Sweet Lorane Community News, March 15, 2018

March 15, 2018Newspaper ColumnsLorane Christian Church, Lorane Grange, Lorane Talent Show, Rural Art Center, Spaghetti Dinner and Bingopaedwards Leave a comment

Fern Ridge Review
Creswell Chronicle
Sweet Lorane Community News
March 15, 2018
By Pat Edwards

Spring is definitely in the air. I’ve been feeling it for a long time, but haven’t been able to enjoy it. I caught a nasty virus after our trip to California and it’s taken me over two weeks to even come out of the fog of sinus headaches, constantly dripping nose and cough spasms. My doctor gave me a prescription for antibiotics but told me not to fill it for several days… about halfway into my second week. I can understand the hesitancy with not wanting to use antibiotics unless we absolutely have to, but the fact that we must wait two weeks to get better on our own is a bit daunting.

Anyway, I’ve emerged from the fog finally and have been rebuilding my energy level. I even painted our guest bathroom yesterday. Jim tried mowing the lawn, but it was still a bit too wet, leaving large wet clumps of grass trailing the lawnmower. Soon it will need to be done every few days! I’m ready!

The Lorane Church ladies are holding a bake sale at the Lorane Family Store on Saturday, March 24, beginning at 10:00 a.m. As we have all learned, plan to get there early to have a good selection of all of the yummy cookies, brownies and other sweets that are offered.

Later that evening, the Lorane Grange will have another delicious spaghetti dinner and bingo night starting at 5:30 p.m. The progressive blackout amount continues to grow and is very “winnable,” so be sure to come and enjoy all of the fun and hi-jinx, not to mention the good food.

On Sunday, March 25 at 10:00 a.m., the Lorane Christian Church, will present a moving, inspirational opportunity to experience “The Last Supper” to commemorate Easter by bringing the major biblical event to life. Everyone is invited to take part.

The Lorane talent show will be happening on Sunday, April 8, a week after April Fools Day this year. Actually it would have been a perfect time to schedule it on April 1st. The show runs from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m and it’s free! This fun event is sponsored jointly each year by the Lorane Grange and the Rural Art Center. The organizers try to fit 20 five-minute acts into the program in an hour’s time, so if you’re interested in taking part, figure out what you’d like to share with everyone and sign up for a spot. According to Lisa Livelybrooks, “We have had chicken roping, a professional show tune performance, a clarinet solo, a tap dance, and a burped ABC song.” So build up your courage and get in on the fun. To sign up, send an email to the Rural Art Center at ruralartcenter@gmail.com or contact one of its members or a Lorane Grange member. And… if you’re too chicken or totally lacking in the talent department, mark it on your calendars so you can enjoy watching everyone else perform.

Sweet Lorane Community News, February 1, 2018

February 2, 2018Newspaper ColumnsBrian Kau, Crow Homecoming, February, Friendship Dinner, Lorane Bread Basket, Lorane Christian Church, Michele Kaupaedwards Leave a comment

Fern Ridge Review
Creswell Chronicle
Sweet Lorane Community News
February 1, 2018
By Pat Edwards

I can’t remember when the first day of February has been so encouraging. Usually, by this time of winter, I am sick of the rain and the mud. Historically, February has always been my least favorite month of the year and I’m usually ready to seek out some sunshine. We may regret it later, but this year we have been blessed with much less rain, more strings of dry—and sometimes even sunny—days. We’ve had some sub-freezing temps, but not an unbearable amount and no snow or electrical outages.

As I write this, a strong winter sun is shining through the trees on the hill outside my window. The winter blues have not set in this year, and I’m enjoying our lengthening days of daylight… and yes, I know—I may eat those words this summer.

This week, our grandson called and said he had just completed the first of two planters he is building that will reside outside our store in Lorane. He asked me if I would bring home some flowers from town to plant in them. My first thought and comment, was… “This is not the time of year to plant flowers, Kev. If we have a major freeze, they won’t survive.” But, then I thought of the hardy, tough primroses that seem to survive whatever Mother Nature throws at them in my own flower beds. And, even though it’s too late to plant my favorite spring bulbs—daffodils, tulips, crocuses and hyacinths—I found some sturdy-looking potted hyacinths in a garden shop that were ready to bloom. They were outside and looked like they would at least put up a good fight if we have another freeze. I came home with enough to fill the new planter, and we shall see…

So, for me, this is proof that I can feel positive in February. The winter doldrums that frequently rob me of a lot of possibilities are not present this year. I’m thankful for that.

Now, on to some Lorane and Crow news…

The Lorane Christian Church will be hosting its annual “Friendship Banquet” on Sunday, February 11, at 5:30 p.m. This year, it will be held at Izzy’s on West 11th in Eugene, next to Fred Meyer. Everyone is invited and encouraged to come and share a social evening with neighbors and friends.

The Lorane Bread Basket group wants to remind anyone in the community who is in need to contact them as they offer food baskets all year round—not just during the holidays. If you know someone who could use one, please call 541-520-3643 or 541-952-7752. They will be glad to help.

Next week, February 5-9, is Spring Homecoming Week at CHS. Each day will be assigned a theme so students can dress-up each day according to the theme. Thursday is going to be Dress as Your Favorite Staff Member Day, and it ends with Spirit Day on Friday; the Homecoming Dance is that night. I personally want copies of pictures from anyone who chooses to dress up like teachers, Michele or Brian Kau, especially. If anyone does, please send them to me at paedwards42@yahoo.com for a special project I’m working on.

The project is no secret, as I had to tell our daughter, Michele, about it earlier, but I’m working on a 50th birthday album for her and hope to have it printed in time for her birthday on March 7. Anyone who would like to send a birthday greeting, memory or photo for me to include, should get them to me by February 15. I know she’s got many friends and former students out there who have some fun memories that will bring her joy when she reads her book.

Happy February, all!

Sweet Lorane Community News, August 3, 2017

August 3, 2017Newspaper ColumnsBeth Booth, Chambers Mill Fire, Farmin Creek, Fire danger, Janie Wiederhold, Karen Pidgeon, Kate Morrow, Lorane Christian Church, Lorane Community Potluck, Lorane Fire Department, Lorane Grange, Lorane Ice Cream Social, Marissa McNutt Cooper, Mike Wiederhold, Mt. Pisgah, Naomi Klatt, Norm Maxwell, Stoney Point, Worship in the Parkpaedwards Leave a comment

Fern Ridge Review
Creswell Chronicle
Sweet Lorane Community News
August 3, 2017
By Pat Edwards

Sadly, I need to report on the passing of two local residents this week… one from Lorane and the other from Crow.

Naomi Klatt, mother of local resident and wildlife artist, Karen Pidgeon, and Kate Morrow, passed away this past week. For those of you who didn’t know her, Naomi lived in a small house on Fire Road. In June 2015, Naomi and her caretaker were rescued from the burning house by neighbor Norm Maxwell when he discovered the fire at 2:00 a.m. Thanks to Norm’s quick response, both made it through the fire in good shape, but the house had to have extensive repairs done before Naomi could move back in.

Naomi has been in poor health for quite some time and she passed quietly last week. Jim and I send our condolences to Karen, Katherine and the rest of Naomi’s family.

The community of Crow lost one of its own this week. Mike Wiederhold passed away unexpectedly last Monday night, July 31, while playing tennis. He and his wife Janie live on Briggs Hill Road and their son Guy attended school at Crow and graduated in 2008. According to Mike’s obituary, he was known for “building deep relationships with his friends and neighbors and impressively documenting all facets of his life through journals, notes and messages.” Rest in peace, Mike. You will be missed.

Beth Booth is turning 100 years old this month. Two celebrations are planned. The local celebration is to take place at the Lorane Grange Hall from 10:00 a.m. to noon on August 26. Another one will be held earlier at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 13th and Pearl Street, on August 20 from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m.

Beth has lived for many years – since 1976 – on the north side of Stoney Point. If you haven’t had a chance to meet her, she is an amazing woman who kept (and rode) her horses well into her 80s.

Try to make one of her celebrations if you can. She is a woman whose long life definitely deserves to be celebrated!

The Lorane community is gearing up for its annual Community Potluck (beginning at noon) and Ice Cream Social (1:00 to 4:00 p.m.). Both will be taking place on Sunday, August 13. This year, we’ll be celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Lorane Fire Department. I’ve talked about it in the last several columns, so I won’t go into a lot of detail, but they are adding several of the former Lorane Elementary School’s carnival booths for entertainment at the Ice Cream Social and the Lorane Community Association is needing volunteers to run the booths between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. Give Marissa McNutt Cooper a call (541-517-6608) if you are willing to help. They will also welcome donations of pies and cakes, I understand.

Here’s a reminder of an upcoming event that I reported earlier… The Lorane Christian Church is sponsoring its annual “Worship in the Park” at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 27, this year. It will once again be held at the Martin family’s, Farmin’ Creek event center on Siuslaw River Road. A potluck lunch will follow the church service, as well as horseshoes and swimming in the pond.

Lane County has been experiencing extreme temperatures and dry conditions resulting in some recent wildfires around Mt. Pisgah and other outlying areas. Please be sure to use caution and follow the restrictions now in place against using lawnmowers, chain saws or other equipment that can cause sparks after 10:00 a.m. each morning.

Our experience of a few years ago showed us what can happen when caution is not used. It is believed that a careless motorist threw out a burning cigarette and caused the large Chambers Mill fire that burned at least 180 acres between the Mitchell and Matchulat places on Territorial Road south of Lorane. It took crews of firefighters and volunteers several days to get it under control and could have been so much worse than it was.
Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen again if at all possible!