2340 Martin Drive #104, Stayton • 503-769-9525 ourtown@mtangelpub.com www.ourtownlive.com
The deadline for placing an ad in the Dec. 1 issue is Nov. 20. Calendar listings are free for community events. Submissions must include date, time, location and cost. Submissions for the Dec. 1 issue are due Nov. 20 Email calendar items to: datebook@mtangelpub.com Our Town is mailed free to residents and businesses in the 97383, 97385, 97358 and 97325 zip codes. Subscriptions outside the area are $48 annually
Contributing Writers
Thank you for spending time with Our Town. Comments and suggestions are always welcome.
You’re an important part of Our Town and we’re an integral part of your community. We’ve been bringing you the stories that matter to your family, your neighbors, and your business for more than 20 years. Stories that engage, inform, and empower.
Local papers like ours are a vital community resource:
• A trusted source for local news, often under-reported by larger outlets
• We provide a platform for local businesses to put their messages in customers’ hands
• We’re a hub for residents to learn about events and opportunities
• We share news about local organizations, nonprofits, schools, teams, players, and student achievements
• We are an archive of our unique local history
You can help us make Our Town better than ever. Your tax-deductible donation will help us continue to deliver independent, civic journalism and keep Our Town an important part of your town and your life. tinyurl.com/support-ourtown-santiam-news Or send a check to OPIP (Oregon Public Information Partnership). Put “Our Town - Stayton” in the
Steve Beckner Custom Design
Approved Stayton, Sublimity OK sewer management plan
By Stephen Floyd
Officials in Stayton and Sublimity have finalized a new joint agreement for sewer operations after efforts began last year to revamp an outdated contract.
On Oct. 6 the Stayton City Council voted in favor of the agreement after the Sublimity City Council voted in favor Sept. 8.
The agreement defines how each city will share costs related to operations, maintenance and system upgrades, and responsibilities such as testing for leaks and planning for growth.
According to a City of Stayton staff memo, the goal is to “promote ongoing cooperation and ensure the long-term capacity, regulatory compliance, and efficiency of the shared wastewater infrastructure.”
Stayton has been providing sewer services to Sublimity since 1975. Historically Sublimity has paid for services based on a percentage
of Stayton’s sewer charges and a percentage of debt owed for system improvements.
Over the years this formula caused Sublimity’s rates to come out of alignment with Stayton’s. A rate study published in January of 2024 said Sublimity would need to pay 40% more to match Stayton comparatively.
The two cities entered a new agreement in August of 2024 that charges Sublimity based on actual costs for operations and maintenance, depreciation and return on investment. Costs for operations and maintenance would be calculated yearly while the other costs would be part of a rate study conducted every three years.
The agreement also said each city will be responsible for their portions of the system, with Stayton responsible for the plant and Sublimity responsible for its local collection system. Each city will also set its own customer rates based on its financial obligations defined by the contract.
Following this agreement a separate contract was required to define roles and responsibilities for the planning and implementation of system improvements. This was the agreement finalized in October.
Under this contract, both parties will share responsibility for monitoring system leaks and reducing contaminants. They will also charge separate fees for system improvements given Stayton carries the larger burden of owning the sewer plant.
The agreement also said both parties will communicate in a timely manner about any development growth that could increase the number of customers using the system.
The new agreement maintained a joint sewer committee established in 1991 made of five representatives of each city that meet annually. The committee is tasked with reviewing operations and maintenance, regulatory compliance, and system improvement projects.
Council vacancy may be filled at Stayton meeting
By Stephen Floyd
The Stayton City Council may add a new member during its regular meeting Nov. 3 following the resignation of Councilor Luke Bauer over the summer.
During a workshop Oct. 20, the council interviewed five candidates who had submitted letters of interest to Mayor Brian Quigley, who is empowered by city code to make an appointment for a vacant council seat. The appointment must then be ratified by the council. Quigley also has the authority to decline to make an appointment and extend the search process.
According to Stayton City Manager Julia Hajduk, Quigley received letters of interest from seven residents, however one did not reside in city limits and another withdrew. Whomever is appointed will serve the rest of the first two years of Bauer’s term through 2026. The remaining two years will be filled during the 2026 general election.
H
oliday Bazaar
Stayton United Methodist Women Friday, Nov 7th Saturdays, Nov 8th & 15th 9 am to 3 pm
Lunches: 11am to 1pm 1450 Fern Ridge Rd SE, Stayton www.staytonumc.org
(Sorry, no outside vendors or table rentals)
Daily Mass: Monday-Friday, 8:15 am, Saturday, 8:00 am
Weekend Mass Schedule: Saturday Vigil, 5:00 pm, Sunday, 8:00 am, 10:00 am English, 12:00 pm Spanish
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 503-769-2656
New housing Phillips Estates subdivision progressing
By Stephen Floyd
A 20-acre subdivision in the north end of Stayton is soon to see new construction after sitting dormant for 11 years while the developer planned out a court-mandated stormwater drainage system.
City officials told Our Town they are prepared to partially lift a stop work order on Phillips Estates, allowing completion of two existing homes and construction of 11 more.
The subdivision has been approved for 68 single-family homes along Oriole Street to be built in three phases, and is being developed by JCNW Family LLC.
Bill Martinak, representative agent of the LLC, said the family was glad to see progress after a decade of work stoppage.
Permits for the remaining 55 lots will be issued after the stormwater system is complete, according to a court-approved,
arbitrated agreement finalized in 2015. At issue is an existing stormwater system that drains into Salem Ditch, an irrigation canal west of Phillips Estates operated by Santiam Water Control District.
In 2012 the district tried to block annexation of Phillips Estates into the city limits because of concerns over additional runoff. In 2013 they reached an agreement with the LLC for a new stormwater drainage system into Mill Creek that would be built by the developer then given to the city.
This agreement reinforced language in a construction plan for Phase I of the subdivision approved in 2008.
Later in 2013 the developer began construction on two model homes and a retention pond to collect stormwater during phases I and II. The pond was designed using water measurements
Di’s
Doin’ Hair
taken during the dry season and overfilled during heavy rains. It also included a pipe that discharged into nearby groundwater, which was not part of plans approved by the city.
In October of 2014 the city issued a stopwork order because of these deficiencies. JCNW Family LLC challenged the city on the grounds that stormwater mitigation for the subdivision was a work in progress and did not need to be completed until Phase III.
In August of 2015 an arbitrator validated the stop-work order and outlined a process by which construction could continue. Once the city approved plans for the drainage system it could issue 13 permits, reflecting roughly 20 percent of overall units.
The arbitrator’s decision was finalized the following month in Marion County Circuit Court and included an award of
$101,378 to the city for attorney’s fees. According to Interim Public Works Director Barry Buchanan, the cityapproved drainage system must still receive state approval as it will pass through a wetland. There is also a need for additional approval from DEQ.
The developer must also submit detailed design and construction plans for Phase III in follow-up to the initial approval granted Sept. 29. This two-step process is required when a development is built on a wetland as opposed to the more straightforward subdivision approval process, according to city code.
City Manager Julia Hajduk said she does not see any of these regulatory steps as insurmountable, though they may take time. She said it is “very exciting” to see the subdivision move forward and that it will help provide needed housing in Stayton.
Water quality Stayton still working on drawdown issue as lawsuit is filed
By James Day
The drawdown of Green Peter Reservoir in 2023 and 2024 and the resulting downstream damage on the South Santiam River and its watershed has led to a lawsuit.
The cities of Lebanon and Sweet Home have sued the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for $37 million, alleging that the Corps mismanaged the work by failing to implement any sediment control measures. Corps officials did not respond to a request for comment from Our Town, not surprising given the federal government shutdown that has slowed or halted much governmental activity.
The lawsuit and the Corps’ drawdown actions are being watched closely throughout the Willamette Valley. The Corps is proposing a similar fish-passage-related drawdown of Detroit Lake on the North Santiam River for the fall of 2026, with possible effects including recreation in the Santiam Canyon and Detroit as well as drinking water in Salem and Stayton. The Corps originally proposed a 2025 drawdown but postponed it a year to gather more public feedback and draft a new environmental impact statement (EIS).
The Lebanon and Sweet Home said the drawdown increased the sediment load in their water treatment
Some
Proud to support the neighborhood
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
“We have been working on this consistently,” Stayton City Manager Julia Hajduk told Our Town. “We have been meeting with staff and representatives at the state and federal level to convey our concerns and the risk to our water system.
“City representatives will meet with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in early November to discuss both their plans and the city’s ongoing efforts. During these discussions, Stayton will continue to advocate for the resources, both time and funding, needed to implement the critical risk-reduction strategies.”
Stayton’s strategies are:
Avoidance: Eliminating exposure through regulatory, political, and legal engagement to prevent actions the USACE could undertake that would threaten the water supply.
Minimization: Reducing the likelihood of interruption by developing alternative-source water options and evaluating pre-treatment methods to strengthen the performance of existing slow-sand filtration system.
Mitigation: Lessening the potential impact through improved operations, demand management, and continued collaboration with the Stayton community.
were
facilities – changes that the systems were not prepared for – leading to higher operational costs, equipment damage and expensive pre-treatment upgrades.
Drawing down the Green Peter reservoir began in late November, 2023, an action ordered by U.S. District Court Judge Marco A. Hernandez.
It led to the deaths of thousands of kokanee, with photos of the thousands of dead kokanee all over the news and social media. The drawdown also impacted water quality as far downstream as Albany and Millersburg. Lowering the water level below the normal winter pool level was intended to allow young fish to migrate into the river without passing through power turbines at the dam.
Sweet Home claims that the high turbidity levels created a “sludge blanket buildup” in the city’s facility and is seeking $11 million in damages. Lebanon is seeking $26 million. Officials said in a report by KOIN-TV, that these costs reflect anticipated upgrades for water treatment facilities to handle future drawdowns and ensure long-term water safety.
Stayton officials have concerns about keeping its slow sand filtration ponds operating amid high turbidity (sediment in the water). When the sediment load in the water gets too high the filters either do not operate as efficiently or have to be shut down.
Stayton also is working on water-reliability initiatives, including, Hadjuk said, establishing ties with neighboring communities; redeveloping existing wells to maximize production; and constructing new water mains to support an aquifer storage and recovery system.
The Corps is trying to comply with a National Marine Fisheries Services biological opinion of Dec. 26, 2024, that mandated the Detroit drawdown to ease fish passage for endangered spring Chinook and winter steelhead stocks.
The biological opinion called for the drawdown at Detroit to its lowest level ever, 1,395 feet above sea level (1,558 feet above sea level is full pool) as part of a series of measures aimed at fixing the water temperature and fish passage. Corps officials told a public forum in Detroit that the Green Peter drawdown was much more extensive than the one planned in Detroit and that the Green Peter drawdown exposed more than four times as much sediment as Detroit’s will. Although the schedule remains in flux it seems likely that multiple years of drawdowns will be required.
Elsewhere in the Santiam Canyon, Aumsville, Mill City and Sublimity use well water, which is unlikely to be affected by drawdown turbidity.
Gates, Jefferson, the Lyons-Mehama Water District, the Santiam Water Control District and Turner face the possibility of poor water quality in the North Santiam River overwhelming their water treatment systems. Detroit and Idanha are above the reservoir dams and won’t be affected.
of the kokanee that
killed as a result of the 2023 and 2024 drawdown of the Green Peter reservoir on the South Santiam River. COURTESY OF U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
DMV Stayton office now operating five days a week
By James Day
Motorists in the Stayton area now have more flexible options when working with the DMV.
State officials have announced that the office on Sublimity Road is now open five days per week, up from just Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The new hours took effect Oct. 6.
The Lebanon office also is moving from three days a week to five, with DMV Administrator Amy Joyce noting that “staffing in these two offices has stabilized and we’ve made changes to operations to confidently open both offices up to the community five days a week.”
The Stayton office will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday. Motorists should be aware that the Stayton office does not conduct driver’s license field tests. Those are conducted at the Albany, north Salem or south Salem offices.
Chris Crabb, a public information officer with the DMV, told Our Town that feedback from members of the public helped guide the decision to increase the hours.
“Stayton used to be open five days a week but went to three days in 2023 due to ongoing staffing shortages,” Crabb said. “We know the community has missed the extra days and will appreciate having them back.”
All services at the Stayton DMV must be accessed on a drop-in basis only. No appointments can be set up. The office is closed for lunch from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.
DMV officials also announced that as of Oct. 1 individuals can only take two knowledge tests per day in a DMV office. Individuals had been able to take as many knowledge tests as they liked in a day, depending on the DMV office’s testing resource availability.
Joyce said that DMV offices had seen customers take the test for the Class C or motorcycle licenses 10 or more times per day, indicating they are not learning the information but hoping to pass by chance. The change will free up counter staff to serve more people, reduce lines and encourage people to take safety seriously, DMV officials said. The knowledge tests are written exams that can be taken online or in person.
Santiam Hospital receives generator for emergency program
Santiam Hospital & Clinics has taken possession of a $110,000 generator that will make it easier for hospital operations to continue amid power outages or other emergencies.
Santiam Hospital & Clinics purchased the new 108kW trailer-mounted generator through the Oregon Department of Emergency Management’s (OEM) State Preparedness and Incident Response Equipment (SPIRE) Grant program.
The purpose of the program is to provide critical emergency preparedness equipment to local governments and other eligible recipients. The generator will allow Santiam Hospital & Clinics and other buildings in the surrounding community to quickly power up in the event of a power outage.
The portable generator will strengthen emergency preparedness and give local response teams an important tool to respond swiftly and effectively to outages. The equipment also will be made available to local partners who can power up their buildings to ensure vulnerable individuals are served, said Erik Anderson the hospital’s emergency management coordinator.
“The generator lets us work with organizations like Santiam Outreach Community Center to provide a place for patients to charge medical devices,
phones, and electronics, and stay comfortable during power outages,” Anderson said in a hospital press release. “With increasing community need, this generator is essential to the local community’s emergency response.”
The SPIRE grant program is paid for by Oregon House Bill 2687, which became effective in August 2017. Since that time the program has continued to grow with legislative approval of additional bonds to provide emergency equipment statewide.
The hospital and the city of Aumsville, meanwhile, will be receiving more emergency equipment via the most recent SPIRE grant announcement. As reported in the Oct. 1 edition of Our Town, Aumsville will be receiving a large generator worth $150,000. The new equipment, said city administrator Ron Harding, will help Aumsville cope with a loss of power in an emergency.
The hospital, meanwhile, will receive $20,400 worth of portable lighting, which can be used in the Stayton area as well as up and down the Santiam Canyon, hospital officials said.
The grants are part of a program that will pass out 120 pieces of equipment to 83 jurisdictions statewide.
– James Day
you’re worried about a friend, family member or neighbor, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. 988 Oregon offers free, confidential advice and support from trained counselors.
The Stayton DMV office on Sublimity Road. JAMES DAY
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. 503-769-4088
Santiam Senior Center, 10 a.m.4 p.m. Monday-Friday. Seniors 50 and older. Daily, weekly, monthly events. santiamseniorcenter.com, 503-767-2009
Senior Meals, 11:30 a.m. Delivery only. 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 or box of 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 and Friday.
Family Storytime, 10:30 a.m., Stayton Public Library. Explore early literacy through songs and rhythms, stories and rhyme. All ages welcome. Free. 503-769-3313
Stayton/Sublimity Chamber Business Network, 8:15 a.m. Networkbuilding event for local businesses, 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; family history. Free. 503-508-0312
Intermediate Tai Chi, 10:15 - 11 a.m., Santiam Senior Center. Seniors 50+. Free for members. Repeats Friday. 503-767-2009
Toddler Storytime: Stay & Play, 10:30 a.m., Stayton Public Library. Explore early learning and literacy with your infant or toddler, then stay for different activities and stations for play. Older siblings welcome. Free. 503-769-3313
Beginner Tai Chi, 11:15 a.m. - noon, Santiam Senior Center. Seniors 50+. Free for members. Repeats 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. 503-767-2009
Beginner Line Dancing, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m., Santiam Senior Center. Seniors 50+. Free for members. Repeats Friday. 503-767-2009
Pinochle, 1 p.m., Santiam Senior Center. Single deck. Seniors 50+. Free for members. 503-767-2009
Beginner Line Dancing, 1:45 - 2:45 p.m., Santiam Senior Center. Seniors 50+. Free for members. Repeats Friday. 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.
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.
Indoor Winter Market, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Wavra Farms, 7882 SE Jordan St., Salem. Baked goods, produce, beef, jams, jewelry, crafts, pottery, plants and more. Free admission. wavrafarms.com
Revival Youth Hangout, 5 - 6:30 p.m., New Hope Community Church, 657 N Second Ave., Stayton. 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 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.
Saturday, Nov. 1
Toastmasters International
7 - 8 a.m. Toastmasters International Mid-Day Club meets virtually to deliver and evaluate prepared and impromptu speeches in an effort to improve as speakers and leaders. Meetings stream at https://tinyurl. com/zoomwithmidday and https:// us02web.zoom.us/j/9239283290. Agenda for role signup is at https://4139.toastmastersclubs.org. Repeats 7 - 8 a.m. Nov. 15; 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. Nov. 11 & 25. 855-402-8255, jsamuel12@comcast.net
Tuesday, Nov. 4
Election Day
Stayton Lions Club
Noon, Covered Bridge Cafe, 510 N Third Ave., Stayton. Club and new members are welcome. Repeats Nov. 18. 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, Nov. 5
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. Sponsored by Aumsville Exchange Club. Repeats Nov. 19.
Friday, Nov. 7
Make & Take Day
10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Celebrate cats of all shapes and sizes with feline-focused crafts. Supplies provided. Free. All ages. 503-769-3313
All Saints’ Relics Pilgrimage
10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Mt. Angel Abbey, 1 Abbey Dr., St. Benedict. Spiritual pilgrimage to explore the meaning and role of the hundreds of relics preserved in the Abbey church. All welcome. Free. 503-845-3030, mountangelabbey.org
Sunday, Nov. 2
Daylight Saving Time
Turn your clock back 1 hour.
KofC Breakfast
7:30 - 10 a.m., St. Mary Catholic Church, 9168 SE Silver Falls Hwy., Aumsville. Knights of Columbus breakfast featuring french toast, scrambled eggs, sausage, applesauce, drinks. $10 for ages 13 and older. $2 children aged 12 and under. Benefits the Knights’ charitable giving causes. Monday, Nov. 3
Living Well with Chronic Conditions
10 a.m. Six-week virtual program designed to help participants successfully manage chronic conditions. Caregivers also invited. Held Mondays from 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. through Dec. 15. Free. For information or to register, call 833-673-9355 or visit oregonwellnessnetwork.org.
Stayton City Council
7 p.m., Stayton Community Center. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-769-3425, staytonoregon.go
SHS Theater Production
7 p.m., Stayton High School, 757 W Locust St. Nightfall with Edgar Allan Poe. Tickets are $7 general admission and $5 students with ASB card. Repeats 7 p.m. Nov. 8 and 4 p.m. Nov. 9. 503-769-2171
Saturday, Nov. 8
Coffee with a Cop
9 - 11 a.m., Lucky You Coffee, 110 First St., Aumsville. Meet local officers. Ask questions and learn more about the community. Kids hot chocolate $1. 503-932-9552, luckyyoucoffee1@gmail.com
Sunday, Nov. 9
Brown House Tour
Noon - 2 p.m., Brown House Event Center, 425 N First Ave., Stayton. Tour the historic Charles and Martha Brown House. $5/person. Children under 18 are free. For a special reserved guided tour, call 503-769-8860.
Monday, Nov. 10
Sublimity City Council
6 p.m., Sublimity City Hall, 245 NW Johnson. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-769-5475, cityofsublimity.org
Lyons Fire District Board
6 p.m., Lyons Fire Station, 1114 Main St. Agenda available. Open to public. 503-859-2410, lyonsrfd.org
Stayton Fire District Board
6 p.m., Stayton Fire Station, 1988 W Ida St. Agenda available. Open to public. 503-769-2601, staytonfire.org
Cascade School Board
7 p.m., Cascade District Office, 10226 SE Marion Road, Turner. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-749-8010, cascade.k12.or.us
Aumsville City Council
7 p.m., Chester Bridges Memorial Community Center, 555 Main St., Aumsville. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-749-2030, aumsville.us
Tuesday, Nov. 11
Veterans Day
Ancestry Detectives
10 a.m. - noon, Silver Falls Library. Learn about the use of DNA for ancestry research. Share your own experiences and findings with Ancestry DNA research. Open to all. Free. ancestrydetectives.org
Wednesday, Nov. 12
Wheels of Change
Noon, Santiam Hospital, 1401 N 10th Ave., Stayton. Learn skills to live well, whether your goal is prevention or improving your ability to manage chronic conditions. Light lunch provided. Free. Register: CHW@ santiamhospital.org, 503-769-9319
RDS Board Meeting
5 p.m., Beauchamp Building, 278 E High St., Stayton. Revitalize Downtown Stayton monthly meeting. Open to public. 503-767-2317, downtownstayton.org
Thursday, Nov. 13
Aumsville Food Pantry
Noon - 4 p.m., Bethel Baptist Church, 645 Cleveland St., Aumsville. Open to people in need of food items. 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. Agenda available. Open to public. 503-749-2894, aumsvillefire.org
Lyons Library Board
7 p.m., Lyons Public Library, 279 Eighth St. 503-859-2366
Friday, Nov. 14
Aumsville Fall Cleanup
8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Recology Organics, 8712 SE Aumsville Hwy. Aumsville residents, business owners and city staff can drop off yard clippings for free. Bring the coupon in the city newsletter for a free yard of compost. Repeats 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Nov. 15. 503-749-2030, aumsville.us
Wicked After Hours
6 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Watch or re-watch the Wicked movie before the new movie comes out. Dressing up is encouraged. All ages. Free. 503-769-3313
Saturday, Nov. 15
Bethel Clothing Closet
9 a.m. - noon, Bethel Baptist Church, 645 Cleveland St., Aumsville. Clothing from newborn to 2x. Free. 503-749-2128
Holiday Artisans Bazaar
10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Spotlight Community Theatre, 383 N Third Ave., Stayton. A festive celebration of flavors, crafts and holiday cheer. Free admission. 503-302-0936, spotlightct.com
Open House Celebration
1 - 3 p.m., Brown House Event Center, 425 N First Ave., Stayton. Celebration of Santiam Heritage Foundation’s 25th anniversary and Charles & Martha Brown House completion. Dedication of the new Memorial Garden with plaques dedicated to volunteers Carol Zolkoske and Carlos Hernandez and families who requested memorial donations be sent to the foundation. Guided docent tours of the house. Light refreshments. Free. 503-769-8860, cmbrownhouse.org
The SIP 4.0
3 - 7 p.m., downtown Stayton. Adult beverage crawl with samples of craft beer, wine, cider and spirits from local and regional makers. Tasty bites and shopping. Music and drawings. Ticket price includes participation bracelet, 10 sample drink tickets, event make, goodie bag and commemorative sampling glass. Early bird pricing is $25, available at staytonsublimitychamber.org. Day-of tickets are $30, if available. Additional sample tickets are $10 for 10 samples.
11 a.m., Stayton Public Library. New members welcome. 503-932-2733.
Stayton City Council
7 p.m., Stayton Community Center. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-769-3425, staytonoregon.go
Santiam Masonic Meeting
7 p.m., Santiam Lodge #25, 122 N Third Ave., Stayton. All Masons are welcome. New members encouraged to drop by. “Santiam Lodge #25” on Facebook.
Tuesday, Nov. 18
Build-It! LEGOS
3:30 - 4:40 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Release your inner builder. All ages. Free. Repeats through Nov. 21. 503-769-3313
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, Nov. 19
Stayton Library Board
6 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Open to public. 503-769-3313
Thursday, Nov. 20
Sippin’ into Social Hour
11 a.m., Stayton Public Library. Sip, explore and connect through new experiences and conversation. This month explore food trays and fondues. Free. 503-769-3313
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
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.
1 - 3 p.m., Spotlight Community Theatre, 383 N Third Ave., Stayton. Audtions for Act on Radio production of The Bishop’s Wife. 503-302-0936, spotlightct.com
Music Recital
2:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Abbey, 1 Abbey Drive, St. Benedict. Harpsichord, voice and cello with Dr. Joyce Chen. Admission is free thanks to the Mount Angel Institute. All welcome. 503-845-3030, mountangelabbey.org
Sublimity Planning Commission
4:30 p.m., Sublimity City Hall, 245 NW Johnson St. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-769-5475, cityofsublimity.org
Stayton Planning Commission
7 p.m., Stayton Community Center. Open to the public. Agenda available. 503-769-3425, staytonoregon.gov
Tuesday, Nov. 25
Lyons City Council
6:30 p.m., Lyons City Hall, 449 Fifth St. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-859-2167, cityoflyons.org
PFLAG Silverton
7 p.m., Oak Street Church, 502 Oak St., Silverton. Everyone welcome. Under 18 must have parent/guardian. Christy, 541-786-1613, silvertonpflag@gmail.com
Wednesday, Nov. 26
20th Annual Community Dinner
3 p.m., Covered Bridge Cafe, 510 N. Third Ave., Stayton. Free turkey dinner open to all. Donations and volunteers needed. Contact Cari: 503-767-3945. Limited curbside service. Join in the dining room for community togetherness.
Stayton Book Club
4 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Pick up this month’s selection at the front desk. Join for tea, treats and book talk. Free. 503-769-3313
Thursday, Nov. 27
Thanksgiving Day
Turkey Trot
Monday, Nov. 24
Vigil for Peace
2:30 - 3:30 p.m., Towne Square Park, Silverton. Silverton People for Peace gather to advocate for peace, social justice issues on all levels of society including a focus on issues of current concern. Open to all. 503-873-5307
8:30 a.m., Robert Frost Elementary, 201 Westfield St., Silverton. This year features a junior course for younger runners. Costumes are encouraged. Strollers and well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome. Each participant will receive a ticket to win a prize donated by one of Silverton’s local businesses. $25/individuals, $65/ families. All proceeds benefit Robert Frost PTC. Signup at runsignup. com/race/or/silverton/ silvertonturkeytrot or the day of the race.
Free Thanksgiving Dinner
1 - 3 p.m., Immanuel Lutheran Church, 303 N Church St., Silverton. Everyone is welcome to join for a free Thanksgiving meal. Sponsored by Elizabeth Hoke Memorial Trust.
Saturday, Nov. 29
DIY Wreath Lab
10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Make your own wreath. Greens and frame provided. Bring own accessories to add or choose some from the library’s collection. Free. 503-769-3313
Paid Advertisement
Thanksgiving? Who Are We Thanking?
In Avalon, the delightful 1990 film by Barry Levinson, we follow a Jewish immigrant named Sam Krichinsky as he and his four brothers guide their families through the challenges of life in Baltimore, MD in the 1940s and early 1950s. Early in the film, as the brothers families gather for Thanksgiving at Sam’s house, his wife Eva, in a very thick Jewish accent, announces, “I don’t understand this holiday. I’ll never understand this holiday. Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving. We’re giving thanks to whom?” She didn’t know.
A lot of people feel the same today because, like a cut flower, they have been cut off from the roots of who they are. Why do we celebrate Thanksgiving? Why do we have turkey? What’s with all the Pilgrim and Indian decorations? The story is worth knowing and remembering because, as Sam tells his grandchildren in Avalon, “If we don’t remember, we forget.” That’s not as silly as it sounds. If we don’t make a point of remembering the history at the heart of each holiday, we will forget, and our nation will wilt.
The True Story of the Pilgrims
In September of 1620, a ship called the Mayflower arrived in the New World with 102 English Pilgrims. They were people of deep Christian faith who had left their homes to find freedom to worship God without the fear of persecution from the Church of England. When they arrived at Plymouth, Massachusetts, they began their new lives with a document called the Mayflower Compact, pledging to God, and to one another, to live their lives “for the glory of God.” But just because you are doing the will of God doesn’t mean life will be easy. During their first winter nearly half the settlers died of cold and starvation. Those who survived quickly buried their dead and turned to marry one another and adopt all the orphaned children. The surviving Pilgrims were then helped by the local Native Americans from the Wampanoag tribe and a treaty of peace was made between them.
The True Story of Squanto
One of the most remarkable figures among those Indians was a brave named Squanto. Years earlier, he had been captured by slave traders and sold to Catholic monks in Spain, who bought him with the intent of setting him free. He made his way to England where he learned English, and eventually was able to return to his homeland—only to find that his entire tribe had died of disease. So, he joined the tribe nearby. When Squanto saw the Pilgrims struggling after that first horrible winter, he befriended them. He taught them how to plant corn, catch fish, and
harvest
edible plants. Governor William Bradford wrote that he was “a special instrument sent of God for their good.” Squanto saved the Pilgrims.
In the autumn of 1621, after their first successful harvest, Governor Bradford declared a three-day feast of thanksgiving. The Wampanoag were all invited to join them—about 90 Native men joined the 53 surviving colonists. They feasted on venison, corn, shellfish, and roasted fowl. It was the first celebration of thanksgiving in America.
The True Story of the Holiday
Over the next two centuries, various colonies and then states held days of thanksgiving for various reasons—successful harvests, military victories, and other special blessings.
But in 1789, George Washington declared the first national Day of Thanksgiving, calling for a day of gratitude to God for the new Federal Constitution. Later other presidents made similar proclamations, though the dates varied greatly.
The push for a permanent, national Day of Thanksgiving came from Sarah Josepha Hale, editor of Godey’s Lady’s Book and the author of the poem “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” For 17 years, she wrote letters to presidents urging the creation of a national day of thanksgiving to promote national unity—especially as tensions rose just before the Civil War.
In the midst of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln, moved by Mrs. Hale’s campaign and seeking to restore a spirit of unity in the nation, proclaimed the last Thursday in November 1863 to be a day of “Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwells in the Heavens.”
Thus was the tradition—until President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved Thanksgiving one week earlier in 1939. Why? To lengthen the holiday shopping season during the Great Depression, of course. It’s crazy. But Congress settled the matter in 1941, by officially designating the fourth Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day each year. And so it continues to this day.
“When you gather to enjoy turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans and cranberry sauce, remember what it’s really all about. When you see pictures of the Pilgrims and the Indians gathered with their children for the first Thanksgiving feast, realize that those Pilgrims were all recently widowers and widows. Their children were orphans who had just barely survived their first winter in America. Recognize also that one of those Indian braves had lost his entire tribe.”
How Could They Be Thankful?
How could anyone be thankful after going through such suffering? How could Squanto forgive and befriend white men after having been kidnapped? Where does thankfulness and forgiveness come from? It comes from faith in the goodness of God as revealed in the Bible. Suffering is the result of mankind’s rebellion against its Creator. After what we have done, we all deserve even worse. But in spite of our sin, God so loved this world that He gave His only Son, Jesus Christ, so that anyone who trusts in Him as Savior will not perish, but will instead receive the gift of everlasting life (John 3:16). How does that work? Jesus Christ volunteered to die in our place. He was sinless. But He agreed to die for our sins. Then, to prove that He was who He claimed to be, God the Son, and that His death had been accepted by God the Father as full payment for all our sins, the Father raised Jesus from the dead. He is alive. And He offers forgiveness to all who put their trust in Him. So, in answer to Eva’s question, “We’re giving thanks to whom?” the answer is “We are giving thanks to God.” We are acknowledging that all the good things we enjoy in life are gifts from Him. Even when we suffer, like Squanto and the Pilgrims suffered, those hardships can be endured with thanksgiving when we know God is still with us. We can give thanks to God for His mercy, and we can forgive others who have hurt us, just as we have been forgiven for hurting others. So, have a happy Thanksgiving. To learn more, or to offer feedback, please call or text me at 971-370-0967. I’d love to meet you.
By Gregg Harris
A Brief Request Before You Go
This is now my 32nd article in the Our Town newspaper. These are paid advertisements that cost us $2,043 each month. That adds up to $24,516 each year. It is a lot of money, but the salvation of souls makes it worth it. It actually comes out to only 7 cents per reader, and that is the most cost-effective way we can get the gospel out in front of so many people. Unfortunately, we will not be able to continue publishing unless more readers are willing to help us cover the cost. I have been told that in the last two months of each year, many wealthy tax-payers make last-minute charitable gifts to help reduce their taxes. Wouldn’t it be great to receive some of that year-end giving to help publish our articles? The entire $24,516 for 2026 could be covered in just one month! We provide tax-deductible receipts for all donations through the church where I serve as a Bible teacher. Simply go to GraciousCross.org to donate. If you prefer, you may send your check(s) to GCRC, 409 S. Water St. Silverton, OR 97381. Thank you for investing, not only in the salvation of souls, but also in raising the level of biblical literacy in our town. It is making a difference.
Christian Men! Join us every Thursday for our Noble Men’s Breakfast at The 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.
staff.
Gregg Harris, Teaching Pastor at GraciousCross.org
Jacquelyn Anne Jones Aug.
Jacquelyn “Jaci” Ann Jones passed away on Oct. 10, 2025, at the age of 79. Born in Salem, Oregon, to Edward and Ruth Keys, Jaci was the youngest of four daughters. She grew up in Myrtle Point and Glide, Oregon, where she met her former husband, Frank Jones. Together, they raised two children, Douglas and Michelle.
Jaci was a business owner, founding Riverstone Bookkeeping and Tax Service, and was an active member of Beta Sigma Phi. She loved family camping trips, attending her grandchildren’s events, and watching golf – a pastime she shared with her grandson-in-law Nate. She could be found supporting her family at band concerts, sporting events, county fairs, and cross country meets.
Jaci also deeply cherished her time
1946 – Oct. 10, 2025
with family during annual “Cousin’s Weekend” traditions, continuing the legacy started by her mother and great-aunts. She is survived by her children Douglas (Danna) Jones and Michelle Jones; grandchildren Kalyn (Kevin), Megan (Steve), Ryan, Nicole (Nate), and Kyle; great-grandchildren Eleanor, Juliet, Charlotte, Isabel, and Rhett; and her loving partner Randy Shipman. She was preceded in death by her grandson Adam, her parents, and her sisters Patricia Casteel, Edna Brady, and Roberta “Bobbi” Shanafelt.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at Anthony Hall, 11758 Sublimity Road SE, Sublimity. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or the Oregon Humane Society.
Arlene West Hiatt
Arlene West Hiatt, 89, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family in Sublimity, Oregon, on Sept. 20, 2025. She was born in Yakima, Washington, on Jan. 26, 1936, to Charles and Evelyn (Blair) West. She was raised in Southern California moving to Stayton, Oregon, in October of 1995. She worked for Los Angeles County for 27 years and retired as a Court Administrator.
always enjoyed meeting new people and traveling, with Israel, China and Europe being her favorites.
Arlene is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her children Keith Hiatt, Brent Hiatt, and Joyce Trottman; seven grandchildren and nice great-grandchildren. A memorial service was held Oct. 14 at Foothills Church in Stayton.
Arlene enjoyed Foothills Church and Friends of the Library. Her hobbies included her love of gardening and her Bible study and painting groups. She
Contributions can be made in her honor to Foothills Church or The Stayton Public Library.
Arrangements made by North Santiam Funeral Service, Stayton.
Silver Falls
New concessionaire plans Thanksgiving buffet
By James Day
A new concessionaire is in place at Silver Falls State Park and the operators are planning to serve Thanksgiving dinner to park visitors.
The Bigleaf Market & Grill in the park’s Smith Creek Village will host the turkey day buffet, available in three time slots, 1 to 2:30 p.m., 3 to 4:30 p.m.; and 5 to 6:30 p.m.
The cost is $40 per person and the menu features turkey and ham, squash, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green been casserole, roasted Brussels sprouts, dinner rolls, gravy, cranberry sauce, autumn salad, fruit and cheese, squash soup, pumpkin pie and butter pecan sundae. Beer, wine and mimosas will be available for purchase and vegetarian dinner options are available.
To reserve a table call 503-344-2777, ext. 2 or email silverfalls.fd@guestservices.com
Guest Services, Inc., a Virginia-based company, has taken over the contract to operate many of the facilities at the park, including the Smith Creek Village cabins, South Falls Café and two historic ranches. The 17 cabins and two ranches provide accommodations to serve solo hikers to large families to wedding parties year-round.
Accommodations include:
• Four family-sized cabins for up to 12 guests each.
• Eight tiny cabins accommodating two to three visitors each.
• Four duplex cabins for two guests per unit.
• One private cabin for four people.
• The two ranches, including the historic 1880s Davidson Ranch (known locally as Old Ranch) for event rentals for up to 100 guests during the day and 75 bunk-style
accommodations for overnight.
The South Falls Café, a fast and casual eatery located near the South Falls trailhead, is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The Big Leaf Market & Grill is open for food and beverages 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
Guest Services also opened a new retail space, Ten Falls Supply Co., near the South Falls Lodge, featuring hiking gear, including trekking poles, backpacks, water bottles and trail snacks as well as locally made goods, such as soaps, apparel and Silver Falls Coffee Co. products.
“Silver Falls’ stunning waterfalls, rugged trails and towering forests remind us all what’s worth protecting,” said JJ Condella, general manager for Guest Services, Inc., in a press release. “We are honored to have the opportunity to elevate the experience through thoughtful stewardship, warm hospitality and locally driven experiences.”
State park officials will continue to manage the campground as well as other park facilities such as the parking lots and maintenance and upkeep.
“This business partnership is a good example of how we can enhance the visitor experience through additional opportunities while also maintaining the beauty of the park and generating revenue for park operations,” said park manager Chris Gilliand.
Residents who drive down N. First Avenue in Stayton, during the coming months will notice new construction activity at Stayton Veterinary Hospital.
The clinic is doubling in size from 5,700 square feet to 11,500 square feet. They have outgrown their current building, which was constructed eight years ago.
In a statement on Facebook, the clinic said the upgrade “will help us better serve the pets (and people) who count on us every day, while also giving our team the room they need to continue providing top-quality care.”
VetMed, a mobile veterinary practice. Brubaker, a former colleague of Reynolds’ from a veterinary hospital in Albany, filled in at the mobile clinic as needed.
At the time the two purchased the clinic it operated at its current location in an older building. The current building was constructed in 2017.
In 2024 Reynolds asked for a variance from the Stayton Planning Commission to expand the building. That May the request was granted. The business also acquired three neighboring houses on the block to make room for the expansion.
“Not everyone has the gear or the ability to tent or RV camp. Partnerships like this expand overnight opportunities year-round without the need for outdoor equipment.”
Stayton Veterinary Hospital was first opened in 1995 by Michael Amsberry. He later sold the practice to Mike Reynolds and Jeff Brubaker in 2008. Previously, Reynolds operated Santiam Canyon
The finished facility will include a larger parking lot, bigger lobby and additional exam rooms, which are expected to help cut down on wait times.
The practice will also be able to offer more small animal services and will be better able to service haul-in equine patients and small ruminant animals.
The expansion is expected to be completed by May of 2026, while the new parking lot is expected to be complete by November.
Throughout construction services at Stayton Veterinary Hospital will be uninterrupted, according to the clinic.
“Thank you for your continued support, patience, and for being part of our journey,” said the hospital through social media.
Stayton Veterinary Hospital expansion is underway. STEPHEN FLOYD
Football showdown
Cascade High remains in control of football bragging rights in the region.
The Cougars, the No. 1-ranked team in Class 4A, remained the lone unbeaten team in the division with a 51-26 home win against Stayton on Oct. 24, at Federico Field in Turner. Cascade is now 8-0 overall and 3-0 in Special District II.
“This contest has more emotion than any other game in the state of Oregon,” Cascade coach Shane Hedrick told Our Town
Cascade has won three games in a row in the series with Stayton and 11 of the last 13. Hedrick, who has 30-plus years of coaching in Oregon, is 3-0 in the rivalry game. His Eagles counterpart, Randy Nyquist, also with 30-plus seasons as a head coach, including three Class 5A titles at West Albany, dropped to 1-8 against Cascade.
Estacada’s losses have been to No. 3 Tillamook and No. 5 Scappoose. Stayton fell to 6-2 overall and 2-2 in league, with losses only to Cascade and Estacada.
The Eagles close the regular season with a nonleague game against visiting Ontario (1-7).
Cascade, Estacada and Stayton all have clinched Class 4A playoff berths.
The first round takes place on Friday, Nov. 7. Pairings will be set this weekend.
Boys soccer: Stayton coach Chris Shields has reached a milestone in his 23 years with the Eagles. Shields, who has won two Class 4A state titles and finished second four other times, hit the 250win mark with a 4-1 win at Cascade on Oct. 14.
The Cougars’ win sets up a winner-takeall showdown for the Special District II title with No. 6 Estacada on Oct. 31, after Our Town’s presstime. The Rangers are 6-2 overall and 3-0 in league.
Henley. “Defensively has been a surprise. We were good last year, but might be better this year.”
The Eagles at Our Town’s presstime had scored 59 goals and allowed just 6. Shining on defense have been senior Yael Villazana Gonzalez and three juniors, Jose Navarro, Omar Villazana Gonzalez and Noah Klampe.
Shields added that junior midfielder Miguel Ceballos “has contributed goals this year on top of all his hard work in the middle of the field. Our junior group has really stepped up this year.”
school still in the running. Regis will use its $6,000 to help pay for new signs at its field, said Steffanie Piccirilli, director of advancement.
Volleyball: No. 2 Cascade claimed the Oregon West Conference title with a 9-1 record and will be joined by thirdplace Stayton, 7-3, ranked 10th, in the upcoming Class 4A playoffs. Stayton finished fifth in last year’s tournament, while the Cougars were sixth. Regis, meanwhile, was in the hunt for a Class 2A playoff slot at Our Town presstime.
The Eagles, 12-0-1 overall and ranked No. 1 by the OSAA, already have clinched the Oregon West Conference title and will host a playoff game on Wednesday, Nov. 5.
Shields was low-key about the win total and was more interested in talking about the progress of this year’s team.
“Overall this year is going to plan considering we had most of last year’s group come back,” Shields said. The 2024 squad went out in the semifinals against
Regis: The Rams have received $6,000 to pay for stadium improvements as part of a “Friday Night Lights” promotion involving T-Mobile. Regis was one of 450 schools accepted into the program, which required schools to promote the contest on their social media accounts. The 25 finalists were selected on Oct. 24 and took home $25K apiece. One school will receive $1 million for a stadium makeover. Still in the running is Lebanon, which is looking to replace aging Heath Stadium on campus. Lebanon is the only Oregon
Alumni watch, Tyler Voltin: The former Regis High standout is back on the field at Oregon State. Voltin, a 6-4, 368pound senior, missed most of the 2024 season with a knee injury after earning the top spot at right guard. He finally returned to action in a reserve role for the Houston game on Sept. 26 and has started the past three games against Appalachian State, Wake Forest and Lafayette. The Beavers are 1-7 heading into the Nov. 1, 4:30 p.m. home matchup at Reser Stadium against Washington State.
Got a news tip? Email me at james.d@ mtangelpub.com. Follow me on X (Twitter) @jameshday and Our Town on Facebook.
Cascade coach Shane Hedrick JAMES DAY
Soccer coach Chris Shields JAMES DAY
Tyler Voltin
Hope for the future
I may be 72 years old, but I identify as 27, so that makes me way too young to be a grandfather.
At least that’s what I thought. But several weeks ago, one of our sons and his wife presented my wife and me with a brand new grandson, our first.
How about that?
Over the years, I never gave a second thought to the concept of grandparenthood. It was one of those things that was great for other old fogies but not for a young guy like myself. As the parent of four kids I felt as though I had survived my turn in the barrel.
Yet there I was, a grandfather. It got me to thinking about kids and grandkids and what it all means. When our oldest son was born in 1988, I wrote a column in the Juneau Empire, the daily newspaper in Alaska’s capital city. (I was the editor so I could pretty much print
Words of wisdom for new grandchild
anything I wanted.) In rereading it the other day, I was struck that, in spite of the whirlwind of change that has overtaken our lives, much of what I wrote still rings true.
So at the risk of misquoting myself, here are some excerpts:
“It is easy to be cynical. These days not many families, groups, businesses, agencies or organizations can lay claim to perfection, or even approach it. Part of being human, and of being part of an organization run by humans, is that problems arise. Some problems are big, and others are small, but they do arise.
“That’s why cynicism is such an easy cop-out. It’s easy to stand back and write off whole groups, or even the human race, because they aren’t perfect.
“What does that accomplish? Nothing, other than providing the cynic with a small dose of self-aggrandizement. After all it’s always easier to complain about a problem than it is to fix it. To a cynic, the main idea is to talk as much as possible while doing as little as possible….
“I’ve encountered thousands of people. Just about all types. Selfless and selfserving, happy and sad, competent and incompetent – and any degree between those extremes.
“But every one of those people shared a common attribute. They were all basically good. Even if they were going about their business in a wildly inappropriate way, even if they were totally unreasonable, even if they had lost their temper, most were just trying to do what they thought
was right. That’s what nearly every one of us tries to do….
“The world is a beautiful place. There are tall mountains, plunging river valleys, seemingly endless plains, exotic animals. But what you will find during your years on this planet is that people make the world the wonderful place it is.”
And boy howdy, is that ever true. We’ve all met people that absolutely light up our lives. The talents and skills they have, the things they say and do. The variety is limitless, entertaining and inspiring.
Yuji Leo Sampson was born Sept. 22 in Scranton, Pennsylvania. His parents are Paul and Naoko Sampson.
Yuji is a Japanese name that refers to benevolence and peace. My hope is that his life will be filled with both.
Carl Sampson is a freelance writer and editor. He lives in Stayton.
GENERAL
SILVERTON AUTHORS NIGHT
TOPIC: ON WRITING Sat, Nov. 8, 7-9 p.m. Leaf and Vine Wine Lounge. Tickets $20. Cash bar available. Register at www. atlasbookshopsilverton.com/events
U-PICK CHESTNUTS
9am-4pm daily $3/lb. Shadow Mt Ranch Chestnuts 19052 Coyote Ridge Way NE, Silverton OR 97381 503-873-7946
SILVERTON ELKS FLEA
MARKET 300 High St. Silverton.
9 a.m. - 3 p.m., 2nd Saturday each month, Sept. – Nov. New vendors, contact Lori at 503-931-4517 thewhiteoakgallery@gmail.com
PASTOR CHUCK BALDWIN
Liberty Fellowship, Kalispell, Montana satellite group Sundays, 1:30 p.m. Kristen, 503-990-4584
FOR SALE 1966 MUSTANG
Project Car. Red, Blk Vinyl Top.
Excellent Interior. Rblt 6 cyl, AT, Extra Parts included. $6000 See at 5227 Madrona Heights Dr NE Silverton, or call 503-715-6715
RENT EVENT SPACE at Silverton Grange Hall, 201 Division St., Silverton. Affordable hourly, half day, full day rates. For gatherings, weddings, classes, dances, meetings and more! Fully equipped kitchen. Hall seats up to 70. Plenty of parking. For rental info call Becky at 503-5165722. Grange info at http://grange. org/silvertonor748/.
HELP WANTED
HOUSE CLEANING 20/hr. Computer tech help wanted 20/hr 503-383-4398
SERVICES
MAGIC CARPET CLEANING & MORE Since 1992. Carpet & upholstery cleaning at its best. Free estimates. Residential & commercial. Located in Silverton. Call Harold at 503-391-7406
SOUNDS GOOD STUDIO Bands, artists, personal karaoke CDs, books, restoring picture slides, and VHS to DVD. Old cassettes, records, reel-to-reel & 8-track cassettes restored to CD. Call Harold 503-391-7406.
Place your ad in Marketplace 503-769-9525
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
GOT STUFF YOU WANT GONE? From yard debris to scrap metalfrom garage sale leftovers 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
HANDYMAN & HOME REPAIR
Installation & repair of fencing, decks, doors, gutter cleaning, moss removal, power washing, yard debris removal. CCB# 206637 Call Ryan 503-881-3802