Civics 101
Arts & Entertainment
Q&As with council candidates for Stayton and Sublimity – Page 6
Santiam Ballet puts confidence and friendship center stage – Page 4
COMMUNITY NEWS Vol. 23 No. 10
Serving Stayton, Sublimity, Aumsville, Lyons & Mehama
October 2026
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Survivors reflect on their experiences– page 14
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Sports & Recreation
Regis runners setting the pace – Page 16
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Passages.................................... 8 Datebook................................. 10 Something for the Soul One pastor, two communities...............13 Your Health Breast cancer survivors reflect..............14 Sports & Recreation Regis runners off to great start ............16 Sports Datebook................................. 16 Tyler Voltin in peak form......................17 A Grin at the End..............18 Marketplace.........................19 Above On the Cover Tombstone Talks returns Oct. 3 to St. Boniface Church in Sublimity. FILE PHOTO
One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime ©TIYANMCD7, 123RF.COM.
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Arts & Entertainment Santiam Ballet Academy....................... 4 Civics 101 Stayton Fire levy open houses............... 5 Two contenders for HD 17...................... 5 Stayton Council candidate Q&A.............. 6 Sublimity Council candidates................. 7 Legal Matters Stayton shooting charges...................... 8 New charhes for sex offender................ 8
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Arts & Entertainment
Santiam Ballet Academy
families,” she said. “We have classes beginning as young as 18 months with Baby Ballet and continuing all the way through adult classes. We currently offer ballet, jazz, hip-hop, adult dance, barre fitness, tumbling and musical theater. At the beginning of September, Mr. Carl will also be introducing tap classes.”
Growing by leaps and bounds
On Sept. 19 and 20 at Cascade High School there was a special performance of The Little Mermaid. Also in the works was the move to a larger space on East Washington Street in Stayton. “We (moved) into the old church building… which will give us much more room to grow our programs and serve local families,” Vogel explained. “We will also be sharing the space with Santiam Youth Foundation and partnering with the foundation to provide movement and enrichment opportunities for children in its aftercare program.” It’s a vastly different vision than the one Vogel started with eight years ago. But she’s proud of how far the Santiam Ballet Academy has come.
By Melissa Wagoner Charlene Vogel opened the Santiam Ballet Academy in 2018 so she wouldn’t have to drive an hour each way to her daughter Anna’s ballet lessons. “I wanted to find a place locally for her to take ballet, and there wasn’t anything available…” Vogel recalled. “My original agreement with my husband was that I could teach ballet for the same number of
hours as I had been spending driving Anna to class.” Initially that meant teaching just three levels of ballet. But it didn’t take long before Vogel – who has been dancing since she was four – was adding more. “We now offer classes for a wide range of ages and interests, perform multiple full productions each year, and have built an incredible community of dancers and
“More than anything, I hope Santiam Ballet Academy continues to be a safe place where children can grow and feel like they belong,” she said. “Of course, I want them to become stronger dancers, but I also want them to develop confidence, friendships, discipline and a sense of accomplishment that stays with them outside of the studio. As we continue to grow, I hope we can offer even more opportunities to children and families in our community.”
Dancers of all ages practicing and performing. PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHARLENE VOGEL
Ghost Tour and Chocolate Walk set for Oct. 24 in Old Downtown Stayton The ninth rendition of a unique
Stayton-area tradition is set for Saturday, Oct. 24.
It’s the Ghost Tour and Chocolate Walk, a one-hour journey conducted by the Santiam Heritage Foundation that mixes Stayton history, costumed characters, a few ghost stories and chocolate at every stop. Tours depart at scheduled times
4 • October 2026
starting at 5 p.m., and ticket buyers can select their preferred departure time when signing up.Tickets cost $20. Children ages 13 and older are welcome when accompanied by an adult. Advance purchase is required. Tickets are available exclusively at https:// brownhouse.org/ghost-tour26Ghosts and will be on sale only through Oct. 17
or when tickets sell out. Tours begin at the 1903 Brown House, 425 N First Ave. From there, guests will make their way into Old Downtown Stayton, where costumed characters stationed along the route will introduce people and stories from Stayton’s past. Those who have taken the tour before will still have reasons to return, organizers said, because this year’s
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event features some new stops and new characters. The event is a presentation of the Santiam Heritage Foundation at the Brown House Event Center. For more information call 503-769-8517 or email cmbrownhouse@gmail.com. – James Day
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Civics 101
Fire levy
Stayton Fire stages open houses to review operations By Stephen Floyd The Stayton Rural Fire Protection District has scheduled a series of open houses at stations throughout the district to spread word about an operations levy on the Nov. 3 ballot. On Oct. 8, 6 to 8 p.m., open houses are scheduled at fire stations in Stayton, Mehama and Turner featuring discussions about the levy, fire prevention and other topics. The district will provide free BBQ pork sandwiches, and all ages are invited. The open house at the Stayton Station will begin at 5 p.m. and include a hands-on CPR demonstration from 6 to 7 p.m. Measure 22-513 proposes a $1.06 per $1,000 of assessed property value to continue funding nine paid firefighter/ EMT positions. The proposal would support nine paid firefighter/EMT positions that provide 24/7 coverage of the entire district, which covers 107 square miles including the Stayton, Mehama and Elkhorn areas. The district also provides support to fire agencies in Lyons, Detroit and elsewhere in the region. An existing levy of $0.88 per $1,000 expires in June of 2027. The district has said the proposed higher rate – which adds 18 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation – is needed to keep up with rising operational expenses. The $1.06 per $1,000 proposal was rejected by voters during the May 19 election, with 52.8 percent opposition. If Measure 22-513 fails the district will have the May 2027 election to try again before the current levy expires. Stayton Fire District Open Houses What: Open houses for operations levy When: Oct. 8, 6 to 8 p.m. Where: Stayton Station: 1988 W Ida St., Stayton Marion Station: 5898 Stayton Road, Turner Mehama Station: 21475 Ferry Road SE, Stayton
HD 17 Farrington versus Nelson for House seat By James Day Republican Dan Farrington is facing Democrat David Nelson in the Nov. 3 race for Oregon House District 17. The winner replaces Republican Ed Diehl. The district includes the Dan Farrington Santiam Canyon, Stayton, Aumsville, Sublimity, Turner and parts of east Salem. Diehl was elected to the seat in 2022 and re-elected in 2024 but did not seek re-election this year because he ran for governor. He finished a strong second in the Republican primary behind nominee Christine Drazan. Nelson was unopposed in the May 19 Democratic primary. Farrington scored a 51.45 to 41.58 percent victory against Turner councilor Beth Jones for the Republicans. Farrington, 65, and a third-generation Oregonian, was raised in Newport. He ran previously for House seats in Districts 20 and 21 seats in Polk County, losing to Democrat Paul Evans in 2022 for the District 20 seat and falling in 2012 to Democrat Brian Clem District 21. “When elected, I’ll focus on lowering the cost of living by reintroducing free market principles, improving access to quality and affordable healthcare in rural communities, and ensuring our kids receive a real-world education without the political agendas and watering down of standards,” Farrington said in a statement announcing his candidacy. “I’m not interested in political games or playing around the edges. Republicans and all Oregonians need a serious leader who will fight for them.” Our Town sent issues questions to Farrington and Nelson on Oregon’s voting procedures, the proposed Detroit Lake drawdown to aid fish passage and the challenge of A.I. data centers. Nelson did not respond to requests for his views. Farrington’s answers, edited for length and clarity are below. The full response is available at ourtownsantiam.com. Voting: The current vote-by-mail system in Oregon is not perfect by any means, but our ability to vote by mail allows voters from all across the state to make their voice heard, especially in rural areas. This does not mean our system is flawless or that we cannot improve it. I would prefer to have
an election day that we make a state holiday where Oregon voters can vote in person, while still allowing vote-bymail for normal circumstances. Detroit drawdown: This is not the right solution. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers should immediately David Nelson halt progress on this project until a thorough study is done regarding the safety of the water treatment systems in all affected towns and cities. Unelected bureaucrats coming in and going against the will of the people is exactly one of the reasons why I decided to run for office. I will fight back against this project in any manner that I can as long as the danger to safe drinking water and any other potential harms exist for the communities in House District 17. Data centers: I do not want to see Oregon become a oneindustry state. We need a diverse economy if we want our state to thrive and be resilient. Data centers have become a critical aspect of our basic infrastructure, enabling us to call, e-mail, text, watch sports, and do anything else that requires technology. So, while they serve a necessary purpose for modern life, I only want to see data centers in Oregon if they are built on land that could not be used for housing or farming and if they pay a higher share of utility rates for water and electricity so costs are not passed down to individuals. Nelson, 73, has been a Mill City resident since 2016. He grew up in the Salt Lake City area and attended the University of Utah. A former long-time district manager with Radio Shack, the experience he had being laid off from the company led to a switch of parties and helped give him the impetus to run for office. “I lost my corporate job of almost 30 years, in 2008, in the middle of the housing crisis,” Nelson said in material gathered for an Our Town story previewing the May primary. “I am Type 2 diabetic, and I found myself without health insurance. I had voted 100% conservative, and I supported the majority of the conservative ideals. Not being able to get affordable health care was my personal turning point, so I switched parties. Health care should be a universal right. Corporate greed is not acceptable.”
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October 2026 • 5
Civics 101
Candidate Q&A Stayton City Council contenders describe their goals Mark Kronquist
By Stephen Floyd Six candidates are running for three seats on the Stayton City Council in the Nov. 3 election. Our Town reached out to each to offer an opportunity to present their policy goals.
Kronquist said Stayton “is at an inflection point” and he wants to “give back and help make my community a little better place.” He cited his past experience on the council (2017 to 2022), and continuing commitment to community development, transparency and accountability.
Each candidate was asked the same four questions: - What motivated you to run in this election? - What makes you a strong candidate?
Mark Kronquist
- What goals do you have if elected?
“I will listen, take notes, roll up my sleeves and get it done and report back,” said Kronquist.
- Why should voters support you? Below are summaries of each candidate’s response. You’ll find the full answers to all questions, at ourtownsantiam.com.
David Nielson
Nielson is “a lifelong Stayton resident” with a long history of volunteerism including as a councilor from 1999 to 2002. He said he brings both historical knowledge and new ideas, and would prioritize sound fiscal policy and strong oversight to ensure vital services are protected.
David Patty Patty said he is motivated to serve because he has called this community home for two decades and because of his faith. He described his “proven track record” on the council, his military experience, and his desire to focus on sustainable growth and strong public safety.
David Patty
“Voters can count on me for proven integrity, transparent leadership, and a genuine, faith-driven investment in our community’s future,” said Patty.
David Nielson
“The city council is to provide leadership and direction, and hold the city administration accountable,” said Nielson. “I intend to do that.”
Casey Falconer
Falconer said he is running “to help our community with important issues that affect us all.” He said has three decades of experience as a leader in the construction industry, and would like to see stronger two-way communication between the city and residents.
Leonard Hays Hays said, as a retiree, he wants to use his time to give back to the community he has lived in for 53 years. He said, since being appointed in 2025, he has been a proactive and involved member of the council, and prioritizes a budget-conscious and citizen-focused approach to governance.
Leonard Hays
“Supporting me helps assure transparency and accountability of city hall to the city council and its citizens,” said Hays.
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Casey Falconer
“No matter what the situation is, I will listen and do everything in my power to come to a fair conclusion,” said Falconer.
Josh Mulhollem
Mulhollem said, since moving his family to Stayton seven years ago, he feels “an obligation to give back.” He said he wants to see Stayton be “a vibrant community” and would
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prioritize small businesses and smart growth policies.
Josh Mulhollem
Know before you vote • Deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 3 elections is Oct. 13. • Mail is no longer postmarked when it reaches a post office, now it is done when it reaches the distribution facility. • Ballots are counted if they are postmarked by Nov. 3, but only if received by Nov. 10. Election officials advise voters put the ballot in the mail at least one week prior to election day, or deposit directly in an official ballot drop box. The Secretary of State has an Oregon Drop Box Locator at sos.oregon.gov/ elections/pages/drop-box-locator.aspx. • The Secretary Of State’s Office says changes in policies and postal procedures led to a 35% increase in rejected ballots during the May primary. It attributed the shift to “illegal actions” of the federal government to “make voting harder or more confusing.” • Voters are advised to look for the “Official Election Mail” logo on any election letter before assuming it is an official communication. • The State of Oregon encourages voters to reach out to their county election office by Oct. 19 if they have not received a ballot. A replacement will be mailed. For more information look for ‘Know before you vote’ on ourtownsantiam.com
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“I take my professional role as a government official very seriously, and never lose sight of the fact that I work for the people of Oregon, collectively,” said Mulhollem. “I’d bring that same philosophy to the City Council.”
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Three vie for Sublimity City Council By Stephen Floyd Three candidates are running for two open seats on the Sublimity City Council in the Nov. 3 election. Our Town asked them about their motivations and policy goals. Each was asked the same four questions: - What motivated you to run in this election? - What makes you a strong candidate? - What goals do you have if elected? - Why should voters support you? Below are summaries of responses by candidates Gary Frank and Tass Morrison. Councilor Brian Schumacher did not respond by press time. Full responses are available online at ourtownsantiam.com.
Gary Frank Frank said he was born and raised in Sublimity and “always felt I needed to be a part of city council.” He said he is motivated to participate in Gary Frank the community, and wants to “fight for the problems that are facing our community.”
“Several years ago I served on the Planning Commission,” said Frank. “The city has developed and I would like to be a part of the the city council. I feel I can be a great addition.”
Tass Morrison Morrison said she has loved living in Sublimity since moving here 26 years ago and “am strongly committed to continuing serving my community.” She has served on the Tass Morrison council since 2021, learning about public budgets, infrastructure, housing and other topics. She hopes to continue leading the city through related projects. “I share priority values and expectations with our citizens, including limiting growth of our city which I share,” said Morrison. “We cherish the quality of life we maintain here.”
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Brian Schumacher Schumacher didn’t respond to requests for comment by press deadline. He was first elected to the council in 2018. He is a retired farmer, and a graduate of LinnBenton Community College’s crop science program.
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October 2026 • 7
Legal Matters
Passages
Stayton shooting
Charles E. Henry
Beaverton man arrested after manhunt By Stephen Floyd A Beaverton man is facing local charges after allegedly causing serious injuries to a Stayton man during a shooting on Sept. 18, which prompted an hours-long manhunt. Scott Bradley Poindexter, 48, was arrested early Sept. 19 by the Stayton Police Department following an incident the day before around 5:35 p.m. According to a news release from SPD, officers were dispatched to an incident in the area of N Fifth Avenue and E Santiam Street after 911 received a report of a physical altercation. While en route officers were informed a shooting had occurred. Upon arrival they found a male adult with a serious gunshot wound. Police contacted medics and the victim was transported for emergency care. According to SPD, a suspect later identified as Poindexter had fled the area with another man. Witnesses were able to provide a vehicle description. It was found a short time later. The two men remained at large.
After further information, SPD initiated a manhunt in coordination with law enforcement partners. Assisting agencies included Aumsville Police, Turner Police, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Woodburn Police and Silverton Police. Around 12:17 a.m. Sept. 19 the other man was located and detained, then later released without charges. At 3:29 a.m. Poindexter was located and taken into custody. “We appreciate the community’s assistance as we worked to keep the community safe,” said the release. “... Our thoughts are with the victim as well as their friends and family.” On Monday Poindexter was charged in Marion County Circuit Court with firstdegree assault and unlawful use of a weapon. According to charging documents, the alleged shooting victim did not provoke the alleged attack. Poindexter was ordered held on $500,000 bail and as of press time remained in the Marion County Jail.
Aumsville sex offender charged in new case A convicted sex offender has been arrested on new allegations of sexual assault. Prosecutors are planning to request substantial prison time. Shawn Matthew Everett, 26, of Aumsville, was arrested Sept. 14 by the Aumsville Police Department for an alleged assault occurring Sept. 13. According to charges filed in Marion County Circuit Court, Everett allegedly raped a female victim in an act of domestic violence. Court records
described the alleged victim as especially vulnerable due to “extreme youth, age, disability or ill health.” Prosecutors also claim this was a bias crime. Everett was indicted Sept. 21 on charges of first-degree rape, strangulation, attempted second-degree assault and fourth-degree assault. He was held on $200,000 bail and as of press time remained lodged in the Marion County Jail.
April 7, 1929 – Aug. 21, 2026
Charles E Henry, of Sublimity, died Aug. 22, 2026, in Sublimity. He was 97. Charles (Chuck) lived in the Stayton/Sublimity area from 1966 to his death. He was active in the local community, including the Stayton United Methodist Church, Stayton Rotary Club, the Oregon Horticulture Society, VFW, and many others. He received the Stayton First Citizen award and served as mayor of Sublimity. Charles was born to Alta and Harold (Jim) Henry in Colfax, Washington. He lived in Spokane and Woodburn before graduating from Canby High School in 1947. From there he attended OSU (then OSC) for a BS in Agricultural Economics. Charles was drafted in the Korean War in 1950, eventually earning the rank of first lieutenant while commanding the 189th artillery unit until the end of the Korean War. He returned to Oregon, completed his master’s degree in horticulture, married Melva Elizabeth Freligh, and soon settled in Medford where he owned and managed pear orchards. He joined the Oregon National Guard and served as commander of the Medford unit for several years. He moved his family to Queener Ridge Farm south of Stayton in 1966, planting peach and apple orchards, and raising his family. His wife, Melva, died in 1982. He remarried, sold the farm in 1989, and moved to Sublimity. Upon retiring in 1986, he co-founded Agricultural Safety Consultants, which focused on helping agricultural businesses and farmers teach tractor safety training and more. He eventually found himself on the Sublimity
City Council and after three years of service, was elected mayor for two terms beginning in 1995. Charles is survived by his four children: Preston Henry (McMinnville), Heidi Henry (Corvallis), Lucinda Carroll (Butteville), and Randy Henry (Silverton). He had seven grandchildren: Jessica, Tristan, Amelia, Jeff, Kayla, Cole, and Alanna, and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his three wives, Melva, Bernice Dayton, and Erma Hough. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Stayton United Methodist Church, 1450 Fern Ridge Road SE, on Saturday, Oct. 3, time to be determined. Charles believed strongly in access to higher education and helped fund his children’s and grandchildren’s education. He encouraged his children and others to serve their communities. He was an avid hunter and angler who shared his interests generously. He loved cooking for family get-togethers, visiting his grandchildren, and sharing his decades of wisdom. He was an avid Beavers fan as well. He remained positive to the end of his life, expressing his love for his family and community to the very end. The family thanks Marian Estates and Vista River Hospice for their excellent end-of-life care. Charles donated regularly to numerous organizations including the Alzheimer’s Association, Oregon Public Broadcasting, National Geographic Society, the United Methodist Church, Oregon State University, and American Cancer Society. Please consider donating to the charity of your choice.
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October 2026 • 9
datebook Frequent Address
Santiam Senior Center 41818 Kingston-Jordan Road, Stayton Stayton Community Center, 400 W Virginia St. Stayton Public Library, 515 N First Ave. The Box, 278 E High St., Stayton
Weekly Events Monday
Stayton Community Food Bank, 9 a.m. - noon, 1210 Wilco Road. Repeats Monday - Friday. 503-769-4088 Baby & Me – 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Doris’s Place, 955 E Santiam St., Stayton. Parents/caregivers and their babies under 1 year of age. Light refreshments. Drop-in. 503-769-9200 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., Stayton Community Center. Congregate dining or delivery. Age 60 and older. Serves Stayton, Sublimity, Aumsville, Lyons, Marion, Mehama. Repeats Wednesday & Friday. $3 donation suggested. For delivery, call Ginger, 503-769-7995 Bingo, 1 - 3:30 p.m., Santiam Senior Center. Cards $.05-.10 per game. Bring a can non-perishable food for Stayton Food Bank, get a free card. Seniors 50+. Free. Repeats Thursday. 503-767-2009 Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 p.m., New Life Foursquare Church, 1090 N First Ave., Stayton. Repeats Thursday, 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. All ages welcome. Free. Except 503-769-3313 English, Citizenship, GED Classes, 6:30 - 8 p.m., United Methodist Church, 1450 Fern Ridge Road, Stayton. Classes free; $20 workbook. Repeats Thursday. Join class anytime. Mary, 503-779-7029
Wednesday
Stayton/Sublimity Chamber Business Network, 8:15 a.m. Network-building for local businesses, non-profit profits. For location, call 503-769-3464 St. Boniface Archives and Museum, 9 a.m. - noon, 370 Main St., Sublimity. Free. 503-508-0312 Intermediate Tai Chi, 10:15 - 11 a.m., Santiam Senior Center. Seniors 50+. Members free. Repeats Fri. 503-767-2009 Toddler Stay & Play, 10:30 a.m., Stayton Public Library. Infant/toddler. Older siblings welcome. 503-769-3314 Storytime, 10:30 a.m., Lyons Public Library, 279 Eight St. Free. 503-859-2366
10 • October 2026
Beginner Tai Chi, 11:15 a.m. - noon, Santiam Senior Center. Seniors 50+. Members free. Also Friday. 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. 50+. 503-767-2009 Pinochle, 1 p.m., Santiam Senior Center. Single deck. Seniors 50+. Free for members. 503-767-2009 Alcoholics Anonymous, 6 p.m., New Life Foursquare Church, 1090 N First Ave., Stayton.
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 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. Seniors 50+. Free for members. 503-767-2009
Saturday
Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 a.m., All Good Things Cafe, 190 Main St., Aumsville. Alcoholics Anonymous, 10 a.m., New Life Foursquare Church, 1090 N First Ave., Stayton. Stayton Weight Watchers, 8 a.m., Stayton United Methodist Church, 1450 Fern Ridge Road. Weigh-ins followed by workshop. facebook.com/groups/ wwstayton Aumsville Historical Society, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Aumsville Historical Museum, 599 Main St. Open by appointment Nov.-March. Free admission. 503-749-2744, aumsvillehs.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. Free. Diannah, 503-881-6147 Alcoholics Anonymous, 6 - 7:15 p.m., Bethel Baptist Church, 645 Cleveland St., Aumsville.
Thursday, Oct. 1 Fall Farmstand Passport
8 a.m., locations vary. Visit participating farmstands, collect passport stamps and enter to win a gift basket of locally-made goods. Free to participate. All ages. For a list of participating farmstands, locations and more information, visit thefarmstandonmillcreek.com/events.
Community Coffee Reception
8:15 - 9 a.m., Stayton Community Center. Meet the candidates for Stayton Public Works director. Open to public. Free. 503-769-2919
Church Rummage Sale
9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1077 N Sixth Ave., Stayton. Benefits Cross Catholic Outreach, Unbound and Stayton Food Bank. Free admission. Repeats 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Oct. 2, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Oct. 3.
Storytime @ Fire Station
10:30 a.m., Stayton Fire Station, 1988 W Ida St. Celebrate National Fire Prevention Week with Stayton Public Library for storytime and free book. Meet first responders. 503-769-3313
Winnie the Pooh Birthday
11:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Lyons Public Library, 279 Eighth St. Celebrate Winnie the Pooh’s 100th birthday with crafts and activities. Every open library day through Oct. 17. 503-859-2366
Friday, Oct. 2 The Home Market
10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Union Hill Grange, 15575 Grange Road, Sublimity. Feature more than 20 local vendors. 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
Saturday, Oct. 3 Pancake Breakfast
8 - 10 a.m., Santiam Valley Grange, 1140 Fifth St., Lyons. Pancakes, eggs, ham, biscuits & gravy, coffee, juice. $7/ person. Orders to go available. Cash or check accepted. 503-859-2161
Flu Vaccine Clinic
8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Santiam Hospital, 1401 N 10th Ave., Stayton. Bring insurance and ID card. Youth under 15 years old need a parents or guardian. Register at santiamhospital.org. Repeats Oct. 10.
Tombstone Talks
12 - 4 p.m., St. Boniface Catholic Church, 375 SE Church St., Sublimity. Annual living history event where actors and descendants bring the stories of prominent local historical figures to life. $10/adults. $5/ children and seniors. Register online at saintboniface.net. Other activities include Mill Creek Carriage rides, vendors, and chicken and noodle meal from noon - 6 p.m. $15/person. $7.50/ children and seniors. Proceeds benefit capital improvements.
Sunday, Oct. 4 Family Movie Matinée
1 p.m., Stayton United Methodist Church, 1450 Fern Ridge Road. Free family movie with free snacks. All ages. 503-769-5700
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Monday, Oct. 5 DAR Chapter Meeting
10 a.m., Stayton United Methodist Church, 1450 SE Fern Ridge Road. Meeting for Daughters of the American Revolution Abigail Scott Duniway Chapter. Open to all. Refreshments. 503-689-6991
Stayton City Council
6:30 p.m., Stayton Community Center. Open to public. staytonoregon.gov
VFW Post 5638
7 - 8:30 p.m., Stayton Fire Department, 1988 W Ida St. Veterans of Foreign Wars monthly meeting. New members welcome. Jim Bennett, 503-983-9110
Tuesday, Oct. 6 Stayton Lions Club
Noon, Covered Bridge Cafe, 510 N Third Ave., Stayton. Club and new members welcome. Repeats Oct. 20. staytonlionsclub.org
STEM Days
3:30 - 4:30 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Experiment with seasonal science activities on pumpkins. Repeats through Friday. Free. 503-769-3313
Stayton Parks and Rec Board
6 p.m., Stayton Planning Building, 311 N Third Ave. Agenda available. Open to public. 503-769-3425
Wednesday, Oct. 7 Aumsville Senior Social Circle
10 a.m. - noon, Riverview Bank, 112 Main St., Aumsville. Join Aumsville’s senior community for a morning of cards, dice and conversation. Feel free to bring your own games. Free. Repeats Oct. 21.
Stayton Design Committee
10:30 a.m., Canyon Coffee, 433 N Third Ave., Stayton. Historic Downtown Stayton Design Committee monthly meeting. Open to public. 503-767-2317
Thursday, Oct. 8 Aumsville Food Pantry
Noon - 4 p.m., Bethel Baptist Church, 645 Cleveland St., Aumsville. Open to people in need of food items. Repeats Oct. 22. 503-749-2128
Medicare Questions Answered
1:30 p.m., Santiam Hospital, 1401 N 10th Ave., Stayton. Free class hosted by a Senior Health Insurance Benefit advisor. mhumprey@santiamhospital.org
Stayton Fire Open House
5 - 8 p.m., Stayton Fire Station, 1988 W Ida St. Meet local firefighters, hands-only CPR demonstration, fire prevention tips, levy information. Pizza from Oregon Pizza Company available for purchase. Additional open house sites include Marion Fire Station, 5898 Stayton Road, Turner (free BBQ pork sandwiches); Mehama Fire Station, 21475 SE Ferry Road, Stayton (free BBQ pork sandwiches) Free. 503-769-2601
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Used Book Sale
5 - 8 p.m., Stayton Community Center. Shop books, CDs and DVDs for bargain prices while supporting programs at Stayton Public Library. Repeats 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Oct. 9, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Oct. 10. 503-769-3313
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
Lyons Library Board
7 p.m., Lyons Public Library, 279 Eighth St. 503-859-2366
Friday, Oct. 9 Community Play Group
10 - 11:30 a.m., Doris’s Place, 955 E Santiam St., Stayton. Free opportunity to spend time with your children, socialize with other families and build support with the community. For families with children 0-5 years of age. 503-769-1120
Sunday, Oct. 11 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. Open to the public by appt. 503-769-8860
Stayton Veterinary Open House
2 - 5 p.m., Stayton Veterinary Hospital, 1308 N First Ave. Tour new space, meet the team. Food & refreshments. Drawing. Leave pets at home. 503-768-7387
Monday, Oct. 12 Sublimity City Council
6 p.m., Sublimity City Hall, 245 NW Johnson. Open to public. Agenda available. cityofsublimity.org
Aumsville City Council
7 p.m., Aumsville Community Center, 555 Main St., Aumsville. Open to public. Agenda available. aumsville.us
Cascade School Board
7 p.m., Cascade District Office, 10226 SE Marion Road, Turner. Open to public. Agenda available. cascade.k12.or.us
Tuesday, Oct. 13
Alzheimer’s Association Program
10 a.m., Santiam Hospital, 1401 N 10th Ave., Stayton. Learn the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s Disease. Free. Register at 800-272-3900
Tombstone Tales
6 p.m., Stayton United Methodist Church, 1450 Fern Ridge Road. Business meeting followed by Tombstone Tales presented by Susan Masse. Everyone welcome. Free. 503-769-1406
Wednesday, Oct. 14 Stayton Economic Vitality
5 p.m., The Box, 278 E High St., Stayton. Historic Downtown Stayton Economic Vitality Committee monthly meeting. Open to public. 503-767-2317
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Downtown Stayton Board Meeting
6 p.m., The Box, 278 E High St., Stayton. Historic Downtown Stayton Association monthly board meeting. Open to public. 503-767-2317, downtownstayton.org
Friends of Stayton Pool
6:30 p.m., Stayton Community Center. Open to all. 503-767-7665
Thursday, Oct. 15
Monday, Oct. 19 Stayton Friends of the Library
11 a.m., Stayton Public Library. New members welcome. 503-932-2733
Red Cross Blood Drive
Noon - 5 p.m., Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1077 N Sixth Ave., Stayton. For appointments, visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767
Red Cross Blood Drive
Stayton City Council
10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Santiam Hospital, 1401 N 10th Ave., Stayton. For appointments, visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767
Santiam Masonic Meeting
The Art in Making Memories
11 a.m., Stayton Public Library. Share a story or souvenir, or just listen and reminisce about what makes something “the time of our lives.” Free. 503-769-3313
Santiam Hospital Fall Festival
5 p.m., Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1077 N Sixth Ave., Stayton. Enjoy the music of “Twist & Shout,” a Beatles tribute band. 21+ only event. Benefits Santiam Hospital & Clinic Auxiliary. $30/ person. Tickets available from Auxiliary members, Santiam Hospital front desk or contact Genny Baldwin, 503-507-9450
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
NSSD Board
6 p.m., District Office, 1155 N First Ave., Stayton. Board meeting for North Santiam School District. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-769-6924, nsantiam.k12.or.us
Friday, Oct. 16 Community Play Group
10 - 11:30 a.m., Lyons Memorial Park, Fifth Street. Free opportunity to spend time with your children, socialize with other families and build support with the community. For families with children 0-5 years of age. 503-769-1120
Grange Haunted House
6:30 p.m., Stayton Community Center. Open to public. 503-769-3425
Alcoholics Anonymous
6 - 8:30 p.m., Bethel Baptist Church, 645 Cleveland St., Aumsville. Open meeting.
7 p.m., Aumsville Community Center, 555 Main St., Aumsville. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-749-2030
Stayton Planning Commission
6:30 p.m., Lyons City Hall, 449 Fifth St. Open to public. cityoflyons.org
Medicare Rodeo
10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Aldersgate Camps & Retreat, 7790 SE Marion Road, Turner. 40+ community partners, resources and Medicare experts. Free barbecue, bingo, drawings, photo booth. Flu and COVID vaccines. Free shuttle from Cascades of Stayton, 2201 N Third Ave., departing at 10 a.m. and noon and returning at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. No reservation required. mhumphrey@santiamhospital.org
Red Cross Blood Drive
10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Aumsville Fire Station, 490 Church St. For appointments, visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767
Stayton Outreach Committee
4 p.m., The Box, 278 E High St., Stayton. Historic Downtown Stayton Association monthly Downtown Stayton Outreach Committee meeting. Open to public. 503-767-2317, downtownstayton.org
iCRAFT Workshop
4:30 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Settle into the cozy season with a different craft each evening. Today: Mini Metal Pumpkins. 10/21: Pet Ghosts in a Bottle. 10/22: Clay Trinket Holders. All supplies provided. Free. 503-769-3313
6 - 7:30 p.m., Weddle Funeral Service, 1777 N Third Ave., Stayton. All veterans and all branches of service are welcome. 503-508-2827
10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Porter Boone Park, 1105 Main St., Aumsville. Pick up a pumpkin, while supplies last, and check out Saturday Market’s Holiday Bazaar. Free admission. 503-749-2030, aumsville.us
Aumsville City Council
Tuesday, Oct. 20
Saturday, Oct. 17
Aumsville Pumpkin Patch
Monday, Oct. 26
7 p.m., Stayton Community Center. Open to the public. staytonoregon.gov
NS Watershed Council
9 a.m. - noon, Bethel Baptist Church, 645 Cleveland St., Aumsville. Clothing from newborn to 2x. Free. 503-749-2128
5 p.m., Brown House Event Center, 425 N First Ave., Stayton. Enjoy an hour of Stayton history, mystery, costumed characters, ghost stories and chocolate at every stop. Tickets, $20, at brownhouse. org by midnight Oct. 17 or until sold out.
7 p.m., Santiam Lodge #25, 122 N Third Ave., Stayton. All Masons welcome. New members encouraged to drop by. “Santiam Lodge #25” on Facebook.
6 - 8 p.m., Santiam Valley Grange, 1140 Fifth St., Lyons. Appropriate for all ages. Fog machine in use. Handicapped accessible. Repeats 6 - 9 p.m. Oct. 17, 23-24, 30-31; 6 - 8 p.m. Oct. 18, 22, 25-29, Nov. 1. 503-859-2161
Bethel Clothing Closet
Ghost Tour & Chocolate Walk
6 p.m., NSWC Office, 402 N Third Ave., Stayton. Open to public. northsantiam.org
American Legion Post #58
Wednesday, Oct. 21 Stayton Library Board
6 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Open to public. 503-769-3313
Saturday, Oct. 24 Joseph´s Storehouse of Hope
11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Mari-Linn School, 641 Fifth St., Lyons. Food boxes. 503-881-9846
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Tuesday, Oct. 27 Lyons City Council
Wednesday, Oct. 28 Stayton Promotion Committee
11 a.m., The Box, 278 E High St., Stayton. Historic Downtown Stayton Association. Open to public. 503-767-2317
Stayton Book Club
4 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Join for casual conversations and good company that all start in the pages of a book. Adults. Free. 503-769-3313
Friday, Oct. 30 Spotlight Haunted Theatre
6 - 9 p.m., Spotlight Community Theatre, 383 N Third Ave., Stayton. Come visit a spooky haunt with jump scares, screams and freaks. Cash donations for theatre appreciated. Donations for the local food bank are also accepted. 503-302-0936
Saturday, Oct. 31 Halloween
Downtown Trick or Treat
3:30 - 6:30 p.m., downtown Stayton. Get candy from local businesses dressed in your best costume. Family-friendly.
Spotlight Haunted Theatre
3:30 - 8:30 p.m., Spotlight Community Theatre, 383 N Third Ave., Stayton. Child-friendly haunt. Cash donations for theatre appreciated. Donations for the local food bank are also accepted. 503-302-0936
Haunted Library
4:30 - 6 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Take to the high season a family-friendly, spooky tour. Regular service will be limited during the day and unavailable during the event. Free. All ages. 503-769-3313
Trunk or Treat
5 - 8 p.m., Bethel Baptist Church, 645 Cleveland St., Aumsville. Decorated trunks full of candy, photo booth, hot dogs, popcorn, warm drinks. Free. 503-749-2128, bethelaumsville.org
October 2026 • 11
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. 12 • October 2026
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Something for the Soul
New pastor Creating a shared faith community in Silverton and Stayton By Melissa Wagoner
Jim Pierce gave his first sermon when he was 13 years old. “[A]t church camp they asked me to preach a sermon and when I got done the pastor said, ‘You’re going to be a pastor,’” Pierce recalled. “I said no. But God always wins no matter what.”
for several Sundays,’” Pierce recalled. “And I said, ‘OK, I’ll fill in until you find somebody.’ I filled in for five years.”
another five years they lived in Philomath. Then, back to Eastern Oregon for a post in Baker City and Hanes for two.
“The fifth Sunday we all get together,” Pierce confirmed. “And I told them, it’s always going to be fifth Sunday singing.”
While the initial circumstances surrounding Pierce taking over the church weren’t ones he would have chosen, pastoring the church was a joy.
“But somewhere during that… I got old,” Pierce laughed. “And I realized full-time pastoring wasn’t something I could do.”
This flexibility is just one example of how Reverend Pierce likes to adapt to the churches he pastors.
So he put in one last request, hoping the third time would be the charm. It was.
“Each church has its own personality…” he explained. “And you build an experience based on what the need is… And there’s a big difference in the church in Silverton and the one in Stayton that I haven’t quite figured out yet.”
“That church and I got each other…” Pierce said.
Becoming a veterinarian with his When his wife, Lisa, asked him own practice in his home state of to choose a vocation – reverend Arkansas, Pierce initially followed or veterinarian – he picked the what he came to see as God’s former. plan by becoming a certified lay speaker – the person leading “I said, ‘I’ll sell the clinic,’” Pierce worship while the pastor is at said. “And she was completely another church – for 25 years. surprised.” Reverend Jim Pierce Then his best friend – a fellow SUBMITTED But she had a request of her lay speaker – decided it was high own. She wanted to move to the Willamette time they got churches of their own. Valley in Oregon. “I said no,” Pierce remembered. So, his Up for an adventure, he put in a request friend advanced without him. for an Oregon placement and was almost While out conducting visitations on his immediately granted two positions – motorcycle, his friend hit a deer and died. half-time in Pendleton and half-time in Hermiston. Not exactly their goal. But the “So the District Superintendent called me couple made it work for five years. Then, for and said, ‘I need you to take the church
“They called me and said, ‘We’ve got a halftime church in Silverton and half-time in Stayton,’” he remembered. Moving into the recently vacated parsonage in Silverton, Reverend Pierce held his first sermon at the United Methodist Church in Stayton on July 5. “That first Sunday, Silverton said, ‘You can have him, but we’re coming,’” Pierce said. “So, we had a potluck.” It’s been reciprocal ever since, with the first and third Sunday sermons held at the United Methodist Church in Stayton, the second and fourth Sundays in Silverton. Then on the fifth Sunday (when there is one) Reverend Pierce holds a larger gathering in one of the two locations.
Hours
Monday – Friday 10:00 to 4:30
But he wants to, which is why his task for the past few months has been getting to know the parishioners of each congregation. “We’re having meet and greets,” Pierce said. Those have not only allowed him to meet his parishioners but also encouraged them to get to know each other better. “People are learning something about someone else they’ve known for years.” It’s an experience that Pierce thinks has been well worth the 10 year wait. “It’s been much more interesting and much more exciting than I ever imagined.”
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October 2026 • 13
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.”
14 • 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.”
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!”
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.”
Maria Nunez (diagnosed in 2023 at 40). “Check yourself, it is worth it. It saved my life.”
Santiam Hospital hosting flu clinics Santiam Hospital & Clinics will hold flu vaccine clinics on Saturday, Oct. 10, and Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Freres Auditorium at the hospital’s North 10th Avenue campus. The clinics run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Community members are encouraged to register in advance at https://tinyurl. com/52jyppp7. Walk-ins are welcome while supplies last.
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.”
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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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The clinics are free but attendees should bring their insurance card if they have coverage so that Santiam can bill carriers when applicable. –James Day October 2026 • 15
created for those involved. Sports & Recreation
Starting fast The Regis High cross country team opened the season in spirited fashion, traveling to Norco, California, for a huge invitational meet that featured 24 races and 136 teams, mainly from Southern California. The Rams finished 10th in their division, led by seniors Stuart McLaughlin (2nd in 15:49.8) and Harper Stoops (6th, 16:07). Also running were Eli Piercy (40th, 16:57), Hank Foltz (155th, 19:09), Emmett Wagenaar (163rd, 19:22), Ben Valladares (173rd, 19:55) and Ethan Emch (205th, 20:32). Team members also had some fun during their four-day visit. They started with a training run at Newport Beach, took a postrace recovery run at Huntington Beach, attended an Angels major-league baseball game and went to mass at St. Joseph in Santa Ana. Race day was blisteringly hot, with race officials adjusting the schedule so that Regis hit the 3-mile course at 10 p.m. under the lights.
Regis runners shine in big SoCal meet
Regis High runners celebrate their strong showing in an Aug. 28 Southern California meet, held under the lights because of the hot weather in Norco. COUTESY REGIS CROSS COUNTRY
11th in the varsity girls race and the JV boys took seventh. Boys soccer: I’m a big fan of the OSAA. The organization works tirelessly to keep the high school activities machine running smoothly and the standings and schedules and brackets they provide are vital to reporters such as myself.
Regis also participated in the Sept. 16 Silver Falls Oktoberfest Invitational at Silver Falls State Park. The varsity boys finished fifth, with Piercy 13th, Stoops 16th and McLaughlin 17th. Frankie Koehnke was
But… the other day on their website in a story on Stayton boys soccer the word "breakthrough” was used to describe the Eagles’ 2025 Class 4A title. This is silly. Coach Chris Shields, who is in his 24th season with the program, has two state titles and has finished second four times. I say he has three state titles because I count the 2021 spring COVID-19 season in which Stayton won an abbreviated eight-team tournament. The Eagles were 12-0, won three three tournament games by a 10-2 count and smacked Phoenix 4-1 in the final at Sutherlin. Kudos to the 4A leagues for putting the tournament together, and it
Sports Datebook
All home games. Visit osaa.org for full schedules.
Thursday, Oct. 1 Cross Country
3:30 p.m., Stayton/Regis Invite @ Stayton Middle School
Volleyball
6 p.m. Stayton vs Newport 6 p.m. Cascade vs Philomath 6 p.m. Regis vs Santiam
Girls Soccer
6 p.m. Stayton vs Newport 4:30 p.m. Cascade vs Philomath
Tuesday, Oct. 6 Boys Soccer 4:30 p.m. Cascade vs Stayton
Volleyball
6 p.m. Stayton vs Cascade 6 p.m. Regis vs Western Christian
Girls Soccer
6 p.m. Stayton vs Cascade
Thursday, Oct. 8 Boys Soccer 6 p.m. Stayton vs Philomath 6 p.m. Cascade vs Taft
Volleyball
6 p.m. Cascade vs Taft 6 p.m. Regis vs Delphian
Friday, Oct. 9 Football 7 p.m. Stayton vs Central 7 p.m. Cascade vs Estacada 7 p.m. Regis vs Colton
Monday, Oct. 12 Volleyball 6 p.m. Regis vs St. Paul
shouldn’t be excluded from the record books simply because there is no OSAA attached to the trophy. I cover seven high schools out here on the east side, and Stayton boys soccer is arguably the most successful program in the region. Shields is polished, intelligent, consistent and demanding. Was he “snakebit” because three Eagles teams that were seeded No. 1 failed to make the final? Of course not. Most No. 1 teams don’t make the final. In the five post-COVID 19 seasons 40 teams have participated in the boys state championship matches. Just 11 of them, or a bit more than 25%, were top seeds. Earning a No. 1 seed is hard. Advancing to a final is hard. And winning a final is hard. Stayton, as of this writing, is 5-0 this season, has outscored opponents 25-0 and is ranked fifth by the OSAA. The Eagles are doing just fine, thank you. No
Tuesday, Oct. 13 Boys Soccer
4:30 p.m. Cascade vs Central/Perrydale
Volleyball
6 p.m. Stayton vs Taft 6 p.m. Regis vs Sheridan
Girls Soccer
6 p.m. Stayton vs Taft
Thursday, Oct. 15 Volleyball 6 p.m. Stayton vs Central 6 p.m. Cascade vs Newport
4:30 p.m. Cascade vs Philomath 6 p.m. Stayton vs Newport
Thursday, Oct. 22 Girls Soccer 4:30 p.m. Cascade vs Stayton
Boys Soccer
6 p.m. Stayton vs Cascade
Volleyball
Friday, Oct. 23 Football
Friday, Oct. 16 Football
Tuesday, Oct. 27 Volleyball
4:30 p.m. Cascade vs Newport 6 p.m. Stayton vs Central
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Youth hoops tryouts: Tryout dates have been set for the Future Lady Eagles girls basketball program. The program is open to girls in fourth through eighth grades “interested in playing basketball and getting better,” said coach Tal Wold, who has led the Stayton High girls team to back-to-back Class 4A state championships. The tryouts are set for Sunday, Oct. 25, from 2 to 3 p.m. and Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. Both sessions will be in the main gym at Stayton High. The team will play games and tournaments in the Salem area. Players should wear a T-shirt, athletic shorts and gym shoes and bring a water bottle to the tryouts. Questions? Email woldtal@yahoo.com. Got a news tip? Email me at james.d@ mtangelpub.com. Follow me on X (Twitter) @ jameshday and Our Town on Facebook.
Girls Soccer
4:30 p.m. Cascade vs Taft 6 p.m. Stayton vs Philomath
Friday, Oct. 30 Football 7 p.m. Regis vs Santiam
Saturday, Oct. 31 Cross Country
10:30 a.m. Oregon West Conference Championships @ Stayton Middle School
6 p.m. Cascade vs Stayton
Girls Soccer
7 p.m. Cascade vs Stayton
16 • October 2026
Tuesday, Oct. 20 Boys Soccer
breakthroughs needed.
7 p.m. Stayton vs Philomath 7 p.m. Cascade vs McKay
6 p.m. Stayton vs Philomath
Volleyball © Lightwise; running shoes © faurinko BOTH 123RF.COM
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Retooled and ready
Tyler Voltin embarks on final OSU year By James Day Tyler Voltin is 40 pounds lighter, injuryfree and playing a leading role for the Oregon State University offensive line in 2026. Voltin, a 2021 Regis High graduate, has had a topsy turvy ride with the Beavers, redshirting early in his career, scoring on a memorable two-point conversion against Notre Dame in the 2023 Sun Bowl, missing most of the 2024 season with injuries after a promising start and returning to make seven starts and participating in 435 snaps on the 2025 team. But that 2025 OSU team had a nightmare season, going 2-10 and it wasn’t the way Voltin wanted to go out. So he’s back for his redshirt senior year and back in the starting lineup. “That was an awful feeling,” Tyler Voltin Voltin said of 2025 in an interview conducted by the OSU media staff. “We knew we had to do something about that.” New coach JaMarcus Shephard, meanwhile, challenged Voltin to lose weight. “I knew I wasn’t able to move as well as I wanted,” Voltin said. “This is my last year and I knew I had to do something.” Voltin praised the strength staff, support staff and team nutritionists for helping him drop from 375 pounds to 335 on his weight-loss journey and also credited Shephard for laying down the law. “He told me,” Voltin said, “ ‘I need you to lose this weight.’ ” Voltin was asked at the media session about the impact of the weight loss on his knees (he had medial collateral ligament surgery in September 2024 and followed that with anterior cruciate ligament surgery in October). “Yes, I definitely feel better, but it’s not just the knees,” he said. “It’s my ankles, my shoulders. I feel faster, quicker and ready to go.”
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Voltin also praised Shephard, who came to the Beavers after serving in highwattage programs at Washington and Alabama, for his work on putting the pieces back together after the dismal 2025 season. “I truly feel most connected with this team and this staff,” he said. “That’s not a knock on the other teams (the Beavs won 25 games from 2021 through 2023 under coach Jonathan Smith). But there has been a huge change in the program. It’s like I can go hang out with anyone on the team and we’re all holding each other accountable. We’re talking more, having more meetings and more communication with the coaching staff.”
JAMES DAY
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Shephard also took the team on bonding trips to the beach and for a hike at Marys Peak.
The goals for Voltin and the Beavers are pretty simple. “Win the Pac-12, go to a bowl game, achieve academic excellence and do things with class,” he said. “That’s what we’re shooting for.” The journey began with respectable losses to ranked teams Houston and Texas Tech and the Beavers followed that with a big home win versus Montana. The offense has been electrifying, with quarterback Braden Atkinson and freshman wide receiver Jesse Legree both ranked high on the national stats lists. Atkinson has thrown 129 times and Voltin and his O-line pals have done a great job of protecting him (just six sacks allowed). OSU played on Saturday, Sept. 26, at UTEP after Our Town’s deadline with a full slate of Pac-12 games to follow. This is year one of the reformed Pac-12, with OSU joined by Washington State, Colorado State, San Diego State, Fresno State, Texas State, Boise State and Utah State.
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October 2026 • 17
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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18 • October 2026
Repair Services Broken Springs • Cables Off Replace Damaged Sections & Product
Serving throughout the Willamette Valley HMOverheadDoors.com 503-829-8814 txt. 503-444-0522 ourtownsantiam.com
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GENERAL 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
RENTALS RENT EVENT SPACE AT THE SILVERTON GRANGE HALL 291 Division St, Silverton. Affordable hourly, half day, full day rates. Family gatherings, classes, yoga, dances, meetings, baptisms, weddings and more! Fully equipped kitchen, plenty of parking. Hall seats up to 70. Call Silverton Grange, 503-516-5722
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.
Introducing The Local Score. Go beyond the newspaper and behind the scenes with your favorite teams. Previews, highlights, scores and more, all just a click away. Sign up at the link below and start experiencing football season like never before.
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October 2026 • 19
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2026 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM ALDERSGATE
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Questions? Email Melissa Humphrey: mhumphrey@santiamhospital.org
October 2026 • 20