Fern Ridge-Tribune News
Creswell Chronicle
Sweet Lorane Community News
September 23, 2021
By Pat Edwards

Last week, my column was a bit shorter than usual. I was preparing for our grandson’s, wedding, and the following day, I boarded a plane to fly to Helena, Montana, to again visit my good friend, Connie, who was recently widowed. So, it’s been a busy week for sure.

Despite a steady drizzle during the outdoor wedding, it was beautiful, and to make amends, Mother Nature put on display, a magnificent rainbow that stretched across the sky above the wedding party. Jim’s brother, John, and his wife, Vicki, were gracious enough to provide the venue for Kevin and his bride Jazmine on their beautiful property bordering the Coast Fork of the Willamette River in Saginaw. We got a bit damp during the ceremony, but the last-minute decision to erect large tents the day before kept the food and attendees dry at the reception. What could have devastated most couples, allowed Kev and Jazz to relax, add humor to their day and enjoy the large group of friends and family who attended. In addition, I had the honor of being walked down the aisle on the arm of… and seated by… Brent Haxby, our grandson-in-law, who was officiating his very first wedding since earning his license. It was a good day.

Sunday morning, I once again boarded a plane which took me, via Seattle, to Helena, Montana, where my long-time friend, Connie Ruhlman, lives. It’s been a rough time for her since Dick died last spring and, although her daughter lives close by, she’s a victim’s advocate and is on a rapid response team for the FBI; both jobs require her to be on the road a great deal. Our short visits together have allowed us to reconnect and reminisce about our days at Linfield College and all of the many years we have stayed close friends while living far apart. It’s a friendship that we both cherish.

Back home, I’m ready to get back to working on the layout for our upcoming Groundwaters anthology, which was beginning to take shape before I left. Our local writers are beginning to get back into the spirit of writing and a lot of excellent submissions have come in and will be included.

When I returned from Montana, Jim and I drove over the construction area on Stony Point. All but a small segment at the south end of the project was paved and lined with guard rails. The short portion that is still being worked on at the top is still one-way and being regulated by traffic lights at each end, so we ask everyone going through there to follow the rules of the road… red means stop; wait for it to turn green before proceeding. It’s such a simple concept, but there are still those who are impatient and try to sneak through, causing nerves and tempers to fray. It won’t be long before this section will be completed. The Lane County Department of Public Works, which oversees it, is hoping to be done with all of the finishing work by mid-November at the latest. Traffic should be able to proceed without flaggers or lights before then, however.

The Lorane Grange held its election of new officers at their September meeting. Randy Eschleman was chosen its new Master and Gary Lutman, the Overseer. Other positions were retained by those holding them last year.

The Lorane Christian Church continues to hold Sunday services both indoors and in the parking lot for those who do not want to wear masks. Those who stay in their cars can tune to a radio frequency that carries the service though the speakers. It’s a win-win for everyone.
Happy Autumn everyone! I’m ready.