Molalla Community Advantage Magazine June 2024

Published by

Active Media Publishing Group

PO Box 672, Aurora, OR 97002

info@ActiveMediaUSA.com

503.825.2111

ADMINISTRATION

Matthew Nelson, Publisher Catrina Nelson, CFO

Tara Weidman, Executive Assistant

PRODUCTION

Jeremy Okai Davis, Art Director

Donovan Darling, Creative Project Manager

Kate Astle, Copyeditor

Kaity VanHoose, Social Media Manager

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Hilary Berg Sean Carver

Dani DeGraw Brittany Jungenberg

Morgan King Justin Nelson Shawn Schmidt

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Patti Jo Brooks Olive Gallagher

Angie Helvey Lucas Holmgren

Robert Matsumura Dennis McNabb

Edward Novak Malia Riggs

Kelly Romo Gretchen Van Lente

Ty Walker Alice Williams

Justin Woomer Kerry Yu

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Laurel Bice Carly Carpenter

Tyler Francke Angie Helvey

Brittany Jungenberg Malaina Kinne

Lisa Kuhlman Kara Langley

Andrew Sambuceto Henry Schifter Hayley Starkey

ADVERTISING SPECIALISTS

Don Ormsby Bill Kistler

Stephanie Baker Peggy Jacobs

David Long Chris O’Brien

John Zobrist Brad Marti

Shelley Zeman Tina Toney

Darren Dwyer Lynnette Scott James Keller

Looking to reach local consumers? We Specialize in direct-mail products: community magazine advertising, mailing inserts, postcards and more. For more information, call 503.825.2111 or email info@ActiveMediaUSA.com

CHECK US OUT ONLINE AT CommunityAdvantageMagazines.com

Molalla Community Advantage Magazine

Epic Bingo Expedition!

A chance to win a $3,000 dream vacation

Holly of Home Place Farms and Debbie of She Shed Boutique to bring a fun summer to the community while also encouraging people to shop at small businesses.

Nora Nofziger was asked, “What do you and your colleagues hope to accomplish with the Epic Bingo Expedition?” She said, “We want to bring awareness to the awesome small businesses we have in our community as well as provide a fun interactive summer-long promotion.”

By Justin Woomer, Contributing Writer

For 73 years the Historic Colton Café has been a hub in the community of Colton. This summer is no different as this will be where the final drawing will take place for the Epic Bingo Expedition, on August 31, 2024. There will be live music from Fortunate Son, a CCR cover band, and food and vendors participating in the Epic Bingo Expedition. This is a great opportunity to get to know 25 local small businesses looking to connect with the community through a free, fun and interactive activity that allows you to explore all summer and possibly win a $3,000 dream vacation.

The Epic Bingo Expedition was created by Nora Nofziger, the owner of the Historic Colton Café, Heidi of Cache Liquidation,

When asked how she will measure the Epic Bingo Expedition’s success, Nora said this, “We are hoping that readers will visit each of the businesses or attend a concert at the Cafe or make a trip to Molalla’s 4th Friday, bringing an opportunity to interact with current customers and meet some new ones.” This event is a way for small businesses to bring in customers that might not normally visit. No purchase is necessary to play, but good luck not finding something fun. There are different types of businesses participating in the Epic Bingo Expedition, and this is a good chance to find your favorites and support them, and maybe buy honey!

This is how it works. First, get yourself a bingo card. If you are reading this then your bingo card is nearby – visit a participating vendor. On that bingo card are 25 businesses. Go visit a business and get a stamp. Once you have a “Bingo” (five in a row), you have one entry for the $3,000 dream vacation, with a total of 12 entries available. Visit one the vendors if you need a card. If the business doesn’t have a storefront, then find their booths at one of eight FREE local events. “Molalla’s 4th Fridays” at Cache’ or during the Historic Colton Café’s concert series. The final drawing will be during the final concert at the Historic Colton Café. All bingo cards must be returned to the Historic Colton Café no later than 5pm on 8/31, or to Cache´by 6pm on 8/30. Turn in your bingo card and receive your tickets for the drawing. Then sit back and listen to some music. Attendance of the concert is not required to win, but it’s fun and free.

The Historic Colton Café is located at 21038 S Highway 211, Colton, OR. Give them a call at (503)-824-5111. Follow them on Facebook for upcoming summer events.

Navigating the Probate Process in Oregon

By Jim Hunsaker

Probate can be defined as the court supervised process of transferring the assets of a deceased person to their heirs and devisees. While it can seem complex, it does not need to be an awful or terrible process.

The probate process begins with the filing of a petition in the appropriate county – where the deceased person lived, where their property is located, or where they passed away. This petition typically seeks to appoint a personal representative, sometimes referred to as an executor or administrator, to oversee the administration of the estate. The personal representative is responsible for gathering/ inventorying the deceased person’s assets, paying off debts and taxes, filing tax returns, and distributing the remaining assets to the rightful beneficiaries.

One of the first steps is to determine whether the deceased person left a valid will. If a will exists, the original must be submitted to the court along with the petition for probate. The court will then verify the authenticity of the will and ensure that it meets the legal requirements for validity under Oregon law. Under certain circumstances, if the original will is not available, a copy may be probated.

If the deceased person died intestate, meaning without a valid will, the probate process follows the same general

process with a few exceptions. In such cases, the court will appoint a personal representative based on state law, which outlines the priority of potential personal representatives, usually starting with the surviving spouse, followed by children, parents, and other relatives.

Once the personal representative is appointed, their duties include identifying and inventorying the deceased person’s assets, such as real estate, bank accounts, investments, and personal belongings. They must also notify creditors of the estate and settle any outstanding debts and taxes owed by the deceased person.

In Oregon, certain assets may be exempt from (or might avoid) the probate process or be subject to simplified procedures. For example, assets held in a living trust or assets with designated beneficiaries, such as life insurance policies or retirement accounts, typically pass outside of probate. Additionally, estates with a total value below a certain threshold may qualify for simplified probate procedures, known as a “small estate” or “simple estate,” which can expedite the administration process.

Throughout the probate process, it is important that the personal representative fulfill their fiduciary duties with diligence and integrity. They must act in the best interests of the estate and its beneficiaries, avoiding conflicts of interest, and make prudent decisions regarding the management and distribution of assets.

Disputes and conflicts can sometimes arise during the probate process, particularly among family members or other interested parties. Common issues may include challenges to the validity of the will, disputes over the interpretation of the will or distribution of assets, and allegations of misconduct by the personal representative. In such cases, it may be necessary to seek resolution through mediation, arbitration, or litigation in court.

We are committed to guiding our clients through this process with care, compassion, and professionalism, helping them achieve a fair and efficient resolution of their loved one’s estate.

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.

Bathroom Remodels, Quality Guaranteed

Local company rates 5 stars

Locally-owned and -operated, Miller Home Renovations does not outsource any of the work on their projects. All areas of service and installation are provided by in-house employees – not subcontractors. Michael Sharp, Miller’s marketing director reiterates, “Myself, as well as our call center staff, sales reps and installers are all employees of Miller Home Renovations.” Owner Ken Miller is known for building his company based on quality, integrity and exceptional customer care. He likewise employs “the best crews in the industry to bring that vision to life.”

By Patti Jo Brooks, Contributing Writer

Serving Oregon and Washington homeowners for over 15 Years! Miller Home Renovations provides residents with custom bathroom remodels, shower installations, tub conversions and walk-in tubs. Backed by lifetime warranty, Miller Home Renovations products, workmanship and business practices are exceptional for the industry. Take advantage of their limited time offer of No Interest & No Payment for 18 Months (terms apply) and get your renovation started today!

Enjoy the 5-star experience that thousands of homeowners have appreciated since Miller Home Renovations began in 2008. The most trusted name throughout the Pacific Northwest, Miller offers top-of-the-line, U.S.A.-made products and is an exclusive Bath Planet dealer. A proud member of the National Remodeling Association, Miller Home Renovations is dedicated to quality and providing the best customer care in the industry.

Starting with a free, no-obligation estimate to a worry-free guarantee, Miller Home Renovations is focused on customer care. A dedicated service team provides follow-up on jobs and makes sure any warranty issues are addressed immediately. Miller’s factory-trained crews participate in ongoing education and training to ensure customers are provided with the best, most efficient installation services available. “We warranty our workmanship for life,” Michael Sharp points out. “I believe we’re the only company in the Northwest that does that.”

Ask about current Spring into Summer promotions, specials or rebates. Mention the article to receive your promo code for a featured special. Miller Home Renovations is also committed to community outreach and have recently become a proud sponsor of Glenwood Little League.

Miller Home Renovations, LLC is located at 6109 E. 18th Street Suite A, in Vancouver. Give them a call at (503)847-2518 or email customerservice@millerhomerenovations.net. For additional information or to use the Design Studio visit their website millerhomerenovations.net.

Photos by Laurel Bice

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Dad-ication

The history of Father’s Day

By Donovan Darling, Staff Writer

Father’s Day will be celebrated on June 16 this year. Father’s Day, a holiday celebrated around the world, is a day dedicated to honoring fathers and father figures.

The origins of Father’s Day can be traced back to the early 20th century in the United States. The holiday’s establishment is often credited to Sonora Smart Dodd, who was inspired by the newly recognized Mother’s Day. Sonora, the daughter of a Civil War veteran and single father, William Jackson Smart, wanted to honor her father’s selfless service in the war. So in 1909 she proposed the idea of Father’s Day to local ministers in Spokane, Washington, to be celebrated on June 5, her father’s birthday. However, there wasn’t enough time to prepare for the holiday that year, so the first Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910.

popular as the holiday became more mainstream and commercial.

In the mid-20th century, the roles of fatherhood began to shift, with an increasing emphasis on fathers being more involved in raising the children and doing more things around the house. This social shift could be seen in how people viewed Father’s Day as a celebration, not only of paternal authority but also of paternal love, care and nurturing.

Father’s Day gradually gained popularity, with several attempts made to establish it as a national holiday. It wasn’t until 1972 that President Richard Nixon officially recognized Father’s Day as a national holiday in the United States, to be celebrated on the third Sunday of June each year.

Throughout its history, Father’s Day underwent several transformations due to cultural, social and economic factors. Initially, it was celebrated with the simple gestures of wearing a red rose to honor a living father and a white rose to honor a deceased father. Greeting cards, often accompanied by gifts and family gatherings, became increasingly

Around the world, Father’s Day has different origins and traditions. In many countries, it’s celebrated on different dates and with varying traditions. For example, in Catholic countries like Spain and Portugal, Father’s Day is celebrated on March 19, coinciding with the Feast of St. Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus Christ. In Germany, Father’s Day, known as “Vatertag,” is celebrated on Ascension Day, with traditions that include men going on hiking trips and pulling wagons filled with beer.

Today, Father’s Day is celebrated worldwide with a variety of traditions, ranging from simple acts of appreciation to elaborate family gatherings, gift-giving and beer-filled wagons (yes, please!). While its commercialization is often criticized, Father’s Day remains an important holiday for expressing gratitude and love for fathers and father figures, honoring their contributions to family and society as a whole.

As a father myself, I wish you and your families a “Happy Father’s Day!” this June.

Exploringtheretrovideogamerenaissance

ByRobertMatsumura,ContributingWriter

most realistic, imaginative video games for both consoles and streaming platforms, many enthusiasts are increasingly looking to the past for a familiar, relaxing and affordable gaming experience.

With the dizzying array of tantalizingly new games out there, complete with ultra-high definition graphics and immersive music and storylines, the rising popularity of old low-tech games with pixelated graphics and simplistic controls is a bit of a head-scratcher. In order to wrap one’s mind around this curious phenomenon, it’s important to understand what the term “retro game” refers to. In gaming parlance the term “retro gaming” instantaneously evokes primitive but charming 8-bit graphics, intuitive straightforward gameplay that is addictive and challenging, yet is, at its core, innately simple.

The heyday of these retro games was back in the 70s and 80s when the internet was still a dream, and words like “cell phone” and “streaming” had not yet entered the common lexicon.

experience was to play these games standing up on arcade machines located in pizza parlors, convenience stores and malls across America.

For those of us who grew up during this era the nostalgia factor is immense. As the world continually grows faster and more complex, there is a certain comfort in the return to something familiar. Engaging again with the graphics, sounds and challenges of these simple games has the ability to evoke the past, like a time capsule transporting one back to the days of their youth. Whether rescuing the princess in the various castles of Super Mario Brothers, zapping fast flowing insects in Centipede or defending humanity from invaders from outer space in Galaxian or Space Invaders, engaging once again with these simple yet thrilling games is like reacquainting oneself with an old friend.

Another lure of retro games is their simplicity. Unlike contemporary video games whose complexity often mirrors real life, retro games offer a binary experience that requires minimal decision making and strategizing. In a world where everevolving technology demands increasing levels of expertise and knowledge,

the straightforward gameplay of retro games can be a refreshing change of pace. Basic hand/eye coordination and reaction time are typically the skills required in retro games, versus the detailed storylines and game mechanics common to today’s popular titles.

Aside from nostalgia and relaxing game play, the affordability of retro gaming is also appealing. The expense of today’s popular titles creates a strain on the pocketbook for budget-minded individuals. The inexpensive price of retro games — frequently bundled together at minimal cost — creates a democratizing effect, wherein the vast majority of gamers can afford to participate, rather than only the hardcore few willing to shell out significant dollars to stay up to date on the latest and greatest new releases.

Finally, one cannot discount the aesthetic appeal of retro games with their pixelated graphics and jaunty chiptune soundtracks that impart a certain charm to these old titles. While highly orchestrated

musical scores and jawdropping HD visuals are indeed impressive from a technical standpoint, there are times when simple equates to good. In a sense, retro games are the comfort food of the video game industry. While gourmet cuisine can be an amazing culinary experience, there are times when you simply desire a good old burger and fries. Leaning over a classic arcade machine, joystick in hand, is a completely different experience to gaming online via the latest PlayStation or Xbox console wearing a headset and communicating in realtime with players around the globe. So how has the recent resurgence in retro game popularity affected the gaming industry?

arcade establishments also double as restaurants serving food and beverages to hungry gamers as they strive to save the world from galactic invaders or guide Pacman through a labyrinth of hungry ghosts.

As one might expect, the surging popularity of retro video games has spurred demand for old gaming consoles. The resale market on sites such as eBay for vintage Atari, Nintendo, and Sega Genesis consoles has exploded as the younger generation of gamers discovers these old classics, and Boomers reengage nostalgically with the favorite games of their youth. The demand for retro game

The surging demand for retro games has manifested itself in a myriad of ways, from the creation of small hand-held arcade machines for gamers on the go to the digital remastering of classic retro titles. Game designers are also incorporating visuals, sound effects, and game mechanics from the old retro titles and developing new games that capture the essence of these timeless originals. In cities across the globe the burgeoning demand for retro video games has spawned arcade establishments catering to gamers wishing to play the old classics standing up, on machines like those of their youth. Often these new

in lockstep with the demand for the old consoles and games cartridges, driving a craze for all things retro gaming. No matter what your age or level of gaming experience — Baby Boomer to Gen Z, avid gamer to newbie – retro video games have something to offer everyone. Whether you grew up in the 70s or 80s and seek a nostalgic blast to the past, or hail from a more recent generation, the realm of retro gaming is a wonderful respite from the complexities of our modern life—digital comfort food for the soul!

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