This beautiful two-story house on a quiet, tree-lined street is just what you’ve been looking for. With high ceilings and an abundance of windows, the formal living and dining areas that greet you, provide tons of natural light and an open, airy feel. The kitchen has what you need, including hardwood floors, an eating bar, black appliances, and a pantry. The family room, with it’s exceptional built-in features and newer carpet, is directly adjacent and provides an ideal layout for entertainment. Privacy abounds upstairs, as the primary suite is separate from the other 3 bedrooms. Features include a soaking tub, walk-in shower, vaulted ceilings, newer carpet, and a walk-in closet. Additional features include a sliding glass door in the kitchen that leads directly to the deck and fenced backyard. The backyard, which is perfect for outdoor relaxation, also includes custom hardscaping and room for a small garden. Additional features include new interior paint throughout, new flooring in the bathrooms and laundry room, a gas fireplace in the family room and new light fixtures throughout the home. The utility/laundry room and 5th bedroom on the main floor only adds to the comfort! With a neighborhood park and centrally located to all the Wilsonville has to offer, this gorgeous home won’t last long!
Matthew Nelson, Publisher
Catrina Nelson, CFO
Tara Weidman, Executive Assistant
Jeremy Okai Davis, Art Director
Donovan Darling, Content Manager
Kate Astle, Copyeditor
Kaity VanHoose, Social Media Manager SENIOR
Hilary Berg Sean Carver
Dani DeGraw Brittany Jungenberg
Morgan King Justin Nelson
Shawn Schmidt
Patti Jo Brooks Olive Gallagher
Angie Helvey Lucas Holmgren
Robert Matsumura Dennis McNabb
Edward Novak Kelly Romo
Gretchen Van Lente Ty Walker
Alice Williams Kerry Yu CONTRIBUTING
Laurel Bice Carly Carpenter
Tyler Francke Angie Helvey
Brittany Jungenberg Malaina Kinne
Lisa Kuhlman Kara Langley
Andrew Sambuceto Henry Schifter
Hayley Starkey
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 Looking to
By Olive Gallagher, Contributing Writer
In a current world of emojis and memes, many folks struggle to accurately communicate with one another about complex, sensitive or profound things. For Imran Haider, Professor of Strategic Communication at Washington State University and the first chair of the City of Wilsonville’s DEI Committee, communicating has always fascinated and inspired him to do more and do better.
Imran is the second of three children raised in Portland by Pakistani-born parents, whose father came to the states aboard the Queen Mary. As a youngster, he found his older brother was often tough on him, criticizing constantly. While it took Imran many years to understand that it was this constant criticism that propelled him to only work harder and achieve more, Imran had begun to realize by age seven that he just wanted to fit in. So, despite the bullying and discrimination he experienced growing up, the day he discovered his affinity and talent for basketball changed his life, offering him a healthy alternative to shine and explore his ability for sports as well as his consistent academic talents. Imran, in fact, was so adept at basketball that he played semi-pro basketball during his graduate studies at Portland State where he earned a MA in Communications/Media Studies, adding that degree to his already-achieved BS in the same discipline.
It was Imran’s consistent determination and dedication to continually learn and grow that propelled him to serve as a teacher’s aide for his mass media professor, Dr. Priya Kapoor. In doing so, she spotted his talent and initiative and suggested he consider teaching as a profession, going so far as to recommend him for a part-time teaching position in 2008. He eagerly accepted the post and discovered that he loved teaching and couldn’t wait to go to work each day. “You know, the impostor syndrome is real. Teaching put confidence in me! It also shocked me to discover that I was actually doing fine on my own and could make all the choices.”
As the years passed, his devotion to teaching increased and he became nearly obsessive about preparing for his students each semester. He also observed a shift in attitudes among his students, noting an increase in confrontational attitudes as well as a growing disrespect for others, particularly in questioning him more about topics in class. Still firmly believing that challenge creates motivation, he continues today to use those moments to just do better.
Married in 2016, he and his wife are parents of two little boys. “I want changes to be made, and the stones to be turned over so the world will be a better place for my children to grow up and thrive.” In 2023, Imran co-authored his first book about public speaking and wrote a children’s book about local government.
He is proud
of the City of Wilsonville for establishing the DEI Committee and values the opportunity to be invited to be its first Chair. The DEI committee serves the mayor and councilors of the city of Wilsonville to advocate for access for persons with disabilities, for example, and create opportunities for every possible community member to feel belongingness. Imran believes everyone in Wilsonville “needs or knows someone who could use an advocate. Much can be achieved if we all just work on making the community a better place, one person and one conversation at a time.”
“March, when days are getting long, Let thy growing hours be strong to set right some wintry wrong.”
- ― Caroline May
Caregiver Appreciation Day I Want You to Be Happy Day If Pets Had Thumbs Day Namesake Day *
Irish American Heritage Month
Music in Our Schools Month
National Celery Month
National Craft Month
National Frozen Food Month
34567
Dissociative Identity Disorder Awareness Day
Daylight Savings begins
International Day of Awesomeness Oscar Night * Johnny Appleseed Day Ramadan – begins at sundown*
St. Patrick’s Day
Corned Beef and Cabbage Day
National Cheesesteak Day
National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day Palm Sunday* Purim – begins at sundown*
National Anthem Day Peach Blossom Day Holy Experiment Day Hug a GI Day National National
Easter Sunday*
Awkward Moments Day
Goddess of Fertility Day
Supreme Sacrifice Day
Girl Scouts Day Plant a Flower Day
Earth Day Let’s Laugh Day
National / World Agriculture Day * Poultry Day
Spring (Vernal) Equinox*
Feast of the Annunciation Pecan Day
International Waffle Day
Live Long and Prosper Day Make Up Your Own Holiday Day
National Spinach Day
Extraterrestrial International International World
National Nutrition Month
National Peanut Month
National Women’s History Month
Red Cross Month
Social Workers Month
Employee Appreciation Day*
National Salesperson Day*
Peace Corps Day
Peanut Butter Lovers’ Day
12
Plan a Solo Vacation Day
Old Stuff Day
Reuben Grill Day
Dentist’s Day
National Frozen Food Day
34567
National Oreo Cookie Day
13
Earmuff Day
Jewel Day
Smart & Sexy Day
National Cereal Day
National Crown Roast of Pork Day
Learn about Butterflies Day
National Potato Chip Day
National Pi Day - π =3.14 Popcorn Lover’s Day *
89
International(Working) Women’s Day
National Proofreading Day
Buzzards Day
Dumbstruck Day
Everything You Think Is Wrong Day Ides of March
Barbie Day
Genealogy Day *
Get Over It Day
International Fanny Pack Day*
Panic Day
Everything You Do is Right Day
Freedom of Information Day
Giant Panda Bear Day
Int.Sports Car Racing Day *
National Quilting Day*
“Daffodils, that come before the swallow dares, and take the winds of March with beauty.”
Extraterrestrial Abductions Day
International Day of Happiness
International Earth Day
20
Proposal Day
World Sparrow Day
27
National “Joe” Day
Fragrance Day
World Poetry Day
Something on a Stick Day Weed Appreciation Day
As Young As You Feel Day
National Goof Off Day
World Chipmunk Day
Good Friday*
National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day
Smoke and Mirrors Day
World Piano Day
Melba Toast Day
National Chip and Dip Day
National Puppy Day
Near Miss Day
I am in Control Day
National Doctor’s Day
Take a Walk in the Park Day
Turkey Neck Soup Day
* Denotes that the date changes each year
- William Shakespeare (The Winter’s Tale)
Lash lifts have been getting more and more mainstream as spas add the service to their menus. What is it? Lash lifting is the process of getting your own natural lashes curled up like you would with a lash curler, but instead using a solution that keeps them curled for up to 12 weeks!
The great thing about a lash lift, well, it’s your own lashes. So you can rub and wash your eyes, and even wear mascara if you’d like. Some lash lifts even strengthen lashes and include a black tint, so you end up with stronger curled black lashes for up to a couple months. Sound like heaven yet? Not all lash lifts are created equal so best to do some research before getting one done.
about an eight- to 10-week cycle. To keep your lash lift lasting the longest possible, use an eyelash growth serum like Revitalash or Latisse, which artificially extends your lash cycle length, which in turn extends the length of your lift. Who shouldn’t get a lash lift?
My pick is the YUMI lash lift, pronounced “you me.” This lift is different than the rest because of the quality of the ingredients used. The formula for the YUMI lash lift originates from Paris, France, where standards are stricter for ingredients. This curling solution does not contain formaldehyde or ammonia like some of the other lash products on the market in the U.S. This is important when we are talking about getting really close to the eye area. The lash lift also has a strengthening keratin step to strengthen and nourish lashes, and also includes a black lash tint.
How long will your lash lift last?
If you have very short natural lashes, a lift will not give you the best results. Also, people with naturally very curly hair may not like the results from getting a lash lift. Unless your practitioner is very experienced, these curly-haired clients can end up with lashes that are too curled.
Christine Lewy
Divine Complexions Spa Owner Licensed Esthetician Award-Winning West Coast Glo Skin Beauty Makeup Artist
NW YUMI Lashes Educator
Typically, a lash lift appointment is an hour. Price of the service really ranges from the product used and experience of the practitioner. Lash lifts usually range from $65 to $175.
Precautions before getting the service
If you wear contacts, you’ll be asked to take them out during the service, but you’ll be able to put them back in once it’s complete. You’ll also be asked to not get your lashes wet for 24 to 48 hours, depending on the product used. This ensures your lash lift is secure and will give you curled lashes for as long as possible.
Well, that depends on your natural lash length. The lash lift curl will last as long as your natural lash cycle. Shorter lashes have about a four- to six-week lash cycle and longer lashes have
If curled and strengthened dark lashes have been on your beauty wish list, a lash lift might be the treatment for you!
Stream these movies where available, or rent from your local movie store, library or rental kiosk.
He wasn’t Irish — born in Britain to a Romanised family, he was kidnapped by slave traders in Britain at age 16 and worked in Ireland on a cattle farm for six years. Only later did he return to Ireland.
His name wasn’t Patrick — ordained Patricus (Latin for “nobleman”), he was born Maewyn Succat.
He did not wear green — but rather blue.
He didn’t banish snakes — archeologists have no evidence that snakes were ever native to Ireland. It’s more likely the snakes are a metaphor for the evil he banished.
He might have popularized the shamrock — the shamrock is claimed to be a symbol for the Holy Trinity, with the three leaves representing the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
This Technicolor (full color!) Disney movie is a rare gem set in a small Irish village. Darby O’Gill (Albert Sharpe) is fired as caretaker of his leased farm and refuses to tell his daughter Katie (Janet Munro), especially when he’s been replaced by a brawny younger man (Sean Connery). On his way home from the pub, Darby falls into a portal to a secret land of the little people (leprechauns). He meets the leprechaun king, Brian (Jimmy O’Dea), and accidentally brings him home. As Darby has trapped him (that’s the trick), he demands that Brian grant him three wishes, bringing Darby bittersweet and surprising results. Funny, sweet and surprisingly thoughtful, this is great for the whole family. Rated G.
A visually gorgeous and beautifully scored Irish fable, this family movie won a slew of awards and was nominated for Best Animated Feature Film of the Year at the Academy Awards. In the wilds of Ireland, Cellach readies his fortress for a Viking raid looming on the horizon. Little does he know, his nephew Brendan rejects the savagery of warfare and instead chooses to hone his skills in the monastery scriptorium. As the Vikings draw near, Aidan, a respected illuminator (artist), seeks Brendan’s aid in a dangerous quest. Starring Evan McGuire, Christen Moone, Brendan Gleeson, Mick Lally, Michael McGrath and others. Great for the whole family. Not rated but essentially PG.
A coming-ofage comedy set in 1990’s Derry, Northern Ireland during the Northern Ireland conflict (The Troubles), this show is utterly hilarious and truly unique. It follows a group of Irish Catholic teens who rebel against everything — their school, parents, the conflict, you name it — leading to hilarious hi-jinks and consequences. They’re also obsessed with the music (featured in the show) and culture of the time, making for a nostalgiadrenched experience. Be warned, it’s full of profane and mature content. Best viewed by older teens and adults. Rated MA (aka R).
Darby O’Gill and the Little People (1959) The Secret of Kells (2009) Derry Girls (2018)
During non-emergency times, the Multipurpose Building will serve the community year-round as an event center for reunions, weddings, baby showers and the like. Partitions can divide the climate-controlled space into three rooms, allowing for multiple events to be hosted simultaneously. Trade shows, festivals, concerts and more will have a spacious venue from which to operate. “It gives us a great place to bring more local events to the town,” Trina explains.
Fundraising has never been more fun! Beginning at 6 p.m. March 16, as the event commences, Possibly Irish — a Salem band known for high-energy, foot-stomping tunes — will kick things off. Wild Bill’s Casino will have games going until close with prizes for the top winners, and 2 Guys and A Grill will be cooking up some special Irish dishes to tantalize the taste buds. All proceeds from the night will go to the Clackamas County Fair Improvement Foundation. Any individual donations collected will go directly to the Multipurpose Building fund and are tax deductible.
By Patti Jo Brooks, Contributing Writer
Come Irish, come all! Join your neighbors and friends on Saturday, March 16 for a fun-filled St. Paddy’s Day Party and Casino Night. Hosted onsite by the Clackamas County Fair Improvement Foundation, everyone 21 years and over are invited to attend. Cards, music, dancing, green beer and Irish pub fare are featured among the evening’s festivities. Don’t miss out! Tickets for this one-of-a-kind fundraising event can be purchased in advance on the Clackamas County Fair website or at the Clackamas County Event Center office. Tickets will also be available at the door.
Any excuse for a party, right? While you’re having a good time, kicking up your heels, placing your luckiest bet or simply mingling with your neighbors, you’ll be helping to build a brand-new multipurpose building for the Clackamas County Event Center. Replacing the old barn torn down in 2014, the new building will serve as a state-of-the-art evacuation site and resource center for the county. “It will be a great place to house people and their animals if they need to evacuate their homes,” says Trina Smith, special events manager for the event center.
“We just want people to come and have a good time and enjoy the party,” Trina says. So, wear your green, bring your green, and show up for a night of fun and of good cheer. The best-dressed person will win two tickets to the Canby Brewfest in May.
Tax deductible donations are accepted online, by mailed check or in person at the Clackamas County Event Center office: 694 N.E. 4th Ave. Canby, OR 97013. Checks should be made out to Clackamas County Fair Improvement Foundation. Any amount is greatly appreciated.
For details and tickets, visit clackamascountyfair.com and scroll down to St. Paddy’s Day Event. For inquiries call (503) 2661136 or email catrinas@ccfairevents.com. More on the Multipurpose Building can be found on the website under “New Construction.”
By Dennis McNabb, Contributing Writer
Everyone loves music. There isn’t a soul among us who isn’t affected by it to some degree. It lifts our spirits, fills our cups, compels us to move, to rejoice, to laugh, to cry. And for some, that’s enough – to simply allow it to exist, to acknowledge and appreciate its myriad gifts without questioning the inspiration behind it. For others, music possesses an almost mystical quality, an enigmatic draw that compels them to venerate their favorite artists and seek to discover what’s behind the veil. Local podcaster Dan Cable falls into the latter category, and what a gift he has afforded the rest of us.
A music fanatic from an early age, Dan grew up playing in bands, going to concerts, and generally just being a student of the form. When he moved to Portland in 2013 and began meeting some of the circuit regulars in town, he discovered that there was an abundance of talent, but limited access to anything outside the regional market. Bands needed a bigger stage where their voices could be heard, where their stories could be told, and Dan chose to answer the call.
In February of 2016, the first episode of the podcast Dan Cable Presents aired. Initially, he focused on the Portland market. Later, he expanded to include the whole Northwest region and finally our nation’s borders and beyond, but since moving to a weekly format in July of 2016, he has produced one episode per week, every week,
and never missed a single one! Now that he is closing in on 400 episodes, Dan Cable, without question, has become “that voice.” His podcast has become the platform of choice for bands new and old to share their inspirations, to talk shop, and to reveal a little of that magic which would otherwise remain locked in the vault.
And Dan does it like no other. He’s found such a wide audience because he approaches every episode and every band from a position of integrity. This isn’t a job for him, it’s a labor of love. It’s his passion. He is a fan of the music of every band he has on the show, and he has lived with their music for years/months/weeks (depending on how young the band is) before ever conducting an interview. He does his homework! His questions are in-depth, unique, and thought-provoking – what true fans would ask, not the banal standards of a poseur. Dan is the genuine article, and if you’re looking to get the real answers about your favorite bands, there’s no one who does it better.
The success of this thing has altered the trajectory of his life, but he has found his calling. This is exactly where Dan should be, and he couldn’t be happier. If you are even remotely a fan of music and discovering what goes on behind the scenes, check out DanCablePresents. Dan’s intelligence, enthusiasm, and professionalism are unparalleled in the industry. Find him anywhere you stream podcasts: Apple Music, Spotify, etc., or follow him on Instagram @ dancablepresents. He also has a spot on Kink FM every Thursday at 12:30 where he introduces and promotes new Portland acts. He puts out a new playlist of Portland acts on the 1st of every month or you can catch him around town DJing under the moniker “Ernie Moose Johnson.”
rish culture — a blend of folklore, superstition, and Catholic beliefs — is known for their lucky symbols like shamrocks, leprechauns, and horseshoes. But the phrase ‘the luck of the Irish’ wasn’t actually about good luck — originally it was bad luck! This was due, according to Elizabeth Stack, Executive Director of the Irish American Heritage Museum, to the high fatalities of Irish laborers during the gold rush. A big reason for these modern lucky symbols is due to Irish immigration into the U.S., as the Irish brought symbols of their culture as a means of comfort in a strange new land. And of course, like storytelling, the symbols changed over time. These days, the luck of the Irish is legendary and their symbols are popular worldwide.
You may not know this (I didn’t!), but shamrocks are not the same as four-leaf clovers. Shamrocks actually have three leaves, grow in clumps, and come in green, purple, or white. Clovers grow alone and usually don’t have four leaves, so four leaf clovers, as we know, are extremely rare. The shamrock is the true Irish symbol of luck, as St. Patrick used the shamrock, which has three leaves, to describe the Holy Trinity. Yet, for some reason, perhaps due to its rarity, the four-leaf clover took over as the more popular symbol.
The leprechaun, which we know from pop culture, may be rooted in the Irish belief of fairies, who supposedly live among us but stay hidden with magic. Interestingly, the leprechaun is believed to be one class of fairy among many, not a stand-alone magical creature. The leprechaun, of course, is a widely recognizable symbol, known as the mascot of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Lucky Charms, but especially known are the potential rewards of finding a leprechaun and getting a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. There are countless designs for kids’ leprechaun traps online, but they are more for fun and celebration than catching the real magical creature.
Horseshoes are definitive in Irish culture for many reasons. In folklore, the devil appears at a blacksmith and demands shoes, so the blacksmith nails burning hot shoes to his hooves. The devil walks away in pain and swears to keep away from them forever, thus the idea of horseshoes warding off evil spirits. Additionally, early Western Europeans believed iron was magical and could drive away evil, such as malevolent fairies and witches – which is why witches ride broomsticks, not horses. Then there’s the number of holes in horseshoes, seven, known worldwide as lucky: seven continents, seven colors in the rainbow, seven seas, seven days of the week. And there are two ways you can hang a horseshoe for good luck. Hanging a horseshoe heels up (like a U) keeps the good luck from running out of the shoe and inside the building. And hanging a horseshoe heels down allows good luck to flow down on everyone who walks underneath it. Sometimes people would even bury a horseshoe under the cornerstone of a new building for good luck.
Did you know that the color originally associated with Saint Patrick was blue, and that pubs were closed on the day we celebrate this holiday? Delving into the history of Saint Patrick’s Day and the traditions associated with it provide a glimpse not only into this fascinating holiday but into Irish history as well.
New York University admits that information on the famous saint is scant at best. “We know he was a Roman Citizen, because Britain was Rome then, and then he was enslaved and taken to Ireland, where he either escaped or was released.”
This man, later known as Saint Patrick, became a priest and returned to Ireland where he was instrumental in converting the followers of Druidic culture to Christianity.
As the story goes, St. Patrick’s birth name was Maewyn Succat, but at some point in time, he changed his name to Patricius — a name whose Latin roots are associated with the concept of fatherhood, or a father figure.
Today, shamrocks and green beer are common Saint Patrick Day traditions. In 1631, however, when the Church established March 17th as a feast day honoring St. Patrick, such traditions were non-existent. While the celebration of Saint Patrick dates back to 1631, the man himself was even further removed in history. So who was Saint Patrick and when did he actually live? Marion Casey, a professor of Irish Studies at
It wasn’t until the 18th century that St. Patrick’s Day celebrations began to ramp up and assume the form we associate today with the holiday. As St. Patrick’s Day falls during Lent, it functioned as a day off, so to speak, from the prescribed abstinence leading up to Easter. In fact, the celebrations became so excessive that the Church felt compelled to remind people of the religious significance of the holiday. The symbol it chose to commemorate Saint Patrick was the shamrock. Not only was this clover leaf already ensconced in Irish culture and lore dating back to pre-Christian times, but its classic three-leaf shape directly corresponded to the number three — a number associated with the Holy Trinity. The story went that when Saint Patrick returned to Ireland, he employed the shamrock as a symbol to illustrate the Trinity to the heathen masses he was striving to convert to Christianity.
Throughout the 1700s, St. Patrick’s Day traditions continued to evolve. Despite the fact that the holiday originated in Ireland,
the first St. Patrick’s Day parade actually took place across the Atlantic in New York City in 1762. It wasn’t until the Irish Rebellion of 1798 that the color green was associated with St. Patrick’s Day. Prior to the rebellion, blue was the standard color linked to Ireland, as it was featured in the royal court and also present on the ancient flags of the country. In contrast to the famous red of the British military, the Irish adopted green as their color, proudly singing “The Wearing of the Green” during the war, thus cementing green as the national color of Ireland.
As for the current traditions common to St. Patrick’s Day, one might assume they originated in Ireland. Contrary to popular belief, however, a number of these familiar traditions were born right here in the U.S. One such American invention was green beer which traces back to an Irish-American physician, Dr. Thomas Hayes Curtain, who in 1914 added a drop of blue coloring to beer, turning it green. The coloring utilized by the doctor was referred to as “blue wash,” an iron powder solution with dye intended to brighten up white clothing. Unfortunately, beer at the time contained acetaldehyde, which
not only adversely affected the flavor of the beer, but reacted negatively with the blue wash, making the St. Patrick’s Day imbibers ill. Fortunately, today’s green beer is made with a drop or two of blue or green food coloring and acetaldehyde is no longer an ingredient in beer. While other towns and individuals claim to have invented green beer, historians tend to give Dr. Curtin the nod.
Speaking of turning things green for St. Patrick’s Day, how about an entire river? In 1962 when city workers used dyes to trace the source of illegal sewage dumping in the Chicago River, they applied a St. Patrick’s Day concept. Injecting 100 pounds of green vegetable dye into the river, they were able to turn it green for an entire week. Today, in an effort to be environmentally conscious, only 40 pounds of dye are used, turning the river green for a matter of hours rather than days.
When it comes to food, the typical St. Patrick’s Day classics are corned beef and cabbage: traditional Irish food, right? Not so fast. In truth, traditional St. Patrick’s Day fare in Ireland would have consisted of Irish Stew and soda bread, or perhaps a meal of pork and potatoes, which were less expensive than beef. Food historians suggest that struggling Irish immigrants likely substituted beef and cabbage for pork
and potatoes, which at the time were more expensive.
Another fact that might blow people’s minds today is that until 1970 pubs were closed in Ireland on St. Patrick’s Day in observance of its status as a religious holiday. Subsequently, laws were passed to have the pubs open on March 17th, a move which, as you might imagine, was embraced by business owners and promoted heavily. An official campaign by the Irish government was launched in 1995 to spur tourism to the country by marketing St. Patrick’s Day and Irish culture abroad.
Today, St. Patrick’s day is celebrated not only in Ireland, but throughout the world, particularly in North America and Australia. St. Patrick’s Day celebrations take place as far from Ireland as Japan, Singapore and Russia. What began in Ireland as a religious holiday, and later expanded to represent Irish culture and nationalism, was embraced by people around the world as a day to make merry, appreciate Irish traditions, and knock back a pint or two while enjoying corned beef and cabbage, soda bread, and perhaps a hearty bowl of Irish stew. So the next time you’re donning a bit o’ green for St. Paddy’s day, propose a toast not only to old Saint Patrick, but to the rich historical evolution of this fascinating holiday!
Jules Moody, owner of Jules Fitness & Lifestyle and founder of Sole Sisters, grew up in Fremont, California, earning a bachelor’s in communication from San Diego State. With husband Bruce — of 32 years — Jules has three grown children, Carter, Landon and Quinn, and one sweet grandbabe, Malachi. She’s also Mom to cat Georgia, pooch Walter, a white Maltese, and her many plants. When the exercise instructor and lifestyle leader is not helping optimize her clients’ lives, the self-proclaimed Facebook Marketplace junkie enjoys interior design and travel to sunny destinations.
QWhat exactly does your business do?
Jules Fitness & Lifestyle is based in Wilsonville and entering year 25! Over a decade ago, I branched out to lead fitness classes for all ages and stages here in town. I cater to mostly women wanting to form community connections while building strength and flexibility in a fun, unintimidating and encouraging atmosphere with awesome music — a key component! I supplement my private classes with a few evening offerings at our local community centers. The classes are welcoming, easily modifiable, inexpensive,
and we truly connect as a family — there’s always room for anyone to come check us out! (For my a.m./p.m. classes for women in their 40s to 70s, text me!) I’m also the founding leader of Sole Sisters, a free weekly women’s walk/run group. We host our own annual half-marathon and 10K (starting at Memorial Park). An additional piece of my lifestyle brand is personal shopping for interior décor deals and designing spaces.
Q What keeps you motivated in your business?
I love people! I get energy from meeting and connecting with new women in the community, and I walk away from my classes and Sole Sisters fueled with joy!
QWhat are you most proud of professionally?
I’m most proud of launching Sole Sisters 17 years ago with about 10 ladies here in Wilsonville. Now in 14 metro locations — including our first international group in Mexico — Sole Sisters has held firm to our founding principles: free training, support with fabulous volunteer coaches and moving forward in step together. Our motto is “Invite, include and inspire!”
Q
What is your advice for young women in business?
A personal investment in relationships will carry and bless them, and you!
Q
What do you love most about Wilsonville?
The size of the “Ville” is fabulous. What a great community to have raised three kids.
Favorite quote?
Be yourself. Everyone else is taken! Salty or sweet? Salty Sound you love?
Laughter (She who laughs lasts!)
Christine Lewy, owner/founder of Divine Complexions, is an award-winning esthetician and makeup artist. Although she didn’t pursue a career with her animal science studies at Oregon State, she continues her love of animals by raising toy poodles and Labradoodles with her husband, Matthew, and their six boys, ranging from 9 months to 13 years. Meanwhile, parrot Moe and cockatiel Mango add to the Lewy menagerie. Christine volunteers at Divine Threads and has been a plus-size model — signed by Wilhelmina NY — since 2007. She loves hanging out with her family, sharing fantastic meals and getting massages.
QWhat exactly does your business do?
Divine Complexions is a girly luxurious oasis! We call ourselves a beauty medspa because I started the beauty side as an esthetician, doing makeup, facials and waxing. Then a couple years into my business, my mom joined me as a nurse injector, and thus we started the medspa. On the beauty side, we offer precision facial and body waxing, luxury facials, Hydrafacials, YUMI Lash Lifting, and non-invasive skin tightening. We specialize in makeup application and hairstyling for bridal parties and special events, as well as makeup lessons. The medspa features skilled nurse injectors who do Botox, filler and all the fun things!
QWhat keeps you motivated in your career/business?
As the owner, I can get caught up in the business side, so I have to keep coming back to what I love to do as a provider of services: makeup application, eyebrow waxing and working with new estheticians. Being hands-on, doing what I love and seeing happy clients keeps me motivated!
QWhat are you most proud of professionally
I’m most proud of starting my business when I was eight months pregnant — with my second son — out of a room in our humble home; and then growing it over the years while also growing our family into eight. We are now in this big beautiful spa location with a talented and passionate team. We just celebrated 10 years!
QWhat is your advice for young businesswomen?
Listen to your heart! That’s where your inspiration comes from on what will make you happy and successful. Follow it, and each step will be shown to you. It’s OK to be scared. Be terrified, but do it anyway! Also, you can grow a family and a business if it’s what God put in your heart. It will teach your children more than you can fathom.
QHow would you describe your perfect day off?
Having fun with my family and dogs playing outside! No arguing, messes are magically cleaned, and food is made! Moms, I know you know.
Childhood friends Holly Nichols and Lacy Seber are both proud Oregonians and owners of Milano & Lace. Holly studied at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in L.A. before finishing her bachelor’s in apparel design at the Art Institute in Portland. Lacy attended Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego and the University of Oregon where she studied journalism. With husband Zak, Holly is mom to Milo and Emery. Lacy and her husband, Chad, have three kids, Tristan, Shae and Cash. Together, the business partners volunteer at and support Elijah’s Heart House. In their spare time, Holly and Lacy enjoy pilates, winter sports, hiking, reading, interior design and raising their kids.
QWhat exactly does your business do?
We offer a beautiful collective of home, fashion and gifts inspired by faith and friendship. The Milano & Lace Collective can be shopped online or at one of our local pop-up events throughout the year.
QWhat keeps you motivated in your career/business?
Each other! We became friends as infants in swim lessons and grew up together. We have always shared a similar eye for style, and because of this, we have always known we would make great business partners. We dreamed up the name Milano & Lace years ago. The name represents our friendship. Although currently in a busy season of raising children, we decided to take some small steps three years ago. We are still in
Milano & Lace
www.MilanoAndLace.com
the beginning stages, but we’re growing quickly, learning and making many amazing connections with other women-owned small businesses, and our customers have been tremendously supportive. We have a lot of ideas and plans for the future. We continue to dream together and encourage each other. We know it’s a gift to have such a long-lasting friendship. We know that we can lean on each other and trust that the other is going to be there no matter how hard it may become.
Q
What are you most proud of professionally?
We are proud of stepping out in faith and launching Milano & Lace.
Q
What is your advice for young women in business?
Find a mentor and connect with others; you can’t grow alone. Start before you feel ready. Just take the first step; a little progress is better than none. Show yourself a lot of grace as you are going to make many mistakes. You are not Superwoman, so just do what you can. It’s okay to change direction. You only succeed when others succeed, so encourage those around you, share what you have learned and cheer them on. It’s OK if your business is not for everyone; you will find your people.
Q How would you describe your perfect day off?
Waking up early for quiet time with coffee and reading, then time to exercise. Next, shopping and lunch together, a spa treatment followed by a quiet dinner. We agree, we would both end the day with a long walk, bath and cozy pajamas on the couch with family, a good movie and dessert!
Sneakers or high heels?
Both
Coffee shop drink order?
Lacy: Vanilla iced coffee
Holly: Coconut Americano
Salty or sweet? Sweet
Sounds that you love?
Our kids laughing
Shelby Sanders knows hair and color. A stylist at Blend Studio and owner of Shelby Sanders Beauty, she is a L’Oréal Professionnel Master Colorist and Educator, and French balayage and hair extensions specialist. Growing up in Aurora, she earned a bachelor’s in psychology from Hope International University in Fullerton, California, followed by studies at Bella Institute of Cosmetology. When she is not making hair look fabulous, Shelby is likely exercising, scrapbooking or spending time with her friends and family, including husband Bryce and their Shih Tzu, Russell.
QWhat exactly does your business do?
I truly feel like I have the best job. I get to make women feel beautiful and confident every day. I am a hairstylist specializing in French balayage highlights, hand-tied hair extensions and bridal hair. I get to work with an incredible group of ladies at Blend Studio — each with unique styles and specialties. We each run our own small businesses at Blend but love working together as a team.
QWhat keeps you motivated in your career/business?
One of my favorite things about the beauty industry is that it’s constantly changing and evolving with trends, new techniques and products that are being developed. I love
finding inspiration everywhere I go while traveling, in nature and observing people. Much of my motivation comes from every person who sits in my chair. I love finding what is best for each person, and how I can bless them in our time together.
QWhat is your advice for young women in business?
My advice to young women in business is to surround yourself with positive people you respect. Pay attention to all they do — even the little things — especially how they interact with other people and how they manage their time.
Q How would you describe your perfect day off?
My perfect day is definitely sitting at the beach — preferably a warm one! — with my feet in the sand, staring at the ocean with a journal and a good book.
QWhat is at the top of your bucket list?
Spending a few weeks traveling all around Italy with my husband is at the top of my bucket list. I want to see the beautiful countryside, coastal cities and historical landmarks — and taste all of the incredible food and wine!
Q What do you love most about Wilsonville?
I love how Wilsonville is bustling with opportunities and constantly growing, all while feeling like a small town in the care that people have for one another.
Sneakers or high heels? Sneakers
Dark or milk chocolate? Milk
Sound that you love? Ocean
Favorite sports team?
Dallas Cowboys & Seattle Seahawks
Pick one superpower. Time travel
Never-any-leftovers meal?
Chicken enchiladas
ShelbyBorn and raised in the Bay Area, Dr. April Voves earned her bachelor’s of science in nutrition from Oregon State University. She earned her degree in naturopathic medicine from the National University of Natural Medicine. She is married to Scott and they have two young boys, Thomas and Andrew. In her spare time, she can be found in the pool — or lounging beside it — and reading.
QWhat exactly does your business do?
Meadows Health & Wellness is a medical office with a very different approach to traditional care. We believe in treating each individual as a whole person, which means listening to and understanding that they are complex beings with unique traits that make them who they are. We take the time to get to know our patients because we care about the root cause of their issues and long-term improvements in their health, not just quickly treating superficial symptoms — but we’ll treat those, too! At Meadows Health & Wellness, we think healthcare is a lifelong journey that should be a part of everyday lives, and we are delighted to guide our patients on this path.
Sneakers or high heels? Both
Never-any-leftovers meal?
Favorite board game? Cribbage
Q What keeps you motivated in your career/business?
Seeing the positive outcomes of our patients’ hard work. Our model of care requires our patients be as motivated and committed as we are to improving their health. We see it working all the time, and this keeps us coming back for more! It is truly rewarding to be able help our patients achieve their health goals.
Q What is your advice for young women in business?
Have a clear definition of what success means to you. Do what you love, believe in yourself and your ideas, take risks and own your power. That said, don’t let work be your only source of fulfillment, and make time for balance and other joyous activities in your life.
Q
What are you most proud of professionally?
Our membership-based care model. Initially, it was really scary to go against how the big insurance companies wanted us to run our business, but we knew there had to be a more efficient way. It’s been more than three years since we’ve made the change, and not only does the business side of things run more smoothly, but our patients love it, too!
Q How would you describe your perfect day off?
It’s no secret that I love a sunny poolside chaise lounge, an ice-cold sparkling water and a captivating book!
One food you refuse to eat? Bananas
Salty or sweet?
Sweet
Sound that you love?
Genuine laughter
Carrie Postma is the founder/designer of ink & mouse. Born and raised in Southern California, she now lives and creates in Wilsonville. Carrie earned an associate degree in interior design from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in downtown Los Angeles. She and her husband, Eric, have three grown children, Carson, Ben and Amelia, plus Izzie, their beloved and oh-so-fluffy Bernedoodle. When she’s not creating and helping clients achieve their design goals, Carrie enjoys reading, gardening and painting.
QWhat exactly does your business do?
With experience as a seasoned graphic designer, I collaborate with creative entrepreneurs, providing professional and timeless design solutions. From functional websites to polished branding and engaging marketing materials, my goal is to instill confidence in my clients’ brand vision.
QWhat keeps you motivated in your career/business?
Having navigated the solopreneurial path for more than a dozen years, I’ve discovered the key to maintaining motivation in my business: my incredible clients. They not only inspire me but also fuel my creativity, consistently sparking my curiosity and propelling me to learn more every day. Watching my clients thrive in their businesses brings me immense joy, reinforcing my commitment to deliver the best customer experience I can provide.
QWhat are you most proud of professionally?
My proudest accomplishment in business is fostering enduring connections and relationships with my clients. The trust they consistently place in me for their design projects is an invaluable gift, and it has been a driving force behind the success and development of my business over the years.
Q What is your advice for young women in business?
Looking back on my early business days, I’d recommend embracing creative risks, investing in foundational business growth and viewing mistakes and failures as valuable gifts guiding you through the entrepreneurial journey.
Q How would you describe your perfect day off?
My ideal day off begins with a solid sleepin, then it’s off to Lux Sucre for a chai and a treat. A little pampering at Divine Complexions is always a good idea or grabbing lunch with a friend before we wander the aisles of Homegoods. A chill salt float or hot sauna at Soak Box Spa is the perfect midday stop, and the evening wraps up with a delicious dinner with my hubby.
Recent binge-worthy TV show?
Love on the Spectrum
Sneakers or high heels?
Slippers
Coffee shop drink order?
Caramel chai with oat milk
Sound that you love?
My kids laughing
Never-any-leftovers meal?
Italian
Dark or milk chocolate?
Milk
Native Oregonian Kat Granum of Hustle & Heart Homes/Kat Granum Real Estate is a real estate broker in the Portland area. While earning her bachelor’s degree in sociology and global studies from U.C.-Santa Barbara, she met her husband, Sean, and subsequently returned home to her roots, settling in Wilsonville. The couple has three children, Paige, Hayley and Jackson, not to mention Roxy, a French bulldog/Boston terrier mix. When she’s not volunteering at her kids’ schools, Kat is most likely running, attending a boot camp class, cooking or organizing and hosting events.
QWhat exactly does your business do?
I help people buy and sell homes, helping make their dreams come true! I run my business 100% off referrals and pride myself on creating lifelong relationships with my clients.
QWhat keeps you motivated in your career/business?
Making my clients and my family happy, and creating a fun community is what motivates me.
Sneakers or high heels? Sneakers
Coffee shop drink order?
Almond milk latte
Favorite sports team?
Wilsonville Wildcats
Q What are you most proud of professionally?
In 2023, I was recognized as No. 14 out of 15,000 Realtors in the state of Oregon “Individuals by Volume.” This rank put me in the top 1.5% of real estate professionals in the United States.
Q
What is your advice for young women in business?
You are doing better than you think. Do not be afraid to jump before you are ready and take risks. Have confidence in yourself, but never stop learning. Surround yourself with people who are more successful than you. Ask questions. Listen. Innovate. Put yourself out there — the worst that can happen is you get a ‘no.’ That just gives you a sign to spend your energy in another place! Entrepreneurship is not easy. There are a lot of long days, nights and weekends, but hard work pays off! The work you put in directly correlates to the benefits you reap. The only person responsible for your success is YOU!
QHow would you describe your perfect day off?
Morning workout, brunch with family and friends. Glass of wine in the sunshine at my favorite winery. A walk in Graham Oaks Nature Park finished with dinner at home and snuggles on the couch with my husband, kids and dog.
Q
What is at the top of your bucket list?
I would LOVE to rent a villa in Tuscany with my family and closest friends.
Recent binge-worthy TV show? Succession
Salty or sweet?
Salty
Never-any-leftovers meal?
Born in England and raised in Washington state, Chanelle Walters, CEO of Lux Sucre Bakery + Café, is an awardwinning pastry chef, most recently earning Oregon Bride Magazine’s “ Best Desserts Portland” for a second year in a row. She graduated from the Oregon Culinary Institute in pastry arts. Her husband, Brandon, enjoys her work as does their toddler, Eleanor. Cats Patricia and Clyde also love the treats at the Walters house and appreciate the love and support the family gives the Meow Village Cat Rescue. Before she became a pastry maven, she worked in reality television in L.A. In her time away from the café, Chanelle enjoys photography, brand management and watching movies.
QWhat exactly does your business do?
Lux Sucre Bakery + Café has become a local hub for coffee, pastries and lunch, but we got our start offering cakes and dessert catering for weddings and events. Our heart lies within the wedding industry, and we have become one of very few full-service dessert catering bakeries in the Portland Metro area. We specialize in decadent and gorgeous dessert displays that wow the senses of guests and tackle all of the details so our clients don’t have to worry on their big day. Lux Sucre is an inclusive space and all our welcome.
QCoffee
Chai
Sound
What keeps you motivated in your career/business?
I’m consistently motivated by our team’s passion and creativity, the fun trends of the food industry, and the love and dedication of my husband and business partner.
Q
What are you most proud of professionally?
I am most proud of taking on the task of expanding our business fresh out of the pandemic and trusting in our team to help us grow. It truly takes a village of people to expand any small business, and I’m so honored my team believed in my vision and that our customers stood by us.
Q
What is your advice for young women in business?
Believe in yourself and your abilities but also be incredibly realistic about your products, market and business plan. Start small, and grow as you go.
Q
How would you describe your perfect day off?
My perfect day off begins with a restful night’s sleep where I wake up naturally without an alarm. I venture out and have brunch with a mimosa and enjoy the sunny day with my family. When I return to work, I am made aware that everything was smooth sailing without a complaint.
Q
What is at the top of your bucket list?
Ownership of a wedding venue and multiple Lux Sucre locations.
Dark
Favorite
Portland
Proud Oregonian Kristine Marsh, the owner/director of New Foundations Preschool, first started in child care at Kid Connection, Tualatin Elementary’s beforeand after-school program. She graduated from George Fox University with a business degree in organizational leadership and management. With her husband, Tory, she has three children, a 2-year-old and newborn twins. Four-legged family members include Tess, a border collie/lab, and Addie, a Rhodesian ridgeback-Belgian Malinois mix. Kristine enjoys the family’s annual camping trips, traveling, card-making and crafting.
QWhat exactly does your business do?
We provide the communities around us with the highest quality of year-round preschool. New Foundations Preschool combines a warm learning environment that is clean, healthy and safe for children with progressive teaching styles to promote creativity and individuality in each child. We are an intimate threeclassroom preschool that prides itself on our “home away from home” feel. We utilize a mix of play and curriculum-based material all focused on the continual success of your child. We provide care for children 18 months and up.
Sneakers or high heels?
QWhat keeps you motivated in your career/business?
New Foundations was formerly Bizzy Bumblebee Preschool, a part of this community for more than 15 years. This is really where my passion for working with children and my desire to own a preschool developed. I worked there in the mid-2000s, starting as an aide and making my way to assistant director before I moved on to continue to develop my professional experience. I knew I always wanted to return to working with children in some capacity, but it wasn’t until I started looking for childcare for my oldest son that I truly realized how limited the options were, and I knew I needed to be a part of the solution.
QWhat are you most proud of professionally?
My greatest accomplishment is following through on my dream to own a preschool even when the timing wasn’t perfect.
Q What is your advice for young women in business?
Recent binge-worthy show? Outlander
Just take that first leap! You don’t have to have it all figured out. It is okay to learn as you go and learn from your mistakes. Be comfortable being uncomfortable; that’s where our biggest growth comes from.
Q
How would you describe your perfect day off?
My perfect day off would be spent on a warm beach watching my children and husband play in the water while I stay shore-side with a good book in hand.
Coffee shop drink order?
Caramel macchiato
Favorite sports team? Beavers (Let’s go, PAC-2!)
Amber Fowler, executive director of the Dental Foundation of Oregon, was born and raised right here in the Willamette Valley. She earned a master’s degree in public administration from the Mark O. Hatfield School of Government at Portland State University. Professionally, she is a member of Philanthropy Northwest; personally, she volunteers at The Blanchet House and Portland Dachshund Rescue. Her own Dachshunds, Rose and Mini Cooper, keep Amber plenty busy, as does traveling, thrifting and painting.
QWhat exactly does your business do?
The Dental Foundation of Oregon is a 40-plus-year-old charitable arm to the Oregon Dental Association. Our mission is to advance oral health education, provide charitable care and coordinate resources for children and vulnerable communities.
QWhat keeps you motivated in your career/business?
I am motivated by remaining a student of life, along with international travel. Expanding my worldview is also deeply important to me in every facet of my life.
QWhat are you most proud of professionally?
I am proud of leveraging my 20-plus years in philanthropy, allowing me to
The Dental Foundation of Oregon
launch The Fowler Family Fund, which exclusively supports Pacific Northwest animal welfare, LGBTQIA+ and financial literacy organizations. Since 2007, my invitation-only family fund supports grant and in-kind requests twice annually and has distributed a modest $126,000 over its lifespan.
QWhat’s your advice for young businesswomen?
Place yourself in a position of strength and plan for the future. Surround yourself with financial, healthcare and legal experts to help you navigate your personal and professional life. Find yourself an mentor who will inspire and encourage you, and lead fearlessly. My mentor, Kristi Lord, co-founded L’Avant Collective at the start of the pandemic, and her company has experienced phenomenal growth. Kristi demonstrates how you can chase your dreams and always remain aspirational!
QHow would you describe your perfect day off?
Shopping at Aurora Mills Architectural Salvage followed by lunch at Lux Sucre.
QWhat is at the top of your bucket list?
Inspired by last season’s final episode of The Amazing Race, I would love to walk across the top of the iconic Seattle Space Needle.
QWhat do you love most about Wilsonville?
I enjoy the close proximity to nature and Graham Oaks Nature Park.
8699 S.W. Sun Place, Wilsonville 503-594-0880 • www.SmileOnOregon.org
Sneakers or high heels? Keds!
Favorite sports team?
Wrexham AFC
Never-any-leftovers meal?
Mashed potatoes
Favorite board game?
Monopoly
Pick one superpower. Time travel
Dark or milk chocolate?
Dark
Born in Portland and raised in the tiny town of Scholls, Molly Kaleikilo has been a proud citizen of Wilsonville since 2000. She studied dance at the University of Oregon but graduated from Portland State with a degree in health and fitness promotion with a minor in sports medicine. She and her husband, Chris, have two grown children, Emma and Malia, along with Kawika, a sweet old yellow Lab and Keoki, a black Lab. Molly donates her time to the Miss Oregon Volunteer Pageant. Even though she is the owner and director of Innovative Dance, dance remains her favorite pastime. She also enjoys fitness classes, traveling and spending time with her family.
QWhat exactly does your business do?
We provide an exciting and fun learning environment for ages three through adult. The professionally trained staff is dedicated to teaching and providing each student with the best possible instruction in tap, jazz, ballet, hip-hop, lyrical jazz and acrobatics. There are classes for the beginner and the student interested in competitive dance. We desire to provide not only a fun experience for each child so they can grow but also a safe and secure physical environment.
Recent
Q
What keeps you motivated in your career/business?
Making a difference in the lives of hundreds of kids in our community every year.
QWhat are your most proud of professionally?
Staying in business for more than 25 years, especially through 2020–2022. The many forced shutdowns were so stressful. I’m grateful for my family and dance family’s support, helping us make it through.
Q
What is your advice for young women in business?
Stay true to yourself, and always do what you know is right. There are a lot of people who will pressure you to do what they want and make you feel bad or guilty if you don’t. You have to live with your decisions and be able to look yourself in the mirror every day.
Q
How would you describe your perfect day off?
Somewhere sunny with my husband and girls. We’d sleep in, have coffee in a lawn chair and spend our day on a beach or poolside. I love adventure and activities, but some days you just need to relax.
Q What do you love most about Wilsonville?
When I opened my studio, there were barely 10,000 people here. I loved the small-town community. This aspect still exists, just in a different way. People care about our town and want to be involved in keeping it a great place to live and raise a family.
Raised in Redwood Falls, Minnesota, physical therapist Rene’e James, co-owner of Boones Landing Physical Therapy, earned her Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology from North Dakota State. She earned her master’s in physical therapy from the University of Minnesota in 2002. With her husband, Jason — a DPT and co-owner of the clinic — they have two daughters, Macy and Maggie. Baxter, the family’s mini Australian shepherd, works as the clinic’s service dog. Rene’e enjoys running with friends, spending time with her family, camping, water skiing, alpine skiing, traveling, drinking coffee and wine tasting in the Willamette Valley.
QWhat exactly does your business do?
We provide physical therapy for various injuries and chronic conditions either referred by a provider or self-referred. We serve our patients with one-on-one care, and they remain with the same PT for each treatment. We utilize manual therapy along with strength training to help patients achieve their goals.
QWhat keeps you motivated in your career/business?
After being a PT for 22 years, I am still amazed at how much we can learn each year from our patients and colleagues.
I enjoy the uniqueness of each patient. We have an incredible team at our clinic, committed to treating people with care.
QWhat are you most proud of professionally?
I am proud of my husband and I for taking a leap and opening our private practice here in Wilsonville. It has been the most scary and rewarding accomplishment of my life, second to having kids.
QWhat is your advice for young women in business?
My advice is to never be afraid of facing challenges. Fight for yourself and stand up for what you believe. And remember to lean on others; women have some amazing stories to share.
QHow would you describe your perfect day off?
A nice long run in the morning with a friend followed by coffee. A calm sunset water ski with family and friends, followed by a campfire to end a perfect day!
QWhat is at the top of your bucket list?
Skiing in Switzerland with my family, eating fondue and drinking great wine
QWhat do you love most about Wilsonville?
It’s been very easy to get to know people in this community. I love how so many people here are connected and help each other out! Wilsonville has been a beautiful positive place to raise a family and own a business.
Sneakers or high heels?
Recent binge-worthy TV show? Ted
One
Although Lovely Vision Design owner Melissa Nichols is a native of sunny Southern California, she loves her adopted home of Oregon. With her husband, Justin, she has two boys, 3-yearold Isaiah and baby Noah. They also have two cats, Maizy the Maine Coon, and Simba, an orange tabby. When she’s not creating dream spaces for her clients, Melissa enjoys reading, décor shopping and dance fitness.
QWhat exactly does your business do?
I own an interior design business. I call myself “your design bestie” because I help my clients with all their home styling needs, whether that is picking out furniture, the right paint color or accessorizing bookshelves. I assist my clients with making design decisions and brainstorm with them to come up with creative solutions. I ultimately help them design a space that fits their goals and lifestyle.
QWhat are you most proud of professionally?
I got the opportunity to furnish an empty Portland
condo and choose paint and lighting, as well as add built-in wall details. It was the most fun I have had on a project, and the clients loved how it turned out.
Q
What keeps you motivated in your career/business?
The thrill of seeing a space transform. I truly enjoy helping people create spaces they love.
QWhat is your advice for young women in business?
Believe in yourself and trust your instincts. There have been times I doubted myself or felt inferior, but I pushed through, and it always worked out better than I thought it would.
Q
How would you describe your perfect day off?
My perfect day off would be a day filled with activities but also relaxing. Eating all my favorite food, drinking unlimited coffee, going to fun shops, looking at cute things, being with my husband and kids. Everyone is in a good mood and no one needs anything from me.
Q
What is at the top of your bucket list?
I’d love to go wine tasting in Tuscany, all the while eating amazing bread and pasta.
Never-any-leftovers meal? Sushi Sneakers or high heels? Sneakers
Recent binge-worthy TV show?
One food you refuse to eat?
A proud Latina born and raised in East L.A., Gladys Monroy Boutwell moved to Wilsonville in 2011. She is an employee benefits broker at Insurance by Design. Before joining the insurance industry in 2013, she received an MBA in international business and leadership and management from the University of La Verne in California. Gladys is a No. 1 best-selling author with her book “Health Insurance Secrets Revealed” and has an upcoming book “101 Creative Ways to Attract and Retain Quality Staff.” In her spare time, Gladys volunteers through the Wilsonville Rotary Club as well as with other nonprofits. When she’s not donating her time, you can find her hiking, running, or attending spirits and food tastings — and then discussing them on her podcast, “Like the Way You Drink.”
QWhat exactly does your business do?
I help businesses become an “Employer of Choice” by providing employee benefits to their staff. I work with businesses to pinpoint what’s most important to them and their staff, and then I create benefits packages to fit those needs. I’m licensed in Oregon, Washington and California with health, life, property and casualty licenses.
What makes my work unique is how I look at the whole business and how benefits will help them attract and retain quality staff. Because I am bilingual and bi-literate in English/Spanish, I can serve businesses with Spanish-speaking owners or staff. I’ve learned to simplify the complex world of health insurance so that it is easier to understand.
QWhat keeps you motivated in your career/business?
I truly value education and giving to others. I get to educate employers, employees and individuals on how to understand their health insurance. I also get to give of myself to them. I get to do that through insurance.
QWhat are you most proud of professionally?
I received the “Madrina de Salud” award from Familias en Accion. I realized the difference I could make in the community by helping others through education, finding tax credits and enrolling in plans that fit each individual’s needs.
QWhat is your advice for young women in business?
Do 15% more than anybody else. Do the things nobody else wants to do. The 15% does not seem like much, but those consistent activities will compound.
QWhat is at the top of your bucket list?
I’d love to spend two months in Europe, enjoying the beauty and exploring.
www.clarkconsultinginc.com
503-560-6309
david@clarkconsultinginc.com
Glenn
www.EquipmentDepot.com
Dan Hill, Wilsonville Area Rep 971-204-5079
dan.hill@eqdepot.com
The Wilsonville Area Chamber of Commerce Sparks are where business professionals meet monthly. Join us. Bring a friend. RSVP to attend this free event. The March 6th Spark is hosted by Al’s Garden Center. We’re giving away five Al’s gift cards and they’ll be sharing some awesome spring tips!
7:45 am | Early Arrival: attendees are welcome to arrive early. Coffee, tea, water, and light refreshments will be available.
8:00 am | Connection: general networking among attendees. Chamber Ambassadors will be present to help guide you to who you’d like to meet.
8:25 am | Spark, with Al’s Garden Center, sharing Spring Tips!
8:30 am | Getting to Know: Al’s Garden Center • 8:40 am | ‘Round the Room Introductions
8:55 am | Raffle Drawing • 9:00 am | Event Concludes
*Guests are welcome to attend. WACC follows all state, county, and local safety regulations. All attendees will be required to do so as well.
www.wilsonvillechamber.com facebook.com /wilsonvillechamber
In his newest novel set to publish in late March, local author Mark Pomeroy gives us a compelling story of aspiration and, perhaps, a new take on the American Dream. Very much a visual storyteller, Pomeroy allows you to feel utterly immersed in the minds and lives of the three Garrison sisters and their family. Set mainly in the Lents neighborhood of Portland, Oregon — with scenes taking place in Welches, Downtown Portland and North Portland — the novel shows a family’s struggle with poverty and existential persistence. Sara, the oldest and a soccer star; Elaine, struggling with weight and mental health; and Rachel, a bibliophile and writer — all aspire to a better if unimaginable life. Full of bittersweet hope, we find the Garrison sisters’ love and support for each other is what’s needed to overcome the life and trials they are dealt. Emotional and detailed, a slice of life and deep exploration of place, this is an exciting read you won’t want to miss. Thanks to the University of Iowa Press for the advance reader copy.
Pomeroy was kind enough to provide some insight into his daily life, what he enjoys to do, his writing life and some of his favorite books and authors.
“Well, I was born and raised in NE Portland, where I now live with my family. Apart from writing and teaching, I try to get some exercise each day. It’s a key part of the writing life, I feel. A little jogging, cycling, hiking, and now and then some soccer with my teenage son, who plays competitively. (Yeah, it’s getting harder to keep up with him.) My family
and I love to spend time on and near Mount Hood. Some favorite hikes: anywhere on the Timberline Trail, which I hiked in its entirety in 2013 with some writer friends, Chinidere Mountain, White River Canyon, McNeil Point, the Mazama Trail. As for books that I seem to reread the most, here’s a partial list: “The Remains of the Day,” “Cold Mountain,” “The Shipping News,” most of Larry Brown’s work, “Plainsong,” Luis Urrea’s “The Devil’s Highway” and “True Grit.” I also often return to Langston Hughes’s classic story “Thank You, Ma’m,” and poems by William Stafford, Pablo Neruda, Naomi Shihab Nye and Jim Harrison. I begin each writing day by reading a couple of poems, to quiet down a bit, steep myself in language and get my head right for the work.”
Mark Pomeroy leads creative writing workshops in Portland Public Schools. He is author of “The Brightwood Stillness” and a recipient of an Oregon Literary Fellowship for Fiction. He lives in Portland, Oregon. “The Tigers of Lents” is available for preorder through University of Iowa Press or bookstores nationwide. There will also be a book launch reading for “The Tigers of Lents” at Broadway Books in Portland, Wednesday April 3 at 6 p.m. Other events and appearances will be posted on Pomeroy’s website, www.mpomeroy.com.
Spring is upon us. Those endlessly dark, frigid and blustery nights are gradually retreating, as are, hopefully, the damaging snows and ice storms. Granted, we are headed into the wettest time of the year, but we can generally expect to have at least a few days of sunbreaks peppered throughout. It’s a time of rebirth and renewal, when we emerge from our cocoons to assess the damages caused by the harsher winter climate and make repairs. It’s also a time to prepare our homes for summer. Courtesy of our friends Jaimy Beltran and his team at Beltran Properties an eXp Realty, here is a list of home maintenance tips to consider this spring.
1. Inspect your roof — Especially if you have trees on your property, this is the perfect time to get up there and clean your roof of debris. Check tiles for damage and leaks and call a professional immediately if it looks as though there are any problems. The urgency with which you address this issue obviously diminishes if you have no trees, but algae and moss are still key concerns. Algae is more of an aesthetic problem but
moss can lift and/or curl your tiles causing breaches in your roof’s integrity. To kill algae and moss, mix and apply a solution of equal parts water and bleach, wait fifteen minutes, then rinse. Do not scrub or power wash asphalt composition tiles as this can cause unnecessary damage.
2. Clean your gutters — You’re already on the roof. While you are at it, this is the best time to clean your gutters. All that debris that was on the roof is also collected in your gutters, clogging them and weighing them down. Inspect them closely in the process and apply caulking to any leaks or cracks. Reattach gutters if they are sagging or have pulled away or replace them if they are beyond saving. Gutters are an overworked and underappreciated aspect of our homes in the Northwest. Keep them clean and in good working order to ensure your home’s longevity.
3. Inspect your deck — Summer evenings in the Northwest are synonymous with backyard barbecues. So, make sure your deck is in tip-top shape before those days arrive! Check for loose or rusty nails. Check boards for warping, splintering or rot, and replace them if necessary. If there are multiple dry days in the forecast, consider stripping and restaining or painting. And of special concern, ensure that all railings and stairs are secure!
4. Repair/Reseal woodwork — Fences, trellises, rails, and other wood features also require your attention. Repair or replace damaged panels as needed. Power washers can be used in many of these cases to clean and revitalize those old, drab surfaces. Use exterior wood oils afterwards to preserve the fresh look.
5. Inspect your concrete — This is a good time to take a stroll around the house checking for new or enlarged cracks in the driveway, walkway, and patio. If the gaps are insignificant, simply fill them with silicone caulking or concrete fillers. If they are too large, or if the concrete has been lifted in places, it may be time to consider replacement.
6. Examine your air conditioning unit — Take off the cover (if you have one) and clear the grill of any debris. If you have access, clean the vents and ducts and replace filters. Clogged filters are responsible for less efficiency and lower air quality, so call a technician if you think you are in need of a tune-up.
7. Check outdoor faucets — Outdoor pipes and faucets are often more exposed to the elements and as such don’t typically last as long as their indoor counterparts. Before summer hits and you need to rely on that water supply to keep your lawn alive, run those faucets now and check for any leaks or problems.
8. Run your sprinkler system — Waiting until they are needed is not the best approach. Test them now while the weather is still wet and check for any leaks or broken sprinkler heads. Replace malfunctioning parts and make sure you are watering your yard and not your sidewalks.
9. Inspect seals around windows and doors — Old, twisted, and broken screens can allow bugs to get in through your windows. Replace them now before the larvae hatch. This is also the perfect time to wash windows and their sills. Tracts should be vacuumed or brushed out and weep holes cleared (you might need to use a wire hanger or something similar for the weep holes).
10. Get an “early” start on your landscaping — This is the best time to clean and trim all of the overgrowth from the previous year. It’s a good time to fertilize and start tending to your lawn. A good heavy raking to get rid of dead grass and thatch is an imperative, then spread fertilizer and seed. Certain seed mixes are better for more or less direct sun, so be sure to research before buying. Nitrogen fertilizers are especially effective at providing your lawn with the assistance needed to shine throughout the season.
Of course, if you’re in the process of looking to get into the real estate market, whether to buy or sell, there is no one more qualified to help than Jaimy Beltran. Give him a call today at 503-502-3330.
