CARVE THE PERFECT PUMPKI N
Believe it or not, everyone can be an artist when it comes to pumpkin carving, but it is harder than it looks. Follow the following eleven tips, and your gourds will look and smell good the entire trick-or-treating season. Get carving!
Start with the right pumpkin.
Choose one that’s fresh, with a sturdy stem, no bruises, and a flat bottom so it won’t roll while you carve.
Cut from the bottom, not the top. Cutting your “lid” from the bottom of the pumpkin helps prevent the sides from caving in later.
If you carve from the top, cut lid on an angle. This way it won’t drop inside the pumpkin when you replace it, like it would with a straight up-and-down cut. A boning knife should work well for this.
Scoop out all the pulp (and then some).
You can buy a special “claw” for pumpkin gutting, but an ice cream scoop will do just fine. Thin the inner wall of the “face” area to 1¼-inch thick, so it will be easier to pierce the shell.
Sketch your design to size on paper first. Tape it to the front of your pumpkin. Using a fork or pencil, poke holes along the lines you want to carve.
Try holding the pumpkin in your lap.
It’s easier to create features when the face is gazing up at you. It is suggested to use a serrated kitchen knife or an X-Acto knife.
Start by making simple rough cuts.
If you get the big pieces of pumpkin out of the way first, you can go back and clean up the edges of your design later.
Use your scraps creatively.
Make a tongue, pipe, or hair accessories out of discarded pieces of pumpkin shell, for example.
Keep your pumpkin fresh.
Spread petroleum jelly on the cut edges to seal in moisture. If your pumpkin still shrivels a few days later, revive it with a facedown soak in cold water for up to eight hours.
Create a chimney.
First, leave the lid on for a few minutes while the candle burns. Cut a small hole where the pumpkin has blackened up top. Or, save yourself the stress and opt for a battery-operated votive.
Sprinkle cinnamon inside.
That way, when you light the candle, your jack-o’-lantern will smell like a pumpkin pie. Yum.
Striking Gold
Miner and entrepreneur finds success in wagon freight
By Oregon Black Pioneers
Photos Courtesy of the Grant County Museum
Christopher Columbus Sewell was a miner and entrepreneur and the patriarch of a successful Black family during Eastern Oregon’s gold rush years. Sewell was born in Washington, DC in 1823. His mother Maria was granted her freedom in 1827, along with Columbus and his five siblings.
It is believed that Sewell left Washington, DC at an early age. Later in life, he would claim to have fought under General Winfield Scott during the Black Hawk War, a US Army campaign against the Sauk and Kickapoo tribes in Iowa. However, this war took place in 1832, when Sewell was just 9 years old. What is certain, though, is that Columbus Sewell was counted in the 1850 census for Iowa County, Wisconsin.
Columbus moved further west in search of gold following the 1849 California gold rush. He worked as a miner throughout the 1850s in northern California, and appears in the 1860 census as a resident of Weaverville, in Trinity County.
Two years later, gold was discovered in Canyon Creek, a gulch near present day John Day, Oregon. A boom town emerged, which became known as Canyon City, and it soon became the county seat of Grant County. Many Californians migrated north to Canyon City, including Columbus. He worked as a ranch hand for prominent rancher Bradford Trowbridge from 1862-1865 before establishing a gold claim of his own.
The Civil War came to an end in 1865, emancipating enslaved African Americans nationwide. Sewell took a trip east at some point after the war and returned to Canyon City in 1868 as a married man. His new wife, Louisa, was a native of Richmond, Virginia. Columbus and Louisa made their home in town and raised two sons, Thomas (born 1869) and Joseph (born 1872). The Sewells were all prominent figures within the local community,
and were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Each of them was mentioned frequently in the social pages of the Grant County News.
Columbus likely continued working his gold claim, but sources show that he was working as a teamster, or wagon driver, by 1865. In that role, Sewell transported raw materials like lumber and wool to points as far away as Baker City and The Dalles. He would return with his wagons loaded with food, goods, and supplies. Columbus’ business was very successful. At one point he had as many as 12 horses pulling his fleet of wagons. Once, during a blizzard in 1884, Sewell famously cleared snow from the streets of The Dalles by affixing a snowplow to his wagon, which allowed stranded travelers to continue on. Sewell was still hauling freight by wagon as late as 1891.
In 1892, Columbus filed a Homestead Act claim for 160 acres of land four miles south of town. This claim would be certified in 1897. Sadly, the Sewell family did not get to enjoy this land together. Louisa passed away in 1893 and their son Joseph died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in 1898. Columbus would pass away in 1899, leaving his homestead and business to Thomas Sewell. Thomas continued living and working in Canyon City until his own death in 1943.
The Sewells are remembered not only for being Eastern Oregon’s first Black family, but also for their friendship and generosity towards their neighbors in Grant County.
Oregon Black Pioneers is Oregon’s only historical society dedicated to preserving and presenting the experiences of African Americans statewide. To learn more, and to support this nonprofit, visit oregonblackpioneers.org.
©Oregon Black Pioneers, 2024
Portrait of Columbus Sewell
Prospector attributed to being Columbus Sewell
Louisa Sewell, and possibly her son, Thomas.
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
IFURNITURE SHARE FURNITURE TO FAMILIES IN NEED
furnitureshare.org
n the month of October, Mattress World Northwest has partnered with local vendors (Serta Simmons Bedding, Tempur-Sealy, and Southerland) to donate up to 400 mattresses to support Linn and Benton County Furniture Share. Our retail locations in Benton and Linn Counties are also accepting monetary donations going directly to Furniture Share, and their efforts to turn a house into a home for those impacted by devastating wildfires, veterans and local kids.
Many families find times tougher than ever, and as a result live without basics many take for granted. Furniture Share is a nonprofit organization that has been operating since 1998. Their mission is to provide locally grown and locally made healthy foods and redistribute quality used furniture to children, families and individuals in need, thus diverting items from the landfill and supporting under-served members of our
communities. Learn more at: furnitureshare.org/. MWNW is gladly donating to this incredible cause, as well as raising awareness and taking donations on the nonprofit’s behalf. Please help raise funds by donating online or visiting one of their local stores.
Family-owned and -operated, dedicated to providing their customers the best products at the best prices, all while donating to and participating in their local communities, Mattress World Northwest exemplifies the best of what retail businesses have to offer. This proves that not all mattress stores are created equal.
Get a better night’s sleep and help support your local community at the nearest Mattress World Northwest store. They are open every day or you can order online at mattressworldnorthwest.com.
Albany Veteran’s Day Parade with Mattress Millie.
MWNW and Tempur/Sealy has donated over 600 mattresses to Furniture Share.
Sealing Success
John’s Waterproofing celebrates 50 years of service
By Kelly Romo, Contributing Writer
In 1974, John Lombardi founded John’s Waterproofing with a simple but powerful vision: to protect homes from the damaging effects of moisture in basements and crawl spaces. Initially, Lombardi handled all aspects of the business himself, working tirelessly to build a foundation of trust and excellence. His commitment to delivering high-quality service allowed the company to expand significantly, evolving from a one-man operation to a thriving family-owned business with a reputation for innovation, integrity and customer satisfaction. As the company celebrates its 50th anniversary, it’s clear that John’s Waterproofing has grown and evolved while remaining true to its roots.
John’s determination and hands-on approach allowed the company to steadily grow for the first couple of decades of its operation. The waterproofing industry, however, began to shift in the 1990s with the introduction of products specifically formulated for basement and crawl space waterproofing on the East Coast.
A company called Contractor Nation dove into the science of waterproofing by crafting products and processes that could provide long-lasting solutions for belowgrade spaces. To ensure John’s Waterproofing offered the best to his neighbors across the PNW, John learned about these new
advances, testing and tailoring them to provide region-specific solutions that set them apart from competitors.
A pivotal moment in the company’s history occurred in 2019 when long-time employee Robin Ekloff took over ownership when John retired. Ekloff, who has worked for John’s Waterproofing since 1997, ensured that the transition was smooth, maintaining the same level of service and integrity the company was known for. Under Ekloff’s leadership, the company has continued to thrive and innovate. Adding new services such as electrical work, Cummins whole-home generators and radon mitigation, John’s Waterproofing has positioned itself as a comprehensive home health solution provider.
Over the last five decades, the waterproofing and foundation repair industry has seen tremendous technological advancements, and John’s Waterproofing has consistently remained at the forefront. One of the most significant innovations is the CleanSpace® crawl space vapor barrier, which is a 20-mil thick woven material designed to completely seal out groundwater. This system helps protect homes from moisture and mold and deters pests while improving energy efficiency. In addition to CleanSpace®, the company offers the TripleSafe™ sump pump, which ensures that below-grade spaces always stay dry by efficiently pumping water away from the foundation. John’s takes pride in improving indoor air quality by keeping the space dry at all times to prevent mold spores and allergens from reaching the living areas above.
As a familyowned company, John’s Waterproofing has always placed a strong emphasis on creating a positive work environment and fostering a sense of integrity throughout its operations. Many employees are family members or long-time staff who have become like family. This strong internal culture ensures that every employee is dedicated to delivering the best possible service to customers. Ekloff has continued Lombardi’s practice of leading by example, reinforcing a culture of honesty, reliability, and community service.
Current owner, Robin Ekloff and his wife Shelley 2023
Founder John Lombardi with his wife Mavis
The new John’s Waterproofing building
John & Mavis Lombardi
The company’s commitment to integrity extends beyond its workforce. John’s Waterproofing is heavily involved in community initiatives, supporting Habitat for Humanity, local schools, the Silverton Area Community Aid (SACA) and the Mount Angel American Legion. By actively participating in these efforts, the company not only helps improve the lives of its neighbors but also reinforces its role as a trusted community partner.
Since taking over in 2019, Ekloff has introduced several new product lines and services to help grow the company. One of his key initiatives has been expanding the company’s offerings to include home electrical services and installing Cummins home generators. With these new additions, John’s Waterproofing provides comprehensive solutions to homeowners, ensuring their homes are protected from water damage and equipped to handle
power outages and other potential hazards. Despite the challenges of navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, Ekloff has successfully grown the company, and it continues to thrive.
Looking ahead, John’s Waterproofing is preparing for new industry trends. One of the most significant shifts has been the growing demand for basement finishing as more people work from
home. Before converting a basement into a livable space, homeowners must ensure it’s appropriately waterproofed to avoid costly repairs later on. John’s Waterproofing offers specialized services to help homeowners protect their investment and create additional square footage in their homes.
As John’s Waterproofing celebrates 50 years of excellence, the company remains committed to providing topquality waterproofing services and helping homeowners create healthier, safer living spaces. Whether you’re dealing with a wet basement or a damp crawl space or simply want to improve your home’s air quality, John’s Waterproofing offers free inspections and personalized recommendations to meet your specific needs. To learn more, visit their website at johnswaterproofing.com or call them at 503-873-5650.
Robin and John in 2019 when Robin purchased the company
