DeAnna Townsend saw a need and decided to fill it. Her work at the Veneta Service Center assisting the unhoused brought to her attention just how food insecure they are, and this in turn, led to her requesting a Little Free Pantry that could be installed just outside of the Service Center building.
     A part of the Waste to Taste program, a food rescue and free food box program that works in partnership with bakeries, grocery stores, restaurants, and farms to salvage food and redistribute it to those in the community, the Little Free Pantries work to address hunger at a ramped-up level.
     LFP’s are maintained by a crew of volunteers and the owner of the property where the LFP is sited accepts responsibility for its care. Veneta was fortunate enough to receive a specially painted LFP and it was accessible 24/7. It proved popular, but because of the mental illness suffered by some members of the homeless population, there would always be a mess that would have to be cleaned up. Townsend realizes that those who are doing this are unwell, but more recently four youths have taken to vandalizing the LFP and a decision was made to remove it from its prior location due to a desire to balance providing this service with protecting patrons of the Service Center, the majority of whom are seniors. Often, there would be broken glass near the front entrance and other items strewn about would also present a tripping hazard.
     Townsend says the youths responsible for the vandalism were caught on the security cameras that were installed two months ago in response to the messes and appear to be either in fifth grade or early middle school. The Service Center’s location between Dairy Mart and American Market means kids frequently pass by as they go to one store or the other to purchase candy and soda pop. It is unknown who the kids responsible are, but the video has them at the Service Center after dark.
    “They are doing this to be stinkers,” Townsend states matter-of-factly.
     Things finally reached a point where the Board of Directors, in agreement with the volunteers whose task it was to maintain the LFP, decided it had become too much to have to clean up the mess left behind daily. It was time for it to go. It saddened them to have to make this pronouncement, but they saw no other alternative.
     Then, Savannah Celeste, owner of Luava’s Place, offered to host the LFP in front of her business and it was given a second chance to feed the hungry. Townsend toted the LFP down the block on a hand truck to its new home where it will still be monitored via cameras so offenders will be caught as continued messes are all but guaranteed. Townsend stresses that the LFP is not designed to have strings attached and if it is destroyed, it will be replaced by Waste to Taste. Nevertheless, it is disheartening to see the destruction wrought by those whose minds are not functioning properly but even more so by youngsters who seemingly have no respect for the property of others.
     At the same time, Townsend says, some of the unhoused have pushed the limits and have had to be told if they cannot be respectful, they cannot be on the Service Center property following gatherings that have taken place after hours beneath the covered area behind the building. Drinking and smoking have occurred and when staff have been working late, they have reprimanded those who have been partaking in this behavior to stop.
     Meanwhile, Townsend and others continue to work to meet the needs of the unhoused via programs that provide tents and tarps as well as air mattresses, cots, tie downs, and hygiene products courtesy of money received in a grant. Showers are available once a week and laundry can be dropped off on Wednesday and picked up on Friday. There is a general sense of compassion for the unhoused and work will continue to see that they have food they can easily access and at least a rudimentary shelter to protect them from the elements. While it may get frustrating at times, Townsend and the others who strive to assist those in need know they are not there to judge those who are unwell and unhoused but to care enough to want to extend a hand, a smile, and acknowledge their humanity while doing what they can to make things just a little easier.
 
 
 
 
 
 

     Music is more than a past-time for Jen Sennet-Franklin. It’s a passion, and she loves nothing better than to share this enthusiasm with others. For the past twenty years, she has performed with her brother-in-law at area wineries such as Hayworth and Sarver. While he plays the guitar and she plays the ukulele or the box drum, the two sing a selection of classic rock, pop, and folk music for the pleasure of those who are there as guests. It’s a lot of fun and while she admits to still having performance anxiety after all these years, Sennet-Franklin likes being able to do this.
      It was while working at Fern Ridge Middle School in 2019 as an assistant in the band room under teacher Cameron Siegel that Sennet-Franklin learned how to play the ukulele. Already able to play the guitar, she learned the basics of ukulele from merely being in Siegel’s class and observing. It was fun, and she enjoyed adding this instrument to her repertoire which also includes the violin, the flute, and more recently, the piano.
     Then, Covid hit, and the schools were closed. To fill her time, Sennet-Franklin busied herself with visual arts such as making sun catchers and wind chimes. Eventually, an opportunity arose in early 2021 to teach Tots Rock, a child/parent music class in Eugene. Sennet-Franklin jumped at the chance. She worked to put a class together and this proved to be a positive experience as she gained skills in lesson planning and getting her young pupils to calm down.
     This in turn led to teaching opportunities at preschools in the Veneta area followed by teaming up with former music teacher Amy Humphrey to teach ukulele at Veneta Elementary. This came about when it was learned that the school was looking for someone to teach music after a grant had been received to fund the teaching of music in the schools in a program similar to Artist in Residence. Elmira Elementary already had a ukulele program so Sennet-Franklin also started teaching there and this, in turn, led to teaching after school and summer school programs.
     Life was good and Sennet-Franklin was busy in a most enjoyable way. She loved her students, and she loved imparting her knowledge of music to them. Then, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and found herself fighting for her life. All that she had been doing came to a screeching halt. Fortunately, treatment has thus far been successful, and she has gone into remission but now she must pick up where she left off and to that end, she has begun teaching ukulele and voice lessons in a large, refurbished shed on her Jeans Road property.
     It’s a welcoming space that features a small piano and an ornate antique desk as well as a blue chaise lounge where her students can sit. To accommodate little legs, the chaise’s legs were shortened so youngsters could sit more comfortably. Some of her wind chimes and sun catchers hang in the windows and the ambiance is one of feeling welcome and being able to relax. Her husband did the drywall and the air conditioning and will also eventually add a porch and a fence.
     Having the lessons here in this shed will allow Sennet-Franklin to rest between sessions as she is still getting her health back and she is also teaching smaller groups. Recently, she has begun an incentive program to get her students to practice by allowing them to choose a prize after reaching a goal of 200 minutes of practice time with the goal being to inspire them to want to practice.
     “It’s a nice niche,” Sennet-Franklin says about what she does. “My performing adds to the lessons, and I look for opportunities for the kids to perform.”
     Recently her students gave a ukulele performance at Applegate Regional Theatre and while she knows they get nervous, Sennet-Frankling wants them to feel comfortable on stage and be able to work through their nerves.
     Sennet-Franklin also teaches adult classes in her shed classroom and has also taught at the Service Center. It has been her experience that people will start out with the ukulele and then transition to the guitar. Because of its small size and few strings, students, particularly children, feel successful sooner with the ukulele.
       It’s been an interesting, rewarding path that Sennet-Franklin has followed with her music, one that she probably could not have imagined initially, but one she now cannot imagine not having done. Because of her, countless children have been given an introduction to the beauty of music that they may not have had otherwise, and they have gained skills in playing an instrument. This could become a lifelong love for some of these kids and one day, one of them could well go on to become the next generation to teach and impart a love that was once imparted to them.

     Bundled up against the cold temperatures and the bone penetrating fog that seems to have taken up permanent residence in the area, citizens of Veneta and surrounding areas gathered at Veneta Elementary School on December 6th to take part in the annual tree lighting ceremony.
     While frigid, the atmosphere was at the same time festive, and shrieks of excitement could be heard from throngs of Santa had clad school children as they waited to sing as part of the Veneta Elementary School choir. Those who wished to do so, drank cups of free hot chocolate and carols played over a pair of speakers, compliments of The Beat of Eugene’s (99.1 FM) Barry MacGuire. When the time came to start the celebration in earnest, mayor elect Robbie McCoy took the microphone and after a bit of technical difficulty, announced to the crowd assembled that a certain guest of honor was arriving.
     With a short blast of a siren, Santa Claus arrived on a vintage fire truck to the howls and cheers of delighted children who eagerly looked forward to sitting on his lap and sharing their Christmas wishes. Then, attention was turned back to the tree and as everyone counted down from five, McCoy flipped a switch, and the tree became awash in brilliantly colored lights as a collective cheer went up from the spectators.
      Then it was time for more music, this time compliments of the Veneta Elementary School choir, led by principal Dawn Dean. Children in Kindergarten through second grade performed Jingle Bells and then the third-grade members sang Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and one other song before ceding the spotlight to the 4th and 5th grade members who sang We Wish You a Merry Christmas. Applause rang out and the crowd began to disperse, but not before the Fern Ridge Middle School choir began to sing such chestnuts as The Little Drummer Boy.
     While the youthful voices rang out, the smaller children stood in line awaiting a turn to sit on Santa’s lap while still others who had been in attendance began to make their way towards their vehicles and the warmth of home on this dark chilly night.
     An enjoyable time was had, and memories were made by children and adults alike as yet another Christmas season was formally welcomed with merriment and even a little laughter.
 
    

     Promoting excellence for all students and the realization that academic success is contingent on a school environment that is safe is something that the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) stresses and the Fern Ridge District is doing its part to ensure that LBGTQ kids are heard and supported. This has resulted in changes at Elmira High so both transgender and non-transgender students can use the restroom comfortably and more changes where locker rooms are concerned at the high school and at the middle school are on the horizon.
     Superintendent Gary Carpenter says that multiple students fall under the transgender, non-binary, gay, lesbian, and gender fluid labels and while there is a lot of “nuances”, the district tries to be supportive while at the same time being supportive of families who may find the guidance that is given on this controversial subject uncomfortable.
     Carpenter acknowledges that it can “get heated” at school board meetings when the topic of trans kids comes up and there have been instances where parents who have spoken out in support of trans kids have been bullied by parents who disagree with this stance.
     If interviewed, however, high school students themselves would have a completely different perspective and tend to be more supportive as a whole. Students have shared on an anonymous survey that they feel a gay pupil may get special privileges, while on the other hand a gay student has shared that they feel bullied. Carpenter wants to make sure that all students have the encouragement they need to thrive scholastically.
     Complaints about trans kids from other kids mainly concern restroom use as well as the use of the locker room. To this end, a restroom with several single floor to ceiling stalls has been constructed on the high school campus and there are plans to add additional spaces for changing clothes beyond the single stall restrooms and the health room. Carpenter says the district is looking into providing screens on rollers and/or curtains on tracks to provide locker room privacy.
     While the loss of federal and state dollars is one concern in making these changes, it would also be a violation of a transgender student’s civil rights if they were denied being able to use the restroom of the gender they identify with, Carpenter states. The district has policies in place that prohibit discrimination based on protected class such as gender identity and sex and the district is extremely committed to having an environment in the schools that is free of discrimination against these kids. There is also a desire, Carpenter adds, to protect the district against the expense of potential litigation. Conversely, the Fern Ridge School District works diligently to provide support to ALL students, including those who may experience discomfort with these arrangements and will provide them with substitute private options for using the restroom and use of the locker room also.
     To stress the position that the district is bound by law to take these steps, Carpenter uses the Dallas School District west of Salem as an example of what can happen when these guidelines are not followed. In Parents for Privacy V. Barr parents filed a lawsuit alleging that allowing transgender students the use of the restroom of the gender they identified with violated the rights of their student. The courts disagreed with this stance, refused to hear the case and threw it out after determining the plaintiffs failed to demonstrate that the outlines of the privacy right protected by the 14th Amendment were wide-ranging enough to protect against the school district’s employment of the student safety plan. This deduction was supported by the fact that the Student Safety Plan provided alternatives and privacy protections for those students who did not want to share facilities with a transgender student despite the fact that those amenities seemed to be inferior and less convenient. The Plan recognized the student in question as a “transgender male” and allowed him use of the boys’ locker room and restrooms with his peers.
     Carpenter says he wants to encourage kids to report any kind of bullying as it can be difficult to get students to do this. He stresses finding a trusted adult who will take the bullying seriously and states that every August before school starts staff is given guidance direction as to what bullying is defined as, how to address it and how to report it. Students are also given curriculums that are gone over with them as it is imperative that all kids feel safe. Steps are also taken to limit cell phone use during the school day at all three levels in an attempt to reduce the risk of them being used for cyberbullying and kids can also report bullying, harassment, problems at home, etc. via Safe Oregon if they don’t feel comfortable talking to a teacher or a counselor. All kids get training about this program and what it is for.
     Being a kid isn’t always easy, but having adults who care enough to want to meet their needs and offer support can go a long way in determining things like academic achievement and self-esteem. Knowing that there are adults in their corner can be what keeps a kid in school and on the right track. All kids, regardless of who they are and how they identify, should be able to attend school without the fear of being made to feel uncomfortable, unaccepted, and even unwanted, because how a kid is treated today forms the adult of tomorrow.
 

     When Doug Thiesfeld and his business partner Bernie Harris took over Countryside Pizza four years ago, it was a stressful time for many. Covid had forced people into isolation, and many were struggling financially, emotionally, and physically. Seeing an opportunity to help make things a little easier, Thiesfeld and Harris decided to open the doors of their restaurant on Thanksgiving Day for a free meal to whoever was interested.
     Due to the circumstances, this first meal was on a to-go basis, but it was well received by those who participated. Turnout was good, Thiesfeld says, and one woman remains etched in his memory after informing him that her husband had recently gotten out of the hospital and if it hadn’t been for this act of charity, it would have been their first year without a Thanksgiving dinner.
     “It was very rewarding, but sad,” Thiesfeld states while recounting this interaction on the Monday morning before Thanksgiving while sitting at a small table and recounting what led to the genesis of the now annual feast.
    The second year the free dinner was held saw diners being able to eat indoors, but seating was limited so there were more meals that were to-go rather than eaten on site, but each year has seen more people coming through the restaurant’s doors. Thiesfeld’s family takes part, and employees volunteer their time to help out. Food is set up buffet style at the front of the restaurant, just inside the doors, and diners are either given a plate if they are eating in, or a to-go container if they are taking it home. Last year, close to 80 people took advantage of Thiesfeld’s and Harris’ generosity and another large crowd is anticipated on Thursday.
     Along with turkey and dressing, the meal will include ham, mashed potatoes, yams, green bean casserole, and desserts such as pumpkin pie, apple pie and cookies. Doors will open at 4 p.m. and will remain open until all the food is gone. 
     This Thanksgiving dinner is an act of kindness and compassion that has the potential to touch many and make a difference to those who may be alone for the holiday or may not have the money to be able to afford a traditional feast. It offers a chance for interaction with others who may be experiencing loneliness, isolation, poor health or shaky finances or may not be able to cook for one reason or another. It is a time to come together and share commonalities rather than be focused on the divisiveness of the times. It is a time to start the holiday season with full stomachs and happy memories while giving thanks for life’s blessings while also being thankful for the caring nature of two men who want to make a difference in the community for those who need it most.
 
 
    
 
 
 
 

          Amy Humphrey has been a part of the Fern Ridge community for quite some time. Beginning in 1977, she taught music at Veneta Elementary School before teaching second grade when music was cut out of the district’s curriculum. There were also stints at Elmira Elementary and Central Elementary School and for six years after retiring, she substituted. Shaping young minds was more than her life’s work, it was a passion.
     While she taught second grade at Veneta, Humphrey became acquainted with SMART Reading, also known as Start Making a Reader Today. Begun in 1992, SMART Reading is a nonprofit that is focused on children’s literacy. SMART Reading aids children in the schools with the highest need and communities that are marginalized with two ingredients that are essential for success in learning and literacy – shared reading time with a trusted adult and a book of the child’s own to keep. It has been shown that by the end of the school year, 9 out of 10 SMART Reading pupils have grown in their enjoyment of the written word. SMART Reading also offers a way for volunteers to make an impact in their community and in the life of a child.
      As a former educator, Humphrey knowns the importance of literacy to school success and when the opportunity presented itself, she became a reader and then, an assistant to former Coordinator Sue Craig. Craig stepped down last year after a stint of 15 years coordinating for SMART so she could have less responsibility and more fun with the program. It was natural for Humphrey to assume the position of Coordinator, but a new assistant was needed, and this was where Sarah Ferguson came in.
     Ferguson, a caterer and a Kidsports coach, came to SMART Reading with a nudge from her grandmother. It was while on her way to her grandmother’s home so she could read to the elderly woman that she heard a radio ad for SMART Reading and was intrigued. She thought if she could read to her grandmother, she could do this, too, and upon arriving at her grandmother’s house, asked her what she thought. Her grandmother thought she should become a SMART volunteer, so she called the number she heard on the ad and found herself reading at Veneta Elementary School and loving it.  It was her inquisitive nature amongst other things that led Craig and Humphrey to ask Ferguson if she would be interested in becoming Humphrey’s assistant and she readily agreed.
     Currently, Veneta Elementary has enough Smart Readers for its Monday and Thursday sessions, but Elmira Elementary has begun a program and has a total of five volunteers who come and read with students on Wednesday mornings. If more people can step up, more children can benefit and it is hoped that people, once learning of the need, will do so.
     Reading with a child is more than just looking at a book the child has picked out from the selection available. It is getting to know that child and become a positive influence in that child’s life. It is listening and encouraging and offering praise that might be lacking at home and showing that child that he or she matters. It is giving them one on one time they need and becoming, at least for a while, a part of that child’s “village.”  It is a chance to make a difference in the life of a child who may be in foster care or experiencing homelessness or otherwise have turmoil in their young life. It is a chance to say, “I care.”
     Volunteers with SMART Reading commit to one to two days a week an hour at a time. Each child is read with for a half an hour, and twice a month, the children get to take home a book. There is training that is necessary, and one must fill out a criminal background check. To get started, all one needs to do is either go online to smartreading.org or call 541-600-8035. An hour a week can mean the world to a child. Do you have it to give?
 
 

     Lane County Sheriff’s deputies took a pair of suspects into custody in Veneta on November 13th after receiving information concerning a stolen camper.
     Upon arriving at the 87700 block of Territorial Highway, where it was reported the trailer was, deputies found it occupied by Travis James Bechtol, 30, and Melissa Renee Pederson, 33, both of Veneta.
     Both suspects were arrested, and deputies discovered additional stolen property within the trailer. Both Bechtol and Pederson were taken to the Lane County Jail on a charge of Possession of a Stolen Vehicle. Pederson was also in possession of drugs and charged with Possession of Methamphetamine.
     The investigation into the stolen property is continuing.
 

A 43-year-old man was taken into custody November 8th after a late-night pursuit through Veneta.
A Lane County Sheriff’s deputy attempted to make a traffic stop involving a vehicle driving through Veneta at a high speed just after midnight. The driver refused to comply.
Deputies were successful in employing spike strips, resulting in one of the vehicle’s tires deflating and slowing the vehicle down. A deputy then conducted a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) to bring the vehicle to a stop in the 80900 block of Territorial Road. Two occupants were then detained.
The driver, Timothy Robert Graham of Junction City, was cited for multiple traffic violations and arrested on charges of Attempt to Elude by Vehicle, Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangering, and Felon in Possession of a Restricted Weapon. He was also taken in on a warrant for Failure to Appear for Unlawful Use of a Vehicle, out of Klamath County.
The unnamed passenger was released and provided with a ride from the scene.
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office offers thanks to the Oregon State Police for their assistance.