Keizer Community Advantage Magazine
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
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OCT/NOV 2024
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CARVE THE PERFECT PUMPKI N
Believe it or not, everyone can be an artist when it comes to pumpkin carving, but it is harder than it looks. Follow the following eleven tips, and your gourds will look and smell good the entire trick-or-treating season. Get carving!
Start with the right pumpkin.
Choose one that’s fresh, with a sturdy stem, no bruises, and a flat bottom so it won’t roll while you carve.
Cut from the bottom, not the top. Cutting your “lid” from the bottom of the pumpkin helps prevent the sides from caving in later.
If you carve from the top, cut lid on an angle. This way it won’t drop inside the pumpkin when you replace it, like it would with a straight up-and-down cut. A boning knife should work well for this.
Scoop out all the pulp (and then some).
You can buy a special “claw” for pumpkin gutting, but an ice cream scoop will do just fine. Thin the inner wall of the “face” area to 1¼-inch thick, so it will be easier to pierce the shell.
Sketch your design to size on paper first. Tape it to the front of your pumpkin. Using a fork or pencil, poke holes along the lines you want to carve.
Try holding the pumpkin in your lap.
It’s easier to create features when the face is gazing up at you. It is suggested to use a serrated kitchen knife or an X-Acto knife.
Start by making simple rough cuts.
If you get the big pieces of pumpkin out of the way first, you can go back and clean up the edges of your design later.
Use your scraps creatively.
Make a tongue, pipe, or hair accessories out of discarded pieces of pumpkin shell, for example.
Keep your pumpkin fresh.
Spread petroleum jelly on the cut edges to seal in moisture. If your pumpkin still shrivels a few days later, revive it with a facedown soak in cold water for up to eight hours.
Create a chimney.
First, leave the lid on for a few minutes while the candle burns. Cut a small hole where the pumpkin has blackened up top. Or, save yourself the stress and opt for a battery-operated votive.
Sprinkle cinnamon inside.
That way, when you light the candle, your jack-o’-lantern will smell like a pumpkin pie. Yum.
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.
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
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.
IFURNITURE SHARE FURNITURE TO FAMILIES IN NEED
furnitureshare.org
n the month of October, Mattress World Northwest has partnered with local vendors (Serta Simmons Bedding, Tempur-Sealy, and Southerland) to donate up to 400 mattresses to support Linn and Benton County Furniture Share. Our retail locations in Benton and Linn Counties are also accepting monetary donations going directly to Furniture Share, and their efforts to turn a house into a home for those impacted by devastating wildfires, veterans and local kids.
Many families find times tougher than ever, and as a result live without basics many take for granted. Furniture Share is a nonprofit organization that has been operating since 1998. Their mission is to provide locally grown and locally made healthy foods and redistribute quality used furniture to children, families and individuals in need, thus diverting items from the landfill and supporting under-served members of our
communities. Learn more at: furnitureshare.org/. MWNW is gladly donating to this incredible cause, as well as raising awareness and taking donations on the nonprofit’s behalf. Please help raise funds by donating online or visiting one of their local stores.
Family-owned and -operated, dedicated to providing their customers the best products at the best prices, all while donating to and participating in their local communities, Mattress World Northwest exemplifies the best of what retail businesses have to offer. This proves that not all mattress stores are created equal.
Get a better night’s sleep and help support your local community at the nearest Mattress World Northwest store. They are open every day or you can order online at mattressworldnorthwest.com.
Albany Veteran’s Day Parade with Mattress Millie.
MWNW and Tempur/Sealy has donated over 600 mattresses to Furniture Share.
Sealing Success
John’s Waterproofing celebrates 50 years of service
By Kelly Romo, Contributing Writer
In 1974, John Lombardi founded John’s Waterproofing with a simple but powerful vision: to protect homes from the damaging effects of moisture in basements and crawl spaces. Initially, Lombardi handled all aspects of the business himself, working tirelessly to build a foundation of trust and excellence. His commitment to delivering high-quality service allowed the company to expand significantly, evolving from a one-man operation to a thriving family-owned business with a reputation for innovation, integrity and customer satisfaction. As the company celebrates its 50th anniversary, it’s clear that John’s Waterproofing has grown and evolved while remaining true to its roots.
John’s determination and hands-on approach allowed the company to steadily grow for the first couple of decades of its operation. The waterproofing industry, however, began to shift in the 1990s with the introduction of products specifically formulated for basement and crawl space waterproofing on the East Coast.
A company called Contractor Nation dove into the science of waterproofing by crafting products and processes that could provide long-lasting solutions for belowgrade spaces. To ensure John’s Waterproofing offered the best to his neighbors across the PNW, John learned about these new
advances, testing and tailoring them to provide region-specific solutions that set them apart from competitors.
A pivotal moment in the company’s history occurred in 2019 when long-time employee Robin Ekloff took over ownership when John retired. Ekloff, who has worked for John’s Waterproofing since 1997, ensured that the transition was smooth, maintaining the same level of service and integrity the company was known for. Under Ekloff’s leadership, the company has continued to thrive and innovate. Adding new services such as electrical work, Cummins whole-home generators and radon mitigation, John’s Waterproofing has positioned itself as a comprehensive home health solution provider.
Over the last five decades, the waterproofing and foundation repair industry has seen tremendous technological advancements, and John’s Waterproofing has consistently remained at the forefront. One of the most significant innovations is the CleanSpace® crawl space vapor barrier, which is a 20-mil thick woven material designed to completely seal out groundwater. This system helps protect homes from moisture and mold and deters pests while improving energy efficiency. In addition to CleanSpace®, the company offers the TripleSafe™ sump pump, which ensures that below-grade spaces always stay dry by efficiently pumping water away from the foundation. John’s takes pride in improving indoor air quality by keeping the space dry at all times to prevent mold spores and allergens from reaching the living areas above.
As a familyowned company, John’s Waterproofing has always placed a strong emphasis on creating a positive work environment and fostering a sense of integrity throughout its operations. Many employees are family members or long-time staff who have become like family. This strong internal culture ensures that every employee is dedicated to delivering the best possible service to customers. Ekloff has continued Lombardi’s practice of leading by example, reinforcing a culture of honesty, reliability, and community service.
Current owner, Robin Ekloff and his wife Shelley 2023
Founder John Lombardi with his wife Mavis
The new John’s Waterproofing building
John & Mavis Lombardi
The company’s commitment to integrity extends beyond its workforce. John’s Waterproofing is heavily involved in community initiatives, supporting Habitat for Humanity, local schools, the Silverton Area Community Aid (SACA) and the Mount Angel American Legion. By actively participating in these efforts, the company not only helps improve the lives of its neighbors but also reinforces its role as a trusted community partner.
Since taking over in 2019, Ekloff has introduced several new product lines and services to help grow the company. One of his key initiatives has been expanding the company’s offerings to include home electrical services and installing Cummins home generators. With these new additions, John’s Waterproofing provides comprehensive solutions to homeowners, ensuring their homes are protected from water damage and equipped to handle
power outages and other potential hazards. Despite the challenges of navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, Ekloff has successfully grown the company, and it continues to thrive.
Looking ahead, John’s Waterproofing is preparing for new industry trends. One of the most significant shifts has been the growing demand for basement finishing as more people work from
home. Before converting a basement into a livable space, homeowners must ensure it’s appropriately waterproofed to avoid costly repairs later on. John’s Waterproofing offers specialized services to help homeowners protect their investment and create additional square footage in their homes.
As John’s Waterproofing celebrates 50 years of excellence, the company remains committed to providing topquality waterproofing services and helping homeowners create healthier, safer living spaces. Whether you’re dealing with a wet basement or a damp crawl space or simply want to improve your home’s air quality, John’s Waterproofing offers free inspections and personalized recommendations to meet your specific needs. To learn more, visit their website at johnswaterproofing.com or call them at 503-873-5650.
Robin and John in 2019 when Robin purchased the company
For more than three decades, we’ve poured our heart and soul into crafting paving stones right here in the Pacific Northwest. Our aim? To offer you materials that effortlessly transform your outdoor space into the haven you’ve always dreamed of. With the largest selection in the region, we’re here to ensure that your vision comes to life, one stone at a time!
Gourmet Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Satisfy your post-carving cravings
Spicy-Sweet
2 cups raw pumpkin seeds
3 tablespoons butter, melted (or olive oil)
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
* pinch of cayenne pepper
* freshly ground black pepper
Preheat to 325°. In medium bowl, combine butter, syrup, 3/4 teaspoon salt, cinnamon, ginger, pinch of cayenne pepper and few grinds of black pepper. Add seeds and toss to coat. Transfer to parchment-
lined baking sheet. Bake — stirring halfway through — until browned and fragrant, about 20 to 30 minutes. Season with pinch of salt.
Garlic-Parmesan
2 cups raw pumpkin seeds
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (or butter)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Preheat oven to 325°F. In medium bowl, combine oil, cheese, garlic powder and salt. Add seeds and toss to coat. Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake — stirring halfway through — until golden brown and fragrant, about 20 to 30 minutes.
Roasting Tips
Use the oven’s center rack.
Don’t crowd the pan.
Watch seeds to ensure they don’t burn.
Ghostbusters I & II (1984, 1989)
“Who you gonna call?” There’s nothing like the original Ghostbusters, and the reboots aren’t even worth watching in my opinion. Not one but two sci-fi action-comedies star a legendary cast, including Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver, Annie Potts, Rick Moranis, and more. Parapsychologists turned ghost hunters in New York City end up saving the world twice — from an ancient god, Dozer, hellbent on destruction, and the Stay Puft marshmallow man (Ghostbusters I), and then again from a psychoactive pink slime flowing under the city, and a 16th century sorcereralchemist Vigo the Carpathian who wants to be reborn in the 20th century. The movies are occult, spooky, funny, actionpacked, and great for the whole family. Rated PG, but with strong language and mature themes it’s more like PG-13.
Stream these movies where available, or rent from your local movie store, library or rental kiosk.
Kiki’s Delivery Service (1990)
“Without even thinking about it, I used to be able to fly. Now I’m trying to look inside myself and find out how I did it.” This heartwarming anime follows the journey of 13-yearold Kiki, a young witch who moves to a quaint seaside town with her loyal talking cat, Jiji. As part of the tradition in her village, Kiki must spend a year living on her own to complete her training as a witch. Armed with her broomstick, she quickly learns to harness her flying abilities and starts a unique delivery service, delivering packages to the town’s residents. The movie captures Kiki’s growth and the challenges she faces — she becomes part of the community and yet her confidence begins to waver, leading her to lose the magic that once came so easily. And the animation is utterly stunning. Rated G.
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
“How’s that for a slice of fried gold?” The movie opens with an homage to London citizens going through their work days like zombies, arguably showing how complacent and boring our lives have become — only when threatened, like our primordial days, do we truly live again.
Once the zombie outbreak takes hold, things get exciting. Shaun, an AV salesperson, and Ed, a small-time weed dealer, are thrust into action to defend themselves. Once outside, they band together with friends and quest to their local pub, The Winchester. Billed as a rom-com with zombies, there are interpersonal subplots galore, including Shaun and Liz’s deteriorating relationship (Shaun isn’t spontaneous or romantic), Shaun and Ed’s one-sided friendship, Shaun’s rocky relationship with his stepfather, and jealous David whose love for Liz is unrequited. It’s gut-ripping gore hyperbole. It’s deeply funny with its dry British humor. And it’s action-packed. A zombie movie in its own right, it’s also an homage to George A. Romero. Directed by Edgar Wright and starring a huge cast with Bill Nighy, Peter Serafinowicz, Kate Ashfield and more. Rated R for language and graphic violence.
Freaky Facts
Halloween’s origins go back to the ancient Celtic festival of “Samhain,” the celebration of the end of harvest season. The Gaels believed that on October 31, the boundaries between the worlds of the living and the dead got a little blurry and the dead would come back to life and wreak havoc among the living. How to scare the dead? Wear costumes and masks.
The average American eats about 3.4 pounds of Halloween candy.
Try wearing your clothes inside out and walk backwards on Halloween. According to traditions, this will make sure you see a witch at midnight.
Oregon and Washington’s Garage Door Experts!
Garage door installations, repairs, and more!
By Dennis McNabb, Contributing Writer
Photos by Brittany Jungenberg
Let’s be honest, provided they are in good working order, garage doors are not something we generally think much about. Similar to our hot water heaters, HVAC, and other systems, they labor under intense demands but with little consideration. It’s not until something goes wrong that we suddenly discover how important these amenities are to our overall sense of security and well-being. With an inoperable garage door, especially one that is stuck in position (open or closed), it’s likely we
might not be able to leave the house! The situation is dire, but fear not. There is only one call that needs to be made under such conditions, and that is to Dave’s Garage Doors, the most trusted name in the industry!
Dave’s Garage Doors has been in existence and steadily establishing itself as the industry standard since 1981. I had the pleasure of speaking with General Manager Chris Maynard, a highly enthusiastic and dedicated individual who just came on board about a year and a half ago. Prior to that, he was running his own business (Maynard’s Garage Door Repair), but merged with Dave’s to combine their efforts. Since joining, he has worked diligently towards improving their corporate culture. Chris is a strong believer in the idea that happier employees provide better service, and if their recent testimonials, ratings, and increased business are any indication — they just opened a new location in Salem last year and are getting ready to open locations in both Bend and Eugene in the coming months — then his notion is accurate.
Two additional priorities have been to sort out and eliminate any lesser products, and also to refocus the business’s attention on the
local community. Through deliberate trial and error, they have tested and retested every part used to ensure they are now only using the finest products. The best service available is only as good as the parts being used. If they are failing, then the company is failing. Chris has taken it upon himself to verify and secure only
those superior products in which he has absolute faith. This has allowed them to offer longer warranties and provide the best service available. They have also recommitted to the community by donating doors and installations to Habitat For Humanity and offering free services to families in need during Christmas. In the coming months, they intend to start sponsoring local school sports teams as well. They are a locally owned and operated company that genuinely appreciates the communities they serve.
Dave’s Garage Doors is a one-stop shopping experience for anything and everything having to do with garage doors. They are experts in repairs, installations, and maintenance. They offer services
for spring replacements, broken cables, broken rollers, broken openers (most major brands), door repairs, off-track door alignments, full door replacements, and even door section replacements. They proudly install Liftmaster, Linear, and Genie brand openers. They also sell new remotes, keypads, rollers, weather seals, garage door hardware and accessories, and DIY parts.
And as much as we may not think about them while they’re in working order, new garage doors can profoundly enhance the curb appeal of your home. Just refer to Dave’s photos (of some of their previous jobs) for evidential proof. Fast, friendly and efficient: Dave’s Garage Doors provides same-day service with a smile. Check out their website for more information and to set up your free estimate appointment! davesgaragedoors.com.
Striking Gold
Miner and entrepreneur finds success in wagon freight
By Oregon Black Pioneers
Photos Courtesy of the Grant County Museum
Christopher Columbus Sewell was a miner and entrepreneur and the patriarch of a successful Black family during Eastern Oregon’s gold rush years. Sewell was born in Washington, DC in 1823. His mother Maria was granted her freedom in 1827, along with Columbus and his five siblings.
It is believed that Sewell left Washington, DC at an early age. Later in life, he would claim to have fought under General Winfield Scott during the Black Hawk War, a US Army campaign against the Sauk and Kickapoo tribes in Iowa. However, this war took place in 1832, when Sewell was just 9 years old. What is certain, though, is that Columbus Sewell was counted in the 1850 census for Iowa County, Wisconsin.
Columbus moved further west in search of gold following the 1849 California gold rush. He worked as a miner throughout the 1850s in northern California, and appears in the 1860 census as a resident of Weaverville, in Trinity County.
Two years later, gold was discovered in Canyon Creek, a gulch near present day John Day, Oregon. A boom town emerged, which became known as Canyon City, and it soon became the county seat of Grant County. Many Californians migrated north to Canyon City, including Columbus. He worked as a ranch hand for prominent rancher Bradford Trowbridge from 1862-1865 before establishing a gold claim of his own.
The Civil War came to an end in 1865, emancipating enslaved African Americans nationwide. Sewell took a trip east at some point after the war and returned to Canyon City in 1868 as a married man. His new wife, Louisa, was a native of Richmond, Virginia. Columbus and Louisa made their home in town and raised two sons, Thomas (born 1869) and Joseph (born 1872). The Sewells were all prominent figures within the local community,
and were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Each of them was mentioned frequently in the social pages of the Grant County News.
Columbus likely continued working his gold claim, but sources show that he was working as a teamster, or wagon driver, by 1865. In that role, Sewell transported raw materials like lumber and wool to points as far away as Baker City and The Dalles. He would return with his wagons loaded with food, goods, and supplies. Columbus’ business was very successful. At one point he had as many as 12 horses pulling his fleet of wagons. Once, during a blizzard in 1884, Sewell famously cleared snow from the streets of The Dalles by affixing a snowplow to his wagon, which allowed stranded travelers to continue on. Sewell was still hauling freight by wagon as late as 1891.
In 1892, Columbus filed a Homestead Act claim for 160 acres of land four miles south of town. This claim would be certified in 1897. Sadly, the Sewell family did not get to enjoy this land together. Louisa passed away in 1893 and their son Joseph died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in 1898. Columbus would pass away in 1899, leaving his homestead and business to Thomas Sewell. Thomas continued living and working in Canyon City until his own death in 1943.
The Sewells are remembered not only for being Eastern Oregon’s first Black family, but also for their friendship and generosity towards their neighbors in Grant County.
Oregon Black Pioneers is Oregon’s only historical society dedicated to preserving and presenting the experiences of African Americans statewide. To learn more, and to support this nonprofit, visit oregonblackpioneers.org.
©Oregon Black Pioneers, 2024
Portrait of Columbus Sewell
Prospector attributed to being Columbus Sewell
Louisa Sewell, and possibly her son, Thomas.
That is why at ADVANTAGE we stop and think of ways to customize your home comfort system but also your entire experience with us. One way we do that is by saying THANK YOU, KEIZER, for 30 amazing years.
We are going back to 1992 to bring you special pricing!
$18 after first month. furnace as low as $65 per month
Qualifying systems only. Cannot be combined with other offers. Does not include additional charges. While supplies last smart systems as low as $139 per month 2 ton only. Cannot combine with other offers. Does not include additional charges. While supplies last.
