EMMA ROUTLEY/CHRONICLE PHOTO Dawn Melhert of Springfield worked with her father, a master woodworker, to create positive signs during the pandemic. SPRINGFIELD – At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dawn Melhert began making signs to help herself cope, but mainly to spread encouragement to others. Her master woodworker dad,[Read More…]
Author: By Elizabeth Groening - The Chronicle
Heart focuses on helping others
ELIZABETH GROENING/CHRONICLE PHOTO Standing in her “fairy garden” in Springfield, Aloha Heart’s home is known in town for its signs with positive messages. The longtime resident makes a point of helping others in the community. SPRINGFIELD – Aloha Heart knows that smiles can save lives. How? Well, she says one[Read More…]
By the letter: Library seeks art for alphabet
SPRINGFIELD — If you live in Springfield or rural East Lane County, you have the chance to commemorate your city through art in the Springfield A-Z Art Contest, even if you’re not an artist. “Everyone can participate. We’re celebrating both contemporary Springfield, historical Springfield and the Springfield from before what[Read More…]
St. Alice’s expanded kitchen offers food, hope
EMMA ROUTLEY/THE CHRONICLE Saint Alice Catholic Church father Mark Bentz cut the ribbon celebrating the new kitchen successfully on the first chop. SPRINGFIELD — St. Alice Catholic Church father Mark Bentz believes that food can bring people together. “Food breaks down barriers,” Bentz said at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the[Read More…]
New kitchen key to ‘breaking bread’ at Springfield church
Saint Alice Catholic Church Father Mark Bentz cuts the ribbon celebrating the new kitchen successfully on the first chop, with Todd Salnas, chief executive for Oregon Network (left) and Patrick Sawyer, PA-C medical provider for RiverBend (right). EMMA ROUTLEY/THE CHRONICLE SPRINGFIELD — St. Alice Catholic Church Father Mark Bentz believes[Read More…]
Mona Beads: For the mind, body and soul
EMMA ROUTLEY/CHRONICLE PHOTO Mona Castle focuses in on her passion. SPRINGFIELD – Mona Castle, like many small business owners struggling with the economic effects of the pandemic, was forced to make hard decisions regarding her beads business. One might say it was hanging on by a thread. “I’m really lucky[Read More…]
Still need to buy mom a gift? Local shops can save the day
ELIZABETH GROENING/CHRONICLE PHOTO Time Travelers Antique Mall in Springfield is among area stores prepared for an uptick in Mother’s Day sales. In a bind for time this Mother’s Day? Small businesses in South Lane County will be open this weekend, and are goldmine for locally-made and thoughtful gifts. In Cottage[Read More…]
Rivas planting deep roots in new business with Thurston Flowers
EMMA ROUTLEY/THE CHRONICLE From left, Tricia Hewitt, Emily Rivas and Shelle Holmes of Thurston Flowers. THURSTON – Emily Rivas’ love of flowers started growing when she was 8 years old, playing in her family’s backyard garden in Hayward, Calif. “My mom had a vegetable garden and I just wanted some[Read More…]
