Wilsonville Lifestyle Magazine July 2024

Serene 2-Acre Country Home

Country living at it’s finest! This serene, 2 acre property is just what you’ve been waiting for. A beautifully landscaped orchard complete with raspberry bushes, apple, Asian pear, Italian plum, and cherry trees, as well as an oversized circular driveway greets you upon entrance to the property. There is a large den with gorgeous French doors as you enter the home which then leads into the wide open floor plan of the living room and an updated kitchen. A door off the dining area leads to a remodeled covered deck further enhancing this entertainer’s delight. With a huge backyard, this home is ideal for outdoor fun and games. The back of the property has a fully functioning 40x60x16 workshop, including dual 14” RV doors, full plumbing and electric, a 200amp panel, and high end LED lighting among it’s many features. It is perfect for work, hobbies, or just storing your toys. There is also potential for a mezzanine above the shop that could provide additional living space! Additionally, behind the workshop is a large pasture, which can be used for whatever your heart desires. Centrally located with quick access to both the city and country, this gorgeous home won’t last long!

Love Burgers, Fries, and Shakes? So Do We!

Exciting news! We’re opening a brand-new Burgerville in Wilsonville and we’re looking for passionate people who love local, sustainably sourced food and excellent customer service to join our team. This is your chance to be part of something new and delicious!

Why Join Burgerville?

• Thrive in a fun, fry-tastic work environment.

• Enjoy competitive pay.

• Benefit from sizzling flexible schedules that fit your life.

• Experience tasty opportunities for advancement.

• Savor a delicious benefits package.

Join the Burgerville Family:

Be part of a team that values quality, community, and sustainability. Visit www.burgerville.com/careers or scan the QR code below.

Published by

Active Media Publishing Group

PO Box 672, Aurora, OR 97002

info@ActiveMediaUSA.com

503.825.2111

ADMINISTRATION

Matthew Nelson, Publisher Catrina Nelson, CFO

Tara Weidman, Executive Assistant

PRODUCTION

Jeremy Okai Davis, Art Director

Donovan Darling, Creative Project Manager

Kate Astle, Copyeditor

Kaity VanHoose, Social Media Manager

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Hilary Berg Sean Carver

Dani DeGraw Brittany Jungenberg

Morgan King Justin Nelson

Shawn Schmidt

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Patti Jo Brooks Olive Gallagher

Angie Helvey Lucas Holmgren

Robert Matsumura Dennis McNabb

Edward Novak Malia Riggs

Kelly Romo Gretchen Van Lente

Ty Walker Alice Williams

Justin Woomer Kerry Yu

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Laurel Bice Carly Carpenter

Tyler Francke Angie Helvey

Brittany Jungenberg Malaina Kinne

Lisa Kuhlman Kara Langley

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 Lynnette Scott James Keller

Looking to reach local consumers?

We Specialize in direct-mail products: community magazine advertising, mailing inserts, postcards and more. For more information, call 503.825.2111 or email info@ActiveMediaUSA.com

CHECK US OUT ONLINE AT CommunityAdvantageMagazines.com

Wilsonville Lifestyle Magazine

MAE DAY BAND

July 13th 2024

The Mae Day Band, a Northwest folk rock family band, captivates audiences with their unique renditions of pop hits and acoustic rock. They blend rich harmonies and acoustic flair, transforming contemporary favorites into soulful, heartfelt performances that resonate with all ages. They are the perfect blend of rock and sunshine!

MARK RUSSELL DAVIS

July

20th 2024

Mark Russell Davis plays songs from the singer/songwriter era, as well as, crooner music on electric ukulele and acoustic disco on guitar.

TWO BIT BROTHERS

July

27th 2024

Along with original music, the Two Bit Brothers repertoire includes favorites from legendary bands such as the Beatles, Eagles, Jimmy Buffet, Neal Young, Simon and Garfunkel, Bob Dylan and numerous other artists. They play an eclectic and Americana array of music spanning many decades. Their song arrangements include a strong emphasis on vocal harmonies.

StoryWalk Artist Kate Berube

Tuesday, July 30 1:30-2:30pm

Join us at the Tivoli Park to welcome Kate Berube, children’s book author and illustrator of “The Summer Nick Taught his Cats to Read,” our newest addition to the StoryWalk. Kate will read the book and answer your questions about Nick, his Cats, and how to create stories. The event will take place at the start of the StoryWalk, which is located at the intersection of SW Denmark St. and SW Coffee Lake Dr. in Villebois.

Hours Monday - Thursday 10-8 Friday - Saturday 10-6 Sunday 1-6

THURSDAY FUN SHOWS

GROVE SHELTER MEMORIAL PARK

Seth Howard- Magic

THURSDAY, JULY 11, 11AM

Rick Huddle- Storyteller

THURSDAY, JULY 18, 11AM

Paradise of Samoa- Dance

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 11AM

Oil-Free Summer

Keep your face fresh in warmer temps

Christine Lewy

Divine Complexions

Spa Owner

While the temperature rises this summer, it’s likely your skin’s oil production is rising, too. This can mean oiler skin and your makeup not sitting the same as it did months prior. Here are some things to help you keep your complexion looking divine in the warmer months.

Skincare

Does warmer weather mean oiler skin for you? Consider switching up your rich creamy cleanser to a deeper gel like cleanser like the {1} Epionce Lytic Gel Cleanser. Switch up your rich moisturizer for something lighter like the {2} Epionce Renewal Lite or {3} Neocutis Bio Cream Firm. Transition your weekly hydrating mask to a purifying mask like the {4} Valmont Purifying Pack. Get more breakouts in summer? Reach for the {5} Sulfur Spot Treatment from Face Reality to quickly stop a nasty pimple.

Makeup

If you prefer wearing full coverage foundation year round but experience oilier skin in the summer, consider adding an oil-controlling primer before you apply your foundation. This will not only prolong the look of your makeup but also help prevent excess oil from building up. You may want to switch up

your foundation formula, too, to a more matte formula like the {6} GloSkinBeauty Pressed Base. You can also top off your makeup look with the pressed Perfecting Power for a translucent way to absorb oil without changing the look of your foundation, and it can be applied throughout the day.

Backyard Bliss

Locally-owned company builds premium decks

By Angie Helvey, Contributing Writer

It’s that time of year when most Oregonians have grown tired of the winter season and are ready for spring! Many residents eagerly anticipate spending leisurely afternoons outdoors. Whether it’s lounging on the backyard deck with a refreshing beverage or hosting barbecues on the patio while children frolic in the yard, creating the perfect outdoor space is a priority. Alex Saculteanu, the proprietor of Grands Decks, specializes in bringing these outdoor dreams to life, and now is the ideal time to embark on your dream project!

Alex was working for a decking company in New Jersey about 13 years ago when composite decking became popular and he realized it was the wave of the future. He started his own decking business in Jersey called the Guardian and after much success, he moved to the Pacific Northwest and opened Grand Decks six years ago.

A thoughtfully crafted deck enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home while adding value and serving as a hub for social gatherings. Grands Decks offers a range of services including the design and construction of new decks, fences, patio covers and deck resurfacing. “Customers get confused because they think resurfacing refers to sanding and resealing their current deck surface,” Alex says. “But we actually replace the floor. Most times we can use the current foundation and framing if it’s in good condition.”

With over a decade of experience in deck construction, Alex personally oversees every project to ensure impeccable quality and attention to detail. “As the project manager, I’m hands-on at the job site nearly every day,” Alex explains. “I ensure that my team follows the plans, delivers exceptional workmanship, and provides ongoing support to our clients throughout the process.”

Collaborating closely with clients to conceptualize their projects is Alex’s passion. “Building a deck is about creating a living space,” he emphasizes. “Understanding our clients’ vision and preferences is crucial as they’ll be spending a sign-ificant amount of time on the deck. We guide them through the entire process, offering samples, color options and visual aids to help them make informed decisions.”

Grands Decks utilizes premium materials from reputable manufacturers, with Trex® being their preferred choice for composite decking. Renowned for its durability, eco-friendliness, and longevity (with a lifespan of at least 25 years), Trex® is unmatched in terms of quality and performance. “Trex® offers superior products, customer service, and warranties,” Alex attests. “Our team is extensively trained in working with Trex® and adhering to industry-specific codes to ensure flawless construction and long-term satisfaction.” Trex also offers different grades of their composite at affordable prices so there are options and customers can choose what works for their budget.

In addition to Trex’s 25-year warranty, Grands Decks stands behind its workmanship with a three-year warranty for deck resurfacing and a five-year warranty for new deck installations. Transparency and integrity are at the core of Grands Decks’ business philosophy. They never alter the agreed-upon price midproject, even if unforeseen expenses arise.

If you’re in the market for a new deck this year, you’ll want to start the process early. “From the moment the customer signs the contract we are working on architecture, blueprints and making engineering calculations, but many projects require permits from the city and we have no control over their timeline,” Alex explains. “It’s best to start the process at the beginning of the season or even before. That way in May or June you’ll be enjoying your new deck rather than waiting several weeks to start the project.”

As a friendly, locally-owned business, Grands Decks takes pride in fostering strong relationships with clients, prioritizing open communication and resolving any issues promptly. “Our motto is ‘no problems, just work to do’,” Alex declares. “We’re committed to delivering exceptional results and ensuring our clients’ complete satisfaction.”

Please visit their website at granddecks.com for more information or to request a free estimate. Or give them a call at 503-305-3965.

Photos provided by Grand Decks

“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.”

- John Lubbock

Day

Day*

* Denotes that the date changes each year

Gladys Monroy Boutwell

Compliment Your Mirror Day

Disobedience Day

Eat Beans Day

out of the Sun Day

Blueberries Day

Pina Colada Day

Teddy Bear Picnic Day

National Hot Dog Day*

Peach Ice Cream Day

World Emoji Day

Yellow Pig Day

Amelia Earhart Day

Cousins Day

National Drive-Thru Day

Independence Day

National Country Music Day

Cheer up the Lonely Day

Make Your Own Sundae Day

National Blueberry Muffins Day

World Population Day

National Apple Turnover Day

International Bikini Day

Work-a-holics Day

Different Colored Eyes Day

National Motorcycle Day *

Pecan Pie Day

World Kebab Day *

National Caviar Day*

World Listening Day

Wear Purple for Peace Day

Culinarians Day

National Carousel Day

National Daiquiri Day

National Raspberry Cake Day

All or Nothing Day

Aunt and Uncle Day

Summer Olympics 2024*

3 4 5 6 10 11 12 13 17 18 19 20 24 25 26 27

International Kissing Day

National Fried Chicken Day

Barbershop Music Appreciation

Embrace Your Geekness Day

Fool’s Paradise Day

National French Fries Day

National Nitrogen Ice Cream Day

Oxymoron Day

IIce Cream Soda Day

National Lollipop Day

Moon Day

Space Exploration Day

Ugly Truck Day

National Day of the Cowboy *

National Love is Kind Day

Take Your Houseplants for a Walk

“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as thing grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.” - F. Scott Fitzgerald

National Tequila Day

Tell an Old Joke Day

National Chili Dog Day

Threading the Needle Day

Cell Phone Courtesy Month

System Administrator

Appreciation Day *

National Grilling Month

Take Your Pants for a Walk Day

Walk on Stilts Day

31

Mutt’s Day

National Avocado Day

Watermelon Day

Dog Days of Summer - (July 3 – Aug. 11)

National Blueberry Month

National Anti-Boredom Month

Unlucky Month for weddings

National Cell Phone Courtesy Month

National Hot Dog Month

National Ice Cream Month

National Park and Recreation Month

National Picnic Month

National Watermelon Month

IVisual Differences

Artist reveals Black female experience

By Dennis McNabb, Contributing Writer

n today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving world, facing a constant barrage of new and compelling information means that we are always grappling to find clarity of purpose. It is increasingly rare, it seems, to meet people who are calm, composed and resolute in their goals. That is why it is such a breath of fresh air to speak with someone like artist, curator and arts organizer Tammy Jo Wilson. Not only is she committed to said objectives, but it’s for the betterment of all — for making this world a better place.

In her own words, reflected on her website, Tammy Jo seeks to, “Share through [her] work an expanded view of the black female experience in the 21st century. [She is] speaking to those among us that are looking for a broader understanding of commonalities rather than differences.

Historically rooted in the feminist art movement [her] work attempts to further the unraveling of antiquated thinking around women in art and society. [She offers] a visual entrance to an expanded view of the black female experience and the raw realities faced by marginalized people.”

She goes on further to state, “[Her] practice has evolved over the past 10 years to be less about individual identity and more reflective of cultural and societal understanding of inflicted identity versus projected identity. And she is “Interested in pushing back against what the Western art canon tells us black women’s art is, or should be.” It’s this last point I find most compelling in her work. Because as clear as her vocalized intent is, her absolutely gorgeous but sometimes eerie and abstract pieces are far less transparent. The true depth and meaning behind each piece is cleverly disguised under layers of symbolism and only revealed after careful study.

Tammy Jo is the quintessential artist. Encouraged at a young age, she began studying under professionals in high school. With both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in

Fine Arts, she has traveled every state in the country expanding and honing her craft. She has taught multiple classes and for the past 14 years held the position of Visual Arts and Technology Program Manager at Lewis & Clark College. In 2017, she co-founded Art in Oregon (AiO), a statewide visual-arts-focused nonprofit working to build bridges between artists and communities. In 2022, she also became Director of the Bush House Museum Exhibits & Programming.

Never one to rest on her laurels, Tammy Jo was recently involved in the Black Artists of Oregon Exhibition, a historic retrospective she was incredibly proud to be a part of. In May, she exhibited some of her most recent work (including her first full-sized wall mural) at the Souvenir Gallery in Portland. She is also working on an upcoming documentary short film series with MOsley WOtta called “Sketch and Release,” which will highlight black artists in Oregon.

For more information, follow her on Instagram: tammyjowilsonart or check out www.tammyjowilson.com.

Ready to Rock!

Salgado, Limbo, Hit Machine, Rockit Radio return to Summer Concerts

By Rotary Club of Wilsonville

Curtis Salgado, Hit Machine, Rockit Radio and Johnny Limbo & the Lugnuts will be the performers for the four weeks of the 2024 Wilsonville Rotary Summer Concerts, the Rotary Club of Wilsonville announced. Concerts will take place on four Thursdays in Town Center Park.

“This is the highest-octane lineup we’ve had,” said Rotarian Mike Bishop, club president-elect, who will serve as emcee for the concerts. “These bands are all proven draws who deliver exhilarating music performances, because we want to get people out to enjoy the music and the vibe at the Rotary Concerts.”

Starting in 2002, Summer Concerts are produced by the Wilsonville Rotary Foundation and supported by sponsors, including premier sponsor Wilsonville Carpet & Tile. It’s also made possible in part by a grant from the City of Wilsonville.

July 18 • Johnny Limbo & The Lugnuts

This legendary band, part of the Oregon Music Hall of Fame, started as a party gig in 1978 and performs classic ’50s and ’60s rock n’ roll hits. The band rose to fame performing across the U.S., opening for Chuck Berry, Chubby Checker, the Righteous Brothers, Three Dog Night, Rick Nelson and many others. “They have consistently been our largest draw,” series co-chair Curt Kipp said. “The public demands that we bring them back every year. We’ve had a running joke that they are Wilsonville Rotary’s House Band, but it’s the truth and they always deliver.”

July 25 • Rockit Radio

This five-piece party band has been drawing larger and larger crowds, including the headlining slot at the most recent New Year’s Eve Champagne Ball in Portland. They play a set list that spans from the 1980s to now. “This is a tight and compelling band that will generate enthusiasm

on the stage, and we’re excited to have them play at our series for the first time,” Kipp said.

August 1 • Curtis Salgado

The Portland-based blues and soul vocalist has amassed a national audience since the 1970s and is a longtime member of the Oregon Music Hall of Fame. He continues to release exciting new material, including his latest album, “Damage Control,” and tours the nation to appreciative audiences. “Curtis is a legend and not much more needs to be said he does the talking with his music,” Kipp said. “You will witness a masterclass of grit, soul and expression anytime you can hear him sing. We are so thrilled to have him back at the series this year.”

August 8 • Hit Machine

Led by bandleader and vocalist Bart Hafeman, the seven-piece band is a local favorite with their mix of Top 40, variety and dance music. The band plays hits from all eras, and it’s not uncommon to hear “Stayin’ Alive” (Bee Gees), “Kiss” (Prince), “Dynamite” (Taio Cruz), and “You Shook Me All Night Long” (AC/DC) all in the same set. The highly charismatic Hafeman and his band are known for involving the crowd. “Hit Machine drew our biggest crowd last year and it’s easy to see why,” Kipp said. “The excitement that they generate is unparalleled. Bart just has a great way of winning over any audience and making it fun for everyone. You will leave their show reluctantly, but you will leave knowing you had a great time.”

All headliners will start at 6:30 p.m. Opening acts will start at 5:30 p.m. Local singer-songwriter Rob Rainwater will open for Curtis Salgado on August 1. Other opening acts will be announced at a later date. For more info, wilsonvillerotary.com/concerts-2024/.

As a bonus, each band will have a guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Wilsonville luncheon. They will tell stories from their musical careers and share some of their most interesting experiences. Details on these presentations will be posted soon at WilsonvilleRotary.com/calendar. The club meets every Thursday at 11:45 a.m. at Black Bear Diner in Wilsonville. Lunch is available off the menu. Guests are welcome to attend.

Through July 31, 2024, Grocery Outlet Tigard at Bridgeport is teaming up with Packed With Pride & Hunger Fighters, to collect food and cash donations in-store

• Give $5, Get $5 - When you donate $5 or more in a single transaction in-store, you receive a coupon for your next purchase of $25 or more .

• Purchase a Pre-Made Bag - Several of our stores offer the ability to purchase pre-made bags with assortments of groceries selected by the local community organization the store participates in.

• Round-Up your Total - Make a donation of $1 or $5 at the register when checking out or round up your total transaction to the nearest dollar to donate!

• Donate Online - Donate online and contribute to support foodinsecure households in the San Francisco Bay Area. All online donations go to the Alameda County Community Food Bank.

• Spread the Word - Share our campaign with your friends and family and encourage them to contribute to their local store or donations online!

16920 SW 72nd Avenue • Tigard (503) 419-6297

– John Adams

HIGHLIGHTS

• 7 Nights at a 4-Star Hotel

Fatima • Lisbon

Sintra • Cabo Da Roca

Cascais • Obidos

Batalha • Porto

Douro Valley

Aveiro Coimbra INCLUDES

• Round trip airfare

• Airline fuel surcharges and taxes and fees

• 7 Nights at a First-Class Hotel

• 11 Meals (7 B, 1L, 3D)

• Sightseeing per itinerary

• Professional Tour Manager

• Baggage Handling

• Hotel Transfers

Wilsonville Chamber & CI Destinations presents

$3699* Departs March 18, 2025 with your $100 early bird discount & deposit by 9/13/24 Register Here

Attend the Travel to Portugal Info Night September 9th 5:30-6:30 (virtual or in-person) bit.ly/portugal09092024

Our small group travel trips are amazing memory making experiences that almost always sell out, so call or email today for your info packet, which includes a registration form and all the details. kevin@wilsonvillechamber.com or 503-682-0411 x: 2

Unsung Heroines

Hidden stories of bravery and sacrifice

By Robert Matsumura, Contributing Writer

While the history of the American Revolution is rife with the exploits of famous heroes such as George Washington, Paul Revere, and Benjamin Franklin, the contributions of women during this period also deserve attention in the wider scope of our country’s past. The great sweep of events that coalesced in the struggle for American independence was a tapestry woven of many lives and stories.

Although the customs of the time were not conducive to women participating in the war, nonetheless many found ways to make an impact on the outcome from behind the scenes. A pivotal juncture in the war took place over the brutal winter at Valley Forge where George Washington and the Continental Army persevered through incredible hardships to emerge as a more unified, better-trained fighting force. During this harsh but critical period in America’s colonial history, a number of women played key roles in helping, literally, to hold the army together amidst flagging morale, serious food shortages and a host of other privations.

Martha Custis Washington

The most famous of these women is Martha Custis Washington, George Washington’s wife. The chants of “No bread, no soldier,” were echoing through the air at Valley Forge when Martha arrived on the scene bearing supplies from Mount Vernon. Establishing a sewing circle with a group of officer’s wives, Martha and the ladies mended clothes and sewed bandages, socks, underwear, gloves and scarves for the soldiers. Spending each winter of the war with her husband, Martha’s sacrifice and support for the American cause was never in question. One observer of Martha during this period wrote: “I never in my life knew a woman so busy from early morning until late at night as was Lady Washington, providing comforts for the sick soldiers.”

Lucy Flucker Knox

The wife of Henry Knox, Lucy, known by the soldiers as “Lady Knox,” was a constant source of support for the soldiers throughout the war. Forced to sever ties with her Loyalist family in order to marry Henry, Lucy never again saw any family members. With her two-year-old daughter in tow, Lucy joined her husband at Valley Forge and lived in a structure referred to as the “Hut” located next to the camp’s artillery park. Like Martha and other officer’s wives, Lucy shared her and Henry’s food with hungry soldiers, and toiled in the sewing circle with Martha Washington mending and sewing clothes during the bitter-cold

winter. While many officers had wives and homes to return to after the war, Henry and Lucy had spent the first decades of their marriage on the road in support of the American cause and the Continental Army. Only after twenty years of marriage did they settle down to enjoy a home of their own.

While women such as Martha Washington and Lucy Knox supported the War for Independence on the road with the Continental Army, other women contributed to the cause from the home front. Although key victories on the battlefield were undoubtedly the definitive events that won the war, military prowess alone would not have gotten the job done. There were many other fronts to address besides fighting.

Left to right: Abigail Adams, Lucy Flucker Knox, Abigail Adams & Martha Custis Washington

Abigail Adams

Abigail Adams

The wife of John Adams, Abigail’s role in support of her husband and the American cause was immeasurable. Due to the detailed correspondence between herself and John (which thankfully has been preserved to this day), Abigail’s contributions to the revolution are well documented. In 1775 Abigail, along with Hannah Winthrop (the wife of Governor Winthrop of MA), and Mercy Otis Warren were appointed by the Massachusetts Colony General Court to interrogate local women charged with remaining loyal to the British Crown and working to undermine the independence movement. During the Second Continental Congress, Abigail advocated for women’s rights in her letters to her husband, asserting that the new form of government they sought to create was an opportunity for women to enjoy equal legal status alongside the men. In addition to her efforts on behalf of her husband and the fledgling American republic, Abigail was solely in charge of managing the family farm, raising the children and handling their business

affairs. Throughout John Adams’ career as a statesman, Abigail was his constant sounding board and advisor on countless political issues including his eventual rise to the presidency.

Mercy Otis Warren

On the intellectual front, Mercy Otis Warren has been called the “conscience of the American Revolution.” A prolific writer and playwright, Mercy was forthright with her opinions and beliefs regarding both the war and the political issues of the time. Though many Americans were still conflicted regarding the break with England, despite their dedication to independence and the war, she wrote: “America stands armed with resolution and virtue, but still recoils at the idea of drawing sword against the nation from which she derived her origin.” A strong supporter of the revolution, whose political poetry resonated with the freedom-thirsty colonists, Warren believed that both genders were equal and necessary as contributors to the new republic. She was a strong advocate of education for girls

and women and was one of America’s earliest voices for women’s rights.

Margaret Moore Barry

Popularly known as the “Heroine of the Battle of Cowpens,” Margaret “Kate” Moore Barry, a skilled horsewoman, volunteered to be a scout for the American forces. A resident of South Carolina with an intimate knowledge of the local terrain, Kate assisted her husband, Captain Andrew Barry, in warning General Daniel Morgan and his troops of the approaching British. She also rode through the countryside

rallying members for the local militia. Due to the efforts of Kate and other women like her, the Continental Army successfully defeated the British in the war’s southern theater.

These featured women are but a mere sampling of the many women who sacrificed and supported the struggle for American independence. In addition to the actions of the women detailed in this article, countless other colonial women bolstered the war effort through raising money via female-run organizations, boycotting British goods and spying for the American cause. When we remember the struggle for American independence, and the grit and valor of the soldiers of the Continental Army, we should appreciate not only the men who served on the battlefields, but the women whose passion for freedom helped secure our nation’s independence.

Margaret Moore Barry

Sand & Sunsets

Take in the state’s beautiful beaches

By Donovan Darling, Staff Writer

We’ve all visited and love the classic Oregon beaches: Lincoln City, Cannon Beach, Seaside (my favorite), and Newport. But what about the other beaches? The hidden gems? They deserve love, too!

I know Astoria isn’t really a hidden gem — it’s on Hwy 101, 17 miles north of Seaside — but it’s less traveled due to its remoteness and distance. The cool thing about Astoria, however, is that it’s quieter because it sits on the Lower Columbia River estuary and isn’t technically a “beach” town. I don’t think there are even beaches in the city limits due to its rocky coastline. For beachcombing, however, take a 20 minute drive west to Delaura Beach, a miles-long sandy beach that stretches north to Fort Stevens State Park and the Shipwreck of Peter Iredale. For the beach town experience in Astoria, it won’t disappoint. With four breweries and dozens of restaurants serving fresh-caught seafood and breathtaking views of the port, bakeries, antique stores, the Astoria Column, an arcade and several museums, you’ll have a blast.

A mere five miles south of Rockaway Beach, Garibaldi has a tiny population of 830. Like a 1:10 scale version of Astoria, Garibaldi sits between Miami Cove and Tillamook Bay, skirting the line of “beach town” and offering unique views especially at sunset, with many restaurants right on the water. You can visit the maritime museum and go fishing or crabbing. Otherwise this is a great place to have lunch, or have a quiet romantic dinner on the bay and watch the sunset.

Some 26 miles south of Cannon Beach, Rockaway Beach is a true hidden gem. My wife and I stayed here last summer and it’s such a quiet little spot, even during peak season. The wide beaches allow for plenty of space between beachcombers, stretching for miles with gorgeous views of the Oregon coastline and Twin Rocks. Downtown is quaint, with a handful of shops and restaurants — an incredible bakery/cafe, fresh-caught seafood, surprisingly cool bars and the standard tourist shops. There isn’t nearly as much to do here as other beach towns apart from nearby hiking trails, which is why I’d recommend popping down to Garibaldi if you’re staying for the weekend or longer.

The secret is definitely out on Neskowin Beach, but I feel that it’s still modest enough to include in this list. 13 miles north of Lincoln City, this beach is tucked away off the road and requires a bit of a walk to reach the sand — if you’ve got cranky kids or beach gear to haul, I suggest bringing a wagon. That said, what makes Neskowin so unique is that it sits on the convergence of two creeks, Neskowin and Kiwanda, and is unlike any other beach I’ve been to. Kids and adults alike will love playing in the creeks, exploring Proposal Rock, and combing the massive beach and its gorgeous panoramic views. Don’t miss the Ghost Forest either, the remains of old trees jutting out of the sand. Although busy, there’s a cute little cafe right at the beach entrance that serves lunch and dinner. Neskowin itself is a tiny little in-between town (122 people), so don’t expect much beyond the beach.

Rockaway Beach

Garibaldi

A storia

Neskowin

HOURS: Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm Saturday by appointment only Sunday closed

Stop in to see our fabulous showroom with beautifully appointed settings, centrally located in Beaverton. We service all local areas from Forest Grove to Wilsonville and the Portland Metro Area.

Make your dreams come true! From start to finish, Custom NW Remodeling & Floors can turn dreams into reality. Whether it is a beautiful staircase, kitchen, or the luxurious master bathroom you have always wanted, Custom NW Remodeling is here to help take your thoughts and ideas and turn them into reality. Our team of skilled in-house craftsmen have years of experience in all aspects of interior remodeling, and when paired with our expertise of design, we can help you turn your house into your dream home.