Stayton Community Advantage Magazine February 2025

Chemeketa Graduates: The Backbone of Our Community

From the paramedics saving lives to the dental assistants ensuring your brightest smile, Chemeketa Community College graduates are everywhere, making a difference.

They are the auto mechanics keeping you on the road, the electricians powering your homes and businesses, and the skilled professionals driving our local economy forward.

Our community depends on their expertise, and so do local employers. At Chemeketa, we provide the training and hands-on experience needed to build a healthy, strong, and thriving community.

Will you be among our next group of graduates?

Explore our diverse career education pathways in healthcare, skilled trades, technology, and beyond. Your future starts here.

Chemeketa Community College

Building Careers, Strengthening Communities.

Feasts of Fat Tuesday

Pagan festivals evolved into global celebration

By Robert Matsumura, Active Media

Few celebrations capture the spirit of indulgence and revelry quite like Mardi Gras. Famous for its dazzling parades, vibrant costumes and festive atmosphere, this iconic event draws millions of visitors to New Orleans every year. But while New Orleans seems to be the hub of all things Mardi Gras, in truth, its origins are steeped in centuries-old traditions that span continents and cultures.

Tracing the roots of Mardi Gras takes us back to the ancient pagan festivals of Europe, particularly those focused on the arrival of spring, such as Saturnalia in Rome, and Lupercalia in ancient Italy. Featuring feasting, costumes, and public processions, these celebrations were a way to cast off the doldrums of winter and welcome the renewal of life. With the rise of Christianity, these pagan celebrations were integrated into, and reinterpreted by, the Church. Mardi Gras — which translates to “Fat Tuesday” in French — emerged as the final day of indulgence before the solemn 40-day season of Lent. With Lent being a time of fasting and discipline, Fat Tuesday was that last great blowout — a time to enjoy rich foods and pleasures one last time before a long period of abstinence.

At the heart of the Mardi Gras festivities is the krewe system, “Krewe” being an organization or social club that organizes and participates in Mardi Gras parades and festivities. Each krewe has its own theme, traditions, and membership requirements, contributing to the diversity and vibrancy of the celebrations. The first krewe was the Mystick Krewe of Comus in 1857, where elaborate floats, thematic parades, and nightime revelry were first introduced.

Beyond New Orleans, Mardi Gras is celebrated globally under various names and traditions. In Brazil, Rio’s Carnival dazzles with samba parades, glittering costumes, and massive street parties reflecting Brazil’s cultural fusion of African, European, and Indigenous influences. Venice’s Carnival is synonymous with opulent masked balls and intricate costumes evoking the city’s Renaissance history. Germany’s Fasching or Karneval features parades, comedic performances, and masquerades, with Cologne hosting one of the country’s largest celebrations.

Mardi Gras arrived in North America via French explorers. On March 3, 1699, Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville and JeanBaptiste Le Moyne de Bienville landed near present-day New Orleans and dubbed the site “Pointe du Mardi Gras” in honor of the holiday. By the early 18th century, French settlers in Mobile (modern-day Alabama) and New Orleans had established Mardi Gras traditions, featuring parades, masked balls, and feasts.

Traditional Mardi Gras foods also capture the spirit of indulgence and cultural richness. King cake, a sweet pastry decorated in the holiday’s iconic colors of purple, green, and gold, often contains a hidden figurine symbolizing luck. Whoever finds it is tasked with hosting the next party. Jambalaya, gumbo, and crawfish boils showcase the Creole and Cajun culinary heritage of Louisiana, blending French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences. Beignets, deep-fried pastries dusted with powdered sugar, are also a beloved sweet treat.

More than just a party, Mardi Gras is a living tapestry of history, culture, and community. From its ancient origins to its modern expressions, it lives on as a celebration of joy, resilience and creativity. Whether you’re catching beads in New Orleans or dancing at a samba parade in Rio, Mardi Gras draws everyone into its timeless revelry. And as the locals say, “Laissez les bons temps rouler” — let the good times roll!

Breathe Easy, Live Better

Naturally, Non-Surgically.

By Patti Jo Brooks, Active Media

Kara Langley, Active Media

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 8 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?

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 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.”

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 selfpay 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.

Photos by

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.

My Confession to Stayton...

Dear Friend,

When I meet people in Stayton, 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 26 and studying to be a chiropractor, I received an amazing treatment 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 Yamhill County, 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 26 and studying to be a chiropractor, I received an amazing treatment 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!”

Dear Friend, HERE’S

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 semi-professional 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. I spent over 1,000 hours over a 10-year period observing and studying with Dr. Stober and am now a leading expert. I became his protégé and the only student to treat him for the chronic headaches he sustained from a bad head injury as a kid. Those headaches lead him to develop this special, non-surgical treatment. I also truly believe he saved my son Chris from a lot of suffering as well.

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.

My Confession to Yamhill County...

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.

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.

There are reviews as well as my interview on my website: nasalspecific.com.

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.

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. There are reviews as well as my interview on my website: nasalspecific.com.

Now, my CONFESSION is that I don’t heal anyone!! I never have.

From Conehead to

From Conehead

Just scan the QR code to the right to listen to it.

to the

From Conehead to the Chicago Cubs

FROM CONEHEAD TO THE CHICAGO CUBS

always helped me, so I called up and sal specific treatments on me, and I after about 3 visits. I ’ve had oer completely clear for about the last sults of it are according to my wife, have sleep apnea anymore. I am sleeping am breathing really well with no blockage ing.” - Crit Haney Now, My CONFESSION is never have. I don’t treat or cure diseases. make a specific spinal or cranial system functions better. It ’s your We’ve had tremendous results at this simple as that.

the Chicago Cubs

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

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.

Chicago Cubs

HERE’S JUST ONE TESTIMONIAL FROM A RECENT PATIENT

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 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 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 walkon 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 five years. One just never knows how valuable a Bilateral Nasal Specific Treatment and sound nutrition can be for a person’s health.

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 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 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 walkon 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 five years. One just never knows how valuable a Bilateral Nasal Specific Treatment and sound nutrition can be for a person’s health.

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.

“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.

Unique offer: you shouldn’t need expensive surgery, CPAP or drugs to breathe better!! 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 lifechanging 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.

always helped me, so I called up and sal specific treatments on me, and I after about 3 visits. I ’ve had oer completely clear for about the last sults of it are according to my wife, have sleep apnea anymore. I am sleeping am breathing really well with no blockage ing.” - Crit Haney Now, My CONFESSION is never have. I don’t treat or cure diseases. make a specific spinal or cranial system functions better. It ’s your We’ve had tremendous results at this simple as that.

Unique

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.

Unique Offer It shouldn

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.

’t

My nose was completely plugged off and I heard about Dr. Siegfried on the radio. I knew him 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.”

One half of Americans no longer and those who do have found that s where I come in. I have a are able to afford the care they need In the Journal of Manipulative peutics a study published in May 2007 are under regular chiropractor care you may not be running off to the that people actually pay less for long if they are seeing a chiropractor regularly.

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.

One half of Americans no longer and those who do have found that s where I come in. I have a are able to afford the care they need In the Journal of Manipulative peutics a study published in May 2007 are under regular chiropractor care you may not be running off to the that people actually pay less for long if they are seeing a chiropractor regularly.

Offer It shouldn’t Cost Your Health

It’s strange how life is because I have treated many more patients with many different conditions such as headaches, migraines, chronic sinusitis, neck, arm, back , sciatica pain, athletic injuries and more.

Here’s what some of my patients had to say: There are over 190 more Google Reviews

Cost Your Health

You can watch videos, read reviews and my FREE REPORT on my website at www. nasalspecific.com. Hope to see you soon!

Here’s what some of my patients had to say: There are over 190 more Google Reviews

Dedicated to your health and wellness, Dr. Siegfried www.nasalspecific.com

“I can’t thank Dr. Siegfried enough for the excellent care he has given me over the years. His adjustments, supplements, stretching and traction have gotten rid of my pain in a very short time. Yikes! can ’t tell you how good it feels to be pain free. I hope he never retires. ” - Cecelia Sahli

“I can’t thank Dr. Siegfried enough for the excellent care he has given me over the years. His adjustments, supplements, stretching and traction have gotten rid of my pain in a very short time. t tell you how good it feels to be pain free. I hope he ” - Cecelia Sahli

“I can’t thank Dr. Siegfried enough for the excellent care he has given me over the years. His adjustments, supplements, stretching and traction have gotten rid of my pain in a very short time. Yikes! can ’t tell you how good it feels to be pain free. I hope he never retires. ” - Cecelia Sahli

“Treated me and my family wonderfully after a bad car accident. Wonderful with both my children. One toddler and one infant. I

Treated me and my family wonderfully after a bad car accident. Wonderful with both my children. One toddler and one infant. I

We’ve simple and That are able surance. peutics are under you that people if they Unique Your my entire rays, cost you’ ment making ly. graduated Oregon. migraines, lash dietary ed Chiropractor many from ages.

If you bring in this article by my entire new patient exam and first rays, if necessary, not included). This cost you $295 elsewhere. Further care you’ll be happy to know that I have ment plan. “Further care” is very making your choice of doctor. High ly.

“Treated me and my family wonderfully after a bad car accident. Wonderful with both my children. One toddler and one infant. I could tell the difference after the 1 st appointment. ” - Aryian Mckay

Here are some of my qualifications graduated from Western States Chiropractic Oregon. Since then I have specialized migraines, shoulder, arm, hip, sciatica lash injuries, chronic sinusitis and dietary counseling and whole food ed Chiropractor of the Year in Oregon many other awards. I ’ve been entrusted from infants to professional athletes I just have that low fee to help

you soon!

warm wonderful Chiropractic is located our enthusiastic like YouTube Google link. you soon! Dedicated P.S. will

“My name is Landon Haney and I am 75 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 never make system

My assistants are wonderful! Our warm and we try our best to make wonderful service at an exceptional Chiropractic Clinic, A Pain and Wellness is located at 301 NE Dunn Place back our phone number is 503-472-6550 enthusiastic assistants to make an like to help you too. You can also YouTube channel Dr. George Siegfried, Google Reviews by searching for link. Our website is www.oregonwellnesscare.com you soon! could

“My name is Landon Haney and I am 75 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 never make system We’ve simple and That are able surance. peutics are under you that people if they Unique Your my entire rays, cost you’ ment making ly. graduated Oregon. migraines, lash dietary ed Chiropractor many from ages.

warm wonderful Chiropractic is located our enthusiastic like YouTube Google link. you soon! Dedicated P.S. will

My assistants are wonderful! Our warm and we try our best to make wonderful service at an exceptional Chiropractic Clinic, A Pain and Wellness is located at 301 NE Dunn Place back our phone number is 503-472-6550 enthusiastic assistants to make an like to help you too. You can also YouTube channel Dr. George Siegfried, Google Reviews by searching for link. Our website is www.oregonwellnesscare.com

Conehead to Chicago Cubs

What’s in a Heart?

Why candy hearts remain a cultural icon

By Donovan Darling, Active Media

Necco wafers, candy hearts, Sweethearts, conversation hearts. The candy goes by many names, with silly messages and a chalky consistency. The notorious candy hearts have a strange history that harkens back to a Civil War-era pharmacy and America’s first candy machine. The story begins in 1847, with a pharmacist named Oliver Chase, who invented a machine to produce lozenges. Back then, apothecary lozenges were popular for sore throats and other illnesses. But 175+ years ago, the process to make a lozenge was labor-intensive: pulverizing medicine and sugar paste by hand with a mortar and pestle, kneading dough, then rolling and cutting out little discs. Considered the first candy machine, Oliver invented a lozenge cutter to simplify the process and smartly shifted from making medicine to making candy, founding Chase and Company, which later became New England Confectionery Company, or Necco!

Here’s where the story gets really interesting. Legend tells us that Union soldiers during the Civil War carried Necco wafers, known as “hub wafers,” and Oliver Chase might have been inspired by the love letters these soldiers carried. Historians also suggest that perhaps Daniel Chase, Oliver’s brother, was inspired by the growing popularity of Esther Howland’s Valentine’s Day cards which began selling in the mid-1800s. A third and more likely explanation is that the candy wafers were inspired by the oddly named cockle, a popular candy shaped like a scallop seashell which contained a “motto” printed on a thin roll of paper stuffed inside. Daniel may have cleverly improved upon this design, printing the messages directly onto candy by using a felt roller pad wetted with red vegetable coloring.

However, Daniel’s “conversation candies” or “motto lozenges” weren’t heart-shaped until later in 1902. Until that time their candy was sold in a simple disc shape, but eventually they were sold in shapes like baseballs, watches and horseshoes. When the candy hearts were introduced they were hugely successful, and over the next 100 years other smaller companies began selling similar candies. In 1990, Necco acquired Stark Candy Company and became the “leading manufacturer in conversation hearts.” Today, the company claims to manufacture nearly 100,000 pounds of Sweethearts every day and approximately 8 billion candy hearts each year.

But what is a candy heart exactly? Necco offers classic Sweethearts, as well as chocolate, sugar-free, “dazzled,” and “color your own” varieties. According

to their website: “Manufacturers combine sugar, corn syrup, cornstarch, flavors, gums and colors into a mixing machine to create a dough, which then goes into a machine that presses it flat, stamps it with sayings and cuts it into hearts. After 30 minutes in a “drying tunnel,” the six different heart flavors are mixed together and packaged.” I guess they’re not made out of chalk!

Daniel Chase’s original printed lozenges were larger and therefore included longer phrases, like “HOW LONG SHALL I HAVE TO WAIT? PLEASE BE CONSIDERATE” and “WHY IS A STYLISH GIRL LIKE YOU A THRIFTY HOUSEKEEPER?” Obviously, times have changed! There were also weddingthemed sayings, such as “MARRIED IN WHITE, YOU HAVE CHOSEN RIGHT,” “MARRIED IN SATIN, LOVE WILL NOT BE LASTING.” Previous sayings like the deeply dated “FAX ME” and “GROOVY” have been discontinued. The more timeless messages like “BE MINE” and “KISS ME” you may be more familiar with. Whatever your feelings on candy hearts, they’re a fun and fascinating little piece of American history.

Marry Me Chicken

Ingredients

8 ounces spaghetti

3 tablespoons olive oil

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

* Kosher salt and black pepper

1 shallot, halved and thinly sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

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

1 chicken bouillon cube (0.4-ounce)

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan

1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil

Directions

 In large pot, cook pasta in boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.  Heat 2 tablespoons oil

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

You People (2023)

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

Say Anything (1989)

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

Elemental (2023)

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

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

Valentine’s Facts

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

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

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

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

Steelhead-line News

Encouraging signs for 2025 fishing

By Lucas Holmgren, Active Media

Runs of salmon and steelhead are so widely varied: One component can have blockbuster returns, while others will quietly suffer low numbers and closed fisheries. Over the last decade, many headlines and articles speak of high numbers of returning species like sockeye, but often steelhead are holding on by a thread, forcing closure of popular steelhead fisheries. These runs are cyclical, and we seem to be on the bottom end of the lowest cycle for summer and winter returning steelhead.

The 2023 forecast for returning summer steelhead on the Columbia River was only 67,800 adult fish, but total numbers appear to have strongly exceeded that prediction. With an

actual 2023 return of 113,891 summer steelhead, they have outperformed expectations. This is a welcome change, as depleted stocks of summer steelhead result in the loss of multiple fisheries all the way up the Columbia River.

The winter numbers of steelhead are difficult to get exact counts on, as they are primarily coastal and can spawn quickly and leave just as fast. Unlike salmon, steelhead usually do not die in their spawning stream, but will make an effort to swim back downstream and out to the ocean.

An overall increase in abundance of steelhead coast-wide indicates better ocean conditions for steelhead. While Chinook and Coho salmon often follow the coastlines, steelhead exit their freshwater rivers and swim solitarily across open ocean, encountering warmer waters and warm water predators.

The 2024 summer steelhead numbers in the Lower Columbia and Upper Columbia gave hope to steelhead enthusiasts, and for some, catches were excellent. In fact, this author’s brother had his best season ever, fishing the Lower Columbia tributaries for hatchery steelhead. “Hooking a steelhead every single trip in May and June, on multiple rivers, was something I never expected to happen.”

The early season was certainly one for the books! The author took several friends out in May to tangle with ultra-fresh and hard-fighting fish. It certainly was never “easy,” so to speak, but effort was rewarded. Populations of winter steelhead show many encouraging signs, including multiple Washington Coastal rivers opening to fishing for the first time in several years.

“All it takes is one,” and my first “winter run” of the season was a wonderful sign, and close to home. Steelheaders, time to dust off the graphite rods and get moving. 2025 has already shown promise, and with research and technique, you’ll have a chance at the fish that makes the Pacific Northwest so special.

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