Over the last twelve months or so, we’ve been getting small, hopeful reports of an improving economy. GT and others have reported a resurgence in business travel, including more people buying tickets at the front of the plane, while various other indicators here and abroad point to a gradual climb. Here in my home state — and particularly, in Southern Oregon — the news is not so rosy nor the improvements so noticable. Unemployment continues higher than the national average, the foreclosure rate is among the highest in the country, and some of the largest employers (in this area, primarily mills) have closed up shop, likely for good. Nevertheless, Friday night I witnessed what I took as a small indicator that things are really getting better. We attended our local church’s annual auction the other night, the same event we went to last year for the first time as new parishioners. The offerings of silent and live items seemed about the same in number and value as the previous year, but just before the live bidding began, the first sign of things looking up was announced. The night’s attendance came in higher than in any of the previous nine years, so clearly more folks felt comfortable paying just to walk in the door and enjoy a little winetasting and hors d’oeuvres. As the evening progressed, the positive trend continued. Last year, very few items were bid above their estimated value, and most went for far less than they should have. One clear example was an item we bid on and “won” a year ago: two 50-yard line tickets to an Oregon State vs. Stanford football game with a reserved parking pass; snacks and beer for a little tailgating; and $100 to use towards lodging, dining or souvenirs. The stated value in the auction booklet? Three hundred dollars. With very anemic bidding, we snagged it for $175. We enjoyed a great game in a sold-out stadium, the seats were excellent, and the parking pass alone made the whole deal a steal. This year the exact same package saw lively bidding right out of the gate, and we watched the price zoom beyond the listed value and our willingness to pay. Not so great for us, but super for the church’s fundraising efforts . . . and so it continued throughout the night. The final tally isn’t in yet, but I’m sure this year’s net will exceed last year’s by a considerable margin. I’m pleased to take this as a positive sign. Whether peoples’ actual financial situation has improved or they simply feel more secure and stable than a year ago, it means they are more willing to spend money on “extras,” stimulating the economy and supporting worthy causes. Here’s to things looking up in my little corner of the world! — Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor