Woodburn Community Advantage Magazine
Published by
Active Media Publishing Group
PO Box 672, Aurora, OR 97002
info@ActiveMediaUSA.com
503.825.2111
ADMINISTRATION
Matthew Nelson, Publisher Catrina Nelson, CFO
Tara Weidman, Executive Assistant
Raeann Van Arsadall, Business Development
PRODUCTION
Jeremy Okai Davis, Art Director
Donovan Darling, Creative Project Manager
Brittany Jungenberg, Director of Marketing
Kate Astle, Copyeditor
Kaity VanHoose, Social Media Manager
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Hilary Berg Sean Carver
Brittany Jungenberg Morgan King
Shawn Schmidt
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Dani DeGraw, Justin Nelson, Kaity VanHoose
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Patti Jo Brooks Olive Gallagher
Angie Helvey Lucas Holmgren
Robert Matsumura Dennis McNabb
Peter Murphy 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
Looking to reach local consumers? We specialize in direct-mail products: community magazine advertising, mailing inserts, postcards and more. For more details, call 503.825.2111 or email info@ActiveMediaUSA.com
WHY GO UNLIMITED?
FRI. AUG. 16th
12PM‑11PM
ON THE MAIN STAGE:
3:00 pm – 3:45 pm
Hueca Omeyocan –Azteca Danza
4:15 pm - 4:45 pm
Los de Zima – Youth band
5:15 pm - 6:15 pm
Mariachi Luz de Oro
6:30 pm – 7:15 pm
Meet the Fiesta Court (Presented by Chemeketa Community College)
7:30 pm – 8:45 pm
Simplemente Norteño
9:15 pm – 10:30 pm
Candente ShowEl Fogenaso musical
10:30 pm – 10:45 pm
Announcements & closing music
SAT. AUG. 17th
10AM‑11PM
ON THE MAIN STAGE:
11:00am – Fiesta Parade Sponsored by Mega Foods (Starts at Woodburn City Hall)
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Meseta Purepecha –Woodburn Cultural Group
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Portland Lucha Libre
4:00 pm – 5:15pm
Cosecha MestizaWoodburn Ballet Folklorico
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Portland Lucha Libre
7:15 pm – 8:45 pm
Los Alegres de La Sierra –International Norteño band from Sinaloa, Mexico
9:15 pm – 10:45 pm
Lalo y Los Descalzos –International Grupero band 10:45 pm – 11:00 pm
Announcements & closing music
LEGION PARK IN
FOR THE LATEST WOODBURN CITY NEWS AND CURRENT INFORMATION, SIGN UP FOR THE WOODBURN WEEKLY E-BLAST AT: WOODBURN-OR.GOV/EBLAST
SUN. AUG. 18th
10AM‑10PM ON THE MAIN STAGE:
12:30 pm – 1:15 pm
Anaya’s Band – Salem versatile band 1:45 pm – 2:45 pm
Los Tata Keris – Los Viejitos Alegres de Michoacan
3:10 pm – 4:10 pm
Portland Lucha Libre
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Mariachi Mexico En La Piel & Ballet Folklorico Mexico En La Sangre – Premier Mariachi & Ballet Folklorico group
5:35 pm – 6:35 pm
Portland Lucha Libre
6:45 pm – 7:45 pm
Grupo SA-OR -Salem versatile band
8:15 pm – 9:45 pm
Grupo La Apuesta – International Duranguense style band
9:45 pm – 10:00 pm
Announcements & Closing music
Are you tired of the housing shortage in our district? Chemeketa Community College is the key to solving this crisis! Our graduates in building inspection, plumbing, welding, CAD, electronics, engineering, robotics, machining, HVAC, and more are the builders of the future.
Join us at Chemeketa and become a part of the solution. Enroll today and let’s build a brighter tomorrow together. Visit go.chemeketa.edu/pathways or scan this QR code for more information.
Making Memories
Carnival or rodeo, have the ride of your life!
By Patti Jo Brooks, Contributing Writer
It’s summertime in Canby and the Clackamas County Fair & Rodeo is in full swing August 13-17 at the Clackamas County Fairgrounds. Experience the sights, sounds and aromas of the County Fair as you stroll about. Visit livestock exhibits and agricultural displays where farmers and youth proudly showcase the results of their diligent work over the course of the year. Peruse hobby displays and art exhibits and treat yourself to fun-filled carnival rides. Embrace the thrill and excitement of live rodeo, pitting human skill against animal instinct, and enjoy crowd-pleasing performances by your favorite musicians and entertainers.
Everyone loves a parade! So pick a spot, settle in and enjoy the Canby Kiwanis Kiddie Capers Parade, a fun and festive Canby Kiwanis tradition since 1948. A kick off to the Clackamas County Fair, the Kiddie Capers Parade begins at Knight School at 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 13 and ends at the fairgrounds. Kids from all across Clackamas County will be “Moovin’ N Groovin’ at the Clackamas County Fair and Canby Rodeo,” in costume and riding, walking, pulling or pushing their bikes, wagons, dogs and more.
Join the lively bustle of fairgoers partaking in everything a county fair has to offer. Grab a bite of your favorite festival food served up from any one of 20 different food booths. Visit the Main Pavilion and check out the vendors inside then head upstairs and once again find the creative exhibits of the Hobby Hall: Photography, Quilts and Textiles. If it’s the Art Gallery you’re looking for, make your way to Clackamas Hall where you’ll find a multitude of compositions in oils, acrylics, water colors, pastels, drawings, sculptures and more!
The Fair runs daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, August 13-17 with world-class rodeo competition happening each night in the Canby Rodeo Arena starting at 7:30 p.m. If you’ve never seen the Canby Rodeo, let this be the year you do! The Main Stage this year has been moved to the center of the fairgrounds on the main lawn. Music starts at 9 p.m. (while the rodeo is finishing up), giving more fairgoers a chance to enjoy the night’s entertainment. Please check the Fair’s website for the complete entertainment schedule.
“What makes our county fair special?” asks Brian Crow, Clackamas County Fairgrounds and Event Center Executive Director.
“When I think about it, I see the bright lights of the midway, flashing and tracing patterns in the night sky. I see 4H and FFA kids grooming the animals they’ve worked so hard to
raise and the community’s handiwork on display for everyone to enjoy. I hear the sounds of kids laughing and screaming on the rides, cows mooing, pigs squealing, bleating lambs and goats, and whatever noise cavies make. Music fills the air from the stage, alongside the auctioneer and rodeo announcer. Friends are telling stories and joking around. I close my eyes
and smell cotton candy, corn dogs, barbecue, elephant ears and even the livestock. No matter what your fair memories are, the fact that you can relate to something I mentioned shows how important the county fair is. It strengthens families and friendships, bridges the gap between urban and agricultural communities, and is the foundation for generational memories.”
This year’s fair, presented by NW Employment Solutions, features a unique theme each day with special discounts or free admission to select groups. August 13 is Family Day and
kids 12 and under get in FREE with participation in the Kiddie Caper Parade. August 14, Senior Citizen Day, offers reduced entry fees for seniors age 65-74 and FREE admission for those 75 and up. August 15 is First Responder Day – police, fire and paramedics are admitted FREE with corresponding ID. Military Appreciation Day, August 16, all veterans and Armed Service members in uniform or showing service ID are admitted FREE. August 17, the Fair closes with Agriculture Day: the Junior Livestock Auction, Miss Rodeo Oregon Coronation and the VIP Press Party are featured.
The Clackamas County Fairgrounds is located at 694 N.E. 4th Ave. in Canby. For exhibitor information, tickets, food vendors and more visit clackamascountyfair.com.
Peach Paradise
Family-owned orchard offers U-pick peaches and nectarines
Since then, Tanner and his family have added multiple new varieties, and the orchard continues to be a yearly destination for the community and beyond.
Growing peaches in Oregon requires special treatment tailored to counteract the overly moist climate. “These are different varieties than you’d find in California,” Tanner explains. “They’re grafted on rootstocks that do better in the wet soil, and we don’t use any irrigation.”
By Angie Helvey, Contributing Writer
Picking fresh peaches on a warm day is the quintessential summer outing. Peach orchards are less common in Oregon because the trees are temperamental and don’t like much moisture, but with suitable varieties and special care, peaches and nectarines can flourish in the Willamette Valley. TK Orchards is the perfect place to find the sweetest local peaches and nectarines that are excellent for eating fresh, making pies, canning for the winter and more!
Twelve types of peaches and two kinds of nectarines, all ripening at different rates, can make the yearly harvest challenging, but TK Orchards has it down to a science. They’re
The property, which features 20 acres of peaches nestled among 35 acres of hazelnuts, was initially owned by Gooding Orchards. Canby native and fourthgeneration farmer Tanner Koenig began farming peaches while still finishing high school and started full-time after graduating from college in 2008.
typically open for business from roughly the 10th of July through the 20th of August, and visitors can visit their Facebook page to find out which varieties are available on any given day.
According to Tanner, all the peaches are excellent for eating fresh, but the most sought-after are the Dixie Gems, Canadian Harmonies and Veterans. “Each variety is a little different and has a following of people that swear it’s the best,” he says. “The Candor, for example, has a fantastic flavor and holds texture well, so it’s perfect for making salsa.” The peaches at TK are mostly freestone with a few semifreestone breeds, so the flesh is easily separated from the pit.
They also grow a couple of clingstone varieties that boast fabulous flavors.
The usual hours during the season are 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Upon entering the property, visitors check in at the stand and grab a box. As they drive, signage directs them to the areas currently ripe for picking, and parking is available amidst the shaded hazelnut orchards.
Though the Koenigs and their team offer pre-picked boxes filled with peaches harvested fresh each morning, strolling through the picturesque orchards to select your own fruit is a delightful experience you don’t want to miss! “You’ll want to choose peaches that are big, beautiful, and have a little give to the flesh when you feel it,” Tanner says. “We encourage people to try a sample and see what variety they like best.” The trees are short, so even kids can pick peaches from the ground without a ladder. U-pick is priced at $2 per pound. Boxes are weighed, and cash or check payment is accepted upon departure. Pre-picked boxes are sold at $30 or 4 for $100.
Tanner’s family has been farming hazelnuts for over 50 years, and TK Orchards sits among acres of hazelnuts that the Koenigs harvest, wash, and dry
for processors and local farmers. Tanner and his wife Nicole have four children aged 5, 6, 10 and 11, who sell hazelnuts to the public in the fall. The kids love doing what they can to help out on the farm. “Sometimes they’ll come with me to pick peaches in the morning or help water the baby trees,” Tanner says.
TK Orchards enjoys their visitors and many return every season. “There are people who come just once a year, and there are some that come every three days during open season to get some of each variety,” Tanner explains. “We love getting to know our customers. I’ve been at this for 20 years; many have been coming since before my time.”
TK Orchards is located at 23513 Boones Ferry Rd. NE, Aurora, OR. Please give them a call at 503-678-5227 or visit their Facebook page for more information
Robin Ekloff Owner
WOODBURN FIRE DISTRICT
WFD Hires
Three Seasonal Firefighters with State Grant
The Woodburn Fire District has announced the hiring of three seasonal firefighters under the 2024 Wildfire Season Staffing grant provided by the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office. This grant, now in its third year, aims to bolster the number of firefighters across Oregon by offering additional resources during the high fire season, which typically spans from July to September. The grant is a crucial component of a broader strategy to enhance wildfire preparedness in communities throughout the state.
THE NEW HIRES
The newly hired seasonal firefighters are Jordan Taulai, Yaset Carlos and Angelo Nicosia.
Jordan Taulai: A resident of Woodburn, Jordan is already a volunteer member of the Woodburn Fire District. He holds EMT certifications and is currently working towards his firefighter certification. Jordan aspires to become a career firefighter and is dedicated to serving his community.
Yaset Carlos: Yaset has recently completed the fire suppression project at Chemeketa Community College and is in the process of completing his EMT training. As a volunteer for the Woodburn Fire District, Yaset expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve in a seasonal capacity, stating, “I appreciate the Woodburn Fire District for the opportunity to be part of the seasonal positions and am looking forward to helping district residents.”
Angelo Nicosia: Angelo is a full-time firefighter/ EMT for another fire district and is also finishing his contract with the Oregon Army National Guard. With his extensive experience, Angelo shared, “I am excited to be part of the Woodburn family and use my experience to help serve the community this summer.”
THE WILDFIRE SEASON STAFFING GRANT
The Wildfire Season Staffing grant is designed to provide critical support during Oregon’s peak wildfire months. By increasing the number of trained firefighters, the grant helps ensure that communities are better prepared to face the challenges of wildfire season. This initiative is part of a multi-faceted approach to wildfire management, focusing on prevention, preparedness, and response.
The addition of Jordan, Yaset and Angelo to the Woodburn Fire District team exemplifies the proactive steps being taken to enhance local firefighting capabilities. Their diverse backgrounds and commitment to service will undoubtedly strengthen the district’s responses during the high fire season.
From left: Angelo Nicosia, Jordan Taulai and Yaset Carlos
Explore North Marion
Come for a day, stay for a week!
PBy Patti Jo Brooks, Contributing Writer
lanning a road trip? Let North Marion County be your travel destination! Host to some of Oregon’s largest festivals and events such as the St. Paul Rodeo, The Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival, Bauman’s Harvest Festival and Mt. Angel Oktoberfest, North Marion County offers diverse activities, culinary experiences, beautiful countryside and shopping extravaganzas. It’s also known for its great wine tasting as well as a peaceful environment for relaxation. Wherever you’re from, whatever your activity level, however many days you have – North Marion County has something for everyone!
Nestled between Portland and Salem, North Marion welcomes visitors and locals alike. Take a hike in the woods or shop at the Woodburn Outlet Mall for some of the best bargains in the region. With so much to offer, you’ll want to go online (www.explorenorthmarion.com) and see for yourself. A product of North Marion Tourism Collaborative, the website lays out a multitude of events, activities, eats, drinks, shopping and more, just waiting for you to experience. Enjoy First Fridays in Silverton. Join for dinner and live music at the Historic Butteville Store in Aurora. Finish off the month with a pancake breakfast in Scott Mills.
Who is the North Marion Tourism Collaborative? Vice Chair Sam Kaluf explains, “It’s a collaboration between private sector businesses and municipalities to meet the needs
of our tourism assets in our North Marion County area. I think this is reflective even in the composition of our board – we have representatives of Woodburn, Silverton, Hubbard and Mt. Angel as well as Marion County. On the private sector side we have Woodburn Chamber of Commerce, Woodburn Outlet Mall, Wooden Shoe Farms and Bauman’s Farms and Garden.
Serving the Donald, Aurora, St. Paul, Hubbard, Woodburn, Gervais, Mt Angel, Scotts Mills and Silverton areas, Kaluf adds that “The Collaborative worked on several grants through Travel Oregon to assess regional tourism assets, downtown readiness, and most recently, exploring transportation options, which culminated in bus shuttle service from both Portland and Salem to provide transportation to and from the Mt Angel Oktoberfest.”
The Collaborative is also responsible for a traveling interactive informational kiosk available at regional events.
In addition to attracting visitors from Oregon, Washington State, Idaho and California, Kaluf points out that North Marion locals can discover and explore, “What’s going on in my own backyard?” by visiting the website, www.explorenorthmarion.com
BASEBALL & SOCCER REGISTRATION OPEN NOW! VOLLEYBALL • FLAG FOOTBALL • T-BALL YMCA
Flag Football, Volleyball and Basketball
Early Fall Season 9/9/2024-10/26/2024
Late Fall Season 11/4/2024-12/21/2024
Find additional info and registration links here:
There’s always a lot going on in Woodburn! Youth Sports, Adult R.E.C. Trips, Seasonal Events, and More! Get all the details at: woodburn-or.gov/recreation
Visit our website for details about fitness classes and swimming lessons. Yoga, Pilates, Zumba Hyrdro-X and more!
(The Woodburn Aquatic Center has all age swimming programs. Join our wet or dry programs.)
Bridging the Digital Divide in Woodburn
Lift Zones connect more families
By Xfinity Services
Photos by Brittany Jungenberg
The global pandemic in 2020 changed the way we worked, learned and communicated in Woodburn and across the nation. Among the biggest shifts were mandatory remote learning and work-from-home policies that called attention to the persistence of the digital divide.
That is why Comcast launched more than 100 “Lift Zones” in Oregon and Washington. These WiFi-connected hubs help combat digital inequities and connect more families to essential resources like Digital Navigators — tech experts who can assist people with getting online, using devices and acquiring digital skills.
At the time, the goal of Lift Zones was to work collaboratively with local governments and civic leaders, educators, and community nonprofit organizations to provide spaces where students and caregivers could go while schools were shut down. Today, the award-winning Lift Zones program is a core component of Project UP — our comprehensive $1 billion initiative to connect people to
the internet and provide the digital skills training required to unlock economic opportunity.
Comcast has now installed more than 1,250 Lift Zones nationwide, including one right here at the Woodburn Teen Center that was made possible through a partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Salem, Marion and Polk Counties. The Woodburn Teen Center Lift Zone is providing immersive tech and STEMrelated activities for teens in Marion County.
What is a Lift Zone?
Lift Zones are spaces in neighborhood community centers that provide free internet access for students and families. The initiative also offers hundreds of hours of free educational and digital skills content to help navigate online learning. The type of location can vary — it can be a nonprofit community center, a gym, a parks and recreation facility, or even a small business. They can help:
• Students do homework before or after school.
• Adults work remotely or apply for a job.
• Seniors learn digital skills.
• Veterans advance their careers and access their hardearned healthcare benefits.
• People access telehealth appointments.
• Connect someone with a Digital Navigator for tech support.
The Impact of Lift Zones
In an effort to understand the ways in which having Lift Zones in a community positively impacted students and their families, Comcast partnered with Benenson Strategy Group to conduct research on the topic. Access to reliable WiFi, devices, and a supportive neighborhood space helped reduce frustrations with remote learning that many families, who did not have access to Lift Zones, experienced.
In fact, parents who turned to Lift Zones during the pandemic were not only significantly more satisfied with the available community resources to support learning, but also looked more favorably upon how their children’s schools and local governments managed that learning. Nearly all of the parents surveyed who relied on Lift Zones said they have been helpful, and many have continued to return to them again and again.
An overwhelming majority of community leaders also said that ensuring children have access to high-speed internet and essential technology should be a priority. Even now that children are back in classrooms, both parents and community leaders see additional potential for Lift Zones in the future, including providing online access
to educational resources as well as devices for adults who lack them at home. Among the potential offerings identified as most helpful are afterschool programs like AI tutoring to meet specific needs of students, coaching for students applying to college, tech support for those using devices or troubleshooting problems, telehealth pods for medical appointments, and programs to teach
seniors how to use technology to improve their health and safety. The Benenson Strategy Group study found compelling evidence that Lift Zones are already helping parents and children:
90% — Nearly all users say Lift Zones have been helpful.
62% — More than six in ten Lift Zone users have returned more than twice to access the internet.
74% — About three in four Lift Zone users are very likely to recommend the Lift Zone in their community.
With broad support for Lift Zones and the resources they provide to children and families, Comcast remains focused on ensuring Lift Zones continue to make an impact in communities nationwide.
Celebrate Molalla
In 2017, the Molalla City Council embarked on creating a vision and action plan. The plan would be a road map for Molalla from 2020 to 2030. The project reached an important milestone in July 2018 with the idea of a city celebration for the community.
In the span of two months, a group of residents, including a city councilor and a few community builders, put their heads together to plan the event. They visited festivals to find vendors, found musical performers, developed ideas for free kids’ crafts, and, in the end, put on a celebration that covered three city blocks. It was the largest street festival in the history of Molalla.
Approximately 2,500 people enjoyed the celebration in 2018, tasting treats, buying crafts, listening to music and enjoying the small community. Visitors also came from far and wide. At the end of that first year, the organizers knew they had something special. The following years brought
more vendors, more food trucks, more musicians and more excitement. The word spread to outlying areas, and vendors from all over Oregon and Southwest Washington began to join in the fun.
Celebrate Molalla grew to cover six city blocks and included not only contemporary artists and artisans, but also vendors who promoted the rich history of Molalla. Many community organizations also offered resources at booths.
On Aug. 24, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the 2024 celebration will be hosted at Clark Park, 815 Shirley Street. The Corn Hole Tournament will return and kids’ activities, once again, will be concentrated in a single area. A great variety of vendors will be selling their wares and delicious fare.
Musicians with major local followings on this year’s agenda include: Don Mitchell, playing classic blues, rock and country, at 11 a.m.; Blue Collar Brothers, a Southern rock and blues band, at 1:30 p.m.; and Cool Change PDX, an American rock band covering classic rock, R&B and country, at 4 p.m.
If you are interested in being a vendor, registration is open until Aug. 10 and can be found by scanning the QR code.
Leap into Home Ownership
The Market is Heading Towards Stability
After a period of rapid changes and uncertainties, the real estate market is gradually stabilizing. This stability offers a more predictable environment for buyers, making it easier to make informed decisions without the fear of drastic market fluctuations A stable market means fewer surprises and more confidence in your investment Interest Rates: The Election Factor
Historically, interest rates tend to decrease before a major election and then rise afterward. This trend can be attributed to various economic policies and market expectations. By purchasing a home before November, you can take advantage of potentially lower interest rates, securing a more affordable mortgage. Lower interest rates mean lower monthly payments and significant savings over the life of your loan.
Better Negotiation Opportunities
One of the silver linings of the post-COVID real estate market is the increased ability to negotiate credits and repairs. During the pandemic, the market was extremely competitive, with sellers often receiving multiple offers above the asking price. This competitive atmosphere left little room for buyers to negotiate terms. However, the current market dynamics have shifted, providing buyers with more leverage. You can now negotiate repairs, request seller credits, and possibly get better deals than in the last couple years
HAZ UNA CARRERA
EMPIEZA EN TU LOCALIDAD
Nuestros mejores talentos son DE ORIGEN LOCAL.
¿Buscas hacer una carrera gratificante con oportunidades de crecimiento y progreso?
Interfor Molalla puede ser el lugar para ti.
$21.25/hr Salario inicial
Paquete de beneficios competitivo, que incluye médico, dental, visión, Short-Term Disability, 401k y Profit Share
$3,000 Bono de inicio, pagado en incrementos durante el primer año
#StartHereGoFar (#ComienzaAquíLlegaLejos)
Presenta tu solicitud en línea en: Interfor.com/careers
Presenta tu solicitud en persona los martes de 9:00 am a 2:00 pm
BUILD A CAREER START LOCAL
Our best talent is HOMEGROWN.
Looking to build a rewarding career with opportunity for growth and advancement?
Interfor Molalla might be the place for you!
$21.25/hr Starting wage
Competitive benefit package, which includes medical, dental, vision, Short-Term Disability, 401k and Profit Share
$3,000 Signing bonus, paid in increments over first year
#StartHereGoFar Apply online at: Interfor.com/careers
Apply in-person on Tuesdays from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
An Oregon Frontrunner
Public education takes a personal approach
By Patti Jo Brooks, Contributing Writer Photos courtesy of WOU
Founded in 1856, Western Oregon University is the oldest public university in Oregon. It is also one of Oregon’s most progressive institutions. An accredited NWCCU Public Liberal Arts University, Western has produced the greatest number of teachers in Oregon. In step with societal changes, a new strategic plan has been introduced that focuses on “personalized learning, belonging, and empowerment.” Western’s approach to teaching, learning, building strong communities both on and off campus and developing informed and responsible citizens is guided by their mission, vision, and core values. At Western, the students come first!
Embracing diversity, Western edges closer to obtaining eligibility for Hispanic Serving Institution designation with 24.1 percent of all Western students identifying as Latino/a/e. Obtaining HSI status would provide opportunities to enhance academic offerings, program quality, and student services. One of only three universities on the west coast, Western
officially joined the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC) in June 2024.
COPLAC supports “the value of high-quality, public liberal arts education in a student-centered, residential environment.”
Presently, Western is the only public university in Oregon to hold a COPLAC membership.
“Becoming a member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges underscores our commitment to academic excellence and innovation,” states Western Oregon University President Jesse Peters.
Western is well-known for their American Sign Language (ASL) and Interpreting programs. Recently, two undergraduate certificates in ASL studies (the first in the region) were developed to meet workforce demands. “ASL is the third most used language in the United States,” offers Mark Girod, dean of Western’s College of Education. “Adding these certificates will ensure more professionals have language competence to serve our local communities.”
Western is launching the Occupational Therapy Doctorate program this fall at Western’s Salem location. Western will house the first occupational therapy program within Oregon’s public university system.
Introducing the Career Mobility Accounting program, Western collaborated with Uplift Oregon allowing Oregon state employees to broaden their skills to align with requirements for Accountant I & II and tax auditing positions within the state at no cost.
Bilingual Teacher Scholar programs and Diversity Scholar programs are offered at Western through grants supporting development for in-service and pre-service teachers responsible for multicultural and multilingual student learners. Revising curriculum to reflect the diverse experiences and backgrounds of the students is also one of the key components in the program.
Western’s Program for Undergraduate Research Experiences (PURE) holds an in-person Academic Excellence Showcase each year. Undergraduate students from all disciplines are eligible to present at the event. “We are very excited to show off the best thinking and thinkers that Western Oregon University has to offer,” says Maren Anderson, director of PURE.
Western Oregon University is featured in The College Tour, an award-winning Amazon Prime TV series.
Community Fun for 35 Years
Celebrating Aurora’s founding in 1856
By Donovan Darling, Staff Writer
Are you ready, Aurora? Because Aurora Colony Days is almost here! On its 35th anniversary, Aurora Colony Days commemorates the founding of Aurora in 1856 with food, music, fun and community.
This is a volunteer-run event, sponsored by local businesses and the City of Aurora. So what’s happening at Aurora Colony Days this year? There are two days of events on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 9–10, in the quaint community of Aurora. Friday, Aug. 9, 4:30 to 10 p.m., discover the family-friendly biergarten at the Old Aurora Colony Museum Courtyard, sponsored by the Aurora Colony Historical Society. This is a free event, and food and drinks will be available for purchase, including draft beer and root beer floats.
Saturday, Aug. 10 is the biggest day of events, including the popular Pancake Breakfast at the American
Legion Hall, sponsored by the Aurora American Legion, 7 to 11 a.m.; the 5K and Kids 1K Fun Run, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.; Market in the Park, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Aurora Outdoor Antiques Market in Downtown Aurora, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and the Aurora Colony Parade at 10 a.m., starting north from Aurora City Park on Liberty Street and then south back to the park on Main Street. Also on Saturday, enjoy half-price admission to the Old Aurora Colony Museum, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; the Aurora Colony Car Show at Aurora City Park, noon to 4 p.m.; and the finale of the Aurora Concerts in the Park with band Slicker Country Band, also at the Aurora City Park Amphitheater, 7 to 10 p.m. — this is a free event with food and drinks available for purchase.
At the Market in the Park, enjoy such vendors as: Meow Village; Dye Dreamers; Joaquina Design Studio; Willamette Valley Lavender; From the Desk of Walter Barry Causey; Nolan Family Resin; Bees & Wheat Silver Co.; Homemade from the Heart; Gary Dahrens, Lisa MacComber & Monica Lovenberg; The Good Crew Clothing Co.; The Yard Bell; Open Door Community Church; Tooth & Claw Art Studio; Blue Piano Cat Gifts; Aurora Emergency Prep; Triple E; Northwest Images; Sweet Home Candles; Designs by Wild Hare; and We Bee Petals. There will also be food throughout Saturday. Check out authentic Mexican from Lupita’s; ice cream and delicious desserts from CONES; and cool treats by Kona Ice. Drinks will include draft beer, seltzers, assorted cocktails and spirits from mobile bar Take A Shot. There will be classic backyard games for kids and adults to play, and a shuttle bus to keep you out of the heat, running every 12 to 15 minutes around Aurora.
One year was too long to wait, but it’s finally here! Come for the food, drinks, music and local vendors, stay for the friends and community. Don’t miss Aurora Colony Days 2024!
As the school year approaches, it’s time for a healthy new start. Make sure your child is ready for the classroom and the playing field with a back-to-school checkup.
The experienced team at Salem Health Medical Clinic in Woodburn can detect and prevent common health issues that make school harder for kids, such as vision and hearing problems or potential allergies, plus make sure your youngster’s vaccines are up-to-date.
For a smooth and healthy transition back to school, visit Salem Health Medical Clinic in Woodburn.
Baked Zucchini Fries
Crisp yet tender and healthy, too
Ingredients
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 zucchini, quartered lengthwise
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Directions
Preheat oven to 425°F. Coat a cooling rack with nonstick spray and place on a baking sheet; set aside. In a large bowl, combine panko, Parmesan and Italian seasoning; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside. Working in batches, dredge zucchini in flour, dip into eggs, then dredge in Panko mixture, pressing to coat. Place zucchini onto prepared baking sheet. Place into oven and bake for 20–22 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley, if desired, and alongside warm spaghetti sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
Fresh from the Garden
When picking zucchini, check if the fruit is firm. Softness indicates it is probably rotting and should be discarded. For picking zucchini, use a sharp knife, pruners or scissors to cut the stem one or two inches from the fruit.
Experience The Difference
Bloomin’ Good Time
Dahlias Festival a colorful community event
By Kelly Romo, Contributing Writer
Photos by Jen Blair Photography & Natalie Kristeen Photography
Immerse yourself in a vibrant celebration of nature at the annual Dahlia Festival hosted by Swan Island Dahlias. This beloved event, featuring over 370 dahlia varieties, transforms the picturesque fields of Canby into a kaleidoscope of color and beauty. From early August to late September, visitors are invited to explore the stunning display gardens, stroll through expansive flower fields and partake in a variety of engaging activities on Wednesdays through Sundays. With free admission, live music, local food carts and a unique gift shop, the Dahlia Festival offers an unforgettable experience for all ages. Join them for a day of floral enchantment, community and joy as you celebrate the splendor of dahlias in full bloom.
Hybridizing new dahlia varieties is a meticulous process at Swan Island. They let bees handle initial cross-pollination and then select seed pods from preferred varieties. Each year, they cultivate 15,000 seedlings,
gradually narrowing them down to five to fifteen new varieties introduced annually. The selection criteria include long stems, flower quality, and uniqueness. With over 370 dahlia varieties on display, festival-goers can discover new favorites. Look out for creatively named varieties like “Petal Faster,” “Tutu Much” and the striking red and yellow “Incrediball.” Each name adds a touch of whimsy to the vibrant blooms.
This year’s festival introduces the new and expanded gift shop that offers a wide range of local goods, from soaps and lotions to cookbooks and canned foods. Visitors can also find unique items
for pets, gardening and babies, making it a specialty shop worth exploring.
Local vendors and musicians play a significant role in the festival, creating a lively atmosphere with carefully selected bands that ensure a diverse and enjoyable experience for weekend visitors. Be sure to check the event calendar for the lineup of bands and food carts during your visit. Plan to spend a few hours exploring to make the most of your time at the festival. Start with the display garden to see all the varieties in one place, then stroll through the fields. The koi pond is a favorite among children and those
who appreciate the beauty of these fish. Enjoy the food carts, live music and gift shop. On weekends, bring a blanket for a relaxing afternoon surrounded by fields of flowers while you listen to music and savor delicious food and drinks.
Swan Island Dahlias ensures
• Free Admission & Free Parking
• Food Trucks
• Live Music on the Weekends
• Fun Classes (Pre-Registration Required)
• Fresh-Cut Flowers
• Newly Renovated Gift Shop Open Year Round
• Hosting ZNA Northwest Koi SHow
• Hosting Canby Dahlia Run
accessibility for all visitors, with ample ADA parking, accessible restrooms and pathways. The level grounds and free entry make it an inviting destination for people of all ages and income levels.
Swan Island Dahlias is more than a farm; it’s where passion, history and community converge in a spectacular celebration of nature’s beauty.
Visit the festival at 995 NW 22nd Ave. in Canby from August through September, open Wednesdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.. Check the event calendar at www.dahlias.com
to see the lineup of bands and vendors so you can join them and immerse yourself in the vibrant world of dahlias!
