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BUSINESS FEATURE Swan Island Dahlias Festival
Original Charm with Updates on 1.69 Acres
Lovely and Spacious Tualatin Traditional Vaulted Ceilings & Main Level Living
Where Art and Fable Collide
An artist’s journey of resilience
By Dennis McNabb, Contributing Writer
Through her highly-detailed and gorgeously-rendered acrylic illustrations, renowned local artist Kathleen Powers whisks us away into an enchanting world. Often casting herself metaphorically as the feathered and furry subjects of her works, she also writes original fables to accompany each piece. Read at the viewer’s discretion, these delightful passages offer a unique and profound glimpse into the mind of the artist. Interpretation is still, of course, left up to the individual, but for those seeking insight into “what the artist was trying to say,” there are answers to be gleaned. Whether one chooses to follow Kathleen down the rabbit hole, or discover a path of their own, viewing her art is a uniquely-engaging experience that is not to be missed.
Kathleen began drawing and painting at a young age. Although encouraged by family and friends, it was a particularly supportive high school teacher who helped
her put together her first portfolio and to apply then choose between a variety of art schools for her Bachelor’s degree. Pragmatically minded, she chose to major in photography over painting since it seemed to allow for more opportunities. She continued along that path through grad school, and worked for several years in product photography before shifting her attention back to her deepest passion, painting. Unfortunately, at the age of 21, she was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), a condition which would come to define much of her life and her work despite her optimistic outlook and tenacity of spirit.
To meet Kathleen is to encounter someone who embodies the very essence of “glass half-full.”
Warm, intelligent, passionate and enthusiastic, she is an inspiration to all: to those suffering from debilitating diseases and to those who aren’t. We all struggle through periods of inaction due to self-doubt and insecurity. But here is a person who deals with terrible pain 24/7, who uses special grips, and who has her right index finger fused at a specific angle just so she can hold her paintbrush! She doesn’t complain about it, nor does she use her condition as a crutch. She “simply” faces and slays her dragons every day, in whatever way possible, because she must. This is who she is. To not express herself artistically is to not live to her fullest potential.
Kathleen Powers is an incredible artist and human being. Opening August 10th, as part of Astoria Artwalk, she will have an exhibit of all new work showing at the RiverSea Gallery. Although she is a self-proclaimed introvert, and only likes to explain her work if pointedly asked to, she will be there on opening day between 4:00-8:30 pm. Do yourself the service of making the drive and meeting her in person. If that’s not possible, the exhibit will last through September 10th. You can also discover some of her other work by checking out her fantastic website: kathleenpowers.com.
The people at Willamette Outdoor wash are on time, polite, friendly, hard workers who take care to not harm plants around the house. They washed our vinyl siding and applied moss control to our roof. The house looks brilliant now. We plan to use them to in the future as need arises, and can recommend them with confidence.
-Michael H.
I am the Community Outreach Coordinator for the Gilbert House Children’s Museum and recently hired Gary and his team to pressure wash our Outdoor Discovery Area. They were prompt, professional, and did an amazing job cleaning the space. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for their service.
Thank you!
-Meyer R.
Açaí Adventure
Healthy
restaurant specializes in superfoods
By Angie Helvey, Contributing Writer
by Brittany Jungenberg
Vitality Bowls is your neighborhood açaí oasis, famous for creating the healthiest and most delicious acai bowls, smoothies, fresh-squeezed juices, wellness wraps, loaded power toasts and more. Fortified with rare and wholesome superfoods, their offerings provide unique benefits to the human body that promote optimal functioning and will leave you feeling healthy and strong!
Owner Andres Radilla worked at Vitality Bowls in high school, and when the opportunity later came to buy the place, he knew it was the right decision. The young entrepreneur also owns two locations of Big Town Hero and is always hustling, so his fiance Elizabeth Pena has been managing the store since he acquired it in 2021. Not initially familiar with the franchise, she’s now fallen in love with the food and all the company stands for. “What I really like is their commitment to bringing health and wellness to the community,” she says.
The signature Vitality Bowl is extremely popular, with organic acai, bananas, and strawberries blended into a thick base and topped with more fruit, organic granola, honey and organic goji berries. It also contains the VB blend, a superfood mixture of mangosteen, Aronia berry, camu camu, moringa, acai, blueberry, strawberry and pomegranate. For a savory option, Elizabeth recommends the Green Glow Bowl, a grain bowl with super greens, chicken, grains, avocado, cucumber radish, pickled red onion, lemon tahini vinaigrette, Green Goddess dressing, feta cheese, mint and superseed crunch.
Wellness wraps are also a customer favorite, especially the Vitality Wrap — a tomato basil tortilla stuffed full of hummus,
avocado, super greens, grains, roasted potato, radish, pickled red onion, lemon tahini vinaigrette, garlic aioli and superseed crunch. Any items containing meat are made with all-natural, grass-fed varieties for excellent taste and nutritional value.
The store is open and bright, with big windows, a fireplace and several seating options, including a high-top bar and outdoor spots. It’s 100% family-friendly, and though they have a children’s menu, all the offerings are kid-friendly and a great way to sneak in some extra vitamins to nourish their rapidly growing bodies and brains. “Moms will ask if we can throw some spinach or protein into their kid’s smoothie, and we’re happy to do that,” says Elizabeth. All menu items can be modified, with some extras incurring an additional charge.
As a company, Vitality Bowls is committed to helping customers avoid allergens. “Corporate has done a great job designing a way to avoid cross-contamination in the kitchen,” Elizabeth explains. She and her friendly, cohesive team truly love their customers and especially enjoy seeing regulars. Andres’s mother and two teenage brothers work at the store, along with Daisia, who’s been there since before he took over.
The restaurant offers catering and is ready to supply healthy, nutritious dining options for your next event! They’re partnered with ezCater for convenience, but customers should feel free to call the store directly to place their order. Anything on the menu is available, and they can accommodate most group sizes, so it’s ideal for business lunches or corporate events. For delivery, find them on Doordash, Ubereats and Grubhub.
The store is open daily at 7 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. on weekdays and 7:30 p.m. on the weekend, so it’s a great place to start the day with the ultimate healthy breakfast or to enjoy a sweet treat with the whole family after a sporting event. Make Vitality Bowls part of your routine and delight in healthy, flavorful foods you can feel good about eating. Download the app to earn rewards, get a free birthday bowl and access to mobile ordering. Vitality Bowls is located at 7935 SW Nyberg St, #135, Tualatin. Call at 503-482-5960 or visit www.vitalitybowls.com.
Photos
Bloomin’ Good Time
Dahlias 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.
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, festival-goers can discover new 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 and expanded gift shop that offers a wide 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.
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
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Baked Zucchini Fries
Crisp yet tender and healthy, too
Ingredients
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 zucchini, quartered lengthwise
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Directions
Preheat oven to 425°F. Coat a cooling rack with nonstick spray and place on a baking sheet; set aside. In a large bowl, combine panko, Parmesan and Italian seasoning; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside. Working in batches, dredge zucchini in flour, dip into eggs, then dredge in Panko mixture, pressing to coat. Place zucchini onto prepared baking sheet. Place into oven and bake for 20–22 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley, if desired, and alongside warm spaghetti sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
Fresh from the Garden
When picking zucchini, check if the fruit is firm. Softness indicates it is probably rotting and should be discarded. For picking zucchini, use a sharp knife, pruners or scissors to cut the stem one or two inches from the fruit.
Going For Gold
Where history meets innovation
By Robert Matsumura, Contributing Writer
As global attention focuses on Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics, excitement is mounting. 100 years have transpired since the City of Light last hosted the Games in 1924, and Paris is gearing up for an Olympic Games like no other. For the thousands who travel to the games in person and the millions viewing remotely around the world, the Paris Olympics promises to be a fusion of historic charm and cutting-edge innovation, melding the city’s storied past with its vibrant, contemporary culture.
A Glimpse of Olympics Past
Paris is famous for grandeur and spectacle on a massive scale and the 2024 Olympics will be no different. Paris first hosted the Games in 1900 where this pioneering event saw the first introduction of female athletes to the Olympics. The city next hosted the games in 1924 at the height of the roaring twenties, managing to capture the vibrant spirit of the fabulous age. As the 2024 Olympics loom closer, nostalgia mingles with anticipation as the city’s rich Olympic legacy will be showcased for a global audience.
Iconic Venues Reimagined
The Paris Olympics of 2024 promises to be a breathtaking display of architectural marvels. The dazzling spectacle of the opening ceremony along the River Seine will transform the heart of Paris into an open-air stage like no other. This is the first time the opening ceremony will be held outside of a traditional stadium setting and promises to be an unforgettable sight with the Parade of Nations to be conducted as a boat parade down the Seine, and the official Olympic protocol being held in a mini-stadium constructed on the historic Place du Trocadero. The parade route will span approximately 3.7 miles and feature views of famous Paris landmarks. Organizers of the event have billed it as the “People’s Olympics,” and the “most spectacular and accessible opening ceremony in Olympic history.” The event is free to attend, and is estimated to draw as many as 600,000 spectators.
The storied Stade de France will be the primary venue for the athletics, while the equestrian events will unfold against the historic backdrop of the Château de Versailles, imparting a regal splendor to the competitions. Both the new Paris Aquatics Centre and La Chapelle Arena were designed with sustainability at the forefront, emphasizing the city’s passion and commitment to a greener future.
Ludovic Marin/AFP
The beach volleyball tournaments on the Eiffel Tower’s Champ de Mars will be a remarkable sight to behold where athletic prowess will be on display against the backdrop of one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.
Sustainability and Innovation at the Forefront
Sustainability is a major theme for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The city has established ambitious goals to reduce the environmental impact of the games, targeting a 55% reduction in carbon emissions versus previous events. By incorporating the use of existing infrastructure, along with innovations such as renewable energy-powered venues and zero-emission transportation options, Paris’ dedication to a sustainable future will be on full display.
Augmenting the environmental initiatives and sustainability factor will be next-level technology for both the athletes and the visitors. Everyone involved will benefit from a dedicated app providing real-time updates on events, transport and amenities. For those who aren’t able to attend the games in person, state-of-the-art broadcasting will bring the Games to life no matter where you are in the world, with multiple viewing options.
American Athletes in the Spotlight
For Americans, the 2024 Olympics are sure to be both memorable and thrilling. With Team USA expected to showcase a mix of seasoned champions and up-and-coming stars, America should have a strong showing at the games. Athletes like Simone Biles in gymnastics, Katie Ledecky and Katie Grimes in swimming, and Noah Lyles and Sha’Carri Richardson in track and field are all frontrunners in their respective events. Team USA Men’s Basketball will once again be a favorite with the
likes of Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, Joel Embiid and LeBron James leading the charge. On the women’s side, Kelsey Plum, Brittney Griner and Diana Taurasi headline an American squad that is sure to be a force. In golf, Scottie Scheffler, currently ranked No.1 in the World Golf Rankings, is certain to be a strong performer. Coco Gauff in women’s tennis is also primed for a commanding performance. The Paris games will also see skateboarding, surfing, break dancing and sport climbing make their Olympic debuts as new fields of competition.
The Spirit of Paris
Beyond the competitions, the Paris Olympics will provide an opportunity to explore and experience the city’s unparalleled charm. From its world-renowned cuisine to its iconic sites and museums, Paris provides the ultimate backdrop for the Games. Visitors can stroll along the Seine, indulge in croissants at gourmet patisseries and immerse themselves in the culture that has made Paris a premier global destination for well over a century.
An Event Like No Other…
The 2024 Paris Olympics will be more than just a sporting event; it will be a celebration of history, innovation, and global humanity. As athletes from around the world come together to compete, the Games will once again inspire and serve as a unifying force in a world rife with challenges on many fronts. Whether you’ll be in the stands at the games or watching on TV and cheering from home, the Paris Olympics promise to be an unforgettable experience, a testament to the beauty and resilience of sports and the city that hosts it. This summer, Paris is set to host one of the most amazing Olympic games in history — whatever you do, don’t miss this epic event!
A Wish Come True
Service and quality you can trust
By Patti Jo Brooks, Contributing Writer
Trying to keep up with the constant demands of home maintenance? Put Window Genie to work! Window Genie specializes in window cleaning, pressure washing, gutter cleaning, holiday lighting and window tinting. More than that, Window Genie’s team is part of a larger network that can connect you to other services beyond its scope. Locally owned and operated, Window Genie of Beaverton, Tigard and Lake Oswego has so much to offer you’ll wish you’d had them at your fingertips all along.
A local franchise, Window Genie of Beaverton, Tigard and Lake Oswego is owned and operated by Shari Poindexter. Fully licensed and insured and part of a large national company, “you can count on Window Genie to clean, protect and beautify your home so you don’t have to.” A commitment to customer satisfaction and professionalism is what has set them apart since 1994.
From developing her team to working with clients, Shari’s business philosophy centers around building strong relationships. “It’s really about the people: those I hire to do the work, the clients we serve; making myself available for onsite estimates, and the team members who answer your call.”
Shari understands the business is about more than just the work they do. They might be onsite for window cleaning or
pressure washing, but it’s about the entire experience. “From start to finish, we want the entire process to be relational and professional. After all, I’m sending my team to walk amidst a client’s home, their kids, their pets — our clients have to feel good about the interaction as well as the results we deliver while we’re there.”
For clients who are interested in multiple services per year ask about the Pre-Pay and Save Annual Maintenance Plan! If you’d like your windows or gutters cleaned a couple times per year, for example, just pick the dates (no contract and nothing to sign) and Window Genie will apply the appropriate 15% to 30% discount when you prepay and schedule the services in advance. Then if life happens, and the selected date no longer works, no worries — Window Genie will confirm a few weeks in advance and will simply move your service to another day. So give them a try! Clients only pay upon completion of the initial service, because that’s just good business! And Window Genie is backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise™: “It’s not done until it’s done right!”
Window Genie is part of the home services network of Neighborly™ Company. So if a home maintenance job falls outside of Window Genie’s purview, chances are that another one of Neighborly’s home service brands can help — visit Neighborly.com.
Call Window Genie of Beaverton, Tigard and Lake Oswego, today for your free in-home estimate (503) 828-9025 or visit their website WindowGenie.com/Beaverton-Tigard-Lake-Oswego.
OREO COOKIE
THE CHRONICLE OF AN AMERICAN COOKIE ICON
The Oreo cookie. Two chocolate wafers with a creamy vanilla filling sandwiched between them. A perennial favorite for decades, Oreos are loved by millions around the world, with one major debate baked into its delicious existence, which revolves around the best way to eat them: dunk or twist. There are two opposing camps: Twisters and Dunkers. The former maintain that the best way to eat an Oreo is to twist them apart and enjoy each side separately; some eat the creamy center first. The latter, on the other hand, insist the cookie should be dipped into milk and allowed to basically melt in your mouth. Either way, both camps agree this classic cookie is downright delicious! Of course, there are those of us who don’t belong to either side and simply savor the Oreo as a tasty sandwich cookie.
TO DUNK OR TWIST?
In 1898, several competing baking companies merged to form the National Biscuit Company, also known as Nabisco. In 1902, Nabisco introduced Barnum’s Animal Crackers for the first time, gaining fame by packaging them in small boxes designed like animal cages at the circus, and featuring an attached string for hanging the boxes from Christmas trees.
It was in 1912 when Nabisco had dreamed up this “new” cookie, but in truth, the concept of two crisp chocolate wafers
surrounding a flat cream filling had already been introduced: Since 1908, Sunshine Biscuits had been producing its Hydrox cookies in Kansas City. Although Nabisco has never identified Hydrox as its inspiration, it’s difficult to deny the similarity between the two cookies. The Oreo quickly surpassed its competitor and soon reigned supreme in the sandwich cookie realm. Nabisco made certain to file for a trademark on its new cookie, which was granted on Aug. 12, 1913.
When Nabisco’s new cookie was first introduced in 1912, it appeared as an Oreo Biscuit — “biscuit” being the common word for cookie back in England and a holdover term from colonial days. In 1921, it was renamed the Oreo Sandwich before another change in 1937 to the Oreo Creme Sandwich. It wasn’t until 1974 that Nabisco finally settled on the official name: the Oreo Chocolate Sandwich Cookie. Despite the plethora of name changes over the years, most people have typically just called it the “Oreo.” The appearance of the cookie progressed from the original design, which simply featured the name Nabisco with a wreath at the edge, to the addition of two turtle doves and a ring of laurels in 1924. The more elaborate design we know today first appeared in 1954.
As for the origin of the name “Oreo,” Nabisco has no definitive answer. One school of thought asserts that the cookie’s name was derived from “or,” the French word for gold,
1952 Nabisco Oreo advertisement
which was the primary color on the early packaging. Others maintain the name was inspired from the shape of the original cookie which resembled a mound or hill. Proponents of this theory cite the Greek word for mountain, “oreo,” as the source of the cookie’s name. Others argue the name is the result of taking “re” from “cream” and sandwiching it — like the cookie — between the two o’s in “chocolate” to make “o-re-o.”
Despite the mysterious origin of the cookie’s name, the Oreo has been a perennial hit. As of 2019, approximately 450 billion Oreo cookies have been sold since 1912, placing it atop the mountain of cookie sales and endearing it to millions of people worldwide.
Although the original recipe of the Oreo has not changed much, Nabisco has experimented with variations on the classic cookie. In 1975, Nabisco released Double Stuff Oreos to the delight of those who craved the cookie’s creamy filling. In 1987, fudge-coated Oreos hit the market, with festive holiday versions released in 1991 (Halloween Oreos) and 1995 (Christmas Oreos). Over the years, there have been numerous other iterations of the Oreo, including the Golden Oreo, Oreo Minis, Oreo
Cakesters and Oreo Double Triples.
Despite the limited edition variations, the delicious filling inside the Oreo evolved only minimally with the passage of time. The creamy filling was created
by Nabisco’s “principal scientist” Sam Porcello, who is frequently referred to as “Mr. Oreo.” His recipe, created in 1912, has remained essentially the same, though due to health concerns the company switched from the use of lard to non-hydrogenated vegetable oil to veer from trans fats.
Although the majority of Oreo production was once carried out at the Hershey’s factory in Hershey, Pennsylvania, the beloved cookie is now produced around the world in 18 different countries.
Nabisco’s marketing of the Oreo cookie has been remarkably successful, with highlights that include a 2013 tweet, “You can still dunk in the dark,” inspired by the 39-minute power outage in Super Bowl XLVII. The Guinness Book of World Records’ largest taste test took place in Madrid, Spain, in 2009 when 1,471 participants compared the taste of an Oreo to an imitation cookie. One fun piece of trivia for cookie aficionados is that New York City’s 15th Street at Ninth Avenue is called Oreo Way in honor of it being the birthplace of the Oreo cookie.
One thing is for certain: No matter how you enjoy your Oreo cookie, be it dunking, twisting or eating as-is, this crunchy chocolate creamy delight has satisfied the palates of generations of people around the world for more than a century. Styles, technology and fashions come and go, but it’s a good bet that the Oreo cookie is here to stay.
Nabisco Oreo billboard circa 1956
Vintage tin replica of a 1918 Oreo advertisement.
Oreo TV commercial circa 1980
DAYS OF THE DOG STAR
The ancient origins of summer heat folklore
By Donovan Darling, Staff Writer
Everyone has heard the saying ‘Dog Days of Summer,’ but what are they, when are they, and what does it even mean?
The Dog Days of Summer stretch for 40 days from July 3 to August 11, referring to the especially hot and humid summer months in the Northern Hemisphere, yet their roots began with ancient civilizations.
The Dog Days of Summer coincide with the dawn rising of the star Sirius, also known as the Dog Star. Part of the constellation Canis Majoris (the “Greater Dog”), this is where Sirius gets its canine nickname, as well as its official name Alpha Canis Majoris. Apart from our own Sun, sometimes known as Sol (Latin for “sun”), Sirius is the brightest star in the sky.
Way back in ancient Rome and Greece, the Dog Days of Summer were thought to be a season of drought, unrest, and bad luck, where men and dogs would go mad due to the heat. More so, the combination of Sirius’ light and heat with the Sun’s was thought to affect men and women, animals and plants, even blighting the bark from tree trunks. These days we don’t think of the Dog Days so dramatically – and mostly farmers are concerned with them – but rather, we think of them as a period of peak summer temperatures and humidity.
In ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt, all known for their extensive knowledge of astronomy and science yet still rooted deeply in folklore and superstition, they believed that the heliacal (“at sunrise”) rising of Sirius during this period caused the blistering seasonal heat. More specifically, that the heat of our own Sun and super-bright Sirius combined caused this “scorching” heat. The name “Sirius,” from the Ancient Greek seírios, even means “scorching.” For the ancient Egyptians specifically, the dawn rising of Sirius (also known as Sothis to the Egyptians) coincided with the flooding of the Nile River, and they used the star as a “barometer” to help predict when the flooding would occur. Contrary to ancient belief, we know now that the dawn rising of Sirius does not affect seasonal weather, but its appearance during the hottest part of summer does keep the folklore of the Dog Days alive and well.
Dog days bright and clear Indicate a good year; But when accompanied by rain, We hope for better times in vain.
(Henry Harrison Chase Dunwoody’s “Proverbs Relating to Months, Weeks, and Days”)
Helping Hands
Facilitating families for furry friends
By Justin Woomer, Contributing Writer
Sadly, more than half a million pets were euthanized in the United States in 2023. They weren’t all dogs that bit children or feral cats that had taken over a neighborhood. In fact, the main issue is space in animal shelters and overpopulation. The truth is that the animals being euthanized are the same animals that are lying in your living room right now; the only difference is they weren’t lucky enough to have you, or Brittany Hazel and Hazel’s House. Those animals got dished a bad bowl of kibble which wasn’t their fault, and they didn’t have advocates.
One group of amazing advocates is Hazel’s House Animal Rescue led by Brittany Hazel. Starting in 2017 with a box of barn kittens and a dream, Brittany quickly realized a passion for fostering and animal husbandry. Brittany began learning everything she could from Newberg Animal Shelter and by 2020 she and her team began Hazel’s House, primarily for cats. By the fall of 2020 they became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. By 2021 Hazel’s House had expanded to help dogs. Hazel’s House is a volunteer and donation-based rescue, meaning that Brittany and her board of animal experts don’t do it alone. The mission only continues with help from the community.
Hazel’s House has a new outreach program that is an inventive way to keep pets in their loving homes and out of shelters. The program is partially funded by a grant earned from the Austin Family Foundation and works in a three-tier attack. The first tier is spay and neuter assistance. It’s expensive, and Hazel’s House has partnered with local veterinarians to help loving people who can’t afford to do the right thing but want to. Tier two is food assistance: Brittany and her team set up food assistance events to give food to those who need it with no judgment. If you don’t get paid for two weeks and Fido is out of food, then stop by. Tier three is the Angel Fund and is a way to keep sick animals in their loving homes. When an animal has an emergency and a family can’t afford a procedure, the animal gets taken or euthanized. The Angel Fund prevents this from happening by financially assisting those furry friends.
Brittany was asked what she would say to someone who needs help but feels shame for asking. “If someone loves their pet and wants to keep them but is struggling or in a hard place the first thing I would say is reach out. Don’t be ashamed, scared or hesitant. We understand food has all but doubled in price. We know housing has become expensive. Let us help try and take something off your shoulders and if we can’t help, we have resources.”
When asked how can the community help? Brittany had this to say, “People can help in many ways! Not everyone can adopt or foster but everyone can help. Our Facebook is the best way to stay involved and know what’s going on. We have events a few times a year and need volunteers. Donations are always needed and appreciated. Coming out to our events like the Soup Competition in October and our Holiday Bazaar in November helps raise money for the rescue. Simply sharing our post and telling friends and family about us is great. The more people who know about us and what our mission is, the more we can help.”
Hazel’s House is in Newberg. Contact them at 971-264-0760 or hazelshousepdx@gmail.com. Follow on Facebook and Instagram for upcoming events and volunteer opportunities. Foster and adoption info at hazelshousepdx.com.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)
“Peaches, Peaches, Peaches, Peaches, Peaches .” What to say about this iconic blockbuster from last year? It’s gorgeously animated, incredibly scored and a smash hit for a new generation of kids, as well as adults old enough to remember playing the Nintendo Entertainment System in the ’80s and ’90s (myself included). While not in the traditional Nintendo continuity (if I can nerd out for a second), this watches like fan fiction and an ode to Nintendo and Super Mario Bros. nostalgia, piled high with references from various video games and consoles throughout the years. Contrary to the games, Mario is not rescuing Princess Peach, but rather she is training him to become strong enough to rescue his brother Luigi and save the world from Bowser. It’s funny, fast-paced and great for the whole family. Starring Chris Pratt (Mario), Charlie Day (Luigi), Anya Taylor-Joy (Peach), Jack Black (Bowser) and many more. Rated PG for action and mild violence.
Camp Nowhere (1994)
“Dad! Just because I'm smart doesn't mean I can't act stupid.” Camp Nowhere is a forgotten cult classic and perfect summer movie. Summer is approaching and a large ragtag group of middle school kids are being forced into summer camps — computer camp, fat camp, boot camp, you name it — and the kids want no part of it. Through serendipity, “Mud” (Jonathan Jackson) runs into ex-actor Dennis Van Welker (Christopher Lloyd) and convinces him to dupe all the parents into believing the kids have agreed to go to their respective summer camps, while in reality they pocket the money, rent an empty camp, and proceed to blow their cash on toys and junk food. In the vein of “Big” with Tom Hanks, it’s a kid’s free-for-all movie and cautionary tale of excess, with many lessons learned in responsibility, personal safety and maturity. It’s funny, silly and deeply nostalgic. Rated PG, this feels like a light PG-13 due to language and mature “teen” content.
The Goonies (1985)
“Goonies never say die!” As I recently visited the Goonies House and the old County Jail in Astoria, this movie is even more soaked in nostalgia and local lore for me. Filmed in Astoria and nearby beaches, this is a classic ’80s “kids have an adventure” movie with Scooby Doo/Hardy Boys vibes — there’s a jailbreak, criminals, skeletons, secret passages, and pirate maps and treasure. When they find a treasure map in their father’s old museum antiquities, Mikey (Sean Astin) and his friends decide this could save his house from foreclosure, with older brother “Brand” (Josh Brolin) and his friends in tow on their crazy adventure. It’s a cheesy, funny, coming-of-age romp perfect for a summer afternoon. Also starring Corey Feldman and Ke Huy Quan. While rated PG, this feels like a strong PG-13 with language, violence and mature “teenage” content.
Stream these movies where available, or rent from your local movie store, library or rental kiosk.
The People’s Champion
Cowboy and rodeo rider lived a wild ride
By the time Fletcher reached working age, the most promising source of employment for him was as a cowboy. Fletcher quickly became a skilled horseman and began competing in rodeo competitions at age 15, developing a unique style. Besides his race, Fletcher stood out for his bright orange chaps and loose, nonchalant saddle demeanor. In exhibition rides and events, Fletcher developed routines which dazzled audiences, including riding buffalo and riding back-to-back with other cowboys on the same horse.
By Oregon Black Pioneers
George Fletcher is one of Oregon’s most celebrated cowboys and rodeo performers. Fletcher was born in St. Marys, Kansas in 1890. Before he was 10, the Fletcher family left Kansas for Pendleton, Oregon. Pendleton was the heart of Oregon’s cattle industry, and many men in Pendleton made a living driving, herding, branding and breeding cattle.
At the turn of the century, Oregon’s Black population numbered just 1105 people, 70% of whom lived in Portland. Umatilla County, home to Pendleton, had just 30 Black residents in 1900. Rural Black Oregonians were very isolated, and lacked the support of strong community organizations. Most worked in subservient positions or in dangerous, low skilled occupations.
As a child, George Fletcher attended the missionary school on the Umatilla Indian Reservation alongside Native American children. Fletcher quit school after the fifth grade but continued to spend much of his childhood on the reservation. Over the years, he learned some of the local languages and first witnessed the horsemanship of Native riders.
At age 19, George Fletcher won his first rodeo prize — $15 — for coming in third place in the saddle-bronc competition at the Eastern Oregon District Fair. A year later, in 1910, Fletcher placed fourth in saddle bronc at the first ever Pendleton Round-Up, becoming that event’s first Black competitor.
The 1911 Pendleton Round-Up Bronc Riding Championship was a legendary matchup. Fletcher, a Nez Perce rider named Jackson Sundown, and a White rancher named John Spain were finalists to win the top prize: a $350 silver saddle. Fletcher’s run won the support of the crowd but the judges awarded Spain first prize and named Fletcher runner up. The audience booed the decision. Pendleton’s East Oregonian newspaper wrote of the incident the next day, saying, “Had the spectators been the final judge, George Fletcher would undoubtedly have won the handsome first prize saddle, for he was plainly
In protest, Umatilla County Sheriff Til Taylor, honorary director of that year’s Round Up, cut Fletcher’s cowboy hat into pieces and sold them to the crowd as souvenirs. Sheriff Taylor collected nearly $700 from the stunt, which he then gave to Fletcher. Local press dubbed Fletcher “The People’s Champion” of 1911.
George Fletcher’s rodeo career lasted only a few more years. While serving abroad during World War I, he sustained a leg injury that ended his competitive bronc riding days. He continued to work as a cowboy the rest of his life, however, and in 1972 he was named an inaugural member of the Pendleton Round-Up and Happy Canyon Hall of Fame. Fletcher died the next year and was buried in Pendleton.
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