Music in The Vines | Rocksolid Community Teen Center
08 - MEET THE ARTIST
Visual Differences | Tammy Jo Wilson
09 - RECIPE
Oven Baked Zucchini Fries
12 - MOVIE NIGHT
Endless Summer
14 - FARM FOCUS
Follow The Truffle Trail | Amico Farms Retreat
ADMINISTRATION
Matthew Nelson, Publisher
Catrina Nelson, CFO
Donovan Darling, Creative Project Manager
PRODUCTION
Kate Astle, Copyeditor
Dani DeGraw, Production Artist
Kaity VanHoose, Layout Designer
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Angie Helvey
Patti Jo Brooks
Lucas Holmgren
Robert Matsumura
Dennis McNabb
ADVERTISING SPECIALISTS
Stephanie Baker
Tara Weidman
TO DUNK OR TWIST?
By Robert Matsumura, Contributing Writer
The Oreo cookie. Two chocolate wafers with a creamy vanilla filling sandwiched between them. A perennial favorite for decades, Oreos are loved by millions around the world, with one major debate baked into its delicious existence, which revolves around the best way to eat them: dunk or twist. There are two opposing camps: Twisters and Dunkers. The former maintain that the best way to eat an Oreo is to twist them apart and enjoy each side separately; some eat the creamy center first. The latter, on the other hand, insist the cookie should be dipped into milk and allowed to basically melt in your mouth. Either way, both camps agree this classic cookie is downright delicious! Of course, there are those of us who don’t belong to either side and simply savor the Oreo as a tasty sandwich cookie.
In 1898, several competing baking companies merged to form the National Biscuit Company, also known as Nabisco. In 1902, Nabisco introduced Barnum’s Animal Crackers for the first time, gaining fame by packaging them in small boxes designed like animal cages at the circus, and featuring an attached string for hanging the boxes from Christmas trees.
1952 Nabisco Oreo advertisement
It was in 1912 when Nabisco had dreamed up this “new” cookie, but in truth, the concept of two crisp chocolate wafers surrounding a flat cream filling had already been introduced:
Since 1908, Sunshine Biscuits had been producing its Hydrox cookies in Kansas City. Although Nabisco has never identified Hydrox as its inspiration, it’s difficult to deny the similarity between the two cookies. The Oreo quickly surpassed its competitor and soon reigned supreme in the sandwich cookie realm. Nabisco made certain to file for a trademark on its new cookie, which was granted on Aug. 12, 1913.
When Nabisco’s new cookie was first introduced in 1912, it appeared as an Oreo Biscuit — “biscuit” being the common word for cookie back in England and a holdover term from colonial days. In 1921, it was renamed the Oreo Sandwich before another change in 1937 to the Oreo Creme Sandwich. It wasn’t until 1974 that Nabisco finally settled on the official name: the Oreo Chocolate Sandwich Cookie. Despite the plethora of name changes over the years, most people have typically just called it the “Oreo.” The appearance of the cookie progressed from the original design, which simply featured the name Nabisco with a wreath at the edge, to the addition of two turtle doves and a ring of laurels in 1924. The more elaborate design we know today first appeared in 1954.
As for the origin of the name “Oreo,” Nabisco has no definitive answer. One school of thought asserts that the cookie’s name was derived from “or,” the French word for gold, which was the primary color on the early packaging. Others maintain the name was inspired from the shape of the original cookie which resembled a mound or hill. Proponents of this theory cite the Greek word for mountain, “oreo,” as the source of the cookie’s name. Others argue the name is the result of taking “re” from “cream” and
sandwiching it — like the cookie — between the two o’s in “chocolate” to make “o-re-o.”
Despite the mysterious origin of the cookie’s name, the Oreo has been a perennial hit. As of 2019, approximately 450 billion Oreo cookies have been sold since 1912, placing it atop the mountain of cookie sales and endearing it to millions of people worldwide.
Although the original recipe of the Oreo has not changed much, Nabisco has experimented with variations on the classic cookie. In 1975, Nabisco released Double Stuff Oreos to the delight of those who craved the cookie’s creamy filling. In 1987, fudgecoated Oreos hit the market, with festive holiday versions released in 1991 (Halloween Oreos) and 1995 (Christmas Oreos). Over the years, there have been numerous other iterations of the Oreo, including the Golden Oreo, Oreo Minis, Oreo Cakesters and Oreo Double Triples.
Despite the limited edition variations, the delicious filling inside the Oreo evolved only minimally with the passage of time. The creamy filling was created by Nabisco’s “principal scientist” Sam Porcello, who is frequently referred to as “Mr. Oreo.” His recipe, created in 1912, has remained essentially the same, though due to health concerns the company switched from the use of lard to non-hydrogenated vegetable oil to veer from trans fats.
Although the majority of Oreo production was once carried out at the Hershey’s factory in Hershey, Pennsylvania, the beloved cookie is now produced around the world in 18 different countries.
Nabisco’s marketing of the Oreo cookie has been remarkably successful, with highlights that include a 2013 tweet, “You can still dunk in the dark,” inspired by the 39-minute power outage in Super Bowl XLVII. The Guinness Book of World Records’ largest taste test took place in Madrid, Spain, in 2009 when 1,471 participants compared the taste of an Oreo to an imitation cookie. One fun piece of trivia for cookie aficionados is that New York City’s 15th Street at Ninth Avenue is called Oreo Way in honor of it being the birthplace of the Oreo cookie.
One thing is for certain: No matter how you enjoy your Oreo cookie, be it dunking, twisting or eating as-is, this crunchy chocolate creamy delight has satisfied the palates of generations of people around the world for more than a century. Styles, technology and fashions come and go, but it’s a good bet that the Oreo cookie is here to stay.
Nabisco Oreo billboard circa 1956
Vintage tin replica of a 1918 Oreo advertisement.
Oreo TV commercial circa 1980
Music In The Vines
Nonprofit unites with family-owned winery
By Angie Helvey, Contributing Writer
The picturesque meadow at Pomeroy Cellars, surrounded by rolling vineyards and tree-lined countryside, is a wonderful place to enjoy a summer concert. The Music in the Vines summer series takes place every season, and this year Pomeroy Cellars is proud to fundraise on behalf of Rocksolid Community Teen Center, an incredible nonprofit organization that supports local youth. Bring your friends and family and join the community this August to welcome Joel Gibson Jr. for a fun evening of country and rock and roll!
Established in 2014, Pomeroy Cellars in Lucia Valley is part of the historic Pomeroy Farm, which has been in the family since 1910. Three years ago, they started Music in the Vines featuring five concerts every summer that each benefit a different nonprofit in North Clark County, all with budgets under $500,000. This is their third year partnering with Rocksolid.
Megan Miller is a fifth-generation Pomeroy, and she and her husband Tommy are among the farm and winery’s managing partners. “We’re thrilled to be working with Rocksolid again and we really appreciate what they’ve done for teens in our community,” says Tommy.
Serving the area since 2002, Rocksolid Community Teen Center is an after-school program for children in grades five through twelve in the Battle Ground and Hockinson School districts, focused on transforming lives through youth development, positive mentorship and growth. The center is open every school day from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. and Rocksolid provides transportation. The non-profit is excited to partner with Pomeroy Cellars again this year. “Collaborating with community supporters is a great way to increase our visibility and educate people about the center,” says Executive Director Marcy Sprecher. “We hope to bring a lot of our community to this event — it’s a beautiful property with lots of history and always a great time.”
This Music in the Vines is extra special because Pomeroy Cellars is welcoming Pacific Northwest singer-songwriter Joel Gibson Jr. for the first time! An award-winning independent Country and Rock artist, Joel brings a captivating selection of original songs and a charismatic stage presence that delights audiences of all ages.
The concert takes place on Friday, Aug. 23, and the music kicks off at 6 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and lowback chairs and are invited to set up a spot to hang out and enjoy the music on the non-reserved lawn. Wine from Pomeroy Cellars, beer and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. Chopped Champion and pitmaster/chef Lynnae Oxley is bringing her Sugars Roadshow food truck and will be serving up mouthwatering barbecue. Music in the Vines is always a familyfriendly event and dogs on leashes are welcome.
The net proceeds from the concert will be donated directly to Rocksolid Community Teen Center to help strengthen their current programs and add further resources for youth. Pomeroy Cellars is delighted to support such a valuable organization and they love hosting these events that bring people together. “Building a bigger and stronger community in North Clark County is an ongoing initiative for us,” Tommy says.
Tickets are available on Eventbrite; $15 for general admission, $12 for VIP and wine club members. Pomeroy Cellars is located at 20902 NE Lucia Falls Rd, Yacolt. Contact them at 360686-3785 or visit pomeroycellars.com.
Music in the Vines at Pomeroy Cellars will also be hosting the country/blues/rock duo Lance and Lea on Aug. 9 to benefit the Clark County Historical Museum.
Rocksolid Community Teen Center is located at 12919 N.E. 159th St, Brush Prairie. Contact them at 360-885-2181 or visit their website at rocksolid-teen.com.
Visual Differences
Artist reveals Black female experience
By Dennis McNabb, Contributing Writer
In today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving world, facing a constant barrage of new and compelling information means that we are always grappling to find clarity of purpose. It is increasingly rare, it seems, to meet people who are calm, composed and resolute in their goals. That is why it is such a breath of fresh air to speak with someone like artist, curator and arts organizer Tammy Jo Wilson. Not only is she committed to said objectives, but it’s for the betterment of all — for making this world a better place.
In her own words, reflected on her website, Tammy Jo seeks to, “Share through [her] work an expanded view of the black female experience in the 21st century. [She is] speaking to those among us that are looking for a broader understanding of commonalities rather than differences. Historically rooted in the feminist art movement [her] work attempts to further the unraveling of antiquated thinking around women in art and society. [She offers] a visual entrance to an expanded view of the black female experience and the raw realities faced by marginalized people.” She goes on further to state, “[Her] practice has evolved over the past 10 years to be less about individual identity and more reflective of cultural and societal understanding of inflicted identity versus projected identity. And she is “Interested in pushing back against what the Western art canon tells us black women’s art is, or should be.” It’s this last point I find most compelling in her work. Because as clear as her vocalized intent is, her absolutely gorgeous but sometimes eerie and abstract pieces are far less transparent. The true depth and meaning behind each piece is cleverly disguised under layers of symbolism and only revealed after careful study.
Tammy Jo is the quintessential artist. Encouraged at a young age, she began studying under professionals in high school. With both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Fine Arts, she has traveled every state in the country expanding and honing her craft. She has taught multiple
classes and for the past 14 years held the position of Visual Arts and Technology Program Manager at Lewis & Clark College. In 2017, she co-founded Art in Oregon (AiO), a statewide visual-arts-focused nonprofit working to build bridges between artists and communities. In 2022, she also became Director of the Bush House Museum Exhibits & Programming.
Never one to rest on her laurels, Tammy Jo was recently involved in the Black Artists of Oregon Exhibition, a historic retrospective she was incredibly proud to be a part of. In May, she exhibited some of her most recent work (including her first full-sized wall mural) at the Souvenir Gallery in Portland. She is also working on an upcoming documentary short film series with MOsley WOtta called “Sketch and Release,” which will highlight black artists in Oregon.
For more information, follow her on Instagram: tammyjowilsonart or check out www.tammyjowilson.com.
Oven-Baked Zucchini Fries
Crisp yet tender and healthy, too
Ingredients
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 zucchini, quartered lengthwise
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Directions
Preheat oven to 425°F. Coat a cooling rack with nonstick spray and place on a baking sheet; set aside. In a large bowl, combine panko, Parmesan and Italian seasoning; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside. Working in batches, dredge zucchini in flour, dip into eggs, then dredge in Panko mixture, pressing to coat. Place zucchini onto prepared baking sheet. Place into oven and bake for 20-22 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley, if desired, and alongside warm spaghetti sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
Fresh from the Garden
When picking zucchini, check if the fruit is firm. Softness indicates it is probably rotting and should be discarded. For picking zucchini, use a sharp knife, pruners or scissors to cut the stem one or two inches from the fruit.
Breathe Easier, Live Better
Naturally, Non-Surgically.
By Patti Jo Brooks, Contributing Writer
Langley
Do You Suffer with Chronic Sinusitis?
“Thanks Dr. Siegfried. No more sinus congestion, allergies, snoring or mouth breathing,” —Niki Z.
“After the eighth treatment, I was sleeping solidly for eight straight hours for the first time in eight years. And by the way, no more drugs!!” —Jon V.N.
Breathe Better Now!
Are you sick and tired of chronic sinus congestion?
Dr. George Siegfried, Chiropractic Physician at Dunn Chiropractic Clinic in McMinnville, has been helping patients breathe better with Bilateral Nasal Specific Treatment since 1976. This natural, nonsurgical treatment has helped alleviate chronic sinus and other related problems even in patients who have already had sinus surgeries, or those who have considered sinus surgery prior to visiting Dr. Siegfried. “Desperate” and “at the end of their rope,” these patients are grateful for his care and expertise in providing Bilateral Nasal Specific Treatment, which he has performed thousands of times. Furthermore, this treatment uses no drugs and no needles.
Could This Be You?
Who Can Benefit?
Over the years, Dr. Siegfried, an international chiropractor, treated world-class athletes from the 1984 Italian Olympic Team Track and Field Division, United Arab Emirates Track and Field Team, and other world-class athletes. He’s treated Broadway dancers, San Francisco Ballet dancers, opera singers and jockeys. Bilateral Nasal Specific Treatment has helped children and adults suffering with chronic sinusitis “get their life back” after experiencing a deviated septum, broken nose, concussion, whiplash injury, birth injury and more. Dr. Siegfried has helped so many patients that his colleagues have referred to him not only as the leading expert in this treatment, but also the “guru” and even the “godfather.”
It’s been estimated that 30 to 60 million people in America suffer from sinus congestion which can manifest in mouth breathing, dry eyes, dry mouth, snoring, limited sleep and sleep apnea, low energy, loss of smell, taste and hearing. Many have had to resort to a CPAP machine to keep their airways open, just to try and obtain a decent sleep cycle.
Who is Dr. Siegfried and His Clinic?
Dr. Siegfried has been in practice since 1984 at the Dunn Chiropractic Clinic and is the third generation of chiropractors at that clinic. Established in McMinnville in 1922, Dunn Chiropractic has “A Compassionate Tradition of Natural Pain Relief and Wellness,” states Dr. Siegfried. The father of four grown children and grandpa to nine grandchildren, Dr. Siegfried studied over 10 years and 1,000 hours as protégé to Dr. J.R. Stober, the developer of this natural, non-surgical specialty. Treatment is self-pay as Dr. Siegfried is out of network for insurance, but patients from all over the world seek him out to help relieve their chronic sinusitis and escape the drudgery of the related suffering.
To consult with Dr. Siegfried, call the clinic at (503) 433-6902, located at 301 N.E. Dunn Place, McMinnville. Clinic hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 9AM-6PM. Dr. Siegfried’s website is nasalspecific.com.
“My name is Landon Haney, and I am now 77 years old. I have had sinus problems off and on since I was a teenager. The most recent one started in 2011 and continued until recently. My nose was completely plugged off and I heard about Dr. Siegfried on the radio. I knew from past treatments he had done for me and always helped me, so I called for a consultation. He started the Bilateral Nasal Specific Treatments and I started noticing improvements after the first few treatments. I’ve had over 9 treatments now and my sinuses have been completely clear. The results of his treatments are, according to my wife, I no longer snore. I don’t have sleep apnea anymore. I’m sleeping through the night and I am breathing with no blockage in my nose. It’s amazing.”
Photos by Kara
My Confession to Oregon...
MY CONFESSION TO MCMINNVILLE AND YAMHILL
Dear Friend,
Dear Friend,
When I meet people in McMinnville, they usually say, Oh, I know you. You ’re the doctor that I ’ve seen in the ad with your son Chris, from the Bachelorette. ” Well, I want you to know a little more about that picture and why I use it in my ads. Years ago in High School in Philly something happened that changed my life. I hurt my back playing football. Really bad! I could hardly walk. I remember the instant I felt that knife in my back. My Dad took me to Dr. Hill, our family chiropractor who adjusted my back.
When I meet people in Oregon, they usually say, “Oh I know you. You’re the doctor that I’ve seen on YouTube with your son Chris, from The Bachelorette.” Well, I want you to know a little more about that picture and why I used it in my ads. In 1976, when I was studying to be a chiropractor, I received an amazing treatment at age 26 that totally changed my life and got rid of my chronic headaches, sinusitis and snoring from falls, bumps and thumps in sports, even a few fights growing up on the streets of Philly. It is called the Bilateral Nasal Specific Treatment from my teacher Dr. Stober, at the University of Western States in Portland. And all I could say then and even now was, “WOW!”
When I meet people in McMinnville, they usually say, “Oh, I know you. You ’re the doctor that I ’ve seen in the ad with your son Chris, from the Bachelorette. ” Well, I want you to know a little more about that picture and why I use it in my ads. Years ago in High School in Philly something happened that changed my life. I hurt my back playing football. Really bad! I could hardly walk. I remember the instant I felt that knife in my back. My Dad took me to Dr. Hill, our family chiropractor who adjusted my back.
Now, my CONFESSION is that I don’t heal anyone!! I never have. I don’t treat or cure any of the problems patients come to me with. Here’s how it works: I make a specific adjustment to the sphenoid bone in your head. Your brain and nervous system then function better. It’s your body that does the healing. And I’ve had amazing results in practice since performing this special, non-surgical treatment thousands of times since 1976. Unique offer: you shouldn’t need expensive surgery, CPAP or drugs to breathe better!!
Well all I can say is WOW! When I left Dr. Hill s office, I could stand up straight and walk. And the pain was gone! I knew at that moment I wanted to be a chiropractor, even though I was supposed to follow in the surgical footsteps of my great uncle who founded Nazareth Hospital in Philly – and cousin – who was an orthopedist. After undergraduate college at Schiller University in Heidelberg Germany, and pre-med studies at Temple University, I was accepted at the University of Western States in Portland, drove across the country, started in the fall of 1976 and graduated in 1981. And as they say, the rest is history. But before settling in McMinnville at the Dunn Chiropractic Clinic which was founded in 1922, I had the good fortune to travel with and take care of professional Broadway and Ballet dancers, Jockeys, the 1984 Italian Olympic Team Track and Field Division and many other professional athletes while in Italy.
After that first treatment, I was able to breathe so much better through my nose. And my headaches? It felt like a knife was taken out of my head. Even my vision improved from needing glasses to not needing glasses. At age 26, you learn to put up with a lot, but I was at the “end of my rope,” desperate, in spite of being a competitive athlete pitching in the semiprofessional Portland City League. Once I had that adjustment, “the lights went on for me” and I knew at that moment I wanted to learn this special technique that I spent over 1,000 hours over a 10-year period observing and studying with him and am now a leading expert. I became his protégé and the only student to treat him for his chronic headaches he suffered with from a bad head injury as a kid, leading him to develop this special, non-surgical treatment. I also truly believe he saved my son Chris from a lot of suffering as well.
From Conehead to the Chicago Cubs
Well all I can say is WOW! When I left Dr. Hill ’s office, I could stand up straight and walk. And the pain was gone! I knew at that moment I wanted to be a chiropractor, even though I was supposed to follow in the surgical footsteps of my great uncle who founded Nazareth Hospital in Philly – and cousin – who was an orthopedist. After undergraduate college at Schiller University in Heidelberg Germany, and pre-med studies at Temple University, I was accepted at the University of Western States in Portland, drove across the country, started in the fall of 1976 and graduated in 1981. And as they say, the rest is history. But before settling in McMinnville at the Dunn Chiropractic Clinic which was founded in 1922, I had the good fortune to travel with and take care of professional Broadway and Ballet dancers, Jockeys, the 1984 Italian Olympic Team Track and Field Division and many other professional athletes while in Italy.
wife and I could see the shape of his head changing. I took over Chris’s care from there and he became an All-Star baseball pitcher and soccer player in high school, a walk-on at the University of Portland and was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 11th round and the 354th pick and pitched for them for 5 years. One just never knows how valuable a Bilateral Nasal Specific Treatment and sound nutrition can be for a person’s health. It’s strange how life is because I have treated many patients since 1976 with chronic migraines, sinusitis, snoring, concussions, whiplash, birth trauma and other conditions related to blows to the head or difficult births. Here’s just one testimonial from a recent patient. And there are reviews as well as my interview on my website: www.nasalspecific.com. Just scan the QR code to the right to listen to it.
If you bring in this article or mention it from online, you will receive a full consultation for only $97 to see if you are a candidate for my Bilateral Nasal Specific Treatment. This consultation usually costs $295 to find out if you are a candidate for this potentially life-changing treatment and could benefit from my non-surgical care plan. If you qualify for care and decide to take on your first treatment, I will waive the consultation fee.
really completely plugged the radio. I knew him from always helped me, so I called sal specific treatments on after about 3 visits. I ’ve completely clear for about sults of it are according have sleep apnea anymore. am breathing really well ing.” - Crit Haney
Now, My CONFESSION never have. I don’t treat or make a specific spinal or system functions better. We’ve had tremendous results simple as that.
From Conehead to the Chicago Cubs
My qualifications? I have been practicing my Bilateral Nasal Specific Treatment for over 40 years, the protégé of Dr. Stober, a leading expert in the field and have even been called the “Godfather” and “guru,” having performed the procedure thousands of times. I’ve treated jockeys, dancers, professional world-class athletes and everyday patients from infants to age 98. I’m committed to helping as many people as I possibly can.
One half of Americans and those who do have found s where I come in. are able to afford the care
From Conehead to the Chicago Cubs
You see, when Chris was born, after a 36hour intensive labor and home birth, he had a cone head and we were told that he could have some cerebral palsy due to the stress on his head from the birth process. The day after he was born, I took him to Dr. Stober for his first Bilateral Nasal Specific Treatment. Right in front of our eyes, my
My office assistants are wonderful!!! Our office is both friendly and warm and we try our best to make you feel at home. This is a potentially life-changing treatment for you. Please call my caring and enthusiastic staff to schedule your appointment today. I would like to change your life, too.
When Chris was born, after a 36 -hour labor, he had a conehead and we were told that he may have some cerebral palsy due to the stress on his head from the birth process. The day after he was born, I took him to Dr. Stober who did the nasal specific treatment on his head and adjusted the top bone in his spine. Right in front of our eyes we could see the shape of his head changing. I took over Chris ’s care from there and he became an All -Star Baseball pitcher and Soccer player, a walk on at the University of Portland, and junior year was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 11 th round, the 354 th pick and pitched for them for 5 years. One never knows how valuable a nasal specific, chiropractic adjustments and sound nutrition can do for someone ’s health. It’
In the Journal of peutics a study published are under regular chiropractor you may not be running off that people actually pay less if they are seeing a chiropractor
Unique Offer
You can watch videos, read reviews and my FREE REPORT on my website at www. nasalspecific.com. Hope to see you soon! Dedicated to your health and wellness, Dr. Siegfried www.nasalspecific.com
When Chris was born, after a 36-hour labor, he had a conehead and we were told that he may have some cerebral palsy due to the stress on his head from the birth process. The day after he was born, I took him to Dr. Stober who did the nasal specific treatment on his head and adjusted the top bone in his spine. Right in front of our eyes we could see the shape of his head changing. I took over Chris s care from there and he became an All -Star Baseball pitcher and Soccer player, a walk on at the University of Portland,
It
shouldn Your Health
If you bring in this article my entire new patient exam rays, if necessary, not included). cost you $295 elsewhere. you’ll be happy to know ment plan. “Further care making your choice of doctor. ly.
how life is because I have treated many more patients with many different conditions such as headaches, mi-
Here are some of my graduated from Western Oregon. Since then I have
Conehead to Chicago Cubs
The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)
“Peaches, Peaches, Peaches, Peaches, Peaches .” What to say about this iconic blockbuster from last year? It’s gorgeously animated, incredibly scored and a smash hit for a new generation of kids, as well as adults old enough to remember playing the Nintendo Entertainment System in the ’80s and ’90s (myself included). While not in the traditional Nintendo continuity (if I can nerd out for a second), this watches like fan fiction and an ode to Nintendo and Super Mario Bros. nostalgia, piled high with references from various video games and consoles throughout the years. Contrary to the games, Mario is not rescuing Princess Peach, but rather she is training him to become strong enough to rescue his brother Luigi and save the world from Bowser. It’s funny, fast-paced and great for the whole family. Starring Chris Pratt (Mario), Charlie Day (Luigi), Anya Taylor-Joy (Peach), Jack Black (Bowser) and many more. Rated PG for action and mild violence.
Camp Nowhere (1994)
“Dad! Just because I'm smart doesn't mean I can't act stupid.” Camp Nowhere is a forgotten cult classic and perfect summer movie. Summer is approaching and a large ragtag group of middle school kids are being forced into summer camps — computer camp, fat camp, boot camp, you name it — and the kids want no part of it. Through serendipity, “Mud” (Jonathan Jackson) runs into ex-actor Dennis Van Welker (Christopher Lloyd) and convinces him to dupe all the parents into believing the kids have agreed to go to their respective summer camps, while in reality they pocket the money, rent an empty camp, and proceed to blow their cash on toys and junk food. In the vein of “Big” with Tom Hanks, it’s a kid’s free-for-all movie and cautionary tale of excess, with many lessons learned in responsibility, personal safety and maturity. It’s funny, silly and deeply nostalgic. Rated PG, this feels like a light PG-13 due to language and mature “teen” content.
The Goonies (1985)
“Goonies never say die!” As I recently visited the Goonies House and the old County Jail in Astoria, this movie is even more soaked in nostalgia and local lore for me. Filmed in Astoria and nearby beaches, this is a classic ’80s “kids have an adventure” movie with Scooby Doo/Hardy Boys vibes — there’s a jailbreak, criminals, skeletons, secret passages, and pirate maps and treasure. When they find a treasure map in their father’s old museum antiquities, Mikey (Sean Astin) and his friends decide this could save his house from foreclosure, with older brother “Brand” (Josh Brolin) and his friends in tow on their crazy adventure. It’s a cheesy, funny, coming-of-age romp perfect for a summer afternoon. Also starring Corey Feldman and Ke Huy Quan. While rated PG, this feels like a strong PG-13 with language, violence and mature “teenage” content.
Stream these movies where available, or rent from your local movie store, library or rental kiosk.
The Willamette Valley is home to an abundance of naturally occurring culinary delicacies, none as highly sought after as the Oregon truffle. A reproductive fruit of the symbiotic relationship between underground plants and fungi, special varieties are popular in gourmet cooking for their earthy, complex flavors and intoxicating fragrance. No one knows the secrets of Oregon truffle foraging better than the McFarland/ Luzader family and their talented brood of Italian water dogs. As the owners of Amico Farms Retreat, they invite guests to visit their property in the heart of wine country for guided truffle tours and luxury yurt and tent camping surrounded by the natural beauty of the forest.
‘Amico’ is the Italian word for friend. Carly and Kevin Luzader first traveled to Italy in 2015 and discovered truffle hunting with Lagotto Romagnolo dogs, the only breed in the world that specializes in hunting truffles. They returned from that first trip with a Lagotto puppy and began truffle hunting in Oregon. “In the early days, it was difficult to find information on truffles in this area,” says Carly. “In Italy, we would find them under hardwoods, but here, we found them under the Doug Firs.” They eventually found truffles in the Yamhill County area and met others who were interested in getting a Lagotto, but at the time there were less than 500 in the whole country, so Carly and Kevin began regular trips to Italy to learn more about truffle hunting and bring Lagotti back for hunters in the United States.
The family started the process of buying their 37-acre farm in 2016. They needed a place to grow their truffle-hunting company with space to breed and train Lagottos and were surprised and
delighted to discover an abundance of Oregon winter white and black truffles right in their own backyard! Then the pandemic hit, and the idea of hosting guided truffle tours was born. “It was an easy social distancing activity and a great way to get people out in the forest to show them the beauty of Oregon and all it has to offer,” Carly says.
Starting in December through March or April, outings begin at Amico Farms but then, hunters are taken to a secret truffle spot with the Luzader dogs in the lead. “Our dogs guide the tour, but people can bring their dogs and we’ll put them over the top of the truffles so everyone can dig out their own,” Carly explains. The excursion continues either back at Amico or a local winery for a tasting of truffleinfused cheese, nuts and butter. At the end, all participants go home with their collection of tasty treasures!
Photo by: Erin Riddle at Klik Concepts
Carly and Kevin are major advocates for dog-harvested truffles and being environmentally friendly in their practices. “A dog will only go after a very ripe, fragrant truffle that’s ready to harvest, and they only dig a small hole that’s easy to fill back in,” Carly explains. “The other method is to rake the bottom of the trees, which gets you mostly unripe truffles that don’t taste good and it damages the forest floor for years to come.”
As expert breeders of the Italian water dog, the Luzaders have perfected a premier variety of Lagotto Romagnolo called the Amico Roma, and they breed a few litters of puppies each year. With 11 Lagotti in their breeding program, the dogs live with the Luzaders and in guardian homes with friends and family to ensure optimal care and socialization. Carly and Kevin have five Lagotti who live
on the farm with the family and their three children. “It’s a companion-based breed,’ Carly explains. “They live in our house and sleep in our bedroom; they’re part of the family.”
There’s a lot more going on at Amico than dogs and truffles. Carly and Kevin have worked hard to make it fun for their kids, including building a skatepark, a rock-climbing wall and installing an outdoor wood-fired pizza oven made by a friend from Italy. The family raises chickens and has one horse of their own plus a mustang adeptly named “Oregon Truffles” that belongs to Nikki, their friend and farm helper. The property has a large greenhouse and this year they started growing microgreens they hope to sell locally. The truffles are also sold to restaurants and Carly’s recently been hunting in the Balkans and other parts of Europe for some of the most delicious and expensive varieties in the world.
Amico Farms Retreat hosts glampers off-grid on their charming property in an all-season luxury yurt or vista tent, both nestled in secluded clearings amidst the forested hills. The yurt sleeps four people and features a full kitchen and flush toilet with an outdoor fire pit perfect for roasting marshmallows. The vista tent sleeps two and provides a comfortable full-size bed, a weatherproof kitchen with a barbecue, phenomenal views and a fantastic opportunity for nighttime stargazing. Both sites are available for booking on AirBnB and Hipcamp. Visitors are encouraged to hike the beautiful trails, explore the surrounding wine country and schedule a guided truffle tour for a fun and unique experience hunting Oregon truffles!
Amico Farms Retreat is located at 21390 SW Eagle Point Rd, McMinnville, OR, 97128. Please give them a call at 971-264-4780 or visit their website at amicofarms.com
