Beltran Properties Group
February To-Dos
Things to do around the home before spring arrives
By Dennis McNabb, Active Media
The holidays are over — a diminishing blur in the rearview mirror. January’s interim moment of quiet renewal and reflection has also come and gone. February is a time to get back to work and start addressing some of those projects we’ve most likely been putting off. When spring arrives, we’ll all come out of our shells to begin the annual ritual of clearing the winter mess from our yards, repairing the damage, and attempting to coerce some order out of all the chaos. In the meantime, there are several things we can do to help set the stage. It’s not all sunshine and strawberry fields forever, not yet. So, weather depending, here is a list of chores we should all consider tackling sooner rather than later.
1. PRUNING — Particularly
in the past few years, ice storms have wreaked havoc on our trees and shrubs. Since we are likely to have at least a few dry days in February, this is a wonderful time to get outside and get a head start on the cleanup. Additionally, bare branches are much easier to assess when it comes to shaping and trimming for optimal light exposure. That said, you don’t want to
prune if it’s going to rain again within the next 24 hours (the fresh cuts are vulnerable to infection). So watch the forecast and plan accordingly. And don’t be too concerned if the weather doesn’t cooperate. While it’s certainly more difficult to maneuver through all of the leaves, you will have more opportunities to do this in the summer months.
2.REPAIRING OUTDOOR FEATURES —
Once those gorgeous summer days begin to arrive, you won’t want to be wasting precious hours stabilizing those wobbly stepping stones or fixing the sagging gate that provides the only access to your RV. While certain projects (like repairing a wooden fence) might be better during the dryer months, the vast majority of these types of projects can be addressed now. Take advantage of this “quieter” time of year, and handle these types of repairs before the summer hits.
3.PREPARING YOUR EQUIPMENT —
Lawn mowers tend to be used and abused by most of us. We simply throw gas in them each season and expect them to work. And if we wait until the lawn is actually in need of a trim before discovering there is a problem, it’s likely that service shops will already be overwhelmed. So check now! YouTtube is full of videos on how to properly maintain your mower and, if necessary, how to sharpen and/or replace your blade.
4.INDOOR PAINT AND WALL REPAIRS —
February is a terrific time to touch up all of those wall dings, scrapes, and scuffs you obtained while putting up your Griswold Family Christmas Tree. Some of those marks might just wipe off with the use of a damp melamine-foam sponge. For more serious dings and scrapes, use spackle to fill the hole, wait for it to dry, then sand and paint. Most interior paints cure when the temperature is between 50 and 85 degrees. So, don’t wait until August!
5.CLEANING AND ORGANIZING CLOSETS —
This is a big one! Closets are often treated, at best, like an oversized junk drawer; at worst, like an oversized garbage can. Once a year, it’s a good idea to get in there and purge all of those items that you don’t wear or don’t use. A good rule of thumb: if you haven’t worn or used it over the course of the past year, consider getting rid of it. Leonardo DiVinci said, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” Declutter! Also,
check coats for fabric moths (any spots with cobweb-like matting or fibrous cylinders). Brush them clean and vacuum, then have the garments washed or dry-cleaned before rehanging.
6. CLEANING OUT MEDICINE CABINETS
— If you are like most Americans, you probably have a medicine cabinet full of half-used, old, and sometimes even expired medications. Like your closet, it’s a great idea to go through your cabinets once a year and clear out all of your old medications. Be mindful however, and make sure to dispose of them properly (many pharmacies will take them back from you).
7. DUSTING —
Spring cleaning doesn’t have to wait for spring! In the winter, when it’s typically dark for much of
Real Estate News
the day, we don’t notice all the dust and cobwebs that tend to accumulate in corners and on shelves. It’s often embarrassing, that first time the sun shines through the windows and you see things in the natural light. A duster with polyester fibers (which use electrostatic action to attract particles) and a long enough handle to reach your ceiling works best. Clean the highest areas first, let things settle, then come back to finish the lower spaces. And don’t forget blinds, fan blades, and lampshades!
8. CHECKING FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND HVAC FILTERS —
Everyone should have at least one fire extinguisher in their house and you should know how to use it. Don’t wait for a fire to read the instructions! Also, extinguishers lose their charge over time, so be sure to check the gauge and
replace yours every 12 years. HVAC systems only work as well as their filters allow. Particularly when you are switching from Heat to AC (or the reverse), it’s a good idea to change out your old filters.
9.DEEP CLEANING BATHROOMS
— Showers and baths wreak havoc on our bathroom walls. Particularly in the winter time when windows are kept closed, it’s impossible to combat all of that moisture. Soap particles affixed to water droplets also leave mildew on the walls and can turn your bathroom into a dingy space. While much of this mildew can simply be wiped off using water and a cloth, the best offense is a good defense. By cracking the window and/ or running the fan every time you bathe, you keep the humidity at a minimum. Also, keep the grill for your fan clean to allow free airflow.
Monday: Morning Love Kickoff
Start your week with a little love! Enjoy a free heart-shaped mini pastry with any specialty coffee purchase.
Tuesday: Sweet & Savory Pairing
Treat yourself to the perfect pairing: Buy a breakfast sandwich or lunch item and add a Valentine’s dessert for just $2!
Wednesday: Love in Every Sip
Sip on romance with $1 off flavored lattes like our Rose Latte or Cupid’s Caramel Mocha.
Thursday: Galentine’s Day Celebration
Bring your bestie and celebrate friendship with: $2 off any lunch entrée
A special Galentine’s-themed mimosa, available for one day only!
Friday: Valentine’s Day Celebration
Celebrate love all day with:
• Heart-shaped pastries and red velvet cupcakes
• $5 off mimosa flights for couples
• Specialty Valentine’s gift bundles
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Wilsonville Lifestyle Magazine
FEBRUARY 2025
Feasts of Fat Tuesday
Pagan festivals evolved into global celebration
By Robert Matsumura, Active Media
Few celebrations capture the spirit of indulgence and revelry quite like Mardi Gras. Famous for its dazzling parades, vibrant costumes and festive atmosphere, this iconic event draws millions of visitors to New Orleans every year. But while New Orleans seems to be the hub of all things Mardi Gras, in truth, its origins are steeped in centuries-old traditions that span continents and cultures.
Tracing the roots of Mardi Gras takes us back to the ancient pagan festivals of Europe, particularly those focused on the arrival of spring, such as Saturnalia in Rome, and Lupercalia in ancient Italy. Featuring feasting, costumes, and public processions, these celebrations were a way to cast off the doldrums of winter and welcome the renewal of life. With the rise of Christianity, these pagan celebrations were integrated into, and reinterpreted by, the Church. Mardi Gras — which translates to “Fat Tuesday” in French — emerged as the final day of indulgence before the solemn 40-day season of Lent. With Lent being a time of fasting and discipline, Fat Tuesday was that last great blowout — a time to enjoy rich foods and pleasures one last time before a long period of abstinence.
At the heart of the Mardi Gras festivities is the krewe system, “Krewe” being an organization or social club that organizes and participates in Mardi Gras parades and festivities. Each krewe has its own theme, traditions, and membership requirements, contributing to the diversity and vibrancy of the celebrations. The first krewe was the Mystick Krewe of Comus in 1857, where elaborate floats, thematic parades, and nightime revelry were first introduced.
Beyond New Orleans, Mardi Gras is celebrated globally under various names and traditions. In Brazil, Rio’s Carnival dazzles with samba parades, glittering costumes, and massive street parties reflecting Brazil’s cultural fusion of African, European, and Indigenous influences. Venice’s Carnival is synonymous with opulent masked balls and intricate costumes evoking the city’s Renaissance history. Germany’s Fasching or Karneval features parades, comedic performances, and masquerades, with Cologne hosting one of the country’s largest celebrations.
Mardi Gras arrived in North America via French explorers. On March 3, 1699, Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville and JeanBaptiste Le Moyne de Bienville landed near present-day New Orleans and dubbed the site “Pointe du Mardi Gras” in honor of the holiday. By the early 18th century, French settlers in Mobile (modern-day Alabama) and New Orleans had established Mardi Gras traditions, featuring parades, masked balls, and feasts.
Traditional Mardi Gras foods also capture the spirit of indulgence and cultural richness. King cake, a sweet pastry decorated in the holiday’s iconic colors of purple, green, and gold, often contains a hidden figurine symbolizing luck. Whoever finds it is tasked with hosting the next party. Jambalaya, gumbo, and crawfish boils showcase the Creole and Cajun culinary heritage of Louisiana, blending French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences. Beignets, deep-fried pastries dusted with powdered sugar, are also a beloved sweet treat.
More than just a party, Mardi Gras is a living tapestry of history, culture, and community. From its ancient origins to its modern expressions, it lives on as a celebration of joy, resilience and creativity. Whether you’re catching beads in New Orleans or dancing at a samba parade in Rio, Mardi Gras draws everyone into its timeless revelry. And as the locals say, “Laissez les bons temps rouler” — let the good times roll!
During American Heart Month, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue invites you to join us in raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of a heart attack and the importance of immediately calling 911 in the event you or someone nearby experiences symptoms.
Unlike a sudden cardiac arrest that strikes suddenly and includes a loss of consciousness, a heart attack can develop slowly enough that you’re not aware you’re having a medical emergency. A heart attack occurs when the blood flow that brings oxygen to the heart muscle is severely reduced or cut off completely.
Symptoms typically include:
Chest discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes or goes away and returns. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.
Upper body discomfort, such as pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
Shortness of breath before, during or after other discomforts.
Other signs, including breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness.
The most common heart attack symptom for women and men is chest pain or discomfort. However, women are more likely to experience other symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, back or jaw pain, pressure in the lower chest or upper abdomen, dizziness, fainting, or extreme fatigue.
The heart is a muscle. It can deteriorate with each passing minute you delay medical treatment. Don’t ignore your symptoms, and don’t drive yourself to the hospital.
Firefighters often hear heart attack patients say, “I wasn’t sure it was a heart attack,” or “I didn’t want to bother anyone.”
Remember, TVF&R crews are here for you. Our highly trained firefighter paramedics can diagnose a heart attack
and start treatment right away. Crews can also relay your EKG information to the hospital, enabling its staff to activate special heart teams and prepare for your arrival.
A heart attack can cause sudden cardiac arrest when the heart malfunctions and stops beating unexpectedly. Sudden cardiac arrest leads to death when the heart stops working properly. This can be reversed if CPR is performed, and a defibrillator is used to shock the heart and restore a normal heart rhythm.
Studies show that CPR can double or triple a cardiac arrest patient’s chance of survival.
Your assistance in performing hands-only CPR until crews arrive can make a difference. Hands-only CPR has just two easy steps: Call 9-1-1 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest to the beat of the disco song “Stayin’ Alive.”
Comfort Amid Crisis
A Safe Place Family Justice Center
the center processes a significant share of Clackamas County’s protection orders.
Additionally, the Wilsonville Police Department has access to the center’s traumainformed interview rooms. These rooms are designed with survivors’ needs in mind, featuring soothing lighting, calming artwork, and a comfortable setup to help victims share their stories in a supportive environment. Every survivor seeking assistance, including those referred by our department, is connected with a dedicated victim advocate to ensure they receive the care and guidance they deserve.
By Chief Wurpes, Wilsonville Police
Over the past couple of months, our community has witnessed several significant cases of domestic violence — an issue that profoundly impacts individuals, families, and society as a whole. Domestic violence is a crisis we take very seriously, and today I want to highlight an invaluable resource available to our community: A Safe Place Family Justice Center.
Located in Oregon City, A Safe Place Family Justice Center is a beacon of hope and healing for survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, human trafficking, and elder abuse. This comprehensive, collaborative center provides wrap-around services at no cost to those in need.
Under one roof, we bring together critical partners, including Clackamas Women’s Services, the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office (with advocates and prosecutors), Legal Aid Services of Oregon, Clackamas County Health, Housing, and Human Services, the Oregon Department of Human Services, and the Victim Rights Law Center, among others.
One of the center’s standout features is its video courtroom. Survivors seeking protection orders can complete the necessary paperwork and appear before a judge via video conference — all without needing to navigate the courthouse in downtown Oregon City. This innovation streamlines the process, reduces stress and ensures access to justice. Currently,
Domestic violence affects millions each year. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, more than 16 million people in the U.S. suffer from intimate partner abuse per year in the United States. Further, every minute, 32 people experience intimate partner violence in the United States. Tragically, domestic violence accounts for 15% of all violent crimes nationwide, with devastating ripple effects on families and communities.
A Safe Place Family Justice Center is open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please call (503) 6558600 or visit www.asafeplacefjc.org. Together, we can create a safer, stronger community where survivors are supported, and violence has no place.
Insure Your Love This Month!
spotlight february
Thank You
Dolly!
Friday, February 14
10:30am-12pm
Oak Room
Thanks For Reading With Me! Celebrate the anniversary of the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Wilsonville with fun activities! This program is for young children, birth up to 5 years old, and any Dolly Parton Imagination Library graduates with their grown-ups.
Lunar New Year
Saturday, February 15
2-3:30pm
Oak Room
Children and their grown-ups are invited to celebrate the conclusion of the Lunar New Year by participating in a variety of drop-in style games, crafts, and stories. The 2025 zodiac animal is the snake!
February 14th is our Birthday!
AfricaRivers of Stories
Habiba Addo, Storyteller
Saturday, February 22 11am-12pm
Oak Room
Habiba Addo, a native of Ghana has experienced formal and informal training in Western, Afro-Cuban, Afro- Brazilian and West African Performing Arts and its diaspora She shares her love for music, dance and stories through study and teaching
Creative Corner
Monday, February 28
2-3:30pm
Rose Room
Let's get creative! We provide the materials you provide the creativity Collaborative creativity for the whole family. For elementary-aged children with their grown ups Younger siblings welcome too!
Visit us on our birthday and get $10 off overdue fines.
Library of Things
Residents of Wilsonville can borrow a diverse range of "things" from the Library We proudly join the growing number of libraries offering community access to a “Library of Things” collection, featuring an assortment of non-traditional yet valuable items available for checkout. These items include everything from seasonal cake pans to sewing machines and VHS-to-DVD converters Our collection aims to inspire lifelong learning, foster human connections, and support sustainable communities. Instead of purchasing a food dehydrator that may only be used once a year, you can borrow it seasonally from the Library. Before committing to a small appliance based solely on reviews, why not test it out first? All you need is a library card to access this collection. If you don’t have one yet, it’s easy and free for residents of Clackamas, Washington, and Multnomah counties to obtain. Simply call or visit the library for more information!
Nexus
by Yuval Noah Harari
For thousands of years, humanity has built upon a vast foundation of knowledge. Yet, despite our numerous discoveries, inventions, and achievements, we now confront an existential crisis Faced with ecological challenges, misinformation, and dwindling resources, we must contemplate the role of AI in this complex situation. This book delves into how various societies and political systems have historically used information to pursue their objectives, whether beneficial or detrimental Harari then examines the pressing decisions we face as non-human intelligence poses a threat to our very survival Information is neither simply the raw material of truth nor just a tool for manipulation. Nexus investigates the hopeful middle ground between these extremes, ultimately rediscovering our shared humanity
Moloka'i by Alan Brennert
Masterful storyteller, Alan Brennert, takes readers on a journey back to the 1890's to the Hawaiian island of Moloka'i Residents of Hawai'i who were diagnosed with leprosy or Hansen's Disease were banished to a remote quarantined colony on the shores of Moloka'i. Patients were segregated and shunned by all who knew them Rachel Kalama, diagnosed at the age of seven is cared for by Catholic nuns. Discover an island community where fear did not conquer the human spirit - Ketra
8200 SW Wilsonville Road
Wilsonville, OR 97070
(503) 682-2744
wilsonvillelibrary.org reference@wilsonvillelibrary.org
Hours
Monday - Thursday 10-8
Friday - Saturday 10-6 Sunday 1-6
Regular Renewal
Traditional facial vs. Hydrafacial
First off, what is your goal for getting your facial? Have you had a facial before? Before I continue, I should say not all facials are created equal. Also, not all estheticians are trained the same. So if you’ve had a facial in the past and didn’t enjoy it or had a bad reaction to it, please know you can have an amazing experience and come out a believer.
What is a facial? Simply put, it is maintenance for your complexion. If you want a tighter body, you workout. If you want better, glowing skin, you get a facial.
Christine Lewy
Traditional Facial
A traditional facial is typically a 60to 90-minute appointment — we call it our Divine Valmont Facial. First, you get cozy in a facial bed. Your esthetician — a licensed skincare professional whose passion is probably just this — will ask you questions about what skin concerns you have. You might say things like “fine lines, dark spots, blackheads, dryness, breakouts...” All these concerns can be addressed during a facial. Ususally there are many options for the type of facial, so calling ahead is a good idea or discuss with your esthetician once you get there. During this hour-long facial, it is typically very relaxing. I like to say it’s like a massage but with good skin. My clients often fall asleep — it always feels like we get a gold star when this happens. Clients leave relaxed, rejuvenated and glowing.
Hydrafacial Hydrafacial is a shorter appointment, between 30 to 60 minutes. While some say it is relaxing, this treatment is more to the point and does not include any massage of neck, shoulder and arms.
This facial treatment has a patented vortex technology that infuses while also painlessly pulling everything out of your pores and putting it into the gunk jar — you can see everything that came out of your skin, including all those stubborn blackheads. You leave glowing, instantly hydrated and smooth. These are also great for teens! Some people alternate between hydrafacial and a traditional version.
How Often Should I Get a Facial?
The answer is once a month. We can tell a difference in clients’ complexions who get facials regularly vs. those who do not. It takes on average 30 days for the new skin cells to come to the surface, and if you are getting a facial once a month, you will have your best skin. I guarantee it.
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.
Tropical Tastes
Wilsonville’s premier Mexican restaurant
By Angie Helvey, Active Media
Photos by Carly Carpenter, Active Media
It’s officially been a year since Santa Fe Mexican Grill & Cantina opened its doors and brought the vibrant flavors of Veracruz and Guadalajara, Jalisco, to Wilsonville. The botanical decor, Mexican skull art, authentic cuisine and exotic cocktails will send you straight to paradise when you step inside!
The restaurant is Jose Luis Oloarte and Angel Ramirez’s most recent partnership. The first was Los 2 Agaves, a Canby local favorite that opened in 2019. When the opportunity came to open another restaurant, the pair decided to go for it, and it quickly became one of the most popular spots in town.
The traditional dishes at Santa Fe Mexican Restaurant & Cantina are served in large portions with fresh ingredients. The presentation is something to behold—picture perfectly grilled meats, colorful sauces cooked to authentic perfection, fresh vegetables and hanging shrimp. One of their newest creations is the El Jefe Plate, which features their famous carne asada with grilled shrimp on the side, served with rice and beans. Another exciting addition is the Ocean Grass Santa Fe, a marbled ribeye cooked to order and served with Caesar salad
and hanging shrimp. Fresh ceviche, octopus birra tacos and Mojarra Loca, a crispy fried fish with diablo sauce and shrimp on the side, are also new to the menu.
A children’s menu is available for the little ones, and kids eat free every Monday with the purchase of an adult meal. For dessert, guests can indulge in housemade creations like fresh scratch-made flan, fried ice cream or deep-fried cheesecake chimichangas, known as xangos. Weekend breakfast has been a big hit, with dishes like churro pancakes, chilaquiles, ribeye steak and eggs, huevos rancheros and more! Customers can pair their morning feast with fruity mimosas and the recently added espresso martini.
The entire space is family-friendly except for the bartop and the soon-to-open video poker room. Amidst the lush decor, a glittering view of premium alcohol is on display that talented bartenders transform into giant, housemade margaritas and tropical craft cocktails. The margarita flights are served on rustic boards and decorated with tropical flowers. They’ve recently added the Luna margarita with 100% blue agave Luna Azul Tequila Reposado and a Cocoberry Mojito.
The bar features weekly specials, like half-off top-shelf tequilas on Tuesdays and buy-one-get-one-half-off on Margarita Wednesdays. Happy hour is from 3:00 to 6:00 pm Monday through Sunday, 8:00 to 10:00 pm Sunday through Thursday, and 9:00 to midnight Fridays and Saturdays. In addition to discounted cocktails, beer, and wine, guests can choose from a tasty selection of snacks like crab dip, coconut shrimp, and queso dip with chorizo.
A lunch menu with smaller portions at affordable prices is available Monday through Friday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm and from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on the weekends. “It’s the perfect stop for lunch during the work day,” says Jose’s daughter, Andrea Gonzalez. The outdoor patio is a fantastic spot to relax and enjoy a cold margarita with complimentary chips, salsa, refried beans and coleslaw.
The Santa Fe Mexican Grill & Cantina team is thrilled to be part of the Wilsonville community. “I love the amazing people we’ve had coming in,” says Andrea. “They’ve been enjoying the food and giving us great feedback. Now they’re becoming regulars and bringing their families.”
Santa Fe Mexican Restaurant & Cantina is located at 8309 SW Main Street in Wilsonville. Please give them a call at 503-218-9106 or visit their website at santafemexicanrestaurantcantina.com
DID YOU KNOW? In 2016, when Lindsay Funston was an editor at Delish.com, she created a recipe video for a Tuscanstyle chicken dish that attracted millions of views. When she was done cooking, Ms. Funston’s video producer took a bite and declared, “I’d marry you for that chicken!” She named the dish “Marry Me Chicken.”
Marry Me Chicken
Say YES to Valentine’s dinner at home
Ingredients
8 ounces spaghetti
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 large shallot, halved and thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 jar (6.3-ounce) sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
1 chicken bouillon cube (0.4-ounce)
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
Directions
In large pot, cook pasta in boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle chicken with salt and black pepper on both sides. Cook undisturbed until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Cook other side until golden brown, about 5 minutes more. Remove to plate. Add 1 tablespoon oil and shallot to same skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until just tender. Add garlic, stirring continuously, until fragrant. Add broth and scrape up browned bits. Add tomatoes, bouillon, cream, oregano, red pepper flakes and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir until cube dissolves. Bring sauce to a boil; reduce to a simmer over medium-low heat. Nestle chicken in sauce. Cook until sauce thickens slightly and chicken registers at 165ºF, 5 to 10 minutes. Stir in Parmesan and basil. Serve with spaghetti.
You People (2023)
A fresh and modern rom-com that hilariously and awkwardly navigates the cultural clash between two families, the movie follows Ezra (Jonah Hill), who’s Jewish, and Amira (Lauren London), who’s Black and Muslim. While they’re deeply in love they struggle to bring their families together — a task that proves to be heartfelt, relatable, and funny. Ezra and Amira’s relationship, which portrays a love that feels tender and real, is challenged not by their own doubts but by the prejudices and misunderstandings of their families, played brilliantly by Eddie Murphy and Julia LouisDreyfus. This familial tug-of-war adds a layer of complexity to the movie, and suggests that love is shaped and tested by what we can’t control. For Valentine’s Day viewers, You People serves as both a cautionary tale and a celebration of the enduring power of love, with all its imperfections. Rated R for strong language and mature themes.
Say Anything (1989)
Few movies capture the essence of young love quite like Say Anything. Cameron Crowe’s cult classic is the perfect combination of passion, vulnerability, and grand romantic gestures. Lloyd Dobler (John Cusack) is the prototypical lovestruck dreamer, chasing after Diane Court (Ione Skye), the class valedictorian with a complicated family life. What makes this movie so enduringly romantic is its simplicity: love here isn’t flashy but genuine. Lloyd’s now iconic boombox scene — a serenade to Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes” — is pure movie magic and an example of the grand romantic gestures of the past. The movie’s ’80s vibe, with its mixtapes, payphones, and heartfelt rebelliousness, adds a certain nostalgic charm, perfect for those reminiscing about first loves. As a Valentine’s treat, Say Anything reminds us that love is about persistence, honesty, and embracing imperfection, even in a perfectly imperfect world. Rated PG-13 for mature themes.
Elemental (2023)
Pixar’s Elemental is a whimsical love story set in Element City, where fire, water, air, and earth coexist but rarely mix. The movie shines as a celebration of love’s ability to transcend differences. Ember, an obviously “fiery” and passionate character, meets Wade, a gentle, free-flowing water elemental, and their connection grows in spite of social rules and personal hesitancy. Their, ahem, “chemistry,” is both touching and playful, and a play on how opposites attract. Pixar’s hallmark storytelling and gorgeous animation bring the relationship to life, from awkward beginnings to heartfelt resolution. Ember and Wade’s journey is a reminder that true love isn’t about finding someone identical to you — it’s about embracing what makes you different. Perfect for kids and the young at heart, Elemental is a Valentine’s Day treat. Rated PG.
Stream these movies where available, or rent from your local movie store, library or rental kiosk.
Valentine’s Facts
Valentine’s Day, celebrated annually on February 14, traces its origins to the Roman festival of Lupercalia and Saint Valentine, a martyr who performed secret marriages.
Red roses symbolize love due to their association with Venus, the Roman goddess of love.
Globally, over 145 million Valentine’s cards are exchanged annually, making it the second-most popular card-sending holiday after Christmas.
Love itself has fascinating science: oxytocin, the “love hormone,” strengthens bonds and trust, while dopamine sparks feelings of happiness and attraction. Studies show holding hands can lower stress. Whether romantic or platonic, Valentine’s celebrates the universal power of connection and affection.
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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.
Deep Dive in Love
Make a splash with a Valentine’s puzzler
ACROSS
3. In the movie “Sleepless in Seattle,” Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan meet for the first time at the top of the ____ ____ Building in New York City. (2 words, no spaces)
4. A strong-smelling underground fungus known as one of the world’s finest aphrodisiacs. Oregonians can hunt for four native species.
7. One of Oregon’s most romantic regions and the state’s western border.
8. Set on the iconic peak of Mount Hood, this historic hotel is the site of many proposals and weddings hosted at 6,000 feet elevation. (2 words, no spaces)
9. A fine alcoholic beverage used in romantic celebrations and rituals in ancient Greece and Rome. Pinot Noir remains Oregon’s signature variety.
11. Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland and Elvis Presley all got married in this U.S. city that “never sleeps.” (2 words, no spaces)
DOWN
1. Ocean mammal with the largest heart is known to show affection through highly complex “love songs.”
2. Oregon author of teenage romance books “First Love” and “Jean and Johnny.” Although she is best known for her beloved books about Ramona Quimby (2 words, no spaces)
5. The 1942 film featuring the famous line, “Of all the gin joints in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine.” Also a city in Morocco.
6. This animal group’s mating season begins on Feb. 14, linking it to the “lovey-dovey” romance of Valentine’s Day.
8. Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson act as love interests in this movie series partially filmed in Oregon.
10. Portland’s nickname denoting the town’s signature flower and Valentine’s most epic bloom. (2 words, no spaces)
ACROSS
3. Empire State. 4. Truffle.
7. Coast. 8. Timberline Lodge.
9. Wine. 11. Las Vegas. DOWN
1. Whale. 2. Beverly Cleary.
5. Casablanca. 6. Bird.
8. Twilight. 10. Rose City.
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