Fern Ridge Review
Creswell Chronicle
Sweet Lorane Community News
July 28, 2016
By Pat Edwards

The Lorane/Crow area had a scare this past week. Our hotter temperatures have increased our levels of fire danger dramatically and a small logging operation located in the hills behind the Knee Deep Ranch on Lorane Highway caused a wildfire to erupt. We saw the smoke across the ridges as we were going home from Lorane last Tuesday afternoon. Within an hour or so, helicopters towing water buckets began flying over our house on the way to extinguish the fire. In addition, we were told that bulldozers from the Crow side of those hills were dispatched to begin building a fire line. Thanks to the efforts and quick response of so many, the fire was completely contained by Tuesday evening after burning 13 to 16 acres. It was a close call… too close for those of us who remember the devastating wildfire we experienced last year, much closer to Lorane. Thank you to all of those who responded to this emergency. It could have been much worse.

On Saturday, August 6th at 4:00 p.m., plan to attend the Crow Grange’s 8th annual Chicken n Pickin BBQ. They will serve their legendary BBQ chicken, fresh corn on the cob, baked beans, rolls, lemonade, coffee and ice cream. In addition to the good food, you will be entertained by the Poodle Creek Pickers, a local old-time fiddlers group. The price for all of it is $10.00/person. If you have any questions, contact Connie Suing at 541-556-2609.

Then, on Sunday, August 14, it’s Lorane’s turn to celebrate our annual Lorane Community Potluck and Ice Cream Social. The potluck, held annually at the Lorane Grange, begins at 12:30 p.m. The doors open at about 10:30 a.m. for those who want to drop off food or come early and visit with their neighbors. It’s a great way to connect with neighbors and friends and you’ll be ready to head out afterwards for more dessert and entertainment at the Lorane Ice Cream Social, sponsored by the Lorane Fire Department. It runs from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. As I said in last week’s column, expect to find yummy homemade pies and ice cream and lots of fun activities for children and adults alike.

Just a reminder… The Rural Art Center has planned another exciting Summer Film Camp that will be held in the Art Room at Applegate Elementary. People of all ages are encouraged to join in this fun, FREE camp which will include the making of a movie. The first week of camp is scheduled for August 8-11, Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. until noon. It continues into the following week, August 15-18 at the same time. Contact  Alyssa Shepherd at malyssa2@yahoo.com or call 541-556-8151 if you want to enroll yourself or your children.

For those of you who are interested in acting, last weekend the Applegate Regional Theater at the former Central School north of Crow held open auditions of community members (including any in the Lorane and Crow areas) who are interested in becoming cast members or backstage workers (props, costumes, lighting, set design, stage management, ushering, concessions, etc.). If you missed those open auditions, you are still encouraged to contact them at art-inc@hotmail.com or 541-935-3636.

Michele Kau sent out a plea this week… The Crow Middle/High Booster Club is desperately in need of volunteers to help with their annual car show to be held September 10th at the high school. They are so low on help at this point that they are dangerously close to having to cancel it. This car show has been going for well over 10 years and has become one of the biggest money makers that our Booster Club has. The money raised goes to support many kids in our community through sports and academic programs. If you can help with set-up, concessions, or if you are knowledgeable about cars and can help judge the entries, your participation would be GREATLY appreciated. Contact info: Michele Edwards Kau at michele.kau@gmail.com or send her a personal message on Facebook.