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Molalla Community Advantage Magazine
OCT/NOV 2024
Small-Town Treasures
A monthly city celebration for all ages
By Angie Helvey, Contributing Writer
Molalla manifests everything people love about rural Oregon, including a charming downtown full of locally-owned businesses, boutiques and restaurants. Join family, friends, and neighbors during the fourth week of each month for 4th Fridays, a celebration that brings the community together to enjoy everything this incredible little town has to offer!
A collective effort led by downtown business owners Heidi Tate of Cache Liquidation and her partners in crime Stefanie Newton of Back to the Racks Boutique and Ashley Bentley of Bentley Feed & Arsenal, the event just turned one year old in September. “We started with summer nights in June of 2023, and when the seasons began to change, we thought,’ We need to keep this going,’” Heidi recalls.
Each month features a unique theme, and participating businesses are designated those evenings with orange flags outside; they pair fun activities and offer special deals. Around rodeo time, it was ‘Hide the Horseshoe,’ where visitors had to seek out a hidden horseshoe at each stop. August was a school supply drive for the local district. Each activity earns a raffle ticket to win a basket assembled with local goodies.
Molalla is home to many talented local makers and small business owners who may not have a physical location, so they host pop-ups in participating establishments. “The goal
is to help out the ones without brick-and-mortar,” Heidi says. “We’re promoting them as well as creating the opportunity for the public to make them part of their experience.” There’s always a fun variety, from candles and designer bags to specialty foods and wine.
The city’s thriving downtown is growing, and unique new businesses are constantly popping up. Recent additions include an arcade for kids and a clothing boutique. Several well-loved restaurants and bars are sprinkled throughout, and Molalla Striking Arts, the martial arts school, hosts kids for pizza and games during 4th Fridays for free, so parents can drop off their littles and enjoy a leisurely night on the town. “It gives people a chance to bring their families out to have fun, and they can stay right here in Molalla. We’ve got it all,” Heidi says.
The event is near and dear to Heidi, as both a downtown business owner and a longtime Molalla resident. Her business, Cache Liquidation, opened in February 2023 and comes on the
heels of a 17-year teaching career in Mulino. “I taught school and raised my kids here, so this is my second chapter,” Heidi explains. “This community is full of people who want to support us and want us to do well, and that’s what I love about Molalla.”
Though most participating businesses are located downtown, no one is excluded, so any establishment within city limits can participate. People planning to attend can visit Molalla’s 4th Fridays Facebook and Instagram pages to learn which businesses will be part of the next event and get access to a location map. So rally your family, friends and neighbors for an ongoing lineup of delightful evenings supporting local in the friendly, close-knit community of Molalla. Hours are 5 to 7 p.m. and extend to 8 p.m. during the summer months.
For more information, visit the Molalla 4th Fridays’ Facebook page.
Together for Change
Organization raises thousands for nonprofits
By Angie Helvey, Contributing Writer
The nonprofit 100+ Who Care dedicates itself to unwavering action. The goal is to unite 100 or more individuals, each donating $100 twice yearly, culminating in a $10,000+ donation to a local nonprofit organization. The money is collected and donated at semi-annual events held in April and October, and this month the committee is hoping for its largest turnout to date. “It’s nothing short of magical when you bring that many generous, caring people together to do something great,” says organizer Vanessa Zimmerman.
Vanessa, a mortgage broker by trade, started the Clackamas County chapter of 100+ Who Care in 2023. “It’s important to me to leave a legacy of positivity and generosity; this was the perfect opportunity,” she explains. Though the program is nationwide, there are no templates or instructions, so Vanessa started from scratch with just a website and a Facebook page. Finding that first 100 people took some legwork, but the initiative has continued to grow, and at their last semi-annual event in April, they raised a staggering $11,900.
The upcoming installment of 100+ Who Care is planned for Oct. 24 and is graciously hosted, per usual, by Lori and Ken Arrigotti in the Antonio Ballroom above Backstop Bar & Grill. Lori is part of Vanessa’s committee, along with Amy Baez, Brooke Toma, Kerri Oliver and Brittney Hopping, who all work hard behind the scenes to prepare for the occasion. Local nonprofits can apply or are nominated by members, and three of them, names drawn from a hat, are invited to attend and share their stories. The committee provides locations
where members can drop off their $100 check ahead of time if they can’t be there in person. They currently have over 130 members, and the group keeps growing.
The event begins at 5 p.m. with a social and no-host bar where the three nominated organizations are invited to set up booths and educate members as to what they do: the program then starts at 6 p.m. The previous winner shares how the donated funds grew their programs, followed by a short presentation from each nonprofit before the group votes and a winner is chosen! The $10,000 is presented on a giant check, and any additional funds raised will be split between the two remaining nonprofits. The excitement in the room is palpable as everyone watches the impact of collective giving in real time!
The organization is all about creating visibility for the organizations that make a difference in our community. “One of the primary objectives of this program is to bring awareness to these local nonprofits,” Vanessa explains. “There are so many, and most of us aren’t aware they exist.”
“It’s great to hear how the organizations utilize the funds, and we want to share that impact with the community,” says Vanessa. Members are encouraged to bring their friends and family to events. If a non-member would like to join, a QR code is provided for sign-up, and after a $100 donation they
are given a ballot to vote for a nonprofit. The nonprofits for the upcoming event include: 4D Recovery, Fort Kennedy, and Neurotherapeutic Pediatric Therapies. 4D Recovery helps youth battling addiction by connecting them with resources for treatment and recovery; Fort Kennedy helps vets access benefits to combat homelessness and live healthy lives; and Neurotherapeutic Pediatric Therapies specializes in therapy, mental health and medical services for kids and families.
The nonprofit 100+ Who Care Clackamas County will hold its next event on Oct. 24 at 5 p.m. For more information, visit 100pluswhocare.com, or contact Vanessa at 503-459-8065 or 100pluswhocare@gmail.com.
GREAT FOOD GREAT PEOPLE
HOURS
Wed & Thu: 8:30am - 8:00pm
Friday: 8:30am - 8:30pm
Saturday: 8:00am - 8:00pm
Sunday: 8:00am - 7:00pm
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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
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Riccar Prima Cannister
About Us Meet the Team Behind Scenes
Katie Hull & Bobbi Bryan
Katie Hull has over 38 years of experience in the financial industry. She has dedicated her career to helping people navigate important financial decisions. Since entering the mortgage industry in 2001 and then specializing in Reverse Mortgages in 2019, Katie’s passion has been working with seniors to optimize their retirement assets.
Katie’s approach is simple: she prioritizes education, transparency, and integrity in every conversation, ensuring her clients are fully informed and confident in their decisions. She loves partnering with seniors who quickly recognize the life-changing benefits a Reverse Mortgage can offer them in their retirement aging years.
When she is not working, Katie enjoys spending time with her family, especially spoiling her grandchildren. She has been married to her husband, Brad, for 34 years, and together they cherish every moment with their loved ones.
Helping her clients achieve financial independence is not just her job — it’s Katie’s passion.
Bobbi Bryan is an experienced Senior Home CoachTM and Senior Real Estate Specialist with a strong background in helping older adults navigate the unique challenges of aging in place.
Her experience while working at Hope Village Homes and also her senior real estate clients gave her a deep understanding of the physical, financial, and emotional factors that seniors face when considering their housing needs.
Her experience includes working closely with seniors and their families to explore options like home modifications, downsizing, and transitioning to more stable living arrangements. By staying up-to-date on senior resources, building professional relationships with financial planners for retirement, estate lawyers, placement agency partners, and local community services, Bobbi ensures that her clients receive comprehensive advice tailored to their specific needs.
Compassionate and knowledgeable, Bobbi is dedicated to empowering seniors to maintain their independence and quality of life in a home that suits their evolving needs.
What
FREE Senior Educational Seminars
Having an Emergency Preparedness Plan
This seminar covers crucial topics such as understanding local emergency plans, creating personal safety plans, and ensuring proper communication with family and neighbors. You will learn how to assemble emergency kits that include food, water, medical supplies, and important documents.
Prep
Veteran’s Benefits and Opportunities
This seminar will cover a wide range of topics, including healthcare benefits throughout the VA, financial assistance, disability compensation, and pension programs. You will learn about housing assistance programs, including VA home loans and support for those facing homelessness.
Additionally, the session will emphasize the importance of staying informed through reliable news sources, evacuation procedures, and knowing safe routes. Overall, it will empower you to take proactive steps to protect yourself and your community in times of crisis.
Thursday October 17th, at 10:30 - 12:00pm
Canby Public Library - Willamette Room 220 NE 2nd Ave, Canby, OR 97013
RSVP to Bobbi Bryan at bobbibryanrealestate@gmail.com Or text RSVP to 971-983-8361
Additionally, the seminar explores mental health resources, and community support networks tailored to veterans. The goal is to ensure that veterans are fully aware of the benefits they have earned and the opportunities available to improve their quality of life in retirement.
Thursday November 21st, at 10:30 - 12:00pm
Canby Public Library - Willamette Room 220 NE 2nd Ave, Canby, OR 97013
RSVP to Bobbi Bryan at bobbibryanrealestate@gmail.com Or text RSVP to 971-983-8361
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
by Laurel Bice
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 End of Summer and Fall 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
SSmall Claims Court in Oregon
By Reif & Hunsaker, P.C.
mall Claims Court is a court of limited jurisdiction established under Oregon Statutes (ORS 46.405 et seq.) to handle cases for the “recovery of money, damages, specific personal property, or any penalty or forfeiture” if the amount or value claimed does not exceed $10,000. Small Claims Court does not offer jury trials, if either party wants a trial by jury, the case will need to be brought in the Circuit Court.
No Attorneys
While an attorney can assist you in preparing the claims and advise you with regard to the case, attorneys are not permitted to participate in small claims hearings/trials without permission from the judge. Because Small Claims Court is intended to proceed without an attorney, the Oregon Judicial Branch has provided free information and forms for almost all small claims circumstances. Instructions and forms can be found here: www.courts.oregon. gov/forms/Pages/small-claims.aspx
Filing a Claim
If you believe that you have been “damaged” and want to have a court hear/determine your case, the first step is to make a good faith effort to resolve the issue. You will be required to confirm this under oath. If you cannot resolve the issue, the next step is to file a small claims complaint as the Plaintiff in the county where the Defendant lives, the damage or injury occurred, or where the contract was to be performed. You prepare the Complaint online. Once you have completed your Complaint and paid the appropriate filing fee, it will be filed in the Small Claims Court of the appropriate county.
Service of the Complaint
Responding to the Claim
The Defendant has 14 days after “receiving service” to settle the claim or file a Response. If a Defendant denies the Plaintiff’s claim, the court will set a hearing. If the Defendant does not file a Response, the Plaintiff can request a default judgment.
Preparing for Trial
The court may require that the parties mediate their dispute before going to trial. If there is no mediation or the mediation fails to reach a resolution, the court will schedule a trial. The Plaintiff must prove their case using testimony, documents,
photos and other evidence. The Defendant will then have an opportunity to disprove the Plaintiff’s case and disprove any damages that the Defendant has alleged. The Plaintiff and Defendant will be required to do this themselves because, as noted before, lawyers are not permitted in Small Claims Court.
Judgment
The Complaint must be “served” on the Defedant. That is, the Plaintiff will need to officially provide the Defendant with the Complaint. This can be accomplished in several ways but most commonly with a private process server. The process server will complete a “Certificate of Service” which the Plaintiff files with the court.
At the conclusion of the trial, the judge will make a decision on who has or has not proven some or all of their claims and enter a judgment The party for whom the judgment is entered may seek to collect on that judgment. Collections is a complicated matter for a different discussion.
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.
Unmasking Halloween
A journey into its ancient origins
By Robert Matsumura, Contributing Writer
Each autumn as October draws near, neighborhoods transform. Pumpkins leer from porches, skeletons and monsters festoon front yards, and children eagerly anticipate the thrill of trick-or-treating and the hoard of candy they will amass. But where did this creepy spectacle we call Halloween originate?
The answer to this stretches back over two thousand years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sowin). Celebrated on October 31st, Samhain marked the close of summer and the commencement of winter — a dark, cold, time associated with death in Celtic tradition. On the night before Samhain, the Celts believed the boundary between the living and the dead grew thin, permitting spirits to roam freely across
the earth. To ward off these visitors from the other side, people built bonfires and donned costumes fashioned from the heads and hides of animals.
Later, as the Roman Empire gained dominion over much of Europe, their festivals of Feralia (commemorating the passing of the dead) and Pomona (honoring the goddess of fruits and trees) merged with Samhain. This cultural fusion brought apple bobbing into the festivities. Pomona, the goddess of orchard fruits, was often depicted bearing apples, a symbol of the harvest and abundance. Incorporating apples into the holiday is a nod to Pomona’s influence — still seen today in bobbing for apples and the tradition of candy apples. As the centuries passed, celebrating the harvest and honoring the dead were integrated into Halloween traditions, blending Roman and the older Celtic customs together as something new.
Fast forward to the 8th century when Pope Gregory III declared November 1 as All Saints’ Day or All Hallows’ Day, to honor saints and martyrs. These new holidays were part of a broader strategy by the Christian church to replace pagan festivals with Christian ones. As time passed, the night before October 31, became All Hallows’ Eve — morphing eventually into Halloween. It was during this period that traditions like souling and guising emerged, where the poor went door to door requesting soul cakes in exchange for their prayers on behalf of the dead. It was this tradition that evolved into what we know today as trick-or-treating.
The jack-o’-lantern, one of the most iconic symbols of Halloween, has its own fascinating origin. The tradition of carving faces into vegetables predates Halloween and originates from ancient Irish folklore. According to the story, a man named Stingy Jack attempted to trick the Devil and was condemned to roam the earth with only a lantern fashioned from a carved-out turnip to light his way. In Ireland turnips were used for this purpose during Halloween festivities, but upon reaching the New World, Irish immigrants discovered that pumpkins, native to their new home,
were larger and easier to carve. This practical switch gave rise to the nowfamiliar jack-o’-lantern, a central feature of Halloween décor to this day. Halloween continued to evolve in the New World. In colonial America, European traditions integrated with indigenous harvest festivals creating new customs. While many American colonists celebrated Halloween with activities such as fortune-telling, dancing and communal gatherings, the Puritans, due to their strict religious views, frowned upon Halloween festivities, deeming them to be pagan and irrelevant. Despite puritanical naysayers, the 19th century saw Halloween expand into a communitycentered event with activities like parades, parties and mischief-making. Halloween also grew to be accepted by schools, churches and civic groups which began holding those same parties, parades and other festivities. As Halloween became a familyfriendly event, much of the raucous mischief-making of the past began to diminish. By the early 20th century, Halloween was celebrated from coast to coast as a national holiday.
In the decades following World War II, Halloween traditions were firmly entrenched with costumes, trick-or-treating and spooky decorations taking center stage. Instead of the laborious handsewn costumes of the past, factories now massproduced inexpensive costumes that made dressing up for Halloween a snap. As Halloween became increasingly commercialized, themed parties, haunted houses and an expanding array of Halloweenthemed merchandise became the norm.
Today, Halloween’s popularity has only burgeoned. Contemporary trends run the gamut from spooky movie marathons and elaborate haunted attractions, to viral social media challenges and interactive experiences. Year-round Halloween shops exist to satiate your spooky urges. Halloween has even expanded the ghostly season to stretch beyond October 31, with Halloween promotions and events commencing as early as September. So commercially successful is Halloween from a business standpoint that it stands second only to Christmas in terms of revenue generated — a testament to its enduring appeal across generations.
As the air grows chill and the trees turn red and gold, remember that Halloween is more than just candy, costumes and jack-o’-lanterns. It’s a tapestry woven from ancient rituals, Christian traditions and the spiritual beliefs of numerous cultures spanning centuries. It’s a time to embrace the spooky, celebrate community and be on the lookout for spirits that may stalk the earth at this sacred time of year.
So as you don your costume and select a pumpkin for carving, take a moment to ponder the ancient roots of this beloved holiday. Whether you’re young or simply young at heart, Halloween is an invitation to revel in the mystery of the unknown, celebrate the cycle of life and death, and to maybe even bob for an apple or two. And as the last light fades on All Hallows’ Eve, the timeless allure of things that go bump in the night is sure to embrace you once more.
“Neil and Joel, Outstanding in their field!”
FALL BLOWOUT SALE
limited to in-stock items only GET ‘EM BEFORE THEY’RE
Tempur-pedic Pro-Adapt Discontinued & Floor Models Up to 50% OFF!
Fireside Lodge “Woodshop” Full Size Futon Was $2299…Now $1599!
American Leather Comfort Sleepers Floor models @ 30% OFF!
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Country Classics Rustic Hickory Lift Desk Was $3699…Now $2500!
Oakcraft Double Pedestal Desk Was $1899…Now $1299!
Biltwell Sofas (3 to choose from) @ 30% OFF!
Trend Manor Solid Cherry Nightstand Was $1299…Now $499!
La-Z-Boy “Mackenzie” Sofa Was $2399…Now $1599!
All Chromcraft Revington Occasional Tables @ 50% OFF!
All Framed Prints@ 30% OFF!
All Lamps @ 25-50% OFF!
Trend Manor Solid Cherry Coffee Table Was $1899…Now $899!
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