SHERWOOD
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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
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Hilary Berg Sean Carver
Brittany Jungenberg Morgan King
Shawn Schmidt
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Dani DeGraw, Justin Nelson, 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
Alice Williams 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 Lynnette Scott
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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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Sherwood Community Advantage Magazine
NOVEMBER 2024
City Of Sherwood Oregon LIBRARY
THE LIBRARY WILL BE CLOSED NOVEMBER 10-11 & 27(5PM)-29 FOR VETERANS DAY & THANKSGIVING
Adult Book Discussion
Wednesday, November 13, 2024 - 6:00pm
We’re hosting a book discussion of “The Museum of Ordinary People” by Mike Gayle, which will be available as an e-book and audiobook in library as well as physical library copies which can be checked out. Email us at askusSPL@sherwoodoregon.gov to register for this program.
Friends of the Sherwood Public Library
Thursday, November 14, 2024, 5pm
We are accepting donations of books at Sherwood Public Library. We appreciate your donations! The sale of those items funds many great programs at the Library (e.g., books for the Paperback Pals, Teen Book Club, etc.). If you’d like a tax receipt for your donation, just ask at the front desk.
Native American Heritage Month
Services Available
• Storytimes
• Library of Things
• Adventure Passes
• 3D Printing
• Library Mail Service
• Fun Children’s Area
• Tech Help
• Streaming Movies
• E-books
• Audiobooks
• Digital Newsstand
• Live Homework Help
Saturday November 16, 2024, 11am See All These Amazing Activities And Much More At Your Public Library
National Native American Heritage Month is celebrated each year in November. It is a time to celebrate the traditions, languages and stories of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and affiliated Island communities and ensure their rich histories and contributions continue to thrive with each passing generation.
HOURS
Shades of Autumn
The science of fall foliage
By Robert Matsumura, Contributing Writer
Crimson. Gold. Orange. The colors of fall. When summer cedes to autumn, nature puts on a spectacular show as trees and shrubs burst aflame in brilliant hues. This annual display, known as fall foliage, has captivated people for centuries, but have you ever pondered why leaves change color? The answer lies in the fascinating interplay of pigments, light, and weather.
The color transformation of leaves is a complex process driven by changes in the pigments within them as the seasons shift. In spring and summer, chlorophyll is the dominant pigment in leaves. It absorbs sunlight and transforms it to produce food for the tree through photosynthesis. Chlorophyll is what turns leaves green in color. However, as the days shorten and temperatures drop in autumn, trees begin to prepare for winter. Chlorophyll production ceases, and the green of the leaves begin to fade.
anthocyanins are not present in leaves year round. Their production is triggered by the fall’s cooler temperatures and the presence of light. As chlorophyll decreases, the leaf’s cells convert sugars into anthocyanins, which in turn produce the striking red and purple colors seen in certain autumn leaves.
Weather conditions also come into play in relation to the intensity of fall colors. Warm, sunny days and cool, but not freezing, nights produce the most vibrant foliage. Daytime warmth promotes the production of anthocyanins, while the cool nights decrease the breakdown of chlorophyll, resulting in pigments that shine more brightly. A sudden frost, however, damages leaf cells, interrupting the color transformation process and leaving foliage a dull brown.
But what happens to the leaves once the chlorophyll is gone? It is at this point where other pigments come into play. As chlorophyll breaks down, the colors of the remaining pigments become more visible. The yellow and orange hues of fall leaves are the result of carotenoids. These pigments are always present in leaves but their colors are typically masked by the dominant green of chlorophyll. As the green fades, carotenoids become visible, producing the bright yellow and orange shades of fall.
Anthocyanins are another group of pigments responsible for the red, purple, and blue colors in plants. Unlike carotenoids,
The timing of color change varies depending on the type of tree, its location, and the weather conditions. Each year foliage peaks at a different time as determined by the preceding weather patterns. Generally, the change commences in the northern regions first, and gradually moves south as the season progresses.
So the next time you
take an autumn stroll through a forest or park, take a moment to appreciate the intricate science behind the stunning display. The beautiful reds, oranges, and yellows are more than just a feast for the eyes; they are a testament to nature’s biochemical processes. As the trees prepare for winter, they dazzle with one last breathtaking show, a reminder of nature’s beauty and the wonders of scientific phenomena.
BROWNY BEE HONEY
The Buzz About Raw Honey
Unique variety, hot honey, hot sauces & more
By Patti Jo Brooks, Contributing Writer Donovan Darling, Staff Writer
Browny Bee Honey invites you to “enjoy local hive, 100% pure, raw and unfiltered honey straight from the hive of the rich and fertile forage lands of the Northwest.” Browny Bee Honey’s many unique raw honeys are produced “right in your own backyard” on a small Sherwood farm. And there are so many reasons to enjoy their honey!
Honey is a healthy food full of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids, enzymes and bee pollen. Consuming raw, locally-sourced honey may also alleviate your seasonal pollen allergies, since local honey contains pollen from the same ecosystem. The pollen that would typically cause symptoms during allergy season alternatively allows the body to build up an immunity against it through ingesting the local raw honey. Honey also makes a great natural sweetener that can be easily substituted for sugar in baking, tea and coffee.
What sets Browny Bee Honey apart from competitors, according to Marketing Director Tyrell Trimble, is the “insane amount of varieties we have to offer.” Browny Bee Honey is able to obtain varieties such as Vetch, Meadowfoam, Fireweed, Carrot Flower and Pumpkin Blossom by partnering with local Oregon farmers for pollination. You wouldn’t find such a large selection of honeys in a typical store, and unless someone is a true honey enthusiast they probably haven’t tried these. They also produce four different hot honeys in assorted flavors and heat intensities as well as various hot sauces. Browny Bee’s Original Hot Honey is their best-selling product and a unique item for most Northwesterners, as most people have never even heard of hot honey. Browny Bee Honey is also currently working on growing a small herd of sheep (Barbados and American Black Belly) with the intention of eventually expanding into meat sales.
Browny Bee Honey owner Mike Brown is a Sherwood resident and has always loved honey. Perhaps this played some role in the serendipity of Browny Bee Honey’s founding. A close friend of Mike’s, a beekeeper for over 50 years, had raised and supported his family by selling raw honey and beeswax candles at the local
markets. “He fascinated me,” Mike remarked. “He was always happy, peaceful and calm.” In June 2021, Mike was ready for a change and decided, “I’m going to sell honey.” He had been helping a local farmer grow the bee population, and as a result, Mike was able to obtain plenty of raw honey for his new enterprise. Sherwood Saturday Market had also just lost their “honey guy” and Mike was happy to fill the spot. He bottled up the honey, added his own logo and Browny Bee Honey was creating a buzz. Towards the end of 2021, Hot Honey was added to the line and later picked up by New Seasons. During 2022, Browny Bee Honey expanded into approximately 160 markets. Committed to giving back to the community, Mike Brown and Browny Bee Honey have generously donated
to local charities, especially Sherwood schools. Browny Bee Honey also hosts an ongoing fundraiser for cancer awareness by selling a special edition of Vetch Honey and donating partial proceeds to support individuals within the community and to further cancer research.
The complete line of Browny Bee Honey’s handcrafted premium raw honeys, as well as hoodies and t-shirts, are available through their online store and seasonally at the Sherwood Saturday Market. Watch for promos and featured items on their website, which also includes accessories, recipes and helpful tips such as how to decrystallize honey.
Visit brownybeehoney.com to place orders, for more info and to visit the Browny Bee Honey Facebook and Instagram pages.
State of Steelhead
How the fish is faring in SW Washington
By Lucas Holmgren, Contributing Writer
Southwest Washington rivers were once the “Valhalla” of steelhead according to a wise fish conservationist named Dave Brown. As he showed his spring-fed fish rescue facility, he told me about how he’d moved to the area because of the abundance of steelhead born in creeks and rivers like the East Fork Lewis, Salmon Creek, Kalama and many others. Over a few decades he saw the direct decline of what was once a barely-hidden treasure of fishing.
Historically, adult steelhead were inhabiting rivers like the Washougal, East Fork and North Fork Lewis year-round in various run timings, while glacier-fed rivers could hold yearround runs of Chinook salmon as well. Each river had its own unique “strains” of fish that would out-migrate to the ocean and return at specific times to spawn. Southwest Washington has rivers with larger waterfalls, which not only block some species like Chum salmon from going up, but also provide oxygen and cold water in the summer. Because of these falls, rivers like the East Fork Lewis and Washougal could support
adult summer steelhead that could hold at these falls during the low, warm water periods.
Today one can still say that technically there are “yearround” steelhead in Southwest Washington rivers. However, the abundance and flourishing runs have dwindled down to a disappointingly low percentage. This is not something to be blamed on any one factor, but rather a “death of a thousand cuts.” Does this mean Southwest Washington steelhead are doomed to extinction? I don’t think so at all.
Although we’ve lost a few species to extinction, a documentary by a fishing friend Shane Anderson called “Rising from the Ashes” details how wild summer steelhead were trapped by dams and landlocked. These fish simply kept spawning and feeding in the reservoir created by the dam as rainbow trout. Steelhead are rainbow trout and they are well documented to spawn together, with some going to the ocean and others staying “resident.” When the dams were removed, those “great grandkids” once again had the chance to migrate to the ocean, decades later. Within four years it was clear that the species had not only survived, but were immediately able to make the massive migration to the Pacific and back again, resulting in the largest wild run of summer steelhead on the Washington Coast.
This amazing example gives me hope for the summer steelhead that have gone “extinct” in their adult life cycle, trapped behind the three dams on the North Fork Lewis River. I don’t believe they are acknowledged, but they existed before the dams in the thousands. Could these steelhead still be swimming to this day? Are they just wild “rainbow trout” waiting for their opportunity to swim out into the ocean to feed? Summer steelhead in Southwest Washington rivers such as the Washougal and East Fork Lewis have barely hung on, and 2024 even had some solid fishing, but it’s the most at-risk fish we have. Any chance we get to keep cold, clean water flowing and help these fish to thrive? Let’s do what we can. Broodstock anyone?
TOP LEFT: Josh Helmes with a harvestable hatchery steelhead, which allows anglers to catch keeper fish and release wild fish (identified by intact adipose fin.) ABOVE: An ultra fresh summer-run steelhead is bright chrome but will develop more rainbow trout coloration after about a month or more in freshwater.
All Soul’s Day
1 2
All Saint’s Day
Dios Los Muertos
National Author’s Day
World Vegan Day
a Compass Day
National Nacho Day
Saxophone Day
Appreciation Day
Indian Pudding Day
Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day
International Merlot Day Men Make Dinner Day*
Cook Something Bold Day Dunce Day
Loosen Up Day
National Pickle Day
America Recycles Day
Book Lovers Day*
Deviled Egg Day
Look for Circles Day
National Bison Day *
Pumpkin Destruction Day*
6 7 8 9 13 14 15 16
Chaos Never Dies Day
World Freedom Day
Button Day
Have a Party With Your Bear Day
International Drum Month
Adoption Awareness Month
Aviation History Month
Caregivers Appreciation Month
Child Safety Protection Month
Diabetes Awareness Month
Epilepsy Month
Model Railroad Month
Sadie Hawkins Day
World Kindness Day
Absurdity Day
Beautiful Day
Children’s Day
Operating Room Nurse Day
World Diabetes Day
National Jukebox Day *
False Confession Day
Great American Smokeout *
World Hello Day
Clean Your Refrigerator Day
National Philanthropy Day
International Tolerance Day
National Fast Food Day
20 21 22 23 27 28 29 30
French Toast Day Make Your Own Head Day
Go For a Ride Day
Love Your Freckles Day
Black Friday*
Buy Nothing Day *
Chia Pet Day
Eat a Cranberry Day Adoption Day *
National Cashew Day
National Espresso Day
Novel Writing Month
Native American Heritage Month
Peanut Butter Lovers Month
Real Jewelry Month
Sleep Comfort Month
World Vegan Month
National Mason Jar Day
Small Business Saturday*
Tie One On Day *. and Needles Day
Red Planet Day Thanksgiving*
Square Dance Day
You’re Welcome Day
Stay At Home Because You Are Well Day
New Installs to Small Repairs
No
project too large or too small!
By Patti Jo Brooks, Contributing Writer Photos by Brittany Jungenberg
Thought about replacing that worn-out, dated garage door? Do your spirits sink just a bit every time you pull up to it? Perhaps it’s broken or annoyingly noisy? Call the experts! Serving the Greater Portland-Metro Area and SW Washington, this family-owned and -operated business services everything from squeaky doors and broken springs to custom installations and repairs for both residential and commercial properties. Don’t let the name mislead you. Oregon City Garage Door’s headquarters is located in Clackamas, but with twelve field technicians and four estimators this local company covers a lot of ground! Oregon City Garage Door will install, repair and maintain your new or existing garage door at any location throughout the Greater Portland-Metro Area. “Let Oregon City Garage Door Open the Door for You!”
installation once they arrive at the local distribution center in Portland. Depending on the make and model, some doors are already in stock. Custom orders typically take a standard of three to four weeks to reach the local warehouse.
When you call Oregon City Garage Door, “You’re calling a professional,” says owner Ryan Dissen. Focused on customer service and fast turnaround time, many repairs are handled with same-day service. “We have 11 vehicles stocked and ready to go,” Ryan points out. New doors, manufactured by Clopay (American-made and American-owned), can be scheduled for
Visit the Oregon City Garage Door showroom to view a firsthand demonstration of one of their fully operational garage doors. Utilizing a garage door opener, you’ll see how smoothly the installed door opens and closes. The showroom also features doors in four different styles displayed on a sliding track for easy viewing. “We have samples, brochures and literature to help our customers decide which door they would like,” Ryan notes.
An Oregon City native and Air Force veteran, Ryan Dissen continues his close ties to the community through his membership, donations and fundraiser participation for the Oregon City Elks Lodge Christmas Basket program. Oregon City Garage Door also donated labor and installation services to accompany R&S Manufacturing’s donated garage door to La Salle High School for their softball hitting facility.
The Oregon City Garage Door showroom is located at 16000 SE Evelyn St. in Clackamas. Call (503)664-9982 or visit oregoncitygaragedoor.com for their gallery and additional information.
WORD SEARCH SUDOKU
Dead Poets Society (1989)
A deeply moving and existential drama, the movie’s repeated line “carpe diem,” seize the day, inspires us to get out of our routine and conformity to express our greatest passions and live our greatest lives. Very much in the vein of “carpe diem” and Whitman’s other line, “cease not till death,” Robin Williams’ character Mr. Keating, an English teacher, attempts to inspire his class of boys at an all-male boarding school in Vermont in the 1950s. And arguably he succeeds, inspiring a group of boys to resurrect a secret artistic society called, you guessed it, the Dead Poets Society, which was formed by alums such as poet Henry David Thoreau. In this group’s meetings in a cave in nearby woods, they share their lives, poetry, music, and joys and fears — and through connection and vulnerability, many discover their passions, such as writing, music, and acting. Sadly, one boy — whose misguided father refuses his son’s dream of acting in lieu of military academy and medical school — commits suicide rather than live a life of his father’s choosing and conformity. Trigger warning for suicide. Rated PG for mature content, but I’d suggest young teens and older.
Matilda the Musical (2022)
A charming and musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s 1988 children’s book, it’s a mix of humor, heart, and a bit of magic. The tale of Matilda features a bright young girl with telekinetic powers who uses her smarts and powers to stand up to her neglectful parents and the school bully and headmistress Miss Trunchbull.
The musical differs from the ’90s movie with its vibrant, energetic performances, especially from the young cast and the incredible presence of Miss Trunchbull. Tim Minchin’s catchy, clever songs elevate the production, capturing both mischief and warmth, rebellion and joy. With a mix of whimsical storytelling and themes of empowerment, Matilda the Musical is a delightful, family-friendly movie that stays true to the book and original movie while delivering something fresh and entertaining. Rated PG for thematic elements, exaggerated bullying and some language.
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Strange yet endearing like all Tim Burton movies, the gothic fantasy Edward Scissorhands has an “autumn in the suburbs” vibe to it. From the pastel cookiecutter houses to the black hilltop mansion from which Edward comes, to Edward himself — a pale-skinned, darkly clothed, melancholic Johnny Depp — this is a great movie to watch while curled up in a blanket with hot cocoa and buttery popcorn.
In the story, Edward is a bit like Frankenstein’s monster, a hobbled-together human, who, like the monster, has to adapt to society. Instead of the monster’s killing spree, thankfully, Edward has a knack for topiary trimming and giving haircuts to his female neighbors. He ends up staying with a local family, and the daughter (Winona Ryder) falls in love with Edward. With gorgeous production design, cinematography, and makeup (with an Oscar nomination), this is a real cinematic treat for the senses. Starring an incredible cast, including Vincent Prince, Alan Arkin, Dianne Wiest, Anthony Michael Hall and more, it’s rated PG-13 for brief violence and mature content.
Fall Facts
• Tree communication: Trees shed leaves in autumn to conserve water, but they also send chemical signals to each other, preparing the forest for winter.
• Aurora Borealis visibility: Autumn is one of the best times to view the Northern Lights due to clearer skies and increased solar activity.
• Hunter’s Moon: The full moon after the harvest moon is called the Hunter’s Moon, named for its brightness, which helped hunters track prey.
• Increased testosterone: Studies show that men’s testosterone levels peak in autumn, possibly due to evolutionary mating patterns.
COOKING SAFETY
PUT A LID ON COOKING FIRES TUALATIN VALLEY FIRE & RESCUE
Cooking is one of the leading causes of home fires and fire injuries. Last year, more than one-third of the residential fires that Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue responded to began in a kitchen.
• TVF&R crews encourage you to minimize your risk of a fire by organizing a safe kitchen and practicing these safe cooking tips:
• Keep a watchful eye on what you are cooking — never leave cooking unattended.
• Keep your cooking area clean, including the stovetop, oven, and exhaust fan.
• Keep dish towels and pot holders away from the burners on your stove.
• Watch your sleeves to prevent them from catching fire or getting caught on pan handles.
• Cooking oil can ignite quickly. Heat oil slowly and watch it closely.
Keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen. Store it in an easy-to-reach location and know how to use it. The discharge of a portable fire extinguisher only lasts between eight and 10 seconds.
Put a lid on it.
The easiest way to extinguish a small pan fire is with a pan lid. Turn off the burner and carefully slide a pan lid over the pan from the side. The lid will “smother” the fire, while turning off the burner removes the heat. Do not move the pan until the fire is completely extinguished and the pan is cool. If you do not have a pan lid, you may also use a baking sheet or pizza pan.
Never transfer a burning pan from the stovetop to the sink or out an exterior door. The fire may grow in size and burn you or spread to a countertop, cabinets or curtains.
Grease and water do not mix.
Never pour water on a grease fire. Water causes these fires to explode as the burning material stays on top of the water, causing it to spread and putting you at severe risk of getting burned.
If the fire is large and/or continues to grow, do not attempt to extinguish it. Quickly get everyone outside and immediately call 911 from a cellphone or neighbor’s house.
For additional safety tips, visit www.tvfr.com.
How Thanksgiving Became a National Holiday
The
role of Sarah Josepha Hale and President Lincoln
By Robert Matsumura, Contributing Writer
The Origins of Thanksgiving
For Americans everywhere Thanksgiving means gathering together with loved ones for a special feast, and celebrating all those things in our lives for which we feel grateful. Inspired by the traditional foods of that first Thanksgiving feast, turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, and pumpkin pie are the classics. The origins of this cherished day stretch back to colonial America, and are rooted in the interactions between European settlers and the Indigenous peoples of North America. The most widely recognized early Thanksgiving took place in 1621, when the Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony and the Wampanoag people came together to celebrate a successful harvest. This event, marked by a feast that included venison, fowl, and native crops, is often seen as the prototype for modern Thanksgiving celebrations.
The Pilgrims, having endured a harsh winter and nearly perishing, found themselves in the debt of their Wampanoag neighbors, who taught them essential survival skills, and helped them establish crops on which to subsist. The gratitude expressed in 1621 was a symbol of the complex and often strained relationship between the two groups, and helped foster cooperation and positive relations moving forward.
The Evolution of a Tradition
For many years, Thanksgiving was primarily a regional celebration observed in New England. Each state and community held its own Thanksgiving celebrations, often on different dates. The notion of a Thanksgiving holiday as a national holiday gained traction, however, in the mid-19th century, when one determined woman initiated a tireless campaign to unify the holiday on a particular day and celebrate it on a national scale.
Sarah Josepha Hale: The Woman Who Would Not Relent
It is Sarah Josepha Hale, a prominent American writer and editor, who today is credited with transforming Thanksgiving from a regional observance into a national holiday. Hailing from New Hampshire, Hale was famous for her literary works, particularly the nursery rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” As it turned out, her most significant contribution to American culture derived from her advocacy of Thanksgiving.
Hale launched her campaign in earnest during the 1820s, composing letters to various presidents and public officials, urging them to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday. The impetus for her campaign was her belief that a national Thanksgiving would help unify the country, engendering a sense of shared American identity and gratitude. Not only were her letters and essays published in numerous newspapers across the country, as editor of Godey’s Lady’s Book, one of the most influential magazines of the era, she was in a unique position to rally public support.
Despite her tireless efforts, her pleas gained little support with lawmakers. Many politicians and leaders were hesitant to endorse a national Thanksgiving, concerned that it would impose on regional traditions or stir up political controversy. Undeterred by numerous setbacks, Hale persisted with a steely determination.
President Lincoln: The Turning Point
It was during the Civil War era that Hale’s efforts finally bore fruit. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln, amidst the chaos of the Civil War, was striving to foster national unity and provide comfort to a war-weary nation. Lincoln’s decision to declare a national day of Thanksgiving was influenced by Hale’s tireless advocacy and her vision of a holiday that could unite Americans at a time of deep division.
In October 1863, Lincoln issued a proclamation declaring the last Thursday in November as a day of national Thanksgiving. Lincoln’s proclamation was a pivotal moment, both in the history of Thanksgiving and in the broader context of American national identity. His proclamation was
both eloquent and heartfelt, embracing themes of gratitude, reconciliation, and reflection. It read, in part:
“I do, therefore, invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens.”
The Impact of a National Holiday
Lincoln’s proclamation transformed Thanksgiving from a regional celebration to a national holiday. By declaring Thanksgiving a national holiday, Lincoln helped to bridge regional divides and promote a sense of gratitude and unity during a traumatic period in American history.
Over the years, Thanksgiving has evolved from its colonial roots into the modern celebration we know today. Always, though, Thanksgiving has functioned as a means of cultural cohesion in a diverse nation. As immigrants arrived on American
shores, each brought their own culinary traditions and customs. Thanksgiving served as a bridge — a common ground — allowing families of different backgrounds to come together for a food-based celebration of gratitude and community.
Gathering Around the Table
So as we gather around the table for turkey and all the fixings, with football on many a television screen, remember the story of how Thanksgiving became a national holiday. While the celebratory feast of the early Plymouth colonists with the indigenous Wampanoag was the genesis for this revered holiday, it was the willpower and persistence of dedicated individuals like Sarah Josepha Hale - combined with President Abraham Lincoln’s vision for national unity - that transformed Thanksgiving from a regional observance into a cherished American tradition. Thanksgiving exists not only as a time for reflection and gratitude, but also as a symbol of the resilience and unity of the American spirit.
Leafing a Legacy
Leafguard’s gutter revolution
In 1993, a quiet revolution unfolded in the world of home maintenance. Englert, Inc., renowned for their dedication to product innovation, unveiled the Leafguard® brand gutter system. For years, the company’s engineers had labored in obscurity, driven by a single goal: to create a solution that would make clogged gutters a relic of the past. Their tireless efforts bore fruit in the form of the Leafguard gutter — a sleek, proprietary one-piece system designed to shed leaves, water, pests, and debris with unparalleled efficiency.
The Leafguard system was more than just a new product; it was a game-changer. Before its introduction, homeowners had to grapple with cleaning out gutters, often climbing dangerous ladders or hiring costly professionals. The Leafguard gutter, however, promised a lifetime of clog-free performance. Its ingenious design, combining both durability and functionality, relieved anyone tired of the seasonal hassle of gutter maintenance.
News of the Leafguard’s reliability spread like wildfire. The gutter system didn’t take long to become a staple for residential properties. The once-tedious upkeep was no longer a burden; instead, people enjoyed the peace of mind that came with a maintenance-free system, backed by a lifetime guarantee.
As time passed, Leafguard’s reputation only grew stronger, until it was awarded the prestigious Good
Housekeeping seal, a testament to its quality and trustworthiness. Today, the Leafguard brand remains a beacon of innovation and reliability in home improvement. The once-pioneering solution became a trusted household name. In the world of gutters, Leafguard continues to set the standard, turning a simple innovation into a lasting legacy. For more information or a free estimate, visit them online at leafguard. com or call 503-822-6529.
Hooking the Crowd
Local musician and fisherman is ready to break out
By Dennis McNabb, Contributing Writer
Local musician Lucas Holmgren is on the verge of becoming the newest Northwest singer/songwriter to break onto the scene. Although his name may already sound familiar due to his ubiquitous presence as a fishing personality on TV, magazines, and the “Addicted Fishing” Youtube channel, this multi-talented multiinstrumentalist is currently in the process of writing and recording an EP of original songs that will undoubtedly land him on the Folk/Rock map right alongside other popular contemporary acoustic songwriter acts such as Gregory Alan Isakov, John Mayer, and Morgan Wallen.
I had the distinct pleasure of speaking with Lucas for the purpose of this article, and found both his passion and enthusiasm inspirational. A dedicated student of music, he began playing at the age of 12. Diligent in his practice, he began recording at 14, teaching lessons at 15, and playing the local circuit shortly thereafter. Currently a member of multiple local touring and recording bands (Shofar Sound as well as The Bumala Brothers), Lucas has proven himself time and again to be the quintessential performer. Both bands are collaborative
efforts and have provided Lucas the platform to hone his skills, enjoy the musical chemistry and camaraderie inherent in that kind of environment and get some exposure along the way. That said, he’s ready to break out and start assembling a catalog of his own original tunes. Fortunately, as readers of this magazine, you’ll be among the first exposed to what will surely become new classics of the genre!
Lucas is a phenomenal guitar player. Watch any of his Youtube videos, and that will be readily apparent. What elevates him as an artist, however, is that he is also a very accomplished vocalist, bass player, and drummer! And, if his latest singles, “The Real You” and “Get Myself Right” are any indication, he’s also a fantastic songwriter. With beautiful hooky melodies, haunting vocals, profound lyrics, and crystal-clear production, these are songs that transcend genre and can be enjoyed by all. Lucas warned that most of the current videos on his channel are loose and improvisational. They were fun to make but they are not representative of his current direction.
“Good songwriting is at the heart of all great music,” he said, and with the concerted effort he’s put into these new songs, he’s hoping to reach a whole new audience. And there’s no reason why he shouldn’t find overwhelming success. Lucas is tremendously talented and these new songs are undeniable. He also happens to be about the nicest guy you’ll ever meet. He relentlessly encourages and supports other aspiring musicians, and is the consummate mentor. With this new endeavor, he simply hopes to develop his own craft and take it to the next level. So, if you enjoy modern blues pop with a country flair, or if you simply enjoy great music guaranteed to plaster a smile on your face, you owe it to yourself to check out Lucas Holmgren. Find him: @lucasholmgrenmusic on Youtube.
