Sweet Lorane Community News – June 2, 2016

June 2, 2016Newspaper ColumnsAaron Lawson, Alex Willis, Alyana Woods, Audrey Millard, Bernie Moulton, Bryce Wood, Cameron Behlke, Cameron Schwartz, Cartwright House, Chris Blanchard, Crow High School, Dalton Bowman, Donna Mouton, Evangeline Nickle, Fernanda Torres, Grace Thompson, Grayson Clark, Gunnar Lassen, Harrison Counts, Lane County Museum Commission, Lawson Brooks, Lisa Livelybrooks, Mountain House Hotel, Nicholas Willits, RAC Uke Club, Rural Art Center, Rylan Larsen, Teancum Jentzsch, Thomas Martin, Trent Clark, Trevor Knoop, Ukulele Club, Vanessa Oldale, Wyatt Stewart, Yeshua Wogomanpaedwards Leave a comment

Fern Ridge Review
Creswell Chronicle
Sweet Lorane Community News
June 2, 2016
By Pat Edwards

On Sunday morning, May 31, another of Lorane’s long-time residents, Donna Moulton, passed quietly away following a long illness. She was surrounded by family and according to her grandson, Chris Blanchard, “She went peacefully and was able to spend her last days in her own home in Lorane. She loved Lorane, and didn’t ever want to leave.” No service is being planned, but her husband Bernie would enjoy having friends stop by, according to family members.

The property and house that Donna Moulton and her husband Bernie lived in on South Territorial Road has a lot of history attached to them. The home is one that Gary Thompson built for his parents in 1967. They obtained the property in 1951, and at the time, the old historic Cartwright House/Mountain House Hotel sat near the site where the Moulton’s home sits now.

“The Thompsons offered the old home and 107 acres of land to several historical societies. For many years, efforts were made by various agencies and concerned citizens to raise the $35,000 needed for purchase. The Lane County Museum Commission urged the Lane County Parks and Recreation Commission to buy the property for a county park site. The commission appointed a committee which concluded that the Cartwright House should indeed be preserved as the oldest public structure in Lane County, but that the commission was not the agency to do it. They recommended that publicity should be used to stimulate interest in the private sector. Taking not only acquisition but maintenance as well into consideration, the commission felt that no one had come up with a feasible solution or a means of raising the funds needed.

“While standing unused, the old house began to deteriorate rapidly. Following her husband’s death on July 10, 1970, Grace Thompson (Gary’s mother) decided she could no longer keep it in good condition and as increasing taxes made it unfeasible to keep it for sentimental reasons, the decision was made to tear it down.” (Sawdust and Cider: A History of Lorane, Oregon and the Siuslaw Valley, 1987 & 2006)

According to Lisa Livelybrooks, the Rural Art Center’s Ukulele Club performed on May 14 at the Uke Jam at Cozmic Pizza to a full house. It was one of six student groups to perform. Their next performance will be on July 7 during the Crow-Applegate-Lorane’s Spring Elementary Music Performance at Applegate Elementary.

The RAC Uke Club, formed in October 2015, is free. It is underwritten by grant funding from Spirit Mountain and Cow Creek Foundation and meets weekly on Thursdays from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. in the band room at Crow Middle/ High School. The group encompasses all skill levels and ages, ranging from 4th graders through adults. It currently has 10 members. The club will take a break during the summer, but will resume in the fall. Lisa hopes that you will consider joining!

Just a reminder that Crow High School graduation will be held on Friday, June 10 at 7:00 p.m. in the gym. There will be 23 graduates.

The Valedictorian is Teancum Jentzsch. He is the son of Troy and Coleen Jentzsch of Lorane. He will be attending Lane Community College, and from there, transfer to Oregon State University to earn a civil engineering degree. He was Student Body President his senior year, a National Honor Society member, played football, baseball, and participated very successfully in wrestling. Teancum also volunteered to help youth interested in wrestling and teaching middle school student-athletes how to block.

The Salutatorian is Rylan Larsen. He is the son of Hans and Kristi Larsen of Crow (Hans is a Lorane Elementary alum). Rylan has been accepted to George Fox University with a career goal of becoming a physical therapist. During his high school years, he was a member of the National Honor Society and was its president his senior year. Rylan was Class President his sophomore year, participated in football 3 years, and basketball and track & field all 4 years. He also volunteered on two missions/humanitarian trips to Mexico and volunteered during Vacation Bible School all fours years.

The rest of the graduating class includes Cameron Behlke, Dalton Bowman, Lawson Brooks, Grayson Clark, Trent Clark, Harrison Counts, Trevor Knoop, Gunnar Lassen, Aaron Lawson, Thomas Martin, Audrey Millard, Evangeline Nickle, Vanessa Oldale, Cameron Schwartz, Wyatt Stewart, Fernanda Torres, Alex Willis, Nicholas Willits, Yeshua Wogoman, Bryce Wood, Alyana Woods.

Congratulations to the Crow High School Class of 2016!

Lorane Community News – April 7, 2016

April 7, 2016Newspaper ColumnsCarol Morehead, Effie Hughes, Jeri Porter, Jim Bailor, Lorane Christian Church, Lorane Fire Department, Lorane Grange, Lorane Rebekahs, Lorane Talent Show, Markay Wilson, Rural Art Centerpaedwards Leave a comment

Oh, it’s so hard to sit at this computer for long. With the beautiful spring weather we’ve been having, I’ve been bitten by the spring fever bug hard. I was really needing a good dose of that sunshine and warmth for not only my physical, but mental health, especially. It’s been a rough few months and that sunshine is really welcome.

I’ve built a petunia planter, which is already filled, planted 2 new rose bushes, and several tubs of flowers. I even jumped the gun a bit by planting a bunch of strawberries in a planter box and some tomatoes and cucumbers in another one. I hope I haven’t jinxed everyone’s hopes for no additional frost this spring, but I just couldn’t help myself.

Apparently the recent Lorane Talent Show, sponsored by the Rural Art Center and the Lorane Grange, was a huge success this year. In past years, there are sometimes rather small turnouts, but Lil Thompson reported that 11 different contestants from not only Lorane, but from neighboring communities of Sutherlin, Elmira, Eugene, Triangle Lake, Cottage Grove and Crow participated. In addition, over 50 people turned out to show their support and appreciation for the talent offered. It was a fun time for all as everyone visited over refreshments in the grange kitchen following the entertainment.

In addition to the talent show, the Lorane Grange hosted its annual Outstanding Community Awards to honor those chosen by each of the area’s organizations. Those receiving the awards this year are Markay Wilson (Lorane Christian Church), Jim Bailor (Lorane Fire Department), Jeri Porter and Carol Morehead (Lorane Grange), Effie Hughes (Lorane Rebekahs) and the Rural Art Center for its community service programs.

For you parents and grandparents who want to be able to check out the dates and times of upcoming Crow-Applegate-Lorane school district activities and athletics, information will now be included on the District’s website at http://www.cal.k12.or.us. It will also have instructions or an app on the website to enable you to access info by your cell phone or tablet.

There’s some exciting news on the horizon for C-A-L students who will be 16 or older by June 2017. Plans are being discussed for a 12-day European adventure to Greece, Italy and Spain. A very important meeting is scheduled on Wednesday, April 13 at 6:30 p.m. for parents and students interested in such a trip. If you are unable to attend or need further information, you may contact Ms. Smith at asmith@cal.k12.or.us.

Both Lorane and Crow will be holding their dinner and bingo fundraisers on the same night this month – Saturday, April 16. For Lorane, dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. and bingo at 6:30 p.m. This will be the last one until September.

Crow’s doors open at 6:00 p.m. for dinner and bingo begins at 7:00 p.m. Please be sure to support our local granges. Lorane and Crow Granges have both given so much to their communities – not just their members – and it’s important to support them as much as possible. They are a large part of what makes our communities strong and so very special.

Happy spring everyone! It’s the time for track meets, flowers and gardens. My favorite time of the year!

Sweet Lorane Community News – February 25, 2016

February 25, 2016Newspaper ColumnsART Inc., Crow High School Wrestling, Dakoata Lutje, Half Day of Art, Kevin Stevens, Lorane Christian Church, Lorane Fitness, Marti Byers, Norm Fox, Resource guide, Rural Art Center, Teke Jentzschpaedwards Leave a comment

Fern Ridge Review
Creswell Chronicle
Sweet Lorane Community News
February 25, 2016
By Pat Edwards

It sounds as though the Lorane Fitness group is off and running. According to Pam Kersgaard, one of the organizers, “Our set schedule is dance/aerobic workouts on Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. On Thursdays at 5:00 p.m., we will do yoga/pilates/Tai Chi. So far we are showing videos on the big screen. It’s perfect for beginners. We have averaged around 14 or 15 people attending!”

They are providing babysitting in a separate room for those with young ones. There has been some interest shown in a morning session, but so far, none have been organized. Check the notices on either the “Health and Fitness in Lorane” or the “Lorane, Oregon” Facebook pages for updates.

My offer of putting together a directory of Lorane businesses, services and products is still open but someone needs to collect information for me if it is to be done. Katarina Digman has been the only one to offer a couple of suggestions, but I’ll need at least one person to coordinate and gather all of the information needed as I won’t be able to take on another project at this time. I’d be glad to put it on my allthingslorane.com website or in some simple printed pamphlets.

Congratulations are in store for Teke Jentzsch of Crow High School who placed second in his weight division in the District Wrestling Meet hosted by Crow. He qualified for the State meet which, as you read this, was held this past weekend. At this writing on the first day of the tournament, however, Teke’s mother, Coleen Jentzsch reports that, “Teke lost his first match, 11 to 10, in the last few seconds in the 3rd round. Tough match. He won the second one in true Teancum style. He pinned him in the 2nd round! So proud of my boy!” If Teke can win his next two matches on Saturday, he will place 3rd in state. Good job, Teke!

I understand that Dakoata Lutje from Crow earned his way to the state tournament, too. He was eliminated early but according to his mom, Keri Boehringer-Lutje, “Dakoata fought hard and was up 5-2. He almost had a pin several times, but lost with 34 seconds remaining. Tough loss, being up the whole time, but so proud of Dakoata. He had a great season. Way to come back with a broken thumb and still be at State!” Congratulations, Dakoata!

Sorry, Tom Page… I didn’t mean to step over into your territory, but I’ve known the Jentzsch and Boehringer families for a looong time! I’ll let you give the official “scoop.”

Speaking of Crow sports, I just heard that our grandson, Kevin Stevens, will be helping to coach the Crow baseball team this year. Boy, does that ever take me back. Kev graduated from Crow in 2006 (has it really been 10 years?). I loved those late spring/early summer evenings when we sat in the bleachers and watched his baseball team play nine innings. I still get goosebumps when I hear the solid crack of a bat connecting with a ball. It stirs up memories of how those cracks of the bat frequently sent a ball over the outfield fence and into the pond. We had quite a collection of those signed and dated balls on display in our house until I gave them back to Kev when he got his own home. Such sweet memories!

Last week, we were told that long-time teacher at Crow, Norm Fox, was hospitalized with what was determined to be a heart attack. He has been slowly recovering, but has been on a respirator and heavily sedated. He is still in the hospital and for those who know Norm and want to keep updated on his progress, his daughter, Cindee, has set up a Facebook page specifically for that purpose called, “Praying for Norm Fox.” Our thoughts and prayers are with the Fox family.

The Lorane Christian Church will provide a very “inspiring, emotional and live “Last Supper” service on Sunday, March 6 at 11:00 a.m.

The next half day of art, sponsored by the Rural Art Center, is scheduled for Friday, March 4. Marti Byers, former Crow High School drama teacher, who is now affiliated with the Applegate Regional Theater, Inc. (ART, Inc) will be working with the students on drama, improvisation games and skits. Scholarships are available for the participating fee. Contact Alyssa Shepherd at 541-556-8151 or malyssa2@yahoo for more information.

I understand that congratulations are in order for the members of ART, Inc. who recently were able to purchase the former Central School property and can now move forward with their plans for the long-dreamed-of theater that they have been planning. Congratulations to Marti Byers (who happens also to be Jennifer Chambers’ mother), Vicki Sourdry, and all of the loyal members of the ART, Inc. team who have worked so hard to make this happen! It’s a win-win for not only ART, but for the Veneta/Crow communities, as well.