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!

Sweet Lorane Community News – June 11, 2015

June 11, 2015Newspaper ColumnsAmber Von Essen, Beth Robinson, Byron Trout, Cassandra Ream, Grace Biggs, Lacey Gibson, Montana May, Naomi Klatt, Norm Maxwell, RAC, Rural Art Center, Sam Sowanick, Summer movie camppaedwards Leave a comment

Fern Ridge Review
Creswell Chronicle
Sweet Lorane Community News
June 11, 2015
By Pat Edwards

There seems to be a good deal to discuss in today’s Lorane column. It’s strange how some weeks, I really have to dig for things to write about, but not this week! So, let’s get started…

Last week, the Lorane Fire Department was called out to a “fully-engaged” fire on, of all places, Fire Road, off of Siuslaw Road, west of Lorane. A neighbor, Norm Maxwell, while letting his cat outside, noticed the fire about 2:00 a.m. and, after helping the resident, Naomi Klatt, and her caregiver safely from the home, he called 911. I understand that the house was destroyed and that Naomi was taken to her daughter’s home. Many offers have come from community members to help Naomi, but so far, no requests or needs have come in. I’ll be sure to let everyone know if we can help in any way.

Millie Graves (left) and Grace Biggs

I was notified last week that long-time resident of Crow, Grace Biggs, passed away at the age of 99 in Veneta on May 31. Grace was an active member of the West Lane community for many years. She taught for awhile for the Crow-Applegate School District where her husband Ted worked as a janitor and bus driver, and she was an active participant for a number of years in the SMART (Start Making A Reader Today) Program at Crow. She also wrote a column for the West Lane News in Veneta for over 35 years.

So far, I have not been able to find out if a memorial service is being planned, but I’ve posted a lovely story on the Lorane Facebook page about her that Millie Graves wrote for Groundwaters in July 2012, in order to honor this amazing woman. We send our condolences to Grace’s family.

Some good news!… Sam Sowanick, a member of Troop #252 in Lorane, was honored at an Eagle Court of Honor last week at the Crow Grange. He is a senior at Crow High School and is the son of Scott and Jenny Sowanick of Crow. As a 1st grader, Sam began as a Tiger Cub and advanced through Wolf Cub, Bear and Webelos ranks and earned 22 merit badges. He oversaw the building of a covered kiosk at Gates Cemetery in Crow that holds a map of the cemetery. The service project required 86 hours and 25 helpers. Congratulations, Sam!!

The Rural Art Center is announcing its RAC Summer Movie Camp to be held at Applegate Elementary on Mondays through Thursdays, August 10-20, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Well-known storyteller, Esther Stutzman, heads up the camp for the fourth year to explore Native American stories and make movies. All ages are welcome. Participants will listen to a local Native American story, make a storyboard, create sets and costumes and produce a film. Lorane Movie Night will host the premiere in October. Contact Alyssa Shepherd malyssa2@yahoo.com / 541-556-8151 for more information.

Lorane’s own Beth Robinson was honored at a Graduation celebration at the Lorane Grange on Sunday, June 14. She obtained her Master’s degree in the Conflict and Dispute Resolution Program from the UO Law School. Congratulations, Beth, on the culmination of a lot of very hard work and dedication to your career goals.

College graduation kudos also need to be sent out to another of our special Lorane alums! Cassandra (Casey) Ream just announced her commencement from Portland Community College and her plans to attend Portland State University next fall. We are so proud of you, Casey!

Since we’re talking graduation, we also want to add our congratulations to all of the 2015 Crow High School graduates including Lorane residents Lacey Gibson, Montana May, Byron Trout and Amber Von Essen (Simonsen Road). Good job all!… and a personal congratulations to Regan Grube, this year’s valedictorian.

The Lorane Grange will begin is long-awaited re-roofing project on June 27 and 28. Thanks to all of you who contributed extra funds and have been attending the almost-monthly dinners and bingo nights that helped make it happen.

The next Lorane Celebration meeting is Thursday, June 18, at 6:30 p.m. at the grange hall if you’d like to participate. More volunteer help is needed. Contact Jeri Porter at 541-935-2448 or Lil Thompson at 541-942-5701 for more information.