Fern Ridge Review
Creswell Chronicle
Sweet Lorane Community News
October 12, 2017
By Pat Edwards

Whew! I think I just put the final touches to this year’s Groundwaters annual anthology called “Groundwaters 2017: An Anthology.” Jennifer Chambers and I have been producing these books since we ceased publication of our quarterly magazine three years ago. We distributed the magazines free through libraries, organizations and businesses in the West Lane area and throughout the rest of Lane County for over 10 years.

For those who don’t realize it, the annual anthologies are the equivalent of 4-plus issues of the magazine that was so popular. We still feature stories and poems from many of the authors and poets who won your heart then, as well as many talented new local writers. Each of our three issues have showcased the stories, memories and poems of over 60 contributors. They make wonderful gifts. Check out our website at http://groundwaterspublishing.com, and look for them in the Fern Ridge Library and local stores soon.

To celebrate the publication, Groundwaters and the Applegate Regional Theater on the corner of Central and Fleck Roads, north of Crow, on Sunday, October 29 at 2:00 p.m., will host a free Groundwaters LIVE! event. Writers and poets whose works appear in this year’s anthology will give readings and refreshments will be provided. It’s become a hugely popular event and the ART theater is amazing. The gym of the former Central Elementary School, with its large stage and theater seating, has been turned into a wonderful venue for not only plays and musical shows that are performed there, but for community events as well.

Each writer and poet represented in the book have earned Jen’s and my respect and I hope our readers realize how much it takes to reveal so much of ourselves through our writing. We’d like to see a large group of local people show up to meet the authors and poets and to tell them in person how much they enjoy their work. You can probably even be able to collect some autographs.

For those of you in Lorane, don’t forget to sign up and participate in the free 3-day “Canning, Preservation and Sharing Clinic” on October 20 through 22. A new non-profit organization called “Lorane Community Cares” is sponsoring it in conjunction with their community garden project located on south Territorial Road. The produce from those gardens will be used in the clinic where those who want to fine-tune their canning and preservation skills can work together to process it. At the end, the food will be donated to those who need it within the community.

The clinic will begin with a dinner prepared from locally-grown products. At that time, donations can be made to help support the program. That will take place on Friday night, October 20 at 6:00 p.m. at the Lorane Grange. What a wonderful way to combine learning and sharing. Everyone benefits.

The Rural Art Center-sponsored Ukulele group will once again be meeting at Crow Middle/High School on Thursday afternoons from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. The lessons started last week, actually, but you can still sign up or show up this Thursday if you are interested. This successful program has been happening for several years now, thanks to the sponsorship of RAC and the grant funding from the Oregon Country Fair Assn.

Other calendar notes: The Lorane Grange’s baked potato bar and bingo evening will be Friday, October 27. Dinner will begin at 5:30 p.m. with family bingo to follow.

The annual Fall Harvest Festival will be held on October 28 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Applegate Elementary School. I understand that they would love some help with decorations and setting up and tearing down. Call or text 541-517-8556 for information or to volunteer. In addition, candy donations would be appreciated.

Finally, don’t forget the Fern Ridge Library’s annual book sale on October 20-21 at 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Thousands of books, movies, music and more for all ages at great prices.