HOOD RIVER
Hood River Community Advantage Magazine
OCT/NOV 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
Looking to reach local consumers?
We specialize in direct-mail products: community magazine advertising, mailing inserts, postcards and more. For more details, call 503.825.2111 or email info@ActiveMediaUSA.com
CHECK US OUT ONLINE AT CommunityAdvantageMagazines.com
A New Era for Hood River’s Largest Toy Store
New
ownership at powersports and bikes store
also joined the team to provide even better support and service for these exciting outdoor sports.
Post Canyon Bikes, located right next door, focuses on e-bike sales and service, featuring the largest and most capable manufacturer of e-bikes in the world: Yamaha. Most people
Story and Photos by HRP
Please welcome Hood River Powersports & Marine and Post Canyon Bikes to Hood River! Established in 2024 and owned and operated by Jamie Hull of Mt. Hood & Parkdale, they are bringing a new kind of adventure and community to the Gorge.
At HRP and Post Canyon Bikes, they’re here to help families and folks make the most of their time outdoors, whether you’re enjoying the outdoors solo, with friends, or exploring with loved ones. Everything they offer is designed to help you enjoy life, build your skills, and recharge — while always delivering the best service and support to keep the adventure going.
In just a few months of ownership, Jamie has already made huge changes to the dealership, including a major rebrand (with new signage coming soon!). They are also carrying even more world-class brands, such as RH Fishing boats, G3 Boats, Kawasaki, Sherco offroad and trail bikes, Kove Adventure and Rally bikes, CFMOTO UTVs, ATVs & motorcycles, Arctic Leopard Electric motorbikes, and Kayo pit bikes and ATVs.
For all you boaters and fisherman out there, they have big plans in the works, bringing 20+ years of boat design and building experience to ensure HRP becomes the go-to store in the Portland and Gorge areas. The Big Fishing store launches early 2025! New staff from the Hood River area — with professional expertise in moto and mountain biking — have
are not aware that Yamaha has built more e-bikes than any other manufacturer in the world, and just recently began to focus on the US market with the introduction of the very best e-bikes available. Post Canyon Bikes also sells RFN and RAWRR (similar to Surron), with even more brands coming soon!
Jamie Hull is a Mechanical and Marine Engineer, lifelong gearhead and outdoorsman. So naturally, he saw this opportunity as the holy grail of combining many of his outdoor activities and passions under one roof, as well as to build a venue and share this experience with the Hood River community he loves so much.
Formerly MidColumbia Marine & MotorSports (MCM), this company has been in the Hood River’s boating, fishing and powersports culture for more than 30 years, and HRP & Post Canyon Bikes is excited to continue this legacy! A big shout out to Jim Drennen for making this possible!
HRP and Post Canyon Bikes provides sales, service and parts support for powersports, MTB and road bikes, e-bikes, marine and fishing. Hood River PowerSports & Marine and Post Canyon Bikes are located at 3335 Cascade Ave. in Hood River. For more info, visit our website at www. hoodriverpowersports.com/ or give us a call at (541) 386-2477.
Jamie Hull, Owner
Taste the Flame
Indulge in mesquite magic at Hood River’s premier steakhouse
seafood entrees like salmon and prawns, all lightly seasoned and expertly grilled or broiled with mesquite to elevate the meat’s natural flavors.
Kris’s recent addition of dry-aged cuts has been wildly popular among customers, especially the 16-ounce bone-in Ribeye and 20-ounce Porterhouse. “The flavor profile is amazing,” he says. “It’s more common at fancy steakhouses like in Vegas and Los Angeles, and they charge a lot for them. Ours are just slightly more expensive, and it’s worth it.”
By Angie Helvey, Contributing Writer
Photos by Henry Schifter
Mesquite trees thrive in the desert, mainly in South America, Mexico, and parts of the southwestern United States. The smoke from the burning wood chips of the tree tastes like heaven when paired with Black Angus Choice beef. Since 1988, The Mesquitery & the Shed have been recognized as the best in Hood River by locals and travelers, famous for their mouth-watering mesquite-grilled steaks.
Chef and owner Krzysztof “Kris” Ukleja migrated to the United States from Poland in 1996 and worked at another restaurant in Hood River before he and three partners purchased the Mesquitery in 2001. They eventually parted ways, and Kris has been the sole owner since 2018. He currently runs the restaurant with his longtime manager, Monika Kiezik.
Other choices include a delicious selection of appetizers, soups and salads, sandwiches, and pastas. Kris sprinkles a few Polish dishes throughout the menu, like chicken schnitzel and pierogies, which are dumplings stuffed with potatoes, cheese and served with sauteed onions. Desserts are primarily made from scratch like the absolutely-to-die-for cheesecake. A kid’s menu is available for the little ones.
One of the first things guests see when they enter The Mesquitery is the open-flame grill visible throughout the restaurant that exudes a sweet and smoky aroma with audible sizzle to tantalize your taste buds. The restaurant serves Black Angus beef in only the finest custom cuts, including New York, Porterhouse, Top Sirloin, Prime Rib, Beef Cheeks and Ribeye. Beef, however, isn’t the only thing that receives the royal treatment. The menu also features pork, chicken, and fresh
Guests especially love The Mesquitery’s unique menu design, which allows you to build your own meal with an entree and any number of desired sides. Choose from a long list of tasty accompaniments, like a loaded baked potato, cheesy garlic bread, side salads, steamed vegetables, and many more! “It’s a popular way of ordering food at our restaurant,” says Kris. “People enjoy being the designer of their meal.” For health-oriented customers or those following a special diet, it’s a great way to customize the dish to satisfy individual nutritional needs.
The restaurant’s attached lounge features a full bar with an excellent selection of draft and bottled beers, a curated wine list with many local options and a cocktail menu that changes
seasonally, so guests always have something new to try. Polish brewing has a unique style all its own, and Kris stocks several tasty European brews that pair well with a hearty meal.
The Mesquitery is all about customizing your desired experience, from the food to the seating options. The restaurant area offers cozy booths and larger tables for groups, or guests can hop over to the attached lounge or the Shed and play pool, enjoy video poker and watch sporting events on their eight largescreen TVs. Like an intimate grotto, the lounge is the best place for an elevated experience, while the Shed is more casual. A beautifully landscaped, heated patio decorated with lights and greenery
creates a botanical atmosphere perfect for your next date night.
Visitors to The Mesquitery are always greeted by friendly, familiar faces, many of whom have been on the team for years, including full-timers Monika, Aurora, Angela, Angie, Alvis,
Shakira, Owen and Beau. “Most of our employees have been with me a long time,” says Kris, “but we do hire students. It’s a great first job, and we’re always sad to see them go when they leave for college or move on to another adventure.”
The Mesquitery has a loyal community following, which is no surprise because the food and the customer service are consistently excellent. They also welcome many tourists, especially during the summer months. Ask any local: This is the place to go if you want the best steak in Hood River.
The Mesquitery is located at 1219 12th St. in Hood River. Please give them a call at 541-386-2002 or visit their website at thebestinhoodriver.com
It is the bane of many Americans. You eat a good meal, happily satisfied, but soon thereafter, the discomfort begins. For one person, it’s a dry, irritating cough; for another, a heavy, uncomfortable stomach. Another might experience a sensation of hot burning in the throat and a nasty acid taste in the mouth or wake in the night with terrible indigestion or in the morning with a sore throat.
Heartburn, acid reflux, GERD ... it’s the same condition that can bring misery to our lives. Those handy, over-the-counter drugs, like Prilosec or Omeprazole, bring quick relief, but taking them long term can give some very, unwanted side effects. What can a person do?
Heartburn has different sources. One of the most common causes occurs when your stomach is low in acid, also know as hydrochloric acid (HCL). HCL both breaks up protein and prompts the entire digestive tract to operate properly. Without it, food rots quickly in our stomach instead of digesting properly and passing into the intestines. As it rots, it gives off gasses, which pushes the stomach juices up into the esophagus, and voilà, heartburn!
One way to see if you have low HCL is to put a tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar (ACV) in 8 ounces of warm water and drink it. With low HCL, this will feel good. For some people, drinking 1 to 2 tablespoons of
ACV in warm water and drinking it before meals is what they need for relief. If the vinegar drink is too strong for your palate, you can try the delicious Goli Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies or some liquid herbal bitters in warm water for the same effect. For stronger relief, use Zypan, small tablets of HCL and pancreatic enzymes that get your meal digesting properly.
People with chronic heartburn may have high levels of H. pylori in their stomach. The typical medical treatment for this is high-dose triple antibiotics, which can kill off beneficial bacteria. Natural treatments for H. pylori can be as effective but less damaging. Mastic gum, encapsulated tree resin from the Mediterranean, kills H. pylori and heals the gut lining. Another great product, Pyloguard by Microbiome Labs, is a postbiotic that binds to H. pylori and carries it out of your body. Unfortunately, I can’t cover everything in a short article. There are also mechanical issues that can be involved with heartburn, such as a hiatal hernia. If you find that nothing is helping, you can schedule an appointment with Ruth for learning about other ways to find needed relief for your nasty heartburn.
Ruth Maletz RN, CNC & Jonathan Maletz, LMHC Daniel’s Health & Nutrition
Memoir by Dal-Tile
Enroll and Enjoy
Take advantage of open enrollment
By Lee McPherson, Financial Advisor
If you work for a midsize or large company, you may soon be able to review your employee benefits package, as we are entering the open enrollment season. So consider your options carefully with an eye toward making changes appropriate for your needs.
Here are some of the key areas to look at:
Retirement Plan
Depending on your employer, you could change your 401(k) or similar retirement plan at any time of the year, but you might want to use the open enrollment season to review your contribution amounts. If your salary has gone up over the past year, you might want to boost your pre-tax contributions (including catch-up contributions beginning at age 50). At a minimum, try to put in at least enough to earn your employer’s match, if one is offered. At the same time, look over how your contributions are allocated among the various investment options in your plan. You’ll want your investment mix to reflect your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon.
Life Insurance
If your employer offers group life insurance at no cost as an employee benefit, you may want to take it — but be aware that it might not be enough to fully protect your family should anything happen to you. You may have heard that you need about seven to 10 times your annual income as a life insurance death benefit, but there’s really no one right answer for everyone. Instead, you should evaluate various factors — including your mortgage, your income, your spouse’s income (if applicable), your liabilities, the number
of years until your retirement, number of children and their future educational needs — to determine how much insurance you need. If your employer’s group policy seems insufficient, you may want to consider adding some outside overage.
Disability Insurance
Your employer may offer no-cost group disability insurance, but as is the case with life insurance, it might not be sufficient to adequately protect your income in case you become temporarily or permanently disabled. In fact, many employer-sponsored disability plans only cover a short period, such as five years, so to gain longer coverage up to age 65, you may want to look for a separate personal policy. Disability policies vary widely in premium costs and benefits, so you’ll want to do some comparison shopping with several insurance companies.
Flexible Spending Account
A flexible spending account (FSA) lets you contribute up to $3,200 pre-tax dollars to pay for some out-of-pocket medical costs, such as prescriptions and insurance copayments and deductibles. You decide how much you want to put into your FSA, up to the 2025 limit. You generally must use up the funds in your FSA by the end of the calendar year, but your employer may grant you an extension of 2½ months or allow you to carry over up to $640.
Health Savings Account
Like an FSA, a health savings account (HSA) lets you use pre-tax dollars to pay out-of-pocket medical costs. Unlike an FSA, though, your unused HSA contributions will carry over to the next year. Also, an HSA allows you to take withdrawals, though they may be assessed a 10% penalty. To contribute to an HSA, you need to participate in a highdeductible health insurance plan. Make the most of your benefits package — it can be a big part of your overall financial picture.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC.
Big Medicare Legislative Changes to Come
Make sure you’re covered by the deadline
By Kelly Romo, Contributing Writer
According to Shanon Saldivar, a trusted health insurance expert with over twenty-two years of experience, this year’s Medicare open enrollment brings the most significant changes since 2006. If you rely on Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage, now is the perfect time to review your coverage. With a major provider leaving the Medicare Advantage market and critical legislative changes to Part D, it’s essential to act before the December 7th deadline.
Starting in 2025, a new $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs will be introduced for medications on your plan’s formulary. However, this change may also result in narrower formularies, so ensuring your medications are still covered is crucial. With many different plans to choose from, navigating these options can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone.
In addition to the changes for Medicare Part D, a major Medicare Advantage provider is leaving the market. If you are
affected, you’ll need to find a new plan. While this may seem daunting, it’s also an opportunity to choose a plan that better fits your needs, whether that’s another Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Supplement/Medigap plan. Medicare open enrollment runs from October 15th through December 7th. If you don’t make a change by December 31st, your current plan will end, potentially leaving you without essential coverage.
For over twenty-two years, Shanon Saldivar and her team at Saldivar Insurance have been dedicated to helping their community navigate the complexities of health insurance. They’re here to provide free personalized guidance to help you find the right plan, ensuring you feel confident and covered without the stress of figuring it out on your own. In addition to Medicare, they also help with Healthcare.gov and direct individual plans. Contact Saldivar Insurance today to secure the best plan for your needs. They’re here to help you navigate these changes and find the coverage that’s right for you, all at no cost to you — their services are paid for by the plan, not the customer. Call 541-506-3773 or book an appointment online at www.saldivar-insurance.com.
Según, Shanon Saldivar, una experta confiable en seguros de salud con mas de veintidós años de experiencia, el periodo de inscripción abierta de Medicare de este año trae los cambios más significativos desde 2006. Si depende de Medicare Part D o Medicare Advantage, ahora es el momento perfecto para revisar su cobertura. Con un importante proveedor saliendo del mercado de Medicare Advantage y cambios legislativos importantes en la Parte D, es crucial actuar antes del 7 de diciembre.
A partir de 2025, se implementará un nuevo límite de $2,000 en los gastos de bolsillo para medicamentos recetados que están en el nuevo formulario de tu plan. Sin embargo, este cambio podría llevar a formularios más limitados, por lo que es fundamental verificar
que sus medicamentos sigan cubiertos. Con tantas opciones de planes disponibles, elegir el adecuado puede ser significativo, pero no tienes que hacerlo solo.
Además de los cambios en Medicare Parte D, un importante proveedor de Medicare Advantage está saliendo del mercado. Si esto aplica con usted, necesitará encontrar un nuevo plan. Aunque esto pueda parecer desalentador, también es una oportunidad para elegir un plan que se adapte mejor a sus necesidades, ya sea otro plan de Medicare Advantage o un plan de Suplemento/Medigap de Medicare. La inscripción abierta de Medicare es del 15 de octubre al 7 de diciembre. Si no hace un cambio antes del 31 de diciembre, su plan actual terminará, lo que podría dejarlo sin la cobertura esencial.
Durante más de veintidós años, Shanon Saldivar y su equipo en Saldivar Insurance se han dedicado a ayudar a su comunidad a navegar por las complejidades del seguro de salud. Están aquí para ofrecerle orientación gratuita y personalizada para ayudarle a encontrar el plan adecuado, asegurándose de que se sienta seguro y cubierto sin elestrés de tener que resolverlo por su cuenta. Además de Medicare, también te ayudan con Healthcare.gov y planes individuales directos.
Contacte a Saldivar Insurance hoy para asegurar el mejor plan para sus necesidades. Están aquí para ayudarle a navegar estos cambios y encontrar la cobertura adecuada para usted, todo sin costo: sus servicios son pagados por el plan, no por el cliente. Llame al 541-506-3773 o programa una cita en línea en www.saldivar insurance.com.
Bounty Brilliance
Celebrating local farms and artisans
By Angie Helvey, Contributing Writer
Celebrating Oregon’s magnificent bounty each autumn is a tradition that dates back to the mid-1800s. Celebrating its 39th anniversary this year, the Hood River Valley Harvest Fest is one of the longest-running festivals in the Columbia Gorge and promises a spectacular lineup of farms and orchards, arts and crafts vendors, delicious food, local beer and wine, live music and more!
Presented by Toyota, the festival will take place Friday, Oct. 11–Sunday, Oct. 13, at the Hood River Event Site on the Columbia River. Comparable to a giant farmer’s market, the event features an abundant selection of farm vendors selling everything from pears and pumpkins to flower bouquets and potted plants. It’s a great place to pick up a crate of fresh, crispy apples for eating fresh or baking pies.
The roster, subject to change, includes local vendors like Dancing Light Ranch, a lavender farm, and Secret Valley Produce, which offers a variety of fresh veggies. To add to the party, between 12 and 14 food vendors will be onsite, slinging tacos, corn dogs, barbecue, crepes, ice cream and more! Check out the bar to pair your snacks with seasonal cocktails, a cold beer or a glass of wine.
The arts and crafts vendors are some of the best in the region, having been vetted through a juried acceptance process. With 80 participating businesses, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re interested in paintings and pottery or candles and jewelry.
It’s an impressive showcase of the talented artists and makers in the Columbia Gorge and beyond!
True West produces the Harvest Fest, and a fantastic live music schedule is planned, so wear comfortable shoes and come prepared to groove! Shireen Amini kicks off the party on Friday with a soulful blend of rock, Latin, hip-hop and roots, followed by the June Bug Boys, an old-time string band local to Hood River.
The tunes continue on Saturday, starting with Tallulah’s Daddy, a fun, interactive musical performance perfect for kids and families. Mikey the Rad Scientist will take the stage next with a unique science and nature-themed musical performance. Rounding out the afternoon, JoAnna Lee will perform her acoustic-based blend of pop, rock and soul, and Tony Smiley will conclude the day with his captivating talent for live looping, the art of recording multiple layers of sound simultaneously to create complex and engaging melodies.
Mikey the Rad Scientist will make a second appearance on Sunday, followed by Americana soul artist Megan Alter. Indie rock band Blue Willow will perform the grand finale.
Proud to be a treasured event for the whole family, the festival will offer plenty of fun activities for kids. The dedicated Kids Zone offers games and bouncy houses, and littles can get their faces painted or even paint a pumpkin! The kid-specific acts in the performance lineup are also new this year.
Celebrating and sharing the region’s fall harvest brings people together and helps to support local growers and businesses. “The festival draws, on average, 10,000 people over the weekend at a normally slow time for the community,” says Lee Perry of True West. “Hotels are typically sold out, and not only is Hood River booming, but so are the surrounding communities.”
For more information, including pricing and ticket purchases, visit the website at hoodriverharvestfestival.com.
Virginia Barn
6x10: $2520 ($2820 tall)
8x10: $3360 ($3760 tall)
10x10: $4200 ($4700 tall)
10x12: $5040 ($5640 tall) Colton Ranch
6x10: $2400 ($2700 tall)
6x12: $2880 ($3240 tall)
8x8: $2560 ($2880 tall)
8x10: $3200 ($3600 tall)
8x12: $3840 ($4520 tall)
10x10: $4000 ($4500 tall)
10x12: $4800 ($5400 tall)
Everett Lean-To
6x10:
10x10:
• 8x10: $4800
• 10x12: $7200
ACROSS
2. A decoy or mannequin often in the shape of humans, placed in fields.
4. The darker part of twilight especially at night; when trick-or- treaters come out.
6. Frequented by ghosts.
7. Things that go _______ in the night.
8. A carved lantern, most commonly made from a pumpkin.
9. To gather up the year’s crop.
11. A fleshy, typically large fruit with a hard skin, some varieties of which are edible.
13. A demon-like evil spirit or phantom, especially one supposed to rob graves.
DOWN
1. Three-colored, honey candy traditionally eaten during the fall.
3. A large vault — typically underground — for burying the dead.
5. An individual who can shape-shift into a ravenous wolf.
7. A game where players try to retrieve apples from a tub of water using only their teeth.
9. An onomatopoeic sound to mimic the cry of wolves.
10. Give a treat or get a _______.
12. Spooky, scary skeletons are made of these.
JPainting History
Portraits reignite forgotten histories and spark dialogue
By Dennis McNabb, Contributing Writer
eremy Okai Davis is an incredibly busy man. Between his full-time day job working as a graphic designer and illustrator here at Active Media, his full-time 24/7 job of being a good companion to his partner and proud father of two, and his full-time artistic endeavors (which involve deadlines for both ongoing and upcoming shows), it’s a wonder he finds any time for rest, let alone relaxation. You would think that something would have to give, but for Jeremy, expressing himself artistically is as integral as breathing. Without it, he is not living his best life, not being the best version of himself that he can be.
Of course, if you are familiar with Portland’s vibrant local art scene, Jeremy’s name will likely not be foreign to you. His fantastic work has been shown in the Rotating Art Program at Portland International Airport, in the Lonnie B. Harris Black Cultural Center (at Oregon State University), in the University of Oregon’s permanent collection, and many others. His works are primarily portraits of forgotten or underrepresented Black historical figures, painted in a wonderfully expressive pointillist style, juxtaposed against relatively simple backgrounds which may include poignant graphic
elements to expand the story. Jeremy believes art to be an interactive and communal experience, and hopes to not only inspire a deeper dive into the subjects’ history but also to open a broader dialogue in general.
Jeremy has two shows on the horizon that are not to be missed. The first is at the Elizabeth Leach Gallery and opens
on Thursday, November 7th. This show will expand on his previous show, “A Good Sport” which highlighted Black Americans performing in the fields of sports and academia and navigating the highly complex ideologies of “sportsmanship” throughout their careers. This time around, Jeremy will turn his keen eye toward Black
comedians, performers, and vaudevillians, particularly those who pressed boundaries and broke down racial barriers in the industry. He will invite viewers to ponder the subjects’ punchlines.
His second “show” will be the unveiling of his final 2 pieces for the Bush House Museum’s “Reinvisioned: Contemporary Portraits of our Black Ancestors.” Jeremy has been working on this collection for over two years, adding 2 new pieces every six months, and he is as honored to be a part of this important project as he is proud to be completing it. There is a dark history within the walls of this museum, but with their inclusive and intentional recontextualization, growth and healing have been made possible.
Jeremy Okai Davis is a remarkable artist and man. His message is one that needs to be heard. Support local artists and don’t miss out on these important shows. Follow Jeremy on Instagram: @jeremyokaiart for updates and info.
Photo by Cheryl Juetten
Wink, Acrylic on Canvas
Installation view, University of Oregon
Metering, Acrylic on Canvas
$1,275,000
Casting Through the Clouds
Fishing in the Pacific Northwest winter
By Lucas Holmgren, Contributing Writer
When traveling in other parts of the country, often the first thing people say when they hear I’m from the Northwest is: “It rains a lot there doesn’t it?” Maybe growing up in the Lower Columbia River Valley my whole life I just don’t know any different, but they aren’t wrong either.
Staying inside during the long rainy season may be cozy, but getting out into the beautiful landscapes of Oregon and Washington is worth putting the rain coat on. I have an app on my phone for weather and one that measures river levels. In late fall, when B-run Coho salmon are thick, rain freshets
can send a blast of fresh salmon into the rivers. In wintertime, searching for steelhead, river levels can dramatically change in short time periods. To continually have a chance at fish, anglers must adapt.
How Rain Affects Fishing
Many times I’ve been asked “Does the rain make the fish bite?” Well, yes and no. Rain can be a help or a hindrance for the day’s bite, but fish DO like water.
Near the end of summer when rivers are at their lowest, rain can move salmon from tidewater upstream. Too much rain can wash tons of sediment and leaves into the water, which makes fishing nearly impossible for a time. Within a few days, it could be very productive salmon or steelhead fishing.
Most of the time a rising river is not good for fishing, but the right “travel lane” can sometimes be phenomenal, as salmon often use rising levels to migrate farther upriver. You don’t know if you don’t go.
The ideal “rainy conditions” are usually a few days after significant rain, when the rivers have settled in and are on a slow drop in levels. Light rain can keep water temperatures stable or slowly dropping in the fall, which is helpful if the water is warm. During wintertime, rain can actually warm up a cold river, which can be helpful in getting fish to bite.
The general rule is that drastic changes in conditions can alert fish, and take their attention away from feeding. Small changes and stable conditions are often the best time to fish. Perhaps it’s been raining for several days but the river levels are on a slow drop; this would be a great time to go salmon, trout or steelhead fishing. Maybe it’s been a hot day and in the evening a short heavy rain drops temperatures slightly; these “events” can be the trigger that makes for an incredible day of fishing. Paying attention to weather and noticing patterns is a major factor in catching more fish!
Strength, Support and Sisterhood
Breast Friends of Oregon to hold luncheon
By Kelly Romo, Contributing Writer
Breast Friends of Oregon is thrilled to announce its upcoming Breast Cancer Community Luncheon on Oct. 26, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Embassy Suites Washington Square. This annual luncheon is a unique and heartfelt event that gathers patients, survivors and their loved ones impacted by breast cancer throughout the Portland metro area. Featuring a diverse range of vendors, including local practitioners, crafts, health products, artisans and non-profit organizations, the luncheon is set to be a day of community, support and inspiration. The event is dedicated to those who have experienced breast cancer and the family and friends who have supported them along the way.
Founded in 2000 by Sharon Henifin and Becky Olson, Breast Friends was inspired by the personal journeys of these two friends who both faced breast cancer diagnoses while working together. With a shared mission to ensure that no one goes through breast cancer alone, they established Breast Friends as a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing emotional support, education and community to anyone
at any point in their diagnosis, treatment or recovery. Allison Hancock, executive director, says “As Breast Friends approaches its 25th anniversary next year, the organization remains dedicated to lifting each other up and making a difference in the lives of those touched by breast cancer.”
Breast Friends offers an array of services to those affected by breast cancer. From peer mentoring that connects newly diagnosed women with those who’ve undergone treatment, to workshops on nutrition, acupuncture, mindfulness and yoga, the organization addresses the holistic needs of its community. Financial assistance, in-person and online support groups and walking groups are also available to provide practical and emotional support. With locations now open in Bend and TriCities, Breast Friends continues to expand its reach, including outreach to the Latina and Hispanic communities.
This year’s Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon promises a day filled with community, connection and celebration. Beginning at 9 a.m., attendees can participate in education classes with topics geared towards mindfulness and exercise that emphasize the importance of keeping the body moving. The event also features vendors, a keynote speaker, community awards and a fashion show where survivors walk the runway, showcasing special outfits and sharing their personal experiences with breast cancer.
A luncheon highlights includes the Compassion Award, given to a medical community member who has significantly impacted their patients’ lives. The award recognizes nominees from patients and employees who have experienced their compassion firsthand.
For more about Breast Friends, visit www.breastfriends.org or follow them on Instagram (@breastfriendsPDX) and Facebook (@ breastfriendsoforegon). The easiest way to connect is to fill out the online contact form or email them at mail@ breastfriends.org. For more information about the Breast Cancer Community Luncheon on Oct. 26, check the website (see above). Spanish interpretation will be provided at the event.
ALL GEARED UP IN THE GORGE
Transport your gear in style with Thule roof racks boxes & accessories
AWNINGS
SKI RACKS
BIKE RACKS
RACK PADS
ROD HOLDERS
BOARD RACKS
KAYAKRACKS
TIE DOWN STRAPS
OFFICIAL THULE DEALER FOR THE GORGE
Unmasking Halloween
A journey into its ancient origins
By Robert Matsumura, Contributing Writer
Each autumn as October draws near, neighborhoods transform. Pumpkins leer from porches, skeletons and monsters festoon front yards, and children eagerly anticipate the thrill of trick-or-treating and the hoard of candy they will amass. But where did this creepy spectacle we call Halloween originate?
The answer to this stretches back over two thousand years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sowin). Celebrated on October 31st, Samhain marked the close of summer and the commencement of winter — a dark, cold, time associated with death in Celtic tradition. On the night before Samhain, the Celts believed the boundary between the living and the dead grew thin, permitting spirits to roam freely across
the earth. To ward off these visitors from the other side, people built bonfires and donned costumes fashioned from the heads and hides of animals.
Later, as the Roman Empire gained dominion over much of Europe, their festivals of Feralia (commemorating the passing of the dead) and Pomona (honoring the goddess of fruits and trees) merged with Samhain. This cultural fusion brought apple bobbing into the festivities. Pomona, the goddess of orchard fruits, was often depicted bearing apples, a symbol of the harvest and abundance. Incorporating apples into the holiday is a nod to Pomona’s influence — still seen today in bobbing for apples and the tradition of candy apples. As the centuries passed, celebrating the harvest and honoring the dead were integrated into Halloween traditions, blending Roman and the older Celtic customs together as something new.
Fast forward to the 8th century when Pope Gregory III declared November 1 as All Saints’ Day or All Hallows’ Day, to honor saints and martyrs. These new holidays were part of a broader strategy by the Christian church to replace pagan festivals with Christian ones. As time passed, the night before October 31, became All Hallows’ Eve — morphing eventually into Halloween. It was during this period that traditions like souling and guising emerged, where the poor went door to door requesting soul cakes in exchange for their prayers on behalf of the dead. It was this tradition that evolved into what we know today as trick-or-treating.
The jack-o’-lantern, one of the most iconic symbols of Halloween, has its own fascinating origin. The tradition of carving faces into vegetables predates Halloween and originates from ancient Irish folklore. According to the story, a man named Stingy Jack attempted to trick the Devil and was condemned to roam the earth with only a lantern fashioned from a carved-out turnip to light his way. In Ireland turnips were used for this purpose during Halloween festivities, but upon reaching the New World, Irish immigrants discovered that pumpkins, native to their new home,
were larger and easier to carve. This practical switch gave rise to the nowfamiliar jack-o’-lantern, a central feature of Halloween décor to this day. Halloween continued to evolve in the New World. In colonial America, European traditions integrated with indigenous harvest festivals creating new customs. While many American colonists celebrated Halloween with activities such as fortune-telling, dancing and communal gatherings, the Puritans, due to their strict religious views, frowned upon Halloween festivities, deeming them to be pagan and irrelevant. Despite puritanical naysayers, the 19th century saw Halloween expand into a communitycentered event with activities like parades, parties and mischief-making. Halloween also grew to be accepted by schools, churches and civic groups which began holding those same parties, parades and other festivities. As Halloween became a familyfriendly event, much of the raucous mischief-making of the past began to diminish. By the early 20th century, Halloween was celebrated from coast to coast as a national holiday.
In the decades following World War II, Halloween traditions were firmly entrenched with costumes, trick-or-treating and spooky decorations taking center stage. Instead of the laborious handsewn costumes of the past, factories now massproduced inexpensive costumes that made dressing up for Halloween a snap. As Halloween became increasingly commercialized, themed parties, haunted houses and an expanding array of Halloweenthemed merchandise became the norm.
Today, Halloween’s popularity has only burgeoned. Contemporary trends run the gamut from spooky movie marathons and elaborate haunted attractions, to viral social media challenges and interactive experiences. Year-round Halloween shops exist to satiate your spooky urges. Halloween has even expanded the ghostly season to stretch beyond October 31, with Halloween promotions and events commencing as early as September. So commercially successful is Halloween from a business standpoint that it stands second only to Christmas in terms of revenue generated — a testament to its enduring appeal across generations.
As the air grows chill and the trees turn red and gold, remember that Halloween is more than just candy, costumes and jack-o’-lanterns. It’s a tapestry woven from ancient rituals, Christian traditions and the spiritual beliefs of numerous cultures spanning centuries. It’s a time to embrace the spooky, celebrate community and be on the lookout for spirits that may stalk the earth at this sacred time of year.
So as you don your costume and select a pumpkin for carving, take a moment to ponder the ancient roots of this beloved holiday. Whether you’re young or simply young at heart, Halloween is an invitation to revel in the mystery of the unknown, celebrate the cycle of life and death, and to maybe even bob for an apple or two. And as the last light fades on All Hallows’ Eve, the timeless allure of things that go bump in the night is sure to embrace you once more.
Día de los Muertos
A celebration of life and memory in Mexico
This blending of pre-Hispanic and Christian traditions is a reflection of Mexico’s rich and complex history, where the combination of indigenous practices and European culture have created something entirely new.
By Robert Matsumura, Contributing Writer
Every autumn, as the air grows cool and crisp and the trees turn brilliant shades of gold and scarlet, Mexico becomes a whirl of vibrant colors and music. The fall season ushers in the Day of the Dead — Día de los Muertos in Spanish — a unique cultural celebration honoring the lives of those who have passed away. Though the name of the celebration sounds ominous, it is anything but. It’s a joyous festival that melds ancient indigenous traditions with Catholic influences, resulting in a dazzling tapestry of love, life and remembrance.
Central to the Day of the Dead is the belief that, once a year, the departed souls of loved ones return to the world of the living for a reunion with their families. These souls, whether they be the spirits of honored ancestors or beloved pets, are welcomed back with offerings of their favorite foods, drinks and mementos from their lives. Families construct ofrendas, or altars, decorated with candles, photographs and colorful papel picado — ornate paper cut-outs that flutter in the breeze. With its bright orange petals, the marigold, or cempasúchil, is everywhere, its sweet fragrance serving as a guide to draw the spirits home.
The two-day celebration, every November 1st and 2nd, corresponds on the Catholic calendar to All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. The first day is focused on the souls of children, known as angelitos (little angels) while the second day is dedicated to adults.
What makes the Day of the Dead so special, however, is not just its pageantry, but a continual connection with loved ones that transcends the finality of death. Families gather in cemeteries, often staying overnight, to clean and decorate graves, share stories and celebrate with music and food. Frequently, entire communities join together for processions and parades, where everyone is invited to join in the festivities.
An important part of the Day of the Dead is the food. Each dish bears symbolic significance. Pan de muerto, a sweet, anise-flavored bread decorated with bone-shaped designs, is a classic treat. Sugar skulls, often personalized with the names of departed loved ones, are a sweet reminder of the cycle of life and death. Mole, tamales, and atole (a warm, spiced corn drink) are other traditional offerings, each selected for its connection to the deceased one’s tastes or the family’s heritage.
More than just a time to remember those who have passed, the Day of the Dead is a celebration of life itself. Rather than something to be feared, death is viewed as an integral aspect of the human experience. By honoring those who have departed, their memories are kept alive, thereby ensuring they continue on as a vital part of our lives.
So should you find yourself in Mexico during these magical days of autumn, embrace the celebration. Savor the delicious traditional foods, dance, and above all reflect on how, in celebrating the dead, we are also embracing the enduring beauty of life.
