitt@aol.com.

Kid’s Craft Fair

11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Handmade crafts and creations made by young entrepreneurs. 503-769-3313

Sunday, May 11

Mother’s Day

Brown House Tour

Noon - 2 p.m., Brown House Event Center, 425 N First Ave., Stayton. Tour historic Charles and Martha Brown House. $5/person. Under 18 free. 503-769-8860

Monday, May 12

Sublimity City Council

6 p.m., Sublimity City Hall, 245 NW Johnson. Open to public. 503-769-5475

Stayton Budget Committee

6 p.m., Stayton Community Center. Open to public. Copy of budget available at City Hall. Repeats May 13 and 15. 503-769-3425, staytonoregon.gov

Stayton Fire District Board

6 p.m., Stayton Fire Station, 1988 W Ida St. Open to public. staytonfire.org

Lyons Fire District Board

7 p.m., Lyons Fire Station, 1114 Main St. Open to public. 503-859-2410

Aumsville City Council

7 p.m., Aumsville Community Center, 555 Main St. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-749-2030, aumsville.us

Tuesday, May 13

Ancestry Detectives

10 a.m. - noon, Silver Falls Library, Silverton. Don Anderson will speak on new DNA tools at ancestry.com. Free. Open to all mid-Willamette Valley residents. ancestrydetectives.org

Build It! LEGOS

3:30 - 4:30 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Release your inner builder. Make a creation with supplied LEGOS. Through May 16. 503-769-3313

DIY Craftshop

5:30 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Create a miniature spring-themed magnet. All supplies provided. Free. 503-769-3313

Lyons Budget Committee

6:30 p.m., Lyons City Hall, 449 Fifth St. Open to public. Copy of budget at City Hall. Special Council meeting follows around 7:30 p.m. to approve contractor selection for the Safe Routes to School project.

Cascade School Board

7 p.m., Cascade District Office, 10226 SE Marion Road, Turner. cascade.k12.or.us

Wednesday, May 14

Red Cross Blood Drive

9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Canyon Bible Fellowship, 446 Cedar St., Lyons. For appointments visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-3767

Wheels of Change

Noon, Santiam Hospital, 1401 N 10th Ave., Stayton. Learn skills to live well, whether goal is prevention or improving ability to manage chronic conditions. Free. Register: CHW@ santiamhospital.org, 503-769-9319

Canyon Garden Club

1 - 3 p.m., Santiam Community Garden, 846 Fifth St., Lyons. First meeting free, dues $20/year. If you need a ride, call Rosemary, 503-769-2571.

RDS Board Meeting

5 p.m., Beauchamp Building, 278 E High St., Stayton. Revitalize Downtown Stayton meeting. Open to public. 503-767-2317, downtownstayton.org

Thursday, May 15

Aumsville Planning Commission

6 - 8 p.m., Chester Bridges Memorial Community Center, 555 Main St., Aumsville. Public hearing. Open to public. 503-7492030, aumsville.us

Friday, May 16

Detroit Fishing Derby

Gear up for a fun weekend of prizes and fishing. To register and for more info., visit detroitlakefoundation.org.

Lamb & Wool Festival

90th annual Linn County Lamb and Wool Festival. For a schedule of events, visit lambfair.com.

Family Fun Night

5 - 7:30 p.m., Sublimity School, 376 E Main St. Family-friendly, open to all - not just Sublimity School families. Music, bounce house, popcorn, yard games, entertainment, food trucks, Bingo, drawings, silent auction, refreshments, bake sale.

Saturday, May 17

Fundraiser Yard Sale

8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Foothills Church, 975 Fern Ridge Road, Stayton. Funds for Camp Tadmor campers. Donations welcome. judy@foothillsstayton.org

Bethel Clothing Closet

9 a.m. - noon, Bethel Baptist Church, 645 Cleveland St., Aumsville. Clothing from newborn to 2x. Free. 503-749-2128

Flea Market

9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Santiam Valley Grange, 1140 Fifth St. Lunch. Free admission. Tables available. 503-859-2161

Focus Heating 20th Anniversary

10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Focus Heating, 637 Wilco Road, Stayton. 20th anniversary Appreciation Day. Free hamburger/hot dog lunch. Prizes. 971-315-4486

Honoring Vietnam Veterans

2 p.m. Calvary Lutheran Church, 198 Fern Ridge Road, Stayton. Honoring those who served 1955 to 1975. 541-571-0300 or shaneelizabeth@me.com

History Talks

3 - 5 p.m., Brown House Event Center, 425 N First Ave., Stayton. Ted Shepard speaks on post offices that have closed in the Santiam Canyon. $5 adults. Under 18 free. brownhouse.org

Alcoholics Anonymous

6 - 8:30 p.m., Bethel Baptist Church, 645 Cleveland St., Aumsville. Open meeting. Santiam Chorus celebrates Elvis

7 p.m., Stewart’s Hall, 158 Broadway, Mill City. The Santiam Canyon Community Chorus celebrates Elvis Presley. Sue Day band performs. Refreshments, auction, drawing. Also 3 p.m. May 18. Free.

Sunday, May 18

Pancake Breakfast

8 - 11 a.m., Stayton Fire Station, 1988 W Ida St. Annual all-you-can-eat Stayton Volunteer Firefighters pancake breakfast with ham, eggs and drink. $10 adults. $8 children ages 6-12. staytonfire.org

Monday, May 19

Stayton Friends of the Library

11 a.m., Stayton Public Library. New members welcome. 503-932-2733.

Red Cross Blood Drive

1 - 6 p.m., Foothills Church, 975 Fern Ridge Road, Stayton. Appointments: redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-3767.

Sublimity Budget Committee

6 - 8 p.m., Sublimity City Hall, 245 NW Johnson. Budget available at City Hall. Stayton City Council

7 p.m., Stayton Community Center. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-769-3425

Santiam Masonic Meeting

7 p.m., Santiam Lodge #25, 122 N Third Ave., Stayton. All Masons welcome. Drop by. “Santiam Lodge #25” on Facebook.

Tuesday, May 20

Story-Palooza

10:30 a.m., Stayton Public Library. Instead of regular storytime, join for a celebration of stories and storytelling with activities for all ages. Free. 503-769-3313

Alzheimer’s Education

1 - 2:15 p.m., Santiam Hospital, 1401 N 10th Ave., Stayton. Building foundations of caregiving presented by Alzheimer’s Association. Free. Register: 800-272-3900

American Legion Post #58

6 - 7:30 p.m., Weddle Funeral Service, 1777 N Third Ave., Stayton. All veterans and all branches of service are welcome. Post #58 will pay first year’s dues for all who join. 503-508-2827

North Santiam Watershed Council

6 p.m. Zoom. Open to public. For Zoom link information, call 503-930-8202 or email council@northsantiam.org.

Wednesday, May 21

Stayton Library Board

6 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Open to public. 503-769-3313

Thursday, May 22

Stayton Public Arts Commission

6 p.m., Stayton Public Works Building, 311 N Third Ave. Help plan and organize local art events. Open to public. Jennifer Siciliano, 503-769-2998, JSiciliano@ staytonoregon.gov.

NSSD Board

6 p.m., Stayton High, 757 W Locust St. Board meeting for North Santiam School District. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-769-6924, nsantiam.k12.or.us

Saturday, May 24

Free Senior Pancake Breakfast

9 - 11:30 a.m., Aumsville Community Center, 555 Main St. Seniors 65 and older can join for a free breakfast and community connection. Hosted by Aumsville Exchange Club.

Grange Ham Dinner

5 - 7 p.m., Santiam Valley Grange, 1140 Fifth St., Lyons. Ham, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, gravy, rolls, dessert, coffee, punch. $10/plate. 503-859-2161

Monday, May 26

Memorial Day

Tuesday, May 27

Stayton Planning Commission

7 p.m., Stayton Community Center. Open to the public. Agenda available. 503-769-3425, staytonoregon.gov

Wednesday, May 28

Stayton Book Club

4 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Discuss The Cartographers by Peng Shepherd. Tea, treats and book talk. All welcome. 503-769-3313

Paid Advertisement

Rednecks With Tire Irons

The Orchard Hill Boys caught me standing in line to ride the roller coaster at the Miamisburg Shopping Center. I should have known better than to be out in public like that. I knew that this gang of angry rednecks were still looking to beat me up.

Why? Well, I was a hippie in a redneck town. It was 1967. They suspected me, correctly, of being a pot-smoking communist and a traitor to the cause of the war in Viet Nam. They hated me, and this gang of violent teenage bullies ruled the streets of our small town.

But on this particular night, I really took a beating. There were three of them against one of me. Two swayed back and forth with fists up, bobbing and weaving to keep me distracted while the third came up behind me and hit me on the side of the head with a tire iron. I went flying in a cartwheel and crumpled to the pavement. Then they ran away into the crowd. I stumbled away with my hand on the side of my bleeding head. I could have died.

That’s when I decided to run away. Not to get away from my family, but to get away from the Orchard Hill Boys! I hitch-hiked out of town, swearing I would someday make them pay.

Give Me Justice!

you don’t deserve His kindness. It’s admitting that you do deserve His judgement for all the bad things you have done, and also for all the good

but God’s punishment. He came to pay for all the ways we have defied God and disobeyed Him. Sin is rebellion against God’s will. It is falling short of His purpose for creating us. And so, when forgiveness is offered, it is only by God’s grace alone. It is undeserved kindness

dying and going hell, or, if they believe and repent, Jesus will pay their debt, just as He paid mine, by applying His sacrifice on the cross to their account. Either way, someone is going to pay. So, who is going to pay for your sins? Will it be you? Or Jesus?

“Now don’t get me wrong. Forgiving those guys for what they did to me does not require me to give them another chance to beat me up. What they did to me was not only wrong, it was illegal.”

that we cannot earn. We receive God’s forgiveness only by believing that Jesus paid for our sin with His own death on the cross. The only thing left for us to do is to show our thankfulness to God by the way we forgive others. That includes the Orchard Hill Boys Do they deserve to be forgiven? Not at all. But I don’t deserve to be forgiven either. How can I refuse to forgive them when God has forgiven me of so much? Jesus died for me while I was still an unrepentant hippie sinner. Now I get to forgive them even while they are still unrepentant redneck sinners.

There’s a funny thing about “justice.” Everyone has this deep sense of right and wrong that cries out for the punishment of evil doers. We want those jerks to pay for all the wrong they’ve done. “It’s only fair.” So we nurse our vigilante fantasies about beating up the bad guys.

But have you noticed that no one wants to pay up for the wrong they themselves have done? It’s as though what’s “fair” and “just” is only about others getting the punishment they deserve. “I deserve to be happy because I mean well, (for the most part).” “I’m only unkind when other people are unkind to me (for the most part).” But other people don’t deserve to be happy after what they’ve done. They only deserve to suffer.

Humble Yourself

Part of what it means to be a follower of Jesus is to humble yourself before God and admit

things that you should have done, but didn’t. It’s pleading “Guilty as charged!”

To be a Christian is to stop being like the selfrighteous man in Luke 18:9-14 who was patting himself on the back for not being like the tax collector beside him who was pleading with God to be merciful. Jesus said the humble tax collector was forgiven, while the selfrighteous religious guy was still on the hook for his sins.

Jesus did not come to save those who think they don’t need to be forgiven. No one is good enough to earn their way into heaven. No one. Not me. Not even you.

Jesus came to rescue those of us who admit we are so guilty that we don’t deserve anything

Now don’t get me wrong. Forgiving those guys for what they did to me does not require me to give them another chance to beat me up. What they did was not only wrong, it was illegal. Forgiving them frees me from my own bitterness, but I also have an obligation to protect others from them. Criminals, (including violent bullies and abusive spouses), should go to jail. God forgives sin when sinners repent, but our courts are not supposed to forgive crime. They are supposed to enforce the law.

So, as far as my own heart is concerned, I get to forgive them. Even as my enemies, I get to love them. I get to pray for them, and even do good toward them. By doing so I am being like my Father in Heaven Who sends His sunshine and His rain on everyone (Matt. 5:44-45). If they repent, God will save them just as He saved me. If not, He will judge them.

“‘Vengeance is Mine!,’ says the the Lord. ‘I will repay’” (Rom. 12:19). So, I leave that to God.

“Here Comes The Judge”

Just to be clear. No one is going to get away with anything in God’s Creation. Every individual will either pay for his own sins, by

“Now” you might ask. “how can I be sure it worked? Jesus may have been a deluded nut case.” We can be sure that Jesus’ payment for our sins worked because God raised Jesus from the dead after 3 days. His resurrection is all the proof we need.

So, when you hear a Christian say he has been “saved,” this is what he is talking about. Being saved is primarily about being spared from God’s judgement after you die. It’s about getting to go to heaven instead of hell.

The only way to be forgiven for your sins is by putting your faith in Jesus. Turn to Him right now. He will forgive you. He will also require you to forgive others. But that act of faith will set you free from all the pain from your past.

Want to talk? Call me at 503-926-1388.

TICKET! Family-Friendly Movie The Palace Theater Tues., May 13th, 6:30 PM Cinderella (2015) Rated PG, First Come, First Served. Bring Your Whole Family! Sponsored by NobleMenOfOregon.org

Attention Noble Men! Join us every week for our Noble Men’s Prayer Breakfast at Noble Inn 409 S. Water St., Silverton, OR 97381 Thurs. mornings from 7 to 8:30 AM For info go to NobleMenOfOregon.org Join us as we seek to have an impact on our community for Christ.

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

Gregg Harris, Teaching Pastor at GraciousCross.org

As a child, Joyce Heinke had little exposure to growing flowers.

“The only one in my family who was interested in growing things was my  mother,” Heinke recalled. “But we had a small well and there was little extra water. So, she grew only a few things like bachelor buttons and hollyhocks… I remember trying to grow bulbs, but gophers ate them. I actually watched a tulip sway from side to side accompanied by crunching as it slowly sank into the ground.”

Despite these early struggles, Heinke developed a love for blooming things and now, with a  garden  of her own, she grows 40 varieties of roses, 60 of peonies,

over 100 dahlias, 75 clumps of named iris, a huge number of perennials, some potted annuals and over 400 orchids.

“Recently I have gotten into growing native plants,” she added. “I took out  my front yard lawn and made it into a pollinator garden.”

In other words, Heinke knows a thing or

two about cultivating a flower  garden, including how to get started.

Decide What to Grow

“First you need to understand your  climate, that will greatly limit what  you  can grow,” Heinke said. Then, “one needs to decide if they want a cutting garden  or more of a cottage garden? Will it be mostly perennials or annuals? All types of plants or only natives?”

Because each plant has its own needs when it comes to sunlight, soil acidity and drainage – all of which need to be established before a first-time gardener ever breaks ground.

“In addition, how much time are you

willing to spend caring for that plant?” Heinke asked. Because some plants – like dahlias – require extensive care.

“Dahlias like to be cut off at ground level, covered with plastic and then dirt for the winter,” Heinke said. Not a viable choice for someone who is looking for a handsoff plant.

It’s also worthwhile considering how you  want  your garden to look during each season.

“If  you  choose carefully,  you  can have plants bloom year-round,” Heinke said. “Hellebore and Daphne, snowdrops some varieties of camellia, mahonia, pansies, sarcococca, and primrose bloom in

SPRING PLANTING

continued from page 1

• Amazing History

• True Science

• Beautiful Design

• & DIY Plantings

late winter. Some of these extend into spring. Some spring blooming plants are… lady’s mantle, nodding onion, anemone, columbine, red flowering currant, etc. Some summer blooming plants are yarrow, hollyhock, milkweed, pot marigold, beautybush, campanula, iris, and clarkia. A few fall blooming plants are dahlias, chrysanthemum, echinops rito, California poppy, Canada goldenrod, and coneflower. Roses bloom in spring, summer and fall.”

Preparing the Garden

Once you’ve decided what to grow it’s time to decide where each plant will thrive.

fertilize varies by plant. Also, the type of fertilizer varies. You fertilize bulbs when  you plant them and when they come up in the spring. Iris are fertilized in April and four weeks after blooming. Peonies are fertilized when they are six inches tall. Roses are fertilized every six weeks starting in spring until August.”

Planting

Now that the soil is ready, it’s time to plant. But it’s important to remember that not every flower should be planted in early spring.

Free “Terrarium Spa” for maintenance.

• Best selection of glass in the U.S.A.

• 8 terrarium planting classes each week.

• Up to 15 students per class (BYOW!)

• BOGO registration if you mention ad. Drop by or call 503-926-1388 to book your class today!

Falls Terrariums 403 South Water Street Silverton, Oregon www.SilverFallsTerrariums.com

401 Oak St., Silverton, OR 97381

Mailing address: P.O. Box 927, Mount Angel, OR 97362

503-845-9499 ourtown.life@ mtangelpub.com

“One needs to observe the area over enough time to know where there is shade, how deep it is, and how much of the day…” Heinke advised. “One should have some idea of the soil’s pH. Is the soil clay, sand or a loam? Will the plant need to be irrigated and how much? Does it need to be on a raised bed or row? How big will the plant grow to be? Will the plant fit in a few years? Don’t depend on pruning to keep it in check.”

Once all these aspects have been determined and the area mapped out it’s time to begin preparing for planting.

“You will want to be sure to kill all weeds in a site and work it up before planting anything,” Heinke said, referring to the act of amending the soil with a type of compost that matches each plant’s specific needs for things like nitrogen and carbon.

“Compost is about 7 pH, which is good for most plants, but not all,” she confirmed. “What, when, how much to

“[I]n the spring I would plant most perennials like Lily of the Nile, dahlias, Agastache, columbine, Basket-of-Gold, clematis, roses, delphinium, gaillardia, bee balm, poppy, asters, astilbe, campanula, chrysanthemum, foxglove, echinacea, gaillardia, helleborus, heuchera, Shasta daisies, rudbeckia, veronica, etc.,” Heinke listed. Adding, it’s best to avoid plants with a bulb as those should be planted in the fall.

“[A]lthough you might want to order them in the spring,” Heinke pointed out. Adding that now is a wonderful time –with so many bulb plants preparing to bloom, including daffodils, iris and tulips – to visit a farm like Schreiner’s Gardens  in Salem or the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm in Woodburn to learn more about spring bulbs and to find inspiration. Because flower  gardening  can be both fun and inspiring – if the gophers stay away.

Spring blooming: crocuses (above), snowdrops (right), and hellebore (far right). MELISSA WAGONER

OSU Gardener’s May Chores

PLAN & PREPARE

Prepare and prime irrigation system for summer.

Place pheromone traps in apple trees to detect presence of codling moth. Plan a control program of sprays, baits, or predators if found.

If needed, fertilize rhododendrons and azaleas with acid-type fertilizer. If established and healthy, their nutrient needs should be minimal. Remove spent blossoms.

PLANT

Plant dahlias, gladioli, and tuberous begonias in mid-May.

Plant chrysanthemums for fall color. When selecting new roses, choose plants labeled for resistance to diseases. Fertilize roses and control rose diseases such as mildew with a registered fungicide.

Plant most vegetables now; check with local gardeners. Use a soil thermometer to help you know when to plant vegetables. Wait until the soil is consistently above 70 degrees F to plant tomatoes, squash, melons, peppers and eggplant.

Prevent root maggots when planting cole crops (cabbage, broccoli, collards and kale), by covering with row covers or screens, or by applying appropriate insecticides.

PUT PESTS OUT

Manage weeds while small and actively growing with light cultivation or

herbicides. Once the weed has gone to bud, herbicides are less effective.

Trap moles and gophers as new mounds appear.

Leaf-rolling worms may affect apples and blueberries. Prune off and destroy affected leaves.

Monitor aphids on strawberries and ornamentals. If present, control options include washing off with water, hand removal, or using registered insecticides labeled for the problem plant. Follow all label directions. Promoting natural enemies (predators and parasitoids that eat or kill insects) is a longer-term solution for insect control in gardens.

the weevil said to me, “Hey, I heard you had some good food here. Mind if I have a bite?”

Spittlebugs may appear on ornamental plants as foam on stems. In most cases, they don’t require management. If desired, wash off with water or use insecticidal soap as a contact spray. Read and follow label directions.

Control cabbageworms in cabbage and cauliflower, 12-spotted cucumber beetle in beans and lettuce, maggot in radishes. Control can involve hand removal, placing barrier screen over newly planted rows, or spraying or dusting with registered pesticides, labeled for use on the problem plant. Read and follow label directions when using insecticides.

Tiny holes in foliage and shiny, black beetles on tomato, beets, radishes, and potato indicate flea beetle attack. Treat with Neem, Bt-s, or use nematodes for larvae. Read and follow label directions when using insecticides.

Monitor rhododendrons, azaleas, primroses and other broadleaf ornamentals for adult root weevils. Look for fresh evidence of feeding (notching at leaf edges). Try sticky trap products on plant trunks to trap adult weevils. Protect against damaging the bark by applying the sticky material on a 4-inch wide band of poly sheeting or burlap wrapped around the trunk. Mark plants now and supply beneficial nematodes when soil temps are above 55 degrees F. If root weevils are a consistent problem, consider removing plants and choosing weevil-resistant varieties.

Control slugs with bait or traps and by removing or mowing vegetation near garden plots.

Oregon State University Extension Service encourages sustainable gardening practices. Always identify and monitor problems before acting. First, consider cultural controls; then physical, biological and chemical controls (which include insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils, botanical insecticides, organic and synthetic pesticides). Always consider the least-toxic approach first.

Recommendations in this calendar are applicable to Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

So
© LUTENSKO / 123RF.COM

A tiny plot of land in downtown Detroit has been named a Certified Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation.

The federation, through its Garden for Wildlife program, honors green spaces and landscapers for creating gardens that support birds, butterflies, bees, frogs, and other local wildlife.

Every Certified Wildlife Habitat plot provides natural sources of food, water, cover and places to raise young and is maintained in a sustainable way that incorporates native plants, conserves water and doesn’t rely on pesticides.

Detroit’s plot, on a triangular parcel of land just north of the Detroit Community Church parking lot, is tended largely by Greg Sheppard, but the long-time councilor and 50-year Detroit denizen says he has had lots of help over the years.

The plot honors Howard Andersen (Aug. 13, 1919 – Dec. 20, 2001), a 55-year Detroit resident who served with General George Patton’s tank corps during World War II. Sheppard and other volunteers gave it a thorough spruce up and polish in 2019 in honor of the 75th anniversary of D-Day.

Walk around and through the grove for a bit and you’ll find lots of interesting things. Benches, chairs, pinwheels, flags, a coastal redwood and three large flowering pear trees that survived the 2020 wildfires. Some crocuses and daffodils already have come up, but more color will be forthcoming as warm days liven things up.

“It’s a great place to go for shade when you’re in town on a hot day,” Sheppard said.

The plot is at the “gore point” where the two sections of Detroit Avenue come together.

Sheppard and Justin Montrie, a Resource Assistance for Rural Environments (RARE) employee who is helping the city put together a plan for Detroit City Park, engaged in some friendly sparring about who owns the site.

“It’s owned by the church,” Sheppard said, noting that that’s why he has helped out the church over the years by planting trees next to the building.

“No, I looked it up,” counted Montrie. “The memorial is on city property.”

Regardless, Montrie said the project sets a

great example for the rest of town.

“I think it sends out a good message,” he said.

“Let’s see more people doing this in their yards.”

Shepard and Montrie said that the federation has promised to provide a sign for the grove, indicating its certification, but no timeline has been set for that piece.

“Greg Sheppard does so much for Detroit (roads, representation, Cowboy Thanksgiving, green space keeper),” Montrie said, “and it’s fantastic to have his greening project recognized and encouraged.”

The Garden for Wildlife movement has recognized more than 227,000 Certified Wildlife Habitat gardens across

the United States in the past 45 years, encompassing more than 2.5 million acres.

Backyards, urban gardens, school grounds, businesses, places of worship, campuses, parks, farms, zoos, and community landscapes all can be recognized as wildlife habitats.

“Anyone, anywhere can restore wildlife habitat right in their own yards and communities,” said National Wildlife Federation naturalist David Mizejewski. “Whether you garden in a suburban yard, an urban area or a rural plot of land, you can make a difference for local wildlife. It’s the perfect grassroots way to think globally and act locally and help birds, butterflies and other wildlife.”

Every Certified Wildlife Habitat garden also becomes part of a national effort to create and sustain one million gardens that provide habitat for declining pollinator insects such as butterflies and bees.

For more information on the process and to learn how to qualify to have a garden space recognized as a Certified Wildlife Habitat, visit www.nwf.org/garden/.

The Marion Soil and Water Conservation District runs a similar program called Little Habitat. For more on that program go to www.marionswcd.net/little-habitatproject/.

To learn more about the Howard Andersen Memorial Grove, visit Detroit – and take some time to enjoy the lake, too!

What’s not to love about the loveable succulent? Drought-resistant – thanks to their plump, fleshy leaves – there are 60 different varieties, each boasting its own unique leaf shape and color.

“And there’s different categories of succulents – indoors and hardy,” Judy Yarnell – owner of Yarnell Nursery in Stayton since 1976 – said. Adding, “Hardy is what most people think of as ‘hen and chicks.’”

Able to withstand sub zero temperatures, hardy succulents can be planted outdoors, where they will overwinter. But indoor succulents –

also known as “tender succulents” – should be grown indoors in pots, planters or even bowls.

“I literally pot them in anything,” Judy said, pointing to a nearby teacup featuring several varieties. “And they’re good in terrariums.”

Purveyors of everything from vegetable starts and fruit trees to landscape shrubs and medicinal herbs, Judy and her husband, Glen, began selling small succulent planters for the past five years.

“They became popular on the internet – on social media,” Judy recalled.

“They’re fun because they multiply and go all over the place. And you can share them with friends.”

Eventually creating a thick carpet, when allowed to spread outdoors, the plants are easily divided thanks to a shallow root system.

“I just take a chunk of them off,” Judy said, demonstrating on a tray of hardy succulents growing outside the nursery’s iconic barn, which has stood

in Stayton since 1939. “They’re so easy. But they need to be in the sun.”

They also need to be in a container with good drainage, as consistent overwatering could cause the plant to suffer root rot and die.

“But they’re very easy to grow,” Judy pointed out. With dozens of varieties to choose from there is something for anyone who wants to give it a try.

– Melissa Wagoner

The Howard Andersen Memorial Grove in Detroit. JAMES DAY
SucculentsfromYarnell Nursery. MELISSAWAGONER

Jury decides Former HP Civil CEO must sell shares

A jury has found the former CEO of an Aumsville-based construction company wrongfully refused to sell his shares after he was fired in 2022.

On April 8, a 12-person jury rendered a verdict in Silbernagel vs. HP Civil Inc., et al, in Marion County Circuit Court following a trial that began March 31.

The jury found former HP Civil CEO Roger Silbernagel breached the terms of a buy-sell agreement when he refused to sell his shares following his termination May 31, 2022.

A hearing is set for May 5 for Judge Lindsay Partridge to determine the value of Silbernagel’s shares, which represent a 44.4% stake in the company.

HP Civil has valued the shares at $4.6 million, while Silbernagel is prepared to argue they are worth more than $4 million above this valuation.

Silbernagel sued June 28, 2022, claiming wrongful termination, retaliation and unjust enrichment, and sought $15 million in damages. He said he was fired while looking into claims that his son, an HP Civil employee at the time,

was the target of alleged racial discrimination by co-workers. Defendants denied this claim and said Silbernagel was fired due to concerns over alleged nepotism, alleged opposition to bringing on new shareholders and other behaviors causing friction with existing shareholders. The jury found Silbernagel did not prove his claim of retaliation.

After Silbernagel was fired, remaining shareholders Larry Gescher and Josh Smith offered him $6.3 million in June of 2022. Silbernagel refused, with his suit saying this offer “grossly undervalued” the shares.

In February of 2023, Gescher and Smith were informed of an accounting error in the original offer and gave Silbernagel a revised offer of $4.6 million, which was also rejected.

Silbernagel claimed in his suit Gescher and Smith breached their fiduciary duties when providing the erroneous initial offer. The jury found in favor of this claim and awarded Silbernagel $100,000 each from Gescher and Smith. The jury also found Silbernagel wrongfully retained a company laptop worth $400. A work truck in dispute by the company was found by the jury to be Silbernagel’s property.

PacifiCorp wants lawsuit awards thrown out

PacifiCorp has filed an opening brief in its appeal of a class action lawsuit over the 2020 wildfires, arguing hundreds of millions of dollars in judgments are invalid due to court errors. On April 1, PacifiCorp filed a brief in the Oregon Court of Appeals with regard to James et al vs. PacifiCorp, for which damages proceedings are under way in Multnomah County Circuit Court.

The company argued the higher court should overturn a 2023 verdict finding it liable for the fires, based on alleged legal errors committed in the lower court. In the alternative, the company asked for all verdicts during damages proceedings to be vacated or for all non-economic damages. Plaintiffs have been given until May 20 to file an answering brief.

In 2023 a jury found PacifiCorp liable for negligently causing the Santiam, Echo Mountain Complex, South Obenchain and 242 fires on Labor Day 2020. So far $306 million has been awarded to 50 plaintiffs. Proceedings are ongoing to determine damages on nearly 1,600 claims.

PacifiCorp appealed the 2023 verdict Jan. 4, 2024. It raised three main

concerns: the class certification process, liability standards during the 2023 trial, and the noneconomic damages.

On May 23, 2022, the James class was certified to include all individuals and entities who suffered losses within the boundaries of the four fires.  At the time, PacifiCorp argued this definition was overbroad, containing thousands of individuals spread over a broad geographic area. This argument was reiterated in the April 1 brief and said plaintiffs failed to demonstrate that all class members had common losses from a common cause.

The brief also referenced a March 19 report by the Oregon Department of Forestry which concluded powerline fires did not contribute significantly to the spread of the Santiam Fire. The report has since been criticized by plaintiff attorneys who said ODF ignored key information including evidence presented to the 2023 jury. ODF has said it stands by the report.

PacifiCorp said the March 19 report is evidence the lower court erred when including Santiam Fire survivors in the class. It has asked the court to de-certify the class based on the report.

When PacifiCorp appealed class certification in July 2022, similarly

OSP admin arrested for forgery

A Sublimity woman is facing numerous charges after allegedly altering public records while working as an audit specialist for Oregon State Police (OSP).

Leah Brooks Bernards, 44, was charged by secret indictment Jan. 17 in Marion County Circuit Court with 20 separate criminal counts for alleged forgeries occurring Jan. 26, 2023. She was booked and released from the Marion County Jail Jan. 24 and is due back in court May 14 for a status check hearing.

According to the indictment, Bernards allegedly altered records submitted to OSP by other state agencies. She allegedly used the login credentials of employees from those agencies to conceal her activities. Court records did not describe a potential motive except to state Bernards allegedly acted “with intent to injure and defraud” and “to obtain a benefit.”

She is facing eight counts of first-degree forgery and four counts each of ID theft, tampering with public records and first-degree official misconduct. If convicted, Bernards faces up to five years in prison and a $125,000 fine on the highest counts.

Whistleblower wins suit

arguing the definition was over-broad, appeals court administrators rejected the filing as meritless Aug. 25, 2022, saying a ruling on the issue would not impact the outcome of the case.

PacifiCorp’s second concern related to the way jurors in the 2023 trial were instructed to consider the company’s liability. The case was split into two proceedings: an initial phase to determine liability and a second phase to determine individual damages.

The 2023 liability trial focused on claims from 17 fire survivors who were representative of the class as a whole. The jury was instructed that evidence of liability to these individuals was to be considered evidence of liability to the entire class. PacifiCorp argued this approach was legally incorrect because subsequent juries have been allowed to make decisions without being shown evidence of liability to individual class members.

Lastly, PacifiCorp took issue with the high value of economic damages awarded, arguing, under applicable state law, no such damages should have been awarded.

Of the $306 million in total jury awards, $213 million have been for non-economic damages.

An Aumsville woman has won a whistleblower suit against her former employer for being wrongfully fired after she reported a manager for alleged timecard fraud. On March 24, Marion County Circuit Court Judge Audrey Broyles awarded $364,424 to Maria Weaver in a judgment against former employer Western Pallet, Inc., and owner Jim Bishop of Wilsonville. Weaver filed suit Oct. 7, 2024, and said she was wrongfully fired in October of 2023 by her manager after reporting the manager to Bishop for allegedly logging fraudulent work hours. Bishop was served with notice of the suit Dec. 6, 2024, but did not respond within the required 30 days. Broyles found him in default Jan. 28 and later awarded full damages. Bishop filed a response March 18 claiming Weaver was fired due to inadequate work performance. He asked for a reversal of the Jan. 28 ruling, claiming he was never served. Broyles denied the request. On April 2, Weaver also asked the court for reimbursement of $22,569 in attorneys fees and court costs.

Arrest for alleged drug sales

Authorities are seeking hard time for a Stayton man recently arrested for alleged drug distribution. Anthony “Tony” Delose Adams Jr., 56, was charged March 17 in Marion County Circuit Court with delivery of methamphetamine and delivery of cocaine.

According to the indictment, Adams allegedly sold “substantial quantities” of the drugs on Feb. 19, including more than 100 grams of methamphetamine and more than 10 grams of cocaine. He was arrested April 9 and was allegedly found in possession of more than 10 grams of cocaine, resulting in an additional possession charge in a separate case. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison on his highest counts. According to court records, Adams has been charged in 47 separate criminal cases in Oregon since 1986.

As your local State Farm® agent, I’ll be there whenever you need me with Good Neighbor service you can count on. Give me a call.

Proudly Serving all of Stayton, Sublimity, Aumsville, Lyons and Mehama! Always offering Free Consultation & Quotes and Service with a Smile!

Biggerstaff Ins and Fn Svc Inc

Larry Biggerstaff, Agent

112 S 1st Street

Silverton, OR 97381-1610

Bus: 503-873-8331

www.larrybiggerstaff.com

larry@larrybiggerstaff.com

State Farm, Bloomington, IL

The annual Linn County Lamb and Wool Fair in Scio, Oregon will celebrate its 90th anniversary this year with a jam-packed schedule of petting zoos, pie eating contests, quilt shows, car shows, talent shows, tractor shows, flower shows, live music and more.

“The excitement is gaining momentum with the release of our booklet and raffle tickets already available in local businesses,” Karen Borchard Isaac – vendor coordinator and president of the Linn County Lamb and Wool Fair Association – said. “We kick off this year’s event Thursday night [May 15] with the Royal Court Coronation at the ZCBJ Hall.”

Then, on May 16 at noon vendors throughout downtown will open for business and the pie sale, the silent auction and the petting zoo will commence.

“[T]here are a ton of events and each one has something special to offer,” Borchard Isaac said, specifically naming the sheep dog trials at Wolston Farms and the quilt show in the gymnasium of the Scio Middle School as two that should not be missed. “I recommend planning your weekend now by picking up a booklet or checking out the activities on our website www.lambfair.com... There is something for everyone, and there is just so much fun for all ages spread out over the three-day weekend.”

And the fair is admission-free.

“[S]o guests can come and go as they please… and enjoy all that the fair has to offer at a leisurely pace,” Borchard Isaac said. “With so many shopping options and food options in addition to the events, it really does take three days to take it all in.”

Civics 101

Linn County Lamb & Wool Fair in Scio

Royal Court Coronation Thursday, May 15 6 p.m. in the ZCBJ Hall.

Sheep Dog Trials begin Friday, May 16, 8 a.m. at Wolston Farms.

Fair runs Friday, May 16, noon through May 18, 3 p.m.

Free to visitors of all ages

For a complete list of activities and a schedule of events visit  www.lambfair.com

Grants to help with Stayton school safety

Stayton school safety will benefit from a pair of state grants that are part of the Oregon Department of Transportation’s Safe Routes to School program.

The City of Stayton received a $542,000 grant to assist with work on Fern Ridge Road, while a Marion County grant of $1.6 million will pay for work on First Street, which is a county highway.

Stayton Elementary School is the “primary” beneficiary of the improvements, said Stayton City Manager Julia Hadjuk, who added that the work “will provide benefits to all students traveling to any school as well as pedestrians in general.”

The grants were part of a set of 28 awards to communities statewide that totaled $31 million. The program focuses on projects that will make travel safer within a two-mile radius of schools and prioritizes under-resourced communities. ODOT received 89 applications for this round of funding, totaling $138.2 million. ODOT and its Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee weighed available funding with projects that

addressed the highest safety risks, removed barriers for students at low-income schools, and were likely to be completed within five years.

First Street: Erin Burt, a communications coordinator with Marion County Public Works, said that the work will take place at intersections along North First Avenue, from Shaff  Road south to West Locust Street.

The intersections will be upgraded to meet current ADA standards and make them more accessible. The project also includes a rectangular rapid flashing beacon crossing at West Locust Street, increasing visibility of pedestrians utilizing this crossing that also connects to Stayton High School.

Burt said ODOT hopes to begin and complete the work in the summer of 2027.

Fern Ridge: Hadjuk said that the project will construct a new pedestrian hybrid beacon crossing at the intersection of Fern Ridge and North Third Avenue. In addition, the project will upgrade ADA ramps, striping and signage at the Fern Ridge-North Third intersection. Hadjuk said the city hopes to complete the project in the summer of 2026.

2024 Royal Court at the Linn County Lamb and Wool Fair in Scio. SUBMITTED PHOTO

State parks visits up Silver Falls among Oregon’s top draws

Oregon State Parks set a record of nearly 54 million visitors in 2024, according to an annual report released by state officials.

Oregon’s total of 53,850,000 visits broke the 2021 record by about 200,000, the report says. The 3% increase was mainly felt at coastal parks such as Harris Beach, Sunset Bay, Samuel Boardman and Oswald West, but Silver Falls also contributed to the uptick.

Camping and overnight visits were down slightly in 2024  to 2.83 million camper nights. State parks officials said the decline was due in part to construction closures at popular locations such as Beverly Beach, Bullards Beach and Nehalem Bay.

At Silver Falls State Park, day use was up about 130,000 from 1,450,560 to 1,579,700. Silver Falls is the third most visited park in the system, behind Harris Beach (1,997,927) and Sunset Bay (1,724,180). Silver Falls also added some new amenities in the North Canyon

Trailhead area that helped boost the numbers.

Park officials have added a new parking lot and pay station at the North Canyon Trailhead, which features a new ADAaccessible trail and links to North Falls and the Canyon Trail.  In addition to the other upgrades the North Canyon’s nature play area also has reopened. A new visitor center and campground in the area should go online by late 2026.

The numbers for Detroit Lake State Recreation Area were down slightly for both day use and camping. Day-use visits reached 121,452 in 2024, about 2,500 below the 2023 figure. Camping numbers were at 97,919, about 1,500 behind the 2023 total.

In addition to the camping and day-use figures, state officials noted that the rising cost of operations and maintenance have outpaced revenue by more than 30% in recent years.

Oregon State Parks increased parking and camping fees visitor fees this year and will

continue to look at fees during the next two years to help balance the budget. Most of the fees had not been increased in from seven to 15 years, according to state parks officials.

“Raising fees is not a long-term solution. We need to talk about what Oregonians want for the future of Oregon State Parks and how do we, as a state, make sure they’re sustainably funded for current and future generations” said state parks director Lisa Sumption.

Oregon State Parks does not receive general fund tax dollars for operations. The system is paid for by recreational vehicle fees, the state lottery and revenue from camping and parking. Parks officials noted some of the challenges:

One busy park needs nearly a semi-truck load of toilet paper per year for visitors.

More than one third of park restroom facilities are 50 years old or older, which require more care and maintenance with higher use. The cost to replace a restroom/ shower building is now more than $1 million.

ABOUT THE NUMBERS

The Oregon State Parks  overnight camping figures are derived by taking the total number of occupied sites and applying a multiplier to estimate the number of camper nights.

The day-use figure comes from taking car counts and applying a multiplier to estimate the number of visits. Car counters sometimes require maintenance and replacement, which can impact individual numbers. The overall results are OPRD’s best estimate for tracking trends over time.

Parks serve as many as 17,000 campers per night in the busy season, which is the equivalent of moving a city roughly the size of Stayton and Silverton combined in and out of campgrounds almost daily.

Mike Ulven of Silverton Realty lead you on your journey home!

The transfer issue OSAA to review athlete movement

Let’s talk a bit about transferring, using this year’s basketball season as an example. First, some background.

I write about seven high schools for three papers, Our Town - Santiam, Our Town - Silverton & Mount Angel and The Canyon Weekly. The schools are: Stayton, Cascade, Regis, Silverton, Kennedy, Scio and Santiam. I attended one state basketball tournament this season, the Class 5A at Linfield. Here is how transferring affected what I saw this season:

Hadley Craig (Central to Silverton): The Foxes finished third at state in Class 5A. Craig scored 51 points and led the tournament in rebounding. Would they have finished that high without Craig? It’s unlikely.

Anthony Best (Cascade to Sprague): Sprague wound up 4th in 6A, its best finish ever. Cascade was third in 4A. Would the Cougars have won the 4A title with Best? It’s possible.

Clara Persons (Regis to Salem Academy): Regis did not make the playoffs. Salem

Academy won the Class 2A title behind 42 points, ten three-pointers and eight steals by Persons.

Taylor Young (South Medford to Crater): The Comets won the 5A title in overtime against South Albany. Young scored 86 points in the tournament. No analysis necessary here.

Payton Starwalt (Crescent Valley to West Albany): West advanced to the 5A quarterfinals before falling to Silverton, and Starwalt made the all-tournament team. Do the Bulldogs advance that far without her? It’s unlikely.

Breeci Hampton (Cascade to Stayton): Sophomore Hampton drains 11 threepointers in the state tournament and Stayton wins the title. Cascade finishes

fifth. Would the outcomes have been different without Hampton’s move? Maybe.

I realize that transferring is a complex and sometimes overheated issue and that there are numerous legitimate reasons why athletes (and students, period) switch schools. A family move/disruption, a course of study, a desire to play for a certain coach or with friends. That’s all fair. By highlighting the significance of transfers in just one year within the limited pond in which I work… that tells me that either this is an outlier of a season or something more serious is going on.

Apparently the Oregon School Activities Association, which governs high school sports in Oregon, is leaning toward the serious side.

“We know that transfers are seemingly more and more common and have put together a transfer/eligibility task force to examine our current rules and gather input from schools about potential adjustments,” OSAA executive director Peter Weber told Our Town.

The 17-member task force, which includes Weber as well as Regis Athletic Director Jeff Chandler, already has met

Stayton’s Breeci Hampton lets fly with a three-pointer during the Class 4A state championship game in Forest Grove. Hampton transferred from Cascade to Stayton and helped lead the Eagles to their first hoops state title since 2007. DODI HOLM, RUSTIC PEAR PHOTOGRAPHY

three times and will continue to meet throughout the 2024-25 school year. Those with suggestions for  the task force to consider can contact OSAA assistant executive director Laura Brownrigg at  laurenb@osaa.org

I also checked in with Stayton girls coach Tal Wold, a two-time state title winner and one of the sharpest minds in state hoops. Here is what he had to say:

“Such a complicated question. I think high school is a short portion of someone’s life and if they are not having a great experience where they are and feel they may create great memories somewhere else then they need to try that. It is certainly more prevalent than it used to be and some of that is the OSAA is not sure how to monitor it. I know the

1

Softball

3:30 p.m. Stayton vs Cascade Girls Tennis

4 p.m. Stayton vs Estacada

4 p.m. Cascade vs Molalla Baseball

5 p.m. Casacade vs Philomath Boys Volleyball

7 p.m. Cascade vs South Salem

Friday, May 2

Boys Tennis

4 p.m. Cascade vs Silverton

Monday, May 5

Baseball

5 p.m. Stayton vs Cascade Softball

5 p.m Cascade vs Newport

Tuesday, May 6

Baseball

4:30 p.m. Regis vs East Linn Christian Softball

4:30 p.m. Regis vs East Linn

Christian

Wednesday, May 7

Girls Tennis

4 p.m. Cascade vs Woodburn

Baseball

5 p.m. Cascade vs Stayton Softball

5 p.m. Cascade vs North Marion

grass is not always greener on the other side, but sometimes it is.

“You have on one side of the coin the ‘persevere and make the best of it where you are approach’ and then I hear the argument ‘I need a fresh start, new friends etc.’ What is going on around here is nothing compared to what takes place in the Portland and Eugene areas. I can see both sides of the coin but do not have an answer and cannot say it is totally a negative. I had a transfer this year and more than just basketball she will say her life is so much better and positive from school, social, attitude, etc., and I know we feel so lucky to have her and her kindness. We added a great friend for life.”

Thursday, May 8

Softball

3:30 p.m. Stayton vs Philomath

Baseball

5 p.m. Stayton vs Cascade

Boys Volleyball

7 p.m. Cascade vs Silverton

Saturday, May 10

Track & Field

10 a.m. Stayton Invitational

Monday, May 12

Girls Tennis

TBD Special District 3 Championships @ Santiam Golf Club (Cascade, Stayton)

Softball

5 p.m. Stayton vs North Marion

Baseball

5 p.m. Cascade vs Newport

Tuesday, May 13

Girls Tennis

TBD Special District 3 Championships @ Santiam Golf Club (Cascade, Stayton)

Baseball

4:30 p.m. Regis vs Monroe/ Alsea

Softball

4:30 p.m. Regis vs Gervais

Any other thoughts out there? Happy to publish responses in a future column.

Wednesday, May 14

Baseball

5 p.m. Stayton vs Sweet Home

Softball

5 p.m. Cascade vs Stayton

Thursday, May 15

Track & Field

10 a.m. JV District Meet

Softball

Friday, May 16

Track & Field

3 p.m. Twilight Meet @ Regis (Stayton, Regis, Santiam, Scio)

Tuesday, May 20

3:30 p.m. Stayton vs Sweet Home

Baseball

5 p.m. Cascade vs Newport Boys

Volleyball

7 p.m. Cascade vs Santiam Christian/ South Albany/West Albany

Softball

TBD Stayton vs Marist Catholic TENNIS

© MIKE FLIPPO / 123RF.COM SOFT/BASEBALL

© TAKASHI HONMA / 123RF.COM

SOFTBALL GLOVE

© SHUTSWIS / 123RF.COM VOLLEYBALL

© LIGHTWISE / 123RF.COM FOOTWEAR

© 123RFAURINKO / 123RF.COM

A Grin at the End Celebrate!

I am often tickled by professional athletes who break out in a celebratory dance whenever they do their job.

For example, when a football player scores a touchdown, he will often dance around, flex his muscles, throw the football into the stands and make like a superhero. Occasionally, he will enlist his teammates, who dance with him. I remember once when my Philadelphia Eagles scored and lined up like bowling pins in the end zone. The guy who scored proceeded to do a pantomime in which he rolled an imaginary bowling ball toward the other players, who then fell down in an imaginary strike.

It was all in good fun, then it occurred to me. These folks are just doing their jobs. Professional football players are paid millions of dollars to do one thing: score touchdowns. When they do that they are doing their job.

That got me to thinking. As readers of this column are well aware, that can be

When you get the job done, boogaloo

dangerous.

I was thinking that the rest of us should celebrate every time we do our jobs.

For example, in my new enterprise selling autographed celebrity photos online –attention shoppers: that Raquel Welch photo is still for sale! – I put together a spreadsheet. Every time I sell a photo I update it.

When I complete that task, I should – obviously – take a minute or two to celebrate. Perhaps I should high-five the cat and boogaloo around the office.

No matter that making that sale is the job.

Community Health Impact

Others should do it, too.

When the checker at the grocery store finishes with an order, he, or she, could do a little dance, or maybe a somersault.

When I get help with pumping gas, I would expect at least a fist bump from the attendant.

The other day, I set a record – at least for me. I set the land speed record for driving from Stayton to the Portland Airport. Actually, it was a record for a lack of speed. I made the 62-mile trip in three hours flat.

And I did by driving Interstate 5 and I-205.

That’s an average speed of about 21 mph, slower than a bicycle rider in the Tour de France.

The traffic jammed at Wilsonville – it often does – and didn’t let up until I got to the airport turnoff. I should mention that there were no traffic accidents to

gum things up. This was apparently just a matter of roads that couldn’t handle the volume of traffic.

By the time I got to the airport, I didn’t have time for a happy dance. I had to run to get to the lost-and-found office, which was about to close. A friend had lost her phone, and I volunteered to retrieve it. Good thing that quadruple bypass I had held up.

The folks at the Port of Portland just got done remodeling the airport, and it’s gorgeous. They spent $2.15 billion to make it one of the most handsome airports in the world. Unfortunately, the folks at the Oregon Department of Transportation apparently haven’t spent a dime to make the trip on I-5 and I-205 easier, or faster. I’m not complaining, mind you. I’ll just use the Salem or Eugene airports whenever I can. Then I can celebrate.

Carl Sampson is a freelance writer and editor. He lives in Stayton.

GENERAL

PASTOR CHUCK BALDWIN

Liberty Fellowship, Kalispell, Montana satellite group Sundays, 1:30 p.m. Call Kristen, 503-990-4584

AVON CALLING! Bi-Monthly campaigns. Personal delivery. Makeup, Skin Care, Fashion. Mention this ad for 10% savings on 1st order Arlene Caballero 503-720-5416 youravon.com/arlenecaballero

HELP WANTED

YARD WORK Clean branches and debris. Mowing. $20/hour 503-383-4398

HOUSE CLEANER NEEDED Call 503-383-4398

HOMES FOR SALE

MOBILE TINY HOUSE

FOR SALE Viewable in lot: Washington and Miller in Stayton. Towable with pickup truck. Many storage spaces. Good for another 30 years. Take a look. Call if interested, 707-494-7666

MANUFACTURED HOME FOR SALE BY OWNER – Attention: First time and downsizing buyers. Manufactured home, 2 bedroom, 1 bath doublewide plus add-on enclosed entrance & 7' x 16' room. Senior Community in

Sublimity. Phone 503-680-9803 for appointment. Completely furnished $67,920.

RENTALS

ROOM FOR RENT $550/month. 503-383-4398

SERVICES

SOUNDS GOOD STUDIO Bands, artists, personal karaoke CDs, books, restoring VHS video to DVD. Old cassettes, reel-to-reel & 8-track cassettes restored to CD. Call Harold 503-391-7406.

JESSE’S LAWN SERVICE & HANDYMAN Pruning, edging, trimming, blackberry cleaning, gutter cleaning, arborvitae, moss treatment, yard clean-up, stump grinding, powerwashing, haul-away. 503-871-7869.

MAGIC CARPET CLEANING & MORE Since 1992. Carpet & upholstery cleaning at its best. Free estimates. Residential & commercial. Located in Silverton. 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

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. Intn’l Certification Curriculum available upon request. Harold, 503-391-7406 GOT STUFF YOU WANT GONE? From yard debris to scrap metal. From garage sale left overs to rental clear outs. We repurpose, recycle, reuse, or donate what we can. Call and find out what we can do for you. $20 Minimum. Call Keith 503-502-3462.

TODAY IS YOUR LUCKY DAY

This is your lucky number! All Set Plumbing is standing by at 503-964-4965. Jason is ready to fix your plumbing.

WANTED

LOOKING for a Commercial Building in Silverton or Dallas Downtown. Two or three story building. I would also be interested in a warehouse. I will be in Oregon to look at potential properties this summer. Plan to move in the Fall. ONLY SERIOUS SELLERS. I AM A SERIOUS BUYER. Duke, 505-429-1523. email kd@ dukerg.com

Saturday, June 7th, 2025 5K Walk & 3K, 5K & 10K Runs

• Run Start: 8:30am

• Starting Line: Santiam Hospital & Clinics • 1401 N. 10th Ave. • Stayton, OR

• Course Closes: 10:00am

Registration Cost

$10 Children 12 and Under ($15 with T-Shirt)

$15 Adult Pre-Registration Entry ($20 with T-Shirt)

$20 Day of Event Entry ($25 with T-Shirt while supplies last)

$40 Pre-Registration Group Rate (up to 4 people, includes T-Shirts)

$50 Day of Event Group Entry (up to 4 people, includes T-Shirts while supplies last)

by May 22nd for guaranteed t-shirt

Registration: 7:00am - 8:00am Special Thanks to our Sponsors: OMAC Advertising & Saalfeld Griggs

• Two $150 Stayton Sports Gift Cards (MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN)

• Prizes awarded to first place male & female runners in all age divisions.

Awarded Prizes & Raffle: Food, Beverages & Fun!

• Enjoy Coffee, Smoothies, Fresh Fruit & Delicious Scones

• Kids Court

• Get warmed up with energizing music

• Keepsake Prizes to all finishers

Additional sponsors & vendors: Our Town, Pacific Perks, Snow Peak Brewing, Stayton Road Runners Club, Stayton Sports, Ticos Coffee Roasting Chip Timing by Race Northwest

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.