Tag: Beth Robinson

Sweet Lorane Community News – October 27, 2016

Fern Ridge Review
Creswell Chronicle
Sweet Lorane Community News
October 27, 2016
By Pat Edwards

As I write this, I have just returned from a wonderful day attending and participating in the TEDxVeneta event held at the Applegate Regional Theater on Central Road. I am sure that Sandy Larson will have a nice article on it, so I won’t go into much detail, but it was very well-organized by my friend and co-editor of Groundwaters, Jennifer Chambers. Some time ago, she invited me to be one of the speakers. She asked me to talk about the changes that have occurred throughout my life and, although I accepted, I was not sure what I had gotten myself into. I’m not a trained speaker and, as I mentioned at the end of my talk, “Writing is my passion, but speaking is especially hard for me. I’ve found throughout my life that the words flow much easier from my fingers and hands than vocally, but I feel that facing this particular challenge is another difficult source of change and growth for me that I must embrace.”

Lorane was well-represented in today’s talks. Beth Robinson of Lorane and my “up-the-hill-neighbor, Evelyn Searles Hess, were also featured speakers and it was fun working with them and the others who had such varied and interesting presentations.

Thank you, Jen, for believing in me. Despite all of the stress I felt in being out of my comfort zone, the experience was a very positive one. If you didn’t get to make it to this year’s event, be sure to mark your calendars for next year, because I understand that Jen hopes to continue these TEDxVeneta events.

There are several people in Lorane needing dry firewood. If you have any on hand… and especially if you deliver, you might check out the requests on the Lorane, Oregon Facebook page or post information about your firewood on the Lorane Directory page.

Our Groundwaters LIVE! event held last Sunday afternoon to introduce our 2016 edition of the Groundwaters anthology was, in our opinion, a huge success. We had a good turnout, the Applegate Regional Theater was a welcoming and impressive venue, the readings were entertaining and got great reviews, and the support that Jen and I felt from everyone was amazing. The only “problem” we experienced was that we sold all 100 books that we ordered and some people had to return home without theirs. I have made arrangements, however, to deliver books to those who didn’t get them as soon as the new shipment arrives next week.

When I get the new order, they will be at the Lorane Family Store and we will try to get them into local bookstores, too. If other local businesses want to take them in on consignment, that can be arranged as well. Just let me know at edwards@groundwaterspublishing.com. We will, of course, leave a copy at the Fern Ridge Library sometime next week for those of you who are waiting to check it out. There are 63 local authors, poets and artists represented in this year’s anthology. Go to our website at http://groundwaterspublishing.com/anthologies for more information.

Jim and I became great-grandparents again on October 21. Not-so-little Hayden Rae Furlong was born in Roseburg, weighing in at a hefty 10 lbs. 5 oz. We were not able to see her for several days afterwards as we were in Portland at the time with our son while he underwent a heart procedure. Hayden is doing great, as is Rob, so we are very thankful for both.

I hope your Halloween was a fun one. We had some exciting events last weekend to enjoy. I wasn’t able to make it to the barn dance, the Lorane Trunk or Treat, or the Crow-Applegate-Lorane Halloween Carnival this year, but they were all generating a lot of interest within the community. The Applegate Community Theater was also hosting a Halloween celebration. There were lots of fun things to do and I hope that each received a good turnout.

Sweet Lorane Community News – June 11, 2015

Fern Ridge Review                                    
Creswell Chronicle
Sweet Lorane Community News
June 11, 2015
By Pat Edwards

There seems to be a good deal to discuss in today’s Lorane column. It’s strange how some weeks, I really have to dig for things to write about, but not this week! So, let’s get started…

Last week, the Lorane Fire Department was called out to a “fully-engaged” fire on, of all places, Fire Road, off of Siuslaw Road, west of Lorane. A neighbor, Norm Maxwell, while letting his cat outside, noticed the fire about 2:00 a.m. and, after helping the resident, Naomi Klatt, and her caregiver safely from the home, he called 911. I understand that the house was destroyed and that Naomi was taken to her daughter’s home. Many offers have come from community members to help Naomi, but so far, no requests or needs have come in. I’ll be sure to let everyone know if we can help in any way.

Millie Graves (left) and Grace Biggs

Millie Graves (left) and Grace Biggs

I was notified last week that long-time resident of Crow, Grace Biggs, passed away at the age of 99 in Veneta on May 31. Grace was an active member of the West Lane community for many years. She taught for awhile for the Crow-Applegate School District where her husband Ted worked as a janitor and bus driver, and she was an active participant for a number of years in the SMART (Start Making A Reader Today) Program at Crow. She also wrote a column for the West Lane News in Veneta for over 35 years.

So far, I have not been able to find out if a memorial service is being planned, but I’ve posted a lovely story on the Lorane Facebook page about her that Millie Graves wrote for Groundwaters in July 2012, in order to honor this amazing woman. We send our condolences to Grace’s family.

Some good news!… Sam Sowanick, a member of Troop #252 in Lorane, was honored at an Eagle Court of Honor last week at the Crow Grange. He is a senior at Crow High School and is the son of Scott and Jenny Sowanick of Crow. As a 1st grader, Sam began as a Tiger Cub and advanced through Wolf Cub, Bear and Webelos ranks and earned 22 merit badges. He oversaw the building of a covered kiosk at Gates Cemetery in Crow that holds a map of the cemetery. The service project required 86 hours and 25 helpers. Congratulations, Sam!!

The Rural Art Center is announcing its RAC Summer Movie Camp to be held at Applegate Elementary on Mondays through Thursdays, August 10-20, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Well-known storyteller, Esther Stutzman, heads up the camp for the fourth year to explore Native American stories and make movies. All ages are welcome. Participants will listen to a local Native American story, make a storyboard, create sets and costumes and produce a film. Lorane Movie Night will host the premiere in October. Contact Alyssa Shepherd malyssa2@yahoo.com / 541-556-8151 for more information.

Lorane’s own Beth Robinson was honored at a Graduation celebration at the Lorane Grange on Sunday, June 14. She obtained her Master’s degree in the Conflict and Dispute Resolution Program from the UO Law School. Congratulations, Beth, on the culmination of a lot of very hard work and dedication to your career goals.

College graduation kudos also need to be sent out to another of our special Lorane alums! Cassandra (Casey) Ream just announced her commencement from Portland Community College and her plans to attend Portland State University next fall. We are so proud of you, Casey!

Since we’re talking graduation, we also want to add our congratulations to all of the 2015 Crow High School graduates including Lorane residents Lacey Gibson, Montana May, Byron Trout and Amber Von Essen (Simonsen Road). Good job all!… and a personal congratulations to Regan Grube, this year’s valedictorian.

The Lorane Grange will begin is long-awaited re-roofing project on June 27 and 28. Thanks to all of you who contributed extra funds and have been attending the almost-monthly dinners and bingo nights that helped make it happen.

The next Lorane Celebration meeting is Thursday, June 18, at 6:30 p.m. at the grange hall if you’d like to participate. More volunteer help is needed. Contact Jeri Porter at 541-935-2448 or Lil Thompson at 541-942-5701 for more information.