Dallas Community Advantage Magazine October 2023

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COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE INCLUDES RICKREALL

POLK COUNTY’S SOURCE FOR COMPLETE

The Irish Legend of Stingy Jack

Old myth illuminates Halloween icon

By Krysta M. Nelson, Contributing Writer

Ah, autumn, what a wonderful time of year! A time to break out all my favorite sweaters just as the leaves turn into vibrant shades of yellow, orange and red, and, best of all, the arrival of Halloween, my favorite holiday. I have so many fond memories over the years, eating candy all night and wearing costumes to school.

I should mention, my nickname as a kid was “Little Miss Mess Maker,” which means my favorite Halloween activity has always been carving pumpkins, even recreating a horror movie with the guts of a gourd one time. It was epic — the mess, not the movie.

Now, most people carve pumpkins never realizing the myth behind the mess, but my brain likes to know things, so I scooped up the history and discovered “The Legend of Stingy Jack.”

Long ago, in a small Ireland town, a drunkard named Stingy Jack earned his moniker after pinning his bar tab on the Devil himself. Apparently, Jake caused a bit of trouble for his neighbors, so Satan had come for his soul. Now, Jack may have been known for being a drunk — scuttered and bollocksed — but he was also a clever lad, convincing the Devil to take him to his favorite pub as a final request. When the bill came ’round, Jack convinced the demon to turn into a coin, so Jack could pay for his drinks.

However, instead of paying up, Jack dropped the coin into his pocket, alongside a crucifix, trapping the fiery foe. The Devil begged Stingy Jack to release him, and so he did, but only on the condition the Devil would not come for him for another year, and should Jack die, Satan could not claim his soul.

True to his word, the Devil didn’t return for a whole year. When he finally reappeared, Jack convinced Satan to climb a tree to grab a piece of fruit for the journey to Hell. Once the Devil reached the top, Jack carved a cross into the bark of the trunk, trapping the Devil among the branches. Again, Satan begged Jack to free him, but this time, Jack made him promise another 10 years. Of course, the Devil agreed to his terms and was freed.

Upon his death, Jack was denied heaven because of his obvious sins. And because of his trickery and scheming, Satan wouldn’t allow him into Hell either. Instead, the Devil gave Jack a lump of burning

coal to light his way. Jack put the coal into a carved turnip and has been roaming the earth ever since as “Jack of the Lantern,” or Jack-o’-lantern nowadays.

What a guy, am I right? Because of this legend people in Ireland and Scotland started carving scary faces into turnips and potatoes.

Is Your Car Sick?

Your source for complete automotive repair

up-to-date on training and the ever-improving technology in vehicles. Completing the team are Service Advisors/Customer Relations specialists, and the Parts Manager, who provides the “best quality parts” at the most reasonable price. Services include digital vehicle inspections and health reports complete with digital photos—aka “Show and Tell.” Work is backed by a Nationwide 2 year warranty. Free loaner cars and shuttle services are available to customers as needed.

Celebrating 15+ years of business, Rick admits to still developing company culture. “We’re just a big family that spends 5 days a week together.” Thursdays, the “family” is treated to a free lunch from different local restaurants each week, “so that we’re giving back to the community,” Rick says. He also gives back to the community through donations,

By Patti Jo Brooks, Contributing Writer

Photos by Laurel Bice

Is your car sick? Or maybe just under the weather? Visit The Car Doctor on Northeast Polk Station Road for a complete check up. The Car Doctor’s state-of-the-art diagnostics, and specialized technicians, team up to cure and maintain your vehicle’s overall health and well-being.

Rick Young, owner of The Car Doctor, “Polk County’s Source for Complete Automotive Repair,” started in the auto business at age 19 washing cars at the Ford dealership in Medford. He attended college on Ford’s behalf, graduating in 2001 with an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science and Automotive Technology. He then began working at the Ford Service Department in Dallas for several years before starting his own car repair business from his gravel driveway in April 2007. Moving locations twice to better serve the growing needs of the community, Rick came full circle, landing back at the old Ford dealership location where he got his start.

The Car Doctor (a nickname bestowed by Rick’s nursefriend) is a specialized shop that has “really dialed it in,” where each person has a specialty. “Instead of having everybody do everything, we’ve broken it down to 3 different specialty areas,” Rick explains. A Drivability/Electronics specialist; 3 Line-techs, good-naturedly called “the fixers,” as they’re “the ones out there fixing the cars;” and a Maintenance specialist, responsible for all fluids, oil changes, transmission services, and more. Techs regularly complete continued education, staying

fundraisers, and sponsorships to local organizations, churches, and schools. For Dallas HS Seniors Night, The Car Doctor gives away 2 certificates for service to ensure a “safe and reliable journey off to college.” Rick is a board member of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) for foster children, and his wife is an Advocate. He’s also donated cars to women in need through CASA and Titus House.

Lastly, there’s Gnomey, The Car Doctor’s Public Relations guy. A hit with the kids, you’ll find him poised out front between the plants. “Oh, I see you’re hanging with my Gnomey,” Rick says warmly to his future clients.

The Car Doctor is located at 201 NE Polk Station Rd., Dallas. Give them a ring at (503) 623-8570, or visit their website, cardoctordallas.com.

CASTOFFS, ROGUES AND WINNERS

Play ball! During the 1970s, umpires called out the famous phrase to launch Portland Mavericks baseball games at Civic Stadium (Providence Park) in one of the most colorful chapters in the history of Portland baseball.

Although the renegade Portland Mavericks existed for only five summers, this uniquely memorable team will forever be etched in the history of minor league baseball. The Mavericks emerged onto the Portland baseball scene in 1973 with the departure of the Portland Beavers — the city’s long-time triple-A club — moving to Spokane. The Mavericks were owned by ex-minor league baseball player and former actor, Bing Russell, best known for his role as Deputy Clem Foster on the TV Western Bonanza. Bing was the father of well-known actor Kurt Russell, who unbeknownst to many, played for the Portland Mavericks their inaugural season — batting .229 in 23 games.

Initially, trading the triple-A Beavers for the single-A Mavericks seemed like a raw deal for Portland baseball fans; however, the Portland Mavericks became a surprise success. Bing Russell’s motto for the Mavericks — that it should be “fun” — rendered the game-time atmosphere at Civic Stadium circus-like and light-hearted. Russell was a trendsetter, being one of the first to promote minor league baseball with a focus on fun and entertainment.

As an independent team, unaffiliated with a major league franchise, the Mavericks recruited ex-minor leaguers and ex-big leaguers who were looking for an opportunity to revive fading careers. At the time, Mavericks were the only independent professional baseball team in the country, and despite the fact that they could pay players only $300 a month, hopefuls continued to arrive from across the United States each June to participate in Bing Russell’s tryouts.

Unlike many independent teams, the Mavericks were competitive in their single-A Northwest League. For five seasons straight, the Mavericks were not only competitive, but won a number of league titles. In 1973, this rag-tag collection of baseball castoffs ended the season with a 45-35 record, and won the NWL south division title.

year, the Mavericks went 50-34, finishing second place in the newly formatted NWL west division. In 1975 and 1976, the Mavericks won the NWL title, but in 1977 (their last year), despite earning the best record in franchise history (44-22), they lost in the championship game to Bellingham. It was a remarkable run for an independent team of baseball rejects and has-beens who, during the course of their short but memorable existence, faced major league prospects such as Ozzie Smith, Dave Steward, Rickey Henderson, Mike Scioscia, Pedro Guerrero, and Dave Henderson—all of whom went on to become big-time stars in the MLB.

Contrary to the Portland Beavers who struggled with attendance in the early 1970s, the Mavericks packed the stands. In three out of five seasons, the Mavericks’ attendance exceeded 100,000 fans. In 1977, the Mavericks attracted 125,300 fans in only 33 games, which remains the attendance record in the minor leagues for short-season single-A level.

By Robert Matsumura, Contributing Writer

Despite the Portland Mavericks’ short existence, their seasons were distinguished by crazy hijinks, creativity, and historic firsts. Among the memorable moments in Mavericks history was the banning of manager Hank Robinson from the NWL for assaulting an umpire. Another was the 1975 game in which player/manager Frank Peters rotated all nine players in the Mavs lineup to a new position each inning. Also, when Peters wasn’t playing or managing the Mavs, he was busy operating several local nightclubs.

off field while playing for the Seattle Pilots (a former MLB team who eventually became the Milwaukee Brewers). Despite negative reaction from the MLB commissioner who felt the book painted a picture detrimental to the sport, Ball Four was a massive commercial success, selling millions of copies worldwide. As a Maverick, Bouton, along with the Mavericks pitching coach Rob Nelson, came up with the idea of Big League Chew — a shredded bubble gum alternative to chewing tobacco—that was initially picked up and produced by Wrigley gum.

The Portland Mavericks came to an end in 1977 when the Pacific Coast League decided to return to Portland. Organized baseball at the time operated under the authority of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues. In order for the PCL to return to Portland, a deal had to be negotiated between Bing Russell and the PCL for rights to the Portland market. After months of hard bargaining, Russell ended up receiving his asking price of $206,000 — far more than the standard $25,000 compensation rate to relinquish rights to a city.

So remarkable were the Portland Mavericks during their colorful five-year run that Netflix produced the documentary The Battered Bastards of Baseball, which not only recounted their amazing history, but also the Mavericks’ influence on independent baseball in the ensuing years.

consisting of the Volcanoes, Mavericks, Salem Senators, and the Campesinos de Salem-Keizer.

So, when you’re driving down I-5 near Keizer, you may notice a baseball game in progress at Volcanoes Stadium, and it just might be the newly revived Portland Mavericks. And if you’re in the mood for some good old-fashioned entertainment, stop by for a game and cheer on the storied Portland Mavericks!

BATGIRL PENNY CLEMO

The Mavericks also made history by hiring Lanny Moss and Jon Yoshiwara as General Managers. Moss, hired in 1975, was the first woman to hold the GM position in professional baseball. Yoshiwara, hired in 1977, was the first Asian-American GM in baseball at the professional level. At the same time, the 22-year old Yoshiwara was an active player on the roster as well.

Jim Bouton, ex-New York Yankee pitcher who played for the Mavericks twice, may have been the most notorious of all the team’s players. His famous book Ball Four detailed Burton’s wild experiences on and

After a forty-five year hiatus, Portland Mavericks emerged again as a member of the four-team Mavericks Independent Baseball League of the Salem Metro Area, which plays at Volcanoes Stadium in Keizer. The league was formed by the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes, a previous minor league team in the San Francisco Giants’ system. After the Giants chose to sever their relationship with the Volcanoes, the latter chose to form an independent league of their own. The Volcanoes organization bought rights to the former Portland Mavericks and made them one of the four teams in their new league,

Let’s not forget the Mavericks’ bat girl, Penny Clemo, hired in 1975. The 12-year-old sixth grader from Portland was among some of the first girls to participate in Little League, as a lawsuit in June 1974 (for Maria Pepe and Kim Green) forced them to accept girls into their ranks. She played with fellow seventh and eighth graders and gained a reputation for being the toughest pitcher in the South Powell Little League, as well as hitting three grand slams in 1975. This set a precedent and proved that women belonged on the baseball field, not just in the stands.

Finding the Strength

Young adult raises funds to fight brain cancer

Then, this terrifying nightmare tiptoed into their lives one day on tiny feet. Kolton relates, “I just felt off. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but my body just didn’t feel right.” He began to notice little things, like his hand and eye coordination was off, or in the middle of a sentence he suddenly couldn’t find the word he intended to say. He also noticed he’d swerve while driving, unable to control his movements. Then the migraines began, and after several months they became unbearable.

After traveling to Oklahoma, he became so ill he couldn’t bring himself to get on the homebound plane. At first, Leta thought he might be faking it or having an anxiety attack, but it soon became evident he was very sick. After returning home and remaining very ill for several days, Leta took Kolton to the Dallas emergency room, thinking he might get a diagnosis of diabetes.

By Olive Gallagher, Contributing Writer Photos by Leta Brown

What would you do if you woke up tomorrow and learned you have astrocytoma brain cancer and might only have a few more months or years to live? How would you feel? Who would you tell? How long would your list of unrealized wishes, unfulfilled dreams and sad regrets be, of things never tried or risked, of people never loved, of experiences and places you’ll never get to know, of freedom and endless time never fully appreciated? And how would you deal with your fear, anger, sadness, bewilderment and grief that this hard-to-grasp nightmare was actually happening to you, especially at the age of 24?

This is Kolton Howell’s reality. A reality that he, along with his devoted mother and primary caregiver, Leta Brown, courageously battle to make each day worthwhile and meaningful.

Leta, a single mom who works full time, had watched her beloved son battle life from the moment he was born two months early. The neonatal ICU staff described him as “the baby with an attitude.” Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at age five, he never quit, pressing on, trying out for soccer, Boy Scouts and Little League. He graduated from West Albany School the same year he earned Eagle Scout and went on to become a successful sales manager at a Salem firm. Life seemed stable and worthwhile.

It was at that moment that their medical nightmare escalated. After a CT scan and MRI, the doctors informed them that Kolton had an eight-centimeter mass in his brain and that they couldn’t treat him there; he needed treatment at a bigger academic hospital. After all other area hospitals turned them down, they finally convinced OHSU to take the case. He was rushed there, and the day after Thanksgiving he had brain surgery to remove the tumor. During those long, agonizing hours, watching over him in the dark room, a good friend sat with Leta, lending comfort and kindness. On her own, seeing Leta and Kolton’s future needs, she established a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds, knowing full well an avalanche of medical bills would be coming without end.

When asked if there was any lesson learned from all of this, Kolton’s reply was simple: “Listen. Listen to your body. Listen to what it’s telling you.”

There’s no cure for this cancer. Having been given five to six years to live, Kolton will spend the rest of his time, however short it might be, dealing with this aggressive, fastgrowing cancer. Tumors will potentially continue to occur, despite rounds of chemo and radiation. So it’s critical that this established fund continues to grow and to sustain this loving family who face each day with remarkable strength and positivity. When asked if he had one wish, Kolton’s answer was quite immediate, accompanied by a broad smile, “I wish I could visit LegoLand in Denmark!”

To donate to Kolton’s GoFundMe, please scan the QR code (see right) with your smartphone.

“You probably think this world is a dream come true, but you’re wrong.” Based on Neil Gaiman’s book of the same name, it’s very much in the same vein as “A Nightmare Before Christmas” — dark and otherworldly. You’d think this is a Tim Burton lm but it’s not — it was actually the feature lm from Portland, OR-based LAIKA Studios, who went on to make “ParaNorman,” “Corpse Bride,” and many more. And it stands on its own! While de nitely dark, it’s also whimsical, deeply imaginative and always adventurous. In the movie, Coraline (Dakota Fanning) discovers a parallel world with an alternate family and friends — while fun at rst, it quickly becomes more of a nightmare. Also starring Teri Hatcher, Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French, Keith David, John Hodgman, Robert Bailey Jr. and Ian McShane, this is a great movie for the family. Rated PG for scary images, some language and suggestive humor.

“Why was I cursed with such idiot sisters?” A familyfriendly ‘90s classic, “Hocus Pocus” is one of my Halloween go-tos. Starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy as three Salem witches who are resurrected for Halloween, it’s a story which follows new kids Max (Omri Katz ) and Dani ( ora Birch), as well as Allison (Vinessa Shaw ), local witch expert and Max’s girlfriend, as they battle e Sanderson Sisters to the grave! Although ctional, it’s partly based on a true story — the three sisters were indeed charged with witchcra , one escaped while the other two were hanged. e movie, however, is pretty lightweight, fun and adventurous, including musical numbers and one-liner a er one-liner — it’s plenty funny for adults but silly enough for kids. It’s a mature PG due to being scary to younger children and some mature language — I would say 6 and older. Rated PG.

Who Invented the Candy Corn

“Oral histories identify the inventor of candy corn as George Renninger, an employee at Wunderle Candy Company in Philadelphia. Wunderle was the rst company to sell these multicolored treats made of sugar and corn syrup, according to the National Confectioners Association.”

https://www.history.com/news/candy-corn-invented

“Here’s Johnny!” Stanley Kubrick’s iconic horror-thriller is of course based on the Stephen King novel of the same name. While the book was twice as long as needed, the lm is as tight as you’d expect, starting o painstakingly calm and eerie until it builds to a horrifying and dramatic crescendo. Starring Jack Nicholson (Jack Torrance), Shelley Duvall (Wendy) and Danny Lloyd (Danny), this story follows the Torrance family as they agree to caretake the huge and remote Overlook Hotel during wintertime. If you’ve somehow never seen it, this is classic horror cinema — a mystery unfolding in a place that isn’t what it seems — and the seemingly ordinary family is anything but. It’s a masterclass overall in acting, directing and score — a must-see for Halloween. Teens and older only. Rated R for mature content, language and violence.

Stream these movies where available, or rent from your local movie store, library or rental kiosk.

“Coraline” (2009)

“Hocus Pocus” (1993)

“The Shining” (1980)

Kiln It with Kindness

Bob Hackney, the man at the wheel

By Kelly Romo, Contributing Writer

Bob Hackney is a seasoned artist and a treasured part of the local community. With his wealth of experience and unique perspective on art, he offers invaluable guidance to many aspiring artists. Interacting with Bob, whether in an informal chat or a more formal class environment, enhances the artistic journey of his students.

As a child living in Wisconsin, Bob always found joy in creating beautiful works of art. When he was a sophomore in high school, his passion translated into one of the greatest gifts — a full scholarship from the local women’s club to attend an Art Camp at the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay. Though his original intention was to study painting, something about ceramics spoke to Bob, which led him to choose that course instead — which ultimately changed the entire trajectory of his future. In his junior year in high school, he discovered his passion for pottery and practically lived in the studio. He graduated high school a year early and attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and River Falls, where he studied under some of the best in the field, such as Don Reitz, Paula Rice, Kurt Wild.

After graduation, Bob worked as a landscape gardener and

stone mason for over twenty years. He always loved horses, and when his last horse died, he was forced to confront who he was as an adult without his beloved companion. That is when he returned to pottery and enrolled in a continuing education class at PCC. Eventually, his interest and efforts led to a position as an instructor and manager of the pottery studio at Valley Art.

Bob’s dedication to his craft is evident in his meticulous preparation for each class he teaches. Recognizing the unique mentality of each artist, he encourages them to observe other potters, identify techniques that resonate with them. He then provides guidance on how to implement those methods. Bob also encourages artists to focus on what brings them joy, as this will reflect in their work.

When the rainy days come, Bob joins a dedicated crew that engages in wood firing at East Creek Art. This unique technique, revered by fellow potters, involves carefully stoking a wood kiln around the clock for over five days to create beautiful and unpredictable designs on the pottery pieces. The flames and ash interact with the glazes in such a way that each piece is essentially a unique canvas for the flame work. Opening the kiln post-firing is akin to unwrapping Christmas presents — the anticipation and excitement are palpable, and each revealed pottery piece is a delightful surprise. It is also a chance to engage with a community of friends who share a common passion for the art as they create memories and bonds that last a lifetime.

Bob teaches about 50 students of all ability levels at Valley Art. Being part of Valley Art is not just about supporting the local art scene: it’s about nourishing a community hub that has been extraordinary for Forest Grove. If you want to see some of his work or your artistic side is calling, visit Valley Art. And who knows? Your journey may lead you to

Visit Valley Art at 2022 Main Street in Forest Grove. Call (503) 357-3703 to learn more or visit their website at: www.valleyart.org.

Believe it or not, everyone can be an artist when it comes to pumpkin carving, but it is harder than it looks. Follow the following eleven tips, and your gourds will look and smell good the entire trick-or-treating season. Get carving!

 Start with the right pumpkin. Choose one that’s fresh, with a sturdy stem, no bruises, and a flat bottom so it won’t roll while you carve.

 Cut from the bottom, not the top. Cutting your “lid” from the bottom of the pumpkin helps prevent the sides from caving in later.

 If you carve from the top, cut lid on an angle. This way it won’t drop inside the pumpkin when you replace it, like it would with a straight up-and-down cut. A boning knife should work well for this.

 Scoop out all the pulp (and then some). You can buy a special “claw” for pumpkin gutting, but an ice cream scoop will do just fine. Thin the inner wall of the “face” area to 1¼-inch thick, so it will be easier to pierce the shell.

 Sketch your design to size on paper first. Tape it to the front of your pumpkin. Using a fork or pencil, poke holes along the lines you want to carve.

 Try holding the pumpkin in your lap.

It’s easier to create features when the face is gazing up at you. It is suggested to use a serrated kitchen knife or an X-Acto knife.

 Start by making simple rough cuts.

If you get the big pieces of pumpkin out of the way first, you can go back and clean up the edges of your design later.

 Use your scraps creatively. Make a tongue, pipe, or hair accessories out of discarded pieces of pumpkin shell, for example.

 Keep your pumpkin fresh.

Spread petroleum jelly on the cut edges to seal in moisture. If your pumpkin still shrivels a few days later, revive it with a facedown soak in cold water for up to eight hours.

 Create a chimney.

First, leave the lid on for a few minutes while the candle burns. Cut a small hole where the pumpkin has blackened up top. Or, save yourself the stress and opt for a battery-operated votive. Sprinkle cinnamon inside.

That way, when you light the candle, your jack-o’-lantern will smell like a pumpkin pie. Yum.

WE BELIEVE OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES ARE JUST AS IMPORTANT AS INDOOR ONES

Patios are the perfect place to relax, entertain, and spend time with loved ones. As your local family-owned supplier of pavers and wall block, we look forward to helping you make your dream a reality.

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