Life /styLe L A K E
O S W E G O
JUNE 2021
FRED ASTAIRE
IN WITH THE NEW Lake Osw eg o Pub l i c Gol f C our s e
Dance Studios pg. 10
pg. 8
HISTORY Osw eg o Ir on Furna ce pg. 16
34 Ye a r s T ea chi ng K inderg a r ten I n La ke Os weg o pg. 24
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Life /styLe L A K E
O S W E G O
JUNE - JULY
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IN GOOD TASTE CHOZA TACOS Y CANTINA
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FEATURE STORY FRED ASTAIRE DANCE STUDIOS
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IN WITH THE NEW LO PUBLIC GOLF COURSE
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HISTORY OSWEGO IRON FURNACE
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BUSINESS FEATURE LAKE MUSIC
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FROM THE PUBLISHER I would like to welcome you to the premiere issue of the Lake Oswego Lifestyle Magazine. Our hope with this publication is to provide you, the community of Lake Oswego, with a publication that reflects the lifestyle of Lake Oswego. As we move forward with future issues, we plan on featuring local artists, stories and businesses in a way that is both entertaining and educational. We are excited about the future, and hope that you enjoy our new venture! Matthew Nelson -Publisher
IN GOOD TASTE
CHOZA
TACOS Y CANTINA FRESH & AUTHENTIC MEXICAN CUISINE
Written By Dennis McNabb, Active Media Contributing Writer
I
n Spanish, the word “Choza” means a hut, specifically a beach hut or cabana. The owners of Choza Tacos Y Cantina at Bridgeport Village have made an effort to imbue this delightful restaurant with exactly that type of atmosphere - relaxed and carefree. You can almost feel the grit of sand beneath your feet and the smell of the salty sea air wafting through the door.
Joe Rapport is one of the owners of Choza, and he’s someone who is simultaneously driven and passionate about his profession, while also completely down-to-earth. Joe says that their purpose with this restaurant was to recreate your favorite little Mexican beach restaurant and cantina right here at home, but with the added benefit of having an elevated gourmet menu. The space is open and airy, with colorful and elegant decor, and short of finding a way to bring a hot and dry climate to the Pacific Northwest, they’ve nailed every aspect of the experience. This venture has been a long time in the making. Joe has been a successful restaurateur for many years and his two co-owners in this endeavor, Jorge Hernandez and Fernando Aguayo, are longtime friends. Although all three have been working separately in the business for many years, there was always talk of pooling their skills and experience to open a restaurant together. Choza is that opportunity manifested. Jorge is the executive chef, and has combined his love of authentic mexican food with his background in fine dining and french cuisine to develop a menu loaded with delectable delights. Fernando is what Joe has dubbed the “bar master,” and with good reason. He has created some of the most amazing specialty drinks you’ll find anywhere in town, including the best Margaritas! 4 • LAKE WILSONVILLE OSWEGO LIVING LIFE/STYLE MAGAZINE • JUNE•2021 JUNE 2021
These drinks are something special! Smooth tequila is expertly balanced to blend with their homemade margarita mix (which they happen to sell, should you become hooked and want to take some home). Fernando is an encyclopedia of knowledge when it comes to tequila, and he’s stocked the bar with 80 to 100 different varieties! If you’re looking to do some tequila tasting, this is the place to do it! Let’s be honest, though - while a liquid lunch might be acceptable when you’re on vacation in Mexico, it’s probably not the best idea here at home. So how about following that drink with some of the freshest and tastiest mexican food around? Let’s start with the staple at any mexican restaurant, the chips and salsa. At Choza, both the salsa and the chips are made fresh daily, and they are truly fantastic! The chips are crisp and warm and you can really taste the sweetness of the corn. The salsa is delicious too, and perfectly balanced - not too sweet, not too spicy. Now, onto the appetizers and entrées. Again, many of the dishes are made from authentic recipes, and that means they are always fresh and always incredible. The mole sauce is actually Jorge’s grandmother’s recipe - that’s how authentic it is! They have a huge array of traditional mexican dishes, of course, running the gamut from quesadillas and tacos to enchiladas and chile
of their items are gluten free so for any Celiac sufferers, there are a lot of options to choose from here, and they are even clearly identified on the menu.
relleno. The burritos and tacos are two of their biggest sellers, and it’s no wonder. They are unbelievably delicious and a great bargain, especially the burritos, due to their generous portions. The Street Style Quesadillas are one of the most unique and delicious dishes I’ve ever had at a mexican restaurant. They’re quesadillas like you’ve never tasted, as they’re enveloped in corn masa turnovers instead of standard flour tortillas, and the flavors are truly remarkable! If you’re looking for something on the lighter side, they have a fantastic selection of appetizers and salads.Also, many
There are so many incredible options to choose from that it would take far too long to describe them all, so you’ll just have to go in and choose your favorite dish yourself! The dining room is open, and all recommended safety and sanitization guidelines are being followed, but they also offer to-go and delivery options. Don’t hesitate, come on into Choza today. We guarantee you’ll want to be back soon!
Choza Tacos Y Cantina is located at 7361 SW Bridgeport Road in Bridgeport Village. Visit their website at chozapdx.com for more information and to see their menu, then call them at 503-673-2300 to place your order, or download their app.
FRESH & AUTHENTIC MEXICAN CUISINE
WE ARE OPEN FOR DINE-IN! Order online at www.chozapdx.com or download our new IOS or Android app
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We specialize in tacos, house-made tortillas, and handcrafted Margaritas in a family friendly environment.
7361 SW Bridgeport Rd • Bridgeport Village • chozapdx.com JUNE 2021 • LAKE OSWEGO LIFE/STYLE • 5
SEASONAL
Celebrate National Rose Month In Portland
By Jenna Preston, Active Media Contributing Writer
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une has been recognized as National Rose Month since 1959, when it was part of an effort to designate the rose as our national flower. The latter event didn’t actually occur until President Reagan made it official in 1986, but for over 6 decades now the month of June has been widely and formally recognized as the perfect time to enjoy the beauty of roses. As all Portland-metro area residents know, there is nowhere better in the country to celebrate National Rose Month than in the City of Roses! The incredible Rose Festival would, in normal years, be the most iconic way to do so, but in 2020 and 2021 celebrations were canceled due to public health restrictions. Don’t let that stop you from getting out and smelling the beautiful flowers, though! Here are the best places to go for optimal rose viewing (and sniffing) around the city this month: The Portland International Rose Test Garden - As anyone who has ever visited will know, this is the place to go for all things roses. The garden features more than 650 varieties and over 10,000 individual rose bushes, making it the largest public rose garden in the entire country. The garden serves as a testing ground for new rose varieties, and in its earliest days roses were sent from around the world to Portland for testing, and in the hopes of preserving them from the ravages of World War I. 6 • LAKE OSWEGO LIFE/STYLE • JUNE 2021
Situated in Washington Park in the West Hills of Portland, the garden features stunning views of the city and admission is free. That means it’s a very popular place to visit, especially in June and throughout the summer, and parking can be extremely limited. It’s recommended to visit early in the day to avoid peak crowds, and once you’re in the park you can use a free seasonal shuttle to explore more of the park. See ExploreWashingtonPark.org for more information. Peninsula Park Rose Garden - Peninsula Park, located in North Portland, was actually home to the city’s very first rose garden. The garden was established in 1913 and was the original location of the annual rose show, before festivities were moved to Washington Park in 1917. The Peninsula Park Garden, though smaller than the Test Garden, remains a stunning place to visit and enjoy not only the blooming flowers, but also the ornamental fountain, street lamps, brick walkways, and music pavilion. The gazebo-like structure was designated a Portland Historic Landmark in 1973 and is the last of its kind in the city. The park is often reserved for weddings, so keep that in mind when visiting! Ladd Circle Park & Rose Gardens - Located on the East side of the Willamette between Hawthorne Blvd and Division Street, the Ladd Circle Rose Garden is a small but wonderful place to drink in the beauty of early summer in Portland. Named for Portland settler, business tycoon, and mayor William Sargent Ladd, the formal landscape of the park was designed in 1909 by Park Superintendent Emanuel Mische. It features 4 diamond shaped rose gardens, containing over 3,000 roses and 60 different varieties in total. Pittock Mansion - Returning to the West Hills, the jaw-dropping Pittock Mansion is worth touring in its own right, but if you don’t have the time or simply can’t bear to be indoors on a glorious early summer day, be sure to at least walk through the gardens and take in the amazing views. You’ll also find 100 different species of roses to enjoy as you stroll. It’s free to explore the grounds and you may even find a free walking tour to join! *info from embracesomeplace.com and portland.gov/parks
BUSINESS FEATURE
In With The New
LAKE OSWEGO PUBLIC GOLF COURSE by Dennis McNabb, Active Media Contributing Writer It’s been a difficult year, to say the least. Many of us have been cooped up at home for far too long, and now that the beautiful summer weather has finally arrived in the Northwest, it’s time to get out and taste the fresh air again! We could certainly use some sunshine and activity, even if we’re not all cut out to run marathons or climb mountains. Luckily there is a perfectly suited opportunity for us right here in town; one which is excellent for both physical and mental health, and it can be discovered at Lake Oswego Public Golf Course! Established in 1968, this beautiful and challenging 18 hole parthree course has been a fixture of the Lake Oswego landscape for over fifty years. It’s an ideal course for players at all levels, with plenty of challenge for the higher-level player looking to hone their skills, as well as the shorter fairways and easy-going family-friendly atmosphere for beginners and intermediate players to enjoy. If you’re more interested in practicing specific parts of your game versus playing a round, don’t fret. You can spend the day working the long game at their state-of-the-art lighted driving range which boasts 17 anti-shock artificial turf mats. All but just a few are covered and 5 of them have heaters, so even if the weather takes a turn, you can still get in some swings! They also have a sand practice area and two practice greens. Need accessories? Their fullystocked pro shop carries everything you could require, in addition to offering club repair and regripping services. Need sustenance between 8 • LAKE OSWEGO LIFE/STYLE • JUNE 2021
rounds? LV’s 19th Hole Bistro is there to satisfy your cravings, offering pub style menu items and native vietnamese dishes along with a good selection of beer, wine, and cocktails. Tom Mueller, the course manager since 2007, has been in or around the game since the age of 11, when he first started caddying for his father. A PGA professional (although not on the tour), he loves to play both sides of the ball. When not golfing himself or managing the course, his favorite activity is teaching lessons to children. He employs 5 instructors besides himself: Meurig Morgan, Gary Huffmaster, Bryann Moir, Paula Wendorf, and Darryl Garland. Each of them are all excellent tutors, highly knowledgeable, and encouraging in their lessons. They’re also very excited to announce a major renovation coming at the end of this season! The local Parks & Rec Department is building a whole new rec center on the property that will include an indoor pool, gymnasium, and other rec service spaces. The golf course itself will be changing from an 18 hole par 3 course to a 9 hole Executive course (which will include some par 4 holes!) and the driving range will be getting a facelift (extending the yardage plus providing new safety infrastructure. They will be closed for about a year during the renovation but look forward to serving you again once it’s all complete. Watch their website or follow them on Facebook to keep track of their progress. In the meantime, get out and enjoy some fresh air, camaraderie, and exercise with built-in social distancing! Enjoy Lake Oswego Public Golf Course! Lake Oswego Public Golf Course is located at 17525 SW Stafford Road in Lake Oswego. For more information, please call 503-636-8228, visit lakeoswegogolf.org, or find their Facebook page: @LakeOswegoGC.
LAKE OSWEGO PUBLIC GOLF COURSE NOW OPEN 7AM-8PM DAILY
Enjoy the Final Season of Golf on Our 18-Hole Par-3 Course Exciting Renovations Coming Soon to the Course and Practice Range Professional Group and Individual Instruction Daily $1000 Cash Hole-In-One Prize for Adults Automatically included with payment of green fees
Covered Practice Range Short Game Practice Area Men’s and Ladies’ Club Groups and Spark Golf League LV’s 19th Hole Bistro
17525 SW Stafford Road, Lake Oswego • 503-303-8828 Find More Information at LakeOswegoGolf.org
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COMING TO LAKE OSWEGO - SUMMER 2021 JUNE 2021 • LAKE OSWEGO LIFE/STYLE • 9
FRED ASTAIRE DANCE STUDIOS U Written by Dennis McNabb, Active Media Contributing Writer pon the death of Fred Astaire in 1987, famed dancer & actor Mikhail Baryshnikov noted, “No dancer can watch Fred Astaire and not know that we all should have been in another business.” Fred Astaire is one of those classic performers who is beloved by all. To this day, he is recognized as one of the all-time greats, and watching him dance is like watching a man who is somehow weightless; he literally seemed to float across the floor. In 1947, Astaire co-founded his own dance studio to help preserve his technique, and pass it along to the public. Fortunately for us herein the PortlandMetro area, we are home to the only Fred Astaire Dance Studio in the Pacific Northwest.
The story of how owners Jessi and Alex Aillon came together is quite an interesting one. Jessi has been dancing since the age of 5, and it has always played a significant role in her life, fueling her training over the years, and her attendance at NYU Gallatin School of Individualized Study where she was able to follow an interdisciplinary curriculum focusing on both performing arts and liberal arts. Once out of school, she decided on a change of scenery and moved from New York to Portland in 2010 to pursue her career in dancing. It was at the exact same time, one block away, when Alex was opening the first and only Fred Astaire studio in the Northwest. Alex came from a much different background. Interestingly, he never trained in dance growing up. At 18, he was an athlete and a musician, who accidentally discovered his passion for Ballroom dance, and subsequent gift in teaching, thanks to a first-date with a young woman who dragged him to the local Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Wichita, Kansas. She never went back, and he never left! Alex dedicated himself to dancing, becoming an instructor in Kansas, before accepting an advanced teaching position with the Birmingham, Alabama Fred Astaire and eventually moving to Portland to open his own studio. When Jessi first walked into Alex’s brand new studio, he was incidentally in the process of hiring their first staff of 10 • LAKE OSWEGO LIFE/STYLE • JUNE 2021
instructors. The rest, as they say, is history. She landed the job and shortly after being hired, the two started dancing competitively as partners and their relationship blossomed. 11 years later, they’re married with two young boys and a booming business they run together. In 2015, they seized on an opportunity to move the business to its current location - a beautifully renovated warehouse in Lake Oswego near the upscale Bridgeport Village shopping center. Not only do they now have plenty of parking and good neighbors, but they’re fully equipped with 2 ballrooms (one of which is actual competition size), a student lounge, and a bar. Both Jessi and Alex are tremendously passionate about dance, their students, and their business. Taking lessons
with them is so much more than just memorizing steps and technique. It’s also about learning to trust your body, gaining confidence, improving posture and poise, and attaining a general sense of overall health and well-being. And let’s be honest: ballroom dancing is in a whole other ballpark when compared to going to a club to shake your posterior. This is about a combined artistic expression through cooperation with a partner. Fred Astaire himself once stated, “For ballroom dancing, remember that your partners have their own distinctive styles also. Cultivate flexibility. Be able to adapt your style to that of your partner. In doing so, you are not surrendering your individuality, but blending it with that of your partner.” Brilliantly stated, and applicable in life as well as dance! In my conversation with Jessi, she made the jocular yet poignant statement that dance lessons are almost like couple’s therapy for some people. Lessons and insights learned in class have a tendency to be more impactful, and have more significance in their relationships than you’d think on the surface. The environment Alex and Jessi have created is nothing short of astounding. This is not the traditional dance studio one might envision. The Fred Astaire Dance Studios in general, and our location in particular, really cater to an “everyman” clientele. Without question, they provide the highest quality instruction from the most qualified and rigorously-tested instructors in the business. If it’s a professional career in dance you seek, you can
attain the skills to do so here. Outside of that, the supportive, welcoming atmosphere they’ve cultivated provides a home for people at any skill level. Jessi says that she sometimes sees women initially having to “drag” their boyfriends or spouses in with them, though there are a number of men who regularly attend classes of their own volition as well. It was with the goal of making everyone who comes in comfortable that they’ve added the lounge, the bar, and the big screen TV (which is often tuned into sports). Everyone is welcome, and the true impact of that is felt when so many of those initiallyhesitant men return time and again. Whether through online classes, private lessons, or (just starting back up) small group classes onsite, they cater to every client’s specific needs. No matter if you want to learn a single dance for your wedding or perfect multiple styles for a competition, they can take you wherever you want to go. Jessi and Alex are also incredible ambassadors of goodwill in their community. Once the pandemic is under control, they’re excited to regain the momentum they started in 2019, when they were able to recruit Tony Dovolani to host the first ever NW Dance Championship. Not only was the competition great fun, but they raised over $30,000 for Tony’s foundation that caters to special needs children. Call Jessi and Alex today and sign up for your introductory classes! Fred Astaire Dance Studio is located at 6520 SW Rosewood St, just off I-5 in Lake Oswego. Visit www.fredastaire.com/portland/ for more information or call them at 971-255-1918 JUNE 2021 • LAKE OSWEGO LIFE/STYLE • 11
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6520 SW Rosewood Street | Lake Oswego | 971-255-1918 www.fredastaire.com/portland
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BUSINESS FEATURE
72 DEGREES HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING QUALITY LOCAL HVAC SERVICE SINCE 2003 by Dennis McNabb, Active Media Contributing Writer Photos by Kim Elliott
I
’m sure many of us have had our fair share of problems with contractors and service technicians; inconsistent reliability, questionable advice, inflated diagnostics - the list goes on and on. The problem is that when it comes to specialized repairs for our homes, we’re generally at their mercy. They’re the “experts” and we have no point of reference to question their integrity or hold them accountable for subpar service. That’s why it’s so important to find the ones who are honest, and who can be trusted to do the job right every time. When it comes to trustworthy service for your HVAC system, the only name you need to be familiar with in the Lake Oswego area is 72 Degrees. Steve Green is the owner, and he takes an incredible amount of pride in making sure his company operates the right way. Steve is not only well-versed and educated in all aspects of the industry, but he also runs an extremely tight ship, holding himself and each of his employees to impeccably high standards. Employees receive weekly training to keep abreast of the latest products and technologies, in addition to understanding methods of handling various customer service scenarios. In addition to the rigorous testing and continuous education received in-house, all of the 72 Degrees technicians are NATE certified, which is the gold standard in this industry. It means that if you hire 72 Degrees to do a job for you, whoever they send is going to be highly trained and capable of handling any situation. 14 • LAKE OSWEGO LIFE/STYLE • JUNE 2021
They also adhere to the Technician Seal of Safety, which is also the highest of industry standards. Every employee goes through rigorous background checks, drug testing, and professional training, so you can feel at ease welcoming them into your home. That level of comfort extends to the job itself as well. Steve is adamant in making sure that his technicians educate their customers, rather than trying to sell them. He wants you to have complete peace of mind knowing the service you receive is exactly what is needed, and that the cost is competitive and fair. Additionally, 72 Degrees uses a very unique and very cool hi-tech gadget called “The Inspector,” which is rarely used by other HVAC companies. This nifty device catches about 80% of your heat exchanger leaks, as opposed to other methods which only catch about 10%, meaning that their technicians are able to give you the most comprehensive diagnosis available. This is also a perfect time to ask them about the multitude of products they carry which can kill up to 99% of the mold spores, allergens, viruses and bacteria that cycle through your air system. This is truly a first-class operation. 72 Degrees has the most highlyqualified, highly-trained technicians and the most cutting edge tools to provide you with the best service possible. In fact, Steve is so confident in the competence and professionalism of his team that he has a “fix it right or it’s free” guarantee - and that’s a sincere promise! All of this, and they are a locally owned and operated family business. Give them a call today, and make sure your HVAC system is ready for winter! For more information or to schedule your service, call 503-655-0556 or visit www.72degreesoregon.com ◾
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SALES • SERVICE • INSTALLATION
Photos Courtesy of the Lake Oswego Public Library
The History of The
Oswego Iron Furnace By Susanna Kuo (Oregon Encyclopedia / Oregon Historical Society)
T
he Oswego Iron Furnace, built in 1866 at the confluence of Oswego Creek and the Willamette River, just south of Portland, was the first iron furnace on the Pacific Coast. Between 1867 and 1885, it produced 42,000 tons of pig iron, sold as Oregon Iron to foundries in Portland and San Francisco. Located in present-day George Rogers Park in Lake Oswego, the furnace is Oregon’s oldest industrial landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is the only surviving charcoal blast furnace west of the Rocky Mountains.
16 • LAKE OSWEGO LIFE/STYLE • JUNE 2021
Before 1867, virtually all iron on the West Coast was brought by ship around Cape Horn, a hazardous 17,000-mile voyage that took four to five months. Imported products such as pig iron, were sold for up to ten times what they cost in the East. The discovery of iron deposits near Oswego in 1861 excited hopes that Oregon could supply most of the demand for iron on the Pacific Coast. Oswego also had timber for charcoal fuel, a river landing on the Willamette, and waterpower from the outflow of Sucker Lake (now Oswego Lake). The Oregon Iron Company was founded in 1865 by a group of Portland merchants whose interests in shipping, railroads, water systems, and real estate shaped the future of Portland as the cultural and economic center of Oregon. Iron was a resource essential to their vision of a commercial empire in the Pacific Northwest. William S. Ladd was elected president of the
Ore for the furnace, which averaged 44 to 54 percent iron, was obtained from two mines: a small mine south of the lake and a large underground mine on Iron Mountain on the north side of Oswego Lake. Charcoal production was the most expensive part of the business because it involved almost half the work force. By 1885, there were over a hundred charcoal pits smoldering in the woods between Tryon Creek and West Linn. Throughout its history, the Oregon iron industry was undercapitalized and struggled to compete with less expensive Scottish pig iron as the tariff on imports was repeatedly reduced. Skilled workers were scarce, so labor costs were high. In 1877, the bankrupt company was sold at a sheriff ’s auction to a group of experienced iron makers from Ohio led by Lamar B. Seeley and Ernest W. Crichton. They incorporated the Oswego Iron Company on March 9, 1878, and made a number of improvements, building a railroad from the mine to the furnace, increasing the company’s timber holdings, and remodeling the stack by adding 12 feet to its top. To finance the improvements, they borrowed heavily from businessman Simeon G. Reed. Four years later, they accepted Reed’s offer to buy the company.
Photo by Esprqii company, H. C. Leonard was vice-president, and Henry D. Green was secretary. Construction on the furnace began in 1866, supervised by George D. Wilbur of Sharon, Connecticut. Wilbur modeled the stack, as stone furnaces are called, on the furnaces of the Barnum Richardson Company in Lime Rock, Connecticut. The thirty-two-foot stack is shaped like a truncated pyramid with gothic arches piercing its four sides. The massive walls were built to withstand temperatures of 2,800°F. Payrolls show that forty-two quarrymen, masons, and carpenters were engaged in construction. Basalt for the stonework was quarried from a ledge on the north side of Sucker Lake. Firebrick for the shaft, the chimney, and the heat exchanger was imported from Britain. A large complex of buildings surrounded the furnace. The furnace was “blown in” on August 22, 1867, amid high hopes that Oswego would become the “Pittsburgh of the West.” Charcoal, ore, and limestone were fed into the top of the shaft, and air was injected into the bottom through three ports in the smelting chamber. Molten iron was tapped through the casting arch. The first iron was cast on August 24, 1867. When the tap hole was opened, a stream of incandescent iron poured down a channel and filled a series of molds in the sand floor of the casting house. The ingots have been called pig iron since at least the mid-seventeenth century because the layout of trenches reminded workers of a sow nursing piglets.
The Oregon Iron & Steel Company was incorporated on April 2, 1882, with Reed as president. With financial support from railroad financier Henry Villard, Reed embarked on ambitious plans to build a modern cupola blast furnace half a mile north of the original works. The old furnace was blown out for the last time on November 1, 1885. After many delays due to Reed’s difficulty in securing financing, the new furnace was blown in on October 20, 1888. The company quickly set new records, producing 12,305 tons of pig iron in 1890 and employing over 600 workers. The success was short-lived. The company’s dependence on expensive charcoal fuel and the cost of importing limestone from Washington State were major factors in the demise of the Oregon iron industry, but the fatal blow was the Panic of 1893, one of worst financial crises in U.S. history. Unable to operate without credit, Oregon Iron & Steel was one of 14,000 businesses that failed following the crash. The company’s pipe foundry continued to manufacture water pipe until 1928. Both the pipe works and the ironclad furnace were dismantled in 1929, but the old furnace survived because its stonework defied demolition. The City of Oswego purchased the original furnace site for a public park in 1945. Sixty years later, concerns about the condition of the furnace prompted the city to create a Furnace Restoration Task Force. After seven years of research and planning, work to preserve and stabilize the stack was completed in 2010. The furnace is now the centerpiece of the Oswego Iron Heritage Trail, and its legacy is preserved in Portland’s cast-iron buildings, erected by iron company owners W.S. Ladd, Henry Corbett, Addison Starr, Henry Failing, M.S. Burrell, Simeon Reed, and J. Frank Watson. JUNE 2021 • LAKE OSWEGO LIFE/STYLE • 17
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LAKE MUSIC
BUSINESS FEATURE
CELEBRATING COMMUNITY & MUSIC
L
By Dennis McNab, Active Media Contributing Writer
earn. Love. Play. Local! That’s the new motto adopted by Lake Music in Lake Oswego, and it’s a way of life for owner/operator, Tim Smither. He feels that the role music plays in our lives cannot be overestimated. Inheriting the business from his late father, Sid Smither (a local legend in the music industry), Tim has carried the torch with grace, wisdom, and enthusiasm. Tim sincerely wants nothing more than to bring the gift of music to the community. With many of us still homebound due to COVID, there is no time like the present to learn an instrument! Lake Music is open, and providing top notch lessons from highly skilled and trained experts! Tim and his teachers are absolutely committed to serving the community they love. Although Tim remains highly vigilant and appropriately concerned for everyone’s safety and wellbeing, more lessons are being held in person as
restrictions are lifted! They are also still offering them via Zoom. It just depends on the customer’s level of comfort. This summer, Tim is excited to be hosting some FREE monthly concert events held in the parking lot of Lake Music. The first of the series is being held June 23rd from 6:00-8:30pm. Local businesses, Casa Del Pollo, and Flyboy Taphouse will be participating, providing food and beverages while the music will be provided by local bands. It is Tim’s greatest hope and priority to bring the Lake Oswego community together in celebration; a celebration of life, love, and of course music. If you have ever been even the slightest bit interested in learning to play an instrument, please call Tim today. While he and his staff of teachers can provide instruction on almost every common instrument, Tim is dedicated to helping all who are interested in playing. If he can’t provide instruction, he will find you someone who can!
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JUNE 2021 • LAKE OSWEGO LIFE/STYLE • 19
ARTS & CULTURE
MEET THE ARTIST
DICK EATON By Dennis McNabb, Actuve Media Contributing Writer
W
hat is the mark of a true artist? At what point along an artist’s journey do we consider them masters of their craft versus a student or hobbyist? Ironically, it’s often the most authentic of artists who will afford themselves the least amount of credit for their accomplishments. Case in point, Lake Oswego artist and overall renaissance man, Richard (Dick) Eaton. Although he’s been honing his craft for nearly twenty years now, he sincerely feels like it’s only his most recent work of the last year or so that has reached a level matching his passion. Dick is one of the most genuine people you could meet. This is a man committed, whether it’s through his art or his work as an executive leadership coach, to living with authenticity. It takes constant vigilance and practice, but he is absolutely doing what he was put on this earth to do. Modest and unassuming, inquisitive and insightful; he’s a spiritual man, and the process of creating art, for him, is a key aspect to his spiritual journey. In many ways, it is how he discovers and defines himself. This is the power of art in its truest form. It’s an expression of self; a way of sharing our unique view of the world with others. Dick has always embraced his creative side. As a young man, his initial forays were concentrated more in the realm of ceramics. He worked on mastering those skills through high school and college, but stepped away from it when he became a parent. Like for so many of us, 20 • LAKE OSWEGO LIFE/STYLE • JUNE 2021
getting married, having a family, and having a fulltime job often necessarily takes precedence over creative endeavors. It wasn’t long though, before he began to notice the void that left in his life. He was grateful to be a husband and father, and to this day, he maintains that his (full grown) kids are his highest priority and greatest achievement in life, but he couldn’t deny his growing discontent over the loss of a creative outlet. That was when he discovered an advertisement for a painting class led by none other than Michael Dowling (a renown artist, professor at Boston University, and a man who has helped thousands heal through art with his non-profit Medicine Wheel Productions). Dick was skeptical at first. He’d never worked with paints prior to taking the class, but he fell in love with the process, and simultaneously developed a long-term friendship with Michael besides. Ultimately, Dick studied under Michael for a full ten years, carving out time from his busy schedule every Wednesday from 102. That was his island oasis; his meditative and creative escape. Still, Dick feels like his skill level is only just beginning to match his degree of passion, and this is where some of that authenticity really shines through. For the average, if untrained eye, his paintings are absolutely beautiful, expressive, impressionistic; I would hang any of them on my wall and display them proudly. But for Dick, as is the case with so many artists constantly striving to achieve perfection (or close to it), it has taken all these years of dedicated practice to reach
the point where he actually likes his pieces more often than not. His work is primarily of the Plein Air style (French meaning “outdoors”) which was popularized in the 19th Century and focuses on open air, outdoor subjects painted in the outdoors. Often they feature gorgeous, sweeping landscapes that transport you to another place. Far more challenging in many ways than studio work, Plein Air requires dedication to a communal relationship with nature. Weather, wildlife, quick-drying acrylic paints, and an ever-changing source of light provide constant hurdles to contend with, but Dick welcomes that challenge.
It has all been a part of his journey, his transformation, his transcendence. The form requires a certain relinquishment of control; since you’re under a constant time crunch, you have to learn to express yourself in the moment, then let it go and move on - something he’s really struggled with over the years. In fact, his old mentor Michael often told him, “don’t tame your paintings!” and he feels like he is finally starting to fully realize that philosophy.
to admire his work. She was so moved by it, and their conversation, that she divulged why the whole group was there. It was for her daughter’s baptism, and she wished to purchase his painting to commemorate the occasion. She now owns that painting. Out of all the stories of Dick’s work and the accolades he’s received at this exhibit or that, this poignant tale of human connection is one that resonates the most with him. This is why he does what he does.
Recently, Dick had his first piece shown at a commercial gallery in Oregon. It was the 8th Annual Living Mark Exhibition at Verum Ultimum Art Gallery in Portland, and his painting was chosen from hundreds of submissions as one of only 30 pieces displayed for the exhibit. He has also shown several pieces for the gallery at the Lake Oswego Arts Council, as well as the Oregon Society of Artists and has been awarded multiple times, including Best in Show in 2019!
Dick is an incredibly accomplished artist, and you should absolutely seek out his work, but more importantly, he is an incredibly accomplished man. Painting is his hobby, his meditation, but he does all of this while simultaneously running his own company, Leapfrog Innovations. He coaches top executives (incidentally, if you check out his Linked-In account: www.linkedin.com/in/ dickeaton, you will see that he is amazing at that as well), and he has a genuine and profound interest in people. He’s one of those guys that you could spend the whole afternoon with, enjoying his warmth, camaraderie, and insight, and then go home feeling like a better person. We certainly need more people like Dick in this world!
Perhaps the best way to sum up Dick as an artist is to share a story about a woman who purchased one of his paintings: He was at George Rogers Park in Lake Oswego along the Willamette River, working on one of his plein air paintings of the landscape there, when a procession of people walked by. One of them was a woman who stopped
You can find more examples of Dick’s work on Instagram: @dickeaton
JUNE 2021 • LAKE OSWEGO LIFE/STYLE • 21
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L
ooking back over the years, we have all had people who have impacted our lives; who have influenced or inspired us. Whatever the reason was, we felt a special connection with these people. Whether it was because we admired them, we appreciated the support or advice they provided, or we respected their authority, one way or another, we were left with an indelible mark. Often it’s our parents, our extended family, or friends who have the most significant influence. For some, it’s celebrities or athletes. For others, it may be a group of people who don’t often receive the credit they deserve: our teachers.
Many of us had at least one teacher who really got through to us, who encouraged us to expand our horizons and strive to become better versions of ourselves. Certainly, we’ve all been inspired by teachers like those represented in movies such as Stand and Deliver, Dead Poets Society, Good Will Hunting, Mr. Holland’s Opus; these are amazing films about amazing people who did not simply follow the curriculum, but instead transcended their positions to truly educate (although it admittedly took Mr. Holland a few years to get there). Who was it for you? Was it one of your college professors; someone who motivated you to steer your career path down a new avenue? Was it a high school teacher who saw something
in you that nobody else seemed to understand? Or was it perhaps your kindergarten teacher who first introduced you to this wide new world of learning? Our illustrious Publisher here at Active Media, Matthew Nelson, was raised by one such marvelous educator: Mrs. Linda Nelson, a kindergarten teacher of 34 years! As you’d expect of a teacher from her generation, Linda is neither boastful, nor nostalgic, nor overly sentimental about the experience, but it’s abundantly clear that she loved her teaching career. In fact, her exact words were that she loved “every minute of it.” For so many educators of the era, it was all about the work; rolling up your sleeves, getting down to business, and molding young minds. It can be difficult for those from such a humble generation to acknowledge the difference they’ve made in the lives of others, and Linda is no exception. She may be a little uncomfortable admitting it, but the positive impact she had on so many lives is clear in the telling of her story. The beginning of her journey was an interesting one, and a little rocky. She was herself greatly inspired by her own kindergarten teacher. So much so, in fact, that instead of playing house as a child, she played school. And if her friends didn’t want to play along, she filled the desks with her stuffed animals and lectured away! When it was time to get her teaching certificate, she knew instantly that kindergarten was where she wanted to be placed. Unfortunately, she and her husband moved to Oregon right as she was preparing to enter the workforce, and as the state had not yet adopted a mandatory kindergarten ruling, not many
schools were hiring. Though she was devastated initially, it wasn’t long before she received not one, but two offers for immediate employment! One of the districts interested was Lake Oswego, and that’s where she chose to go, ultimately staying with the district for the entirety of her career. Looking back upon her 34 years there, she couldn’t have been more pleased with her decision. How many of us can say that in hindsight? Not only was the community supportive as a whole, but the parents were generally eager to help and the students were eager to learn! Linda was amazed at the level of care and involvement she witnessed at every turn. Shortly after she began her position, Oregon passed the mandatory kindergarten ruling. Because she was already in place, the district asked her to participate on the committee to establish the official curriculum. This gave Linda the opportunity to extend her influence beyond the classroom, and help forge the path for all fellow kindergarten teachers who followed her. As she explains it, her involvement was nothing extraordinary, but anyone who has held a similar leadership position before knows that there is nothing ordinary about paving the way for those who come after you. Maybe there is something in the DNA of career teachers that helps them weather the storms they inevitably face; a certain grit, or tenacity, or pluckiness of spirit. I sensed it in Mrs. Nelson, and I’ve sensed it in every teacher I’ve ever had who impacted me in a memorable way. These people are charged with nothing less than the role of part-time parent, mentor, and guide; a formidable task to say the least, and it’s safe to say that the continued intellectual growth of our species depends upon them. Consider how much time our children spend under the care of teachers, and consider again how little thanks those
teachers receive for all that they do. Many parents feel that their children are the smartest, the most important, or the ones with the most potential, and thus expect a great deal of individual attention from every educator their child interacts with. Likewise, many parents simply don’t care to invest the necessary time and focus required to motivate their children in bettering themselves, leaving that responsibility entirely in a teacher’s hands. Then there’s the students who, no matter how supportive the parents are, simply want to fight tooth and nail against any and all authority they encounter. Teachers must have grit to juggle all of that. It’s a prerequisite to not only their success, but their ability to endure the day to day rigors of the job. For many years post-retirement, Mrs. Nelson would run into her former students. Several would approach, always with open arms and big smiles, to share their memories of how she encouraged them, took care of them, and taught them to get along well with others (a vital lesson that must be learned early in life). Some would introduce their own kids to her, telling them how Mrs. Nelson was their favorite teacher. While she was still teaching, one group of boys even continued to visit her classroom after they had moved on to higher grades. We don’t always think about them or appreciate them enough, but teachers are an integral part of our formative years. Next time you see a teacher who had a positive influence on you, be sure to let them know. On those rough days all teachers go through, it can be especially difficult to not get worn down, but a simple word of thanks and a story of how they made a difference in your life can put the fire right back into their passion for teaching. So thank you to all of the wonderful teachers out there who truly care about their students and the impact they have upon them! And a special thanks to Mrs. Linda Nelson, for her life of service to the children of Lake Oswego!
HISTORY
A RITE OF PASSAGE FOR OREGONIANS Enchanted Forest
Written By Dennis McNabb, Active Media Contributing Writer
T
o anyone who grew up in Oregon, or even anyone who has driven the I-5 corridor through Turner (south of Salem), you will be familiar with the fantastic little gem of a roadside attraction known as the Enchanted Forest. Many readers looking at this story will be swept away by warm feelings of nostalgia. It seems that virtually everyone who spent time in Oregon as a child has made at least one visit to this magical place. When the topic comes up among friends of a certain age, stares begin to wander, countenances begin to soften; eyes moisten. It’s a different response than you get when you mention big money efforts like Disneyland, or Magic Mountain. It’s not as wide-eyed or excited as that perhaps, but I’d argue, it’s deeper. It’s more profound because the Enchanted Forest takes us through a portal to a better time; a simpler time; a more innocent time. It’s a treasure to so many of us, and it’s one we need to protect. It all began in the mid ’60s. Roger Tofte had retired from the Navy after the Korean War and was working for the Oregon State Highway Department as a draftsman and artist. He’d always had a very artistic creative side but hadn’t had much opportunity to put it to use. When he took his family on a long road trip, he realized that many other states had attractions, various examples of glorious Americana, but there was very little in Oregon. He saw a vision, and without hesitation, got to work on it. The original section of the park, the Storybook Trail, was that vision and it was his alone. He drew up the plans and did almost all of the work himself. He had some help from friends and family, of course, but the vast majority of it was just Roger out there digging holes with shovels. 26 • LAKE OSWEGO LIFE/STYLE • JUNE 2021
Owner Roger Tofte
He initially thought it might take about 2 years to complete. It took 7! But he persevered and on Sunday, Aug. 8th, 1971, they opened. It was an instant success! That first weekend, they had 75 people. The following weekend, after they had an article in the Statesman Journal, over 1000 people showed up! Roger continued to work full-time for another year until he was sure he could support his family, then he devoted himself to the park 100% and never looked back. I had the pleasure of speaking with Susan Vasley, one of Roger’s daughters (and one of the current co-managers of the park), and I was incredibly moved by her story; by the whole family’s story. Since it opened, this park has been their
life. They grew up here. It was dad’s vision; it was his dream, but the entire family was involved in it. There are family businesses... and then there is the Enchanted Forest!
they are open or not (insurance, ride got bigger and outside help was enlisted, It was the ’70s and of course, there were the Tofte family have been the driving force maintenance, employee payroll, etc.). They no child labor laws. Nobody even thought behind every decision. Roger has continued were able to open last season but only at a about that kind of stuff back then. If you fraction of their full capacity. At were capable, you helped the end of last season, the reality out. It was as simple as It seems that virtually everyone who spent of their situation was that they that. And they did; all of needed $500,000 just to open them, and they loved it! time in Oregon as a child has made at back up this year. A GoFundMe Susan, who was 14 at the least one visit to this magical place. was set up and the community time, worked the entrance came to the rescue, raising almost building. Her sister Mary the entire amount needed. The Tofte family as artistic director, working on every (who is the second current co-manager), is so grateful to everyone who came out worked the food stand and was only 9 years structure and hand painting every design in support and they were able to plan to element himself. In fact, at 91 years old, old. Their brother, Ken, kept all the trash Roger still works at the park every day. That reopen this year with your help. picked up and the trails cleaned. He was just goes to show that when you do what aged 12. And their littlest sister, Lori, who Tragically, then the ice storm hit in wiped tables in the food area was at the ripe you love, it’s not work! February and caused mass destruction old age of 4! Mavis, their mother worked across the property. Hundreds of trees came behind the scenes. She had a mind for down, damaging multiple exhibits and rides business which allowed Roger to focus on and a huge chunk of that money they had the creative. It was the perfect balance. received from your generous donations, had to be redirected towards the clean-up And so things went. In the following years, rather than the day-to-day costs of keeping Roger consistently built onto the park. The them open. Susan is optimistic and hopeful Tofteville western park was constructed they can make up some ground this year, in year 2 with the Haunted House coming but the fact is, the park is dangerously close shortly after. The Comedy Theatre followed to having to close their doors, possibly next and then the famed Ice Mountain Original concept drawing by Roger Tofte for good. Bobsled roller coaster (the first ride to require some professional outside help) The Enchanted Forest is a special place, Susan and Mary have the same balanced made its debut. Then came the Old Europe folks. There is literally nothing else quite like relationship that Roger and Mavis did Village with it’s Jolly Roger Water-Light it. It is the realization of one man’s dream Show, the Big Timber Log Ride (the 2nd big back in the early days. Susan is the creative and his family’s love and continued support. ride), and most recently, the hugely popular force (she actually writes and directs all of Generations of kids have walked its magical their plays, composes and records all of Challenge of Mondor ride! paths and been “enchanted” by its fairytalethe music played throughout the park and come-to-life exhibits and rides. This August Interspersed throughout, they’ve added performs in the house band!) while Mary is their 50th Anniversary. We need them several other smaller rides, and expanded takes care of all of the business. for 50 more! Visit the park this summer. on some of the existing themed areas. All Bring your kids. Bring your friends! Bring This past year has been difficult for all of the while, Roger and the entire family have your kids’ friends! And please, if you’re able, us. For the Enchanted Forest, it has been worked side by side to make his dreams— donate on their GoFundMe page: Enchanted devastating. Prior to COVID, they were in dreams which were now shared by his Forest Family-owned Theme Park Survival. great shape, but they have a lot of annual children and by children all over the state Help us keep this dream alive! fixed costs which they need to pay whether and beyond—a reality. Even as the rides
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MEET THE DENTIST
Smile Oswego Dental By Dennis McNabb , Active Media Contributing Writer Photos by Brubaker Photography
P
atients “smile as-we-go” at Smile Oswego Dental! Dr. Marcus Uchida is incredibly excited to be a new member of the “Smile” team and part of the Lake Oswego community. Just last year, he partnered up with Dr. Fadi Ibsies, owner and founder of Smile Linn Dental in West Linn, and the two of them together opened a brand new private practice: Smile Oswego Dental located at the Mary’s Woods assisted living facility in Lake Oswego. It could be said that Dr. Uchida lives dentistry 24/7. His father was a dentist, he is (obviously) a dentist, and his wife is a dentist. Reports have not been confirmed, but it’s been rumored that even his dog has been seen checking out the neighbor canine’s canines! Joking aside, that’s exactly the kind of immersion and dedication you want with a dentist. Let’s be honest; nobody enjoys going to the dentist, but since it’s a necessary part of maintaining your overall health, you want the best of the best. Someone who lives and breathes the profession, and is on the forefront of all the latest advancements. Dr. Uchida and his staff work tirelessly to give you the most advanced care while simultaneously making your experience with them as pleasant as possible. Partnering with Dr. Ibsies means representing and building on a legacy; expanding a family. It’s the same with their patients. Being a patient at Smile Oswego means building a long-term relationship with them. They want to get to know you and your history. It’s more like visiting a friend than a doctor! 28 • LAKE OSWEGO LIFE/STYLE • JUNE 2021
At Smile Oswego Dental, they believe strongly that good dental health is key to one’s general well-being, so they employ all the latest in dental technology in their state-of-the-art facility. Your health and your smile are their greatest concerns. The office is warm, comfortable and calming. They offer blankets and pillows, noise-canceling headphones, movies, and more to help put patients at ease. For those concerned about COVID, they’ve introduced aerosol suction machines which literally attach to every patient’s lip during their procedure to capture any errant bacteria escaping. They’ve also added air purifiers, circulation filters, and touch-free sensors to just about every surface possible. These new stricter protocols are here to stay for your protection, even postpandemic. No matter which location you visit, you are guaranteed the same superior quality of dental work and personalized care. Both practices are highly involved in our local communities as well. Not content to “only” provide the best dental care available, they are also constantly striving to give back as much as possible. Whether it’s providing aid to the disadvantaged, contributing to programs like Head Start, or helping sponsor celebratory events like Music in the Park or Lake Oswego Farmers Market, they are always first in line with donations. Dr. Ibsies and Dr. Uchida have even donated their own personal time recently in order to help the Lake Oswego Fire Dept. administer COVID vaccinations! Offering preventative, restorative, cosmetic, and general dentistry for children and adults of all ages, where every patient is treated like family, the amazing teams at Smile Linn and Smile Oswego Dental are ready to make you smile today! Call today to make your appointment. Smile Oswego Dental is located at 17510 Provost St, Unit 205, just off Holy Names Drive near the Village at Mary’s Woods in Lake Oswego. Call the office at 503-765-5555 or visit smileoswegodental. com for more information. Smile Linn Dental is located at 18750 Willamette Drive in West Linn. Call the office at 503-607-2222 or visit smilelinndental.com for more information.
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