Orchards Community Advantage Magazine February 2025 by Active Media Publishing Group

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

Raeann Van Arsadall, Business Development

PRODUCTION

Jeremy Okai Davis, Art Director

Donovan Darling, Creative Project Manager

Brittany Jungenberg, Director of Marketing

Kate Astle, Copyeditor

Kaity VanHoose, Social Media Manager

Justin Andress, Communications Manager

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Hilary Berg Sean Carver

Dani DeGraw Brittany Jungenberg

Morgan King Justin Nelson

Shawn Schmidt Kaity VanHoose

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Patti Jo Brooks Olive Gallagher

Angie Helvey Lucas Holmgren

Robert Matsumura Dennis McNabb

Peter Murphy Edward Novak

Malia Riggs Kelly Romo

Gretchen Van Lente Ty Walker

Justin Woomer Kerry Yu

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Laurel Bice Carly Carpenter

Tyler Francke Angie Helvey

Brittany Jungenberg Malaina Kinne

Lisa Kuhlman Kara Langley

MJ Media Productions 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

Looking to reach local consumers?

We specialize in direct-mail products: community magazine advertising, mailing inserts, postcards and more. For more details, call 503.825.2111 or email info@ActiveMediaUSA.com

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FEB/MAR 2025

A Book Lover’s Dream Date

Celebrate romance at genre bookshop

By Kelsie Munoz, Visit Vancouver

Want to make Valentine’s Day extra special this year? Visit The Romance Era, the only romance-exclusive bookstore in Vancouver and a welcoming space for every type of love story. This cozy, Black and queer-owned bookstore is a gem for romance lovers and anyone looking for a unique, inclusive experience. Alongside its shelves of romance novels, you’ll find an array of bookish merch, from handcrafted bookmarks to “spicy” (18+) gifts that add a bit of fun to your reading list.

The Romance Era offers plenty of ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day and beyond — from book club nights and craft sessions to private rentals for intimate dinners. Here are some unique date ideas to enjoy this season of love:

Solo Date or Looking to Meet People

Treat yourself to a solo afternoon of book-browsing, hot coffee, and cozy corners at The Romance Era. Discover the latest arrivals or pick up a new “spicy” favorite. If you’re interested in connecting with others, join a book club or craft night. Who knows — your own meet-cute story might unfold in this inviting setting!

Classic Couples Date: Brunch & Books

Palentine’s Day Celebration: Private Book Club or Dinner

Gather your closest friends and reserve The Romance Era for a Palentine’s celebration. Host a book club, bring in takeout, and enjoy a night surrounded by your favorite stories. It’s a unique way to celebrate friendships and share your love of books in a warm, inclusive space.

Start your day with brunch at River Maiden, then swing by The Romance Era for a “Pick for Each Other” challenge — grab a romance novel you think your partner will love, and spend an afternoon reading together.

Unique Couples Date: Private Photoshoot or Dinner

Make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable with a private rental at The Romance Era. Plan an intimate dinner among the bookshelves or book a whimsical couples photoshoot. The setting, complete with candles and flowers, is perfect for creating your own love story.

This Valentine’s Day, The Romance Era invites you to explore love in every chapter, whether you’re flying solo, celebrating with friends, or planning a romantic date night. Ready to plan your visit? Learn more at The Romance Era and at visitvancouverwa. com. The Romance Era is located at 608 N. Devine Rd. in Vancouver. Call 360-553-1132 for more information or visit theromanceerabookshop.com.

Owner Ren Rice

Renowned worldwide for its exceptional furniture, Natuzzi blends masterful craftsmanship with a touch of Italian sophistication, o ering comfort that truly indulges the senses.

For over 65 years, it has pursued the essence of beauty, where sleek forms meet e ortless modernity. A perfect harmony of timeless elegance and contemporary charm, Natuzzi rede nes what it means to live beautifully.

NATURAL LEATHER

worked in such a way as to leave the natural features of the hides intact: grains, veining and color variations are distinctive marks of authenticity and a sign of top quality.

PROTECTA LEATHER

Like Cascade, Natuzzi is a family-owned and managed business, so they hold a special place in our hearts and minds.

We are proud to be the only retailer between Salem and Seattle to o er their immaculate craftsmanship and unparalleled Italian leather.

Your Glow, Your Way

Elevating beauty and wellness in Salmon Creek

By Kelly Romo, Active Media

Photos by Lisa Kuhlman, Active Media

Ethereal Aesthetics is a med spa that combines advanced technology and personalized care to enhance everyone’s natural beauty and wellness. From skin rejuvenation and anti-aging treatments to weight loss solutions and innovative IV therapies, they offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to your goals. Their team makes sure every client feels confident and cared for in a welcoming and professional setting. Education and innovation drive the clinic’s approach, keeping them at the forefront of aesthetic care with offerings like IV therapy, NAD+ infusions, and the newest Ultra laser for skin resurfacing.

Ethereal Aesthetics was founded by Jennifer Perry, who blends twenty-five years of healthcare expertise with innovative aesthetic treatments. With a desire to enhance wellness and help people gain self-confidence, Jennifer began her journey into aesthetics during the pandemic. She initially worked with friends and hosted Botox parties, where she quickly discovered a passion for helping others feel confident and healthy. Jennifer expanded her skills and opened a thriving practice that outgrew its space. Recently, Ethereal Aesthetics relocated to Salmon Creek in a welcoming space where they could expand their services.

Clients receive personalized care starting with a detailed intake process and advanced 3D facial scanning technology. This system provides insights into skin health and highlights issues such as vascular patterns, wrinkles and pore size. Based on a client’s goals, Jennifer then recommends various treatment options. She also emphasizes actionable, cost-effective tips

that clients can implement at home to ensure long-term results tailored to their individual needs. Collaboration with clients is central to Ethereal Aesthetics’ success. Jennifer believes informed clients achieve better results. By integrating education and wellness into every service, the clinic empowers clients to care for their skin — the body’s largest organ — and helps them live with confidence.

Ethereal Aesthetics offers a wide array of treatments. Potenza radiofrequency microneedling is effective for skin tightening and rejuvenation. Other popular services include Botox, dermal fillers, IV therapies, spa facials, laser skin resurfacing and CBD-infused IV treatments. The clinic also supports clients with weight loss solutions, including GLP1 products, designed to help individuals achieve lasting confidence and wellness. Jennifer continually learns about new treatments and technologies to ensure clients benefit from the latest advancements.

Jennifer’s extensive healthcare background informs the clinic’s approach to aesthetics. Her expertise in anatomy and wellness allows her to identify and address the underlying causes of skin concerns while explaining treatment options. Her nursing experience further enhances client care by fostering trust and creating a supportive environment. Ethereal Aesthetics serves clients of all ages and skin types. From helping teens clear acne with their 90 Days to Clear program to addressing concerns for clients in their 80s, the clinic’s inclusive approach sets it apart. Each treatment is designed to accommodate diverse skin types and to ensure everyone feels welcomed and cared for.

The recent move to Salmon Creek has enhanced accessibility and allowed for growth. The new clinic is conveniently located near I-5 and I-205 and includes three treatment rooms in a bright, inviting medical building. This expansion enables Ethereal Aesthetics to better serve its growing client base.

Jennifer’s greatest reward is helping clients feel confident in their appearance. Whether clearing acne for teens, reversing signs of aging for older clients or supporting weight loss journeys, she finds fulfillment in seeing clients rediscover their self-esteem.

Ethereal Aesthetics is excited to introduce the Ultra laser for minimal-recovery skin resurfacing and pigment correction, along with Glowbiotics, a medical-grade skincare line. Jennifer and her team, including Amanda and Alec, are ready to welcome new and existing clients to their new location.

Let Ethereal Aesthetics help you look and feel your best! The clinic is conveniently located at 2501 NE 134th St., Suite 203, in Vancouver, WA. It is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For more information, contact Ethereal Aesthetics at (360) 852-1672, email etherealaestheticsllc@gmail. com or visit their website at www.etherealaestheticsllc.com.

Marry Me Chicken

Ingredients

8 ounces spaghetti

3 tablespoons olive oil

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

* Kosher salt and black pepper

1 shallot, halved and thinly sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

1 jar (6.3-ounce) sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped

1 chicken bouillon cube (0.4-ounce)

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan

1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil

Directions

 In large pot, cook pasta in boiling water until al dente. Drain and set

in large skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle chicken with salt and black pepper on both sides. Cook undisturbed until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Cook other side until golden brown, about 5 minutes more. Remove to plate.  Add 1 tablespoon oil and shallot to same skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until just tender. Add garlic, stirring continuously, until fragrant. Add broth and scrape up browned bits. Add tomatoes, bouillon, cream, oregano, red pepper flakes and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir until cube dissolves.  Bring sauce to a boil; reduce to a simmer over medium-low heat. Nestle chicken in sauce. Cook until sauce thickens slightly and chicken registers at 165ºF, 5 to 10 minutes. Stir in Parmesan and basil. Serve with spaghetti.

You People (2023)

A fresh and modern rom-com that hilariously and awkwardly navigates the cultural clash between two families, the movie follows Ezra (Jonah Hill), who’s Jewish, and Amira (Lauren London), who’s Black and Muslim. While they’re deeply in love they struggle to bring their families together — a task that proves to be heartfelt, relatable, and funny. Ezra and Amira’s relationship, which portrays a love that feels tender and real, is challenged not by their own doubts but by the prejudices and misunderstandings of their families, played brilliantly by Eddie Murphy and Julia LouisDreyfus. This familial tug-of-war adds a layer of complexity to the movie, and suggests that love is shaped and tested by what we can’t control. For Valentine’s Day viewers, You People serves as both a cautionary tale and a celebration of the enduring power of love, with all its imperfections. Rated R for strong language and mature themes.

Say Anything (1989)

Few movies capture the essence of young love quite like Say Anything. Cameron Crowe’s cult classic is the perfect combination of passion, vulnerability, and grand romantic gestures. Lloyd Dobler (John Cusack) is the prototypical lovestruck dreamer, chasing after Diane Court (Ione Skye), the class valedictorian with a complicated family life. What makes this movie so enduringly romantic is its simplicity: love here isn’t flashy but genuine. Lloyd’s now iconic boombox scene — a serenade to Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes” — is pure movie magic and an example of the grand romantic gestures of the past. The movie’s ’80s vibe, with its mixtapes, payphones, and heartfelt rebelliousness, adds a certain nostalgic charm, perfect for those reminiscing about first loves. As a Valentine’s treat, Say Anything reminds us that love is about persistence, honesty, and embracing imperfection, even in a perfectly imperfect world. Rated PG-13 for mature themes.

Elemental (2023)

Pixar’s Elemental is a whimsical love story set in Element City, where fire, water, air, and earth coexist but rarely mix. The movie shines as a celebration of love’s ability to transcend differences. Ember, an obviously “fiery” and passionate character, meets Wade, a gentle, free-flowing water elemental, and their connection grows in spite of social rules and personal hesitancy. Their, ahem, “chemistry,” is both touching and playful, and a play on how opposites attract. Pixar’s hallmark storytelling and gorgeous animation bring the relationship to life, from awkward beginnings to heartfelt resolution. Ember and Wade’s journey is a reminder that true love isn’t about finding someone identical to you — it’s about embracing what makes you different. Perfect for kids and the young at heart, Elemental is a Valentine’s Day treat. Rated PG.

Stream these movies where available, or rent from your local movie store, library or rental kiosk.

Valentine’s Facts

Valentine’s Day, celebrated annually on February 14, traces its origins to the Roman festival of Lupercalia and Saint Valentine, a martyr who performed secret marriages.

Red roses symbolize love due to their association with Venus, the Roman goddess of love.

Globally, over 145 million Valentine’s cards are exchanged annually, making it the second-most popular card-sending holiday after Christmas.

Love itself has fascinating science: oxytocin, the “love hormone,” strengthens bonds and trust, while dopamine sparks feelings of happiness and attraction. Studies show holding hands can lower stress. Whether romantic or platonic, Valentine’s celebrates the universal power of connection and affection.

Smooth Operator

Securing your peace of mind

By Patti Jo Brooks, Active Media

Photos by Lisa Kuhlman, Active Media

Ponderosa Garage Doors wishes you all a safe and secure holiday season! They know that fall and winter can bring their own challenges and they stand ready to assist with any garage door replacements, repairs or maintenance. Schedule your service call today to check for worn parts or potential problems. Don’t let the unexpected breakdown spoil your holidays!

“We’re here to help make sure your holidays go smoothly,” says Brock Fielding, spokesperson for Ponderosa Garage Doors. A company that views everyone as family, Ponderosa has adopted a vision “to be a leading contributor in building communities where people can wake up in a safe home experiencing peace and security.”

Yes, they sell, repair and install garage doors, but in keeping with their vision, they offer so much more. As true service professionals, they are dedicated to a client’s security and peace of mind. They respond to calls quickly, show up with a fully stocked service van, and in most cases complete the job the same day - or the very next day - doing their part to keep you safe and secure.

“What we really sell is an experience,” Brock relates. “We want to be transparent. We want to be direct with no surprises.” Reaching 900 reviews and receiving a five-star rating on Google, customers can count on this serviceminded company to get the job done right. Ponderosa’s service technicians and installers do a thorough job and evaluate the entire system, so customers can rest assured that their door is in top shape and fully operational.

“From start to finish, this company has gone above and beyond expectations. I don’t know where they are finding these guys but they are seriously the best ones around.”

– Satisfied Customer Eva W. Garage door specialists for Southwestern Washington and the Portland Metro area, both residential and commercial, Ponderosa Garage Doors strives “to provide an unforgettable experience through innovative communication and service.” Ponderosa values their client’s time. “If they’re going to take the time to call us, we’re going to prioritize and take care of their time. It’s something we take pride in,” Brock acknowledges. Additionally, whatever state, emotional or otherwise, that a client is in at the time of service, Ponderosa technicians will listen, support and reassure clients to help ease their stress.

Family-owned and -operated, Ponderosa Garage Doors is built on five core values: Be Green, Address Everything, Be Nimble, Protect People, Fail Forward. For almost 30 years now, owners Ken Fielding and his wife Kris have been serving the community based on these values. Whether working with or for Ponderosa, it’s like working with your own family – they’re going to take care of you. “At the end of the day, we’re in the business to serve people,” says Brock.

Ponderosa Garage Doors is located at 12308 NE 56th St., Vancouver. Call, text or email customerservice@ ponderosagaragedoors.com. Visit ponderosagaragedoors. com for more information and special deals, or to book an appointment online anytime day or night!