ALOHA
ONE SANDWICH AT A TIME
-Michael H.
-Meyer R.
A Wish Come True
Service you can trust!
By Patti Jo Brooks, Contributing Writer
Trying to keep up with the constant demands of home maintenance? Put Window Genie to work! Window Genie specializes in window cleaning, pressure washing, gutter cleaning, holiday lighting and window tinting. More than that, Window Genie’s team is part of a larger network that can connect you to other services beyond its scope. Locally owned and operated, Window Genie of Beaverton, Tigard and Lake Oswego has so much to offer you’ll wish you’d had them at your fingertips all along.
A local franchise, Window Genie of Beaverton, Tigard and Lake Oswego is owned and operated by Shari Poindexter. Fully licensed and insured and part of a large national company, “you can count on Window Genie to clean, protect and beautify your home so you don’t have to.” A commitment to customer satisfaction and professionalism is what has set them apart since 1994.
From developing her team to working with clients, Shari’s business philosophy centers around building strong relationships. “It’s really about the people: those I hire to do the work, the clients we serve; making myself available for onsite estimates, and the team members who answer your call.”
Shari understands the business is about more than just the work they do. They might be onsite for window cleaning or
pressure washing, but it’s about the entire experience. “From start to finish, we want the entire process to be relational and professional. After all, I’m sending my team to walk amidst a client’s home, their kids, their pets -- our clients have to feel good about the interaction as well as the results we deliver while we’re there.”
For clients who are interested in multiple services per year ask about the Pre-Pay & Save Annual Maintenance Plan! If you’d like your windows or gutters cleaned a couple times per year, for example, just pick the dates (no contract and nothing to sign) and Window Genie will apply the appropriate 15-30 % discount when you prepay and schedule the services in advance. Then if life happens, and the selected date no longer works, no worries – Window Genie will confirm a few weeks in advance and will simply move your service to another day. So
give them a try! Clients only pay upon completion of the initial service, because that’s just good business! And Window Genie is backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise™: “It’s not done until it’s done right!”
Window Genie is part of the home services network of Neighborly™ Company. So if a home maintenance job falls outside of Window Genie’s purview, chances are that another one of Neighborly’s home service brands can help — visit Neighborly.com.
Call Window Genie of Beaverton, Tigard & Lake Oswego today for your free in-home estimate (503)828-9025 or visit their website WindowGenie.com/Beaverton-Tigard-Lake-Oswego.
Not All Heroes Wear Capes
Handcrafted sandwiches on homemade bread
with choosing a variety of their thick, soft bread, either white, cheesy garlic or onion. “It’s made by hand here at the restaurant,” Andres says. “We mix, roll and bake it each morning.” Then, add up to four tasty deli meats and all your favorite toppings and condiments. “We slice everything fresh each morning,” adds Andres. “That’s how we keep it tasting great.”
If you’re hungry for a hot sandwich, order a grilled panini or choose from classics like a Reuben, Meatball or French Dip. Vegetarian sandwiches and salads filled with fresh produce are made to order.
By Angie Helvey, Contributing Writer
Photos by Brittany Jungenberg
Big Town Hero is known for their giant deli sandwiches served on bread made daily from scratch, guaranteed to satisfy any appetite. But it’s more than just a sandwich shop to owner Andres Radilla. Immigrating from Mexico at fourteen, he started at the Tualatin location and learned the nuts and bolts of running the business while in high school before buying his first location in January 2021. “They took me in and gave me my first job here in the USA,” he says, “Pretty simple, you know, making sandwiches. I’ll always have that personal attachment to the franchise.”
Andres fell in love with the product as well. “No frozen dough and toppings cut fresh every day. It makes you feel good about what you’re selling.” He also owns Big Town Hero in Hillsboro and Vitality Bowls in Tualatin, a pretty impressive resume for a 23-year-old.
Sandwiches are fully customizable to match your taste buds and cravings. Choose from a variety of traditional subs like the Italian and the Turkey Bacon Avocado or build your own! Start
Breakfast subs are served all day starting at 8:00 am. A kid’s menu is available for the little ones including peanut butter and jelly that comes with a cookie, a small fountain drink and potato chips. Other sides include macaroni and potato salads. Guests are always welcome to enjoy their meal in Big Town Hero’s cozy dining room or order online for pick-up or delivery through Doordash, Ubereats or Grubhub. Let Big Town Hero cater your event with fun options like sack lunches or a
gigantic six-foot hero, big enough to feed a crowd.
Building community is important to Andres, and the Gresham restaurant has a loyal following and long-term employees that add to the friendly atmosphere. “We see many of our customers once or twice a week,” says Andres. “My team is great; they’ve all been there since I took over and one employee started when it opened 15 years ago.” Even a few family members help out.
Next time you’re craving a deli sandwich, count on Big Town Hero for classic subs on homemade bread loaded with the highest quality meats and toppings. You won’t leave hungry!
Big Town Hero is located at 1334 N.W. Civic Dr., Gresham. Please give them a call at 503-489-1980, or visit their website at bigtownhero.com.
Bloomin’ Good Time
Dahlias Festival a colorful community event
By Kelly Romo, Contributing Writer
Photos by Jen Blair Photography & Natalie Kristeen Photography
Immerse yourself in a vibrant celebration of nature at the annual Dahlia Festival hosted by Swan Island Dahlias. This beloved event, featuring over 370 dahlia varieties, transforms the picturesque fields of Canby into a kaleidoscope of color and beauty. From early August to late September, visitors are invited to explore the stunning display gardens, stroll through expansive flower fields and partake in a variety of engaging activities on Wednesdays through Sundays. With free admission, live music, local food carts and a unique gift shop, the Dahlia Festival offers an unforgettable experience for all ages. Join them for a day of floral enchantment, community and joy as you celebrate the splendor of dahlias in full bloom.
favorites. Look out for creatively named varieties like “Petal Faster,” “Tutu Much” and the striking red and yellow “Incrediball.” Each name adds a touch of whimsy to the vibrant blooms.
This year’s festival introduces the new, expanded gift shop offering a range of local goods, from soaps and lotions to cookbooks and canned foods. Visitors can also find unique items for pets, gardening and babies, making it a specialty shop worth exploring.
Hybridizing new dahlia varieties is a meticulous process at Swan Island. They let bees handle initial cross-pollination and then select seed pods from preferred varieties. Each year, they cultivate 15,000 seedlings, gradually narrowing them down to five to fifteen new varieties introduced annually. The selection criteria include long stems, flower quality, and uniqueness. With over 370 dahlia varieties on display, festivalgoers can discover new
Local vendors and musicians play a significant role in the festival, creating a lively atmosphere with carefully selected bands that ensure a diverse and enjoyable experience for weekend visitors. Be sure to check the event calendar for the lineup of bands and food carts during your visit. Plan to spend a few hours exploring to make the most of your time at the festival. Start with the display garden to see all the varieties in one place, then stroll through the fields. The koi pond is a favorite among children and those who appreciate the beauty of these fish. Enjoy the food carts, live music and gift shop. On weekends, bring a blanket for a relaxing afternoon surrounded by fields of flowers while you listen to music and savor delicious food and drinks.
Swan Island Dahlias ensures accessibility for all visitors, with ample ADA parking, accessible restrooms and pathways. The level grounds and free entry make it an inviting destination for people of all ages and income levels.
Swan Island Dahlias is more than a farm; it’s where passion, history and community converge in a spectacular celebration of nature’s beauty.
Visit the festival at 995 NW 22nd Ave. in Canby from August through September, open Wednesdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.. Check the event calendar at www.dahlias.com to see the lineup of bands and vendors so you can join them and immerse yourself in the vibrant world of dahlias!
Ievents.cff.org/.golfforacure
n the month of August, Mattress World Northwest has teamed up with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for the 3rd Annual CFF Golf for a Cure tournament which will be held at Stone Creek Golf Club in Oregon City, Aug. 19 at 7 a.m. Enjoy an exciting day of golf, contests, beverages and snacks throughout the morning followed by lunch, an auction and the golf award ceremony.
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a rare genetic disorder that affects mostly the lungs, but also the pancreas, liver, kidneys and intestines. There is no known cure. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is committed to finding that cure, as well as providing those suffering from
the disorder the ability to live long, fulfilling lives through the funding of research, drug development and partnering with the CF community to advance high-quality specialized care. MWNW is gladly donating to this incredible cause, as well as raising awareness and taking donations on the foundation’s behalf. Please help raise funds by donating online or visiting one of their local stores.
Family-owned and -operated, dedicated to providing their customers the best products at the best prices, all while donating to and participating in their local communities, Mattress World Northwest exemplifies the best of what retail businesses have to offer. This proves that not all mattress stores are created equal.
Get a better night’s sleep and help support your local community at the nearest Mattress World Northwest store. They are open every day or you can order online at mattressworldnorthwest.com.
Do-Si-Do Dancin’
Wonderful people, exercise, music and fun!
Many of us, especially post-COVID, are looking for ways to re-engage; to discover fun new activities which promote good health (exercise!), engage our minds, and provide us with a greater sense of community. All the better if it’s available year round, and doesn’t break the bank. Better still if it’s open to all, at any age, and requires no prior knowledge or skill. What could possibly cover so many bases, you ask? Square dancing, of course!
The Hoedowners Square Dance Club has been a fixture of the Aloha landscape for 75 years! As a club, they are striving to alter the perception that square dancing is nothing but fluffy dresses and country music. Of course, it’s to the degree that some members enjoy those time-honored conventions, but more often than not, the Hoedowners meet wearing their regular street clothes. And they dance to a wide variety of music, both traditional and modern. According to Sarah Richmond, President of the club, “If it’s got a beat, they can square dance to it! She also added, “If you haven’t square danced to ‘Uptown Funk,’ you haven’t lived!”
I had the pleasure of speaking with Sarah for the purpose of this article and found both her energy and enthusiasm to be absolutely contagious. This was the largest, most popular club of its type prior to COVID. Now, they are a much smaller but ardent group, eagerly awaiting new recruits. Requirements for membership are minimal. One must be able to hear calls and move at a reasonably brisk pace while clasping hands with a partner. Beyond that, there are levels, from Beginner to Advanced, wherin one might challenge themselves. They also alternate “tracks” between square dancing and round dancing (which is essentially cued ballroom dancing). Regardless of your skill level, this club is like a family, and members are treated as such. It’s the perfect allinclusive opportunity to expand your horizons while expanding your social network. And it’s a wonderful alternative to the gym for getting into shape! Dancers can burn anywhere from 200 to 400 calories every 30 minutes! Obviously, different people possess different levels of physicality, but that’s okay! Younger dancers may fly around the floor while older ones are more measured and stately in their moves. Or maybe it’s the opposite! Either way, it’s all about having fun and realizing your personal goals. It’s also a great way to keep yourself mentally sharp, demonstrating once again how square dancing can provide physical, cognitive, and socializing benefits.
Club membership for the Hoedowners is just $20 a year, plus $7 at the door for each dance. Visitors pay only $10 at the door. Food and beverages are often provided by members, potluck style. Dances are held bi-monthly from 7 to 9 p.m. on scheduled Saturday nights. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! Check out their website: hoedowners.info or call 503-712-1782.
Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing is most effective to treat fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, loose or sagging skin as well as scars.
Opus plasma fractional skin resurfacing to minimize wrinkles and reverse damage caused by sun and the natural aging process.
Agnes RF is a non-surgical radio frequency device that treats eye bags, tightens and removes fat from the neck and jawline area. Cystic acne is treated by removing the sebaceous gland.
The Secret RF Micro-needling System is a powerful new technology that is ideal for facial rejuvenation, improving scars, cellulite, and plumping and tightening loose skin.
First device cleared by FDA to treat acne scar hyperpigmentation,stretch marks, neck wrinkles and surgical scars.
Remove sun spots. age spots, acne spots and any other skin pigmentation.
Light therapy that removes the appearance of sagging skin, wrinkles and fine lines.
Improves fine lines, skin tone & increases collagen production.
Provides safe treatment for men and woman for all skin types for unwanted facial hair and full body hair
Including BTL vanquish me, BTL Cellutone & Accent Ultra V-shape
