Willamette Valley Life Magazine: Spring 2016 Edition by Randy Hill

P E O P L E

•

M U S I C

•

A R T

•

D I N I N G

•

E X P L O R E

•

W I N E TAKE ONE!

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

Volume 7 Issue 2 / Spring 2016 (Display until June 30, 2016) WillametteValleyLife.com

Ghost Towns of the Willamette Valley Page 8

2016 Garden Guide Page 11

Spring Training Page 20

Nature Goes Wild Page 14

Spring 2016 • Willamette Valley Life

��

� ��

WITH EVERY PASSENGER & LIGHT TRUCK TIRE PURCHASE

Whatever the road throws at you — from potholes to nails — any road hazard, our FREE GUARANTEE protects you

Peace of Mind Tire Protection

• If a Tire is Damaged Beyond Repair, We’ll Replace its Value • Our Work is Guaranteed for the Life of Your Tires • Free Pre-Trip Safety Checks

Lifetime Tire & Mileage Care

• • • • • •

Free Flat Tire Repairs Free Tire Rotations Free Tire Rebalancing Free Air Checks Free Brake & Alignment Checks Hundreds of Locations to Serve You

For a location near you, visit:

Over 450 locations throughout the West! 2

Willamette Valley Life • Spring 2016

LesSchwab.com

e invite you to visit this vibrant and quaint town tucked into the foothills of the Willamette Valley! Explore Silverton’s many dining and shopping choices, art galleries, restaurants, stores, breweries and wineries, spectacular Silver Falls State Park and The Oregon Garden. It all awaits you, all within a short drive from I-5! Known as the “Gateway to Silver Falls State Park,” Silverton is approximately 12 miles northeast from Salem. It is named after Silver Creek, which meanders through the town from Silver Falls. “Must see” destinations in Silverton include, The Oregon Garden and the Gordon House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, (located at the garden), outdoor murals, Saturday’s Farmer Market, Gallon House Covered Bridge, and of course, Silver Falls State Park. Add to that a myriad of charming streets, 19th century buildings, walking bridges, wineries and you’ve got a recipe for a delightful day or weekend for the entire family!

Silverton Chamber of Commerce

With its scenic beauty, rich history, charming downtown and gems of nature – it’s no wonder Silverton is Oregon’s Garden City, the perfect place to grow your dream. The Silverton Chamber of Commerce invites you to explore and learn about the medley of treasures we have to share. Visitor Center: 426 S. Water St. 503.873.5615 silvertonchamber.org

Whimsy, etc.

Imagine a place where you can find a wristwatch made of wood, old-time candy, toys and games for kids...hand-crafted and fun costume jewelry - scarves and socks, hats and clothes. Now, stop imagining. That placed is called, Whimsy, etc. Open 7 days a week. 301 E. Main St., Silverton, OR (503) 874-4401 whimsyetc.com

Holland Collision Service

Holland Collision Service in Silverton, Oregon is now a division of White’s Collision Service. What does that mean for you and your auto body repairs? When you drop off your vehicle at our estimating office, we transport it to one of our three state-of-the-art repair facilities to do the repairs. We leverage the most advanced technology and equipment to provide the most efficient and effective repairs possible. 207 Jersey St. 503.873.5382 whitescollision.com/silverton-auto-body-shop

Apples to Oranges

Apples to Oranges is an impressive array of fine yarns, ranging from economical to luxury; Townsend’s Teas, notions, needles and gifts. A place to sip quality tea or knit and crochet. Classes offered. 204 E Main Street, Silverton, OR 503.874.4901 ApplesToOranges.net

Spring 2016 • Willamette Valley Life

S P R I N G

2 0 1 6

PUBLISHERS Randy and Dawn Hill

SENIOR EDITOR Jessica Gardner

Ghost Towns of the Willamette Valley

The Willamette Valley’s ghost towns run the gamut from well-preserved structures on the National Register of Historic Places to empty parcels of land that no longer show any trace of human habitation. By Tami Richards

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Erin Grace ART DIRECTION Hill Design Studios

DISTRIBUTION Profile In Delivery

2016 Garden Guide

Our guide to turning that brown thumb green - without the paint!

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Sarah Horner, Ross Lewis, Kim Puffpaff, Ryan Reichert, Tami Richards

Nature Goes Wild

Nature goes wild and birds make a home at Whalen Island and Sand Lake Estuary By Scott Gilbert

ADVERTISING SALES 503.507.1228

PHONE 503.507.1228

The Youth of Aging

Randy Smith: The Last Days of Vietnam By Ross Lewis

MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 17264 Salem, Oregon 97305

EMAIL publisher@willamettevalleylife.com

Gardening With Willamette Valley Wines

Five wines to try as you kick off spring By Ryan Reichert

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.

Spring Training

Try a different approach to fitness By Sarah Horner

22 Eat

Cover photo by Tom Dixon (www.flickr.com/photos/twd3lr/)

Meatball sub macaroni and cheese By Kim Puffpaff

FROM THE PUBLISHER

reetings and happy spring to you and your entire family! This is one of my (and probably thousands of other Valley-ites’) favorite times of the year. To celebrate the new season, we have an extra special issue of “Willamette Valley Life” for you to read and enjoy. For all you gardeners, we collected some great gardening tips from the experts at Oregon State University’s Department of Horticulture. Check it out in the center portion of this issue Do you love ghost towns? I do! I knew there were quite a few out in

Willamette Valley Life • Spring 2016

This is one of my (and probably thousands of other Valley-ites’) favorite times of the year. eastern Oregon, but did you know we have some right here in the Willamette Valley? Writer Tami Richards did a little digging and came up with a fascinating article about some forgotten places you may want to visit. We’ve also added a health section to this issue. Our own Sarah Horner kicks it oﬀ with some information about a few not-so-traditional ways to

get in shape. Finally, Ross Lewis interviewed living American treasure Randy Smith, the last marine to pull colors at the United States embassy in Saigon during the U.S. evacuation in 1975. Thanks again for picking up this issue. If you get a chance, visit our Facebook page at facebook.com/ willamettevalleylife and give us a like!

WILLAMETTE VALLEY LIFE SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

MID-WILLAMETTE VALLEY

DINING & SHOPPING GUIDE

D A L L A S

•

I N D E P E N D E N C E

•

M O N M O U T H

•

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.

What’s there to

do around town? ��

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

888.854.9332

rized Au th o

r Deale

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.

rickfarm.com

Spring 2016 • Willamette Valley Life

VA L L E Y F LOOR

Salem Soap Box Derby

Buddy Guy at the Shedd

rom its beginning six decades ago, Salem Soap Box Derby has been teaching kids basic skills of workmanship and craftsmanship, the satisfaction of perseverance, the thrill of competition, the pride of tradition and most importantly, the spirit of sportsmanship. Blessed with a beautiful racetrack located in Bush Pasture Park in beautiful Salem, Oregon, racers from all over the west come to compete. Soap Box Derby provides a unique opportunity for close adult child involvement as the “team” builds, fine tunes and races their car. The ties developed from these relationships last a lifetime as do the friendships formed as part of the derby experience. Salem is fortunate to have the only dedicated track for Soap Box Derby on the entire west coast. At 940 feet from start to finish and fast, smooth pavement it’s a favorite among drivers from all over. The ample run out insures safe racing. Located on the north side of beautiful Bush Pasture Park adjacent to Willamette University’s McCullough Stadium at the 600 block of SE Mission St. it’s minutes away from Salem’s City Center. There is ample parking and restrooms at topside and near the finish line. April 30-May1, 2016 For more information visit, salemsbd.org

Silverton Pet Parade

ince 1932, children of all ages have delighted in one of Silverton’s most treasured events — the Kiwanis Pet Parade! Join the strolling menagerie on Saturday, May 21, 2016 at 10:00 AM as we celebrate hundreds of pets of all varieties – from snails to llamas – as well as marching bands, ﬂoats, and clowns. There is no registration or fee to participate in the parade. If you are interested in participating ‒ please see the Lineup by Category list, Staging Area Map, and Parade Procedures located on the Participants page. Participant’s lineup by category beginning at 9:30 AM. The 6

uddy Guy is a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, a major influence on rock titans like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughan, a pioneer of Chicago’s fabled West Side sound, and a living link to the city’s halcyon days of electric blues. Buddy Guy has received 6 GRAMMY® Awards, a 2015 Lifetime Achievement GRAMMY® Award, 34 Blues Music Awards (the most any artist has received), the Billboard Magazine Century Award for distinguished artistic achievement, a Kennedy Center Honor, and the Presidential National Medal of Arts. Rolling Stone ranked him #23 in its “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.” Though Buddy Guy will forever be associated with Chicago, his story actually begins in Louisiana. One of five children, he was born in 1936 to a sharecropper’s family and raised on a plantation near the small town of Lettsworth, located some 140 miles northwest of New Orleans. Buddy was just seven years old when he fashioned his first makeshift “guitar”—a twostring contraption attached to a piece of wood and secured with his mother’s hairpins. These many years later, Buddy Guy is a genuine American treasure and one of the final surviving connections to an historic era in the country’s musical evolution. He keeps looking to the future of the blues through his ongoing work with his 16-year-old protégé, Quinn Sullivan. “One of the last things Muddy Waters told me—when I found out how ill he was, I gave him a call and said, ‘I’m on my way to your

house.’ And he said, ‘Don’t come out here, I’m doing all right. Just keep the damn blues alive.’ They all told me that if they left here before I did, then everything was going to be on my shoulders. So as long as I’m here, I’m going to do whatever I can to keep it alive.” Buddy Guy Mon, May 23, 7:30 - 9:30 pm Silva Concert Hall, Hult Center theshedd.org

“Spring being a tough act to follow, God created June.” Parade starts promptly at 10:00 AM on Coolidge Street and travels along Main Street to First Street ending at Eugene Field School. Saturday May 21, 2016 10:00 AM silvertonpetparade.com/

Willamette Valley Life • Spring 2016

— Al Bernstein

april-may-june 2016

Our top calendar picks for spring

Ag Fest

23-24

Thanks to our sponsors, kids ride ponies, plant seedlings, watch sheep get sheared, pet farm animals and much, much more! Come check it out for yourself: join us the last weekend in April for the 29th annual Oregon Ag Fest.

Albany Wine Walk Enjoy tastes from at least 21 different Oregon wineries and the ambiance and atmosphere of beautiful Downtown Albany at the Rotary Club of Albany’s Wine Walk, Friday, May 6, 2016. Sample the latest vintages from local wineries as you stroll through downtown shops and restaurants. Hours are 4 to 8 p.m.

Through May

Wooden Shoe Tulip Fest The Wooden Shoe Tulip Fest is an invitation to enjoy all things that make spring in the Northwest. Stroll through 40 acres of stunning beauty, experience expansive views of vineyards, distant mountains, and a few mud puddles. Fresh flowers, food, and fun for the entire family, including well behaved dogs on leashes!

FLICKR.COM/PHOTOS/GOTOVAN

April

Last year over 20,000 people attended Ag Fest to touch, taste and experience the incredible world of Oregon agriculture, in a fun-filled, festive environment. The two-day event, aimed to help families better understand where their food, fiber and flora come from, is a unique learning experience, where hands-on exhibits make learning about Oregon’s vast agricultural industry educational and entertaining.

May

2016 McMinnville UFO Festival

Proceeds of the Wine Walk help support several charitable causes, thanks to the Rotary Club of Albany. And everyone loves to take a peek inside the hidden spaces visible only during the Loft Tours. Check back closer to the date of the event for more information. For more information, contact the Albany Visitors Association 541-928-0911 or see albanywinewalk.com.

13-14

Each year in May, downtown McMinnville is “visited” in a cosmic sense. Beings from other galaxies walk the street during the second largest UFO celebration in the country. Partake in a parade, enjoy live entertainment, watch the pet costume contest and peruse vendor booths over this two day festival. downtownmcminnville.com

World Beat Festival

June

Riverfront Park | Salem, Oregon

FLICKR.COM/PHOTOS/SHEILA_SUND

25-26

May

JAMES VAUGHAN

Admission to the Wine Walk is $15, which includes a Wine Walk wine glass, and five scrip tickets (redeemable for five tastings), a hand stamp and the map of the participating merchants and wineries. Additional tickets are $1 each and are sold in bundles of five.

Celebrate and explore culture at Oregon’s largest multicultural event all year. 25,000 visitors, 125 performances, 70 cultures, 2 days, 1 world Experience world customs, traditions, ethnic foods, crafts, discussions, demonstrations, children’s activities, three parades, and dragon boat racing! Join us as we celebrate the food, music and culture of Cuba with special exhibits and performances throughout the weekend. Spring 2016 • Willamette Valley Life

GHOST TOWNS OF THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY

PHOTO BY JOHN ATHERTON-FLICKR.COM/PHOTOS/34476320@N02

B Y TA M I R I C H A R D S

Willamette Valley Life • Spring 2016

PHOTO BY BRUCE FINGERHOOD - FLICKR.COM/PHOTOSspringfieldhomer

f all the states in the Union, Oregon has the most ghost towns. Although the phrase “ghost town” brings to mind images of tumbleweed and rickety abandoned general stores, the Willamette Valley’s ghost towns run the gamut from well-preserved structures on the National Register of Historic Places to empty parcels of land that no longer show any trace of human habitation. Whatever your interest may be, there’s no time like spring to get out and tour the Willamette Valley to see our heritage for yourself. For the historically curious, the architecture enthusiast, or the tourist, several towns still offer structures to see and explore. Aurora and Independence both boast historic districts full of structures on the National Register of Historic Places. Butteville, located in Champeog State Park, offers the Historic Butteville Store, previously an important stop for steamboats on the Willamette and currently Oregon’s oldest continuously operating store. One important and wellmemorialized ghost town is Oxford, which was platted (mapped out) by Robert “Doc” Newell in 1847. The center of the ghost town is near the memorial in Champoeg State Park that commemorates the people who elected to make Oregon a provisional territory of the United States in 1843. (The vote was 52 for, 50 against.) Newell’s reconstructed home, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is just a few hundred yards outside Champoeg State Park. Butting up against the mighty Willamette, Champoeg is a ghost town worth seeing as much for its natural splendor as its historical significance. Not all ghost towns have left such a visible footprint, however. Many

Although the phrase “ghost town” brings to mind images of tumbleweed and rickety abandoned general stores, the Willamette Valley’s ghost towns run the gamut from wellpreserved structures on the National Register of Historic Places to empty parcels of land that no longer show any trace of human habitation. early towns in the Valley, including Oxford, were lost in the “Great Flood” of December 6, 1861. The ﬂood was so immense that it altered the river’s course, wiping out most towns and businesses in its path. Towns like Eola, Lancaster, and Orleans—all thriving communities along the river—were either ﬂooded or died away after the course of the river changed.

A 1901 monument marking the spot where the ﬁrst American government on the Paciﬁc Coast was organized on May 2, 1843.

hanks to over 20 dams built along the Willamette’s drainage basin during the last century, it’s unlikely that the river will create any ghost towns in the near future. Some towns were moved from one location to another to put themselves on the railroad line. The town of Boston was moved, buildings and all, when the Oregon and California Railroad came through the region. The new town, Shedd, and the still-functioning water-powered flour mill on Boston Mills Road south of Albany are both listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Other ghost towns require more legwork to find evidence of their existence. Wheatland was a convenient location for shipping wheat down the Willamette, and Buena Vista was famous for its pottery; today, little remains but the still-running ferries established by these towns. Fairfield was a district of warehouses built to hold wheat until shipment, which today is remembered only by the Fairfield Cemetery and a handful of buildings. Ellendale, which boasted the first grist mill west of the Willamette River, is now marked only by the remains of a bridge destroyed by flood in the 1980s. Hoskins was home to Fort Hoskins, built to monitor the Coastal Indian Reservation; now nothing remains but a historical park and a few archeological artifacts. Nearby, little remains of the original town of King’s Valley except the pioneer cemetery. Jennyopolis, site of a small community south of Corvallis, completely disappeared after only 5 years of life. Wherever you are in the Valley, there’s sure to be a ghost town nearby ready for you to explore. As the days warm up and the sun peeks out more often, get out there and discover our history and heritage!

Spring 2016 • Willamette Valley Life

Your Popular Favorites From Yesterday & Today

��

Nominee For Best Western Swing Group, Album & Song By The American Academy Of Western Artists

Now Booking for 2016! �� 10

Willamette Valley Life • Spring 2016

www.OregonValleyBoys.com 503.507.1228

WILLAMETTE VALLEY LIFE SPECIAL SECTION

2016 Garden Guide

PHOTO BY SHEILA SUND • WWW.FLICKR.COM/PHOTOS/SHEILA_SUND

Spring 2016 • Willamette Valley Life

2 016 G A R D E N GU I D E

Think about birds before spring mowing and pruning

or the birds’ sake, home gardeners should be careful when mowing and pruning in the spring and early summer, according to Dan Edge, Tara and Doug Robinson, wildlife biologists at Oregon State University. Trees, both dead and alive, shrubs, grass, riparian areas, bare ground and ground cover may all provide nesting habitats for wild birds in the late winter through early summer. Keep in mind bird nesting cycles when pruning and mowing in spring and summer Resident birds, such as owls start nesting in the late winter. Birds of prey begin nesting in winter and their young typically do not ﬂedge, or leave the nest until mid- to late summer. Migratory birds, including hummingbirds, start to come back from their winter holidays in February and usually begin nesting eﬀorts in the early spring. Depending on the food supply, most songbirds will attempt to nest two, three or even more times during the nesting season. Some species can be nesting until mid- to late summer. Here are some hints from OSU wildlife biologists to help home gardeners avoid destroying bird nests and nesting habitat during nesting season. • Wait until mid- to late summer or early fall to have trees limbed or

trimmed, as dead or thick branches provide great nesting habitat.

• Hold oﬀ major pruning of shrubs until nesting season is over, or at least carefully check for nests before pruning.

• Leave tall grass in less traveled areas for ground nesting birds, such as juncos. Or before mowing, carefully check for well-hidden bird nests. Nests are often very well camouflaged. The best way to tell if there are any nests is to watch for birds that flush out of the tall grass or out of a shrub. Then check the place where the bird flew from - there may be a nest. Some birds nest in bare gravel on the ground, such as killdeer or nighthawks. • Consider postponing your mowing until nesting season is over if your property contains or is adjacent to large grassy, wetland, riparian or meadow areas. Grassland birds such as western meadowlarks, horned larks, grasshopper sparrows, vesper sparrows and common yellowthroats fledge their young in June and July. Waiting to mow until July or August is best. • If you have dead trees that don’t pose an immediate safety hazard, you might want to leave these as snags or wildlife tress. Many cavity nesting birds including, hawks, owls, woodpeckers, nuthatches, bluebirds and swallows

Common Yellowtail—Photo by Rick Griﬃn, www.ﬂickr.com/photos/birdman_of_beaverton

depend on snags for nest sites. Most of these species will ﬂedge their young during July. Bluebirds may still be nesting until August. • If you ﬁnd a bird nest, do not touch

the nest, eggs or nestlings. If you ﬁnd a bird on the ground, leave it alone. The parent birds know where it is and are feeding it. –Carol Savonen

Early summer is prime time for planting fall, winter gardens

ave you always wanted to harvest vegetables from your garden through the fall and into the winter? With a little extra planning and care, you can enjoy fresh vegetables from your garden most of the year. Early to mid-summer is the time to plant seeds for a fall and winter garden,

said Pat Patterson, a winter gardening expert and Master Gardener volunteer with the Oregon State University Extension Service. Many cool-season crops such as broccoli, lettuce, spinach, chard, kale and carrots produce well in the fall and, in mild-winter areas of the Paciﬁc

Join us for our annual Iris Bloom Season celebration! Display Gardens open dawn to dusk. Gift Shop and Cut Stems Open DAILY 9am to 6pm Family friendly, free parking & admission May 6 through May 31, 2016 3625 Quinaby Rd NE, Salem, OR 97303 � (503) 393-3232 12

Willamette Valley Life • Spring 2016

Northwest, hold through the winter if protected. “A good strategy is to plant these vegetables in mid- to late summer after you harvest spring crops and as space is available,” advised Patterson. “To be successful, you need to plan ahead, choose varieties wisely and give proper care to your plants.” Choose varieties that are suited to fall and winter harvest. Some are designated speciﬁcally for fall planting, while others perform well only in the spring. Some good varietal selections for several vegetables appropriate for fall and winter gardens include: Beets: Winterkeeper, Albina Verdura, plant around July 15 Broccoli: Purple Sprouting, White Sprouting Late, Rudolph, plant in June through July Cabbage: Danish Ballhead, Excel, Gloria, Melissa, plant June or July Carrots: Bolero, Merida, Royal

Chantenay, plant around July 15 Kale: Winter Red, Winterbor, Tuscan, plant in June or wait until late July Lettuce: Winter Density, Oak Leaf, Black Seeded Simpson, Continuity (best under cloche), plant head lettuce to mid-July and leaf lettuce to Aug. 10. Black Seeded Simpson may be sown in late October and will usually come up well in the following spring. Spinach: Bloomsdale Savoy, Tyee, Renegade, Olympia, Hybrid 424, Melody, Welder Baker, St. Helens (plant in well-drained soil), plant ﬁrst half of August. Put in as a transplant in October, Renegade survived the 201314 winter and was harvested in early June. Swiss chard: Perpetual, Rhubarb, Charlotte, Ruby Red, plant in June through July To learn more about how to plan and grow a fall and winter garden, visit http://extension.oregonstate.edu

FLICKR.COM/PHOTOS/SHOOTINGCHRIS

Oregon's Most Beautiful Event!

Make the most of your outdoor living space!

��

Presented by

April Garden Highlights • Write in your garden journal throughout the growing season. • Prepare garden soil for spring planting. Incorporate generous amounts of organic materials and other amendments, using the results of a soil analysis as a guide.

Bring this ad in to any Al’s Garden Center for

30% off all Patio Furniture

• Prepare raised beds in areas where cold soils and poor drainage are a continuing problem. Incorporate generous amounts (at least 2 inches) of organic materials.

Expires June 30, 2016.

Acres of Tulips

• Use a soil thermometer to help you know when to plant vegetables. When the soil is consistently above 60 degrees Farenheit, some warm season vegetables (beans, sweet corn) can be planted.

May Garden Highlights • Prepare and prime irrigation system for summer.

��

• Place pheromone traps in apple trees to detect presence of codling moth. Plan a control program of sprays, baits, or predators when moths are found.

��

June Garden Highlights

��

• Prune lilacs, forsythia, rhododendrons, and azaleas after blooming. • Fertilize vegetable garden 1 month after plants emerge by side dressing alongside rows.

��

• Harvest thinnings from new plantings of lettuce, onion, and chard. • Pick ripe strawberries regularly to avoid fruit-rotting diseases. • Use organic mulches to conserve soil moisture in ornamental beds. An inch or two of sawdust, barkdust, or composted leaves will minimize loss of water through evaporation.

• Make sure raised beds receive enough water for plants to avoid drought stress. • Mid-June: If green lawns are being maintained through the summer, apply 1 pound nitrogen per 1,000 square feet to lawns.

1220 N Pacific Hwy, Woodburn 97071 16920 SW Roy Rogers Rd, Sherwood 97140 7505 SE Hogan Rd, Gresham 97080

als-gardencenter.com

• Use a soil thermometer to help you know when to plant vegetables. Wait until the soil is consistently above 70 degrees Farenheit to plant tomatoes, squash, melons, peppers and eggplant.

• After normal fruit drop of apples, pears and peaches in June, consider thinning the remainder to produce a larger crop of fruit.

Limited to stock on hand. Selection varies by store. Coupon not valid with any other offer. Not redeemable for cash. Limit one coupon per customer. Excludes special orders. Not valid on previous purchases. Excludes umbrellas, bases, cushions and pillows.

March 18 - May 1 �� 800-711-2006

�� WOODBURN

(503) 363-9744 • 1210 Commercial Street SE • Salem, OR 97302 Sale ends 6/30/16 - Not to be combined with any other offers or coupons. Not valid on previous purchases.

Spring 2016 • Willamette Valley Life

DAYC AT I ON

Nature Goes Wild and Birds Make a Home Whalen Island and Sand Lake Estuary.

B Y

S C OTT

G I L B E RT

idden along Oregon’s Tillamook Coast is an environmental cornucopia, where fresh and salt water mingle in the Sand Lake estuary, and both land and water teem with untamed life. Oregon has 22 major estuaries, but only five are so untouched that they are classified as “natural,” and the 897-acre Sand Lake estuary is the largest of these. Just a few miles north of Cape Kiwanda, the shallow Sand Lake tidal estuary surrounds Whalen Island, which holds the Clay Myers State Natural Area. The island and an adjacent old farm are bursting with plant life, and they join with the clear waters of the estuary to provide a home to a plethora of wild creatures, offering a glimpse of what the coast was like hundreds of years ago. There are blue herons, bald eagles, peregrine falcons and Canada geese, as well as beaver and river otter families. You’ll find coyotes, deer, elk and black bears on land, Dungeness crabs and harbor seals on the water, and seabirds, shore birds and songbirds nesting, resting and flying over the area. In the center of the estuary, the Clay Myers State Natural Area on Whalen Island offers a pristine 1.4mile loop hike that overlooks a rich tidal wetland before passing through mixed woodlands, with a couple short spurs offering views of the estuary joining the ocean. “This is just a sweet spot,” said Pete Marvin, who manages all the state park lands that lie between the mouth of Tillamook Bay and Pacific City. “It’s not like it gets overrun with people.” The 180-acre Clay Myers area was purchased by the state in 2000, in the first instance of spending lottery funds to buy state park land. With the adjacent county campground covering eight acres, all of Whalen Island is public land. The 357-acre farm property, known as Beltz Farm, will likely have its official opening to the public as the newest state park in 2016. Like Whalen Island, it is thick with plant life, including spruce, hemlock, shore pine, wild rhododendron and other dune and wetland plants, as well as the birds and wildlife that call it home. The island’s south shore features rare colonies of largeheaded sedge, a native perennial 14

that moderates erosion by spreading rhizomes under the sand. Removal efforts focus on invasive species such as blackberries and Scotch broom. State acquisition has headed off development for both Whalen Island and the Beltz Farm, and while ATV noise from the federal property at nearby Sand Lake Recreation Area can be heard during the warmer months, fall through spring provide a chance for excellent birdwatching, quiet reflection and enjoyment of the pristine Oregon coast. Whalen Island is reached by a short causeway on the west side of Sand Lake Road (part of the Three Capes Scenic Loop) about 4.5 miles north of Pacific City. Clay Myers State Natural Area is a day-use facility that charges no fee; the adjacent county property charges fees to camp or launch boats. –Scott Gilbert

Scott Gilbert is a longtime writer and editor with a background in journalism. Scott grew up in Indiana and spent many years in Colorado before moving to the Oregon coast.

Willamette Valley Life • Spring 2016

��

�

��

Reach thousands of Willamette Valley residents and visitors! Call 503.507.1228 WillametteValleyLife.com

�� Spring 2016 • Willamette Valley Life

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

The Youth of Aging

B Y

R O S S

L E W I S

The Last Days of Vietnam: Randy Smith “The Youth of Aging” is a series of essays which honor the ordinary, yet extraordinary lives of men and women who live their Senior Years with a commitment to their vitality and spirit of youth. They are dedicated to life, health and self-realization. With that, they nourish themselves and, in the process, inspire all of us.

andy Smith is an inspiration to America. At the age of 60, Randy, a former Marine Security Guard at the United States Embassy in Saigon, was the last Marine to Pull Colors during the U.S. evacuation of Vietnam on April 29, 1975. The memory of that day lingers in the souls of many. Today, Randy’s mission is to educate America about that final Vietnam experience. As he travels the country to tell the story of the Marines in their final hours, he receives standing ovations. Randy was born in Dayton, Ohio in 1955. His paternal grandfather was a doughboy in France during World War I. His stepfather’s father was a Mule Skinner fighting Pancho Villa on the Mexican border. His Dad was an Army Air Corps veteran. They were all tough guys from the Appalachian mountains in Eastern Kentucky. For Randy, the military was the rite of passage to escape poverty. When Randy entered Marine Boot Camp in September, 1973, he excelled in all of his training and physical fitness classes. He was also an expert marksman. In early 1974, during Advanced Infantry Training, he, again, distinguished himself. The cadre were carefully watching and studying the records of all 250 Marines. Only eleven, including Randy, were selected to go to Marine Security Guard School in Henderson Hall in Arlington, Virginia: a six-week, program with “The Best of The Best”. On April 14, 1974, three Marines were selected to graduate from Henderson Hall. Randy Smith was one of them. Four days later, at the age of 18, he arrived in Saigon and was the youngest Marine in his detachment. Randy’s post was as an honored Marine Security Guard in the United States Embassy. “You’re the first face that a foreign national is going to see coming into the Embassy. You’re representing the Country.” As the war in Vietnam entered its final days in 1975, Randy describes his experience: “I had enough sense 16

Randy Smith, 2012.

Vietnamese citizens with luggage waiting to leave Ton Su Nhut Airport during evacuation

Randy Smith, Vietnam 1974

Landing on embassy roof. Red smoke identiﬁes helipad.

to realize the end was inevitable. Our consulates in Da Nang, Nha Thrang, Can To and Bien Hoa had been evacuated. I could tell that Saigon was a beleaguered city. It was apparent that it was just a matter of time until Saigon was surrounded and cut off from the rest of the country.” “I remember I was standing on duty on April 29th at Post One. Major Kean came in the lobby and told me to pull colors and sign off on the log book. Lance Corporal Thomas and I went and pulled colors for the last time in Vietnam. The significance of the moment, the realization that we were ending the Vietnam War was evident in our thoughts.” “I was positioned at the CRA gate (Combined Recreation Area) between the Embassy compound and the recreation area. Many thousands of lives depended on getting on those

choppers and getting far away from the onslaught of Communism. It was paramount to all those locals, whose lives had been intertwined with the Americans, to get out. It was my responsibility to let the pre-assembled groups go to the incoming choppers. I was in total charge of that gate and I heard a lot of pleading: ‘Marine You Let Me Go Now!’ I played no favorites and everyone got the exact same treatment: stern but fair! As I look back I realize I became hardened that day. I felt like I lost my last remaining glimmer of innocence.”

Willamette Valley Life • Spring 2016

The Final 48 Hours: After the endless sorties and what seemed like countless hours, all Marines were told to pull back inside the Embassy. Not once did any panic creep into this desperate maneuver”. “We secured the Embassy’s huge

teakwood doors and made our ascent to the rooftop. We quickly realized that the out-of control mob had driven a huge truck through the doors of the Embassy, and they were pursuing our every step to the top of the roof. The following hours were to be the longest of our lives”. “Lying on the heliport during the dark morning hours of April 30, 1975, I was overwhelmed by a sense of tragedy. How painful it was! The choppers stopped coming. We were stranded! The sun’s arrival brought with it a foreboding realization; we were sitting ducks. The NVA (North Vietnamese Army) jets roared overhead. We could hear their tanks rumbling down the city streets; every minute getting closer. Finally, like an answer to a desperate prayer, three choppers came over the horizon. The sound of their rotors was the sweetest sound any of us had ever

Saigon streets during evacuation.

heard. The ﬁnal forty-two Marine Security Guards would now close out the war. I was on the second to last chopper out. Vietnam was ﬁnally over!”

The Life-Long Aftermath: The Embassy roof and Vietnam are long gone. But for Randy, there is a profound, internal conversation which has lasted a lifetime. “My job in the last 12 to 14 hours was to let groups of people go to those helicopters! So why was I the one who decided who got out; who lived and who didn’t? That’s a heavy burden! And for a 19-year old person to have that responsibility is pretty tough!

But only God should decide who lives and who dies”! Perhaps Randy Smith’s Vietnam moment was also America’s Vietnam moment. Ross Lewis, born in New Jersey, is a 1965 graduate of Rutgers University. He was an Associate Director with WCBS-TV News, New York (1968-1978) following two years as an Army Lieutenant and serving in the 7th Infantry Division in Korea. Following his ten-year career with CBS television, Ross launched an international photography career which included his being the NFL’s special assignment photographer. Today Ross’ FineArt photography can be seen and purchased through Ross-Lewis. artistwebsites.com.

Jan is eager to move from her house to her new Lodge Residence. “I’ve watched Dallas Retirement Village develop over the years, and I got to know the staff when my husband was receiving care. In many ways it already feels like home.” Along with the security of community living and the ease of knowing that someone else will take care of all maintenance, Jan is looking forward to social gatherings and yoga classes at the new Lodge Clubhouse wellness center.

We invite you to discover the ease of independent living at Dallas Retirement Village. Call 503-623-9211 to schedule a tour today!

377 NW Jasper Street - Dallas, OR 97338 DallasRetirementVillage.com A Non-Profit Community Founded in Christ Since 1947. All Faiths Are Welcome.

Spring 2016 • Willamette Valley Life

V I N EYA R D

Gardening with Willamette Valley Wines Five Wines To Try As You Kick Off Spring

Pinot gris

Although I personally don’t think Willamette Valley pinot gris makes a good “ﬂagship” variety for our region, that doesn’t stop me from appreciating the subtlety of this widely found grape and enjoying how it pairs well with nearly any food. Light pear and citrus ﬂavors make this an easy addition to your springtime meal. Try: 2015 pinot gris by The Four Graces ($20).

Gruner veltliner

A complete about-face from the pinot gris, a gruner veltliner will be a hit both for the ﬂavor it delivers and the fun of practicing the rounded “U” sounds when you talk about it with friends. Zippy and full of bright citrus and mineral notes, this Austrian-born variety is perfect for warm weather. Try: 2014 gruner veltliner from

R Y A N

R E I C H E R T

As spring and summer arrive and our tablescape shifts from cool-weather comfort food to vibrant fresh favorites centered around the garden, making a wine selection becomes a challenge. As you search for wines to enjoy with the bounty of your garden, check out these varieties and producers. FLICKR.COM/PHOTOS/SHEILA_SUND

his is my family’s ﬁrst year in our new home and we have big plans to create an amazing vegetable garden. As a vegan family, this is a big deal, since so much of our food can come directly from our own mini-farm. In the same way, we love to support other “farmers” who grow and produce all the incredible wines that make the Willamette Valley such a jewel in the Paciﬁc Northwest. As spring and summer arrive and our tablescape shifts from cool-weather comfort food to vibrant fresh favorites centered around the garden, making a wine selection becomes a challenge. As you search for wines to enjoy with the bounty of your garden, check out these varieties and producers.

B Y

Ridgecrest Vineyards by Chehalem Wines ($24).

Sauvignon blanc

One summer must-have is a sauv blanc with its mouthwatering acidity and full-on flavors of grapefruit and fresh grass. Best known in France’s Loire Valley and New Zealand, the Willamette Valley produces its own unique take on this variety, offering lots of peach and stone fruit flavors in certain years. Buy it by the case. Try: 2014 Willamette Valley sauvignon blanc by J. Christopher Wines ($20).

Pinot noir rose

Switching to warmer weather doesn’t mean giving up on Oregon pinot noir. In fact, many of the best pinots hold their own with any food, any time of the year. That said, for a more seasonally appropriate beverage, there aren’t many producers who don’t produce a rose wine this time of year. Get them while they’re here and

enjoy them in their bright strawberry and cherry-ﬁlled youth. Try: 2015 rose of pinot noir by Adelsheim Vineyard ($25).

Sparkling wine

The answer to “What wine goes well with that?” is always sparkling wine. You can’t go wrong with these wines, and even the more expensive bottles shouldn’t be conﬁned to special occasions. Share the joy and bubbles as you open your table to friends and family alike. Everyone is guaranteed to enjoy themselves. Try: 2011 Mineral Springs brut rose by Soter Vineyards ($65). Ryan Reichert is a Portland-based strategic marketing professional 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 and is the Wine Ambassador for Travel Oregon. ryanreichert.com

Willamette Valley Life • Spring 2016

Check out Valley’s Full Service Menu!

��

WE OFFER:

��

Checking Accounts Debit & Credit Cards Mortgages Mobile Banking 30,000 SurchargeFree ATMs in the CO-OP Network

� � � � � � �� TM

503.364.7999 www.valleycu.org

Federally insured by NCUA

��

Showing Great Properties for over 20 years.

��

�� Spring 2016 • Willamette Valley Life

VA L L E Y H E A LT H

Spring Training: Try a different approach to fitness

B Y

S A R A H

H O R N E R

few months into 2016, many of us are having a tough time sticking to our fitness resolutions. Take heart! There’s no need rely on the boring treadmill or that jock-filled weight room to get in shape. Why not check out some of the various unconventional workouts available around the Willamette Valley? From climbing to barre workouts and even pole dancing, there are some fun yet challenging ways to get fit. Barre training is an increasingly popular workout. Inspired by ballet and other disciplines like yoga and pilates, barre incorporates a ballet bar for balance while focusing on isometric strength training. Barre workouts may include mat work for core workouts and using light handheld weights. Done barefoot, these workouts are high intensity but low impact. Not a petite ballerina? Barre workouts are approachable to people of all shapes and sizes, and no dance experience is necessary. You don’t even need a tutu! There are numerous barre studios and classes throughout the Valley. Try Barre Prana in Sherwood (barreprana,com) or check out barre classes at Salem Fitness (salemfitnessoregon.com).

Bouldering

It might sound like something from the Flintstones, but bouldering is a type of rock climbing where climbers don’t need ropes or harnesses. Participants scale shorter walls, usually between eight and 17 feet, and falls are buﬀered by a thick, padded ﬂoor. Prior experience isn’t necessary, nor is any special equipment, so you can get started right away. Climbing shoes

ALICE TERZ_FLICKR.COM-PHOTOS-11806750ATN03

Barre Workouts

can be rented for a nominal fee. The Circuit (thecircuitgym.com) has three locations in the Valley, including two in Portland and one in Tigard. Dropins are welcome and every Saturday they oﬀer a First Time Visitor’s Night so you can see if bouldering is for you. The Circuit also oﬀers an array of yoga classes, including a class to condition your body for climbing.

Pole Dancing

This idea may make you giggle, but pole dancing is no longer just an activity found at seedy nightclubs. This expressive art form is also great exercise, with a focus on strength, ﬂexibility, grace, artistic expression and conﬁdence-building that can help in other aspects of life. Women

��

�� 20

Willamette Valley Life • Spring 2016

There’s no need rely on the boring treadmill or that jock-filled weight room to get in shape. Why not check out some of the various unconventional workouts available around the Willamette Valley? From climbing to barre workouts and even pole dancing, there are some fun yet challenging ways to get fit. and men of any ﬁtness level can take a beginning pole dancing class at several studios around the Valley. Shannon Gee, Artistic Director and Instructor at Ecydsiast pole dance studio (ecdysiaststudio.com) loves how extremely versatile pole dancing is. “It is the only aerial genre where you can incorporate whatever you like into the workout. Whether that’s hip hop music or ballet, whether you want to be sexy or treat it like an athletic sport, pole dancing allows for that type of diversity.” Ecydsiast students range from urban professionals to moms, from street dancers to exotic performers and more, both male and female.

Kettlebell Training

A kettlebell is an iron or steel weight (think a canon ball with a handle) that originated in Russia. Initially used as a crop weight in the 1700s, the farmers found they achieved strength by using them. Later, the Russian army trained with them in the 20th century. Now kettlebell workouts have become a recognized and popular fitness regime. Kettlebell training offers endurance, strength, balance, agility and cardio training using dynamic moves such as swings, presses and pulls. Kettlebells range in weight from five to 100 pounds. Unlike dumbbells, which focus more on single muscle groups, kettlebell movements incorporate fullbody involvement, making it a highintensity and efficient workout. Try a kettlebell workout at Dig in Salem (dig-fit.com). Sarah Horner is a freelance writer, photographer and wine industry professional. She has lived and worked in the WIllamette Valley for 13 years and has enjoyed exploring the rich culture this beautiful valley has to offer. The sights, sounds, and stories of the region inspire her and she enjoys sharing her discoveries with readers. Sarah lives with her husband and cats, She is most proud of her two children who are both in college.

Begin Here. Begin Here.

• Family Medicine & Specialty Clinics • Surgery Center • Family Birth Center • Emergency Department 24/7 • Inpatient Floor/ICU • Family Medicine & Specialty Clinics • Surgery Center • Family Birth Center • Emergency Department 24/7 • Inpatient Floor/ICU

503.769.2175

Your Health. Your Choice. Spring 2016 • Willamette Valley Life

E AT

Spring is here Meatball sub macaroni and cheese

B Y

K I M

P U F F P A F F

Now my weekday afternoons whirl around my daughters’ dance classes rather than my sons’ sports schedules, and a delicious, easy meal is still appreciated on those days when I’m more worried about packing leotards and dance shoes than what to get on the table. I came across this cheesy, meaty recipe and knew it would be a hit with my brood. A note on substitutions: This recipe includes ingredients to make the meatballs from scratch, but I often cheat and use a 1-pound bag of frozen meatballs. I toss them in the skillet directly from the freezer and they brown up quick and easy. I keep a jar of minced garlic in the fridge just to save myself having to mince it fresh when I need it. I used milk instead of half-and-half and it turned out ﬁne. I used whatever cheese I had on hand as well—no mozzarella, and only jar-grated parmesan. Although not as authentic to the original meatball sub inspiration, my kids were happy with the cheesiness regardless. I used canned spaghetti sauce instead of tomato sauce, so it already had some seasoning. If you want to try adding

KIM PUFFPAFF

hen the air warms up and I see the bulbs pushing out of the ground, it’s like taking a deep, cleansing breath. Everyone wants to spend more time outside and many are looking at their new, hectic sports schedule. My family worked our share of baseball practices and games into the schedule when my boys were younger. Between school hours and practice, I didn’t have much time to cook a good meal. Anything that oﬀered a shortcut was a bonus!

veggies to kick up the nutrition, sauteed bell pepper strips would be a yummy addition that melds well with the Italian ﬂavors of the dish. You could layer them under or over the meatballs before adding the cheese on top. As you can see, this meal can be plenty easy and you’ll come out the winner! Happy spring and bon appetit! Meatball Sub Macaroni And Cheese Start to finish: 1 hour 15 minutes Servings: 3-6 Cheese Sauce: 3/4-pound pasta 3 tablespoons butter 1/4 cup diced yellow onion 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 cups half-and-half

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese 1/2 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese Pinch of salt Pinch of pepper Topping: 1-1/2 pounds ground beef or pork 1/2 cup Ritz cracker crumbs 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese 1 clove garlic 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, diced 1 egg 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 cup tomato sauce Fresh mozzarella slices for topping Directions: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 2-quart casserole dish with nonstick spray or ??. Prepare pasta according to package directions.

In a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add onion and garlic. Saute until the onions become translucent. Sprinkle the onions with the flour, mixing with a wooden spoon until a paste forms. Slowly mix in half-and-half. Continue mixing until the mixture comes to a low boil. Stir in shredded mozzarella, parmesan, and cheddar cheeses. Stir until melted. Add salt and pepper to taste. Combine cheese sauce and prepared pasta. Pour mixture into casserole dish. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, cracker crumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, egg, and Worcestershire sauce. Using clean hands, work the mixture together until everything is combined. Roll mixture into 1-1/2inch balls. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, fry the meatballs in olive oil until golden on all sides. Place finished meatballs on top of the macaroni. If the meat is not cooked through all the way, it will finish cooking in the oven. Pour tomato sauce over the dish and top with fresh mozzarella cheese. Bake for 20 minutes or until the mixture is hot and bubbly.

Kim Puffpaff is a wife, mother, homemaker, baker, singer, and artist of various handcrafts. Growing up with excellent home cooking and feeding her own family for over fifteen years, has given her the foundation and experience that she is happy to share with others. Kim lives with her husband, teenage son, two school-age daughters, and four yappy little dogs.

��

�� 22

Willamette Valley Life • Spring 2016

��

Gear up for Summer! Summer Camps start July 11! Grab your goggles for Wacky Science, learn more about Marion County, get dirty making Natural Art, build robots during our Maker Camp, become an Olympian, and learn amazing magic tricks created by A.C. Gilbert himself!

Visit our website at acgilbert.org/summer-camps/ for more information or to register online. get connected: 116 Marion St NE • Salem, OR 503-371-3631 • acgilbert.org

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THESE TWO HOMES? HINT: IT HAS TO DO WITH SAVING ENERGY AND MONEY. ��

+��www.energytrust.org/homes ��1.866.368.7878� ��

Spring 2016 • Willamette Valley Life

��

�� . ��

��

MINUTES FROM SALEM

��

�� 24

Willamette Valley Life • Spring 2016