Fern Ridge Review
Creswell Chronicle
Sweet Lorane Community News
August 10, 2017
By Pat Edwards

As I write this, Lorane is gearing up for this year’s annual Lorane Community Potluck and Ice Cream Social, but by the time you read it, the 2017 edition will be in the books. As I read the paper this morning, though, I had to shake my head in wonder. After weeks of very hot, dry weather, Sunday’s forecast – the day of the celebration – is for showers.
I don’t think anyone is really going to complain about it. We certainly need some moisture. The forest fires are causing a great deal of smoke and haze, not to mention damage to the forests and wildlife themselves. All of the land around our homes is tinder-dry and fire danger is extreme, so ‘Hooray for the rain!’ even though it probably won’t help a lot.

I just learned of another passing of a former Loranian. Brian Narzisi grew up in Lorane and attended Lorane Elementary and Crow High School with our own kids. I was good friends with his mother, Phyl Narzisi. Phyl, Marna Hing and I spent many hours riding our horses through the hills of Lorane and at one point, Phyl and I began designing and making macrame horse headstalls and reins (which were pretty, but not too utilitarian). So, I watched Brian growing up, but have not seen or heard of him for many years. He had a special place in his mother’s heart and, according to his sister Kirsten, he “had a sparkling personality, a fabulous sense of humor, and (was) a clever prankster and an excellent photographer.”

Kristi has set up a GoFundMe account to cover Brian’s cremation expenses. If you are interested in donating to it, it can be found at https://www.gofundme.com/the-brian-narzisi-fund

Another Crow High School graduate has recently retired from the U.S. Marine Corps. Special Operations Command after 22 years of honorable service. Ssgt. Jed Owen, son of Mike Owen and mother Polly, “went on 8 deployments in both combat and relief efforts.” In 2011, he was awarded the “Navy and Marine Corps Commendation with Combat “V” award.

A group from the community of Crow is planning a celebration in Jed’s honor on Saturday, August 26, from noon until midnight, and according to the planners, “This event is for anyone that knows him, has heard of him or wants to come and shake the hand of an American hero.

“The event will be an outdoor field party – hay bales included, that is family, adult and pet friendly. It is located in a pasture a quarter mile south from 84209 Territorial Road, just down the road from where he grew up. There will be plenty of tents for shade. Two bands will be providing music: Whiskey Sinner, playing at 2:00 p.m., and Kurt Van Meter playing at 7:00 p.m.

“Kids can enjoy a bounce house, dunk tank and face painting… There will be complimentary drinks and a variety of food trucks will be available for food purchases. There will also be a large area for overnight camping for those who want to bring their own tents or RVs.

“For Crow High School alumni of all years, there will be a graduating class corn hole competition. Not everyone gets a trophy, only the winner. Other Trico-League, Elmira and Junction City alumni are encouraged to attend to shag the bean bags.”

Let’s all enjoy the rest of our summer, but everyone, please be aware of the dry conditions.