Skiing Through Time
From ancient practicality to modern sport
expeditions highlighted skiing’s potential for both exploration and adventure and set the stage for skiing’s eventual evolution towards recreation.
The Birth of Recreational Skiing
By Robert Matsumura, Active Media
Skiing, a sport we associate with thrilling slopes and high-speed descents, has a history that stretches back thousands of years. Though it’s known today for adrenaline-fueled competitions and recreation, skiing’s origins trace back to survival, transportation, and innovation.
Ancient Beginnings
On the frozen landscapes of prehistoric Europe and Asia the first evidence of skiing is found. The earliest finds date back to around 6,000 BCE in Scandinavia and Siberia, where ancient people used skis not for recreation, but as a practical means of navigating the snow and ice. Archaeologists believe that early skis were made from wood and bone with bindings that secured the feet of the skiers to the boards. In Norway, for instance, skis allowed hunters and herders to travel great distances through snow-covered terrain, making them an essential of daily life. The word “ski” itself derives from the Old Norse word skio, meaning “stick of wood.”
Skiing’s Role in War and Exploration
Fast forwarding to the 18th century, skiing evolved beyond a survival skill to become a part of military operations. Skiing played a pivotal role in the battles between Norwegian and Swedish forces, particularly during the Winter War of 18081809. Ski soldiers navigated through deep snow to provide tactical advantages in warfare.
One of the most significant figures in skiing’s history was Norwegian explorer, diplomat, and skier Fridtjof Nansen. Pioneering the use of skis for polar exploration, Nansen famously led the first crossing of Greenland on skis in 1888. His
The late 19th century saw skiing’s transformation into a popular recreational activity. In 1850, Norwegian native Sondre Norheim developed the first bindings that allowed for greater control, a major turning point in ski technology. Norheim’s innovations, along with the growing interest in alpine sports, helped skiing progress from practicality to recreation.
In the early 1900s, Norway hosted the first-ever ski competitions, attracting spectators and participants from around the world. It wasn’t long before skiing spread to other regions, with ski resorts opening in the Alps and North America. By the 1920s, skiing had established itself as a popular sport, with the first Winter Olympic Games in 1924 including ski events like cross-country and ski jumping.
Skiing Today
Fast forward to the 21st century, and skiing is a global sport enjoyed by millions, from weekend warriors to Olympic athletes. Modern skiing technology has evolved from the rudimentary wooden skis of ancient times. Lightweight materials, improved ski designs, and high-tech bindings have made possible faster, safer skiing with greater accessibility. Ski resorts, with their snow-covered slopes and striking vistas, have become a staple of winter vacations, attracting people from all walks of life. Yet despite its widespread popularity as a sport, skiing still retains its spirit of innovation and adventure. Whether you’re tackling a black diamond run or cruising down a beginner hill, the thrill of skiing resonates with the same spirit of exploration and freedom that began thousands of years ago.
ACROSS
3. Cannabidiol is often consumed in this type of gelatin-based fruit snack.
5. After World War II, this organization introduced the first nationwide civilian blood program that continues to this day. (2 words)
6. Eating a home-cooked meal with friends and family once a week helps foster a sense of ________ or another word for a flight you are running to catch.
10. Now employee-owned Oregon grain company named for the founder’s first name, a primary color and the type of operation it takes to process grain. (3 words)
11. Type of corn in Mexico’s iconic soup featuring beef tripe.
13. Pastime uses a hook and yarn to make scarves, blankets, doilies and more.
14. Most expensive type of beef raised in Kobe, Japan.
15. Classic kind of soup often paired with grilled cheese.
Officially January
Puzzling over the
month’s serious and not-so-serious
observances
DOWN
1. Ancient Greek poet credited with the idea of mentoring in his poem “Odyssey.”
2. Available in almost every language, Braille helps the blind community access written communication with specifically arranged _________.
4. American brand so synonymous with slow cookers that most people call these small appliances by its iconic name.
7. Using money today to increase the value of an asset over time.
8. “_________ when wet” describes the No. 1 cause of harm related to mishaps in the bathtub or shower.
9. Named for its color, this most common type of tea in the U.S. is a favorite for serving with ice and lemon.
12. World’s largest cut black diamond, “The Enigma,” weighs a whopping 555.55 __________.
New Installs to Small Repairs
No
project too large or too small!
By Patti Jo Brooks, Active Media
Photos by Brittany Jungenberg, Active Media
Thought about replacing that worn-out, dated garage door? Do your spirits sink just a bit every time you pull up to it? Perhaps it’s broken or annoyingly noisy? Call the experts! Serving the Greater Portland-Metro Area and SW Washington, this family-owned and -operated business services everything from squeaky doors and broken springs to custom installations and repairs for both residential and commercial properties. Don’t let the name mislead you. Oregon City Garage Door’s headquarters is located in Clackamas, but with twelve field technicians and four estimators this local company covers a lot of ground! Oregon City Garage Door will install, repair and maintain your new or existing garage door at any location throughout the Greater Portland-Metro Area. “Let Oregon City Garage Door Open the Door for You!”
installation once they arrive at the local distribution center in Portland. Depending on the make and model, some doors are already in stock. Custom orders typically take a standard of three to four weeks to reach the local warehouse.
When you call Oregon City Garage Door, “You’re calling a professional,” says owner Ryan Dissen. Focused on customer service and fast turnaround time, many repairs are handled with same-day service. “We have 11 vehicles stocked and ready to go,” Ryan points out. New doors, manufactured by Clopay (American-made and American-owned), can be scheduled for
Visit the Oregon City Garage Door showroom to view a firsthand demonstration of one of their fully operational garage doors. Utilizing a garage door opener, you’ll see how smoothly the installed door opens and closes. The showroom also features doors in four different styles displayed on a sliding track for easy viewing. “We have samples, brochures and literature to help our customers decide which door they would like,” Ryan notes.
An Oregon City native and Air Force veteran, Ryan Dissen continues his close ties to the community through his membership, donations and fundraiser participation for the Oregon City Elks Lodge Christmas Basket program. Oregon City Garage Door also donated labor and installation services to accompany R&S Manufacturing’s donated garage door to La Salle High School for their softball hitting facility.
The Oregon City Garage Door showroom is located at 16000 SE Evelyn St. in Clackamas. Call (503) 664-9982 or visit oregoncitygaragedoor.com for their gallery and additional information.
The Shape of a Voice
Portland clay artist gives form to “big ideas”
By Patti Jo Brooks, Active Media
Human creativity and imagination take on many forms.
The artist, employing skill and technique, imparts beauty, ideas or emotions through their work.
Clay as an artistic medium is one such form. Artist Paige Wright, proprietor of The Wright Clay Studio, creates and teaches fine art large-scale ceramic sculpture. Offering classes and workshops reminiscent of her childhood experiences is a way for Paige to give back. It’s important to her to engage children and encourage their creativity, to help them find their voice, explore big ideas and discover their dreams.
“I’ve been doing art since the age of 10,” says Paige. “I was very visual, so my mom started me on an afterschool art program here in Portland.” The art classes were based
more on creative expression and finding your voice rather than technique and skill building. Ceramics provided Paige an avenue to experience accountability and integrity through making something “where people took me seriously,” she expresses, explaining that she was not as articulate in other areas. Although school was not her “forte,” she went on to achieve a master’s in ceramics and subsequently offers student apprenticeships at her studio for college credit. Paige held her first professional art show in high school. Her early works were primarily self-portraits, though she sculpted family members, particularly her sister, as well. Fascinated by “the human mechanism,” she contemplated her sister’s features. “What kind of shapes did she get that we share or that are different than mine?” As the artist, she observes, “We all are made up of the same ‘stuff,’ and what’s really cool is how that ‘stuff’ can take on these unique shapes.” Her thoughts turn to how we adorn and decorate the body through tattooing, piercing, wearing certain jewelry or crowns, a veil, a yarmulke. She reflects on “adding those to my pieces and kind of playing around with them.” Paige sees this as a way to view the elements in a different way and at the same time to celebrate them. Gordon, Paige’s dog, “a good studio mate,” she says, often hangs out while she teaches. Weekly classes are offered year round as follows: KIDS (ages 7–14): Sunday, 2–4 p.m. and Thursday, 4:30–6:30 p.m.; and ADULTS (ages 15+): Monday, 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m. and 4:30–7 p.m., and Wednesday, 4:30–7 p.m. Weekend workshops are six hours in total: Saturday, 4:30–7:30 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. (check the website for details and online registration.)
Late last year at Chefas Projects (a forum for contemporary cutting-edge art), Paige Wright displayed her newest collection of ceramics. Upcoming events, class updates and monthly reminders can be obtained from the website or by signing up for the newsletter.
The Wright Clay Studio is located at 3522 N.E. Liberty Street in Portland. Visits are by appointment only; please email paige@thewrightclay.com to schedule. For additional information and to view Paige’s portfolio, visit www.thewrightclay.com.
GRESHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT
Warming Centers
Multnomah County supports a network of severe weather shelters when any of the following thresholds are met for any of the following conditions are forecasted to persist for four hours or more between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m.
Forecasted temperature of 25° F (-4° C) or below.
Forecasted snow accumulation of 1.0 inch or more.
Forecasted temperature at or below 32° F (0° C) with driving rain of 1.0 inch or more overnight.
The County’s Chief Operating Officer or their designee may consider other conditions or circumstances during a severe weather event that could increase the risk to the community and activate elements included in this standard operating procedure. Scan the code for daytime warming spaces and nighttime shelter locations.
Driving in Snow & Ice
Driving in snow requires a certain set of driving skills some Oregon residents rarely get to use. Here are tips.
Check road conditions on your route before you go at TripCheck.com or call 511. Plan your trip accordingly.
Wet, snowy and icy roads have varying degrees of traction. Adjust your speed to match road conditions.
Allow extra time to get where you’re going. Be prepared for delays. Make sure you have water, blankets, a full tank of gas…and plenty of patience!
Allow extra stopping distance. There is less traction on slick, snowy roads.
Brake gently to avoid skidding or sliding. If the wheels lock up, ease off the brakes.
Carry chains and know how to use them.
Make sure your vehicle is in top operating condition, with good brakes, working wipers and good tires.
Slow down when approaching off-ramps, bridges and shady spots.
Turn on headlights to increase visibility.
Invisible Danger: Black Ice
Black ice, also called glare ice or clear ice, is a thin layer of ice on the roadway. Any ice is dangerous to drive on, but black ice is particularly so because the road looks wet, not icy. Black ice isn’t really black; it’s so thin and transparent that the darker pavement shows through. It often has a matte appearance rather than the expected gloss.
O.D.O.T. TripCheck is a one-stop shop for information on traveling in Oregon, with the latest conditions via road cameras, continuous winter travel updates, year-round highway construction details and other valuable tips to get you to and from your favorite places in Oregon via air, bus, rail or ride share.
Common Sense & GPS
Navigation systems and similar smartphone apps are great tools, but you may need to verify the identified detour route to make sure it’s appropriate given current conditions and the vehicle you are driving. Most navigation tools don’t take current road or weather conditions into consideration. They may direct you onto remote roads that are neither maintained or passible in all weather conditions. Because of this, here are a few tips to consider:
Don’t follow GPS blindly. The app on your phone or other GPS devices might not have the latest information.
Use TripCheck.com before you go to get the latest on state road conditions. You can also call 511.
If you are not familiar with an area and current road conditions, stay on state roads and don’t attempt detours onto roads you don’t know.
If you are not sure of the route and conditions your device directs you to, ask local folks for information and consult a map. It is better to stay the night in town than be stuck.
French Onion Soup
Ingredients
6 tablespoons olive oil
3 pounds yellow onions, halved and thinly sliced
¾ teaspoon sea salt
1½ tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1½ tablespoons tamari
1½ tablespoons fresh thyme
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup dry white wine
6 cups vegetable broth
* freshly ground black pepper
Topping: Baguette slices | Gruyère, aged cheddar or Parmesan | fresh thyme | red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
Heat oil in large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions, salt and several grinds of pepper; toss to combine. Reduce heat to low and cook for about 40 minutes, stirring every few minutes, or until onions are very soft. Increase heat to medium and cook 15 to 20 more minutes, stirring often, until golden brown. Stir in vinegar, tamari, thyme and garlic. Sprinkle flour on onions, stir; cook 2 minutes. Stir in wine; cook 2 minutes, or until evaporated. Add broth and simmer over medium heat for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 450°F. On parchment-lined baking sheet, bake baguette slices topped with cheese until toasted and cheese melts, 8 to 10 minutes. Ladle soup into ramekins; top with baguette slices, thyme and pinch of red pepper, if desired.
“Yeah, you’re gonna die. It’s a matter of time. That ain’t the question. Question’s whether they’re gonna have a good story to tell about you when you’re gone.”
The movie follows Zak (Zack Gottsagen), a young man with Down syndrome who lives in a North Carolina nursing home and dreams of becoming a professional wrestler. With the help of his roommate, he escapes and starts hitchhiking to a wrestling school run by his idol, the Salt Water Redneck (Thomas Haden Church). On his way Zak meets Tyler (Shia LaBeouf), a fisherman on the run. They quickly become friends, with Tyler mentoring Zak as they travel south by foot and boat, eluding authorities. Eleanor (Dakota Johnson), Zak’s caregiver, eventually finds and joins them on their journey when Tyler convinces her to help Zak achieve his dreams. A heartwarming, thoughtful, and funny adventure with a Mark Twain kind of vibe, this is an inspiring watch for New Year’s. Rated R for mature language and light violence.
“Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.”
A powerful story of hope and perseverance, this movie follows Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), a bank vice president in 1940s Maine, who is convicted of the murder of his wife and her lover. Sentenced to serve two consecutive life sentences in Shawshank Prison, Andy pleads his innocence to deaf ears. Resolved to serve his time, he makes friends, helps the guards with their finances, and eventually becomes involved in money laundering. I won’t spoil the ending in case you haven’t seen this 30-year-old classic, but it’s a good one, and a true example of utter resilience against impossible odds. It’s a great movie of hope, friendship, and the strength of the human spirit. Also starring Morgan Freeman, Clancy Brown, and Bob Gunton. Rated R for mature themes, language, and violence.
“Out with the old, in with the new.”
A long-awaited sequel to the 2015 Pixar movie, Inside Out 2 follows Riley as she navigates the emotional challenges of growing up. The movie explores her transition into puberty, introducing new emotions like Anxiety, Envy, Ennui, and Embarrassment, alongside the original characters like Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust. Riley’s internal emotional world has to adapt to these new and changing feelings as she faces the challenges of growing up, including school and relationships. What’s cool is how this movie portrays the emotional and psychological challenges of adolescence with humor and sensitivity. Universally praised for its relatability on growth, change, and the importance of emotional understanding, it blends humor with life lessons about managing emotions, making it entertaining and meaningful for all ages. Starring Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Lewis Black, Maya Hawke, Ayo Edebiri, Tony Hale, and Liza Lapira. Rated PG for its emotional complexity, mild humor, and mild peril.
New Year’s celebrations date back over 4,000 years to ancient Mesopotamia, where the Babylonians marked the new year not in January but in late March, during the spring equinox. Their festival, called Akitu, lasted 11 days and included rituals to crown a new king or reaffirm loyalty to the current ruler. The switch to January 1 came in 46 BCE when Julius Caesar introduced the Julian calendar. He chose January in honor of Janus, the Roman god of beginnings, transitions, and doorways, symbolizing looking forward to the future and reflecting on the past.
Stream these movies where available, or rent from your local movie store, library or rental kiosk.
Peanut Butter Falcon (2019) The Shawshank Redemption (1994) Inside Out 2 (2024)
Midnight Magic
New
Year’s Eve around the globe
By Robert Matsumura, Active Media
Bubbly. Counting down the final seconds. A kiss at midnight. “Auld Lang Syne.” While our New Year’s Eve traditions are familiar to our own culture, the ways in which people around the world bring in the new year are diverse. From eating grapes in Spain to smashing plates in Denmark, these customs provide a fascinating glimpse into the various ways we celebrate transitioning from one year to the next. No matter your locale, the desire to usher in a fresh start is universal, and every culture has its own unique way of doing so. Here is a look at some of the most intriguing New Year’s Eve traditions from around the globe.
SPAIN A Grape for Good Luck
In Spain, counting down to the new year is accompanied by the unique tradition of eating 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight. Each grape represents a month of the year, and eating the whole dozen is believed to bring good luck in the coming year. The key is to eat all 12 grapes prior to the clock’s final chiming. Each grape symbolizes a different hope for the coming year.
DENMARK Smashing Plates for Prosperity
The arrival of the new year in Denmark is greeted with the sound of crashing plates! Instead of clinking glasses, Danes believe smashing old plates or dishes on the doorstep of friends and neighbors brings good fortune, removing any bad spirits. The more broken shards the better the luck for the coming year. This quirky custom reflects the Danish concept of hygge, which centers around fostering warmth, coziness and togetherness, despite a few broken dishes along the way.
JAPAN Welcoming the New Year with a Clean Slate
In Japan, New Year’s Eve centers around deep spiritual reflection, with many traditions rooted in a sense of cleansing and renewal. The Japanese practice of osoji involves cleaning the house thoroughly before New Year’s Day to wash away bad luck and usher in a fresh start. At midnight, many families visit shrines for prayer and meditation, reflecting on the year past and wishing for a prosperous year ahead. In the days leading up to New Year’s Eve, people also send nengajo (New Year’s cards) to friends and family,
acknowledging the connections that bind them. These traditions encompass a serene, peaceful celebration filled with reverence for both past and future.
ITALY Wearing Red for Love and Luck
In Italy, New Year’s Eve is a passionate affair — quite literally. The wearing of red underwear on Dec. 31 is believed to bring good luck and love in the upcoming year. The color red is traditionally associated with happiness, passion and vitality in Italian culture, so why not bring in the year with a little extra luck? At midnight, lentils are often served symbolizing wealth, abundance and the hope that money will be as plentiful as the small legumes. If you’re in Italy, don’t forget to give a kiss at
midnight; just as red symbolizes luck, kissing loved ones is thought to ensure strong relationships in the year to come.
SCOTLAND A Night of Hogmanay and “First Footing”
In Scotland, New Year’s Eve is called Hogmanay and is celebrated with much vigor and merriment. One of the most cherished traditions is “first footing,” which involves the first person to enter a household after midnight bringing gifts to ensure good luck for the coming year. The night is filled with dancing, toasts, fireworks and, of course, the singing of “Auld Lang Syne” to bid the old year goodbye.
BRAZIL The Sea, White Clothes and New Year’s Wishes
In Brazil, New Year’s Eve celebrations are particularly vibrant, with people gathering at the beach to celebrate the réveillon. Garbed in white clothes, symbolizing peace and renewal to Brazilians, it’s believed that wearing this attire will attract good luck in the new year. Brazilians also pay homage to the Afro-Brazilian goddess of the sea, Yemanjá, by offering flowers and floating them in the ocean at midnight in small boats. The ritual is believed to ensure blessings for the coming year. Fireworks illuminate the sky and the festive energy on the beaches is expressed through music, dancing and revelry throughout the night.
ECUADOR Burning the “Año Viejo”
In Ecuador, the New Year’s Eve celebration takes on a fiery twist. At midnight, many Ecuadorians burn effigies called años viejos (old years), composed of old clothing, straw and fireworks. The effigies symbolize the prior year, with all things negative associated with it. Burning the año viejo is a way of letting go of the past and embracing the new year. It’s a dramatic yet cathartic ritual
in which families, friends and even neighborhoods often compete to create the most impressive año viejo effigy transforming the streets into a spectacle of fire and celebration.
MEXICO Grapes and Fire
As in Spain, many people in Mexico eat 12 grapes at midnight — one for each chime of the clock. Each grape symbolizes a wish for each month of the coming year. In addition, many Mexicans drop a gold ring into their glass of bubbly wine. As long as they do not remove the ring before hugging everyone in the room and finishing their glass, they will supposedly enjoy good luck in love and financial affairs.
In With the New Out With the Old
As the clock strikes midnight and the world rings in the new year, it’s fascinating to see how cultures across the globe celebrate this annual milestone. Whether through fire, food, music or the sharing of wishes, New Year’s Eve symbolizes a collective desire for hope, renewal and good fortune. These traditions create a connection to the past while generating excitement for the future — a reminder that no matter where we are in the world, the arrival of a new year is a time to come together, reflect and celebrate.
Consider embracing one of these fascinating global traditions — or create one of your own. After all, making new memories is what it’s all about!
