Gresham Community Advantage Magazine November 2024
Published by
Active Media Publishing Group
PO Box 672, Aurora, OR 97002
info@ActiveMediaUSA.com 503.825.2111
ADMINISTRATION
Matthew Nelson, Publisher Catrina Nelson, CFO
Tara Weidman, Executive Assistant
Raeann Van Arsadall, Business Development
PRODUCTION
Jeremy Okai Davis, Art Director
Donovan Darling, Creative Project Manager
Brittany Jungenberg, Director of Marketing
Kate Astle, Copyeditor
Kaity VanHoose, Social Media Manager
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Hilary Berg Sean Carver
Brittany Jungenberg Morgan King
Shawn Schmidt
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Dani DeGraw, Justin Nelson, Kaity VanHoose
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Patti Jo Brooks Olive Gallagher
Angie Helvey Lucas Holmgren
Robert Matsumura Dennis McNabb
Peter Murphy Edward Novak
Malia Riggs Kelly Romo
Gretchen Van Lente Ty Walker
Alice Williams Justin Woomer
Kerry Yu
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Laurel Bice Carly Carpenter
Tyler Francke Angie Helvey
Brittany Jungenberg Malaina Kinne
Lisa Kuhlman Kara Langley
MJ Media Productions Andrew Sambuceto
Henry Schifter Hayley Starkey
ADVERTISING SPECIALISTS
Don Ormsby Bill Kistler
Stephanie Baker Peggy Jacobs
David Long Chris O’Brien
John Zobrist Brad Marti
Shelley Zeman Tina Toney
Darren Dwyer Lynnette Scott
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Gresham Community Advantage Magazine
NOVEMBER 2024
A Dynamic Duo
New leadership plans tasty transformation
role. “I want people to know I take it very seriously,” he says. “It’s what I was destined to do.”
The restaurant serves lunch and dinner daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The menu, created by a collaboration of professional chefs, includes a variety of traditional dishes that originate from different regions of Mexico, all consistently delicious. “Our customers have their favorite dishes, and we ensure they experience the same amazing flavors and presentation every time they visit,” Angel explains. Some of their most popular entrees include fish tacos, sizzling fajitas, and Chuletas de Puerco, which features juicy pork chops grilled to perfection and served with housemade green tomatillo sauce, rice, beans and tortillas.
By Angie Helvey, Active Media
Angel Santana isn’t just running a restaurant; he’s carrying on a legacy. His father has been operating Mexican eateries since before he was born, most recently as a silent partner at Agave Azul, but as Angel approached college graduation, the family knew they wanted to make the restaurant 100% theirs. With many exciting changes in the works, the father-son team is proud to reintroduce Agave Azul as a friendly neighborhood spot perfect for indulging in the same authentic Mexican cuisine the community has adored for over 15 years.
Restaurateur Fabian Santana started out vending Mexican food for concerts and serving banquets before purchasing brick-and-mortars in 2000 and 2002. In 2009, he teamed up with his childhood friend from Mexico and opened Agave Azul. Angel, 23, has been working with his father from a young age and experienced the whole gamut, from dishwashing and bussing tables to serving and cooking in the kitchen. He graduated this year from Portland State University with degrees in business management, leadership and human resources, so when his father made the move to buy out his partner, Angel was ready to step into the manager
Angel also recommends the Paseo por Mexico, which includes three fantastic favorites: chile relleno, enchiladas de mole con pollo and carne asada. “People who love chile relleno tell us it’s the best they’ve ever had,” he says. “It’s a dish that
requires a lot of time and skill, and our cooks do an excellent job.” The restaurant serves lunch and dinner daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. To finish the meal with something sweet, try the churros, deep-fried ice cream or the creamiest, most delicious homemade flan you’ve ever tasted with a caramelized crust torched on top.
Mouth-watering Mexican food always pairs well with an icy beverage. Agave Azul serves several of the tasty Mexican beers we all know and love, like Negra Modelo and Pacifico, along with an impressive list of sweet and salty margaritas
Father/Son duo, Fabian & Angel of Agave Azul Mexican Restaurant
Fresca Margarita & Margarita Flight
and a few fun surprises Angel’s been slowly incorporating. Some new additions coming next year include the Mezcaloma, the Cucumber Jalapeno Cooler and different flavors of spiked agua fresca. With a full
bar, the bartenders can whip up almost anything, and Happy Hour has been reinstated every day from 2:30 to 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. to close with discounted drinks and appetizers.
Agave Azul is a place for friends and family to gather and share a meal, whether in the bright, family-friendly dining area, the intimate bar with TVs for watching sports or the dog-friendly patio perfect for warmer nights. Fabian and Angel’s plan to enhance the space includes new lighting, expanded parking, an improved patio and more. With a culinary team that can easily accommodate large groups, Angel hopes to expand the catering side of
the business, so keep them in mind for your next event.
The restaurant truly provides a family atmosphere, from its beloved customers to its employees. “The staff has been at least 75% family members since we opened,” Angel says. “We’ve had brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, you name it.” Agave Azul has plenty of regulars, many of whom have been coming since the beginning, and Angel is excited for customers to see the new changes as they transpire. “They’re going to love the new menu items, new drinks and numerous updates to the space. There’s a lot to share, and we’re confident it will be better than ever.”
Agave Azul is located at 155 SE Vista Ave. in Gresham. Please give them a call at (503) 674-0654 or visit their website at agaveazulgresham.com
Chefs Ruben & Osvaldo Titla
Bathroom Remodels, Quality Guaranteed
Local company rates 5 stars
Locally-owned and -operated, Miller Home Renovations does not outsource any of the work on their projects. All areas of service and installation are provided by in-house employees –not subcontractors. Michael Sharp, Miller’s marketing director reiterates, “Myself, as well as our call center staff, sales reps and installers are all employees of Miller Home Renovations.” Owner Ken Miller is known for building his company based on quality, integrity and exceptional customer care. He likewise employs “the best crews in the industry to bring that vision to life.”
Serving Oregon and Washington homeowners for over 15 Years! Miller Home Renovations provides residents with custom bathroom remodels, shower installations, tub conversions and walk-in tubs. Backed by lifetime warranty, Miller Home Renovations products, workmanship and business practices are exceptional for the industry. Take advantage of their limited time offer of No Interest & No Payment for 18 Months (terms apply) and get your renovation started today!
Enjoy the 5-star experience that thousands of homeowners have appreciated since Miller Home Renovations began in 2008. The most trusted name throughout the Pacific Northwest, Miller offers top-of-the-line, U.S.A.-made products and is an exclusive Bath Planet dealer. A proud member of the National Remodeling Association, Miller Home Renovations is dedicated to quality and providing the best customer care in the industry.
Starting with a free, no-obligation estimate to a worry-free guarantee, Miller Home Renovations is focused on customer care. A dedicated service team provides follow-up on jobs and makes sure any warranty issues are addressed immediately. Miller’s factory-trained crews participate in ongoing education and training to ensure customers are provided with the best, most efficient installation services available. “We warranty our workmanship for life,” Michael Sharp points out. “I believe we’re the only company in the Northwest that does that.”
Ask about current End of Summer and Fall promotions, specials or rebates. Mention the article to receive your promo code for a featured special. Miller Home Renovations is also committed to community outreach and have recently become a proud sponsor of Glenwood Little League.
Miller Home Renovations, LLC is located at 6109 E. 18th Street Suite A, in Vancouver. Give them a call at (503)847-2518 or email customerservice@millerhomerenovations.net. For additional information or to use the Design Studio visit their website millerhomerenovations.net.
Complete Automotive Service and Repair
We treat your car as if it were our own!
By Dennis McNabb, Active Media
Choosing the right repair/maintenance shop for your vehicle can be a daunting task. After all, your vehicle is your pride and joy. It’s also likely one of the most expensive items you own and the last thing you want to do is leave its care in the hands of an unknown service provider. It’s reassuring then to discover there are still organizations in the industry that employ such guiding principles as honesty, integrity, and transparency, that have earned their distinguished reputations over time by consistently providing superior service and putting their customers first. Not to be confused with turn-and-burn operations, these businesses are far more interested in building long-term relationships based on trust than making a quick dollar. Amongst these proud few, none is more lauded or respected than Gresham’s All About Automotive.
Established in 2000 by Steve and Karen Johnston, All About Automotive is the region’s premier complete automotive service and repair shop. They work on foreign and domestic vehicles, both trucks and cars, and their AAA service menu includes everything from oil changes and wheel alignments to axle replacements, suspension work, clutch repairs, and everything in between. Their technicians boast almost 90 years of combined experience, are all ASE Certified, and are held to the highest standards through continuing education classes. You won’t find a more earnest or dedicated crew in the industry.
I had the pleasure of speaking with Karen and found her to be warm, friendly, and delightfully enthusiastic about the business. She joked that in the early days when it was just the two of them, she was forced to take crash automotive courses to learn how to accurately advise customers on the status of their vehicles. Now, 24 years later, she is a highly respected blogger in the industry, even earning awards for her technical acumen. With that, she has taken it upon herself to educate customers regarding the proper care and maintenance of their vehicles. She wants people to understand what they are paying for and why. What a concept!
What caused Karen, Steve, and their team at All About Automotive to truly stand out amongst the competition, however, was their genuine desire to help the community. Obviously, they are in the business of helping people keep their
vehicles properly maintained. By doing that right the first time and every time, they are already doing more than most. Over and above that, they are also some of the most generous and communityminded individuals you’ll ever meet. Working with local charities, they regularly donate a percentage of proceeds in addition to free parts and labor for those in need. Their “Pay it Forward”
program is one-of-a-kind and you should ask Karen about it when you go in.
This is a locally owned and operated business. As Oregonians, born and raised, Karen and Steve wish nothing more than to earn your business the old-fashioned way: by treating your vehicle as if it were their own. You owe it to yourself and your vehicle to give them that opportunity! And if you are a long-term customer already, be aware that the business is in the process of moving.
After 24 years in the same spot, All About Automotive is moving to a new, more consolidated and efficient location just two miles away. They are incredibly excited about this new opportunity and will be holding a Grand Reopening on Saturday, November 23rd from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. The event will include a
and of course a
(bring in your old documents to be shredded by AccuShred, and proceeds will go
SnowCap). Don’t miss
Check their website for more information: allaboutautomotive.com. Call for an appointment at 503-465-2926, or come by to see their new location: 1850 NW Burnside in Gresham.
Shades of Autumn
The science of fall foliage
By Robert Matsumura, Active Media
Crimson. Gold. Orange. The colors of fall. When summer cedes to autumn, nature puts on a spectacular show as trees and shrubs burst aflame in brilliant hues. This annual display, known as fall foliage, has captivated people for centuries, but have you ever pondered why leaves change color? The answer lies in the fascinating interplay of pigments, light, and weather.
The color transformation of leaves is a complex process driven by changes in the pigments within them as the seasons shift. In spring and summer, chlorophyll is the dominant pigment in leaves. It absorbs sunlight and transforms it to produce food for the tree through photosynthesis. Chlorophyll is what turns leaves green in color. However, as the days shorten and temperatures drop in autumn, trees begin to prepare for winter. Chlorophyll production ceases, and the green of the leaves begin to fade.
anthocyanins are not present in leaves year round. Their production is triggered by the fall’s cooler temperatures and the presence of light. As chlorophyll decreases, the leaf’s cells convert sugars into anthocyanins, which in turn produce the striking red and purple colors seen in certain autumn leaves. Weather conditions also come into play in relation to the intensity of fall colors. Warm, sunny days and cool, but not freezing, nights produce the most vibrant foliage. Daytime warmth promotes the production of anthocyanins, while the cool nights decrease the breakdown of chlorophyll, resulting in pigments that shine more brightly. A sudden frost, however, damages leaf cells, interrupting the color transformation process and leaving foliage a dull brown.
But what happens to the leaves once the chlorophyll is gone? It is at this point where other pigments come into play. As chlorophyll breaks down, the colors of the remaining pigments become more visible. The yellow and orange hues of fall leaves are the result of carotenoids. These pigments are always present in leaves but their colors are typically masked by the dominant green of chlorophyll. As the green fades, carotenoids become visible, producing the bright yellow and orange shades of fall.
Anthocyanins are another group of pigments responsible for the red, purple, and blue colors in plants. Unlike carotenoids,
The timing of color change varies depending on the type of tree, its location, and the weather conditions. Each year foliage peaks at a different time as determined by the preceding weather patterns. Generally, the change commences in the northern regions first, and gradually moves south as the season progresses.
So the next time you take an autumn stroll through a forest or park, take a moment to appreciate the intricate science behind the stunning display. The beautiful reds, oranges, and yellows are more than just a feast for the eyes; they are a testament to nature’s biochemical processes. As the trees prepare for winter, they dazzle with one last breathtaking show, a reminder of nature’s beauty and the wonders of scientific phenomena.
Holiday Kitchen Fire Safety
Long lines at the grocery store, package deliveries piling up on doorsteps — yes, it’s beginning to look a lot like the holidays.
All the hectic preparations may prove distracting when it comes to safety in the kitchen, leading to accidental burns or scalds. According to the National Fire Protection Association, winter holidays are peak days for home cooking fires.
With the end of the year approaching and the holiday festivities drawing near, it is is a good time for families to review their fire safety plan.
The two most important parts of such a plan are knowing the best route to evacuate your house or dwelling and knowing the location of your fire extinguisher.
Holiday Cooking Safety
Whether you’re hosting a gettogether or just bringing a dish, prevent kitchen fires and cook safely with these tips in mind:
Keep flammable items away from the stovetop, including oven mitts, potholders, food packaging and dishtowels. Avoid wearing loose clothing, which could catch fire on burners.
Do not leave cooking unattended. When using the stovetop, stay in the kitchen so you can keep an eye on the food. If you have something in the oven, check on it frequently; set a timer as a reminder.
Keep the floor clear of any tripping hazards, such as bags or toys. Pets should be kept in another room where they won’t risk getting underfoot.
Stay alert while cooking on the stove. If you’re tired or have consumed alcohol, let someone else take over.
Exercise caution when handling hot liquids and foods, as steam or splashes can cause serious burns; also be careful of the trays, pans and serving dishes they are in.
When it is time to set the table, place hot liquids and foods in the center of the table, where they are less likely to be knocked over.
Kids in the Kitchen
The kitchen can be a risky place for children, especially amid the chaos of holiday preparations. From hot foods and liquids to knives and dangling electric cords, there are lots of dangerous things a child can grab off the counter. Maintain a safe environment by keeping hazardous items toward the back of the counter and out of easy reach.
To avoid any accidental burns or scalds, children should stay at least three feet away from the stove. Keep them entertained — and out of the kitchen — by setting up activities such as games, puzzles or books in another room.
How to Treat a Burn
No matter how careful one may be, accidents still happen. If you experience a painful burn, contact your doctor or go to an urgent care clinic or the emergency room.
What to Do If There Is a Cooking Fire
When a fire ignites in the kitchen, our first instinct may be to pick up the flaming pot or pan and attempt to move it into the sink or outside. This is dangerous, however, and can result in splashing hot oil on yourself and your home, spreading the fire.
Should a small fire ignite, follow these safety guidelines:
Do not pour water on it. Water can cause oil to splash, which can not only hurt you but also spread the fire.
Slide a lid over the pan to smother the fire and turn off the stovetop, leaving the pan covered until it has completely cooled; alternatively, baking soda can also be used to extinguish small grease fires.
With an oven fire, turn off heat and keep the door closed.
For larger fires with extensive smoke and heat that are rapidly spreading, get out. Leave the kitchen and close the door behind you to contain the flames. Once you are safe, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Take your loved ones with you outside, but don’t re-enter your home to get your cellphone, computer or other personal belongings. You may not have a second chance to get out safely.
With these tips in mind, you and your loved ones are better prepared to have a happy — and safe — holiday season, from the kitchen to the table.
How Thanksgiving Became a National Holiday
The role of Sarah Josepha Hale and President Lincoln
The Origins of Thanksgiving
For Americans everywhere Thanksgiving means gathering together with loved ones for a special feast, and celebrating all those things in our lives for which we feel grateful. Inspired by the traditional foods of that first Thanksgiving feast, turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, and pumpkin pie are the classics. The origins of this cherished day stretch back to colonial America, and are rooted in the interactions between European settlers and the Indigenous peoples of North America. The most widely recognized early Thanksgiving took place in 1621, when the Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony and the Wampanoag people came together to celebrate a successful harvest. This event, marked by a feast that included venison, fowl, and native crops, is often seen as the prototype for modern Thanksgiving celebrations.
The Pilgrims, having endured a harsh winter and nearly perishing, found themselves in the debt of their Wampanoag neighbors, who taught them essential survival skills, and helped them establish crops on which to subsist. The gratitude expressed in 1621 was a symbol of the complex and often strained relationship between the two groups, and helped foster cooperation and positive relations moving forward.
The Evolution of a Tradition
For many years, Thanksgiving was primarily a regional celebration observed in New England. Each state and community held its own Thanksgiving celebrations, often on different dates. The notion of a Thanksgiving holiday as a national holiday gained traction, however, in the mid-19th century, when one determined woman initiated a tireless campaign to unify the holiday on a particular day and celebrate it on a national scale.
Sarah Josepha Hale: The Woman Who Would Not Relent
It is Sarah Josepha Hale, a prominent American writer and editor, who today is credited with transforming Thanksgiving from a regional observance into a national holiday. Hailing from New Hampshire, Hale was famous for her literary works, particularly the nursery rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” As it turned out, her most significant contribution to American culture derived from her advocacy of Thanksgiving.
Hale launched her campaign in earnest during the 1820s, composing letters to various presidents and public officials, urging them to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday. The impetus for her campaign was her belief that a national Thanksgiving would help unify the country, engendering a sense of shared American identity and gratitude. Not only were her letters and essays published in numerous newspapers across the country, as editor of Godey’s Lady’s Book, one of the most influential magazines of the era, she was in a unique position to rally public support.
Despite her tireless efforts, her pleas gained little support with lawmakers. Many politicians and leaders were hesitant to endorse a national Thanksgiving, concerned that it would impose on regional traditions or stir up political controversy. Undeterred by numerous setbacks, Hale persisted with a steely determination.
President Lincoln: The Turning Point
It was during the Civil War era that Hale’s efforts finally bore fruit. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln, amidst the chaos of the Civil War, was striving to foster national unity and provide comfort to a war-weary nation. Lincoln’s decision to declare a national day of Thanksgiving was influenced by Hale’s tireless advocacy and her vision of a holiday that could unite Americans at a time of deep division.
In October 1863, Lincoln issued a proclamation declaring the last Thursday in November as a day of national Thanksgiving. Lincoln’s proclamation was a pivotal moment, both in the history of Thanksgiving and in the broader context of American national identity. His proclamation was
both eloquent and heartfelt, embracing themes of gratitude, reconciliation, and reflection. It read, in part:
“I do, therefore, invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens.”
The Impact of a National Holiday
Lincoln’s proclamation transformed Thanksgiving from a regional celebration to a national holiday. By declaring Thanksgiving a national holiday, Lincoln helped to bridge regional divides and promote a sense of gratitude and unity during a traumatic period in American history.
Over the years, Thanksgiving has evolved from its colonial roots into the modern celebration we know today. Always, though, Thanksgiving has functioned as a means of cultural cohesion in a diverse nation. As immigrants arrived on American
shores, each brought their own culinary traditions and customs. Thanksgiving served as a bridge — a common ground — allowing families of different backgrounds to come together for a food-based celebration of gratitude and community.
Gathering Around the Table
So as we gather around the table for turkey and all the fixings, with football on many a television screen, remember the story of how Thanksgiving became a national holiday. While the celebratory feast of the early Plymouth colonists with the indigenous Wampanoag was the genesis for this revered holiday, it was the willpower and persistence of dedicated individuals like Sarah Josepha Hale -combined with President Abraham Lincoln’s vision for national unity -that transformed Thanksgiving from a regional observance into a cherished American tradition. Thanksgiving exists not only as a time for reflection and gratitude, but also as a symbol of the resilience and unity of the American spirit.
