Fern Ridge Review
Creswell Chronicle
Sweet Lorane Community News
February 4, 2016
By Pat Edwards

Yuck! Three weeks ago I came down with a cold, and I’ve still got it! It’s like a group of waves that roll in on the beach. When it first hit, the symptoms began to ebb after a few days and then, Wham! I was hit with a few more waves carrying with them an assortment of coughs, sneezes, eternal congestion and now eye infection. Yesterday, I finally broke down and visited the Cottage Grove Walk-In Clinic since my doctor was booked up and they put me on some antibiotics and an inhaler. I’m feeling better today, but I’m holding my breath that there’s not another breaker heading my way. The nurse at the clinic told me that I was not alone… that record numbers of people were experiencing the same type of long, drawn-out upper respiratory infection this winter.

With all of my whining out of the way, I am hanging my head in shame because I’m truly one of the lucky ones. I am blessed with much better health than many others. How can I complain when such beautiful people around me have so much more to deal with, health-wise, than me?

Today, we got word from former Loranian, Stan Davis, that his wife – our wonderful, beautiful, beloved Debbie Davis – is having to undergo a second craniotomy to remove a brain tumor. Stan’s message, while extremely sobering, carried a signature bit of humor passed on from Debbie, herself. In his message, he said, “…It is in the speech center, and she is wondering if I would, maybe, prefer a mute wife?? Hmmm…” The tone is typical Debbie who has always brought sunshine into all of our lives. Our love and prayers are with you both, Debbie and Stan! I’m sure they’d love to have some others sent their way, too.
The Crow-Applegate-Lorane School Board is still looking for members for the district’s budget committee. The committee met for the first time last Thursday, February 4, but there will be two more meetings. If you are interested in serving the school district in this way, please call the district office for further information (541-935-2100).

The Crow Middle/High School students who want to play a spring sport (baseball, softball or track) is required to attend the upcoming Spring Sports Sign-Up and Parent Meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 16 at the high school. Parents will need to attend with the students.

Don’t forget the Friendship Dinner hosted by Lorane Christian Church at Sizzlers on Gateway Blvd. in Springfield on Sunday, February 21 at 5:30 p.m.

Also, mark your calendars for the next Lorane Grange Dinner and Bingo Night which will be held on Saturday, February 27. They are going to try something besides spaghetti this time – possibly an assortment of finger foods as well as those yummy desserts. The blackout bingo pot is up to over $300. Bring the whole family. It’s so much fun.

A Bit of Lorane History (honoring Stan Davis’ family):

In the early 1900s, Frank Davis lived on his homestead, due west of the former Delwin Doughty homeplace. The farm buildings were situated on top of a hill with the barn perched right at the edge of a canyon. One evening about dusk, Chancy, who lived on north Territorial Road where the former Cliff Stevens’ place is located, heard the sound of distant yelling coming from the direction of his brother’s homestead, some two miles away. Because Frank’s wife Elma was due to have a baby at any time, Chancy feared that she might be having complications. He hurriedly saddled a horse and galloped full speed in the direction of his brother’s homestead. Every few minutes he heard a loud yell. Upon arriving, he leaped from his horse, just as another full-throated “holler” rent the air in the direction of the barn. As he ran towards the barn, he was met with the sight of Frank Davis standing next to his barn with his back to the canyon. He was bent at the waist with his head tucked between his knees yelling into the canyon beyond – listening to his own echo. (From Sawdust and Cider; 1987; 2006)