Wilsonville Lifestyle Magazine June 2024

Beautiful Wilsonville Home

5 bedroom home in the highly sought after Wilsonville Meadows. Vaulted ceilings and a comfortable living room with large bay windows greet you upon entrance. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances and an island among the highlights. Kitchen upgrades also include repainted cabinets, a new cooktop, and a new dishwasher. The kitchen leads into the light and bright family room, which is ideal for entertaining. The oversized primary suite upstairs offers privacy, as it is separate from the other bedrooms on that level. With features such as a soaking tub, walk-in shower, and walk-in closet, this room is sure to be your sanctuary. The fifth bedroom and utility room are on the main floor, adding another level of convenience. The exceptionally manicured front and back yards only add to the allure of this home. The backyard’s immaculate landscaping and design are perfect for hosting outdoor activities. Backyard upgrades include a newly stained concrete patio, new sprinkler/drip system, and a new SunSetter awning. Additional enhancements in the home include a newer hot water heater, HVAC/AC, and composition roof. This gorgeous home is in a quiet tree-lined neighborhood and won’t last long!

Beautiful

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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

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Wilsonville Lifestyle Magazine

Sunny Days Ahead

Protect your skin from damaging rays

By Christine Lewy, Divine Complexions

The sun has arrived, and I wouldn’t be a good esthetician if I didn’t write an article on sunscreen!

Summertime signals more exposure as we start to think about getting a nice tan! It’s really only the last couple of decades that we’ve known about the harmful effects of tanning inside and outside. As an esthetician, one of the biggest complaints I hear from my clients is their disgust for their sunspots. These happen over time as we age from damage done from the sun. They may also worsen or darken when you’re outside for during the sunnier months.

But why are the sun rays so harmful and cause aging? The sun has two type of UV rays, UVA and UVB. The UVB rays from the sun are those tanning burning rays, which maybe you love to bask in when the sun comes out... hello sunspots. But did you know that the UVA rays, the other type of light emitted from the sun, penetrates clouds and windows and this is the type of light ray that causes skin aging and even skin cancer? This is why wearing sunscreen on any exposed skin every single day is so important, even on cloudy rainy days.

The light from the sun alters our skin cells’ DNA, which can eventually lead to skin cancer. Some tanning beds are like

light rays on steroids and even more dangerous than lying outside on a sunny day. So steer clear of traditional tanning and choose a good for you self tanner! My new at home favorite for fool-proof gradual tan skin…the Coola Sunless Tan Dry Oil Mist.

Sunscreens have come such a long way! There are fast absorbing formulas, formulas with a tint, and oil free formulas for acne prone skin! Need help finding the right one? Check out some of my favorites below.

I love your feedback and questions, so don’t hesitate to reach out at info@ DivineComplexions.com.

Wilsonville First Citizen Award

Brad Hansen named 2023 recipient

Brad Hansen is the newest Wilsonville First Citizen, Rotary Club of Wilsonville President Gladys Boutwell announced at Rotary’s annual Heart of Gold Dinner & Auction on Thursday, April 11.

“Brad is a wonderful volunteer and community leader,” says Boutwell. “He leads with a kind, patient and thoughtful outlook, always anticipating needs of those around him and setting the right example and tone for others to succeed. His contributions have been many over the years with Rotary, with the local business community, at Coffee Creek and throughout the community.”

Hansen has served as president of the Rotary Club of Wilsonville and has served as chairman of the Wilsonville Rotary Foundation on multiple occasions. He co-chairs the club’s Through A Child’s Eyes program, helping adults in custody maintain strong family bonds and break the intergenerational cycle of incarceration. He has assisted several local organizations and leads a men’s bible study for local business leaders. He runs the local office for Guild Mortgage, a donor to the Hands and Feet Project in Haiti that assists and educates orphans and supports startup businesses.

Wilsonville First Citizen is an annual award given since 2001 to recognize a community member for their exceptional volunteer service. Also recognized as finalists for the award this year were Wilsonville High School football coach Adam Guenther; Oregon Business Resource Center volunteer Fatima Falcon Ontiveros; and Brad Holly, a volunteer with Wilsonville

 Wilsonville Rotary Summer Concerts —

These FREE summer concerts in Town Center Park (wilsonvilleconcerts. com) provide high quality family entertainment to benefit polio eradication through voluntary donations to End Polio Now. This year’s shows will be July 18, July 25, Aug. 1 and Aug. 8.

 Through A Child’s Eyes (TACE) — A two-day annual event at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility to strengthen inmate families and break the negative intergenerational cycles that lead to incarceration.

 Support of Scouting

BSA — The club sponsors one Scout troop and two Cub Scout packs in Wilsonville.

High School Booster Club and the school’s softball and wrestling programs.

A committee made up of Rotary and other Wilsonville community leaders reviewed the nominations. All of the past First Citizens are listed on a monument in the Rotary Rose Garden in Town Center Park. Brad’s name will be added.

This year’s Heart of Gold theme was “Spotlight on Service,” playing off the strength, balance and poise of performing acrobats for Cirque du Soleil and other troupes. Entertainment matching the theme was provided by Innovative Dance.

Besides honoring Wilsonville’s First Citizen, Heart of Gold event serves as the main fundraiser for the Wilsonville Rotary Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Money is raised through sponsorships, an auction, donations, raffle and game tickets, dinner tickets and other contributions. The Wilsonville Rotary Foundation, in turn, provides funding for the numerous service projects conducted or supported by the club. (See sidebar below.)

The club also supports international service projects conducted throughout the world by the Wilsonville club and other area clubs and responds to certain needs as they arise.

First Citizen nominations are accepted ongoingly at WilsonvilleRotary.com/Nominate. For further information, contact Gladys Boutwell at 503-482-7050 or President@ WilsonvilleRotary.com.

 Good Eggs Omelet Breakfasts — Rotary partners with local schools and other organizations to create fundraising breakfasts and dinners with multiple revenue streams.

 Rotary Youth Exchange — Exchanges send local students abroad for shortand long-term exchanges and host international students for the same here.

 Dolly Parton Imagination Library —

Free books are given monthly to young readers, in partnership with the Wilsonville Public Library. Rotary has expanded the program to include children of adults in custody at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility.

 College Scholarships

— The club awards several scholarships to deserving high school graduates from Wilsonville to support their future education.

 Peacebuilding —

The Rotary Club of Wilsonville is an official Peacebuilder Club and has installed three Peace Poles in the community, with more to come.

Brad Hansen

CITY OF WILSONVILLE

GETTING TO KNOW

David Valenzuela

Helping keep Wilsonville to code

By the City of Wilsonville

Helping others comes naturally to David Valenzuela. That became evident to his City of Wilsonville coworkers during his first week on the job.

“On his second day here we were responding to the 2021 ice storm,” said Dustin Schull, parks maintenance lead. “David had previously worked as a flagger, so he went and renewed his certification that night. The next day, he was flagging traffic with Public Works. That’s all l I needed to see to know he’s here to serve the team and the community in whatever capacity is needed.”

Valenzuela is the City’s code compliance coordinator. His job often requires giving Wilsonville’s residents and business operators news they don’t want to hear.

When David comes calling, it’s probably because someone complained that you are in violation of City code. When your

Valenzuela’s ability to effectively communicate with nearly everyone he encounters is a super power honed at a young age. Throughout childhood, he bounced to and from several schools — some public, some private — in both Costa Rica and the U.S. Developing his people skills helped him survive and adapt to the many perspectives he encountered.

car is abandoned or illegally parked, when you’ve posted a sign illegally, when your dog is off leash, or when your sidewalk is in disrepair.

“I don’t drive down the street looking for problems, Valenzuela said. “When I contact people, it’s because somebody else complained.”

If he knocks, expect a friendly conversation, not a confrontation. Valenzuela’s objective is voluntary compliance with City regulations. Achieving that goal effectively requires approaching people as partners and not as adversaries.

“I’m not invested emotionally in what the code says, so I have the ability to step back and just educate people,” he said. “I want them laughing, understanding that we’re working together, and feeling like they can call me at any time.”

Valenzuela’s ability to effectively communicate with nearly everyone he encounters is a super power honed at a young age. Throughout childhood, he bounced to and from several schools — some public, some private — in both Costa Rica and the U.S. Developing his people skills helped him survive and adapt to the many perspectives he encountered.

“Everybody is different and has different life experiences,” he said. “In high school, I did not want to be a part of a clique. I wanted to be able to sit with everybody.”

Professionally, he cut his teeth with the City of Tualatin in many capacities — code compliance, public works, parks maintenance, and as a police officer. He also sold vehicles for a time, which helped him hone an important skill that serves him well in Wilsonville.

“I had two incredible managers that taught me how to deliver bad news in a good way,” he said.

Sales required too many hours away from his wife and daughter, though, and when he began contemplating how he wanted to spend his work days, Valenzuela returned to the job that gave him the most satisfaction.

“I don’t need to be rich, but I want to do what makes me happy,” Valenzuela said. “Serving the public is something I love doing. I like being the person that can help. I feel good when I go home.”

Backyard Bliss

Locally-owned company builds premium decks

By Angie Helvey, Contributing Writer

Photos provided by Grand Decks

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 significant 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, ecofriendliness, 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 industryspecific codes to ensure flawless construction and longterm 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 mid-project, 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.

“It is the month of June, The month of leaves and roses, When pleasant sights salute the eyes, And pleasant scents the noses.”

– Nathaniel Parker Willis

National Bubba Day

National Frozen Yogurt Day*

National Rocky Road Day

Donald Duck Day

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day

Father’s Day*

Fresh Veggies Day

International Waterfall Day

National Fudge Day

National Turkey Lovers Day

International Widows Day

Let It Go Day

National Pink Day

Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month

Aquarium Month

Candy Month Dairy Month

Effective Communications

Applesauce Cake Day

Hug Your Cat Day

National Cheese Day

Old Maid’s Day

Ball Point Pen Day

Chinese Dragon Boat Festival –date varies

Herb and Spices Day Iced Tea Day

Eat Your Vegetables Day

Eid-Ul-Adha

National Children’s Day

National Corn on the Cob Day

Go Fishing Day

International Panic Day

International Picnic Day Sushi Day

National Splurge Day

Meteor Day

International Fairy (or Faery) Day

Log Cabin Day

National Catfish Day

National Columnists Day*

* Denotes that the date changes each year

Repeat Day (I said World Bicycle Day Hot World

National National Peanut

National World

Swim a Lap Day National

2 3 4 5 9 10 11 12 16 17 18 19 23 24 25 26 30

Gladys Monroy Boutwell

Month

Fight the Filthy Fly Month

Gay and Lesbian Pride Month

Great Outdoors Month

National Accordion Awareness

Month

National Adopt a Cat Month

National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables

Month

National Iced Tea Month

Rose Month

Turkey Lovers Month

D-Day, WWII

National Chocolate Ice Cream Day

1 5 6 7 8

Dare Day

Flip a Coin Day

National Trails Day*

World Milk Day

Hot Air Balloon Day

Environment Day

National Jerky Day

National Gardening Exercise Day– Get out and exercise with your plants.

National Yo-Yo Day

National Weed Your Garden Day

Nursing Assistants Day*

National Doughnut Day is always the first Friday in June VCR Day

Best Friends Day

Name Your Poison Day

World Ocean Day

12 13 14 15

National Hollerin’ Contest Day*

National Nature Photography Day

Peanut Butter Cookie Day

Red Rose Day

Pigeon Appreciation Day

Sewing Machine Day

Wear Purple for Peace Day

Juneteenth

National Kissing Day

World Sauntering Day

Beautician’s Day

Finally Summer Day / Summer Solstice – date varies Ice Cream Soda Day

National Bald Eagle Day

Flag Day

Monkey Around Day

Go Skateboarding Day

International Yoga Day

National Selfie Day

Take a Road Trip Day * Take Your Dog to Work Day*

International Jazz Day

International Body Piercing Day

National Prune Day

Smile Power Day

World Juggler’s Day

19 20 21 22 26 27 28 29

National Chocolate Eclair Day

National Onion Ring Day

World Rainforest Day

Camera Day

Hug Holiday

“In early June the world of leaf and blade and flowers explodes, and every sunset is different.” – John Steinbeck

Forgiveness Day

National Canoe Day

Mint Julep Day

Water a Flower Day

National Food Truck DaySave Your Paul Bunyan Day

International Mud Day Waffle Iron Day

Fresh New Look

Salon moves, expands and adds stylists

By Patti Jo Brooks, Contributing Writer

Photos by Carly Carpenter

What’s new at L’Attrait Salon & Spa? Double the space to begin with! February 2024 found clients and staff alike enjoying the salon’s new site. Taking over a spot at the end of the same complex, L’Attrait clients welcome the salon’s makeover as well as the expanded services it now offers. With the addition of two experienced stylists and one full-time nail and air-brush tan specialist, the salon is a happening, bustling place.

“That was the biggest project I’ve ever done in my life!” declares L’Attrait owner Andrea Kekhia. Never closing L’Attrait’s doors, Andrea set up the new salon from scratch while simultaneously taking care of clients in the other location. “All the stylists had to do was move over their chairs and their products,” Andrea says, regarding the final move. On a

side note, she mentions that if anyone is interested, there are some salon items available for purchase second-hand from the previous location (mirrors in particular).

Andrea’s abundant enthusiasm and cheerful disposition radiate across all channels of her business, falling equally upon staff as well as clients. Believing that “the people make all the difference,” she credits her amazing staff for their part in creating L’Attrait’s “good vibes” and comfortable atmosphere. “There’s nothing I love more than a busy salon,” she comments, citing her addition of the two new stylists, plus Jillian, a full-time natural nails and airbrush tanning specialist.

“There’s room for one more stylist to join my already amazing team,” Andrea remarks. Counting herself among the current eleven members, she shares, “I have over 100 years’ experience in my salon. That’s so great!” The staff come from all walks of life, backgrounds, age groups and personal styles. “I absolutely love them,” she says. The diversity “makes it a well-rounded salon” capable of providing clients with the best possible experience.

Enjoy L’Attrait Salon’s professional, relaxing and harmonious atmosphere in which clients are free to move between stylists with confidence and ease. If your regular stylist is already booked, there’s sure to be someone else available and happy to schedule you in. If you find another stylist is a better fit for you, no worries: L’Attrait stylists believe their vocation is “not to make people beautiful, but to show them they already are.”

Additionally, L’Attrait Salon offers private rooms for clients who for medical reasons or religious purposes, prefer to keep their head covered in public. Andrea

had become aware that sometimes a bathroom was the only private space for these individuals to have their hair cut. Taking that to heart, she added private rooms to her salon to accommodate this special circumstance.

“Wilsonville’s Boutique Salon” has been part of the Wilsonville community

since 2012, with ownership passing to Andrea Kekhia in 2019. L’Attrait Salon is especially known for creating unique looks customized for the individual. By considering the personality, lifestyle, and physical features of each client, skilled professionals put their artistic touch into every hairstyle they create. With the onset of warmer spring and summer weather, L’Attrait stylists will be busy with highlights and blondes, as well as brunette balayage styles, which continue to be very popular.

So, whether your style is “wash-and-go” or something that takes a little time, L’Attrait Salon & Spa has a look for you. Plan ahead and get your next appointment on the books today! L’Attrait

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

March 18,

with your $100 early bird discount & deposit by 7/31/24

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

7:45-9:00am

Our Morning Spark networking events are great for meeting and making new business connections within the community. Facilitated introductions between attendees ensure you will meet everyone. Everyone is eligible to win great door prizes! Guests are welcome to join us for a fun and business-building morning.

Janelle Engel, General Manager Wilsonville • 8695 SW Jack Burns Blvd. 971-200-7038 • wilsonvillegm@clubpilates.com clubpilates.com/location/wilsonville

bit.ly/morningspark06262024

www.wilsonvillechamber.com facebook.com /wilsonvillechamber

Take It to the Stage

“The place for art” in Milwaukie, Oregon

By Dennis McNabb, Contributing Writer

Comedy shows, plays, dance performances, rehearsals, instructional classes, private events, and so much more! Simply stated, Chapel Theatre is the premier venue in the area for any and all varieties of performance-based artistic expression. If you can dream it, they can provide the space necessary to manifest those dreams into reality.

Founded in 2018 by husband and wife team, Corinn and Illya deTorres, Chapel Theatre was named such in honor of the church that operated there fron the 1930s. Although not affiliated in any way with religion, the Chapel Theatre does espouse inclusivity and community above all else. Corinn and Illya have worked tirelessly to foster an open and inviting atmosphere where Black Lives Matter, where BIPOC voices have an important place in the arts, and where LGBTQ members are an integral part of their thriving community.

Corinn, the Theatre Director and Dance Instructor, is herself a dancer (founding and directing the “TriptheDark” Dance Company for 12 years).

Illya, the Technical Director, is a musician and actor. Passion for the arts runs in their veins and they are both humbled and enthused to be

such an integral part of the local creative community. They do produce their own shows (through the Chapel Theatre Company) while renting the space to partners (TriptheDark Dance Company, Bridge City Improv, Telltale and more). Regardless of who is currently in residence, there is always something fun and exciting happening. Located at their Chapel Theatre Annex, they even have a full-service music recording and mixing studio, as well as a rehearsal, performance, learning and music event space.

Their Youth Summer Camp program is a huge draw and classes run the gamut from teaching behind the scenes production to stage direction, to script work, to acting and movement. Amanda Healy, who is their Lead Educator and Production Assistant, is incredible with the kids and teaches all their youth classes.

They are proud to announce that recently she has even branched out into the Clackamas School District to start teaching acting in local classrooms.

Regardless of your personal tastes, Chapel Theatre offers something for everyone. There is nothing quite like it anywhere else in the Milwaukie area. Whether looking to put on a show of your own or to enjoy those of other local theater/comedy/dance troupes, look no further than Chapel Theatre.

For more information regarding upcoming shows, space availability, room rates and more, visit their website chapeltheatremilwaukie.com. And don’t miss out this August when they kick off their 2024/2025 season with the punk rock musical parody production of “Repo Man”. Chapel Theatre is located at 4107 SE Harrison Street in Milwaukie.

Amanda Healy teaching class

(L to R) Illya and Corinn deTorres

TriptheDark Dance Company

Theatre set-up

Exploringtheretrovideogamerenaissance

ByRobertMatsumura,ContributingWriter

most realistic, imaginative video games for both consoles and streaming platforms, many enthusiasts are increasingly looking to the past for a familiar, relaxing and affordable gaming experience.

With the dizzying array of tantalizingly new games out there, complete with ultra-high definition graphics and immersive music and storylines, the rising popularity of old low-tech games with pixelated graphics and simplistic controls is a bit of a head-scratcher. In order to wrap one’s mind around this curious phenomenon, it’s important to understand what the term “retro game” refers to. In gaming parlance the term “retro gaming” instantaneously evokes primitive but charming 8-bit graphics, intuitive straightforward gameplay that is addictive and challenging, yet is, at its core, innately simple.

The heyday of these retro games was back in the 70s and 80s when the internet was still a dream, and words like “cell phone” and “streaming” had not yet entered the common lexicon.

experience was to play these games standing up on arcade machines located in pizza parlors, convenience stores and malls across America.

For those of us who grew up during this era the nostalgia factor is immense. As the world continually grows faster and more complex, there is a certain comfort in the return to something familiar. Engaging again with the graphics, sounds and challenges of these simple games has the ability to evoke the past, like a time capsule transporting one back to the days of their youth. Whether rescuing the princess in the various castles of Super Mario Brothers, zapping fast flowing insects in Centipede or defending humanity from invaders from outer space in Galaxian or Space Invaders, engaging once again with these simple yet thrilling games is like reacquainting oneself with an old friend.

Another lure of retro games is their simplicity. Unlike contemporary video games whose complexity often mirrors real life, retro games offer a binary experience that requires minimal decision making and strategizing. In a world where everevolving technology demands increasing levels of expertise and knowledge,

the straightforward gameplay of retro games can be a refreshing change of pace. Basic hand/eye coordination and reaction time are typically the skills required in retro games, versus the detailed storylines and game mechanics common to today’s popular titles.

Aside from nostalgia and relaxing game play, the affordability of retro gaming is also appealing. The expense of today’s popular titles creates a strain on the pocketbook for budget-minded individuals. The inexpensive price of retro games — frequently bundled together at minimal cost — creates a democratizing effect, wherein the vast majority of gamers can afford to participate, rather than only the hardcore few willing to shell out significant dollars to stay up to date on the latest and greatest new releases.

Finally, one cannot discount the aesthetic appeal of retro games with their pixelated graphics and jaunty chiptune soundtracks that impart a certain charm to these old titles. While highly orchestrated

musical scores and jawdropping HD visuals are indeed impressive from a technical standpoint, there are times when simple equates to good. In a sense, retro games are the comfort food of the video game industry. While gourmet cuisine can be an amazing culinary experience, there are times when you simply desire a good old burger and fries. Leaning over a classic arcade machine, joystick in hand, is a completely different experience to gaming online via the latest PlayStation or Xbox console wearing a headset and communicating in realtime with players around the globe. So how has the recent resurgence in retro game popularity affected the gaming industry?

arcade establishments also double as restaurants serving food and beverages to hungry gamers as they strive to save the world from galactic invaders or guide Pacman through a labyrinth of hungry ghosts.

As one might expect, the surging popularity of retro video games has spurred demand for old gaming consoles. The resale market on sites such as eBay for vintage Atari, Nintendo, and Sega Genesis consoles has exploded as the younger generation of gamers discovers these old classics, and Boomers reengage nostalgically with the favorite games of their youth. The demand for retro game

The surging demand for retro games has manifested itself in a myriad of ways, from the creation of small hand-held arcade machines for gamers on the go to the digital remastering of classic retro titles. Game designers are also incorporating visuals, sound effects, and game mechanics from the old retro titles and developing new games that capture the essence of these timeless originals. In cities across the globe the burgeoning demand for retro video games has spawned arcade establishments catering to gamers wishing to play the old classics standing up, on machines like those of their youth. Often these new

in lockstep with the demand for the old consoles and games cartridges, driving a craze for all things retro gaming. No matter what your age or level of gaming experience — Baby Boomer to Gen Z, avid gamer to newbie – retro video games have something to offer everyone. Whether you grew up in the 70s or 80s and seek a nostalgic blast to the past, or hail from a more recent generation, the realm of retro gaming is a wonderful respite from the complexities of our modern life—digital comfort food for the soul!

Delora Kerber

Public works and emergency management

By Olive Gallagher, Contributing Writer

Photos courtesy of Delora Kerber

When or if we notice a streetlight is damaged or a pothole needs fixing, we probably don’t spend too much time wondering who to call to get these matters addressed. Most of us are so busy, it’s easy to move on and forget about tending to these little things. And yet these little things, these details, are exactly the kind of issues Wilsonville’s Public Works Department, led by Delora Kerber, public works director and head of Emergency Management, problem solves every day. And exactly the kind of issues that, when taken care of properly, make our city so picturesque, clean and desirable.

Born and raised in Portland, with parents that worked in tandem — him writing and her typing and organizing — and the fourth of five children, Delora learned early in life the value of attending to details to make life manageable and more enjoyable. A good student who loved reading and math, she was inspired by teachers who exhibited patience while helping others. She attended Benson High School and acted in plays before joining the basketball squad.

Benson was a polytechnical high school that offered an academic track as well as a secondary one geared for students who wanted to specialize in programs such as automotive repair, foundry and sheet metal. Since Delora had always been interested in building construction and was determined to go to college, she decided, after a helpful conversation with her father’s engineering friend, to attend Oregon State and earn a bachelor’s of science in civil engineering.

Upon graduation, amidst the depressed ’80s job market, she took a first job with the Oregon Department of Transportation. During her five years there, she learned about final design of construction drawings, preliminary designs, surveying and construction inspection.

Delora and her husband, a civil engineer who also worked for WSDOT, were married in 1987. The couple moved to the Seattle area where Delora went to work for the private consulting firms Alpha Engineering Group and CH2M Hill. Her focus included freeways, streets, paths, retaining walls, and stormwater elements, allowing her to experience managing everything from A to Z. This training also proved invaluable when Delora took the position of senior transportation engineer for the City of Sammamish, moving up shortly after that into the position of city engineer and then onto becoming director of public works.

Since her husband was now working remotely for Boeing, the couple decided to return to Portland, and in 2006, Delora took the position in Wilsonville. She claims modestly, “So much of what we accomplish depends on my staff!” Delora sees herself as a “sort-of fix-it person. If something needs fixing, I’ll find the right person to get the job done, whether it’s a pothole, a broken hydrant, a backed up sewer line or storm inlet, a damaged sign, road markings that need refreshing, a traffic signal whose timing is off or a city building that needs attention.”

Delora is also deeply devoted to advising and assisting the City of Wilsonville in helping residents be more aware and accountable in their own planning for emergencies. To this end, her department, along with the city’s very proactive City Council, is continually offering advice on useful preparations that citizens can follow and manage.

So the next time you notice a streetlight out or a sign that needs attention, or have a question about emergency readiness, you not only know who to reach out to, but also where to send your appreciation and thanks for a job well done!

One Step at a Time

Inspiring women run in solidarity

three drew up a 12-week plan. From there, it has spanned to more than 15 different locations throughout Oregon, and now internationally in La Paz, Mexico.

Every year, Sole Sisters hosts their own Sole Sister Race. This includes a clearly marked route, aid stations, medics on standby, as well as food and fun at the finish line. This year’s race will be held June 1 and will consist of a 5k, 10k and half-marathon at Memorial Park in Wilsonville.

By Malia Riggs, Contributing Writer Photos courtesy of Sole Sisters

What started 17 years ago as three friends walking step by step together while training for a half marathon has now turned into an international club of over 1,000 women who walk, run and train together. Sole Sisters provides the soul in getting women active through empowerment and inclusivity for everybody and in every body.

“It’s important to be moving and have connection, Soul Sisters provides that. You get your connection, fresh air and you get your movement,” Sole Sisters founder Jules Moody said. “No one is a marathon express runner here; some women are super fast, and some are super slow walkers. We’d like to say there’s a pace for everybody. We’re unique in that it’s free training and it’s really an encouraging and welcoming atmosphere. We’ve had girls as young as eight and women up through their 80s.”

Moody started Sole Sisters in 2008 with Lisa Sequeira and Ann Christler when the three set out with one goal: complete a half-marathon. Through the Grace Chapel in Wilsonville, the

“I’m one that doesn’t do stuff unless it’s fun,” Moody said. “I think the reason Sole Sisters has grown so rapidly is because there’s accountability. You’re meeting somebody else and you know that someone is going to show up and be there.”

Each location has about three volunteer coaches who promote safety and offer encouraging words throughout each meetup. Typically, each group meets on Saturday mornings to train, build stronger bodies and even stronger friendships.

“We’ve had an organic growth process, we’ve never tried recruiting, all the towns have sprung up from ladies that have experienced Sole Sisters and have decided they want it in their town,” Moody said.

Now under new leadership, Sole Sisters has stepped forward with Team J, which consists of (Jules) Moody, Janelle Reid and Jessy Lee. Moody confirmed she is slowly passing the torch to these two — both of whom steadfastly champion community and the uplifting of other women. They

create a space where each member’s vital spirit is instrumental in perpetuating the soul of the Sole sisterhood.

“Our three main tenets are invite, include and inspire. It’s a great way to bring women together of all ages, stages and paces,” Moody said.

The Soul Sisters Race will be held June 1 at Memorial Park in Wilsonville. For more info, visit their website at sherorunning. com/sole-sisters.

TOP LEFT: Sole Sisters Team J: (from left) Jules Moody, Jessy Lee and Janelle Reid. ABOVE: The finish line at last year’s June race.