Dallas Community Advantage Magazine June 2024

Serving Those Who Serve

Nonprofit holds care-package fundraiser

By Edward Novak, Contributing Writer

With a presidential election on the horizon, it’s easy to get caught up in the political drama of which we’re all constantly bombarded. The stakes feel higher than ever, as they have for every single election of the last couple of decades. Arguments will break out over family dinners and shocking news stories will be shared on social media. America will seem more divided than it ever has been. And yet, if there is any single subject on which everyone, left, right and center can agree, it’s that our military veterans and active service members deserve our respect and care.

Blue Star Mothers of America is dedicated to making that happen. Made up of mothers, grandmothers and legal guardians with children serving in the armed forces, Blue Star Mothers is a national organization with

more than 200 chapters and 6,000 members across the United States. Founded in 1946 during World War II, the group has worked for more than a century to provide support for our armed forces via various volunteer efforts aimed at serving active service members and veterans. They take their name from the flags that were originally displayed in the windows of soldiers’ families during World War I, with each blue star representing a member of the household currently serving.

Blue Star Mothers remains as active as ever, fundraising throughout the year to raise money and support the troops. In fact, their Oregon chapter is planning to hold an event in late June to raise funds for care packages to be sent to sixty local soldiers who will soon be sent out on their first deployments.

Blue Star Mothers’ Oregon chapter has worked frequently in the past with other groups like the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, and several local churches to raise money for these care packages, which they send twice a year: once during the summer and another around Christmas. They’ve previously held fundraising events at Columbia Presbyterian Church in Vancouver, Washington, and Pomeroy Living History Farm in Yacolt; they are still finalizing where this summer’s fundraising event will take place.

The fundraiser will be open to the public, and volunteers are welcome. If you have a loved one serving in the military, Blue Star Mothers would be happy to have you. Even if you don’t, the organization is happy to take on associate members. With three to four thousand soldiers from the tri-state area alone expected to be deployed during 2024, Blue Star Mothers is grateful for all the help it can get in making sure local troops are cared for and supported from home.

If you’d like to learn more about Blue Star Mothers, you can find their website at bluestarmothers.org. If you’re interested in learning more about the Oregon chapter or their upcoming fundraising events, you can contact Vice President Geri Stuart at one4maus@gmail.com.

Are

Exploringtheretrovideogamerenaissance

ByRobertMatsumura,ContributingWriter

most realistic, imaginative video games for both consoles and streaming platforms, many enthusiasts are increasingly looking to the past for a familiar, relaxing and affordable gaming experience.

With the dizzying array of tantalizingly new games out there, complete with ultra-high definition graphics and immersive music and storylines, the rising popularity of old low-tech games with pixelated graphics and simplistic controls is a bit of a head-scratcher. In order to wrap one’s mind around this curious phenomenon, it’s important to understand what the term “retro game” refers to. In gaming parlance the term “retro gaming” instantaneously evokes primitive but charming 8-bit graphics, intuitive straightforward gameplay that is addictive and challenging, yet is, at its core, innately simple.

The heyday of these retro games was back in the 70s and 80s when the internet was still a dream, and words like “cell phone” and “streaming” had not yet entered the common lexicon.

experience was to play these games standing up on arcade machines located in pizza parlors, convenience stores and malls across America.

For those of us who grew up during this era the nostalgia factor is immense. As the world continually grows faster and more complex, there is a certain comfort in the return to something familiar. Engaging again with the graphics, sounds and challenges of these simple games has the ability to evoke the past, like a time capsule transporting one back to the days of their youth. Whether rescuing the princess in the various castles of Super Mario Brothers, zapping fast flowing insects in Centipede or defending humanity from invaders from outer space in Galaxian or Space Invaders, engaging once again with these simple yet thrilling games is like reacquainting oneself with an old friend.

Another lure of retro games is their simplicity. Unlike contemporary video games whose complexity often mirrors real life, retro games offer a binary experience that requires minimal decision making and strategizing. In a world where everevolving technology demands increasing levels of expertise and knowledge,

the straightforward gameplay of retro games can be a refreshing change of pace. Basic hand/eye coordination and reaction time are typically the skills required in retro games, versus the detailed storylines and game mechanics common to today’s popular titles.

Aside from nostalgia and relaxing game play, the affordability of retro gaming is also appealing. The expense of today’s popular titles creates a strain on the pocketbook for budget-minded individuals. The inexpensive price of retro games — frequently bundled together at minimal cost — creates a democratizing effect, wherein the vast majority of gamers can afford to participate, rather than only the hardcore few willing to shell out significant dollars to stay up to date on the latest and greatest new releases.

Finally, one cannot discount the aesthetic appeal of retro games with their pixelated graphics and jaunty chiptune soundtracks that impart a certain charm to these old titles. While highly orchestrated

musical scores and jawdropping HD visuals are indeed impressive from a technical standpoint, there are times when simple equates to good. In a sense, retro games are the comfort food of the video game industry. While gourmet cuisine can be an amazing culinary experience, there are times when you simply desire a good old burger and fries. Leaning over a classic arcade machine, joystick in hand, is a completely different experience to gaming online via the latest PlayStation or Xbox console wearing a headset and communicating in realtime with players around the globe. So how has the recent resurgence in retro game popularity affected the gaming industry?

arcade establishments also double as restaurants serving food and beverages to hungry gamers as they strive to save the world from galactic invaders or guide Pacman through a labyrinth of hungry ghosts.

As one might expect, the surging popularity of retro video games has spurred demand for old gaming consoles. The resale market on sites such as eBay for vintage Atari, Nintendo, and Sega Genesis consoles has exploded as the younger generation of gamers discovers these old classics, and Boomers reengage nostalgically with the favorite games of their youth. The demand for retro game

The surging demand for retro games has manifested itself in a myriad of ways, from the creation of small hand-held arcade machines for gamers on the go to the digital remastering of classic retro titles. Game designers are also incorporating visuals, sound effects, and game mechanics from the old retro titles and developing new games that capture the essence of these timeless originals. In cities across the globe the burgeoning demand for retro video games has spawned arcade establishments catering to gamers wishing to play the old classics standing up, on machines like those of their youth. Often these new

in lockstep with the demand for the old consoles and games cartridges, driving a craze for all things retro gaming. No matter what your age or level of gaming experience — Baby Boomer to Gen Z, avid gamer to newbie – retro video games have something to offer everyone. Whether you grew up in the 70s or 80s and seek a nostalgic blast to the past, or hail from a more recent generation, the realm of retro gaming is a wonderful respite from the complexities of our modern life—digital comfort food for the soul!

Mighty Clean

Quality carpet cleaning guaranteed

By Dennis McNabb, Contributing Writer

Just ask Josh Vorderstrasse, owner and operator of Mighty Clean Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Service in Polk County. He knows this business better than most, which he can attribute to the early start he got back in the seventh grade. His father started the business down in Salem in 1995, and Josh would go to work for his dad during his winter and summer breaks from school. Initially it was just that; a parttime, “helping out Dad” type of venture. Eventually though, Josh came to realize he sincerely enjoyed the work and once he was old enough, decided to branch out independently. He bought himself a van and the requisite equipment and started his own branch of the business servicing the Newberg and McMinnville area.

“What really appealed to me,” Josh says, “was the flexibility in the work and the hours, as well as the personal relationships I’m able to build with my customers.” Josh is a family man

with two beautiful young kids of his own now, and he loves running a business that allows him to make a living while still balancing time with his family. In addition, each day is a new adventure bringing fresh challenges and variety to his work. Especially with living in the Northwest, where we can have such inclement weather, researching and discovering new ways to get all manner of dirt, sap and ground-in plant particles out of your carpets can be quite a challenge to overcome.

Perhaps Josh’s most impressive quality, beyond his diligence and commitment to quality service, is his charming and friendly demeanor. “One of the most important aspects of this business is customer service,” he said. “I’m going into peoples’ homes. I can clean their carpets better than anyone in town but if I’m not personable — if I’m not giving them the best customer service they’ve ever had, I don’t get called back”. Josh’s friendly persona is not simply an act he puts on for the job, however. He genuinely is a really nice guy, and his main concern is doing the best job possible to clean your carpets and making you feel comfortable having him in your home on top of it.

What sets Josh apart from other carpet cleaners, you may be asking? Well, besides the fact that he’s going to be your new best friend, Josh has set up his business in such a way as to virtually guarantee your satisfaction. First of all, he has taken all the guess-work out of his pricing. He has a very straightforward and simple cost structure with NO HIDDEN FEES! You know exactly what you will be paying before he even arrives at your house, and his prices are both affordable and competitive.

Secondly, Josh is the owner and sole operator of Mighty Clean. There are no other employees working for him. He’s THE guy; the one you will speak to on the phone, and the one you will meet in person when he comes to your house, each and every time. He’s also the guy who takes pride in his business and does a superior job without any of the petty shortcuts you

might get from some of his competitors. Even if you have a particularly difficult stain or spot, he will do his absolute best to get it clean without nickel-anddiming you for extra chemicals needed for the job.

Josh doesn’t limit himself to just cleaning carpets, by the way. He’s also a pro when it comes to freshening up your upholstery, including couches, loveseats and recliners. As always, these services come at easy and affordable fixed prices. He can do pet treatments, deodorizers, stain guards, deep soil extractions and emergency water extractions. Josh can even venture outside to clean the fabrics in your vehicle, boat or RV! Made a huge sticky mess last time you went through the drive-through? Let Josh come and take care of it for you. He’ll return it to its former glory, or even better.

On the commercial side, Josh can spruce up that dingy old office carpet for you in a jiffy. No office is too big or too small; the pricing structure is just based on square footage in this case (which is 20 cents per square foot). He can also take on any multi-family dwelling such as a condo or apartment complex and has separate specials for those as well.

The bottom line is this: without a doubt, Josh is going to earn your repeated business. He’s going to show up on time, he’s going to win you over with his friendly personality, and he’s going to deliver the best cleaning your carpets and upholstery have ever had. Don’t wait through another season with dingy, dirty carpets.

Call him up at 503-956-6148 to schedule your service today!

Seeds of Sustainability

A homestead farm’s commitment to biodiversity

Birdsong Farm. The couple worked tirelessly to transform the 17 acres. “When we bought this place, it was totally bare and an overgrazed mess,” says Miranda. “We put in gardens, one bed at a time, and started raising Muscovy ducks our first summer.”

Birdsong Farm is home to humanely raised small livestock that live quiet, comfortable lives with love, space to free range, and plenty of extra treats. Free-range duck eggs are available for purchase year-round, and they raise and sell a large batch of meat chickens once a summer. The chicken is processed right on the farm. “We do it ourselves, under the Oregon Poultry Exemption,” Miranda explains. “Customers come out and pick them up fresh that same day. They’re pasture-raised and absolutely delicious.” The farm formerly sold duck and rabbit meat but had to scale back for multiple reasons, including losing their flock of

By Angie Helvey, Contributing Writer Photos courtesy of Birdsong Farm

Pedee, Oregon, is a small, unincorporated neighborhood nestled snugly in the coastal foothills of Monmouth. In the spring and summer, a symphony of trills and warbles soars through the fields and trees as songbirds arrive for the season and begin hatching chicks. Living respectfully on the native land of the Kalapuya and Luckiamute tribes, Birdsong Farm is a small family homestead dedicated to growing and raising natural foods to nourish themselves and the community.

Artists Andy and Miranda Rommel initially lived together in Texas but were forever dreaming of owning a homestead, so in 2012, Miranda brought Andy back to her home state of Oregon and they stumbled upon the property that would become

Muscovies to a bobcat.

Birdsong’s gardens and greenhouse grow fresh, chemical-free vegetables and herbs they share with the community through a small CSA. The gardens yield an excellent crop of all the basics with some Asian influence. “We grow a variety of Asian greens, and I put in asparagus a couple of years ago, so this year we finally get to eat and share as much asparagus as we want,” says Miranda. The farm gets most of its seeds for planting from Adaptive Seeds, a local company that feeds biodiversity with its diverse selection of open-pollinated organic seeds, and Miranda has been growing Jory tomatoes

from her own saved seeds for about six years now.

Apple trees and a peach tree round out the fresh bounty with a few unique additions like black currants and tayberries. “You don’t see tayberries at the market too often; they’re delicious, but they’re the thorniest little things,” Miranda says with a laugh.

Like many farmers, the Rommels both have day jobs and Andy is currently working on his Master’s in teaching. Birdsong keeps its operation reasonably small so that it can be self-sustaining.

“When we first started, we’d hire some help, but we realized the workload needed to be manageable for just us,” explains Miranda. Visitors are welcome to the farm by appointment to pick up fresh eggs and tour the property.

Andy and Miranda farm with biodiversity in mind and they’ve worked hard to create a habitat on their property for all plants and creatures. “Over the years, I’ve put in lots of native plants, fruit trees, and assorted blooming things, and now we’ve got a huge population of native bees and birds that come to visit every year,” Miranda says. “Nurturing biodiversity and doing my part to help the ecosystem is most important to me.” Queen Bee Apiary, a company out of Corvallis, also keeps a bee yard on their pasture every summer.

Like most homesteaders, Birdsong Farm cares deeply for the land and advocates for local food producers. “Small producers need to be economically viable, and many of the

bills proposed in the last few years make it so the only producers will be the big ones,” says Miranda. “The community needs the small farms; we all need to know where our food comes from.”

Birdsong Farm is located at 21375 Gage Rd. in Monmouth. Please give them a call at 503-949-0610 or visit their website at birdsongfarmoregon.com.

Heroes, Hotcakes and Happiness

Celebrate Father’s Day firehouse style!

By Kelly Romo, Contributing Writer

Father’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a unique experience filled with family, fun and a touch of heroism? Mark your calendars for June 16 and head to Powerland Heritage Park for a traditional firefighter breakfast and exciting events at the Oregon Fire Service Museum.

The Father’s Day Firehouse Fun event starts with a hearty spread featuring pancakes, eggs, sausage, juice and coffee, perfect for fueling the day’s adventures. Admission to the park is only $10, with an additional $10 for breakfast. For the little ones, admission is $5, with breakfast priced at $5. Children aged four and under get in free! Additional discounts apply for first responders, veterans and active, making it an excellent opportunity to show appreciation for our everyday heroes.

Once you’ve fueled up, it’s time to dive into the festivities. The museum, which is still under construction, will have the front gallery open so guests can see fire apparatus’ more than 100 years old. This is a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with these historical artifacts. Marvel at the apparatus from Marion Co. Fire 1 and listen to the

captivating roar of old fire trucks starting up. Guests can also sit in a Ford Model T for a fun photo opportunity. Behind the museum, you can see old fire trucks currently under restoration. Weather permitting, you might even catch Life Flight landing in the back field, a sight that will awe young and old alike.

After the events and seeing the progress of the construction of the Oregon Fire Service Museum, you can spend the entire day exploring the 14 partner museums scattered throughout Powerland Heritage Park. Each museum offers a unique perspective on history and innovation, from steam-powered machinery to trains, trolleys, logging equipment and farm implements. The park is large, so kids are invited to bring their ride-on power wheels to cruise around, adding extra excitement for them. When hunger strikes later in the day, visitors can grab lunch from one of the food carts brought in specifically for this event. They will start serving at 11 o’clock.

Remember, the Father’s Day Firehouse Fun event is not just a celebration; it’s a crucial fundraiser for the fire museum. Your participation is not only fun but also meaningful. By attending, you directly support the noble cause of the Oregon Fire Service Museum Memorial & Learning Center, which is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich heritage of firefighting in Oregon.

So mark your calendars, gather the family and head down to Powerland Heritage Park on June 16 for a Father’s Day celebration that’s perfect for all ages. With delicious food, exciting activities, and the chance to support a worthy cause, it’s bound to be a day to remember.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit oregonfiremuseum.org/fathers-day-firehousefun/ or call ahead at 888-313-6873. The museum is located at Powerland Heritage Park, 3995 Brooklake Road, N.E. Salem.

Still Oozing with Color, Just in a Different Form

Baker falls back in love with pottery

By Kelly Romo, Contributing Writer

The world is full of stories about people who start their journey on one path only to find themselves on another. When Maggie Pike sold her successful bakery, Maggie’s Buns, she thought she would be bored. But instead, she fell back in love with pottery, a craft she had dabbled in thirty-two years earlier. Now, she makes vibrant creations that are not only utilitarian but also beautiful works of art.

When asked what drew her to pottery, Maggie admits she used to be terrible at it, but had always enjoyed it. After selling her bakery, she longed for something creative to do, so she dug out her old potter’s wheel and gave it a spin. To Maggie’s surprise, she got it right on the first try, and that was all it took to reignite her passion.

The colors Maggie discovers on her travels inspire the forms and textures of her pottery. She sifts through photos from her latest trip, selects about ten colors, and starts creating. Her glazing process involves up to seventeen hand-painted layers, each adding depth and personality to her creations. Even Maggie doesn’t always know what the final product will look like, but the unexpected results are part of the fun.

The process of creation holds its own magic for Maggie. Unveiling a new design from her kiln, fondly named “Calvin,” is always thrilling. Nearly 30% of pottery is lost in the kiln due to various factors, so she feels an indescribable sense of accomplishment when a piece turns out exactly as she dreamed. Despite years of experience, she never quite knows how a piece will look after it’s glazed, so it’s

nothing short of magical when her vision comes to life.

Maggie found an intimate connection between her love for food and creating practical and visually appealing creations. Her work is a tribute to the moments that often go unnoticed yet hold profound significance, like sipping hot coffee from a beautifully crafted mug or enjoying a homecooked meal in a hand-thrown bowl. This is her way of spreading joy, and she finds inspiration in the thought that her creations might make someone’s day a little brighter. She hopes this cycle of inspiration — where the excitement of her audience fuels her creative energy — continues to thrive, enabling her to create art that brings smiles and warmth to people’s lives. If you eat off something every day, it might as well be a work of art!

Valley Arts Association has profoundly impacted Maggie’s artistic journey. The familiar faces and warm appreciation of the local community foster confidence and inspire her to experiment with her artistic style. Valley Art’s vibrant culture and lively environment have also provided ample opportunities for networking and collaboration. Moreover, Valley Art’s website serves as a hub for upcoming events, allowing her to stay connected to the local art scene, discover new inspiration, and showcase her creations.

Maggie’s journey to becoming a potter was unexpected, but it has led to some truly stunning work. Her use of color and hand glazing has made Maggie’s pieces into unique and beautiful works of art that people can enjoy. If you’re looking for something functional and artistic to add to your home, you can’t go wrong with one of Maggie’s creations.

To see more of Maggie’s work, check out her Facebook pages under ‘Maggie Pike’ or ‘Passport to Color.’ You can also see her creations at Valley Art at 2022 Main Street in Forest Grove, (503) 357-3703 or on their website at: www.valleyart.org

Summer Sanctuary

Hello, friends! Believe it or not, summer is coming, so it’s time to embark on a journey exploring the secrets to crafting a truly inviting outdoor sanctuary. We’ll be unveiling a few of the essential elements that distinguish a lackluster patio from a haven of serenity and joy. Each of these components is a pivotal piece of the puzzle and vital to the success of your project.

1

SOFT PL ANTSCAPE S

Nature’s touch matters! Soften harsh textures with plants, transforming your patio into a lush sanctuary

2 WE ATH E R-WISE TOUCH E S

Design your patio to adapt to changing weather! Incorporate shade elements while ensuring ample ventilation for an enjoyable outdoor experience.

3 FIE RY FOCAL POINT

Fire pits or outdoor fireplaces create a captivating ambiance, drawing folks together for heartwarming conversations.

4 COZ Y FURN ISH INGS

Relaxation is key! Opt for cozy, casual outdoor furniture that harmonizes with your patio’s aesthetics and durability

5 E N DURING SURFACE S

Paving stones promise a lifetime of enjoyment, providing durability and timeless charm for your patio surface.