Camp Sherman salutes end of summer

It was the big end-of-summer event at the Camp Sherman Store last Saturday: the ever popular Labor Day Barbecue. Burgers and brats with onions were on the grill. Potato salad and Cajun baked beans were in the pot. Wine and beer flowed along with sodas and coffees and The Anvil Blasters kept everyone's feet a-stompin' and hearts a-pumpin'.

Storeowners Roger and Kathy White had another big event that day. They had just taken daughter Kelsey to Willamette University for her first year away from home at college.

Proud father Roger White noted that the college is the oldest in the west, founded in 1842. Kelsey, he says, has actually been going to Willamette since fifth grade. She won the State Championship for History Day five years running. White said he is both excited and "bummed" about his daughter going to college. Their other daughter, Lauren, is a high school sophomore, so they still have a child in the nest for another couple years.

White says they have had a great year at the store, the center of activity for the Camp Sherman community. They're pleased with this year's success considering the economic climate.

Jill and Allen Methvin of Methvin Vineyards brought some of their drinking wine to be sampled at the barbecue. Vines were planted in 2001 and this is the fourth year they have bottled wine. They also produce from 30 year old vines bought from an orchard planted in 1974. Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are among their house favorites.

Methvin Vineyards is located outside Dayton near McMinnville.

For those yearning for the good taste of ale, Bend Brewing Company's Metolius Golden Ale was poured from the keg. Out at the ale table a handful of the store's employees commented on what a great place Camp Sherman is to live and how much they liked working at the store. Some of the store staff have been there over 10 years. Perks notwithstanding, they said, toasting with a beer.

Playing instruments ranging from banjo to mandolin to dobro, The Anvil Blasters entertained Shermanites and area visitors with their acoustic American roots music. Jim Cornelius, Gary Miller, Charley Engel, Jeff Woodruff and Lynn Woodward played through the evening with guest drummer Morey Woodruff, brother of Jeff.