Evergreen Community Advantage Magazine April 2023

PONDEROSA GARAGE DOORS TAKING SERVICE TO NEW HEIGHTS

By Olive Gallagher,

When it comes to a seemingly simple product like a garage door, most of us don’t give it much thought until something goes wrong. When you’re unable to open the garage door and drive off to where you need to go; when you’ve returned home with a load of groceries in the car to a garage door that won’t open; or needing to escape the rain or snow. Suddenly you realize how essential and reassuring it is to have a company to call upon for assistance, even after hours, to get things running smoothly again and get you back on track.

Ponderosa Garage Doors, servicing the Portland Metro area and all of Clark County, Washington, is just the company for whenever help is needed—whether with a full installation, replacement, or repair of anything from your garage door opener to the entire system.

Ponderosa Garage Doors, a value-based, elite homeindustry service company, will not only supply, replace, or repair all of your garage door needs, but they will do it with a staff of prompt, professional, and courteous office staff and technicians who know their products backwards and forwards.

Ken Fielding founded Ponderosa Garage Door in 1995 when he moved his young family from Utah to the Pacific Northwest. Today, he operates the business he has built with his wife, Kris, and two of his five children, Teal and Brock, and other key team members. While Teal handles the technical aspects of installation and services in the field, Brock spends his time alongside Ken and Kris inside the offices managing

the “mechanics of running a business,” and functioning as the Financial and Marketing Manager.

The Fielding family has striven over the years to build a good name, and goodwill and integrity are the core values that infuse every business decision they make. For them, creating long-standing relationships with their customers—many of whom live anywhere from Longview to Wilsonville and Hillsboro to Washougal—is at the heart of every decision that they make and everything they do. They instill these philosophies into their team members through weekly team trainings and meetings.

As Brock stated, “My dad did the hard part before my brother and I came aboard in 2020. Today, in 2022, I like to think of us as a 27 year-old start-up! We never take for granted the clients that we currently have or the ones who will join us tomorrow.”

To contact Ponderosa Garage Doors or for more information on their products and services, please visit their website, ponderosagaragedoors.com or give them a call.

Contributing Writer • Photos by Shonda Feather

Everybody Fights. Nobody Quits.

hosted members of the U.S. parafencing team competing for qualification in the 2024 Paris Paralympics. COVID presented “a blessing in disguise,” Justin says. Kids with high anxiety, ADD/ADHD, or those prone to overstimulation were able to ease into fencing as instruction was limited to one-on-one classes.

WE TRAIN TEACHERS TO BE FENCING COACHES

Truly impressive, this nonprofit fencing club’s mission is to support fencing on every level and at every age. Their most-senior beginner was 93 years-old and the youngest was age 4. On opening day, a mom came in with her 4-year-old named Orion. Believing it would be “bad luck” to turn away a kid with the same name as the club simply because they were 4, Orion Fencing signed them up. Likewise, serendipity has played a part for many Olympic and World-class fencers. Interests developed from attending fencing club birthday parties, viewing fencing scenes in movies or print media, and rarely by direct influence of any family member who fenced.

By Patti Jo Brooks, Contributing Writer

Orion Fencing, a nonprofit club, believes that fencing is for everyone. Determined to teach any individual who wants to fence, Orion is committed to affordable pricing and invites all new students to attend their first class free of charge. Gear is also available on loan at no extra cost. Instruction focuses on the three fencing weapons of modern times: foil, epee, and sabre. Classes are structured in groups of up to 16 students or private one-on-one lessons. Whether a beginner or skilled and experienced, Orion’s team of expert fencing coaches are dedicated to helping you achieve your next-level goals!

Why take up fencing? It’s cool, it’s fun, it’s a great arena for growth. Fencing helps hone skills necessary for a successful life. In a sport where only one person comes out a “winner” by Orion’s standards, all progress is a “win.” Head coach and founder, Justin Meehan relates, “It’s not about 1st Prize, it’s about getting better.” The club has plenty of openings for new students and invites all para-athletes as well. Orion recently

Orion Fencing is “dedicated to creating fencing at the base level for everybody in Southwest Washington who wants to fence.” In addition, Orion’s ultimate wish is to see varsity fencing programs in all 16 competing high schools of the Greater St. Helens Sports League. “We train teachers to be fencing coaches,” and “we will do everything in our power to help you start a club and help it grow,” promises Orion Fencing. Teacher’s students will also receive free instruction!

Orion Fencing Club is located at 13504 NE 84th St., Suite 109 in Vancouver. For additional information visit orionfencing.org, call (360)254-5999 or email info@orionfencing.org.

Fencing is for Everyone.

Battle Ground’s No.1 Cheerleader

Battle Ground RN dedicated to care for her community

By Olive Gallagher, Contributing Writer

Among the “unsung” heroes who serve us every day, there are those who devote their time caring for others. This special group, that provides attention and support during some of the scariest, most painful days and nights of our lives, possesses a magical mix of talent, determination, and patience, along with the uncanny ability to provide tender, quiet comfort.

Bev Jones, who today labels herself as a “self-delegated cheerleader of Battle Ground,” is one of those heroes and readily acknowledges she knew she wanted to be a nurse from an early age. Having retired a year ago, her 43-year career caring for others was inspired by the examples set by her parents, who “walked their talk” as they contributed their time and talent to community service.

Born in Tillamook, Oregon, and raised in nearby Beaver, Bev was the youngest of six with the eldest brother being 21 years older. One sister, who had become a nurse, was an additional inspiration for her, and so, after graduating from OHSU School of Nursing, she had a clear vision of working in a critical care unit but was initially assigned to general care.

However, when the opportunity came along to join the Oregon Burn Center, she grabbed the opportunity. Ever prepared for the chance to learn and grow, Bev remained in that unit for five years and discovered she had acquired a new “family” unit with her colleagues. Those intense hours of working together under such critical conditions forged bonds that remain to this day.

Bev then worked in Hawaii for a year followed by traveling around Europe for three months. Upon returning to the states, she joined the Trauma Nursing team at Emanuel Hospital where she worked for many years, including being a part of the Mobile Surgical Transport Team. She also spent 10 years as an Organ Donation Coordinator for the State of Oregon Pacific NW Transplant Bank.

Married for 18 years to Ken Steinke, a food safety inspector who had two children when they met, the couple now lives next door to Ken’s son, Patrick, while Ken’s daughter, Heather, lives with them. In her rare, free moments, Bev loves to travel around in their little British sports car.

Bev has always seen her work as being part of and giving back to the community and helping it succeed. Her current involvements are many, including being a member of the Battle Ground Lions Club. Her personal motto is “NO Kid Hungry” and that commitment drives her ongoing support of the North County Community Food Bank.

She tirelessly volunteers for the School District’s Family Resource Program, especially with the Clothes Closet. You’ll never know where she will show up volunteering: for the free clinic at Battle Ground HealthCare, at the city park, or the senior luncheons, but one thing remains constant: Her efforts in the community bring her unlimited joy.

ABOVE: Bev Jones helps plant the formal rose garden in Battle Ground Central Park.

LEFT: Bev donates blood during a local blood drive.

FAR LEFT: Bev Jones and her husband, Ken Steinke.

Ron Nevison Legendary

Music Producer and Sound Engineer

By Dennis McNabb, Contributing Writer

With a career spanning nearly 5 decades, he is one of the most distinguished record producers/audio engineers to ever spin the knobs. And he lives right here in the Pacific Northwest!

From a young age, Ron Nevison had an innate fascination with both music and electronics, a fortuitous combination he would soon learn. He was the kid in school who had his nose perpetually buried between the pages of Popular Electronics and was constantly frequenting Radio Shack for parts to build radios. While he initially sang in the school choir and a variety of doo-wop bands, hoping to break into the business as a performer, his first gig was with Festival Group Sound, traveling with bands on tour, driving truck, hauling gear, etc. Recognized for his strong work ethic, organizational skills, and extensive knowledge of electronics, however, he was quickly moved over to the arena of sound mixing where his strengths could be better utilized.

Over the course of just a few years, Ron earned a reputation for being one of the prominent “sound men” in the business, making some of the biggest acts of the time (Jefferson Airplane, Traffic, and Derek and the Dominos) sound absolutely incredible live. That said, while he was in high demand, his ultimate goal was to work in the studio. An auspicious meeting

with Chris Blackwell, founding owner of Island Records, secured an opportunity for him, and a month later Ron was living in London. His first job as a sound engineer was working on The Who’s seminal double album, “Quadrophenia”. It was a massive undertaking: a year-long project that required extensive use of sound effects (which all had to be collected manually at the time) and a trial-by-fire learning experience for Ron. But it was one of the most memorable of his career. Ron stated that Pete Townsend was a brilliant and generous man, and a real mentor for the fledgling engineer.

Over the next 4 decades, Ron earned his place among the upper echelon of recording engineers and producers by working with some of music’s most popular acts while putting out some of their best-selling albums. Led Zeppelin, Bad Company, The Rolling Stones, Heart, Chicago, Meat Loaf, Ozzy Osbourne, KISS, Europe; the list goes on and on. Highlights of his career include many of the record industry’s highest distinctions, including being recognized by Billboard Magazine as one of their “Top-5 Producers of the Year” four separate times, garnering countless Grammynominated and winning hit singles and albums, and producing a host of Multi-Platinum and Gold-selling albums.

And he’s still at it! These days Ron can still be hired to produce and engineer albums through SoundBetter, the world’s leading music production marketplace. Interested in working with one of the all-time greats for your next musical project? Hop on SoundBetter.com and check out Ron’s profile. He’s local. He’s one of the coolest, most low-key, easy-going guys you’ll ever meet, and he has a track record that’s hard to beat!

Roger Daltrey, Keith Moon and & Ron Nevison Rampart Studios, 1973

Ron Nevison

KISS “Crazy Nights”, 1987

The Who “Quadrophenia”, 1973 UFO “Strangers in the Night”, 1979

Ozzy Osbourne “The Ultimate Sin”, 1986

BILL BIXBY The INCREDIBLE HULK & MORE

By David Grove, Contributing Writer

Although actor Bill Bixby certainly played many different types of characters throughout his nearly 32-year television acting career, the essential Bill Bixby television persona is that of an everyman who makes the fantastical seem plausible.

Bill’s career breakthrough in Hollywood came in 1962 when he landed a starring role in the science-fiction television sitcom “My Favorite Martian,” which aired on CBS between 1963 and 1966 over three seasons. In “My Favorite Martian,” Bill plays Tim O’Hara, an eager young newspaper reporter who, in the show’s pilot episode, discovers a crashed spaceship and its Martian pilot, a Mars-based anthropologist played by Ray Walston. “Growing up in the 1960s, I was a big fan of “My Favorite Martian,” and a lot of the show’s appeal, for me, had to do with the impact that Bill made as an everyman,” says magician David Copperfield. “We dreamed, and experienced a sense of awe and wonder, through Bill’s eyes. As an actor, Bill was the man who experienced, and observed, crazy and impossible things. He was relatable. Bill played us.”

In the NBC television series “The Magician,” which aired between 1973 and 1974 for one season, Bill plays Anthony (Tony) Blake, a famous jet-setting stage illusionist who uses his performing skills to solve crimes. Bill himself

was a competent amateur magician. “I think that Bill was underrated as a performer, both as an actor and as a magician,” says Copperfield, who appeared alongside Bill in Copperfield’s 1979 CBS television special, “The Magic of David Copperfield II,” which Bill hosted. “I think that Bill was better than most, if not all, actors who performed magic on television. Bill was cool. He very much acted like, and certainly looked like, a real magician. Again, I found Bill to be so believable and relatable. With “The Magician,” I believed that Bill, playing a magician, knew what he was doing.”

Of course Bill is best remembered–largely due to the proliferation of the Marvel Cinematic Universe–for the Marvel Comics-based television series “The Incredible Hulk,” which aired on CBS between 1977 and 1982 over five seasons.

In “The Incredible Hulk,” Bill plays Dr. David Banner, a brilliant scientist who becomes a fugitive after a cell-altering process causes him to transform into the show’s titular monstrous green being, played by Lou Ferrigno, whenever Banner experiences great anger or stress. “[Bill] was my first, and only, choice for David Banner,” said Kenneth Johnson, the show’s creator and executive producer. “The network [was] very happy that I convinced Bill to come aboard. He was just terrific as David Banner.”

Following the end of the series, Bill and Ferrigno reprised their roles from the series in the 1988 NBC made-fortelevision film “The Incredible Hulk Returns,” followed by the films “The Trial of the Incredible Hulk” (1989) and “The Death of the Incredible Hulk,” both of which were directed by Bill. “Bill took me under his wing and taught me a lot,” said Ferrigno. “He was the first star [whom] I ever met. Bill was very genuine, quick, witty. I remember being so proud when Bill said to me: ‘Your character has connected with the public.’”

Born and raised in the bustling city of San Francisco, California, actor Bill Bixby, best remembered for the television series “The Incredible Hulk,” nonetheless discovered and fell in love with the outdoor lifestyle at an early age.

Throughout his childhood and teenage years, Bill spent many summers vacationing with his parents in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, specifically within the range’s Cisco Grove region, where Bill’s mother’s family owned an acreage

compound. Between 1955 and 1957, Bill spent much of his summers working as a bellhop and fledgling entertainment organizer at the Jackson Lake Lodge in remote northwestern Wyoming.

In July 1971, as a wedding present to his first wife, actress Brenda Benet, Bill purchased 110 acres of land alongside the beautiful McKenzie River in Lane County, Oregon. Bill’s ranch, which was known as the Hidden Valley Ranch, served as his primary vacation home and sanctuary throughout the rest of his career and life.

Whenever Bill visited Oregon, he stayed at the property’s main house, which could accommodate four people and offered a clear view of the surrounding McKenzie River Valley. Off to the west, there was Finn Creek, which ran behind the property’s barn and slaughter house.

To manage the property, the land and ranch, Bill selected his beloved maternal aunt, Ellen Hayes, who lived in Oregon until her death in 1997, and her husband, Ernest Hayes, who died in Oregon in 1986. “They [Ellen and Ernest] did a fair job of buying and registering cattle and maintaining the buildings and land,” said Ellen’s son, John Schubert, who died in June 2022. “Financially, the ranch wasn’t profitable, self-sufficient, nor would I say that it was a money pit. Bill loved the ranch. He needed someone to manage the ranch, and he was very happy with how [Ernest] and Mom took care of the property while Bill was in California.”

Diagnosed with cancer, Bill made his last visit to the beautiful Hidden Valley Ranch in Oregon, where he celebrated Christmas with family, including his Aunt Ellen and mother Jane. Bill died on November 21, 1993, in California, at the age of 59.

Lou Ferrigno & Bill Bixby in The Incredible Hulk November 4, 1977 –May 12, 1982

Bill Bixby & Ray Walston in My Favorite Martian September 29, 1963 – May 1, 1966

Bill Bixby as Tony Blake in The Magician March 17, 1973 – April 15, 1974

Southwest Washington Women in Business

Stefanie Draper BAILEYMAY’S BOUTIQUE

513 E. Main St., Battle Ground, WA 541.490.1825

baileymaysboutique@gmail.com

www.baileymaysboutique.com

Starting a boutique has always been a dream of mine, and Baileymay’s is named after my 12-year-old corgi. Established in 2021, I take pride in selling the best quality clothing for women. Baileymay’s has comfy shoes, trendy boots, jeans for all occasions, top quality dresses, cozy sweaters, and affordable coats & jackets to top it off. I strive to bring a one-of-a-kind shopping experience to my customers instore & online by keeping inventory unique & constantly changing. I’m located inside of Finishing Touch in Battle Ground.

Lisa Houser

UTOPIA SALON

1503 NE 78th St. #2, Vancouver, WA 360.573.4806

info.utopiasalon@gmail.com

www.theutopiasalon.com

We are an award-winning full-service hair salon specializing in color correction and trends since 2004. We have been named a Top 200 salon in the country as well as one of the top in Clark County. We are also a proud member of Intercoiffure America Canada. Our Mission Statement is: Utopia salon is committed to providing all guests quality service and expert skills. Our goal is to exceed expectations by listening, advising, and educating clients in achieving and maintaining their image, while enhancing their inner beauty. We are committed to giving back to and improving our community.

Tina Vlachos

TINA VLACHOS AGENCY LLC, AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE

3069 NE 63rd Place, Vancouer 360.952.3773

tvlachos@amfam.com

www.tinavlachos.com

I have 17 years’ experience as an agency owner with American Family Insurance, where we specialize in Auto, Home, Commercial and Life insurance. My job is to educate my consumer on insurance policy, while protecting their dreams and greatest assets. I’m local and hands-on involved within the community, where I give back and invest my resources back into Clark County and surrounding areas, which is part of my many successes.

Shawna Risner

PRAIRIE TAVERN

14925 NE Caples Rd., Brush Prairie, WA 360.892.6313

theprairietavern@gmail.com

www.theprairietavern.com

Prairie Tavern is a woman-owned business with over 55,000 guests served in 2022. We have 18 taps, 17 big screens, a party room with a 16-foot projection screen, and can accommodate 100+ guests of all ages. PT is perfect for your mid-week family hangout, weekend date night or Sunday morning recuperation – try the breakfast pizza and $6 double Bloody Mary! High school reunions, baby showers, retirements, you name it...they’re all a hit here. Book our party room at no charge before May when high school reunion season starts filling our weekends up. We are a proud supporter of Rocksolid Teen Center and other causes in our local community.

Stacey L. Johnson

YOUR INSURANCE GAL AGENCY

113 NE 92nd Ave., Vancouver, WA 360.771.1155

stacey@yourinsurancegal.com

www.YourInsuranceGal.com

Your Insurance Gal Agency was born out of a desire to help retirees sort out the myriad Medicare options and to cut through the confusion. We help people enroll on the insurance plan that suits their needs and budget, whether just starting on Medicare or desiring to change their Medicare plan. Prior to and during the Annual Enrollment period in the fall, we meet with clients to assist in this process. We also offer complementary products (dental, vision, long-term care, life insurance). Supplemental insurance adds another layer of protection and helps with out-of-pocket costs (deductibles, copays). Finally, throughout the year, we assist with questions & problems as they arise either personally or connecting folks with the appropriate help. We are there for our clients!

“I NEVER DREAMT OF SUCCESS. I WORKED FOR IT.”

ESTÉE LAUDER

Southwest Washington Women in Business

Stefanie Draper

BAILEYMAY’S BOUTIQUE

513 E. Main St., Battle Ground, WA 541.490.1825

baileymaysboutique@gmail.com

www.baileymaysboutique.com

Starting a boutique has always been a dream of mine, and Baileymay’s is named after my 12-year-old corgi. Established in 2021, I take pride in selling the best quality clothing for women. Baileymay’s has comfy shoes, trendy boots, jeans for all occasions, top quality dresses, cozy sweaters, and affordable coats & jackets to top it off. I strive to bring a one-of-a-kind shopping experience to my customers instore & online by keeping inventory unique & constantly changing. I’m located inside of Finishing Touch in Battle Ground.

Lisa Houser

UTOPIA SALON

1503 NE 78th St. #2, Vancouver, WA 360.573.4806

info.utopiasalon@gmail.com

www.theutopiasalon.com

We are an award-winning full-service hair salon specializing in color correction and trends since 2004. We have been named a Top 200 salon in the country as well as one of the top in Clark County. We are also a proud member of Intercoiffure America Canada. Our Mission Statement is: Utopia salon is committed to providing all guests quality service and expert skills. Our goal is to exceed expectations by listening, advising, and educating clients in achieving and maintaining their image, while enhancing their inner beauty. We are committed to giving back to and improving our community.

Tina Vlachos

TINA VLACHOS AGENCY LLC, AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE

3069 NE 63rd Place, Vancouer 360.952.3773

tvlachos@amfam.com

www.tinavlachos.com

I have 17 years’ experience as an agency owner with American Family Insurance, where we specialize in Auto, Home, Commercial and Life insurance. My job is to educate my consumer on insurance policy, while protecting their dreams and greatest assets. I’m local and hands-on involved within the community, where I give back and invest my resources back into Clark County and surrounding areas, which is part of my many successes.

Shawna Risner

PRAIRIE TAVERN

14925 NE Caples Rd., Brush Prairie, WA 360.892.6313

theprairietavern@gmail.com

www.theprairietavern.com

Prairie Tavern is a woman-owned business with over 55,000 guests served in 2022. We have 18 taps, 17 big screens, a party room with a 16-foot projection screen, and can accommodate 100+ guests of all ages. PT is perfect for your mid-week family hangout, weekend date night or Sunday morning recuperation – try the breakfast pizza and $6 double Bloody Mary! High school reunions, baby showers, retirements, you name it...they’re all a hit here. Book our party room at no charge before May when high school reunion season starts filling our weekends up. We are a proud supporter of Rocksolid Teen Center and other causes in our local community.

Stacey L. Johnson

YOUR INSURANCE GAL AGENCY

113 NE 92nd Ave., Vancouver, WA 360.771.1155

stacey@yourinsurancegal.com

www.YourInsuranceGal.com

Your Insurance Gal Agency was born out of a desire to help retirees sort out the myriad Medicare options and to cut through the confusion. We help people enroll on the insurance plan that suits their needs and budget, whether just starting on Medicare or desiring to change their Medicare plan. Prior to and during the Annual Enrollment period in the fall, we meet with clients to assist in this process. We also offer complementary products (dental, vision, long-term care, life insurance). Supplemental insurance adds another layer of protection and helps with out-of-pocket costs (deductibles, copays). Finally, throughout the year, we assist with questions & problems as they arise either personally or connecting folks with the appropriate help. We are there for our clients!

“I NEVER DREAMT OF SUCCESS. I WORKED FOR IT.” ESTÉE LAUDER

Easter History: Hares, Eggs, & Candy

By Donovan Darling, Staff Writer

Easter is about rebirth, renewal, and fertility. This is evident in symbols like the Easter bunny and Easter eggs, which eventually led to chocolate eggs, marshmallow Peeps, and the second best-selling candy holiday in America! Let’s take a quick look at how Easter has changed over the years.

Easter Bunny

According to legend, the Easter bunny first came to 1700s America with German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania and brought along their tradition of an egg-laying rabbit called “Osterhase” or “Oschter Haws.” Children made outdoor nests so this curious creature could lay its colored eggs. Eventually, the tradition spread across the country, and the fabled hare’s Easter morning goodies would eventually include chocolate, candy, and gifts, while colorful baskets would replace the nests. Much like milk and cookies left out for Santa, children would often leave out carrots in case the Easter bunny got hungry from all his hopping!

Easter Eggs

From a Christian perspective, eggs were handed out during Easter service in early Orthodox churches, with the hard shell representing the sealed tomb and the cracking of the egg representing the resurrection. One explanation is that eggs used to be forbidden during Lent, so Christians would paint and decorate them to mark the end of the period of penance and fasting, then eat them on Easter as a celebration. The origin of dyeing Easter eggs is less clear, beginning anywhere from 13th century Europe or all the way back to ancient Mesopotamia. It’s rumored the early Christians of Mesopotamia dyed eggs using red to represent the blood shed on the cross. Later, missionaries may have painted biblical scenes on eggs and used them to explain the story of Easter to children.

Easter Candy

Fast forward to the 19th century, when European chocolatiers began making chocolate eggs to celebrate Easter. Nowadays, Easter is the second best-selling candy holiday in America after Halloween. The largest Easter egg ever made was over 25 feet high and weighed over 8,000 pounds, made from chocolate and marshmallow, and supported by an internal steel frame. Another egg-shaped candy is the jelly bean, first popular for Easter back in the 1930s. Over 16 billion jelly beans are made in the U.S. each year for Easter. Over the last decade, the marshmallow Peep has been the best-selling non-chocolate Easter candy. Created in the 1950s, the original Peeps were handmade, yellow marshmallow chicks, and other flavors and shapes were introduced later, including chocolate mousse bunnies!

info from history.com