Fern Ridge-Tribune News
Creswell Chronicle
Sweet Lorane Community News
February 17, 2022
By Pat Edwards

I’m finding that, with the recent days of sunshine and a bit warmer weather, I’m beginning to slough off some of the lethargy I’ve felt this past winter. I never seem to stop writing—after all, the commitment to write a weekly column for two newspapers helps to keep me on track, but it’s been difficult to concentrate and focus on larger projects during this pandemic. Before it descended on us, I had done much of the research and was preparing to begin the writing of a third book in my “Early Lane County, Oregon, Families with Lorane Connections” series, but the disruption of “normal” life as we knew it two years ago was accompanied by the need to focus on some personal issues, too, so I set it aside to finish “later.”

Thanks to the encouragement of Creswell Chronicle publisher, Noel Nash, I’ve begun the research and compilation of information for another local history project that has piqued my interest and I’m anxious to see where it leads.

In addition, I’ve agreed to assist in the writing of some grants to help find funding for the Lorane Christian Church’s critical need for a new roof.

, the promise of spring and the resulting work necessary to get our yard and flower beds in shape—chores that I love doing— along with a couple of writing projects I can work on while resting tired muscles, I’m looking forward to what 2022 will bring.

There are a few community news notes that I want to share with you this week. The Rural Art Center’s hoped-for launch of the 2022 Movie Night series, scheduled originally to be held on February 12, has been postponed to Saturday, March 12 at 6:00 p.m. at the Lorane Grange. This popular movie series, like most other community activities, did not take place last year because of the pandemic, but it’s being brought back and I suggest that you put the date and time on your calendars. Masks will be required. Unfortunately, I can’t give out the title of the movie that will be shown. The only way you can find out is if you join RAC’s “member list,” because the company that they contract with for the movies prohibit them from advertising. To join the member list, send them an email at ruralartcenter@gmail.com. Members can then request the movie names which will be emailed as long as you promise not to publicize them. Curious…

RAC has long worked with the Crow-Applegate-Lorane School District to provide their “Half Day of Art” classes to students. Each begins at noon when regular classes are dismissed. This program is funded through art and culture grants that are awarded to RAC each year. On the days when the school district has only half days of classes, RAC arranges for professional artists to come to the school to provide a three-hour “stimulating art experience” for the students who sign up. A $15 per child, per class, fee also includes a recess break and a healthy snack. They only have three classes left in the 2021-2022 school year. The next one is scheduled for Friday, May 4, and it will feature Brenda Brainard working with the class on Native American crafts and stick games. The one on Thursday, April 21, will welcome artist Shawn Goddard who will oversee the carving of the student’s own stamps and print designs. The last half-day class of the school year will be on Friday, May 20, when Patricia Montoya Donohue returns with her popular clay monsters class.

Another fun activity that RAC has helped sponsor for several years is Ukulele lessons for 4th graders to adults. We just got started last Wednesday.” They are held in the Crow High School music room from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesdays. Classes are free and are funded by the Rural Art Center, the Umpqua Indian Foundation, and the Oregon Country Fair. For more information, contact music director, Pat Dixon (pdixon@cal.k12.or.us). Everyone must wear face masks and adults are required to show proof of vaccinations for the ukulele classes.

event to put on your calendar… On Saturday, March 19, the Creswell Grange will hold The Spice of Life Food Drive to benefit the Creswell Food Pantry. It is a drive-and-drop event in which much-needed cooking seasonings such as salt and pepper, spices, herbs, cooking oils, vinegar, condiments and sauces are requested. Volunteers will be curbside at Creswell Grange to accept donations from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. More information will be made available closer to the event or you can contact Carolin Pettit at 541-913-1859.