Sherwood Community Advantage Magazine
SEPTEMBER 2024
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
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
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
CHECK US OUT ONLINE AT CommunityAdvantageMagazines.com 20 BUSINESS FEATURE Swan Island Dahlias Annual Dahlia Festival
Scentsational Syrups
Herbs and spice make coffee so nice
Chai
Syrup
31/3 cups water
10 cardamom pods
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
1 teaspoon whole coriander seeds
8 whole cloves
11/2 inches fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
2 cinnamon sticks
1 star anise (or 1 teaspoon fennel seeds)
1/3 cup sugar (or sweetener of your choice)
5 tablespoons loose-leaf black tea
Using mortar and pestle, lightly crush cardamom pods, coriander seeds and peppercorns. In saucepan, combine water, sugar, spices and ginger. Gently simmer over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes. Take off heat, add tea and steep until room temperature. Strain through cheesecloth or fine strainer and into a clean bottle. Refrigerate up to a month. Heat 1/2 cup of favorite milk and 1/2 cup syrup with sprinkle of cinnamon, or serve with cold milk over ice. Or use 2 tablespoons in hot coffee, iced coffee or hot cocoa.
Rosemary-Vanilla Bean Syrup
2 cups honey or granulated sugar
2 cups water
1 vanilla bean, cut vertically in half
3 sprigs fresh rosemary
In small saucepan, bring honey and water to a boil over medium heat. Reduce to simmer. Scrape vanilla bean into pot and place spent pod in pot. Stir and cook for 10 minutes. Add rosemary sprigs; cook 3 more minutes. Remove from heat. Cool to room temperature. Refrigerate up to a month. Use 2 tablespoons in hot coffee, iced coffee or hot cocoa.
Understanding Alzheimer’s & Dementia
Tuesday, September 10, 2024 • 10:00am
Understanding what is happening to a person with Alzheimer’s is key to interacting effectively and providing quality care. This class includes information from expert professionals in the field and first-hand accounts from people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Registration required.
Write Your Life Story
Wednesdays at 10:00am
Have you been wanting some support and direction as you recollect and commit your memories to paper? This is the group for you! If you’re looking for an environment free of criticism to read your story, come and learn from each other’s past. Always welcoming new members.
BINGO!
Fridays at 1:15pm
Do you miss the thrill of playing Bingo at the Marjorie Stewart Center? Have you never played Bingo a day in your life and are curious what the hype is all about? Join us for this classic and fun game of luck and chance. Every Friday, we spend a good time playing all versions of Bingo. 62+
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
Beyond Beer
Culinary classics celebrate German fall fest
By Robert Matsumura, Contributing Writer
Every autumn, Oktoberfest, whether in Munich, Germany, Mt. Angel, Oregon, or elsewhere, attracts millions of visitors from around the globe, eager to raise a stein of frothy beer and celebrate Bavarian culture. Beyond the beer drinking and polka music are a host of culinary classics that pair perfectly with the beer to make Oktoberfest a hearty, tasty time of year.
Pretzels
These iconic, twisted knots of dough, originally born in a monastery during the Middle Ages, are baked to golden perfection and standard at every Oktoberfest celebration.
Pork
Smoky bratwurst or spicy weisswurst (veal and pork back bacon) are grilled and served with a side of sweet mustard, seasoned with leeks, chives and green onions. Weisswurst were typically eaten in the morning, with the old saying, “Weisswursts should not be allowed to hear the noon chime of the church bells.” Schweinshaxe, roasted pork knuckle, is seasoned with herbs and served with sauerkraut and potato dumplings.
Beef
Sauerbraten, a beef pot roast, is marinated for days in a mix of vinegar, water and spices such as cloves, juniper berries and bay leaves. The roast tastes tangy and is served with a sweetsavory gravy made of gingersnaps alongside red cabbage and potato dumplings.
Dumplings
Made from potatoes, bread or semolina flour, knödel come in a wide variety. Kartoffelknödel (potato dumplings) are popular. A mix of mashed potatoes, flour and sometimes breadcrumbs, they’re boiled until fluffy. Pretzel dumplings are chewy and fused with savory herbs and spices, made for rich gravies and sauces.
Pancakes
A delicious crispy treat, kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes) are crafted from grated potatoes, onions, eggs and flour, and fried until golden brown and served with applesauce or sour cream. On the sweet side, kaiserschmarrn is a shredded pancake served with fruit compote and powdered sugar.
Apples
Apfelstrudel is a traditional apple strudel with cinnamon-spiced apples and raisins and blanketed in thin pastry layers, topped with powdered sugar and whipped cream.
Pairing Perfection
While beer is the star of the show at Oktoberfest, pairing the various culinary specialties featured in this article with their proper mate will heighten one’s gastronomic experience. Weissbier, a wheat beer known for its fruity and spicy notes, is a fine complement for sausages and pretzels. For those partaking in Schweinshaxe, Märzen beers with their malty sweetness and robust character provide a balanced accompaniment. Even apfelstrudel finds a perfect partner in eiswein, a sweet dessert wine that elevates the apple and cinnamon flavors.
Beer, Food and Tradition
Far more than just a beer festival, Oktoberfest is a culinary voyage through Bavarian tradition and hospitality. So whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Oktoberfest enthusiast, grab a stein of beer and a plate of sausages and savor the flavors of autumn. Feel the convivial spirit of community and tradition, and raise a toast to the culinary classics that have made Oktoberfest a cherished world-wide event. Prost!
The Family Legacy Continues
Same corner, same amazing food, fun and fantastic service
By Dennis McNabb, Contributing Writer
The tavern at the corner where Borland and Stafford Roads intersect has been owned by the Wanker family since its inception back in 1961. Walter “Dubs” Wanker was a passionate and hard-working man, and it was his distinct vision which established a legacy that has persisted for over 60 years. Passed down first to his daughter and most recently (as of January 2022) to his granddaughter, Tracie Tolbert, the family tradition lives on! And it has never been stronger!
Walking into Dub’s Tavern is like walking through a portal back to the ’60s. The walls are teeming with fun and fantastic bits of nostalgia: old license plates, hats, photos, you name it. An entire evening could be spent enthralled with the decor, and you won’t even have witnessed half of what there is to see. It’s a veritable archive of local events which have taken place over the past six decades. It’s warm, it’s inviting, and it’s everything you look for in a tavern.
And the food is outstanding! If you’ve been before, the menu hasn’t changed much, but Tracie understands the importance of not fixing what isn’t broken. If you’re coming in for your favorite burgers or ribs, fear not, they still serve them! What she has done though is add a couple of exciting new dishes. So next time you’re in, try their brisket sandwich, one of their pulled pork items, or one of their new appetizers. And for the first time in their long history, they are now serving amazing breakfasts on Saturdays and Sundays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Since Tracie took the reins last year, she has put her heart and soul into honoring the legacy her family built while subtly making some small improvements and upgrades to carry them over the next 60 years. Some of you will have already noticed that she installed a new deck with heaters, a cover, and is working on getting ADA compliant restrooms. And there will be more changes to come as she adjusts to her new role.
Most importantly, she goes to work every day with a smile. She loves nothing more than seeing familiar faces and welcoming them in. This is a locally-owned and -operated business with ties to the community going back decades. If you’ve been looking for a neighborhood bar to call home, look no further than Dub’s Tavern.
Happy Hour is 3 to 6 p.m. and 9 to 11 p.m. every day but Sunday. Come down and get a taste of local!
Dub’s Tavern is located at 2509 SW Borland Road in West Linn. Give them a call at (503) 638-2523.
Photos by Brittany Jungenberg
Matilda (1996)
“I’m right and you’re wrong, I’m big and you’re small, and there’s nothing you can do about it.” Oddball, wallflower, nonconformist, weirdo. Whatever you want to call her, Matilda does not belong, especially in her family, almost as if she was adopted. She’s kind, lonely, she loves to read, she can solve large math problems in her head, and, well, eventually she can move things with her mind. And once she’s allowed to go to school, she begins to thrive, finds happiness and is well-beloved by her classmates. She finds a confidant in her teacher, Miss Honey, with whom she shares a common enemy, the scary Ms. Agatha Trunchbull (and Miss Honey’s aunt), who terrifies the school she leads. It’s dark, wryly funny and somehow magical. Starring Mara Wilson as Matilda, Danny DeVito, Rhea Perlman, Embeth Davidtz, Pam Ferris and more. While suffering at the box office, Matilda has become a cult classic since its release. Rated PG for mild violence, scary images and rude language.
Breakfast Club (1985)
“You see us as a brain, an athlete, a basket case, a princess and a criminal. Correct? That’s the way we saw each other at 7:00 this morning. We were brainwashed.” You can’t help but feel existential when watching The Breakfast Club and that’s precisely the point. A movie that examines cliques, stereotypes and teenagers’ desire to be understood by their parents and adults, we learn the secrets and struggles of each student stuck in all-day detention at Shermer High School. We sometimes forget that none of us doesn’t have it all figured out, and that’s very much the case here — each of the students feels the pressure of expectations, whether it’s good grades, athletic success, or beauty. Even the “criminal” and “weirdo” have a reputation to uphold, but they’re just as vulnerable and lovable as anyone else. If there’s a point to this movie, it’s to be kind. Starring most of the “Brat Pack” — Emilio Estevez, Anthony Michael Hall, Judd Nelson. Molly Ringwald, Ally Sheed — as well as Paul Gleason and John Kapelos. Rated R for strong language, adult themes and triggering topics.
Harry Potter (2001)
“You’re a wizard, Harry!” As a millennial who grew up with Harry Potter in real-time, to say this movie is meaningful to me is an understatement. From the mind of a then-single mother on welfare writing in the Elephant House Cafe in Edinburgh, it’s easy to see why the magical world of Harry Potter and Hogwarts so easily whisks you away from reality. Directed by Chris Columbus, the first movie (and second) have an unmistakable warmness to them that’s impossible to hate — like a fireplace on a cozy night. Harry, living with his awful aunt and uncle and cousin, discovers on his 11th birthday that he’s a wizard, and is invited to attend Hogwarts to study magic. It’s a coming-of-age, family comedy, action-adventure fantasy all rolled into one. There are spells and wands, trolls and elves, dark wizards, goblins and unicorns, and all manner of magical creatures running around this mystical world. Rated PG for scary moments and mild language.
Stream these movies where available, or rent from your local movie store, library or rental kiosk.
Bloomin’ Good Time
Dahlia Festival a colorful community event
By Kelly Romo, Contributing Writer
Photos by Jen Blair Photography & Natalie Kristeen Photography
Immerse yourself in a vibrant celebration of nature at the annual Dahlia Festival hosted by Swan Island Dahlias. This beloved event, featuring over 370 dahlia varieties, transforms the picturesque fields of Canby into a kaleidoscope of color and beauty. From early August to late September, visitors are invited to explore the stunning display gardens, stroll through expansive flower fields and partake in a variety of engaging activities on Wednesdays through Sundays. With free admission, live music, local food carts and a unique gift shop, the Dahlia Festival offers an unforgettable experience for all ages. Join them for a day of floral enchantment, community and joy as you celebrate the splendor of dahlias in full bloom.
favorites. Look out for creatively named varieties like “Petal Faster,” “Tutu Much” and the striking red and yellow “Incrediball.” Each name adds a touch of whimsy to the vibrant blooms.
This year’s festival introduces the new, expanded gift shop offering a range of local goods, from soaps and lotions to cookbooks and canned foods. Visitors can also find unique items for pets, gardening and babies, making it a specialty shop worth exploring.
Hybridizing new dahlia varieties is a meticulous process at Swan Island. They let bees handle initial cross-pollination and then select seed pods from preferred varieties. Each year, they cultivate 15,000 seedlings, gradually narrowing them down to five to fifteen new varieties introduced annually. The selection criteria include long stems, flower quality, and uniqueness. With over 370 dahlia varieties on display, festivalgoers can discover new
Local vendors and musicians play a significant role in the festival, creating a lively atmosphere with carefully selected bands that ensure a diverse and enjoyable experience for weekend visitors. Be sure to check the event calendar for the lineup of bands and food carts during your visit. Plan to spend a few hours exploring to make the most of your time at the festival. Start with the display garden to see all the varieties in one place, then stroll through the fields. The koi pond is a favorite among children and those who appreciate the beauty of these fish. Enjoy the food carts, live music and gift shop. On weekends, bring a blanket for a relaxing afternoon surrounded by fields of flowers while you listen to music and savor delicious food and drinks.
Swan Island Dahlias ensures accessibility for all visitors, with ample ADA parking, accessible restrooms and pathways. The level grounds and free entry make it an inviting destination for people of all ages and income levels.
Swan Island Dahlias is more than a farm; it’s where passion, history and community converge in a spectacular celebration of nature’s beauty.
Visit the festival at 995 NW 22nd Ave. in Canby from August through September, open Wednesdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.. Check the event calendar at www.dahlias.com to see the lineup of bands and vendors so you can join them and immerse yourself in the vibrant world of dahlias!
-Michael H.
-Meyer
Run to Remember
Summer numbers point to “fishy” fall
By Lucas Holmgren, Contributing Writer
Arecent article of mine discussed the start of a very encouraging number of summer steelhead. What hadn’t started yet was the sockeye salmon run, which is brief for the Lower Columbia and almost completely made up of fish headed far above Bonneville Dam to the upper reaches of the Columbia River. Unlike the summer steelhead and summer Chinook runs, the sockeye run in the Columbia is very brief, and as a result, on a good year, it can be mindblowing how many salmon are swimming by the very banks of Oregon and Washington beaches.
At the time of writing (July 16, 2024), more than 742,000 sockeye have crossed over Bonneville Dam. This is far beyond the previous record of 614,179 sockeye that passed over the first Columbia Dam (Bonneville) in 2014. With such an incredible run of what many consider to be the world’s
best-tasting salmon, one would think that the fishing season in the Lower Columbia would have liberal limits and lots of opportunity. That is not the case this year, as just a few endangered stocks of sockeye in the Snake River have shown some sign of decreased returns, combined with concerns about spawning-time temperatures, which can have a dramatic affect on sockeye salmon as they are not as hardy as other species. Other stocks of sockeye, however, have far exceeded expectations, resulting in increased limits to allow for more harvest.
By the end of July, the sockeye run usually dwindles to small numbers, even on excellent years like 2024. So although 2024 is the best year on record since Bonneville Dam started counting fish returns, residents looking to fish around cities like Vancouver and Portland were not able to fish at the peak of the season due to an early emergency closure of the fishery. This is a common occurrence with many stocks of fish, especially the prized spring Chinook.
We’re your local experts backed by the #1 provider of custom window coverings in North America. We partner with you every step of the way—design, measure and install— because we think everyone, at every budget, deserves style, service and the best warranty in the business.
Anglers fishing in the Upper Columbia have been able to enjoy excellent fishing and relatively high harvest limits. No matter what, the number of sockeye salmon, not to mention a strong improvement in summer steelhead returns, point to improved ocean conditions, as salmon and steelhead returns are not only affected by their juvenile development in the river, but, in large part, by ocean conditions and predation as well.
With numbers like this returning to the Columbia River, there is an optimistic outlook as to what is usually the best time for salmon fishing in the Northwest: fall. Chinook and coho are more coastal in their ocean migration, and if this summer is any indication, we could be in for a very “fishy” fall.
Chinook salmon
Sockeye salmon
Into the Vortex
Vortex I, Oregon’s counterculture music festival
By Robert Matsumura, Contributing Writer
The name “Woodstock” reverberates throughout the annals of Rock and Roll history as one of the greatest concerts of all time. Lost to many people today, however, is the memory of Portland’s own version of Woodstock which took place in the summer of 1970. An era defined by the Vietnam War, social upheaval, and the countercultural revolution, these were turbulent times in America, as the winds of change ushered-in debates on the very nature of our country’s identity. In the midst of this turmoil, Oregon became the site of a unique and almost surreal event: Vortex I. This rock festival at McIver State Park on the outskirts of Portland transcended the definition of a “concert.” As memorable as the music was, it proved to be a radical experiment in peacekeeping and a significant event in the cultural history of Oregon.
An Out-of-the Box Solution to Potential Chaos
In the summer of 1970, Governor Tom McCall faced a major dilemma. Portland was set to host the American Legion convention, at which President Richard Nixon was scheduled to appear to promote the continuation of the Vietnam War. As one might imagine, this promised to attract both veterans and crowds of anti-war protesters. In the wake of the tragic events at Kent State University, fears ran high that chaos and violence might erupt at such a contentious event. Motivated to find a solution, McCall and his advisors met with a coalition of Portland counterculture-peace-activists who had devised a strategy to promote the emerging peace community — a music festival called Vortex I: A Biodegradable Festival of Life. McCall agreed to issue a permit for the rock festival to take place at the same time as the American Legion Convention, despite the well publicized nudity
and the marijuana use of the recent Woodstock concert. McCall was quoted as saying he had “just committed political suicide.”
Thus Vortex I was born. The strategy was bold but simple: create a free rock festival to draw potential protesters away from the city. Although it was a gamble, McCall’s willingness to embrace such an unconventional approach is what set Oregon apart.
McIver State Park:
A Natural Haven
Due to its natural beauty, situated along the Clackamas River, McIver Park was chosen as an ideal place to promote love, peace and harmony. The park rapidly transformed into a bustling festival ground with stages, food stalls, and campsites to accommodate the influx of attendees.
Anticipation for the event was palpable. Word spread like wildfire through the counterculture grapevine and soon thousands of young people were migrating to the park. By the start of the festival on August 28, 1970, McIver State Park was brimming with an estimated 30,000 attendees eager to embrace the spirit of Vortex I.
A Festival Unlike Any Other
Vortex I was anything but your typical rock festival. A freeflowing eclectic mix of music, arts, and alternative lifestyles, the festival grounds featured makeshift art installations, communal kitchens and included a free health clinic. Famous national acts such as The Grateful Dead, Santana, and Jefferson Airplane were supposed to have performed at the festival, but never actually did. The music was provided primarily by local talent such as Brown Sugar, Lloyd Jones, and Jacob’s Ladder, among others. Two national acts who did perform were blues harmonica player and vocalist Charlie Musselwhite with his band, and
Soul/R&B singer Gene Chandler backed by the band Funk. The music was diverse, ranging from rock and folk to blues and psychedelic, reflecting the varied tastes of the crowd. Attendees participated in yoga sessions, meditation circles, and impromptu drum jams. It was a celebration of countercultural ideals, with peace, community and environmental consciousness as the focal point.
The Spirit of Vortex I
What made Vortex I unique versus other festivals of the era was its sense of purpose. It wasn’t just a party; it was a statement. The attendees, most of whom had come of age during the civil rights movement and the Summer of Love, saw Vortex I as an opportunity to demonstrate that peace and unity were achievable goals. The event’s mantra: “Break free! Love is the answer” was fully embraced by the festival-goers. This spirit of harmony even extended to relations between the attendees and the authorities. The Oregon National Guard, mobilized to ensure safety and order, found themselves in a unique
position. Prepared for confrontations, they experienced cooperation and respect. Guardsmen were offered food and some even joined in the festivities — a direct contrast to the violence seen at other protests and gatherings across the country.
A Peaceful Legacy
Vortex I was a resounding success in multiple ways. The American Legion convention in Portland proceeded without major incident (as it turned out, Nixon ended up canceling his appearance and Vice President Spiro Agnew appeared in his place), with the festival functioning as intended, by drawing potential protesters away from the city. More importantly, Vortex I left an enduring legacy of peaceful protest and community spirit.
As for Governor McCall, the bold experiment paid dividends. The success of Vortex I earned him national attention and solidified his reputation as a forwardthinking leader. The festival itself came to symbolize the positive potential of creativity and open-mindedness when
applied to problem-solving — that peace and music were harmonious partners, particularly in times of division and strife.
Vortex I in Retrospect
Today, the memory of Vortex I lives on. Remembered fondly by those who attended it, Oregonians can look back to it as a testament to the power of unconventional thinking and the enduring appeal of music and community. More than just a historical footnote, it’s a reminder of a time when Oregon dared to do something different, pioneering innovative solutions to the societal challenges of the time.
So next time you’re enjoying the beauty of McIver State Park, take a moment to reflect on the festival that once transformed this tranquil space into a revolutionary haven of peace and music. If you listen hard, you may still hear the echoes of guitars and the laughter of a generation committed to make the world a better place. Vortex I is now but a part of history, but its spirit lives on, a vibrant part of Oregon’s rich cultural tapestry.
Gutter Shutter, the
Gutter Shutter is the leading name in gutter protection for the greater Oregon and Washington area.
Gutter Shutter: The Proven Gutter System
01. LIFETIME No-Clog Warranty! Will never clog or fill with debris.
02. No-Pull Away Guarantee. Will never pull away from your home for the lifetime of the structure!
03. Certified GutterStud brackets. Installs with certified Gutter-Stud brackets every 24 inches for guaranteed stability & strength
04. Match the aesthetic of your home. Available in a variety of colors to match, stand out or compliment your home’s colors.
