Sweet Lorane Community News – February 02, 2017

February 2, 2017Newspaper ColumnsBudget committee position, Crow-Applegate-Lorane, Friendship Dinner, Lorane Christian Church, Lorane Community Association, Lorane Dinner and Bingo Night, Lorane Elementary School, Lorane Fire Department, Lorane Grange, Markay Wilson, Pam Kersgaard, School Boardpaedwards Leave a comment

Fern Ridge Review
Creswell Chronicle
Sweet Lorane Community News
February 2, 2017
By Pat Edwards

The Lorane Christian Church’s Friendship No-Host Dinner will be held at Sizzler Steak House, Gateway Blvd, Springfield on Sunday, February 12, at 5:30 p.m. They hold this each year as a purely social get-together for the people of Lorane. It’s a great way to renew old friendships and get caught up on all of the news. If you are interested in signing up for a reservation, call MarKay Wilson (541-942-7252) and let her know that you plan to attend.

Last Saturday, the Lorane Grange enjoyed a fantastic turnout for its spaghetti dinner and bingo night. Lil Thompson tallied 40 who ate dinner and 23 who stayed to play bingo. The next night in the series will be Saturday, February 25. Plan on joining us.

A group of Lorane residents are trying to rekindle interest in the Lorane Community Association which suspended meetings over the past year or so. Pam Kersgaard and Beth Robinson were encouraging those interested to meet with them for breakfast and conversation at the Lorane Deli last Friday and they are hoping that maybe the social setting will lead to a renewed interest in community projects.

The Crow-Applegate-Lorane School Board will be hold its February meeting at the Lorane Grange on February 16. An executive session begins at 6:30 p.m. and the open board meeting will begin at 7:00 pm. This is a perfect opportunity to learn about and get involved with the operation of our children’s schools.

With that said, the school board is needing to fill some vacancies on its Budget Committee. Participants will need to commit to 3 or 4 meetings during May and June. Call the District office at 541-935-2100 to request an application if you are interested.

And, as I mentioned in last week’s column there are three Lorane Fire Department board positions available that need to be filled. Go to their website at https://loraneorfd.samariteam.com to send a message or call and/or leave a message by phone at 541-942-1233.

On a personal note, I learned last week that the former Lorane Elementary School, that a large contingent of community members were hoping to obtain and establish as a community center, is once again being offered for sale by the latest owners. We were not able to work out the details to obtain ownership, unfortunately. Now the price tag is $650,000 for the buildings and 4 acres of land, or a package deal of $1,000,000 with a “Tier 1, processing, retail cannabis uses allowed.” That’s not what I had ever envisioned for what was for decades, the heart and soul of Lorane.

Sweet Lorane Community News – January 26, 2017

January 26, 2017Newspaper ColumnsBudget committee position, Crow Middle/High School, Crow-Applegate-Lorane School District, Lorane Fire Board, Lorane Rural Fire Department, Rural Art Center, Ukulele Club, Weatherpaedwards Leave a comment

Fern Ridge Review
Creswell Chronicle
Sweet Lorane Community News
January 26, 2017
By Pat Edwards

“Sunshine, lollipops and rainbows…” Well, maybe our days have not quite reached those particular sentiments expressed by Lesley Gore so many years ago, but this past week has certainly been an improvement over what we’ve been experiencing, weatherwise.

The Ukulele Club, sponsored by the Rural Art Center has resumed its lessons on Thursdays in the Crow Middle/High School music room. Age groups, 4th grade through adult, are invited to join them. Beginners meet from 4:15 to 5:30 p.m. and the class for those who have already had some lessons is at 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. each Thursday afternoon. If you’re interested, plan on joining them. From what I understand, it’s a fun group.

With all the dissension over politics on a national level these days, many people are feeling helpless about not really having a say in what is happening in our country. Individuals frequently cannot see how their efforts leave any major impact. But one way that you can see result of your caring is by serving your community in some way. By doing so, you can feel a rewarding sense of pride and accomplishment. Here are some great opportunities for area residents to make a real difference in our community.

Three positions are opening on the Lorane Fire Board and they are asking for applications from local residents who are interested in having a say in how our Lorane Rural Fire Department is run. Please contact a member of the Lorane RFPD for more information. The Fire Chief is Tom Soward and the Assistant Fire Chief is Jim Bailor. Go to their website at https://loraneorfd.samariteam.com to send a message or call and/or leave a message by phone at 541-942-1233.

In addition, the Crow-Applegate-Lorane School District #66 is seeking volunteer patrons to serve on the Budget Committee this year. They will hold 2-3 meetings in May and a meeting in June with the school board and administration. If you are interested, contact Lee Ann in the district office at 541-935-2100.

I hope that these positions fill rapidly. Help is needed and the time you spend in service to your community will bring rewards, not only to Lorane or Crow, but to yourself, as well.