I travelled to Veneta a couple of weekends ago to visit the Faerieworlds Festival in Veneta Oregon. It was a perfect Sunday in August, not to hot with a few fluffy clouds in the sky. It has been a couple of years since I have been there, and I was looking forward to checking out the fabulous costumes, handmade gifts and a fun afternoon with my girls.

Real Estate in the World of Fae! No inspections, no lenders!

Crimson Faerie

Chrystal Crown Faerie

The Bleu Faerie Babe

White Land Strider

Brian Froud signs his artwork

Sunset Faerie

Scio Veterans Memorial, Scio Oregon

Honoring Veterans – Past, Present and Future

The Scio Veteran’s Memorial is located on at the intersection of Main Street and Highway 226. It was rebuilt over the footprint of the original Memorial established twenty five years earlier. In 1983, the founding father of the Memorial, placed a cannon and a flag pole at this location and dedicated it as a war memorial honoring veterans. In an effort to build on the original idea, the City of Scio and its citizens have expanded the Memorial into a magnificent display to honor those who have honorably served in our countries Armed Services.

The Re-dedication of this memorial was held appropriately on July 4, 2008. The colors were proudly presented by the American Legion Post 51 Honor Guard. Jessica McDaniel sang the National Anthem. Master of Ceremonies was Gene L. Peery US Army Vietnam Veteran, 34 Air Medals, Silver Star, Purple Heart and Air Medal with “V” Device for Valor. Highlights of the event were a flyover by the Oregon Air National Guard F-15, 142nd Fighter Wing and 123rd Fighter Squadron. Mayor Sandra Baggett said the flyover was breath taking and a wonderful addition to the ceremoney.

The Community of Scio has helped the Lamb and Wool Fair and the Mid Valley Chapter 585 of the Vietnam Veterans Association raise funds, much of the memorial is financed by the sale of bricks. Bricks are available for purchase by residents and non-residents for $35.00 each. Donations without brick purchase are also encouraged. Donations are tax deductible. All questions can be referred to vetsmemorial@smt-net.com .

Mill City Volunteer Fire Department

Established in 1937, the Mill City Volunteer Fire Department has a long history of being dedicated and productive members of Mill City and the entire Santiam Canyon. Leland Ohrt is the current fire chief and has held the position of chief for the since 1985 with a brief sabbatical in 1991. Chief Ohrt has been a member of the department for more than thirty years, having joined when he was in high school. The citizens of Mill City voted to make the chief a paid position and Leland was officially hired in 2000 as Mill City’s first full time fire chief. As fire chief, Chief Ohrt keeps the fire hall and all the equipment in excellent order. He has worked on several grants and so far, they have received close to $500,000.00 in grant money to help in the purchase of much needed equipment. Purchases in recent years include a new pumper truck and a new tanker. In my opinion, the residents of the Mill City Fire District are extremely fortunate to have a man like Chief Ohrt on staff. Much of what the Chief does, goes unnoticed by the general public.

In 1991, the construction of the fire hall was completed. It was purchased with monies obtained through a bond. One of the most amazing things the fire department accomplished was paying off this bond eight years early, saving over $75,000 in interest.

In 2007, the men and women of the Fire Department contributed over 5100 hours to the department. Each volunteer averaged approximately 142 hours of service for the year, with Chief Ohrt working 2214 administrative hours and 241 volunteer hours. They respond to first-aid and fire calls, miscellaneous calls and provide community assistance to groups such as the Boy Scouts. Other community projects include the yearly pick up of discarded Christmas Trees, safety information published in the local newspaper and they provide Red Cross First-Aid classes for those who would like to learn CPR and basic first aid. The volunteers meet every Tuesday evening for meetings and practice drills. The volunteers usually conduct one to two Burn to Learn drills a year to practice the newest rescue techniques and sharpen their firefighting skills.

In November, the weekend before Thanksgiving, the volunteers plan and put on the Fireman’s Benefit. My favorite part of the Benefit has to be the Double Cheese-“Gut-Bomb Burger” piled high with grilled onions and green peppers, bargain priced at only $2.00! Just one of these babies and believe me, you are good for a year, before you want another. During the Fireman's Benefit you can play BINGO and there is a area for Kid's Games. Bean Bag Toss and the Fish Pond are popular games with the kids. Both adults and kids enjoy playing BINGO and winners receive a Turkey or a Ham. Bingo cards are .25 each. There is also a raffle prize of $50.00 Bill drawn at Midnight and a $100.00 Bill drawn at 1:00 AM. Other prizes include Ham, Turkey, a case of canned goods or a huge slab of bacon. The proceeds of this fundraiser benefit many of the groups projects throughout the year. Most notable of these being the Fireworks on the Fourth of July at Kimmel Park.

One of the best things about this fire department is it’s family time. Leland knows the members spend a lot of personal time dedicated to the department and he feels it is important to get the group and their families together. Several times each each year the department plans activities for the volunteers and their families. These special events include the family picnic in August, Kid’s Christmas Party with very special guest; Santa Claus, Game Night and the Annual Awards Dinner.

At the Annual Awards Dinner, the district presents its honors to the Fireman of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and the Darwin Award. The Darwin Award is given to the Firefighter, who through the course of the year, pulled the department’s stupidest stunt. The Darwin Award is a wooden plaque mounted with a charred and melted fire department pager. And yes, the owner of the pager lost it in a burn to learn fire. My brother Chris has been honored with the Darwin twice, with back to back wins.

The Mill City Volunteer Fire Department is always looking for new members. If you would like to join this organization, please contact Chief Leland Ohrt at 503-897-2390 or MCRFPD2@wbcable.net.

July 31, August 1st and 2nd

Hey! It’s Rodeo time once again in the canyon! The Santiam Canyon Stampede is a favorite activity for rodeo lovers of all ages. A Canyon tradition, the Stampede is in its eleventh year. It is a PRCA sanctioned event. The rodeo committee is made of of community volunteers dedicated to the sport of rodeo. This event continues to grow and it is getting a great reputation for a terrific show.

Thursday, July 31 at 7:00 PRCA action starts. I am proud to announce that Blake and Tess Hendricks will be singing the National Anthem at the opening ceremonies. Blake and Tess are the children of Craig and Michelle Hendricks. Michelle is a broker in our Prudential Real Estate Professionals office. We are all very proud of Blake and Tess and wish them good luck!

Friday evening is Tough Enough To Wear Pink Night. Santiam Memorial Hospital will donate $1.00 for each person who wears PINK to the rodeo. So grab your best pink shirt and head to the rodeo on Friday evening.

Other events scheduled for the weekend include bull riding, mutton busting, X-Games gold medalist Justin Hoffman, Oregon JR Bull Riding exhibition, teen dance, Bike rodeo, Cowboy Breakfast and Rodeo Dance.

I Love Oregon, Let Me Show You Why!

Santiam Park is one of Stayton’s newest city parks, located on the corner of Third Street and Wildflower Street. Park benches are placed along the perimeter sidewalk. There is a play structure for all ages but the kids will be excited to spend a couple of hours playing on its many levels. Swings and slides, ramps and bridges and a castle area will make the kids happy. Another bonus, the park is close to Dairy Queen, the perfect stop for a quick snack or a Blizzard after you have a little fun!

Whether you are looking for a place to take the kids to blow off a little steam or a quiet place to read your favorite book or visit with a friend, be sure to visit Santiam Park. There is a great place to play a game of volleyball, wiffleball or football. Santiam Park backs up to a small wetland area. It is a nice place to watch wildlife and various species of birds.

The City of Stayton is working hard on its parks and recreation program and is working on a comprehensive trail system throughout the city to connect the parks. Be sure to visit all of Stayton’s parks.

I Love Oregon, Let Me Show You Why!