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
FEB/MAR 2025
Empowering Youth
VisionEnvoy Club drives local initiatives
By Lake Oswego Lions
Chartered in October of 1946, Lake Oswego Lions Club now includes the VisionEnvoy Club Branch. With 78+ years of service from the heart, we’re as committed as ever to sustaining our impact in our community, and we know young people are a dynamic force for good. “We are happy and proud to continue our efforts toward serving youth as beneficiaries and partners and empowering youth as service leaders on a local level,” says Lake Oswego Lions Club President, Sharon Rollins. “VisionEnvoy members have given LOLC a real shot in the arm with their boundless energy, many talents, innovative service projects, and non-stop fundraising!”
Since the first members were inducted in August 2022, VisionEnvoy members have come alongside veteran members of LOLC to help bring traditional events to our community including the 4th of July Pancake Breakfasts, food and clothing drives, Lions Burgers for the annual Buddy Walks and Fun Days at Guide Dogs
for the Blind, eyeglasses sorting at Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation, our annual Adopt a Family for Christmas project, and Christmas Greenery Sales. They have also made a real impact on many lives by sharing their time and talents at other events.
In January of 2023, for example, they provided a Lunar New Year celebration for the retirement community of Rose Schnitzer Tower. The VisionEnvoy Club Branch formed Team Kancer Kickers, led by Jorie Liang and Carol Wang, and won honors as the Leukemia Lymphoma Society’s Student Visionaries of the Year as they raised $45,000 to fight the war against blood cancers! Their fundraisers have been creative, varied, and successful, including offering handmade greeting cards and jewelry. Their ‘Fairy-Hair’ service at various summer events was very popular and brought in lots of donations from happy recipients. They have also hosted walks and a ‘Wag-a-thon’ to include canine participants, a ‘Potsticker Workshop,’ and most recently, a ‘Dog/House-sitting Service’ that raised an impressive $1,600 for the 2025 LLS campaign. Go Kancer Kickers!
Lake Oswego Lions Club and VisionEnvoy Club Branch are part of Lions Clubs International, the largest service club organization in the world. Our 1.4 million members in more than 46,000 clubs provide humanitarian services in more than 200 countries and geographical areas around the globe. Since 1917, Lions clubs have aided the blind and visually impaired, championed youth initiatives, and strengthened communities through hands-on service and humanitarian projects.
Together we continue Changing the World WE SERVE!
Feasts of Fat Tuesday
Pagan festivals evolved into global celebration
By Robert Matsumura, Active Media
Few celebrations capture the spirit of indulgence and revelry quite like Mardi Gras. Famous for its dazzling parades, vibrant costumes and festive atmosphere, this iconic event draws millions of visitors to New Orleans every year. But while New Orleans seems to be the hub of all things Mardi Gras, in truth, its origins are steeped in centuries-old traditions that span continents and cultures.
Tracing the roots of Mardi Gras takes us back to the ancient pagan festivals of Europe, particularly those focused on the arrival of spring, such as Saturnalia in Rome, and Lupercalia in ancient Italy. Featuring feasting, costumes, and public processions, these celebrations were a way to cast off the doldrums of winter and welcome the renewal of life. With the rise of Christianity, these pagan celebrations were integrated into, and reinterpreted by, the Church. Mardi Gras — which translates to “Fat Tuesday” in French — emerged as the final day of indulgence before the solemn 40-day season of Lent. With Lent being a time of fasting and discipline, Fat Tuesday was that last great blowout — a time to enjoy rich foods and pleasures one last time before a long period of abstinence.
At the heart of the Mardi Gras festivities is the krewe system, “Krewe” being an organization or social club that organizes and participates in Mardi Gras parades and festivities. Each krewe has its own theme, traditions, and membership requirements, contributing to the diversity and vibrancy of the celebrations. The first krewe was the Mystick Krewe of Comus in 1857, where elaborate floats, thematic parades, and nightime revelry were first introduced.
Beyond New Orleans, Mardi Gras is celebrated globally under various names and traditions. In Brazil, Rio’s Carnival dazzles with samba parades, glittering costumes, and massive street parties reflecting Brazil’s cultural fusion of African, European, and Indigenous influences. Venice’s Carnival is synonymous with opulent masked balls and intricate costumes evoking the city’s Renaissance history. Germany’s Fasching or Karneval features parades, comedic performances, and masquerades, with Cologne hosting one of the country’s largest celebrations.
Mardi Gras arrived in North America via French explorers. On March 3, 1699, Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville and JeanBaptiste Le Moyne de Bienville landed near present-day New Orleans and dubbed the site “Pointe du Mardi Gras” in honor of the holiday. By the early 18th century, French settlers in Mobile (modern-day Alabama) and New Orleans had established Mardi Gras traditions, featuring parades, masked balls, and feasts.
Traditional Mardi Gras foods also capture the spirit of indulgence and cultural richness. King cake, a sweet pastry decorated in the holiday’s iconic colors of purple, green, and gold, often contains a hidden figurine symbolizing luck. Whoever finds it is tasked with hosting the next party. Jambalaya, gumbo, and crawfish boils showcase the Creole and Cajun culinary heritage of Louisiana, blending French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences. Beignets, deep-fried pastries dusted with powdered sugar, are also a beloved sweet treat.
More than just a party, Mardi Gras is a living tapestry of history, culture, and community. From its ancient origins to its modern expressions, it lives on as a celebration of joy, resilience and creativity. Whether you’re catching beads in New Orleans or dancing at a samba parade in Rio, Mardi Gras draws everyone into its timeless revelry. And as the locals say, “Laissez les bons temps rouler” — let the good times roll!
Lake Oswego Community Awards
Celebrate community with your neighbors
The Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce proudly celebrates 84 years as the voice of business for our community. Join the Chamber and local leaders for the annual Lake Oswego Community Awards on Wednesday, February 26th, at Ironlight. This event will honor numerous local citizens who dedicate their time and talents to further our city as a wonderful place to live, work,
and play. Tickets are on sale now at www.lakeoswegochamber.com.
In addition to the annual awards celebration, the Chamber is host to several events open to the community, including the Oregon Wine Walk along Boones Ferry Road (May 10), Hop at the Hunt (April 19), the downtown Lake Oswego Wine Walk (October 4), and the Tree Lighting Festival (November 28, co-hosted with the City).
The Chamber has a podcast discussing the latest topics that affect our local business community; check out Business LO on your preferred podcast platform, or listen online through the Chamber website. To learn more about the Chamber, upcoming events, and the advantages of connecting with our business community through Chamber membership, please visit lakeoswegochamber.com.
Fun Facts for 2025
4 85% of the people who work in Lake Oswego live outside the LO area
4 The Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts weekend attracts the most guests from outside city limits (58% of attendees)
4 The Rogerson Clematis Garden at Luscher Farm attracts the most visitors to our community
What’s Cooking in Wilsonville?
New location opens just south of Lake Oswego!
and a hamburger and cook it in one of the kitchens if they want to.” He adds, “During our larger sales there are four or five kitchens with chefs doing cooking demos and handing out food samples.” Additionally, the Wilsonville location includes a large conference room surrounded by four of the kitchens. Intended for hosting events, trade group classes, cooking classes and cooking demos, realtors and other trades enjoy using the space for out-of-the-office meetings.
By Patti Jo Brooks, Active Media
There’s nothing standard about Standard TV & Appliance! Whether you’re remodeling your current home or outfitting a new construction project anywhere in the greater Wilsonville area, you’ll want to check out Wilsonville’s new store and showroom. Join in the fun and fanfare during February’s Presidents’ Day Weekend for the official Grand Opening of this impressive, fully-functional, state-of-the-art showroom.
You’ll find 30,000 square feet of space and 17 live kitchens, including the Sub-Zero kitchen which is the largest of its kind in Oregon and Washington. Customers can visit the showroom and see different variations of appliances as well as interact with the kitchens.
Jeff Jarvis, president and one of the owners, remarks, “They can bring in a pan
Although the Wilsonville location has been in the works for several years, it was held up by the pandemic. Once the building was purchased, remodeling began in June of 2024. Jarvis recalls that the owners “had a big vision of what we wanted in that store – large kitchens featuring a lot of product by vendors, showing different colors and styles within that manufacturer’s suite of appliances.” Also unique to the Wilsonville store and showroom was the utilization of local small businesses to supply the kitchens. Partnering with a Lake Oswego interior designer, Wilsonville Standard TV & Appliance used a local cabinet maker, hardware supplier, plumbing supplier, tile supplier, countertop fabricator and lighting shop. Each of the kitchens showcase different styles and materials from these local vendors and all supporting information is available in the kitchens.
Be sure to stop by for the Grand Opening celebration during February’s Presidents’ Day Weekend. “We will have a lot of giveaways and enter-to-win; a lot of chefs on site doing cooking demos and vendor reps providing customer assistance and information on products,” says Jarvis. Store hours are MondaySaturday 9am - 7pm and Sunday 10am - 6pm.
Standard TV & Appliance supports many local and state organizations such as Providence Festival of Trees for Children’s Health and Homebuilders Foundation (with a focus on safe housing for women), Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Oregon and SW Washington, Make a Wish Oregon, Albertina Kerr, Family Promise of Tualatin Valley and Refit Portland. Sponsorships of local high school sports teams include Lake Oswego, Wilsonville, Tualatin, and Sherwood.
Standard TV & Appliance Wilsonville store and showroom is located at 29735 Town Center Loop West in Wilsonville. Give them a call at (503)542-5120 or visit their website, standardtvandappliance.com for additional information.
Celebrating Community Through Movement
Bringing joy to Lake Oswego, one dance at a time
By Jessi & Alex Aillon, Fred Astaire Dance Studios
As we kick off the new year, we’re thrilled to reflect on the growth and energy that defined 2024 at Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Lake Oswego. Thanks to the passion of our students and the dedication of our team, we are entering 2025 with continued focus on excellence
in teaching, people-first practices, and celebrating the joy of dance!
Over the past year, we welcomed many new students into our dance family, including newlyweds, aspiring competitors, and those simply seeking a fun way to stay active and expand personal growth. Our professionals worked hard to provide tailored instruction that makes the process of taking on new challenges as rewarding as the results. Our team brought home awards at the Regional and National levels in all categories — Amateur Couples, Pro/Am partnerships and Professional divisions.
Looking ahead to 2025, we’re focused on enhancing our students’ experience with even more dynamic group classes, social dance nights, and community engagement. Professional development remains a top priority as we look forward to hosting esteemed ballroom coaches from across the country.
2025 marks the celebration of our 15th Anniversary setting a standard of excellence in dance instruction in the Portland Metro Area! As always, our mission is to provide a warm and inclusive space for each person to experience the positive, transformative power of dance.
We look forward to meeting you, shaking your hand, and being a partner to your experience on the dance floor!
With gratitude, Jessi & Alex Aillon Fred Astaire Dance Studios, Lake Oswego
FEBRUARY 2025
CRAFTING WITH RUBBER STAMPS
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2 – 4PM
In this craft class for adults, attendees will join Lake Oswego librarian April Younglove to explore different ways to use vintage rubber stamps! We will have supplies available to try using rubber stamps to make your own greeting cards, rubber stamping on velvet, and rubber stamping with embossing powder. This program is free and all materials are provided. This craft event will be held at the library at 706 Fourth Street, Lake Oswego. This program is for ages 13+. For more information, please contact April Younglove: ayounglove@lakeoswego.city or by phone at 503-534-5667.
LUNAR NEW YEAR FESITVAL
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1 – 3 PM ADULT COMMUNITY CENTER, 505 G AVE
Celebrate the Year of the Snake at a free Lunar New Year festival in Lake Oswego! Enjoy performances, including Korean Fan Dance, Lion Dance, and musical acts. Kids can make red envelopes and fold dumplings, while adults watch a floral arrangement demo. Rooted in Chinese traditions, Lunar New Year is celebrated globally, marking renewal and hope. Organized with local partners and sponsored by the city, the event is on Jan. 25, 1–3 pm, at 505 G Avenue. Contact Allison Arnold for details. 503-534-5665 or aarnold@lakeoswego. city.
HYBRID: FIRST TUESDAY MUSIC: TIFFANY BIRD
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 5:30 – 6:30 PM
Join us for an inspiring evening of music with Tiffany Bird, a Portland-based singer-songwriter blending country pop and R&B. Tiffany will share her creative process and storytelling through music, showcasing collaborations with Grammy-winning producer Michael Farren and her growing list of singles. Admission is free, and all ages are welcome. Attend in person at 706 Fourth Street, Lake Oswego, or watch the livestream at https://www.youtube. com/@LakeOLib/streams. For details, contact April Younglove at 503-5345667 or ayounglove@lakeoswego. city. Sponsored by Friends of the Lake Oswego Public Library.
706 4th Street Lake Oswego, OR 97034 (503) 636-7628
Valentine’s Day is a fun and romantic holiday full of sweets, flowers, hearts and treats. And while this holiday can be sappy good fun, some of these items can be dangerous for your pets, so keep them out of paws’ reach!
Include
the Pets
Valentine’s isn’t just for humans, especially considering how hazardous all our gifts can be to pets. What can you for your kitty or doggo is get them gifts of their own. A new toy like a ball, stuffie or treat-hiding toy is a great idea. Or get them pet-friendly treats of their own.
Flowers
If you’re sending flowers to someone with a cat, make sure it doesn’t have lilies — or if you forget and send a lily anyway, remove them. Lilies are especially bad for cats. Similarly, make sure you remove the thorns from
those pretty red roses. Otherwise your pet can get sick from eating such flora, get thorny on the inside or worse!
Sweet Treats
Chocolate is potentially fatal to pets. And while most pets leave it alone, we know what curiosity did to the cat. Similarly, methylxanthines act like caffeine and can make animals sick with the usual symptoms, but can produce more serious reactions like seizures and an elevated heart rate. Fatty chocolates, too, can inflame the pancreas. Xylitol found in gum and other treats can also cause hypoglycemia (a sudden drop in blood sugar). Go ahead and indulge yourself, but keep chocolates and treats out of reach for your pets!
Burning with Love
Setting the mood with romantic candlelight is a great idea, but make sure to blow out the candles before the evening is over. Apart from potentially burning paws, noses and whiskers, pets can knock over unattended candles and cause a fire greater than the romance.
It’s a Wrap
If you’ve got lots of gifts, that means tape, wrapping paper, ribbons, bows, cellophane, and balloons. And while they’re cute and pretty on the gifts themselves, these stringy materials are choking hazards for pets, so dispose of them quickly and properly.
You People (2023)
A fresh and modern rom-com that hilariously and awkwardly navigates the cultural clash between two families, the movie follows Ezra (Jonah Hill), who’s Jewish, and Amira (Lauren London), who’s Black and Muslim. While they’re deeply in love they struggle to bring their families together — a task that proves to be heartfelt, relatable, and funny. Ezra and Amira’s relationship, which portrays a love that feels tender and real, is challenged not by their own doubts but by the prejudices and misunderstandings of their families, played brilliantly by Eddie Murphy and Julia LouisDreyfus. This familial tug-of-war adds a layer of complexity to the movie, and suggests that love is shaped and tested by what we can’t control. For Valentine’s Day viewers, You People serves as both a cautionary tale and a celebration of the enduring power of love, with all its imperfections. Rated R for strong language and mature themes.
Say Anything (1989)
Few movies capture the essence of young love quite like Say Anything. Cameron Crowe’s cult classic is the perfect combination of passion, vulnerability, and grand romantic gestures. Lloyd Dobler (John Cusack) is the prototypical lovestruck dreamer, chasing after Diane Court (Ione Skye), the class valedictorian with a complicated family life. What makes this movie so enduringly romantic is its simplicity: love here isn’t flashy but genuine. Lloyd’s now iconic boombox scene — a serenade to Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes” — is pure movie magic and an example of the grand romantic gestures of the past. The movie’s ’80s vibe, with its mixtapes, payphones, and heartfelt rebelliousness, adds a certain nostalgic charm, perfect for those reminiscing about first loves. As a Valentine’s treat, Say Anything reminds us that love is about persistence, honesty, and embracing imperfection, even in a perfectly imperfect world. Rated PG-13 for mature themes.
Elemental (2023)
Pixar’s Elemental is a whimsical love story set in Element City, where fire, water, air, and earth coexist but rarely mix. The movie shines as a celebration of love’s ability to transcend differences. Ember, an obviously “fiery” and passionate character, meets Wade, a gentle, free-flowing water elemental, and their connection grows in spite of social rules and personal hesitancy. Their, ahem, “chemistry,” is both touching and playful, and a play on how opposites attract. Pixar’s hallmark storytelling and gorgeous animation bring the relationship to life, from awkward beginnings to heartfelt resolution. Ember and Wade’s journey is a reminder that true love isn’t about finding someone identical to you — it’s about embracing what makes you different. Perfect for kids and the young at heart, Elemental is a Valentine’s Day treat. Rated PG.
Stream these movies where available, or rent from your local movie store, library or rental kiosk.
Life at 100%
Lake Oswego’s path to your greater future self and healthier you
By Kelly Romo, Active Media
In Lake Oswego, 100% Chiropractic is redefining health and wellness for the community. Their mission is simple yet powerful: To help our patients achieve optimal health and wellness through chiropractic adjustments and therapies. However, Operational Manager Cecily Tran, “our mission of serving is beyond pain treatments. We deliver 100% total experience.” They are passionate about the well-being of their patients and provide a foundation for health through personalized care and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
The clinic prides itself on more than just adjustments; it’s a place where lives are changed and health is restored. 100% Chiropractic believes that wellness begins with a holistic approach. Their goal is not just to alleviate pain but to establish a culture of care that improves their patients’ overall quality of life.
Walking into the clinic is like stepping into a community hub, where patients are known by name, greeted with smiles and supported by a team dedicated to their success. The environment fosters a sense of belonging with an emphasis that life truly is better when lived at 100%.
Heather, a long-time patient, shared her transformative journey at 100% Chiropractic:
“For years, I dealt with chronic back and hip pain. It was a constant struggle that affected every part of my life. But since I started care at 100% Chiropractic, the difference has been night and day. In the beginning, I went three times a week, then gradually reduced to two, and now I’m on a once-a-week maintenance program. With their adjustments and stretch therapy, I’m pain-free and feeling better than ever.
The front desk staff are incredibly welcoming, always greeting me by name. Dr. Eddie and the team go out of their way to know me as a person, not just a patient. They focus on my overall health and well-being, making each visit tailored to my needs. Walking into the clinic feels like walking into a second home. They’ve created an environment that’s warm and inviting, complete with refreshments if you need them. You’re not just another appointment — they genuinely care about you. Thanks to 100% Chiropractic, I not only feel healthier but also like I’m part of a family that supports me.”
Karilynn’s story echoes the same sentiment of care and expertise:
“When I first noticed 100% Chiropractic, it was because the location was close to home. I drove by and saw the new building, which piqued my curiosity. After checking out their website, I was intrigued. Having been under chiropractic care in various places for 23 years, I was excited to have care closer to home.
From my first visit, I was completely impressed. Everything was dialed in — organized, professional, and incredibly welcoming. The lady at the front desk was fantastic, and Dr. Eddie was thorough and knowledgeable. Their approach was unlike anything I’d experienced before. They took X-rays, reviewed my history, and even used a 3D Body Scanner to assess my posture. That was a first for me, and it showed how comprehensive their care is.
I’ve struggled with a bad neck for 24 years, which caused pain, headaches, and vertigo. Before starting at 100% Chiropractic, I dealt with headaches for about half the month. Now, they’re down to just a few times a month, which is a vast improvement. The team at 100% Chiropractic is warm and caring. They know everyone personally and treat you like family. I’ve already recommended them to several family members and will continue to do so!
Photos by Brittany Jungenberg, Active Media
Stories like Heather’s and Karilynn’s highlight the personalized care that defines 100% Chiropractic. The clinic’s blend of advanced techniques, such as 3D body scans and x-rays, with a commitment to personal connections, makes it stand out for holistic health in Lake Oswego.
100% Chiropractic is an extended family of like-minded individuals who strive to improve the lives of people in their community. For those seeking a transformative wellness journey, 100% Chiropractic promises a path toward a
A Guide to Meaningful Travel
Travel that respects people, places, and the planet
By Jamie Anderson, Travel & Cruise Desk
As a traditional travel agency, our work is deeply intertwined with the travel landscape, yet your booking choices hold even more power to impact the communities you visit. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reports that the global travel sector contributed over $9.9 trillion to the worldwide GDP in 2023 and is projected to have exceeded $11.1 trillion in 2024, supporting nearly 348 million jobs worldwide. These numbers underscore the significant opportunity we have as travelers. While we hope you’ll consider using a travel advisor for your next trip, here’s our brief 2025 guide to selecting partners and experiences that make a meaningful difference:
Choose Vetted & Responsible Partners:
Ensure you engage with tour operators, cruise lines, and agencies that thoroughly vet in-country partners. They should maintain at least $1 million in liability insurance, adhere to strict safety protocols, and have a deep knowledge of local cultures and laws. For meaningful travel to succeed, the experiences must be safe and genuinely beneficial, as well as fun and engaging for the traveler. Avoid trips that promise a positive impact but lack follow-through, fall short of expectations in terms of experience, or compromise safety.
Support
Community-Centric & Immersive Programs:
Opt for companies like G Adventures, whose Ripple Score system ensures that over 70% of travelers’ spending supports local economies, far exceeding the typical 10-20% retention. This approach empowers local guides and businesses, integrating travelers into community life. Seek immersive cultural experiences, such as Oceania Cruises’ “Go Local” initiative, where crafting with artisans or dining with local families ensures tourism dollars spur local economic benefits. Supporting such initiatives also signals their importance to travelers and ensures that they remain a long-term focus.
Consider Environmental and Cultural Impact:
Think of each trip as an opportunity to uplift local economies and forge meaningful connections. Then prioritize experiences that support sustainability and cultural preservation, enhancing cultural heritage and leaving a lasting positive imprint.
No matter where your next adventure leads you, we hope your travels profoundly impact you and the places you visit. By considering these brief guidelines, we hope your journeys foster economic growth and more meaningful travel. Travel thoughtfully, and let our collective adventures be journeys toward shared global stewardship.
Go Local - Oceania’s tour series that takes travelers into the lives and homes of locals
G Adventures’ Geluxe guests dancing with locals in a Maasai Village in Kenya
G Adventures’ local family harvesting experience in Peru’s Sacred Valley
Oregon’s Award-Wining Remodeler
Portland’s premier design & remodeling team!
By Lifetime Remodeling Systems
Ready For A Remodel?
Are you ready to remodel your existing space and don’t know where to start? Do you need help redesigning your space to achieve its maximum potential? Hiring a design-build firm such as Lifetime Remodeling Systems is a great place to begin your next remodeling journey. Their in-house team of designers and project consultants will meet with you, discuss your project in detail, formulate a budget, and create a detailed plan to accomplish your remodel goals.
Oregon’s Award Winning Remodeler
Founded in 1997, Lifetime Remodeling Systems is Oregon’s only award-winning remodeling contractor specializing in both interior (kitchen-bath-full home), and exterior (siding-windows-roofing) remodeling services. All projects are designed and managed by their expert in-house team and the construction is completed by in-house carpenters. If you’re exploring a home remodel, look no further than Lifetime remodeling Systems. They’re a Big 50 Award Winner (Remodeling Magazine), and recently won the Structure & Style Award from Oregon Home Magazine.
Design Utilizing The Latest In Technology
Their Design-Build division uses the latest technology to help their clients visualize and build the space of their dreams. Utilizing LIDAR technology during the initial meeting, they are able to digitally scan the client’s space giving them a 3D model accurate within one inch. Once in the design process, the model is ported over to their design software of choice to build all of the construction plans and photo realistic 3D renderings of the newly remodeled space for the clients to review. Its highly advantageous for the clients to know exactly what their newly remodeled space is going to look and feel like before construction starts. This results in much happier clients and reduces the stress of uncertainties caused by not being able to see the look (and feel) of the new space being designed.
Oregon’s Most Experienced Remodeling Team
Their in-house team of designers and project consultants are top-notch, providing clients with access to leading industry professionals. Each project is carefully designed and built individually, ensuring maximum use of space and a design that coincides with each of the clients needs.
If you’re interested in becoming one of their many satisfied clients, visit them at www.lifetime-remodeling.com or give them a call at (503) 242-4242 to schedule your free on-site consultation.
Oregon CCB #170747
A Touch of Luxury
Ornaments & decor combines top-quality craftsmanship with ethical artistry
By Sharon Bartley, House of Pixen
House of Pixen, based in Lake Oswego, unveils an exclusive collection of artisan-made holiday decor that blends timeless craftsmanship with ethical artistry. From lavish tree skirts to stunning ornaments and trims, each piece tells a story of meticulous design and unmatched quality.
“We use the finest materials the world has to offer—organic New
Zealand wool, hand-quilled paper, and European-style mouth-blown glass,” says Sam Hull, owner and designer. “Our goal is to provide the luxury of fine art at a price that’s fair to both the artists and the consumer.”
Pixen collaborates with female artisans and minority-owned businesses worldwide, ensuring sustainability and ethical practices at every step. For example, their wool pieces are crafted from organic, chemical-free wool, processed in a netzero facility in Nepal, and completed in Oregon. Each product is beautifully packaged in reusable velvet bags, perfect for gifting.
Pixen also offers personalized glass ornaments, made year-round in collaboration with Europe’s finest glassmakers, along with a custom gift-box service for both corporate
Luxury
and private clients. With fair wages and profit-sharing for artisans, Pixen maintains its commitment to quality and sustainability.
Explore the artistry and elegance of House of Pixen’s exclusive holiday collection, available at houseofpixen.com.
Trailblazer in Print
The first Black author published in The Oregonian
By Oregon Black Pioneers
Katherine Hall Bogle was a journalist and a civil rights advocate for Black Oregonians. Kathryn Hall was born in 1906 on her great-grandparents’ farm in Oklahoma Territory. Her mother Lillian was a domestic worker. Soon after her birth, the two moved to Kansas City, Missouri and then to Portland. Lillian married Herman Baker, and the family moved several times between Oregon and Washington. Kathryn spent much of her youth in Marshfield, Oregon (today the city of Coos Bay).
Kathryn later recalled the intense discrimination her family experienced in Marshfield. She changed schools several times because of bullying, and her parents faced racism at work. The Bakers eventually moved to Portland, but their fortunes were not much improved; their white neighbors often refused to speak to them.
Katherine graduated from Portland’s Washington High School, but could not find fulfilling work opportunities because of racist employment practices.
In 1927, Kathryn married Richard Bogle, a student at Oregon Agricultural College, today’s Oregon State University. Richard came from a family of Black pioneers who had been among the early Black residents of both Oregon and Washington. He took a job at the Portland Hotel and the couple purchased a home in southeast Portland.
Kathryn was a lifelong activist. In 1937, she protested the poor coverage of Black people in the Oregonian. In response, the newspaper gave her the opportunity to write her own story. Bogle’s essay, “An American Negro Speaks of Color,” described the realities
of Black Oregon life and was the paper’s first published submission from a Black author. After her essay’s publication, Bogle became a freelance journalist. She wrote for the Northwest Enterprise, the Portland Observer, and The Skanner, all prominent Black newspapers in the city
Her influence gave her the ability to promote social causes as well. Bogle spent seventeen years with the Boys and Girls Aid Society, was an active member of the Portland Branch of the NAACP, and supported the relocation efforts of Vanport survivors in 1948. Bogle also organized local efforts to support the Black residents of Montgomery, Alabama during their 1955 bus boycott.
Bogle was a co-founder and lifetime member of Portland’s St. Philip the Deacon Episcopal Church, and worked for seven years as a caseworker for Good Samaritan Hospital’s outpatient clinic. In 1993, Bogle was presented a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Portland Association of Black Journalists. Late in her life, Kathryn helped found the Friends of the Golden West, an organization dedicated to the preservation of Portland’s first Black owned hotel building.
Kathryn Bogle died in 2003 at the age of 96. She is remembered for her decades-long work to document and support Portland’s Black community.
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.
Photo credit Kathryn Hall Bogle with son Richard, 1937, OHS Research Library
KATHRYN BOGLE
Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients
8 ounces spaghetti
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* Kosher salt and black pepper
1 shallot, halved and thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 jar (6.3-ounce) sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
1 chicken bouillon cube (0.4-ounce)
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
Directions
In large pot, cook pasta in boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside. Heat 2 tablespoons oil
in large skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle chicken with salt and black pepper on both sides. Cook undisturbed until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Cook other side until golden brown, about 5 minutes more. Remove to plate. Add 1 tablespoon oil and shallot to same skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until just tender. Add garlic, stirring continuously, until fragrant. Add broth and scrape up browned bits. Add tomatoes, bouillon, cream, oregano, red pepper flakes and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir until cube dissolves. Bring sauce to a boil; reduce to a simmer over medium-low heat. Nestle chicken in sauce. Cook until sauce thickens slightly and chicken registers at 165ºF, 5 to 10 minutes. Stir in Parmesan and basil. Serve with spaghetti.
Farmstand Fantasia
Local produce stand makes seasonal bounty affordable
came easily: both the Cummings are avid Jimmy Buffet fans, so Paradise Farm & Nursery was the perfect designation.
Terri keeps the farmstand stocked during the growing season with a wide variety of fresh vegetables and fruits. When she opens in May, it begins with plant starts, which are available for mostly anything she grows, and produce is added as the season progresses. “I grow much of my produce in wind tunnels, so the temperature is 10-15 degrees warmer than the outside,” she explains. “It helps so things are ready a bit sooner.” Customers can choose from a broad assortment of everyday produce and starts, including all kinds of tomatoes, peppers, squash, zucchini, cucumber, tomatillos, pumpkins, eggplant, kale, green beans and herbs. Terri cultivates a few more exotic, less well-known varieties like ground cherries, which
By Angie Helvey, Active Media
Having an abundant farmstand just down the road is the ultimate convenience for healthy eating, and it’s to that end that Paradise Farm & Nursery dedicates itself. Starting in May, through the beginning of December, owner Terri Cummings stocks the stand with whatever’s in season, whether it’s delicious, naturally grown produce, hardy plant starts, farm-fresh chicken eggs or beautiful handmade wreaths.
are tiny tomatillos that taste like a little shot of pineapple and make the most incredible salsa. Or the giant banana squash, which Terri grew up on, that’s fabulous for pies, soups and more.
With a 40-year background teaching agricultural science and a husband in the nursery business, Terri was poised to start a business that would grow nursery stock, but life had other plans. She and her husband bought their 20-acre property off Heintz Road in 2002, but with the 2008 recession, the COVID-19 pandemic, and a few other obstacles, it took years of pivoting to create the operation she runs today. The name, however,
Once the fruit begins ripening, the stand has strawberries, blueberries, apples, pears, gooseberries, raspberries and boysenberries. Paradise also grows annual and perennial flowers, mainly cutting varieties, ideal for fresh arrangements. In the fall and early winter, Terri adorns the stand with beautiful wreaths, swags, and centerpieces that she makes fresh daily. Payment is cash only and should be deposited in the provided locked box.
Keeping prices affordable is a cornerstone of the business. “My goal is to keep the cost low so people will eat healthy foods,” Terri explains. “Many of my neighbors have told me
they ate off my fruit stand all summer and never had to buy anything at the store.” Terri’s sustainable farming practices are part of cutting costs. “I save my seeds for future starts, and any produce that goes bad is fed to the chickens. Then, I use the composted chicken manure to fertilize the garden.
Nothing goes to waste,” she says. All produce is naturally grown with no sprays or pesticides, and she keeps her own harvest for canning and freeze-drying.
Paradise Farm & Nursery’s Facebook page is updated whenever Terri restocks the stand or adds something new. It’s an easy and convenient stop about 5 miles south of town. Though they’ve only just finished their third official year in business, the response from the community has been very exciting. “I had a customer who came every week to get lemon cucumbers for her granddaughter because she loves
them,” says Terri, “and if there weren’t any down there, they would call me, and I would pick some fresh for them. It makes a difference when you know your customers, and you can do that in a small town.”
Paradise Farm & Nursery is located at 8667 S Heintz Rd in Canby. Visit Paradise Farm and Nursery on Facebook for more information and updates.
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How an ancient festival inspired a modern tradition
By Robert Matsumura, Active Media
On February 14th each year, millions of people around the world exchange cards, chocolates and flowers, and express their love. While Valentine’s Day is indeed a cherished tradition, its origins are less widely understood. What is the true story behind this day dedicated to romance? Was there really a Saint Valentine? To answer these questions requires a journey back to Europe during the days of the Roman Empire when Christianity was still struggling to gain a foothold in the West.
The Mysterious Saint Valentine
The origins of Valentine’s Day are shrouded in mystery, with at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus recognized by the Catholic Church. One widely accepted legend involves Valentine of Rome, a Christian priest in third-century Rome. According to this tradition, Emperor Claudius II banned marriages for young men, believing that single men made better soldiers. Valentine, a Christian priest, defied the emperor by performing marriages in secret for young couples in love. When his actions were discovered, Valentine was arrested and eventually executed on February 14th about 270 AD. Over the centuries, Valentine became a symbol of romantic devotion and his martyrdom was
associated with the holiday bearing his name. However, other accounts suggest that Valentine of Terni was imprisoned for helping Christians escape harsh Roman prisons. While jailed, he is said to have fallen in love with the jailer’s daughter and performed a miracle by curing her of blindness. Legend has it that he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” a phrase that has become iconic. Whether fact or folklore, these tales all emphasize Valentine’s courage, faith, and commitment to love. After much debate over the centuries, a scholarly study was published on the subject in 1966 by priest and scholar Padre Augustino Amore, which concluded that the only martyred Valentine was Valentine of Terni. According to the study, Bishop Valentine of Terni was the only Saint Valentine to be included in all the oldest martyrologies. In further support of this, in 1927, laborers on a road project in the vicinity of the saint’s supposed burial place actually discovered fragments from a Christian martyr’s tomb, thus supporting his existence.
Pagan Roots and Christian Influence
Far before Valentine’s Day was officially established, mid-February was associated with fertility and love in ancient Rome. Celebrated from February 13th to 15th, the pagan festival of Lupercalia was a raucous
affair involving sacrifices, feasting, and ritual matchmaking.
One notable tradition involved the names of young women being placed in a jar from which men drew at random, forming temporary romantic partnerships — or sometimes lifelong bonds.
With the rise of Christianity, the Church moved to replace pagan practices with Christian observances. In 496 AD, Pope Gelasius I declared February 14th as the Feast of Saint Valentine, thus effectively Christianizing the festivities. This initiative marked the beginning of Valentine’s Day as a religious celebration, though centuries would pass before the holiday became fully associated with romantic love.
Commercial Valentine’s Day
The 18th and 19th centuries saw Valentine’s Day explode in popularity among the general public.
Fueled by advances in printing technology and the development of the postal service, celebration of the holiday really took off. Affordable, massproduced Valentine’s cards became widely available featuring a plethora of sentimental verses, elaborate designs, and romantic imagery.
Courtly Love and Medieval Traditions
It was in the Middle Ages when the romantic aspect of Valentine’s Day really gained traction. By this time, Saint Valentine was already regarded as a patron of love, fueled to a great extent by the poet Geoffrey Chaucer. In his 14th-century poem “Parlement of Foules,” Chaucer linked Valentine’s Day to the pairing of birds in early spring, a metaphor for courtship and love.
The exchange of love notes and tokens flourished during this period and became a common practice among the nobility. The first recorded Valentine’s note dates back to 1415, when Charles, Duke of Orléans, composed a heartfelt poem to his wife while a prisoner in the Tower of London. His words are preserved to this day in the British Library, serving as a testament to enduring love.
In the United States, Esther Howland, nicknamed the “Mother of the American Valentine,” played a key role in popularizing Valentine’s cards. Inspired by ornate English designs, Howland began creating and marketing hand-crafted cards during the 1840s. Her efforts contributed to the transformation of Valentine’s Day into a major commercial event, laying the groundwork for the card-exchanging tradition we enjoy to this day.
Modern Valentine’s Day: Love in All Its Forms
In modern times, Valentine’s Day is a global celebration. In the United States, the holiday has extended beyond romantic relationships to include expressions of love and appreciation for friends, family, and even pets. Children exchange cards at school, while workplaces hold themed events to foster camaraderie.
Other countries add their own unique twists to the celebration. In Japan, chocolate takes center stage on Valentine’s Day with women traditionally gifting handmade or store-bought chocolates to men. A month later, on March 14th, men
reciprocate the gesture on White Day, gifting women white chocolate in return. In South Korea, the same two days are celebrated, but a third day is added called Black Day, in which single friends come together to celebrate being single; the name derives from a noodle dish with black sauce. In Finland and Estonia, Valentine’s Day was transformed into Friends Day and includes friends and significant others.
Love in the Digital Age
In the 21st century, technology has taken Valentine’s Day to the next level. Online dating apps help people forge romantic connections, while social media provides platforms for sharing love stories and memories. Virtual gifts and e-cards have also grown in popularity, reflecting the increasingly digital nature of contemporary relationships.
A Winning Combination
Over the centuries Valentine’s Day has evolved from ancient rituals and saintly sacrifices to a global celebration of love and connection. The history of this holiday showcases the universal human desire to express affection and nurture bonds. Whether Valentine’s Day means grand gestures or simple acts of kindness for you, take a moment to reflect on the rich history that has culminated in this yearly celebration of love and good will.
Maison De Hoe Where Heritage Meets Modern Luxury
Award-winning designer redefines fashion through storytelling
By Kerry Yu, Active Media
Few fashion labels master the art of blending cultural heritage with modern design as seamlessly as MAISON DE HOE.
Led by award-winning Chief Designer VV Hanwei Su, this New York-based brand has earned a place on the global stage, recognized for turning tradition into contemporary artistry. Through innovative collections, MAISON DE HOE embodies empowerment and elegance, bridging the past with the future.
Philosophy: The Mundane Made Magnificent
At the core of MAISON DE HOE is a powerful ethos:
“The Mundane Made Magnificent.” Inspired by everyday resilience and the sophistication of modern womanhood, the brand transforms ordinary symbols into extraordinary, empowering designs.
“Fashion is a way to tell stories,” Su shares. “It bridges cultures, connects generations, and celebrates identities that deserve recognition.”
Acclaimed Designs and Global Recognition
From New York to Paris Fashion Week, MAISON DE HOE has captivated audiences with its innovative vision. Su’s designs have been celebrated by top publications like Vogue, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, and Grazia USA, cementing the brand as a rising force in luxury fashion.
MAISON DE HOE has also made its mark in Hollywood, with celebrities such as Kelly Rowland, Bailee Madison, Jeannie Mai, and Kylie Cantrall gracing red carpets in its designs. These moments underscore Su’s ability to create pieces that balance artistry with universal appeal.
Photos by IMTA
A Landmark Achievement at IMTA
It was so fun for me to meet Su at IMTA LA this January, as she was invited to the International Models and Talent Association (IMTA) convention. Over five days, Su showcased MAISON DE HOE’s latest collection alongside legendary designer Nicole Miller, captivating an audience of industry leaders and creatives.
Su also served as a judge, evaluating top emerging talent on one of the most respected platforms in the fashion and modeling world. The event culminated with Su receiving the coveted Best Designer Award, a recognition of her exceptional ability to weave cultural storytelling into groundbreaking designs.
“This award is deeply meaningful,” Su reflected. “It’s a testament to the power of fashion to honor culture, inspire confidence, and connect people globally.”
Looking Ahead
With plans to expand its global presence and introduce new collections, MAISON DE HOE is poised to make 2025 a defining year. Rooted in cultural storytelling and modern craftsmanship, the brand continues to inspire through its innovative vision.
For those seeking more than fashion, MAISON DE HOE offers a journey — a celebration of where heritage and modernity converge to create something truly extraordinary.
