Battle Ground Community Advantage April 2024

BATTLE GROUND

A Taste of Mexico

Family-owned restaurant serves traditional cuisine

By Angie Helvey, Contributing Writer

Photos by Lisa Kuhlman

The best part about eating at a family-owned Mexican restaurant is knowing the recipes came straight from a woman’s kitchen and were passed down through generations. Los Pepe’s Restaurant began in 2002 with two brothers from the Avelar family dedicated to sharing authentic Mexican cuisine with the community. Using the culinary knowledge they gained from their mother, they created their own dishes and cooking styles. It’s been over 20 years since the first location opened in Woodland, and it continues to be a favorite spot for gathering with family and friends to enjoy traditional recipes packed with flavor and the best housemade margaritas.

Los Pepe’s has four locations in Southwest Washington. Battle Ground is in its ninth year, and Emilio, a secondgeneration Avelar, is the Chief Operations Manager. “As a family business, it’s really grown over the years, and we’re thankful to the Battle Ground community for their love and support,” he says.

Guests will find the menu abundant with the traditional dishes everyone loves, all made the Los Pepe’s way with a few surprises you won’t find elsewhere. According to Emilio, the most popular dish is the Birria Tacos. This dish has gained mainstream popularity in recent years and features tender, slowroasted beef cooked in its own broth with special spices ready to be loaded into warm tortillas. “I would bet money it’s the best in town,” he says.

Another favorite is the Molcajete, a dish that sends your taste buds straight to Mexico with flavorful chicken, asada, and

shrimp accompanied by cactus, jalapenos and grilled onions. It’s served over a rich choriqueso on a sizzling volcano stone. The Pollo a la Cream and the flaming Fajita Combo with chicken, steak, and shrimp are solid choices, too.

Combination plates and a delicious selection of appetizers, soups, salads, enchiladas, burritos and traditional dishes featuring chicken and seafood round out the menu options. Several vegetarian entrees are available, and with a kids’ menu for the little ones, there are tasty choices for the whole family to enjoy.

Remember to finish the meal with something sweet, whether deep-fried ice cream, homemade flan, sopapillas, cheesecake, or churros, a newer item that’s been gaining popularity. “We heard from customers that was something they wanted, so we tried out a few different kinds and found one that our guests really love and come back for,” Emilio shares. “They’re tossed in cinnamon

sugar and served with caramel sauce and whipped cream.”

A Mexican feast is only complete with a cold margarita. Los Pepe’s boasts a full-service bar with an impressive tequila and mezcal selection, including some harder-to-find artisan varieties. The margaritas are popular, especially the Cadillac and the House Marg, but for a real treat, guests should try a flight, a sampler of rotating flavored margaritas that changes weekly. Customers can check the Facebook page every Monday for new flavors and upcoming specials, including surprise delights for the holidays. “For Cinco de Mayo last year, we used coconut, melon and strawberry to recreate the Mexican flag,” Emilio says.

The team is proud to offer creative flavor selections for their margs. “We make real puree versus a syrup you get

from a bottle,” he explains. “People love the unique flavors like spicy pineapple and jalapeno, prickly pear, and dragon fruit.” Local beers are available on tap and by the bottle, and there are some traditional options everyone enjoys, like Modelo Negra and Pacifico.

Los Pepe’s Restaurant is a place to gather, and apart from the separate bar, families are welcome throughout. They completed a 700-square-foot expansion in 2019 that’s become a weatherproofed, year-round outdoor seating area. There’s also a recently remodeled space upstairs that accommodates 30 and can be reserved for private events. Catering options are available for on-site and off-site events, including a taco cart; inquire within.

The Avelar family loves their regular customers and getting involved in the community. “It’s been great getting to

know our guests on a personal level,” says Emilio. “We prioritize donating to local schools and churches; it’s our way of giving back.”

Los Pepe’s Battleground is located at 1207 SE Rasmussen Blvd. Battle Ground, WA, 98604. Please give them a call at 360-723-5277 or visit their website at lospepes.org

Hoaxes & Hilaria

April Fools’ Day through the ages

By Donovan Darling, Staff Writer

Gregorian Calendar

April Fools’ Day is often credited to the calendar reform of 1582 in France, during the transition from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar. Before this change, the new year began with the spring equinox around April 1, consistent with traditions in other cultures such as the Hindu calendar.

However, with the adoption of the Gregorian calendar and the shifting of New Year’s Day to January 1, the observance of the new year got complicated. Some people were unaware or just refused to change and continued to celebrate the new year in late March through April 1, and these people were subjected to jests and pranks and mockingly called “April fools.”

A popular prank played back then involved placing paper fish on the backs of unsuspecting victims and referring to them as “poisson d’avril” (April fish), a term which supposedly symbolized both the innocence of a young, easily caught fish and that person’s gullibility. From there, a tradition of good-humored tricks, pranks and mischief began.

Hilaria in Rome

April Fools’ Day’s origins have also been credited to festivals like Hilaria in ancient Rome, celebrated by followers of the cult of Cybele. Hilaria, “joyful” in Latin, involved disguises and mockery, possibly inspired by Egyptian mythology. Another theory suggests a tie to the vernal equinox, with nature’s unpredictable weather fooling people.

The tradition spread in Britain during the 18th century, with Scotland adding a two day celebration. The first day, “hunting

the gowk,” sent people on fake errands (gowk meaning cuckoo bird, a symbol for a fool). This was followed by Tailie Day, featuring pranks on people’s butts such as pinning fake tails or “kick me” signs on them.

Modern Day

Nowadays April Fools’ Day has become a playground for elaborate hoaxes. Newspapers, TV stations and websites will often create outrageous fictional claims to fool their audiences. In 1957, the BBC reported a record spaghetti crop in Switzerland, complete with footage of noodles being harvested from trees. In 1985, Sports Illustrated published a fake article about a pitcher named Sidd Finch throwing over 168 mph.

In 1992, NPR had a Richard Nixon impersonator announce a presidential run. In 1996, Taco Bell announced the purchase of Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell, renaming it the Taco Liberty Bell. And lastly, in 1998, Burger King advertised a “Left-Handed Whopper.” Google, on the other hand, has now become known for its annual pranks, from a “telepathic search” to turning Google Maps into Pac Man.

A Lifetime of Color and Creativity

Teaching tomorrow’s artists

By Kelly Romo, Contributing Writer

Janet

Hickok

knew that she loved drawing, coloring, and painting before she even started kindergarten. When everyone in her class was given a picture to color, she preferred to draw her own. Her mother was an artist, and her talents were passed down to Janet, who started participating in contests as early as 4th grade. She won her first art contest when she was only ten and got four dollars as a prize. Her passion for painting grew every day, and she knew from an early age that she wanted to become either an artist or a nurse.

Janet’s journey as an artist took a more significant turn when she had an inspired teacher in 6th and 7th grades. This exceptional teacher focused on the basics of art, like the color wheel, which she had to recreate using only the three primary colors and mixing the rest. The teacher taught as if she were educating high school or college students, which challenged Janet and helped her develop her skills further, laying the groundwork for her future as an artist and an educator.

Janet is enthusiastic about everything she does and loves to share her knowledge with others. She started to teach kids of all ages in her hometown in her consignment art shop, offering classes in drawing, pottery, and watercolors. When she moved to Alaska, she started teaching in different mediums and opened two studios. Eventually, Janet moved back to Oregon and got involved with Valley Art, where she started teaching again: it felt like coming home.

Janet’s passion for art education goes beyond the classroom, as she’s always looking for ways to help people learn about painting and other art forms. She’s been involved with many workshops, presentations, and events, establishing herself as a leader in the local community. She’s also an entrepreneur and has launched several businesses that focus on making art more accessible to everyone, regardless of skill level. Janet knows art can unite people and promote healing, growth, and creativity, and she’s committed to spreading that message.

Valley Art caters to a wide age range, from young children to adults. Janet adapts her teaching strategies to accommodate varying experience levels. The objective is not to create a specific resemblance but to allow students to play and enjoy the medium for what it can do. This approach makes art accessible and enjoyable to everyone, regardless of their prior experience or skill level, reinforcing the idea that art is not just about the end product but also about the process of creation.

Janet Hickok’s journey as an artist and an educator is inspirational. Her love for painting and eagerness to educate others has greatly benefited her local community wherever she has lived. She exemplifies how passion, dedication, and hard work can help anyone achieve their dreams.

If you’re interested in painting or want to learn more about the beauty of art, don’t hesitate to reach out to Valley Art and take a class with Janet. Valley Art is located at 2022 Main St., Forest Grove. She can be reached at 503-357-3703. For more information, visit www.valleyart.org

OREGON BLACK HISTORY SPOTLIGHT: JOE LILLARD

Through the Lens

Finding passion, purpose in photography

By Olive Gallagher, Contributing Writer

Photos courtesy of Tyler Mode

Professional photographer and avid weather-forecasting enthusiast Tyler Mode knew what he wanted to do ever since he first looked through the lens of a camera. Raised in Vancouver as one of five kids, he took a high school course in photography and never looked back. “That first click was magical, and I couldn’t put it down.”

With the first camera he received from his beloved grandfather who loved to travel, Tyler discovered, along with his talent, the joy of giving unselfishly of his time and talent to others.

Named Battle Ground 2022 Citizen of the Year, he’s continued to divide his time since earning a BA in liberal arts at Washington State University sharing his creative gift with many others while also working in the grocery store business. He took his first job as a clerk at 18 and worked his way through college with jobs at a grocery store and a radio/ TV station. After spending 16 years with Safeway working his way from clerk to assistant manager, he became store manager for the Grocery Outlet in St. John’s.

In 2010, he moved to Battle Ground and initially offered his services to photograph the high school football team. That led to photographing other groups and the subject of his first senior picture turned out to be Lori Lindberg’s son. That connection led to him providing services to Rocksolid, and as word got around about his

talent and willingness to contribute, others began to hire him. To this day, he makes a contribution from his fees back to the group that hired him.

Since his teen years, Tyler has also had a fascination with the weather and collecting data, and in 2019, began forecasting on Facebook.

Today, he lives alone with, as he puts it, “beaucoup equipment.” After suffering a brain stroke in March 2022 just as the world was shutting down with COVID, he credits his interest in forecasting with helping him during recovery, which he accomplished in record time. He added, “the stroke woke me up.” It made him realize he needed to make time to travel to a new country every year. This desire is now so important that he has established the Tyler Mode Media Travel Scholarship. He annually awards $1000 to assist a student to travel and raises the money for the gift through sales of his photography calendar featuring local landscapes.

It’s easy to understand why Tyler was chosen as Citizen of the Year. Along with the above-mentioned organizations, he’s also generously given his time and talent to restaurants like Mill Creek Pub and the South Pacific Cafe (now Playmakers), the Battle Ground Sweet Shoppe and the Boy Scouts of America. He’s grateful to friends like Lori Lindberg and Russell Brent for providing invaluable support and help in community building and relationships. As he simply summed it up, “We’re given two hands. One to help ourselves and one to help others.”

For more about Tyler, visit tylermodemedia.com.

Cows, Racing, and Western Wonderland

The history of Alpenrose Dairy

By Robert Matsumura, Contributing Writer

Pony rides? Baseball? Go kart racing? A person unfamiliar with the history of Alpenrose Dairy might frown in confusion at the mention of such activities in relationship to a dairy, but for those of us fortunate enough to have grown up in the Portland area during the last half of the 20th century, the name Alpenrose conjures up so much more than just dairy products.

It all began in 1896 when Florian Cadonau, a Swiss immigrant, moved to Oregon with his wife Agnes. The couple purchased a dairy at 35th and Vermont (known then as Hoffman Road) and started delivering milk to customers via horse-drawn buggy. At the time, many Swiss immigrants were moving to Portland due to the state’s fertile land and temperate climate. So similar were Oregon and Switzerland in this respect that in 1912, Paul Ritter, the Swiss Ambassador to the United States, while touring the state called Oregon “a second, but a larger Switzerland.”

In 1916, Henry Cadonau, Florian’s son, along with his wife Rosina (daughter of the Swiss consul to Portland) took over the family business. Henry and Rosina established their own farm nearby at 45th and Vermont which they named Alpenrose Dairy. The next few decades saw Alpenrose expand its operations, thriving while other competing dairies fell prey to mergers and consolidations. However, in 1943 a fire destroyed a barn and other equipment, and the decision was made to relocate Alpenrose to its present location on Shattuck Road. For years the Alpenrose delivery truck was a common sight in Portland neighborhoods, delivering milk in glass bottles straight to the milk box at one’s front door. At its height, Alpenrose had 50 delivery trucks and 35,000 customers.

It was during the 1950s when Henry’s grandsons were playing baseball too near Rosina’s rose garden (and trampling some of her plants) that she tasked her husband with building a baseball field for the boys. It wasn’t long before the local Little League was playing there also, and dugouts, lights, and a scoreboard were subsequently added. In the following years two more fields were constructed, and Alpenrose became known for its excellent baseball facilities. For a number of years Alpenrose Field even hosted the Little League Softball World Series which was broadcast on ESPN.

As it turned out, the baseball fields were just the beginning of Alpenrose’s involvement in the community. A hundred Shetland ponies were purchased by the family shortly thereafter, and pony rides were offered to children visiting the dairy. The Cadonaus also brought the ponies to local events — making it possible for numerous children to experience their first horseback ride. Alpenrose trotted out their ponies to represent the dairy in many city parades as well.

Soon baseball and ponies were not the only attractions drawing people to Alpenrose. Uncle Ray, the father of Rod Birkland — a cousin of the Cadonau boys — being mechanically-minded, came up with the idea of a quarter-midget racing track. It wasn’t long before the idea became a reality, and child-sized race cars were zooming around a track a quartermile in length, set in a natural bowl shaped area with seating for up to 500 spectators. In addition to the midget racing track, a velodrome facility was added in 1967 for bicycle racing. Carl Cadonau Sr. was sold the idea by the owner of Kissler’s Cyclery, a longtime bicycle shop in Southwest Portland. At the time the Pan American games needed a location for cycling trials. The Alpenrose Velodrome was one of the first constructed in the U.S. for that purpose, and with the steepest bank of any outdoor velodrome in the world, it drew enthusiasts from around the globe.

With the popularity of the aforementioned facilities, the Cadonaus created a final addition to their burgeoning recreational wonderland — Dairyville. A dairy-themed village with Old West-style storefronts, the charming attraction featured a doll museum, a harness-maker’s shop, an ice cream parlor, a music shop, and a 600-seat opera house with a Skinner pipe organ (now located in Portland’s Keller Auditorium). For decades, Dairyland was the nexus of a plethora of community events, ranging from “Sunday Fundays” featuring kite flying and frog races to visits from Rusty Nails, a popular clown with a local television show for children. From trapeze acts to chariot racing, Alpenrose grew from just a local attraction to a major amusement venue for the entire region.

The winter holiday season saw Alpenrose transform into a magical place. Christmas in Dairyville featured Storybook Lane, an elaborate display with live animal displays and 300 Christmas trees set in a miniature town. Each year 400 volunteers gathered to set up and host this traditional event that drew thousands of families from around the area.

Rosina Cadonau became known simply as “Grandma” to generations of fourthgraders who field-tripped to Alpenrose to learn the operations of a dairy.

“Swiss Miss” taught the children how to milk a cow and then escorted them across the street for ice cream and cookies baked by “Grandma.”

Today, Alpenrose Dairy remains in operation, but Dairyville is closed. The race tracks and sports fields, too, face an uncertain future. A dispute between family members that ended in litigation resulted in Alpenrose being sold to the Kent, Washington-based Smith Brothers Farms. Smith Brothers continue to operate the dairy under the Alpenrose name. In July of 2021, items from the former Storybook Lane and Dairyville were sold at auction, bringing to a close one of Portland’s most cherished cultural treasures.

For those of us who grew up in Portland with the good fortune to partake in the sporting events, pony rides, fireworks, and holiday fun that was Alpenrose, we will forever miss this magical place. But we should all thank the Cadonau family for their generosity, decades of hard work, and a community spirit that transformed a regular dairy into a place that will reside in our memories forever!

Erica Lenz, DDS Tooth Docs

101 N.W. 12th Ave., Battle Ground 360.667.5676

drlenz@toothdocs.net

www.toothdocs.net

Angie Parker Resolution Fitness

1311 N.E. Grace Ave., Battle Ground 360.687.9509

resolutionfitnessbg@gmail.com

www.resolutionfitnessbg.com

Dr. Erica Lenz started her career as a dental assistant. She graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical Center with two regional awards. Erica moved “home” in 2017, partnering with Dr. Brady Smith at a franchised dental office in Camas. In 2021, while their Camas office continued to flourish, they created and opened Tooth Docs Battle Ground. In 2022, their Camas office officially changed names to join the Tooth Docs family. Their third office located in Salmon Creek just opened in February 2024. Dr. Lenz believes her staff feels truly understood and valued thanks to her unique personal perspective starting out as a dental assistant. She is loved by her patients because of her ability to relate and her inviting personality. Her skill set and services include: endodontics, periodontics, implantology, oral surgery, clear aligner therapy and all aspects of general dentistry.

What started out as a hobby for many years has now turned into a growing business and Kaylee is loving it! Crafting handmade cards started Western Fancies, but greeting cards are not the only thing she offers. Kaylee also creates many other paper goods, such as notepads, stickers, gift bags, gift tags, hand-stamped wrapping paper, junk journals, address books and so much more. Along with paper goods, she offers design services for logos, social media, flyers, letterheads, business cards, etc. Kaylee also has a mailing service, social medial marketing package and Canva in-person class. How can she help you and/or your business today?

A place for everybody! This has been Angie Parker’s motto for more than 12 years. Her family-operated gym strives to provide support and encouragement for those in their fitness journey. As a trainer, it has always been her goal to understand and listen to her clients’ needs. Their goals drive Resolution Fitness’ tailored programs. She believes people are often more capable than they may believe, and the right environment yields results. She has refined this approach for more than 20 years in the fitness industry. The strength that some carry within is inspiring and keeps her challenged to never be afraid of change or challenges.

Women in Business

Aphena Coman

All The Wishes

Vancouver Farmers Market

360.953.6495

aphena@allthewishes.org

www.allthewishes.com

Ashley Venneri Face Forward Esthetics

819 S.E. 14th Loop #115, Battle Ground 360.600.5699

faceforwardesthetics@outlook.com

www.faceforwardesthetics.glossgenius.com

Marcy Sprecher Rocksolid Community Teen Center

12919 N.E. 159th St., Brush Prairie 360.885.2181

marcy@rocksolid-teen.com

www.rocksolid-teen.com

Washington native Aphena Coman, a mother of seven, started her business with the hopes of empowering young women to believe in themselves and the power of entrepreneurship through hard work and determination. All The Wishes is a purposeful crystal and handmade jewelry business that started in 2021 when Aphena found her biological father on ancestry DNA. He was married to an incredible artist, Cynthia Jones-Taylor. Destiny brought them together, and Aphena set out to build the business of her dreams. All The Wishes grants wishes to women, children and disabled men — from providing gas and groceries for single mothers to employment opportunities and more. She does this through generous donations from the community and her donation of 10% from every sale. Find her at the Vancouver Farmers Market.

Born and raised in Battle Ground, Ashley grew up volunteering and helping people in the community. She’s always enjoyed meeting new people and connecting with them. After graduating from Battle Ground High School in 2020, Ashley went to school, started her own business and became an esthetician. She loves that she can spend time with her clients getting to know them and help them reach their beauty goals. Ashley has a flexible schedule that allows her to adjust her calendar to meet the needs of her clients’ early-morning or lateevening appointments. She offers a variety of services, including sugar hair removal, brow lamination and tinting, lash lifting and tinting, and facials. Being an esthetician in her hometown and meeting and helping both men and women is what Ashley treasures about her business.

Rocksolid Community Teen Center has been a huge part of Marcy’s life and heart for 18 years. Working alongside a great staff and providing youth with a safe place to go after school for youth development and group mentoring, along with many other life skills and programming, brings her great joy. Marcy feels like this work was set out for her to accomplish. Having spent 50 years in Battle Ground, she is able to give back to the community that gave so much to her growing up.

Grants Enrich Local Nonprofits

Camas-Washougal Community Chest announces 2024 grant awards

The Camas-Washougal Community Chest and its partners, the Camas-Washougal Rotary Foundation and the Camas Lions Foundation, are pleased to announce the award of 34 grants totaling $134,000 to non-profit organizations delivering services, exclusively, to children and

families in Camas and Washougal. The Rotary commitment to Service above Self also adds volunteers to the mix as they work to make a difference in our community.

The grants will fund such diverse services as emergency food assistance, aid to families in crisis or needing emergency services, safe temporary shelter for at-risk youth, a Safe Stay overnight car park program at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church and water quality monitoring in the Lacamas Creek watershed. New organizations receiving grants for the first time will offer services such as a Community Arts Night program – a free opportunity to experience the benefits of creativity and artistic expression, bringing songwriters to the Washougal Arts fair and staffing and equipping for three litter cleanups at Cottonwood Beach.

Some of the nonprofit organizations being funded in 2024 include the Inter-Faith Treasure House, Akin (formerly the Children’s Home Society) at the East County Family Resource Center, Janus Youth Programs, Pink Lemonade Project, Family Promise of Clark County, and Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership. First-time grantees include Enspire Arts, Washougal Songcraft Festival and Watershed Alliance of SW Washington. For a complete listing of the grant awards see the grant summary below.

Thanks to CWRF, CLF and major donations from the GP Foundation, GP employees, Camas School District employees, City of Camas and City of Washougal employees, Port of Camas-Washougal employees, Windermere Foundation,

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mindy Schmidt President

Marianne Reiter Co-Treasurer

Susan Bennett Co-Treasurer

Cari Corbett Secretary

Richard Reiter Campaign Chair

AJ Bogue

Stuart Bennett

Andrew Gustely

Doug Hood

Dave Pinkernell

Doug Quinn

David Ripp

Joelle Scheldorf

David Scott

Ann Stevens

Mary Templeton

and Watercare Industrial Services, CWCC is well on the way to funding these grants. To reach its 2024 fundraising goal, however, the CWCC needs additional donations from individuals and businesses in Camas and Washougal. More information and donation forms can be found on the CWCC’s website at www. CamasWashougalCommunityChest. org. The CWCC, CWRF and CLF are registered 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organizations for federal charitable tax deduction purposes.

2024 Projects and Programs

 Akin (formerly Children’s Home Society) – East County Family Resource Center

 Boy Scouts of America – Cascade Pacific Council

 Girl Scouts Troop 45703

 Camas School District – Principal’s Checkbook (aka Camas Family Community Resource Center)

 Camas Farmers Market

 Camas Robotics Booster Club

 Camas Washougal Historical Society

 Camas Washougal Parent Co-op Preschool

 Dance Evolution

 Enspire Arts

 Family Promise of Clark County

 Fort Vancouver Regional Library Foundation – Washougal Branch

 Friends and Foundation of the Camas Library

 Friends of the Columbia Gorge

 General Federation of Women’s Clubs Camas - Washougal

 Impact CW – St. Matthew Lutheran Church

 Inter-Faith Treasure House

 Janus Youth Programs

 JD Currie Youth Camp

 Journey Theater Arts Group

 Kiwanis Camp Wa-Ri-Ki

 Lacamas Watershed Council

 Lifeline Connections

 Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership

 Pathways Clinic

 Pink Lemonade Project

 REACH Community Development

 ReFuel Washougal

 Silver Star Search and Rescue (SSSAR)

30,000+

Number of individual services funded

34

Total number of grants awarded

$134,000

Total value of grants awarded

 St. Anne’s (Episcopal Church) Safe Stay Program

 Unite! Washougal Community Coalition

 Washougal School District – Principal’s Checkbook

 Washougal Songcraft Festival 2024

 Watershed Alliance of Southwest Washington (aka Vancouver Watershed Council)

 West Columbia Gorge Humane Society

For more about CWCC, CWRF and CLF grant awards contact:

Mindy Schmidt, President CWCC, 360-567-8423

Kathy Bussman, President CWRF, 503-936-5915

Tim Eubank, Communications Chair CLF, 360-949-5951

Richard Reiter, CWCC Campaign Chair, 360-834-7807

Website: www.CamasWashougalCommunityChest.org

When designing your new tub or shower, it’s all about the details. Design using our assortment of colors, patterns & accessories.

Needing some inspiration? Join us at these events!

House & Outdoor Living Show

April 5-7 | Booth #332

Oregon Convention Center, Hall D

CPU Home & Garden Idea Fair

April 27-28th | Booth #917-919

Clark County Event Center

• TUB & SHOWER REPLACEMENTS

• WALK-INS

• CONVERSIONS

• SAFE AND ACCESSIBLE STRESS FREE BATHING

• FREE IN-HOME CONSULTATION

• LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY

We are a family-owned small business, serving Clark County since 1997. Our wonderful staff sets us a part from the rest, always striving to offer the best quality service and furniture.

Rocksolid Community Teen Center is an after school, group mentoring, youth development program for youth 5th–12th grade. We teach life skills, the value of community service and building healthy relationships! Over 20

Rocksolid continues to bring new opportunities to our youth. Thank you, TOTAL MERCHANT CONCEPTS, for supporting our program serving youth for over 21 years! We appreciate your TEAM! "Believe

Barking Up the Right Tree

Providing bark services since 2018

as well as general contractors and guaranteeing excellent customer service and satisfaction.

Northwest Bark Blowers offers a variety

By Edward Novak, Contributing Writer Photos by Lisa Kuhlman

With the weather in the Pacific Northwest becoming harder to predict every year, it can be difficult to protect the investments you make in landscaping your home or business. Drought and hot weather can kill those gorgeous violets you just spent your whole afternoon planting. Alternatively, freezing temperatures can turn your company’s beautiful flower bed into a far less impressive flower cemetery. Of course, there are ways to protect your landscaping from extreme weather, and one of the most reliable and effective is also one of the oldest and simplest: good, old-fashioned tree bark.

Established in 2018 in Woodland, WA, Northwest Bark Blowers was founded on the principle of providing bark blowing and installation services to local contractors at competitive prices and within a short time frame. They’ve expanded since then, working directly with homeowners

of high-quality barks, including fir, hemlock, and cedar chips. Each type of bark has its own uses and advantages: for example, fir is a popular choice for commercial

customers due to its lower price per square foot, hemlock is safer for areas where children and pets will be active due to being splinterless, and cedar chips are durable and excellent for areas with high foot traffic. Adding bark or compost can help your plants retain moisture while also insulating their roots to protect against cold weather. It also just plain looks nice!

Of course, if you need something to plant your flowers in before you can even worry about protecting them, Northwest Bark Blowers can also offer high-quality soil as well, both with and without grass seed mixed in.

Once you’ve spoken with their highly professional and courteous staff to select the right product for your needs, Northwest Bark Blowers is committed to delivering your

order within the timeframe you need. They pride themselves on the quality of their work, and whether they’re simply adding compost to your flower garden or filling in a huge swath of land with dark fir, you can count on a high level of quality and professionalism.

Northwest Bark Blowers has grown tremendously since it was founded, expanding from a single work truck to three during its first year in business, and they’ve only continued to grow. With their competitive pricing, high-quality service and responsiveness to their customer’s needs, they’re simply the best choice for your bark-blowing needs in the Pacific Northwest. The company provides services for a variety of projects throughout Washington and Oregon, from wetlands restoration to urban landscaping jobs for both private and public organizations.

Northwest Bark Blowers is currently offering customers $50.00 off a minimum one-unit order for

their products; just use the coupon attached. If you’d like to learn more about the company or their products and services, you can find them at www.nwbarkblowing.com or give them a call at (360) 600-1451.

Erica Lenz, DDS

Discover a New Path to Wellness

In Tune Nutrition offers holistic approach

By Kelly Romo, Contributing Writer

Photos by Lisa Kuhlman

Our bodies possess an impressive capability to heal and repair, but this process requires the proper nutrients. Nutritionist Melissa Olson understands this essential link between nutrition and health. To evaluate the needs of each client, In Tune Nutrition utilizes Nutrition Response Testing® as well as a computerized scan of the nervous system. Based on the results, Melissa designs a personalized nutrition program to optimize health and natural functioning.

In Tune Nutrition caters to people with a wide range of health issues — from those who feel healthy but looking to feel even better to those with all types of digestive problems, low energy, brain fog, autoimmune conditions, hormone imbalances, seasonal allergies, food sensitivities, sleep issues and more. In Tune Nutrition’s approach to health and wellness is holistic, with a focus on providing individualized solutions. After earning her Master of Science in Nutrition, Melissa saw how much people benefited from improving their diet, so she has dedicated herself to helping others optimize their nutrition.

Nutrition Response Testing

In Tune Nutrition distinguishes itself from other nutritionists through its specialization in Nutrition Response Testing, a unique method for identifying the exact nutrients required by an individual’s body to bring it back into balance. Nutrition Response Testing is a natural, non-invasive way to analyze the body to see what parts of the body are stressed or not functioning as well as they should and what is contributing to that stress. During the initial appointment, muscle testing is utilized to observe how the body responds to specific inputs. These responses are then used to determine what nutrients will help the body function better and improve how the person feels.

Computerized Scan of the Nervous System

If the nervous system is not functioning properly, other health interventions may not yield their full potential benefits. In Tune Nutrition understands this and works to ensure that their clients’ nervous systems are functioning optimally. The nervous system is checked at each visit as part of the Nutrition Response Testing as well as through computerized scans of the nervous system and identifying the specific nutrients the body needs.

Food & Nutrition Coaching

Food & Nutrition Coaching sessions ensure clients are equipped with the tools they need to lead healthier lifestyles. The sessions cover proteins, carbs, and fats — the basics of what we need from each type of food. They also cover aspects of everyday life that affect our bodies, such as sleep hygiene, meal planning, grocery shopping, and stress management. Other topics include reading food labels, meal planning and cooking, body care products and stress management.

Whole Food Supplements

Fundamentally, nutrition forms the building blocks of our bodies, so the focus should always be on obtaining the majority of our nutrients from a balanced and diverse diet. However, in the reality of today’s busy lifestyles and less-than-perfect diets, whole food supplements play a vital role in filling in the gaps to ensure the body gets what it needs to function optimally. Whole Food Supplements are a crucial part of the comprehensive nutrition plan at In Tune Nutrition. Unlike synthetic vitamins, whole food supplements are packed with nutrients along with their natural cofactors and enzymes to ensure the body absorbs and utilizes them optimally.

What to Expect

A phone call is the first step for a new client wanting to begin their journey with In Tune Nutrition. Melissa is happy to answer any questions and schedule an initial consultation. The initial consultation lasts about two hours. During this session, the necessary paperwork is completed and a

discussion of the client’s concerns and health goals are discussed. A unique feature of the process is the computerized scan of the nervous system, followed by the full Nutrition

Response Testing analysis. The information from these two tests enables Melissa to formulate a written report of findings and recommendations. The client is presented with this comprehensive initial information so they can make an informed decision about proceeding with In Tune Nutrition. This rigorous yet transparent process ensures clients feel confident and comfortable in their journey to optimal health.

Packages

In Tune Nutrition understands that health and nutrition needs should be accessible to everyone. Therefore, they offer various plans to meet their clients’ needs. For clients seeking to optimize their health, they have three different packages that offer discounted and cost-effective options as well as a generous family plan. Health is wealth, and if you are looking for a natural way to improve your overall well-being, Nutrition Response Testing may be the solution. Don’t wait another day to start your transformation. If you have questions or want to schedule an appointment with Melissa, call In Tune Nutrition at (360) 836-0678.