Homemade Eggnog
Cheers to a classic holiday sipper
Ingredients
6 large egg yolks
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg pinch of salt
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract ground cinnamon, for topping
1/4 cup alcohol, optional (see note)
Directions
Whisk together egg yolks and sugar until light and creamy in medium bowl. In
saucepan over medium-high heat, combine cream, milk, nutmeg and salt. Stir often until it reaches a bare simmer. Add a big spoonful of hot milk to egg mixture, whisking vigorously. Repeat, one spoonful at a time to temper eggs. Once most of hot milk has been added, pour mixture back into saucepan on stove. Whisk constantly until slightly thickened (or until 160°F) — it will thicken as it cools. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla and alcohol (if using). Pour eggnog through fine mesh strainer into pitcher; cover with plastic wrap. Chill in refrigerator. Serve with sprinkle of cinnamon. Store in fridge up to 1 week.
NOTE: If you’re adding alcohol, start with ¼ cup brandy, bourbon, rum or whiskey added at same time as vanilla, or after eggnog cools. For a thinner, completely smooth consistency, pour mixture into blender with 1 or 2 tablespoons milk; blend until smooth.
The Magical Legend of Santa Claus
1600 years in the making
By Robert Matsumura, Active Media
As the holiday season rolls around, Santa Claus assumes center stage. But where exactly did this rotund, jovial old man in a red suit originate, and how did he become the iconic symbol of Christmas that he is today? In truth, the history of Santa Claus is a fascinating tale that intertwines folklore, legends and a sprinkle of entrepreneurial ingenuity.
Santa Claus as we know him today traces his roots back to a number of historical figures, each contributing to the contemporary version we know and love. Perhaps the earliest inspiration for Santa Claus was Saint Nicholas, a Christian bishop of the 4th century, renowned for his acts of kindness and gift-giving. In time, Saint Nicholas became the patron saint of children, sailors, merchants, archers and brewers, among others.
In the British Isles, a character known as Father Christmas emerged during the mid-17th century and was frequently depicted as a bearded man garbed in green, symbolizing the spirit of the season. By the 18th century, however, the concepts of Father Christmas and Saint Nicholas merged, resulting in a hybrid figure that blended elements from both traditions.
The American version of Santa Claus began to take shape in the 18th century. Influenced by Dutch and German settlers, the name “Santa Claus” evolved from the Dutch term “Sinterklaas.”
During this period, “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (commonly known as “The Night Before Christmas”), a poem published in 1823, played a pivotal role in shaping the modern image of Santa. This poem described Santa
as a rotund gift-giver in a red suit who utilized chimneys rather than the front door for his Christmas visits. The poem, attributed to Clement Clarke Moore, established not only Santa’s magical nighttime journey around the world delivering toys to children, but specified his vehicle of choice as a sleigh powered by eight reindeer with specific names and attributes. Also introduced in the poem was the idea of Santa monitoring children on his “naughty and nice” list and filling stockings accordingly.
The classic image of Santa Claus in a red suit with a white beard was tweaked further in the 1930s due to a marketing campaign by Coca-Cola. The company’s advertisements depicted Santa as plump, rosy-cheeked, and garbed in a red and white outfit and hat. Although Santa had been portrayed in robes of other colors prior to this marketing campaign, CocaCola’s version of Santa Claus was embraced by the popular imagination and remains the image we associate with him to this day.
As the holidays roll around, and images of Santa Claus abound, know that, like so many things in life, Santa has evolved from his ancient origins as Saint Nicholas and Father Christmas to the iconic figure of Christmas cheer crafted by an imaginative poet and creative corporate advertising. One thing is for certain, whether you’re a child or an adult, the holidays would not be the same without Santa, his reindeer and the spirit of the season that he represents to so many around the world!
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The Electoral College
Preserving Representative Democracy
Reif & Hunsaker, P.C.
The validity of the Electoral College is at the center of much debate in American politics. Despite the debate, it plays a critical role in preserving representative democracy. The Electoral College benefits the United States by balancing popular will with the need for fair representation across all states. In doing so, it upholds the principles of a representative democracy rather than descending into the tyranny of the majority.
Protecting Federalism and State Interests
The primary benefit of the Electoral College is that it reinforces the federal structure of the United States. The system allocates electoral votes based on the number of representatives and senators each state has in Congress. This design allows smaller states to maintain a voice in presidential elections and prevents larger states from dominating the process. In a purely direct popular vote system, the interests of states with smaller populations would be marginalized. By giving every state a minimum of three electoral votes, the Electoral College ensures that candidates must consider the needs and concerns of a broader coalition of states. This structure promotes a more inclusive form of representation, which is a cornerstone of a healthy representative democracy. It protects the balance power between state and federal governments; protecting against tyranny by decentralizing power.
Encouraging CoalitionBuilding and Broad Representation
In a representative democracy, it is essential that presidential candidates consider the diverse views of the country. The Electoral College pushes presidential candidates to build broad coalitions that appeal to voters across various regions and demographics. Instead
of focusing exclusively on high-population urban centers, candidates must campaign in swing states, rural areas, and regions with differing political priorities. It encourages a national approach to campaigning making it essential for candidates to achieve a geographically broad base of support, reflecting the interests of more Americans from different parts of the country.
Preventing the Tyranny of the Majority
The Electoral College serves as a safeguard against the “tyranny of the majority,” a concern that has long been central to democratic theory. In a direct popular vote system, densely populated areas would dictate the outcome of elections, disregarding the interests of less populous regions. The Electoral College mitigates this risk by requiring candidates to win states rather than just amassing the most individual votes nationwide. This is critical because it ensures that a broader array of voices are considered. It supports the concept of a balanced, representative democracy by ensuring that all states contribute to the election’s outcome, not just the most populous ones.
Maintaining Stability in Elections
A key aspect of a representative democracy is stability and clear outcomes in elections. The Electoral College provides this by avoiding endless national recounts or disputes that could occur in a direct popular vote system, especially in close elections. This stability is crucial for the legitimacy of democratic institutions. The Electoral College has a clear and structured process for certifying votes and resolving disputes, which helps avoid drawn-out legal battles.
Upholding Constitutional Principles
The Electoral College is rooted in the Constitution’s vision of representative democracy. The Founding Fathers designed it as a compromise between electing the president by Congress and by direct popular vote. The system is a reflection of the balance between the will of the people and the preservation of state sovereignty.
The information provided in this article does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information and content in this article is for general informational purposes only.
LExperience Paradise in Comfort
Experience Paradise in Comfort
Reliable, expert plumbing services from seasoned Oregon professionals
Reliable, expert plumbing services from seasoned Oregon professionals
By Dennis McNabb, Active Media
by Brittany Jungenberg, Active Media
Imagine a home where the plumbing works flawlessly. No more leaks. No more clogged drains. No more stress! Your home is your own personal “slice of paradise” and as such it’s imperative to keep all of its core systems working at peak efficiency. When issues arise, especially with regard to plumbing, they must be addressed, and promptly, or small problems can escalate into major ones. Add to that the daunting task of locating and choosing the right plumber for the job and it can be an exceedingly stressful time. Fortunately, for those living between Portland and Salem, Paradise Plumbing Northwest offers
the ideal solution, promising to do things “the right way, not the easy way, for your slice of paradise!”
This is a locally owned and operated business. Owners Adam Stebbins and Tjader (TJ) Mozee-Baum are long-time Oregonians proudly serving the communities they call home. The business just opened its doors earlier this year but they boast over a decade of experience in the industry. And hiring Paradise Plumbing Northwest means hiring the experts themselves! Jobs are not turned over to less-experienced apprentices or subcontractors. When you call Adam and TJ, they are the ones writing the estimates and doing the work!.
I had the pleasure of speaking with TJ, an intelligent and affable gentleman, and it was clear from the outset how passionate and
Photos
dedicated he is to making this venture a success.
Paradise in Comfort
Paradise in Comfort
from seasoned Oregon professionals
customer service and focusing on quality over quantity of work, he hopes they can distinguish themselves as a premier provider of plumbing services in the area. From leaks and broken fixtures to complex emergency repairs, to complete re-pipes and installs, they do it all!
from seasoned Oregon professionals
his stature is on the smaller side for an average plumber but the advantage is that he can fit into much tighter crawlspaces and complete those jobs that other plumbers can’t. If you’ve struggled in the past due to your home having small crawl spaces, Paradise Plumbing Northwest is the answer to your prayers.
the ideal solution, promising to do things “the right way, not the easy way, for your slice of paradise!”
He admits it’s a competitive industry but by prioritizing customer service and focusing on quality over quantity of work, he hopes they can distinguish themselves as a premier provider of plumbing services in the area. From leaks and broken fixtures to complex emergency repairs, to complete re-pipes and installs, they do it all! And they are willing to tackle many jobs that others won’t. TJ joked that
And they are willing to tackle many jobs that others won’t. TJ joked that
past due to your home crawl spaces, Paradise Northwest is the answer your prayers. In an industry where abound, Paradise Plumbing
In an industry where choices abound, Paradise Plumbing
This is a locally owned and operated business. Owners Adam Stebbins and Tjader (TJ) Mozee-Baum are long-time Oregonians proudly serving the communities they call home. The business just opened its doors earlier this year but they boast over a decade of experience in the industry.
Northwest should be your first call. Don’t let plumbing issues ruin your peace of mind. Contact Paradise Plumbing Northwest today, experience professional, friendly service, and get back to enjoying your slice of paradise!
Check out their website for more information: paradiseplumbingnw. com or schedule your service call: (971) 417-3266
Paradise Plumbing Northwest is ready to help with “your slice of paradise!” Get ready for winter or catch up on any plumbing services by saving with these seasonal offers. With over 10 years of experience--we are trusted licensed plumbing at its finest!
and TJ, they are the ones writing the estimates and doing the work!. I had the pleasure of speaking
Get Your Jingle On
Fairgrounds host the ultimate winter celebration
By Angie Helvey, Active Media
It’s time again for our beloved Clackamas County Fairgrounds & Event Center to transform into a dazzling winter wonderland where people of all ages are delighted by the childlike wonder of Christmas. Presented by Direct Link and sponsored by Canby Eye Care and Clinkscales Portable Toilets, the Winter Fair & Holiday Market is back for its fourth year of merrymaking, and everyone is invited to enjoy the most magnificent light show to date, visits with Santa, live music, festive fair food, holiday shopping and more!
With glowing scenes of winter whimsy, tunnels of brilliant lights and a cast of Christmas characters, this year’s display of over 200,000 twinkling lights will lead you on a half-mile stroll down Rodeo Roadway to the arena and conclude with a radiant 30-minute Christmas tree show sure to excite your holiday spirit! “The light show typically goes through the wooded grove, so this is completely different, and we’ve created a rodeo theme,” explains Special Events Manager Catrina Smith. “It’s our goal to make it fun and different, especially for those who come every year.” Don’t forget to document your merry memories with the photo opportunities scattered throughout, like giant picture frames and a sleigh pulled by pretend reindeer where kids can strike a pose.
The holiday cheer continues inside, with over 30 vendors selling unique gifts for your friends and family, from candles and jewelry to original art and handcrafted creations. Grab a cup of hot cocoa and head upstairs, where Santa and Mrs. Claus are available for photos and will be waiting to delight your little ones with hugs, smiles and ho-ho-hos. School bands from the local community will be performing all your favorite jolly jingles, so sing along with Santa and rejoice in celebrating the spirit of Christmas! For even more holiday joy for the littles, stop by the craft corner, where kids can make winter-themed arts and crafts. “It’s the perfect setup for the younger ones to have fun while the parents watch and enjoy the music,” says Sponsorship and Marketing Coordinator Hanna Russell.
Back downstairs, near the kitchen area, kids can write letters to Santa and drop them in the giant mailbox for special delivery to the North Pole. Make sure they include their address so Santa can send his heartfelt reply! No holiday celebration is complete without festive foods, and the kitchen will serve a delicious selection of what can only be described as ‘fair food at Christmas time,’ including elephant ears, corn dogs, funnel cakes, caramel apples and more! For extra fun and a little competition, they’re hosting a Christmas tree decorating contest for local businesses. Participation is free, and the trees will be displayed outside for voting. The winner will take home both the grand prize and the bragging rights!
Bringing friends, family and neighbors together to celebrate the season is a primary initiative for the event. “Christmas time is for family fun, and we want to provide a venue close to home,” says Catrina. “Especially with the school bands we have coming – we love to showcase the local kids and create a great community feel for all of Clackamas County.” Keeping things convenient and affordable is also a priority. Adults 13+ get in for $10, $5 for kids 4-12 and free for three and under. Tickets will be sold online and at the door. Free parking is directly across the street from the venue, and all areas are wheelchair accessible.
For more information, including scheduled days and times, visit clackamascountyfair.com/winter-fair-and-holiday-market/
Want to donate?
Mail Donations:
Molalla Area Seniors
P.O. Box 1165
Molalla, OR 97038
In-Person Donations:
Molalla Adult Community Center
122 Grange Ave.
Molalla, OR 97038
Molalla Area Seniors Lay Groundwork for New Adult Community Center
The Molalla Adult Community Center advisory board, Molalla Area Seniors Inc., has purchased land in the heart of Molalla along Heintz Street.
The board, along with a group of Molalla Adult Community Center clients, unveiled a new sign on May 24 to announce the location of the future home of the Molalla Adult Community Center.
The center is currently located in a shared space within the Foothills Community Church campus.
“We are thankful for the space, but as the center continues to grow, the current space limits our ability to serve our growing community into the future,” explained
Director Amanda St. Clair Estrada. “We are thankful for the Molalla Area Seniors Inc. board for their hard work to get us to this point.”
Still, the work is far from done, and MAS hopes the community will support the project.
To donate toward the building campaign, send donations to MAS, P.O. Box 1165, Molalla, OR 97038, or stop by the Molalla Adult Community Center located at 122 Grange Ave.
To learn more about the Molalla Adult Community Center, visit www.molallaadultcenter.com
UPCOMING EVENT!
New Installs to Small Repairs
No project too large or too small!
By Patti Jo Brooks, Active Media
Photos by Brittany Jungenberg, Active Media
Thought about replacing that worn-out, dated garage door? Do your spirits sink just a bit every time you pull up to it? Perhaps it’s broken or annoyingly noisy? Call the experts! Serving the Greater Portland-Metro Area and SW Washington, this family-owned and -operated business services everything from squeaky doors and broken springs to custom installations and repairs for both residential and commercial properties. Don’t let the name mislead you. Oregon City Garage Door’s headquarters is located in Clackamas, but with twelve field technicians and four estimators this local company covers a lot of ground! Oregon City Garage Door will install, repair and maintain your new or existing garage door at any location throughout the Greater Portland-Metro Area. “Let Oregon City Garage Door Open the Door for You!”
installation once they arrive at the local distribution center in Portland. Depending on the make and model, some doors are already in stock. Custom orders typically take a standard of three to four weeks to reach the local warehouse.
When you call Oregon City Garage Door, “You’re calling a professional,” says owner Ryan Dissen. Focused on customer service and fast turnaround time, many repairs are handled with same-day service. “We have 11 vehicles stocked and ready to go,” Ryan points out. New doors, manufactured by Clopay (American-made and American-owned), can be scheduled for
Visit the Oregon City Garage Door showroom to view a firsthand demonstration of one of their fully operational garage doors. Utilizing a garage door opener, you’ll see how smoothly the installed door opens and closes. The showroom also features doors in four different styles displayed on a sliding track for easy viewing. “We have samples, brochures and literature to help our customers decide which door they would like,” Ryan notes.
An Oregon City native and Air Force veteran, Ryan Dissen continues his close ties to the community through his membership, donations and fundraiser participation for the Oregon City Elks Lodge Christmas Basket program. Oregon City Garage Door also donated labor and installation services to accompany R&S Manufacturing’s donated garage door to La Salle High School for their softball hitting facility.
The Oregon City Garage Door showroom is located at 16000 SE Evelyn St. in Clackamas. Call (503) 664-9982 or visit oregoncitygaragedoor.com for their gallery and additional information.
“Neil
Martin’s
HOLIDAY CLEARANCE SALE
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