Cheers to 30 Years
“Where Good Friends Gather”
By Patti Jo Brooks, Active Media
Carpenter, Active Media
Boston’s Pub & Grill celebrates 30 years as a popular gathering place for Wilsonville residents. Known to the community as Boston’s Pub & Grill since 1994, Boston’s has seen generations of families and friends enjoy good food, good company and family-friendly entertainment. Longevity of this magnitude, which includes surviving the pandemic, can only be achieved with the support of the local community and Boston’s Pub & Grill has all of you to thank for that!
“We want to recognize and thank our community for supporting us through the years,” says Andrew Tinling, general manager and part-owner of Boston’s Pub & Grill, acknowledging that 30 years for a restaurant to remain in business is “a pretty big feat.” Reflecting back, Hank Jarboe (the pub’s principal owner) recalls, “In 1994, there wasn’t any community pub in Wilsonville. I remember thinking that Wilsonville really needed a place where the community and families could gather. That’s what was behind purchasing Boston’s.”
A 30-year anniversary celebration will be held at the pub November 1, with food specials and music to commemorate Boston’s long-time presence in the community. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere indoors and an outdoor covered patio equipped with heat lamps for comfortable seating year-round. Boston’s shares that “There’s more to a Pub and Grill than just its food. At Boston’s, we care about those who join us.” Open Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–11 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.–midnight; Saturday, 8 a.m.–midnight; and Sunday, 8 a.m.–11 p.m. Boston’s extensive menus offer something for everyone.
A full breakfast menu, including Chicken Fried Steak, Prime Rib Hash and the New York Steak Pub Breakfast, is featured daily from opening until 1 p.m. Add an adult beverage such as a Mimosa or Bloody Mary from the full-service bar to complement your brunch or afternoon meal. Try Boston’s Fried Chicken, a menu staple since the restaurant’s beginning. Prepared in special fryers, the chicken is moist, golden and crispy and served with Boston’s own house-made fries. “We’re very famous for that,” Andrew notes. Another featured item is Alaskan Halibut which is used in Boston’s Fish & Chips and
Halibut Burgers. Soups, salads, sandwiches and more can be found among the American-style fare offered at Boston’s. Ask your server for vegetarian and gluten-free choices and check out the kids’ menu for all their favorites!
To ensure that the Pub & Grill receives only the freshest and highest-quality vegetables and meats, they partner with
Photos, including cover image by Carly
companies who can be trusted to provide outstanding products. Fresh produce and meats are sourced locally whenever available. Boston’s also offers a great value at reasonable prices, high
quality standards and friendly and efficient service in addition to their great food. Join for Happy Hour every day from 3–6 p.m. or 9 p.m.–close. “It’s a great time to come in and try our food at a discounted price,” says Andrew.
From the very beginning, Hank has always believed in small businesses being an integral part of the community, a philosophy shared by Andrew.
Boasting many long-time employees and a family-friendly environment, Boston’s supports students and adults alike. They partner with Wilsonville’s football team which sells annual Wildcat Cards good for a 10% discount at Boston’s. The Pub & Grill also provides discounted meals for the Wildcats’ team dinners, hosts Wilsonville softball and supports numerous
local charities. They are committed to the community and participate in any way they can.
Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner, or join in Happy Hour at Boston’s Pub & Grill located at 29890 Town Center Loop W., Wilsonville. Phone (503) 682-0773. To view all menu listings, visit their website, bostonspubandgrill.com and scroll down to the bottom of the page.
COUNTY
ISenior Citizens Council of Clackamas County
n the month of February, all MWNW stores will be asking for donations to support the Senior Citizens Council of Clackamas County. This nonprofit has served seniors of Clackamas County for 50 years and counting!
Why is this nonprofit so important? Their services provide critical support to at-risk seniors and adults with disabilities who are in danger of abuse, neglect and exploitation. The highly skilled and professional staff protect the seniors’ finances, oversee bill-paying needs, and when necessary, find them a safe, clean place to live. Their staff then continue to regularly check on each client for as long as they are needed.
On average, their staff serves 750 new clients annually. 75 percent of their clients are women and 70 percent are at or below the federal poverty level. Seniors above 85 years old are the fastest growing population and are also the most in need of services. It is estimated that 1 in 6 seniors will be a victim of financial exploitation and 1 in 10 will be abused or neglected. Please help us raise funds by donating online or visiting one of our local stores.
Family-owned and -operated, dedicated to providing their customers the best products at the best prices, all while donating to and participating in their local communities, Mattress World Northwest exemplifies the best of what retail businesses have to offer. This proves that not all mattress stores are created equal.
Get a better night’s sleep and help support your local community at the nearest Mattress World Northwest store. They are open every day or you can order online at mattressworldnorthwest.com.
Is Solar For You?
Local renewable energy company puts you first!
By Patti Jo Brooks, Active Media
Thinking of going solar? Willamette Valley’s Sunpath Services is ready and waiting to install your residential, commercial or farm solar panel project. Taking a consultative, low-pressure approach, Sunpath Services focuses on first understanding a client’s needs, then providing accurate information allowing them to make informed decisions and proceed at their own pace.
“With utility costs continuing to increase, many homeowners are turning to solar for energy independence and to gain some control over their electricity bills. We provide that expert guidance, helping them understand what it costs, how it will perform and what the installation process looks like,” explains owner Chet Zimmer. A company that cares about the individual, Sunpath makes it their mission to educate and support potential clients while they explore solar options for their home or business.
Subsequently, if Sunpath determines that solar isn’t viable due to roof construction, affordability, etc., they operate under full transparency and will inform you of such. Their primary concern is what is in the home or business owner’s best interest.
Sunpath’s high level of commitment extends to employees and customers alike, making it a truly great company. A seasoned team, averaging 15 years of solar, electrical and roofing experience, bring unmatched expertise to every project. Customers empowered with knowledge confidently make their own solar decisions. “We believe that when you understand your options, you’re better equipped to make smart decisions that benefit your home and family,” Zimmer points out.
The first step is simple! Just fill out the contact form at http://sunpathoregon.com/ to receive a free system design and project estimate within 24 hours via email. Customers can then ask questions, schedule a call, request a free onsite assessment, or pass altogether if solar won’t fit their needs. Committed to customer care, Sunpath provides clear and consistent communication throughout each project including follow up to any questions or concerns that arise. Sunpath also provides a 10-year workmanship and labor warranty in addition to any manufacturer warranties.
Proud owners of Sunpath Services, Chet Zimmer and Jake Hoskins are lifelong residents of the Portland area, with Zimmer growing up in Canby and Hoskins in Forest Grove. They also take pride in being good neighbors and active members in the community. “Our office and warehouse are located just off of Allen Blvd. in Beaverton, keeping us rooted in the region we serve,” Zimmer relates. Every year, the Sunpath Season of Giving, a favorite holiday tradition, supports local nonprofits chosen by the employees. Donations this year went to Boys and Girls Aid, Silverton Area Community Aid, Autism Society of Oregon, With Love, TIPNW, Spark NW, SOS Pet Rescue and Wheel to Walk.
Mention the magazine ad and receive a $500 discount on your solar project! Also, be sure to check for any local incentive programs and federal tax credits for renewable energy.
Sunpath Services is located at 9978 SW Arctic Dr. in Beaverton. Call 503-433-6336 or visit their website at sunpathoregon.com.
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.
