Willamette Valley Life Magazine: Fall 2014 Edition by Randy Hill

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WILLAMETTE VALLEY P L A C E S T O G O. . . P E O P L E T O S E E . . . T H I N G S T O D O

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W I N E TAKE ONE!

Volume 5 Issue 4/Fall 2014 (Display until January 1, 2015) WillametteValleyLife.com

3 Classic Fall Hikes Page 6

Say Cheese! Page 15

DAYCATION A TRIP TO THOMPSON’S MILLS

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BEST YEARS YET BE KINDER TO YOURSELF

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VINEYARD UNUSUAL GRAPES

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EAT PERFECT PUMPKIN PIE

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Fall 2014 • Willamette Valley Life

BEST LITTLE ROADHOUSE ��

Back-To-School Special!

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Camping & Traveling! ��

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Don’t Miss It! 2014 Winter Rickreall Gun Show

Buy-Sell-Trade, Guns, Knives, Ammunition...Lots of Collector Items

Sat. Dec 13: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sun. Dec 14: 9 a.m. to 4 a.m. Adults $6 (Kids under 12, Free)•Free Parking Food Available On-Site 520 S. Paciﬁc Hwy. West, Rickreall, OR 97371 Ph: (503) 623.3048 • Toll Free: (888) 229.6818

Future Gun Shows: Mar 14-15, 2015 June 13-14, 2015

Now Offering...

Live Fire Classes • Live Fire Pistol Courses • Women Only Class • Custom Courses to Fit Your Needs • Certiﬁed NRA Instructors

Classes Start at $45

Concealed Handgun Class Call to register for our next class.

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Mon-Sat 9am-6pm • 468 NE Bovard, Dallas, Oregon (Big red building behind Wal-Mart)

Willamette Valley Life • Fall 2014

NOMINEE FOR BEST WESTERN SWING GROUP, ALBUM & SONG BY THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF WESTERN ARTISTS

OCTOBER

18: Landmark Saloon, Portland; 9-Midnight

DECEMBER

6: Axe and Fiddle, Cottage Grove, Oregon; 8:30pm • 13: Emerald Valley Opry, Eugene 20: Landmark Saloon, Portland; 9-12 Midnight

www.OregonValleyBoys.com

Now Booking for 2015!

FROM THE PUBLISHER

C O N T E N T S

Sawmill Falls, a stop along the Opal Creek trail.

elcome to the fall edition of Willamette Valley Life. As I write this, it feels more like summer, but I have high hopes of fall weather kicking in pretty soon! When fall weather ﬁnally does arrive, take advantage of it. There are some beautiful places around the valley just waiting to be discovered and hiking is a great way to do just that. Follow writer Suzanne Reingans’ advice and check out the three classic fall hikes she’s shared with us in this issue. Danita Cahill came across the wonderful Thompson’s Mills State Heritage Site. If you love history or just want to hang out and enjoy a fall picnic–this is the spot to check out. Sarah Horner did a little culinary research for a story on artisan and farmstead cheese makers. And what goes great with cheese? Wine, of

course! Ryan Reichert writes about “unusual grapes in the Willamette Valley.” Pinot noir is a wine that is usually associated with the Willamette Valley, but there is a potential for some “unusual” varieties of grapes for local vineyards to explore. All in all, it’s been a fun issue to put together and we hope you enjoy reading it.

6 FEATURE

3 Classic Hikes

15 People/Places 16 Best Years Yet 18 Vineyard 20 Eat

ON THE COVER Misty, moisty Opal Creek old-grown forest. Photo by Suzanne Reingans.

PUBLISHERS Randy and Dawn Hill SENIOR EDITOR Jessica Gardner

ART DIRECTION Hill Design Studios

Call 503.507.1228

8 Daycation

Three hikes that are western Oregon classics.

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Erin Grace

Reach thousands of Willamette Valley residents and visitors!

D E PA RT M E N TS

PUBLISHING COORDINATOR Ken Gardner DISTRIBUTION Profile In Delivery, Kathy Melson CONTRIBUTORS Danita Cahill, Brenda Dineen, Sarah Horner, Ryan Reichert, Suzanne Reingans ADVERTISING SALES L. Andrew Brown/Concept Marketing Randy Hill

MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 17264 Salem, Oregon 97305 EMAIL publisher@willamettevalleylife.com WEBSITE willamettevalleylife.com Willamette Valley Life Magazine is published quarterly. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Willamette Valley Life Magazine. This publication cannot be reproduced in any form without written consent from Willamette Valley Life Magazine. Although we have made very effort to insure the accuracy of the information in this publication, due to the passage of time and the anomalies inherent in the publishing process, we cannot be responsible for errors or incorrect information. Please contact the individual establishments to confirm information.

PHONE 503.507.1228

One year subscriptions are $16. Send check or money order to Subscriptions: P.O. Box 17264, Salem, OR 97305. Make payable to “Willamette Valley Life.”

Fall 2014 • Willamette Valley Life

VA L L E Y F LOOR

Festival Chorale Oregon’s 36th Season

estival Chorale Oregon will open its 36th season with a concert on Friday, November 21 at 4 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Salem. The fall concert, “Hoping in Darkness,” is conducted by founding artistic director Dr. Solveig Holmquist and is the ﬁrst in a three-concert series designed to move us from darkness into light over the course of the season. “Hoping in Darkness” features two works: Hugo Distler’s “Totentanz” (“Dance of Death”) and Gabriel

Faure’s “Requiem.” The choir will be joined by a chamber orchestra and the children’s choir of Corvallis’s Adams Elementary School. The other two concerts in the series are “To Be Certain of the Dawn” and “Celebrate the Light.” “To Be Certain of the Dawn” is an acclaimed Holocaust remembrance oratorio by contemporary American composer Stephen Paulus with text by Michael Dennis Browne. It will be making its Paciﬁc Northwest premier this

season, performed on Sunday, April 26, 2015 at 4 p.m. at the Historic Elsinore Theatre in Salem. “Celebrate the Light,” meanwhile, celebrates the creativity of beloved Jewish composers Jerome Kern, George Gershwin and Irving Berlin and will be performed on Sunday, June 7, 2015 at 4 p.m. at the Chemeketa-Eola Viticulture Center in West Salem. The choir will also host a festive afternoon of Christmas carols on Sunday, December 21, 2014. The Festival Carolers will don period clothing to present a concert of traditional carols from the Victorian era at the Historic Elsinore Theater in Salem. The concert begins at 4 p.m. and includes an audience sing-along and a beautiful presentation of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” for the children. Tickets are available at the door for each concert, or online at festivalchorale.org. For more information, call 503-540-7479.

Return of “Christmas in the Garden”

regon Garden’s “Christmas in the Garden” is back, running 4-9 p.m. on Thursdays through Sundays from November 28 to December 21. The Holiday Express tram will whisk visitors through the Garden to arrive at the Rediscovery Forest, decorated with 300,000 holiday lights. Visitors can shop from a number of artisan vendors selling handmade goods, sip traditional adult beverages, listen to festive holiday music and carolers, and take in the smells and tastes of roasted nuts and holiday foods. Fire pits are scattered throughout the forest for warmth. Admission is $5 per person ($4 for Oregon Garden members) and free for children four and under. Silverton residents save $1 each Thursday evening with proof of residency. Each paid admission includes ﬁve $1 vouchers to be used at any booth in the market. Pay admission during your ﬁrst visit and return to “Christmas in the Garden” for free for the duration of the event. Parking is complimentary during the event. Christmas in the Garden will also 4

feature additional events on select dates, including:

Willamette Valley Life • Fall 2014

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Nov. 28: Civil War Football Game Showing. Come dressed in Duck or Beaver logoed apparel and receive $1 oﬀ admission.

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Dec. 12-14: Visits with Santa Claus and his live reindeer. (No photographer; parents can take

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Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14 & 21: “A Christmas Carol.” Two-person play performed by Traveling Lantern Theater Co. Great for all ages. Included with event admission.

Visit oregongarden.org/events/ christmas-in-the-garden to learn more.

Roundhouse

oundhouse is a local acoustic band that perform a variety of genres using bluegrass instrumentation, guitar, bass, mandolin, and banjo. The band was founded in 1994 with Ron Leavitt on mandolin and Kim Jones on electric bass. Joe Denhof soon signed on as guitar player, giving Roundhouse a cohesive core, and the 2008 addition of Donn Whitten on banjo gave the band an energetic and innovative new twist. Working out interesting and unique arrangements is of special interest to the band members, including duet, trio and quartet harmonies. Bluegrass, folk, southern and classic rock, a cappella, gospel, country, blazing instrumentals and original compositions all appear in the band’s repertoire! With a focus on impeccable harmonies, interesting arrangements, new incarnations of classic tunes and original songwriting, Roundhouse constantly adds to their circle of friends.

When: December 21 Where: Canyon Arts Center, 475 NE Santiam Blvd., Mill City, Oregon. Information: 503-507-2941

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October, November, December 1-31 – October Weekends at Lone Pine Farms – Junction City. Fun fall activities including the famous pumpkin patch, haunted corn maze, and cow train trail roller coaster ride. lonepinefarms.com. 1-31 – Colonial Harvest Days – Pleasant Hill. Celebrate the harvest season with a unique fall experience for the entire family. Each weekend enjoy live music, face painting, food venue and more. northernlightschri stmastreefarm.com.

October 25-26 – Clackamette’s 50th Annual Gem & Mineral Show.

OCTOBER Saturdays and Wednesdays through 11/26 – Corvallis Farmers Market – Corvallis. Corvallis’ downtown hosts two outdoor farmers markets bursting with the Willamette Valley’s best fruits, vegetables, cut flowers, nursery plants, baked goods and other delights. Meet the growers, listen to live music, partake of samples and cooking demonstrations, or pick up expert tips on gardening and health. 541.740.1542. locallygrown.org. Friday through Sunday – Willamette Valley Pie Company Harvest Festival – Salem. This year we are “bigger & better” than ever with new activities, special events, more parking, FREE pie with admission (no kidding), FREE Hayrides and more. 503.362.8678. wvpie.com

moonshine at Alton Baker Park. Registration required. 541.687.9699. nearbynature.org. 11 – Salemtowne Artisan Faire Salem. Featuring resident artisans, fine arts, crafts, quilts, holiday decor, one-of-a-kind gifts, and the Harvest Kitchen. Towne Hall, 2900 Oakcrest Dr. NW, Salem, OR 97304. 18 – ABC House Runaway Pumpkin Half-Marathon - Lebanon. Runaway Pumpkin Half-Marathon is fun for

walks of life, there will be lots of good fun to be had by everyone. There will be activities for kids, demonstrations for adults, silent actions, bargain rock sale and of course various dealer booths.. Clackamas County Fairgrounds, Canby. 503.631.3128. 31 – Safe and Sane Halloween – McMinnville. The McMinnville Downtown Association will hold its annual Safe & Sane Halloween.

3-5 – Quiltopia – Salem. An annual quilt festival that inspires people to learn the joys of using textiles in a traditional and contemporary art form. Proceeds benefit Helping Hands charity. The event will be held at Willamette Heritage Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, and 12 to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Admission $5. quiltedforest.com 4 – Soroptimist Walk for the Cause - Albany. Our 19th annual walk raises money for women in our community who are fighting breast cancer and other women’s diseases. We have raised over $600,000 that have stayed in locally to help women with medical treatment and other expenses related to their diseases. The walk starts at 8 a.m. at the Linn County Courthouse. sialbany.org/walk 25 – Nearby Nature’s Haunted Hike – Eugene. Help Nearby Nature celebrate night creatures. Enjoy a pumpkin-lit hike in Alton Baker Park and meet an entertaining costumed owl, bat, frog, spider and more. Each hike lasts about an hour. Rain or

December 13 – Festival of Lights Holiday Parade – Keizer.

everyone! Runners and walkers are encouraged to dress in costume. The event will be held at Lebanon’s Cheadle Lake Park. All proceeds from this event go to ABC House: The Child Abuse Intervention Center serving Benton and Linn Counties. Register online. Race begins at 9 a.m. raceroster.com/ events/2014/2187/runaway-pumpkinhalf-marathon 25 – Barn Dance and Pig Roast – Silverton. The Oregon Garden will be featuring line dances and a pig roast dinner. So grab a partner for this boot-scootin’ good time. oregongarden.org.

November 8 – Willamette Falls Symphony – Mt. Angel.

25-26 – Clackamette’s 50th Annual Gem & Mineral Show. As you probably know, we are pretty passionate about rocks, and we would like to share this passion with you. On October 25-26 please come and join us for our 50th annual gem and mineral show in Canby, Oregon. While there will definitely be enthusiastic rock hounds of all ages and from all

Hay Rides, Games, and Trick or Treating on Third Street in downtown McMinnville. 503.472.3605. downtownmcminnville.com.

NOVEMBER 2: Canyon Arts Center - Mill City. Ron Spears... Comedy, music & entertainment. Tickets info: kenc@wvi.com or call 503.507.2941. 7 – Christmas in Historic Silverton Bazaars – Silverton. Holiday bazaars and shopping at various locations throughout Silverton. 503.873.5615. silvertonchamber.org. 8 – Willamette Falls Symphony – Mt. Angel. Mt. Angel Abbey will be the site of an unusual concert conducted by Mark Perlman on Sat. Nov. 8 at p.m.. The Willamette Falls Symphony’s ranks will be swollen by a multitude of brass players to perform the inspiring but rarely heard Symphony #7 by Anton Bruckner. Also on the program are the overture to Hansel and Gretel by Humperdinck and the Adagio for Continued on page 10

Fall 2014 • Willamette Valley Life

A glimpse of fog on the dark firs, a whiff of woodsmoke, and the sound of leaves scuttling over the ground remind us that the hot summer is over; it’s time to grab the old Pendleton shirt and hiking boots and head out for a fall hike. These three hikes are western Oregon classics.

Drift Creek Falls Hike length: 3 miles round-trip Elevation change: 400 feet Pets on leash

Classic Fall Hikes P H O T O S

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Opal Creek Hike length: 7 miles round-trip Elevation change: 200 feet Pets on leash This picturesque hike in the foothills of the Cascades east of Salem follows the route of the emerald green North Santiam River to its headwaters. The trail passes through the Opal Creek Wilderness, 35,000 acres of oldgrowth forest and sparkling clean water. Among the 500-year-old ﬁrs, other attractions beckon. At 1.7 miles, near an old storage building, a short spur trail leads to the rusted ruins of long-abandoned sawmill, Merten Mill, and the cascading Sawmill Falls. At 3.1 miles along the main trail you enter Jawbone Flats, a historic mining town that is now a place for environmental education. The original cabins still stand, as well as new ones. If you continue through the town, you will see a trail to Opal Pool. Follow the trail over a footbridge, then turn downstream to view the deep green pool. Return as you came. To reach Opal Creek, drive east of Salem 23 miles on Highway 22 to Mehama; turn left oﬀ Highway 22 onto North Fork Road. Pavement ends 15.1 miles in. At 16.4 miles, turn left at the fork onto Road 2209. Continue for 4.2 miles on gravel until you reach the parking lot. 6

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In the Coast Range west of Salem, this shady hike leads through a mossy Douglas ﬁr forest along a rushing stream to reach a grand, 240-foot long suspension bridge. The view from the bridge, stretched 100 feet over Drift Creek’s deep cut, is of the Drift Creek Falls. After crossing the bridge and enjoying the view from on high, hikers can stop to eat at a picnic table or continue along a short path that leads down to the rocky shore, providing another view of the stream’s dramatic 75-foot plunge into the creek. To reach Drift Creek Falls from Salem, exit town west via Highway 22 following the signs for Oregon beaches. After merging with Highway

(Above) Sluice is part of the power-generating system at Jawbone Flats, a village which is oﬀ-the-grid.

Fall’s cool mists bring out denizens of the forest, such as this Paciﬁc tree frog. Walking Opal Creek’s trail.

Willamette Valley Life • Fall 2014

Thanking Heroes One Home at a Time ��

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Sawmill Falls, a stop along the Opal Creek trail.

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Opal Creek churns though a narrow chute.

Crimson leaves of vine maple, a native of Western Oregon.

18, turn south on Bear Creek Road 47 miles from Salem; it’s marked with a sign indicating the turnoﬀ for Drift Creek. The road is paved at ﬁrst, then becomes gravel. Drive 3.1 miles, then keep right to follow paved Forestry Road 17. Remain on this road for 5.7 miles to reach the parking lot on the left.

treat well worth the walk. Part of the Neskowin Crest Natural Research Area, the trail is open July 16 to Dec. 31 each year. In November and December, the headland on this trail is a good spot to watch the ocean for migrating whales. Bring binoculars; wild birds—including bald eagles— ﬂock to this area. Hart’s Cove is north of Lincoln City. To reach it, travel 3.5 miles north on Highway 101 from its junction with Oregon Route 18. Turn west onto Cascade Head Road (Forestry Road 1861). Continue 4 more miles on gravel to the trailhead.

Hart’s Cove Hike length: 5.4 miles round-trip Elevation change: 700 feet Pets on leash Hart’s Cove trail at the Oregon coast near Neskowin takes hikers from an inland starting point, through a Sitka spruce and hemlock forest, across a natural headland meadow, to the brim of a seaside cove. With its steep mossy walls, tall waterfall, and sea lions barking far below, the cove is a

To Advertise Call (541) 926-8683 or email: mike@kgal.com

Suzanne Reingans, a mother of four grown children, likes reading, writing and living a home-centered life in her native town of Dallas, Oregon. Between rain showers, she hikes or mountain bikes in the mossy forests of the Coast Range west of town, where she keeps an eye out for edible fungi and any other wild ﬂora and fauna.

Fall 2014 • Willamette Valley Life

DAYC AT I ON

A trip to Thompson’s Mills It’s a blast to the past

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trip to Thompson’s Mills in Shedd is like boarding a time machine and zipping 150 years into Oregon’s past. The mill and its silos sit on the banks of a Calapooia River millrace, hovering above a watery reflection of itself, a photographer’s delight. Ducks paddle and glide in the millrace. Turkeys and chickens roam the grounds, giving the site a rural feeling reminiscent of days gone by, and anchoring it firmly in Central Linn County’s agricultural lifestyle. The water-powered grist mill was built by R.C. Finley and partners in 1858 and opened for business the same year. It burned down in 1862, but Finley immediately rebuilt it due to demand. Area pioneers brought their wheat crops by wagon to the mill where the grain was ground into flour. Pack-mule trains traveled with flour from the mill to the California gold fields. During World War I, the mill operated around the clock because of war effort demand and to help famine relief in Belgium. Martin Thompson bought mill shares in 1891 and built the Queen Anne-style house that sits on-site in 1904. After his death in 1910, Martin’s wife, Sophia, and sons Otto and Leo formed a partnership to operate the mill. Otto changed the name to Thompson’s Flouring Mills. During the 1940s, production switched from flour to animal feed, and the name was later changed to Thompson’s Mills, Inc. In 1974, Jim and Merlene Danaher bought the property. They produced animal feed at the mill as well as electricity, which they sold to a local utility company. In 2004, the state purchased the mill, its water rights, the adjacent Queen Anne house, barn, carriage house and other outbuildings, along with the surrounding 20 acres. The mill opened to the public in 2007 as a State Heritage Site operated by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and dedicated volunteers. Free guided tours are 8

Area pioneers brought their wheat crops by wagon to the mill where the grain was ground into flour. Pack-mule trains traveled with flour from the mill to the California gold fields. During World War I, the mill operated around the clock because of war effort demand and to help famine relief in Belgium.

The Thompson’s Mills State Heritage Site mill and silos.

Volunteer host Elaine Lutzeier gives a demonstration of the mill’s original screening process, which was involved in grinding wheat into ﬂour.

Volunteer host Tim Bors opens the millrace ﬂood gate to operate the mill’s water-powered turbines.

oﬀered daily at 10 a.m. and at 12 and 2 p.m. Visitors can also take a selfguided tour. Interpretive panels tell the mill’s story and there are handson demonstrations of how the mill once worked. A young heirloom apple orchard is planted at the site with plans in place for an heirloom garden. Autumn is a wonderful time to visit Thompson’s Mills according to volunteer host Elaine Lutzeier. “You can picnic, and there’s fall color. It’s just a beautiful place to be.” The picnic area is covered, so you can have lunch

alfresco even in the valley’s frequent bouts of liquid sunshine. In addition to lunch or snacks, but sure to bring a pocket full of quarters: there’s a vending machine with poultry feed to scatter for the wandering farmyard fowl. There is also a small gift shop. For directions, more information, or to book group or school tours, call Thompson’s Mills State Heritage Site at 541-491-3611, or go to the state parks website at oregonstateparks. org. Want to know more about the mill and how it aﬀected the history

Willamette Valley Life • Fall 2014

of the southern Willamette Valley? Check out the Boston Mill Society: Friends of Thompson’s Mills website at bostonmillsociety.org. Danita Cahill is a freelance writer, photojournalist and alpaca rancher. She’s written and done photography work for over a dozen newspapers and half a dozen magazines, allowing her to discover many interesting Willamette Valley people doing amazing things. Danita lives on a small farm with her husband, two young sons and many pets. Between magazine assignments, she writes books and photographs nature.

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Reach thousands of Willamette Valley residents and visitors!

Call 503.507.1228

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1375 Cross Street SE � Salem, OR 503-581-1181 � 503-581-1182 fax Custom Forms, Stationary, Business Cards, Flyers, Brochures, Yard Signs, Promo Items, Banners, New Retail Paper Section and much more... w w w.ab c printerssale m.co m

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Fall 2014 • Willamette Valley Life

VA L L E Y F LOOR

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October, November, December “Two sounds of autumn are unmistakable...the hurrying rustle of crisp leaves blown along the street...by a gusty wind, and the gabble of a ﬂock of migrating geese.” –Hal Borland Continued from page 5

Strings and Organ by Albinoni. For more information call 503.362.7267. willamettefallssymphony.org.

50th Annual Gem and Mineral Show

11 – Veteran’s Day Parade – Albany. One of the largest Veteran’s Day parades west of the Mississippi River. The parade starts at 11 a.m. 541.981.2390. albanyveteransdayparade.org.

23 – Salem Collectors & Flea Market – Salem. Salem’s oldest and largest antique show and flea market. Over 16,000 square feet of collectibles, antiques, jewelry, glass, pottery, porcelain, toys, furniture, tools, home decor and much more. Come shop for bargains and one-of-a-kind items or rent a table and sell to hundreds of buyers at Salem’s marketplace. Shows are held one Sunday a month September through May. salemcollectorsmarket.com.

f you’re a rock hound or just like sparkly things, plan to attend the 50th annual Gem and Rock Show, October 25 and 26, 2014, at the Clackamas County Fairgrounds. The show is held indoors, is wheel chair accessible and geared toward families and individuals interested in rocks, gems, minerals and fossils. There will be lapidary arts and jewelry making demonstrations as well as hands on activities for children. An hourly fluorescent show will highlight the many examples of minerals that glow under black light. Vendors will offer gemstones, jewelry, rough and polished stone, beads, fossils and minerals for sale. In addition, they will offer books for adults and children on topics related to the earth sciences as well as lapidary and jewelry making tools. The event begins Saturday 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. and Sunday 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. For more information, contact 503.729.8247 or visit clackamettegem.org.

22 – Pet Photos with Santa – Dallas. This will be our 14th annual fundraiser for local animal charities. Santa will be here from 10:00 am to 2:00 p.m. for photos with your pets and family. For each donation of $6 or more, you’ll receive one photo. All proceeds go to local organizations, with representatives on hand to discuss their programs. 503.831.1222. oldmillfeed.com. 28-29 – Polk County Craft Festival – Rickreall. Two buildings with over 150 vendors featuring wreaths,

ornaments, ceramics, gift baskets, fudge, cowboy art, baked goods and much more. 503.623.3048. co.polk. or.us/fair. 28-29 – Thanksgiving Weekend Open House. Willamette Valley Vineyards, Salem. Please join us Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 28th-30th for our annual Thanksgiving Weekend Open House. We will be featuring new wine releases perfect for the holidays. Oregon’s Premier Citizen and author, Gerry Frank, will be at the winery signing copies of his new second edition “Gerry Frank’s Oregon” on Sunday. These books make excellent holiday gifts. wvv.com.

DECEMBER 5-19 – Storybook Land – Albany. Walk through a Christmas lighted forest where you can view over 85 scaled scenes fairy tale characters. At the end of your walk you will reach the North Pole and can visit Santa and Mrs. Claus. christmasstorybookland. org. 5 – The Trail Band – Salem. The Trail Band featuring Marv & Rindy Ross and the rest of the band take the stage again with their traditional and original music for their annual Salem Holiday performances. This annual tradition is not to be missed. elsinoretheatre.com

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6 – Springfield Christmas Parade – Springfield. In its 62nd year, the Springfield Christmas Parade is a time-honored community tradition the Springfield citizens anticipate every year. It has gained the notable reputation of being the “oldest and coldest” (and sometimes “wettest”) parade in Oregon. Enjoy floats, a Tuba Carol Concert and more. 541.988.0955. springfieldchristmasparade.org. 13-14 – Silver Falls Christmas Festival – Sublimity. Join in various country Christmas time crafts - make a wreath, a gingerbread house, cards, and ornaments. Learn how the park changes during the winter. Enjoy storytelling and live music. Sponsored by the Friends of Silver Falls and Silver Falls State Park. 503.874.0201 or 503.873.8681. friendsofsilverfalls.net. 13 – Festival of Lights Holiday Parade – Keizer. The Festival of Lights Holiday Parade is the largest nighttime illuminated holiday parade west of the Mississippi! The whimsical holiday experience has become a family tradition for thousands of Oregonians since 1989 and continues to grow exponentially each year, reaching Keizer and the surrounding areas to make this a truly regional Pacific Northwest event. folholidayparade.org.

For addional calendar listings visit willamettevalleylife.com

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WILLAMETTE VALLEY LIFE SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

MID-WILLAMETTE VALLEY

DINING & SHOPPING GUIDE D A L L A S

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M O N M O U T H

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R I C K R E A L L

ust minutes outside of Salem you’ll ﬁnd dining and shopping destinations just waiting for you to discover! Wineries, dining, shops and businesses of every description await you in this beautiful section of the mid-Willamette Valley.

Mid-Willamette

Refer to this shopping guide over and over to help you ﬁnd just the right business to meet any need you might have, from gift giving to pet care, education to getting your car repaired...We’ve made it easy for you to ﬁnd just the right place.

• Color Laser Printing • Color Copies • High Speed B&W Copies • Scanning • Laminating • Faxes

• Transparencies • Cutting & Folding • Binding - Spiral & Comb • Enlargements & Reproductions • Graphic Design • Rubber Stamps

503.623.9495

164 SE Washington St.-Dallas OR 97338

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Fall 2014 • Willamette Valley Life

WILLAMETTE VALLEY LIFE SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Huge Selection of Outdoor Equipment! L A RG E S H O W RO O M • I N B U S I N E S S S I N C E 19 47

STIHL

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All products assembled free! You won’t take it home in a box! We can answer all your questions. Give us a call or come by.

2014

Polk County Craft Festival Friday, November 28th - 9:00am to 5:00pm Saturday, November 29th, 9:00am to 5:00pm F R E E

A D M I S S I O N

Two full buildings and over 150 craft spaces with a variety of handmade crafts Wreaths • Ornaments • Ceramics • Baskets • Gift Packs • Fudge • Cowboy Art Baked Goods...and much more! Food available on site For more information call 503.623.3048

888.854.9332

rickfarm.com

Polk County Fairgrounds & Event Center, 520 S. Pacific Hwy W, Rickreall, Oregon (5 miles north of Monmouth on Hwy 99W)

Polk County

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Polk County was officially created from Yamhill District of the Oregon Territory on December 22, 1845. On August 13, 1848, President James K. Polk signed a bill approving the boundaries of the Oregon territory, which officially separated the territory from England. Thus came the name Polk County. [Excerpted from www.co.polk.or.us]

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WILLAMETTE VALLEY LIFE SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

SPECIAL GRIDDLE BREAKFASTS

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683 SE Jefferson St. 503.623.3335 Open Every Day 6am-3pm “Home Cookin’ So Good, You’ll Think We Stole Your Mother!”

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Polk County The present courthouse was built in 1898. In an effort to develop a local building stone industry, early residents decided to use Polk County sandstone from a local quarry... Architect Delos D. Neer, of Portland, was commissioned to build the new building... A bronze marker on the northwest step of the courthouse indicates that point is 325 feet above sea level. The clock is 95 feet from the ground. The basement is 11 feet deep and the main superstructure is 44 feet high. In the early part of the century, the clock tower was used to launch fireworks until one backfired and caused spectacular results and $900 damage. [Excerpted from www.co.polk.or.us]

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Fall 2014 • Willamette Valley Life

WILLAMETTE VALLEY LIFE SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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Willamette Valley Life • Fall 2014

P EOP LE/ PL AC ES

Say Cheese! Exploring the valley’s artisan and farmstead cheesemakers

One of cheesemaker Carine Grodin’s dairy goats.

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Willamette Valley Cheese Company’s wide assortment of cheeses. Volbada earned a degree in food science from Oregon State University and studied cheese making in Holland. He believes that well-treated cows are the key to good quality milk and delicious cheese. Willamette Valley Cheese Company’s products are all-natural and handcrafted with no additives,

With its fertile pastures, food-loving citizens and visitors, and hundreds of wineries, it’s no surprise that the Willamette Valley is a perfect spot for artisan cheese making. preservatives or hormones. They offer havarti, fontina, Gouda, Jack, Cheddar, Brie and more. Cheese fans can go to the tasting room, located at 8105 Wallace Road NW in Salem to taste 31 different cheeses. wvcheeseco.com In the beautiful hills of Dundee, the heart of Oregon wine country, Briar Rose Creamery offers weekend visits so guests can procure handcrafted fresh and aged goat cheeses, and aged cow’s milk cheeses. Sarah Marcus, proprietor and cheesemaker, began her career as a home cheesemaker and went on to work for a variety of creameries around the country as well as in England. Marcus uses milk from Tideland Dairy Goats in Tillamook. The goats roam across rolling hillsides

PHOTO BY SARAH HORNER

ith its fertile pastures, food-loving citizens and visitors, and hundreds of wineries, it’s no surprise that the Willamette Valley is a perfect spot for artisan cheese making. The growing industry even has its own organization, the Oregon Cheese Guild, which is “dedicated to the art and craft of making cheese.” The Guild helps cheesemakers network and benefit from community, but it also hosts cheese events for the general public and helps visitors plan “cheese tourism” trips of the area. Wherever you are in the valley, you aren’t far from great cheese. Nestled in the Cascade Foothills at the base of Mount Zion, Fern’s Edge Goat Dairy has been raising an award-winning dairy goat herd since the ‘70s. Farmers Shari Reyna and Fred Warner make farmstead artisan goat cheese—cheese made from the milk of the resident herds. Quality is assured by employing organic practices and using only certified feeds with no GMOs. The cheese is as fresh as you can get: the milk comes from the goat and is either made into cheese within hours or bottled immediately as raw milk. The process is gentle, and cheeses are made in small batches. Fern’s Edge cheeses come in a variety of flavors as well as seasoned with farm-raised herbs or local organic ingredients. 39958 Oregon Highway 58, Lowell, OR. fernsedgegoatdairy.com Further north, in Salem, Rod Volbeda raises Jersey cows, using their milk as the main ingredient in

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Sarah Marcus, owner and cheesemaker at Brier Rose Creamery, oﬀers samples of her award-winning goat cheeses.

and are never treated with growth hormones. Briar Rose is also known for its unique and award-winning goat cheese truffles. Find Briar Rose Creamery at 19231 NE Fairview in Dundee, open for regular hours on weekends and by appointment weekdays. briarrosecreamery.com At the eastern edge of the valley you’ll find Goldin Artisan Creamery in Molalla. Owner and cheesemaker Caroline Goldin was inspired by memories of her French upbringing in the Savoie region, located in the foothills of the Alps and a worldrenowned cheese region. She raises Alpine dairy goats on her farm, and creates small-batch artisan cheeses that are handmade in the rustic tradition of Savoie. The cheeses vary in taste profile from rich and tangy, to mushroom-scented, to buttery and sharp. Goldin welcomes visitors

on Sundays by appointment only. 32880 S. Sawtell Road, Molalla. goldinartisangoatcheese.com For more information on creameries and cheesemakers throughout the state, and to download the Oregon Cheese Trail Map, visit oregoncheeseguild.org.

Sarah Horner is a freelance writer, photographer and winemaker. Eight years of experience in the local wine industry allowed her to explore the rich culture the Willamette Valley offers. The sights, sounds and stories of the region inspire her and she enjoys sharing her discoveries with readers. Sarah lives with her husband, two teenage boys and miscellaneous pets.

Fall 2014 • Willamette Valley Life

B E S T Y E A R S Y E T

Be kinder to yourself Strengthen your foundation

s I grow older, I am learning to be kinder to myself. This is a process that has come upon me through my own life experience. Like everyone else, I notice all the various messages I am getting about the aging process: graceful aging, healthy aging, even “anti-aging.” As I experience some of the ups and downs of the aging process, I notice I need to ﬁnd ways to be gentle with myself, and not feel like I need to compare myself to others or to judge how I am going through the aging journey. Do you sometimes get down on yourself as you notice signs of aging? Do you resist or perhaps deny the aging process? Do you feel badly because you can’t remember someone’s name, or why you walked upstairs into a room? Perhaps you

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find you are comparing yourself to others. How do you take care of yourself, and what words do you say when you talk to yourself? These are important questions to think about. It is your attitudes, habits and selftalk that are creating the quality of life you are living. I am learning to practice being kinder to myself. I find it is so helpful to have a gentle attitude toward myself. I take note of the changes in my body and my health. And then I say “It’s alright— everything is going to be okay.” Now in my 60s, I notice I am definitely slower to heal from injuries (especially my knee) and less able to do endurance or impact activities. Although I do not have the resilience and stamina I had at age 40, I take stock of what I do have: very good health. I exercise

regularly and watch what I eat. I have supportive people in my life. I especially try to monitor my thoughts. It’s helpful to watch how you talk about aging. I read reports saying that “it’s all downhill from here.” However, that’s not true. As Baby Boomers, we know that if we take care of our health, are physically active and keep our brains alert and sharp, we can enjoy good health as we move into our senior years. A few months ago I was on a group hike near Squamish, just an hour north of Vancouver, British Columbia. We hiked the perimeter of Brohm Lake and then took a trail up the side of a mountain. I found myself huﬃng, puﬃng and sweating as we scaled a steep hillside to a higher elevation. Up and up we climbed over stones, dirt trails and rocks. “I feel like

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I’m climbing Mount Everest!” I called out to the group ahead of me. Even though I did not hike at the same pace as the younger people in the group, it was a wonderful accomplishment to get to the top and stand together looking out over a valley to the stunning Tantalus mountain range beyond. I did it! I felt grateful for that day as I drove back into the city. We are so often hard on ourselves and neglect the simple practice of being kind. Kindness holds a high vibrational energy, and the ripples are felt both within and beyond you. Life gives us opportunities to practice being kind and more forgiving with ourselves. Recently I was at my gym and noticed there were some new, very ﬂashy elliptical trainers. “Oh,” I thought.

Willamette Valley Life • Fall 2014

“I’ll try one of those one.” It felt great to cycle and even to increase the level of intensity on the machine. However, later that day, my knee hurt. It was telling me “Too much—don’t do that.” I have had ongoing challenges listening to my knee. I find I am flooded with memories of what I used to be able to do 10 or 15 years ago and I now need to listen carefully and honor the messages from my body. When it says no, I need to rest a while. I take a break and adjust my expectations. As our physical bodies go through changes, we can become much more aware of our true essence which we hold within us. As you practice being kind to yourself, you may be more aware of your wonderful inner qualities and strengths. These do not need to diminish as you age. In fact, they can and do flourish. Ways to practice being kinder to yourself: •

Speak lovingly to your body and thank it for serving you all these years

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Be conscious of what messages you pay attention to from the media and from other people

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Let go of being so critical of yourself

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Adjust your expectations when your body says no

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V I N EYA R D

Unusual grapes in the Willamette Valley Winemakers’ approach to varieties other than Pinot noir

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inot noir has been established as the primary grape of the Willamette Valley, but many would like to see a complimentary white grape get a spotlight in the market. Notable attempts have been made with chardonnay, pinot gris and riesling, but there are many other varieties to explore outside the noble grapes. A set of industry friends shared the “unusual” varieties they’ve seen planted, and their perspective on what you can find. The grape varieties you find in the Willamette Valley are typically here for a reason: they’re well-suited to a cooler climate and unpredictable weather, and take advantage of the myriad soil types. Chardonnay is an excellent example. Hot climate clones from California did not succeed early on, but chardonnays found their roots in Oregon with Burgundian vines. Pinot meunier and gruner veltliner are two varieties that work well in the valley. Both are amenable to cool climates (they hail from Champagne and Austria respectively), and produce elegant wines with bright acidity. Kimberly Kramer from Kramer Vineyards wants to expand the vineyard’s plantings of meunier and other Champagne varieties to build out their sparkling program. Gruner vines, meanwhile, are already in the works with wines coming soon. You can also find a stellar meunier from WillaKenzie Estate, and a zippy gruner from Chehalem and Raptor Ridge. Some varieties are not suited to the Willamette Valley, but readily available from nearby regions like the Columbia Valley and southern Oregon. Cabernet

EOLE WIND

Pinot meunier grapes

and syrah are planted in these hot climates, and Willamette wineries take advantage of this by buying fruit for wines that broaden their oﬀerings. Byron Dooley at Seven of Hearts is exploring two grapes not typical of the region: nebbiolo and tannat. With 2012 as the ﬁrst vintage, these wines are being bottled soon and are available in the fall. The nebbiolo is grown in

Willamette Valley Life • Fall 2014

Horse Heaven Hills, Washington and displays characteristic bright red fruit. Tannat is at the opposite end of the spectrum: dark and bold, it comes from the Oregon side of the Columbia Valley. Dooley pursued both varieties because of his fondness for the wines of northern Italy and southern France. Finally, there are grapes that just don’t belong in our region, such as marquette. Marquette is distantly related to pinot noir, so the wines have some characteristics in common. This hybrid was developed by the University of Minnesota to withstand harsh, cold winters and mold. These qualities are important for any winery there hoping to make quality wine that goes beyond the indigenous vines found in northern Great Lakes regions. However, it is conditioned for shorter growing seasons, meaning much earlier ripening in the Willamette Valley. Kramer Vineyards attempted some marquette plantings, but they are not growing to the standard of the family’s brand. Kimberly Kramer has already harvested fruit from the marquette

vines weeks before actual harvest and well above typical sugar levels. These grapes will prove a challenge to the Kramer winemakers, and will likely determine the fate of the vines. Many components go into making wine, not least of which is the grape. But selecting the right varieties for a region can have just as many variables: climate, growing time and aspects of the fruit to name a few. The Willamette Valley is a perfect home for pinot noir, and there’s potential for many other varieties. Enjoy exploring that potential further by tasting the variety found in this world-class wine region. Ryan Reichert is a digital marketing professional in Portland who relocated from the Midwest in large part because of his passion for wine and food. He holds an Advanced certiﬁcation from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust, is the Wine Ambassador for Travel Oregon, and is the managing editor for Palate Press. ryanreichert.com

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�� Fall 2014 • Willamette Valley Life

E AT

Perfect pumpkin pie Warm up your holiday celebration with this simple pumpkin recipe hat says “holidays” more than a delicious, creamy slice of pumpkin pie? Sure, you could run down to the grocery store and buy one that’s already made, but where’s the fun in that? The “Willamette Valley Life” test kitchens (also known as “our only chef!”) have come up with a simple, sure-ﬁre recipe for a rich, delicious pumpkin pie that you can share with friends and family this holiday season.

Creamy Pumpkin Pie

Start to ﬁnish: 60-70 minutes (10 minutes active). Servings: 6 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 2 large eggs 1 15-ounce can pure pumpkin 1 12-ﬂuid ounce can evaporated milk 1 unbaked 9-inch deep-dish pie shell (4cup volume) Whipped cream (optional)

Heat the oven to 425 F. Mix sugar, cinnamon, salt, ginger and cloves in small bowl. Beat eggs in large bowl. Stir pumpkin and sugar-spice mixture into eggs. Gradually stir in evaporated milk. Pour mixture into pie shell. Bake for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350 F and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack for 2 hours. Serve immediately or refrigerate. Top with whipped cream before serving.

Bonus: Pumpkin Pie Trivia

– 54 percent of all pumpkin pie spice sales occur in November. – The first and simplest pumpkin pudding made by the Pilgrims involved picking a pumpkin, washing it, hollowing it out, filling it with cream or milk, and baking it whole. This is what developed into pumpkin pie about 50 years after that first Thanksgiving. – The world’s largest pumpkin pie

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was made in New Bremen, Ohio. Amazingly, this pie was 20 feet in diameter and weighed 3,699 pounds. This was the biggest attraction at the 2010 New Bremen Pumpkinfest. What’s the recipe for the world’s

largest pumpkin pie? All you need is 1,212 pounds of canned pumpkin, 2,796 eggs (233 dozen), 109 gallons of evaporated milk, 525 pounds of sugar, 7 pounds of salt and 14 1/2 pounds of cinnamon.

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Fall 2014 • Willamette Valley Life

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Autumn in the Willamette Valley

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Willamette Valley Life • Fall 2014