HOLDING COURT

Holding Court: Seeking volunteers, quake prep and more

Carol McAlice Currie, Michael Davis, and Lauren E Hernandez
Statesman Journal
Billy, a siamese available for adoption through CAFA, and Lora Meisner were promoting Saturday's microchip event at Salem Saturday Market.

It was a blow-out at Holding Court this week as 19 parties slipped into booths and sat at tables waiting to talk to someone from the Statesman Journal crew. The number tied our previous record high of 19, set during the same week last year on Sept. 15, 2015. Note to newcomers: you might want to pick another week next year for your fall event; we had to call for reporting reinforcements to get everyone in, and we exceeded our own cutoff time of 1 p.m. by a half hour.

But get everyone in we did, starting with a sweet 12-year-old dog named Bessie, whom Debbie West of Prevent A Litter (P.A.L.) fostered and then adopted and tagged along Wednesday along with a shy blue-eyed Siamese kitten named Billy, who is available for adoption through Lora Meisner of the Coalition Advocating for Animals.

Both women were encouraging the public to protect their pet by getting them microchipped. And there just happens to be a low-cost microchip clinic going on this Saturday, Sept. 17, at the Salem Saturday Market.

Bessie, not available for adoption, but owned by Debbie West, is a poster child for microchipping.

The weather forecast calls for an overcast 77-degree day, which makes it perfect for bringing down a pet and getting their microchip for just $10 each. No reservations are necessary, and the microchips, donated by Willamette Valley Animal Hospital from Keizer, will be administered by the animal hospital staff. The only requirement is that dogs are brought in on leashes and cats be contained in a cat carrier.

The event will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Saturday market, which is in the parking lot at the corner of Union and Winter streets NE.

Small people needed

The B-17 Alliance Foundation, in its effort to bring World War II history to life, is restoring a B-17G Bomber known as the Lacey Lady at Salem's McNary Field, and it needs you!

Well, only, if you're 5 feet, 2-inches tall or shorter and weigh somewhere between 95 and 110 pounds. Male or female makes no difference. The restoration crew just needs people of small stature to be trained as construction interns and get inside the narrow wing sections of the plane.

Bryan Heim, marketing and media liaison for the foundation, said the sections are "very fragile spaces." He said they measure about 28 inches wide by 15 inches tall. He said folks who can turn around in that sort of small space are in great demand by his organization.

"It's a very confined space," said Heim, who had his 4-year-old son Collin Heim with him.

Members of the B-17 Alliance Foundation, from left, Terry Scott, Bryan Heim, Collin Heim and Paul Payne welcomed 94-year-old Rita Hathaway, front, to help gain volunteers for the restoration of the wing sections on the vintage WWII bomber.

The foundation's recruiter Tuesday at Holding Court was 94-year-old Salem resident Rita Hathaway, who worked at the Boeing Plant in South Seattle during World War II and has stories to share about being a riveter or "bucking" for a riveter. B-17 Alliance Foundation Executive Director Terry Scott said they were delighted to have Hathaway along to galvanize help for the cause. Hathaway was accompanied by her friend, Karen Barna.

Hathaway spun great stories about working on the skins of planes as a riveter during WWII. "We had to be small ladies because men couldn't maneuver in the small spaces, she said.

Paul Payne, the foundation's volunteer of the year and himself a B-24 Bombardier during the second world war, is eager to get more help for the Lacey Lady. There are less than 50 B-17s remaining in the world, the alliance said, and only a handful are air worthy. It is the nonprofit's goal to restore the Lacey Lady to flying condition.

If you meet the small-frame stature and would like to work on the plane's wing restoration, or if you want to find out about other restoration and maintenance volunteer opportunities, call 503-654-6491 or 971-803-2428, or go to the website at www.B17Alliance.com. Rosie the Riveter kerchiefs will be given to all volunteers, Scott said.

From left, Steve Eberlein, Monique Dugaw and Kate Templeton are promoting next week's Prepare Out Loud event at NW Natural.

Start talking about it

Monique Dugaw, Dianne Mekkers, Steve Eberlein and Kate Templeton of the American Red Cross Cascades Region stopped by to tell Oregonians it's time to start talking about the Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake.

Eberlein, who was in Colombo and survived the Dec. 26, 2004 Boxing Day tsunami that hit Sri Lanka after a 9.1 subduction zone quake in the Indian Ocean and killed an estimated 40,000 people there and 230,000 overall, said it's time to "unlock the power of peer influence to bring sustainable cultural change to Oregon.

"Places like Japan and Chile, which have had subduction zone earthquakes, have cultural preparation that they learn from their parents and grandparents. We don't have the luxury of experience, so we must prepare in a different way."

Part of that way is taking place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. next Thursday, Sept. 22 at Sullivan Auditorium at NW Natural gas headquarters in Salem.

The American Red Cross, along with NW Natural, is presenting "Prepare Out Loud" to help residents be ready for all kinds of disasters. The Thursday night event will provide practical steps to start preparing, communicating plans with family members and encouraging other to prepare, too, Dugaw said. She said Prepare Out Loud will be visual and interactive.

Eberlein will share his first-hand experiences from the day of the tsunami 12 years ago. He'll discuss some of the science and history of the Cascadia Subduction Zone, as well as human behavior during disasters, what to expect during and after a subduction zone quake, how to quickly locate loved ones after a quake and how much food, water, and supplies will be needed to take care of one's self and others.

Mekkers reminds Oregonians who tend to think the government will take care of them in a disaster or that it only happens somewhere else, that this event is being held because the Red Cross believes people will change their preparedness behavior only when they see their peers preparing.

"So we have to get the message out there," Mekkers said.

Eberlein wants residents to know that the Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake will occur only 70 miles off Oregon's coast, and there will be an estimated 10 to 20 minutes to prepare for the tsunami (Japan will get 10 hours' notice of its arrival by comparison). "The only solution is personal preparedness. We have to show that it is no longer acceptable to be unprepared for this risk."

"That's why it's important to drill, and drill often," Dugaw said. "We will be showing very visual ways to prepare."

The event is free, but registration is recommended. Register at redcross.org/PrepareOutLoudSalem. NW Natural's auditorium is at 3123 Broadway St. NE.

Shopping party in the gardens

From left, Yvonne Putze and Melanie Jones are excited about this weekend's Deepwood Vintage Market at Deepwood Museum & Gardens.

Yvonne Putze and Melanie Jones dropped by to invite folks who appreciate one-of-a-kind-treasures, repurposed vintage goods, art work and antiques to the Deepwood Vintage Market being held this weekend.

The fun begins Friday night with a Vintage Market Early Buying Soiree from 5 to 8 p.m. For those who love to beat the crowds or just like arriving early to get a jump on them, the early buying event is $12 or $10 for Friends of Deepwood members. The admission cost includes wine and light refreshments and the opportunity to shop more than 20 vendors. Register early online or buy tickets at the gate.  As a rare treat, the historic Carriage House will be open and treasures from the Friends of Deepwood will be sold to benefit the nonprofit.

If you're a "I don't do anything after work Friday kind of person," you can save the $12 and just show up Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a suggested donation of $3 per person. No registration is required as it's a drop-in event.

Deepwood Museum & Gardens is an 1894 Queen Anne style home located at Yew Park on the corner of Mission and 12th streets. It is owned by the city of Salem. For registration, go to DeepwoodMuseum.org.

Public lands update

Gail Gredler with the Salem Environmental Education is promoting the first in a series of environmental lectures next Wednesday, Sept. 21 at the Salem Public Library.

Gail Gredler with the Salem Environmental Education organization invites the community to come hear the first in its Environment Issues Series on Wednesday, Sept. 21.

The first topic up for discussion this fall will be Oregon's public land that is available for a variety of uses. The SEE's program will explore the history and current issues of public-land use with four guest speakers providing a 15-minute perspective. They are: Paul Tigan, of the U.S. Bureau of Land Managment (federal view), Sean Stevens of Oregon Wild (an environmental advocate's view); Nancy Pustis, from the Oregon Division of State Lands (the state's view) and John O'Keeffe of the Oregon Cattlemen's Association, who'll provide the industry association's viewpoint.

Gredler said the event was planned with Public Lands Day (Sept. 24) in mind.

The event starts at 7 p.m. in Loucks Auditorium at the Salem Public Library, 585 Liberty St. SE.

Celebrate Oregon, Hispanic heritage

From left, Dr. Kenya M‡rquez, Rosa Olgin (front), Ismael Jaramillo (back) and Matias Trejo De Dios invite the public to Hispanic Heritage Day at the Capitol this Saturday.

Matias Trejo De Dios, executive director of the Instituto de Cultura Oregoniana, along with charros Ismael Jaramillo, Dr. Kenya Márquez and Rosa Olgin, were bubbling over with enthusiasm as they invited the public to join them for Dia De La Hispanidad or Hispanic Heritage Day at the Capitol building this Saturday.

The free event is designed to celebrate the "Oregoniano" identity of the Latino Hispanic culture in the Beaver State, Trejo De Dios said. He said 20 percent of the state identifies as Hispanic along with 30 percent of the Mid-Valley's. He said the Instituto de Cultura Oregoniana was formed to prevent lost identities, but also to celebrate them as these residents grow up or old in Oregon.

"We want to maintain traditions such as language and dance, but we want to celebrate the next generations that grow up as bilingual or multilingual Oregonians," Trejo De Dios said.

Throughout most of the day, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m, there will be exhibits, booths, activities, poetry readings and classical guitar-master performances. From 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., the Woodburn High School Mariachi Band will perform, followed from 11 to 11:30 a.m. by nationally known singer Edna Vazques. From 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Dr. Kenya Márquez' dancers will take the stage and demonstrate their connection to their mother land as well as their homeland (Oregon) with the Ballet Papalotl. This performance will be accompanied by the charros (cowboys) in full dress with lassos (but alas no horses), performing in synchronicity.

Then from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., the musical band Inka Jam will perform music from places such as Chile and Argentina, and the Ballet Folklorico Tianese will wrap the day up from 1:30 to 2 p.m. with some traditional Mexican performance.

The event is free as is parking, and will be held rain or shine. Tower tours will be offered, weather permitting, at noon and 1 p.m.

The Oregon State Capitol building is at 900 Court St. NE.

Take a trip to the 1500s

Salem author Adrienne Dillard will help locals take a trip back in time by discussing her book Saturday, Sept. 24 in London as part of her publisher MadeGlobal’s “An Evening with the Authors” event. Dillard published a book two years ago titled, “Cor Rotto: A  novel of Catherine Carey,” which is about Queen Anne Boleyn’s niece and her life. Dillard will be travelling to London to help raise money for the Mary Rose Trust, which was responsible for King Henry VIII’s favorite warship. She’ll join 18 other authors and historians from Australia, Spain, Canada and the United Kingdom to discuss Tudor history and the medieval period. For those who can’t make the trip across the pond, viewers can live stream the event for $5. The stream will begin at 11:30 a.m. Pacific Standard time. Live stream viewers will be able to ask questions, view panel discussions and interact with authors and historians.  To live stream the event, visit: https://www.madeglobal.com/live-streaming-24-september/.

From left, Wix Agency owner Bob Wix and Tasha Saunders, are touting a Free Shred Event on Saturday, Sept. 24.

Shred your extra paper

Do you have pesky paper that needs shredding? Salem insurance agency Wix Agency is hosting its second consecutive Free Shred Event on Saturday, Sept. 24. Participants are encouraged to bring their unwanted paper to shred to smithereens. Although the event is free, Wix Agency owner Bob Wix said it also trying to raise money for Young Life, a Christian organization that provides camping programs to kids. Last year, Wix Agency recycled 4,400 pounds of shredded paper among its business clients alone and raised $570 from participants. This year,Wix Agency is opening up the shredding event to the community and hopes to recycle more and raise twice as much money for Young Life. The shred event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 864 Promontory Place SE.

Tackling children’s health

Willamette Heritage Center is hosting its third “History of the News” titled, “Safe at School? Schoolchildren’s Public Health in Oregon” on Thursday, Sept. 15 in the Dye House from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Bob Reinhardt, executive director of the Willamette Heritage Center, said this monthly program helps the community put a current event into historical context and allows round table participants to discuss the issue in detail. An open question and answer portion invites public commentary on the issue. Reinhardt said the center is trying to engage the recent controversies of lead in water pipes, asbestos, vaccination rates and even affordable school lunches in its program.

“What are the conversations in the past about how we keep our kids healthy and safe in schools, and how have those evolved over time?” Reinhardt asked, referring to the primary question that will be tackled in the program.

Three participants will speak in the roundtable discussion including Jane Hunter, a professor of history at Lewis & Clark; Kimberley Jensen, professor of history and gender studies at Western Oregon University; and David Lewis, a tribal anthropologist and member of the Grande Ronde Tribe.

Pamela Vorachek, executive director of Antique Powerland, will host a free Family Day Sept. 17.

Put some elbow grease into it

Antique Powerland Museum Association is hosting a free Family Day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17 from Antique Powerland, a complex of heritage museums, will have most of its museums open to the public, but will also provide additional activities for families. Visitors can take a hayride on the grounds, but for those who don’t mind getting their hands dirty, visitors may make their own rope, use grinders for corn shelling to create corn meal, grind some wheat with hand grinders and excavate for toys. Pamela Vorachek, executive director of Antique Powerland, said although the association has been doing free family days for many years, this is the first time that there will be additional “elbow grease” activities. For more information, visit: http://antiquepowerland.com/.

Low cost vaccinations offered

Local pet owners may take advantage of several events hosted by Marion County Dog Services to help their pooches live healthy lives over the next few weeks, said Marion County Dog Shelter Program Specialist Sonya Pulvers. On Saturday, Sept. 17, a License Amnesty Event will provide vaccination and licensing to dogs with the help of Santiam Equine Veterinary Clinics. Rabies, DHPP and Bordetella vaccinations will cost $10 cash. Visitors will receive a free rabies vaccination with the purchase of a Marion County dog license and secondary vaccine. The amnesty event will take place at the Stayton Public Library at 515 N. First Avenue in Stayton. On Sunday, Sept. 18, Nature’s Pet will host “Shop for the Shelter,” where 10 percent of all sales made between noon and 5 p.m. are donated to Marion County Dog Services. On Saturday, Oct. 8, Marion County Dog Services will host its 10th Anniversary Celebration with dog training tips, children’s activities and shelter tours. Pet owners can even take a photo with their furry family members at an autumn themed pet photo booth. Finally, Marion County Dog Services will participate in Fall Fashion Frenzy at Woodburn Premium Outlets on Oct. 22, where it will join other charity partners in a raffle. All raffle tickets purchased by visitors will be divided among these partners. Last year, the shelter raised $7,000 and hope to raise more this year.

New book out

Dennis Galloway’s passion for grain elevators is captured in his new book of black-and-white photographs.

Photographer Dennis Galloway’s passion for the American grain elevator has resulted in a new book of black-and-white photographs with a distinctly Northwest grounding.

Available now at amazon.com, “Grain Elevators: An Architecture of Primary Forms” is a celebration of “forms and the romance of placement.”

With spare text, the Salem-based artist brings the view to remote landscapes where wooden cathedrals jut into the sky.

“Unfortunately, these structures fall victim to vandalism and decay,” he told us. “So, I was compelled to photograph their shapes, which are revealed in light.”

Dennis supports a website for visitors to enjoy and appreciate these photographs. The link is http://online.fliphtml5.com/sxij/owdz/#p=1.

Additional images are available at https://www.flickr.com/photos/dgeugene/albums/72157633300978101

Questions or comments? Email Dennis at dgeugene1@gmail.com.

ItÕs a banner month for Mark Babson, right, and Curt McCormack of Oregonians for Peace.

Upcoming peace events

Our blood pressure stabilizes whenever we have guests drop in from Oregonians for Peace, a secular organization dedicated to a saner, safer world.

Former pastor Curt McCormack and violinist Mark Babson came to Holding Court bearing leaflets about a slew of coming events during 34 Days of Peace, from Sept. 21 (International Peace Day) to Oct. 24 (United Nations Day). The opening event, scheduled at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 21, will be held at Unity of Salem, 1777 Fabry Road SE in Salem. The topic for featured speaker Dr. Russell Beaton, economics professor at Willamette University, is “Economics of Sustainability and Peace.”

Also scheduled during the 34 days will be a celebration of Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday (Oct. 2), a benefit concert by internationally renowned native flute player Jan Michael Looking Wolf (Oct. 8) and the 27th annual peace lecture (Oct. 19, featuring University of Washington’s Dr. Robin DiAngelo).

And lest we forget, the Non-Violent Communications Picnic is scheduled for Sept. 25 at Bush Park, from noon to 4 p.m.

Details are available at oregoniansforpeace.org.

Or you can contact McCormack at 503-871-9100.

Empowerment coach and speaker Amanda Bresee helps women “find their unique gifts.”

Bevy of bliss

Who wouldn’t want more bliss?

Turner’s Amanda Bresee empowers women to find more of it in their lives with her coaching and speaking appearances.

The owner-operator of Claim It Live It is offering two free lectures on the subject of boosting bliss. They’ll be held Oct. 1 at Hampton Inn and Suites, 510 Hawthorne Ave. SE in Salem.

The morning session is from 10 a.m. to noon. The afternoon lecture is from 2 to 4 p.m.

During the talks, Amanda reveals the No. 1 tool for attracting bliss. Hint: It’s not Chanel No. 5.

To register online, visit http://claimitliveit.com/trainings.

Allison Simmons, left, and Carolyn Parsons will perform at a saucy cabaret fundraiser to benefit the Confluence Willamette Valley LGBT Chorus.

Chorus creativity

If you believe life is a cabaret, then head off Saturday, Sept. 17 toward Huntington Hall at First Congregational Church of Salem.

Showtime is 7 p.m. for “A Cabaret to Welcome Myself,” an evening of entertainment to raise funds for the Confluence LGBT Chorus of Willamette Valley.

(If you are really into long acronyms, that’s CLGBTCWV.)

Chorus members Carolyn Parsons and Allison Simmons will be among the plethora of performers packing the stage Saturday night.

“It may be a little PG-13,” warns Allison. “Some of the songs are a little saucy.”

The evening features the debut of Stephanie Lynne Smith, the new assistant director for the chorus. Hence, the “Welcome Myself” title.

Tickets for the fundraiser are $20 to $50 and can be purchased at brownppapertickets.com.

The chorus will begin rehearsals for its Christmas show, “Jingle My Bells,” at 4 p.m. on Oct. 2. A performance is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 10 in Salem, so mark that on your calendar.

For singers interested in joining the group, visit confluencechorus.org.

Hammer for Habitat

If I had a hammer, I’d …volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, which is celebrating 25 years of good work in Salem.

At 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 4, the organization will sponsor a Hope Builder Breakfast to thank the community and its volunteers for helping needy individuals and families realize the dream of owning a home.

Communications Coordinator Jennifer Chamberlain and Kevin Priest, director of programs and services, said the free breakfast may attract up to 600 guests to the Salem Convention Center.Habitat for Humanity International’s first ever volunteer, Clive Rainey, will address attendees.

To attend, you must RSVP by Tuesday, Sept. 20 by calling 503-364-6642 or by visiting www.salemhabitat.org. You may also email scott@salemhabitat.org.

If you go, you’ll meet the two families buying homes this year.

As is the Salem tradition, the 60-minute event is expected to end by 9 a.m.

That’s hour town.

The Center for Hope & SafetyÕs Jayne Downing, left, and Steven Broncheau need donors to step up for a $120,000 challenge grant.

Take a step for safety

Come Saturday morning, Oct. 1, you’ll be able to stretch your legs and help a great cause by signing up for the annual Steps to Safety walk and run, benefitting Center for Hope & Safety

It all begins at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training facility (4190 Aumsville Hwy. SE in Salem) with a 10K run at 9 a.m. The 5k walk/run goes off at 9:30.

Early bird registration for the event, which raises funds to assist victims and raise awareness of domestic violence, ends Friday, Sept. 30. Individuals who sign up before the deadline will pay $25. A team of four can enter for $120.

Day of race registration is $50 per individual, $160 per team.

Participants will receive a limited edition short-sleeved Performance Tech T-shirt. And a hearty handshake.

Executive Director Jayne Downing of the Center for Hope & Safety and its community engagement manager Steven Broncheau said an anonymous donor has issued a challenge grant to the organization. The angel has agree to match every dollar donated to the organization before Oct. 7, up to $120,000.

For details, call Steve at 503-378-1572 or visit hopeandsafety.org.

Therapeutic horseback riding providers Gretchen Hoppe, left, and Debbie Rambeck promise fun for all at the second HART Fall Family Fair.

For the love of Pete

Do you remember the story about Pete, the therapy horse who was injured back in July?
Well, some proceeds from the HART Fall Family Fun Fair on Sunday, Sept,. 25 will go toward Pete’s recovery.
The family friendly event in Independence will include arts and crafts, games, face painting and a silent auction.
HART, which stands for Horses Adaptive Riding Therapy, provides therapeutic horseback riding to special needs people.
Volunteer Gretchen Hoppe and HART’s Debbie Rambeck were pleased to say that this year’s event will be held at the organization’s home barn and stable at 6665 Rickreall Rd. in Independence.
Admittance for a family of four (two adults, two children 12 and under) is $40. Tickets are priced at $15 for adults, $7.50 for children. Children under 2 are admitted free.
For information or to purchase tickets, call 971-301-HART or email events@horsesadaptiveriding.org.

 ccurrie@statesmanjournal.com; 503-399-6746 or follow on Twitter at @CATMCurrie or mdavis4@statesmanjournal.com; 503-399-6712 or follow on Twitter at @MDavisSJ or lehernande@statesmanjournal.com or 503-399-6743.