Lechon Asado: A Taste of Tradition
Bistro Cubano beings Cuban comfort daily
By Active Media Staff
At Bistro Cubano in Oregon City, the Lechon Asado is more than just a meal — it’s a deeply rooted tradition. The aroma of slow-roasted pork, infused with herbs and spices, evokes cherished memories of family gatherings and holiday feasts. In Cuban households, this dish has long been a symbol of comfort and celebration, and Bistro Cubano brings this nostalgic experience to your table every day of the year.
The secret to this dish lies in its spice rub, a blend passed down through generations and perfected by the restaurant owner’s father. The pork loin is slowly roasted until tender, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. What sets the Lechon
Asado apart is its rich, citrus-infused gravy, made from the pork’s own juices. This tangy, garlicky sauce brings a burst of flavor to every bite, creating an irresistible taste that lingers long after the meal is over.
Served with classic Latin staples, the Lechon Asado comes paired with saffron rice, savory black beans, roasted pepper garbanzo beans, and sweet plantains. Each component adds its own distinct flavor and texture, enhancing the richness of the pork and creating a balanced, satisfying meal. The bright saffron rice contrasts with the earthy black beans, while the sweet plantains provide a touch of natural sweetness that ties everything together.
While traditionally reserved for holidays and special occasions, Bistro Cubano is proud to offer this comforting dish any day of the week. Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply craving the taste of home, the Lechon Asado brings the warmth of Cuban cuisine to your plate. Stop by Bistro Cubano in Oregon City and order the Lechon Asado to experience the flavors, culture, and love that make this dish unforgettable.
West Linn Community Advantage Magazine
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GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
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Angie Helvey Lucas Holmgren
Robert Matsumura Dennis McNabb
Peter Murphy Edward Novak
Malia Riggs Kelly Romo
Gretchen Van Lente Ty Walker
Alice Williams Justin Woomer Kerry Yu
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LeafGuard 14 BUSINESS FEATURE Cloudberry Lane Animal Chiropractic
TASTE OF THE TOWN Dub’s Tavern
Craftsmanship
The Magical Legend of Santa Claus
1600 years in the making
By Robert Matsumura, Active Media
As the holiday season rolls around, Santa Claus assumes center stage. But where exactly did this rotund, jovial old man in a red suit originate, and how did he become the iconic symbol of Christmas that he is today? In truth, the history of Santa Claus is a fascinating tale that intertwines folklore, legends and a sprinkle of entrepreneurial ingenuity.
Santa Claus as we know him today traces his roots back to a number of historical figures, each contributing to the contemporary version we know and love. Perhaps the earliest inspiration for Santa Claus was Saint Nicholas, a Christian bishop of the 4th century, renowned for his acts of kindness and gift-giving. In time, Saint Nicholas became the patron saint of children, sailors, merchants, archers and brewers, among others.
In the British Isles, a character known as Father Christmas emerged during the mid-17th century and was frequently depicted as a bearded man garbed in green, symbolizing the spirit of the season. By the 18th century, however, the concepts of Father Christmas and Saint Nicholas merged, resulting in a hybrid figure that blended elements from both traditions.
The American version of Santa Claus began to take shape in the 18th century. Influenced by Dutch and German settlers, the name “Santa Claus” evolved from the Dutch term “Sinterklaas.”
During this period, “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (commonly known as “The Night Before Christmas”), a poem published in 1823, played a pivotal role in shaping the modern image of Santa. This poem described Santa
as a rotund gift-giver in a red suit who utilized chimneys rather than the front door for his Christmas visits. The poem, attributed to Clement Clarke Moore, established not only Santa’s magical nighttime journey around the world delivering toys to children, but specified his vehicle of choice as a sleigh powered by eight reindeer with specific names and attributes. Also introduced in the poem was the idea of Santa monitoring children on his “naughty and nice” list and filling stockings accordingly.
The classic image of Santa Claus in a red suit with a white beard was tweaked further in the 1930s due to a marketing campaign by Coca-Cola. The company’s advertisements depicted Santa as plump, rosy-cheeked, and garbed in a red and white outfit and hat. Although Santa had been portrayed in robes of other colors prior to this marketing campaign, CocaCola’s version of Santa Claus was embraced by the popular imagination and remains the image we associate with him to this day.
As the holidays roll around, and images of Santa Claus abound, know that, like so many things in life, Santa has evolved from his ancient origins as Saint Nicholas and Father Christmas to the iconic figure of Christmas cheer crafted by an imaginative poet and creative corporate advertising. One thing is for certain, whether you’re a child or an adult, the holidays would not be the same without Santa, his reindeer and the spirit of the season that he represents to so many around the world!
Repairs Done Right
By Donovan Darling, Active Media
Founded in 2023, owner Eric Varivoda has taken his 10 years’ experience in the IT industry and decided to strike out on his own, with E-Tech Repair & Solutions now serving West Linn and the greater Portland Metro area! Eric and his talented team have incredible passion, work hard and are completely honest and transparent about their work. They are a locallyowned and -operated small business, and they’re even more accommodating than their competitors — allowing customers to borrow devices to keep you productive and plugged in during lengthy repairs, including phones and laptops. In a hurry? They also offer expedited repairs!
E-Tech offers a multitude of repair services, device and accessory sales, and technical and set up assistance. Just a few repair services they offer include: smartphone, computer and laptop, tablet, replacement screens and devices, batteries, hardware and micro-soldering. But wait, there’s more! They also sell devices, including phones, tablets, laptops and computers. But that’s not all! They also do home visits for repairs and device set up, as well as IT assistance via phone and face-to-face. Run your own small business? You’re in luck, because they also provide business server and IT services as well. At E-Tech in West Linn, they have you covered no matter what you need.
E-Tech Repair & Solutions goes above and beyond. They’re a humble, locally-owned business committed to earning your trust and repeat business. They’re honest, hardworking and have 10 years of experience in the IT industry. Give them a call today at (503) 342-8210, or stop by at 21530 Salamo Road in West Linn.
Why Choose E-Tech Repair & Solutions?
• Guaranteed Lowest Price computer repair in West Linn.
• 60 Day Repair Guarantee — never pay for the same computer repair twice!
• No Hourly Charges — flat rate computer repair.
• 10 Years in Business means you get veteran computer repair technicians.
• Component-Level Repair including micro-soldering done in shop.
• No Shipping Out For Repairs allows repairs in-house and only by us.
• Same Day Emergency Computer Repair Service.
• On-site IT Service and IT Help for small businesses.
• Confidential Data — hard disk data is always kept strictly confidential.
The Family Legacy Continues
Serving the Willamette Valley since 1961
By Dennis McNabb, Active Media
Photos by Brittany Jungenberg, Active Media
The tavern at the corner where Borland and Stafford Roads intersect has been owned by the Wanker family since its inception back in 1961. Walter “Dubs” Wanker was a passionate and hard-working man, and it was his distinct vision that established a legacy that has persisted for over 60 years. Passed down first to his daughter and most recently (as of January 2022) to his granddaughter, Tracie Cashion, the family tradition lives on, and it has never been stronger!
Walking into Dub’s Tavern is like walking through a portal back to the ’60s. The walls are teeming with fun and fantastic bits of nostalgia: old license plates, hats, photos, you name it. An entire evening could be spent enthralled with the decor, and you won’t even have witnessed half of what there is to see. It’s a veritable archive of local events which have taken place over the past six decades. It’s warm, it’s inviting, and it’s everything you look for in a tavern.
And the food is outstanding! Tracie understands the importance of not fixing what isn’t broken, but she is excited to introduce a new menu! Fear not, your favorite burgers and ribs are still available, but there are some fantastic new dishes you simply must try. The Beast Burger is extremely popular, as are the Burnt Ends and the Brisket Sandwich. And don’t forget, they are now serving amazing breakfasts on Saturdays and Sundays, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Since Tracie took the reins, she has put her heart and soul into honoring the legacy her family built while subtly making small improvements and upgrades to carry them through the next 60 years and beyond. Some of you will have already noticed that she installed a new deck and patio with heaters, misters, two 75-inch TVs (playing all the most relevant sports channels), fans and tasteful decor. This is the perfect setting for birthday parties, engagement parties, and hanging out with friends on a Friday night. Just make sure to call in advance if you want to reserve the space for a special occasion.
Tracie was equally excited to announce that they have recently reclaimed Wankers Country Store as well. Now, as it was in the beginning, both interests are back under the Wanker family name. She is very proud of that name and protective of their legacy. She loves nothing more than welcoming in regular customers right alongside new ones. This is a locally owned and -operated business with ties to the community going back decades. If you’ve been looking for a neighborhood bar to call home, look no further than Dub’s Tavern.
Happy Hour is 3 to 6 p.m. and 9 to 11 p.m. every day but Sunday! Come down and get a taste of local!
Dub’s Tavern is located at 2509 SW Borland Road in West Linn. Give them a call at (503) 638-2523.
Claws For Concern
Rethinking dewclaw removal in dogs
By Dr. Clara Medalen
The removal of dewclaws is a common practice performed when dogs are just 2-5 days old, typically without anesthesia. While it’s argued that removing dewclaws prevents future injuries, especially in active dogs, the surgery is often done on fully developed nerve endings, causing pain and potential complications. The practice is standard in show dogs and has spread to companion animals, but its benefits are questionable.
Dewclaws serve an important function, particularly for stability. There are five tendons that attach to the dewclaw, more than the human thumb, which highlights their importance. Removing the dewclaw weakens the foreleg and destabilizes the entire kinetic chain. Dogs carry about 60% of their weight on their front legs, and during high-speed activities like running, vertical forces can be around 4.5 times their body weight. Unsurprisingly, osteoarthritis is more common in the front legs, especially in agility dogs. Removing dewclaws can contribute to injuries such as osteoarthritis, shoulder, back, and neck problems, as the rest of the leg bears the brunt of the force during quick movements.
While standing, the dewclaw doesn’t touch the ground, but during activities like cantering or galloping, it digs in, preventing torque and stabilizing the leg. Without dewclaws, the force from quick turns is distributed to the rest of the leg, leading to more frequent injuries. Studies on agility dogs show that dogs without dewclaws are more prone to injuries in digits 1-4, while those with dewclaws suffer fewer injuries overall.
In conclusion, dewclaws are vital structures that provide stability to a dog’s forelegs. Removing them can prevent direct injuries to the dewclaw but often leads to instability and injuries elsewhere in the body. Pet owners should carefully weigh the pros and cons of this procedure, as the early loss of dewclaws can have lifelong consequences for a dog’s health and mobility.
Die Hard (1988)
“Now I have a machine gun. Ho ho ho.” Yes, Die Hard is a Christmas movie and this is not up for debate — it’s objectively true. The movie takes place during a holiday office party, it has Christmas music, John’s wife is named Holly, there are presents, John wears a Santa hat, it snows. Millions of Americans watch this movie on Christmas Eve every year, and most polls skew in favor of it being a Christmas movie. So there. And with all the action, it’s one heck of a Christmas movie!
The infamous John McClane (Bruce Willis), a NYC cop, is visiting his estranged wife Holly (Bonnie Bedelia) and two daughters in LA on Christmas Eve. He joins his wife at her holiday office party when terrorists suddenly take everyone hostage, and no one else can save them but John! Also starring Alan Rickman, Paul Gleason, Willam Atherton, and more. It’s violent and exciting, funny, full of foul language, and rated R, so it’s ok for teens and adults only.
Home Alone (1990)
“Keep the change, ya filthy animal.”
Probably the most iconic Christmas movie ever made, Home Alone is jam-packed full of hilarious quotes, slapstick and action, and remains an unmistakably
heartwarming family movie. If you’ve lived under a rock for 35 years and don’t know, the story follows Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) who’s left home alone after his family forgets him in Chicago when they travel to Paris for Christmas. Being a bit of a black sheep and the youngest in a large family, Kevin welcomes this time alone when his wish comes true — that is, until “Wet Bandit” burglars Harry (Joe Pesci) and Marv (Daniel Stern) start scoping out his house. From there, Kevin develops an elaborate plan to defend his home while trying to remain selfsufficient without his family, learning many lessons along the way. Also starring Catherine O’Hara, John Heard, Kieran Culkin, John Candy, and more. One of my all-time favs, this is rated PG for slapstick violence and ok for older kids. And if you love this, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York is also fantastic.
“Dear Santa Claus, How have you been? Did you have a nice summer?”
A Charlie Brown Christmas is a timeless holiday movie that’s perfect for families, offering a heartwarming tale about the true meaning of Christmas. This cartoon follows Charlie Brown as he wrestles with the commercialization of the holiday season, feeling sad despite all the holiday fun happening around him. With the help of his friends and a scrawny little Christmas tree, Charlie discovers the joy and love of togetherness. What makes A Charlie Brown Christmas so special is its universality — the story is sweet and simple, with humor and themes of kindness and reflection that both kids and adults will appreciate. Also, not to be forgotten is the jazz-infused soundtrack by Vince Guaraldi Trio, which adds an extra layer of nostalgia. The movie is unrated but views like a G — wholesome enough for the whole family.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Get Your Jingle On
Fairgrounds host the ultimate winter celebration
By Angie Helvey, Active Media
It’s time again for our beloved Clackamas County Fairgrounds & Event Center to transform into a dazzling winter wonderland where people of all ages are delighted by the childlike wonder of Christmas. Presented by Direct Link and sponsored by Canby Eye Care and Clinkscales Portable Toilets, the Winter Fair & Holiday Market is back for its fourth year of merrymaking, and everyone is invited to enjoy the most magnificent light show to date, visits with Santa, live music, festive fair food, holiday shopping and more!
With glowing scenes of winter whimsy, tunnels of brilliant lights and a cast of Christmas characters, this year’s display of over 200,000 twinkling lights will lead you on a half-mile stroll down Rodeo Roadway to the arena and conclude with a radiant 30-minute Christmas tree show sure to excite your holiday spirit! “The light show typically goes through the wooded grove, so this is completely different, and we’ve created a rodeo theme,” explains Special Events Manager Catrina Smith. “It’s our goal to make it fun and different, especially for those who come every year.” Don’t forget to document your merry memories with the photo opportunities scattered throughout, like giant picture frames and a sleigh pulled by pretend reindeer where kids can strike a pose.
The holiday cheer continues inside, with over 30 vendors selling unique gifts for your friends and family, from candles and jewelry to original art and handcrafted creations. Grab a cup of hot cocoa and head upstairs, where Santa and Mrs. Claus are available for photos and will be waiting to delight your little ones with hugs, smiles and ho-ho-hos. School bands from the local community will be performing all your favorite jolly jingles, so sing along with Santa and rejoice in celebrating the spirit of Christmas! For even more holiday joy for the littles, stop by the craft corner, where kids can make winter-themed arts and crafts. “It’s the perfect setup for the younger ones to have fun while the parents watch and enjoy the music,” says Sponsorship and Marketing Coordinator Hanna Russell.
Back downstairs, near the kitchen area, kids can write letters to Santa and drop them in the giant mailbox for special delivery to the North Pole. Make sure they include their address so Santa can send his heartfelt reply! No holiday celebration is complete without festive foods, and the kitchen will serve a delicious selection of what can only be described as ‘fair food at Christmas time,’ including elephant ears, corn dogs, funnel cakes, caramel apples and more! For extra fun and a little competition, they’re hosting a Christmas tree decorating contest for local businesses. Participation is free, and the trees will be displayed outside for voting. The winner will take home both the grand prize and the bragging rights!
Bringing friends, family and neighbors together to celebrate the season is a primary initiative for the event. “Christmas time is for family fun, and we want to provide a venue close to home,” says Catrina. “Especially with the school bands we have coming – we love to showcase the local kids and create a great community feel for all of Clackamas County.” Keeping things convenient and affordable is also a priority. Adults 13+ get in for $10, $5 for kids 4-12 and free for three and under. Tickets will be sold online and at the door. Free parking is directly across the street from the venue, and all areas are wheelchair accessible.
For more information, including scheduled days and times, visit clackamascountyfair.com/winter-fair-and-holiday-market/
Leafing a Legacy
Leafguard’s gutter revolution
In 1993, a quiet revolution unfolded in the world of home maintenance. Englert, Inc., renowned for their dedication to product innovation, unveiled the Leafguard® brand gutter system. For years, the company’s engineers had labored in obscurity, driven by a single goal: to create a solution that would make clogged gutters a relic of the past. Their tireless efforts bore fruit in the form of the Leafguard gutter — a sleek, proprietary one-piece system designed to shed leaves, water, pests, and debris with unparalleled efficiency.
The Leafguard system was more than just a new product; it was a game-changer. Before its introduction, homeowners had to grapple with cleaning out gutters, often climbing dangerous ladders or hiring costly professionals. The Leafguard gutter, however, promised a lifetime of clog-free performance. Its ingenious design, combining both durability and functionality, relieved anyone tired of the seasonal hassle of gutter maintenance.
News of the Leafguard’s reliability spread like wildfire. The gutter system didn’t take long to become a staple for residential properties. The once-tedious upkeep was no longer a burden; instead, people enjoyed the peace of mind that came with a maintenance-free system, backed by a lifetime guarantee.
As time passed, Leafguard’s reputation only grew stronger, until it was awarded the prestigious Good
Housekeeping seal, a testament to its quality and trustworthiness. Today, the Leafguard brand remains a beacon of innovation and reliability in home improvement. The once-pioneering solution became a trusted household name. In the world of gutters, Leafguard continues to set the standard, turning a simple innovation into a lasting legacy. For more information or a free estimate, visit them online at leafguard. com or call 503-822-6529.
MOLYMPICS OREGON
attress World Northest will be supporting Special Olympics Oregon via the Polar plunge. They will be donating time, money and TV advertising in addition, they will be getting donations from their customers. Their main fundraiser, The Polar Plunge, takes place February 24 11 a.m. at Willamette Park in Portland and a 5k fun run at 10 a.m. “Polar Plunge is your chance to step out of your comfort zone by jumping into an unforgettable experience that directly impacts the lives of Special Olympics Oregon Athletes. By participating you provide 5,000+ Special Olympics Oregon Athletes access to sports, activities, and community,” says Special Olympics Oregon.
Why is this nonprofit so important? “Special Olympics Oregon believes in the transformative power and pure joy of
athletic competition. Every day across the state, we help children and adults with intellectual disabilities become athletes and grow a strong, supportive community of advocates. Through year-round training and serious competition, Special Olympics participants journey along a proven pathway to better health, essential life skills and lifelong friendships.” Please help us raise funds by donating online or visiting one of our local stores.
We are family-owned and -operated and we strive to greet every customer with a smile, listen to your needs and concerns and give a great overall experience.
Get a better night’s sleep and help support your community at one of our many local Mattress World Northwest locations. Check us out online at mattressworldnorthwest.com to find the closest location and store hours.
