Vancouver Community Advantage Magazine February 2025
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Active Media Publishing Group
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ADMINISTRATION
Matthew Nelson, Publisher Catrina Nelson, CFO
Tara Weidman, Executive Assistant
Raeann Van Arsadall, Business Development
PRODUCTION
Jeremy Okai Davis, Art Director
Donovan Darling, Creative Project Manager
Brittany Jungenberg, Director of Marketing
Kate Astle, Copyeditor
Kaity VanHoose, Social Media Manager
Justin Andress, Communications Manager
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Hilary Berg Sean Carver
Dani DeGraw Brittany Jungenberg
Morgan King Justin Nelson
Shawn Schmidt 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
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
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Vancouver Community Advantage Magazine
FEB/MAR 2025
KUHLMAN
A Book Lover’s Dream Date
Celebrate romance at genre bookshop
By Kelsie Munoz, Visit Vancouver
Want to make Valentine’s Day extra special this year? Visit The Romance Era, the only romance-exclusive bookstore in Vancouver and a welcoming space for every type of love story. This cozy, Black and queer-owned bookstore is a gem for romance lovers and anyone looking for a unique, inclusive experience. Alongside its shelves of romance novels, you’ll find an array of bookish merch, from handcrafted bookmarks to “spicy” (18+) gifts that add a bit of fun to your reading list.
The Romance Era offers plenty of ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day and beyond — from book club nights and craft sessions to private rentals for intimate dinners. Here are some unique date ideas to enjoy this season of love:
Solo Date or Looking to Meet People
Treat yourself to a solo afternoon of book-browsing, hot coffee, and cozy corners at The Romance Era. Discover the latest arrivals or pick up a new “spicy” favorite. If you’re interested in connecting with others, join a book club or craft night. Who knows — your own meet-cute story might unfold in this inviting setting!
Classic Couples Date: Brunch & Books
Palentine’s Day Celebration: Private Book Club or Dinner
Gather your closest friends and reserve The Romance Era for a Palentine’s celebration. Host a book club, bring in takeout, and enjoy a night surrounded by your favorite stories. It’s a unique way to celebrate friendships and share your love of books in a warm, inclusive space.
Start your day with brunch at River Maiden, then swing by The Romance Era for a “Pick for Each Other” challenge — grab a romance novel you think your partner will love, and spend an afternoon reading together.
Unique Couples Date: Private Photoshoot or Dinner
Make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable with a private rental at The Romance Era. Plan an intimate dinner among the bookshelves or book a whimsical couples photoshoot. The setting, complete with candles and flowers, is perfect for creating your own love story.
This Valentine’s Day, The Romance Era invites you to explore love in every chapter, whether you’re flying solo, celebrating with friends, or planning a romantic date night. Ready to plan your visit? Learn more at The Romance Era and at visitvancouverwa. com. The Romance Era is located at 608 N. Devine Rd. in Vancouver. Call 360-553-1132 for more information or visit theromanceerabookshop.com.
Starting Baileymay’s Boutique has been a dream come true! Named after my corgi, Bailey, the store was founded in 2021 and has become a go-to destination for women’s quality fashion. I’m proud to offer trusted brands like Hooey, Ariat, Bex and Tasha Polizzi, along with a curated selection of boutique lines. Whether you visit me at Two Rivers Farm & Outdoor in Camas, Finishing Touch in Battle Ground, or catch my mobile boutique at events, my goal is to create a memorable shopping experience. Don’t miss our annual fashion show — a community favorite! Follow along on social media for updates and style inspiration.
I recently joined the team at Northwest Association for Blind Athletes (NWABA) as the Director of Philanthropy. With 25 years in the nonprofit sector, I’ve dedicated myself to causes I’m passionate about. My own sweet mother was blind from the age of seven and I was drawn to the mission of NWABA which is to empower those who are blind or vision impaired. This organization truly touches my heart, providing life-changing opportunities through sports for youth, adults and veterans across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and beyond. NWABA athletes gain self-confidence, independence, vocational skills and lifelong relationships. Want to learn more? Drop me an email!
As a Regional Account Manager for 1st CHOICE Advisory Services in Vancouver, I have the pleasure of connecting seniors in our community to the best resources for their needs. I’ve been in this role for more than 6 years and am constantly reminded of the strength and support in our community. After 20 years in corporate retail, I was thrilled to transition into senior housing. My team advisors, Christyna and Rachel, often assist clients who cannot return home from the hospital and need full-time care in a home or community. With this significant change come additional needs, and my role helps bridge those connections!
Purple Pear Body Therapy is a family-owned business that opened in 2012 with one focus: relaxation. Services include manicures and pedicures for men and women; skincare, including facials, microdermabrasion, brow and lash treatments; and hair-free treatments such as waxing and electrolysis permanent hair removal. Massage therapy can be customized with the addition of cupping, reflexology and reiki. Our clients leave Purple Pear rejuvenated, filled with self-confidence, relaxed and glowing with inner and outer beauty. We love our community and want to thank everyone for supporting our local small business.
My name is Amanda C. Goff, Head Visual Ninja at Silver Keys Media. I’m fortunate to work in an industry that fuels my passion, collaborating with creative entrepreneurs to help them attract their ideal clients through visual marketing. At Silver Keys Media, we specialize in unlocking each brand’s unique story and bringing it to life with compelling images and videos. Our mission is to empower business owners to stand out and connect with their audience by crafting visual narratives that resonate and inspire. Every business has a story, and we’re here to help you share yours with the world.
I’m a Vancouver-based costume designer and owner of Center Stage Clothiers LLC, a theatrical costume shop serving the Pacific Northwest since 2018. With a degree in apparel design from The Art Institute of Portland, I’ve built my career creating costumes for high school drama programs, local theaters, and film and TV productions. At Center Stage, we offer costume rentals, alterations and custom designs, specializing in period and vintage styles. My team and I are passionate about supporting the arts and helping customers find the perfect look to bring their stories to life — whether for stage, screen or themed events.
Renowned worldwide for its exceptional furniture, Natuzzi blends masterful craftsmanship with a touch of Italian sophistication, o ering comfort that truly indulges the senses.
For over 65 years, it has pursued the essence of beauty, where sleek forms meet e ortless modernity. A perfect harmony of timeless elegance and contemporary charm, Natuzzi rede nes what it means to live beautifully.
NATURAL
LEATHER
worked in such a way as to leave the natural features of the hides intact: grains, veining and color variations are distinctive marks of authenticity and a sign of
PROTECTA LEATHER
Like Cascade, Natuzzi is a family-owned and managed business, so they hold a special place in our hearts and minds.
We are proud to be the only retailer between Salem and Seattle to o er their immaculate craftsmanship and unparalleled Italian leather.
Smooth Operator
Securing your peace of mind
By Patti Jo Brooks, Active Media
Photos by Lisa Kuhlman, Active Media
Ponderosa Garage Doors wishes you all a safe and secure holiday season! They know that fall and winter can bring their own challenges and they stand ready to assist with any garage door replacements, repairs or maintenance. Schedule your service call today to check for worn parts or potential problems. Don’t let the unexpected breakdown spoil your holidays!
“We’re here to help make sure your holidays go smoothly,” says Brock Fielding, spokesperson for Ponderosa Garage Doors. A company that views everyone as family, Ponderosa has adopted a vision “to be a leading contributor in building communities where people can wake up in a safe home experiencing peace and security.”
Yes, they sell, repair and install garage doors, but in keeping with their vision, they offer so much more. As true service professionals, they are dedicated to a client’s security and peace of mind. They respond to calls quickly, show up with a fully stocked service van, and in most cases complete the job the same day - or the very next day - doing their part to keep you safe and secure.
“What we really sell is an experience,” Brock relates. “We want to be transparent. We want to be direct with no surprises.” Reaching 900 reviews and receiving a five-star rating on Google, customers can count on this serviceminded company to get the job done right. Ponderosa’s service technicians and installers do a thorough job and evaluate the entire system, so customers can rest assured that their door is in top shape and fully operational. “From start to finish, this company has gone above and beyond expectations. I don’t know where they are finding these guys but they are seriously the best ones around.”
– Satisfied Customer Eva W. Garage door specialists for Southwestern Washington and the Portland Metro area, both residential and commercial, Ponderosa Garage Doors strives “to provide an unforgettable experience through innovative communication and service.” Ponderosa values their client’s time. “If they’re going to take the time to call us, we’re going to prioritize and take care of their time. It’s something we take pride in,” Brock acknowledges. Additionally, whatever state, emotional or otherwise, that a client is in at the time of service, Ponderosa technicians will listen, support and reassure clients to help ease their stress.
Family-owned and -operated, Ponderosa Garage Doors is built on five core values: Be Green, Address Everything, Be Nimble, Protect People, Fail Forward. For almost 30 years now, owners Ken Fielding and his wife Kris have been serving the community based on these values. Whether working with or for Ponderosa, it’s like working with your own family – they’re going to take care of you. “At the end of the day, we’re in the business to serve people,” says Brock.
Ponderosa Garage Doors is located at 12308 NE 56th St., Vancouver. Call, text or email customerservice@ ponderosagaragedoors.com. Visit ponderosagaragedoors. com for more information and special deals, or to book an appointment online anytime day or night!
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.
How an ancient festival inspired a modern tradition
By Robert Matsumura, Active Media
On February 14th each year, millions of people around the world exchange cards, chocolates and flowers, and express their love. While Valentine’s Day is indeed a cherished tradition, its origins are less widely understood. What is the true story behind this day dedicated to romance? Was there really a Saint Valentine? To answer these questions requires a journey back to Europe during the days of the Roman Empire when Christianity was still struggling to gain a foothold in the West.
The Mysterious Saint Valentine
The origins of Valentine’s Day are shrouded in mystery, with at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus recognized by the Catholic Church. One widely accepted legend involves Valentine of Rome, a Christian priest in third-century Rome. According to this tradition, Emperor Claudius II banned marriages for young men, believing that single men made better soldiers. Valentine, a Christian priest, defied the emperor by performing marriages in secret for young couples in love. When his actions were discovered, Valentine was arrested and eventually executed on February 14th about 270 AD. Over the centuries, Valentine became a symbol of romantic devotion and his martyrdom was
associated with the holiday bearing his name. However, other accounts suggest that Valentine of Terni was imprisoned for helping Christians escape harsh Roman prisons. While jailed, he is said to have fallen in love with the jailer’s daughter and performed a miracle by curing her of blindness. Legend has it that he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” a phrase that has become iconic. Whether fact or folklore, these tales all emphasize Valentine’s courage, faith, and commitment to love. After much debate over the centuries, a scholarly study was published on the subject in 1966 by priest and scholar Padre Augustino Amore, which concluded that the only martyred Valentine was Valentine of Terni. According to the study, Bishop Valentine of Terni was the only Saint Valentine to be included in all the oldest martyrologies. In further support of this, in 1927, laborers on a road project in the vicinity of the saint’s supposed burial place actually discovered fragments from a Christian martyr’s tomb, thus supporting his existence.
Pagan Roots and Christian Influence
Far before Valentine’s Day was officially established, mid-February was associated with fertility and love in ancient Rome. Celebrated from February 13th to 15th, the pagan festival of Lupercalia was a raucous
affair involving sacrifices, feasting, and ritual matchmaking.
One notable tradition involved the names of young women being placed in a jar from which men drew at random, forming temporary romantic partnerships — or sometimes lifelong bonds.
With the rise of Christianity, the Church moved to replace pagan practices with Christian observances. In 496 AD, Pope Gelasius I declared February 14th as the Feast of Saint Valentine, thus effectively Christianizing the festivities. This initiative marked the beginning of Valentine’s Day as a religious celebration, though centuries would pass before the holiday became fully associated with romantic love.
Commercial Valentine’s Day
The 18th and 19th centuries saw Valentine’s Day explode in popularity among the general public.
Fueled by advances in printing technology and the development of the postal service, celebration of the holiday really took off. Affordable, massproduced Valentine’s cards became widely available featuring a plethora of sentimental verses, elaborate designs, and romantic imagery.
Courtly Love and Medieval Traditions
It was in the Middle Ages when the romantic aspect of Valentine’s Day really gained traction. By this time, Saint Valentine was already regarded as a patron of love, fueled to a great extent by the poet Geoffrey Chaucer. In his 14th-century poem “Parlement of Foules,” Chaucer linked Valentine’s Day to the pairing of birds in early spring, a metaphor for courtship and love.
The exchange of love notes and tokens flourished during this period and became a common practice among the nobility. The first recorded Valentine’s note dates back to 1415, when Charles, Duke of Orléans, composed a heartfelt poem to his wife while a prisoner in the Tower of London. His words are preserved to this day in the British Library, serving as a testament to enduring love.
In the United States, Esther Howland, nicknamed the “Mother of the American Valentine,” played a key role in popularizing Valentine’s cards. Inspired by ornate English designs, Howland began creating and marketing hand-crafted cards during the 1840s. Her efforts contributed to the transformation of Valentine’s Day into a major commercial event, laying the groundwork for the card-exchanging tradition we enjoy to this day.
Modern Valentine’s Day: Love in All Its Forms
In modern times, Valentine’s Day is a global celebration. In the United States, the holiday has extended beyond romantic relationships to include expressions of love and appreciation for friends, family, and even pets. Children exchange cards at school, while workplaces hold themed events to foster camaraderie.
Other countries add their own unique twists to the celebration. In Japan, chocolate takes center stage on Valentine’s Day with women traditionally gifting handmade or store-bought chocolates to men. A month later, on March 14th, men
reciprocate the gesture on White Day, gifting women white chocolate in return. In South Korea, the same two days are celebrated, but a third day is added called Black Day, in which single friends come together to celebrate being single; the name derives from a noodle dish with black sauce. In Finland and Estonia, Valentine’s Day was transformed into Friends Day and includes friends and significant others.
Love in the Digital Age
In the 21st century, technology has taken Valentine’s Day to the next level. Online dating apps help people forge romantic connections, while social media provides platforms for sharing love stories and memories. Virtual gifts and e-cards have also grown in popularity, reflecting the increasingly digital nature of contemporary relationships.
A Winning Combination
Over the centuries Valentine’s Day has evolved from ancient rituals and saintly sacrifices to a global celebration of love and connection. The history of this holiday showcases the universal human desire to express affection and nurture bonds. Whether Valentine’s Day means grand gestures or simple acts of kindness for you, take a moment to reflect on the rich history that has culminated in this yearly celebration of love and good will.
