Evergreen Community Advantage Magazine August 2023

Rain or Shine, They’ve Got You Covered!

30 years of patio cover experience

By Dennis McNabb, Staff Writer

Many of us living in the Pacific Northwest share a common passion: the love of the Great Outdoors!

Lush greenery, majestic mountains, crystalline rivers; the gorgeous views, even from some of our homes, are truly awe-inspiring. Now imagine having the ability to enjoy those views year-round, not from the confines of your stuffy living room, but from your beautifullydesigned, custom-built outdoor living space. Pioneer Patio Covers & Decks turns that dream into a reality!

With almost 30 years of experience and expertise in the industry, owners Robert and Jennifer Holbrook are quite simply the best in the business. It’s a point of pride, having both been born and raised in Vancouver, that they can stand behind their products and craftsmanship while servicing friends and neighbors. Their impeccable reputation in the industry has been hard won, and is a reflection of their absolute commitment and dedication to excellence.

Combining their strengths to form quite the dynamic duo, Jennifer comes from a business and marketing background while Robert grew up in construction. In fact, his father, Bob, co-owned and operated a local company, Spacemaster Construction, and that’s where Robert gained his passion for this kind of work. Robert went on to spend time in the Army

and as a practical nurse, but nothing provided the level of gratification he received from working outdoors with his hands. After purchasing their first new home, he built a deck, patio cover, and fence, and his neighbors were so impressed they hired him to do theirs. That planted the seed and word spread quickly.

Pioneer Patio Covers & Decks was born!

Now, all these years later, they couldn’t be happier with the business they’ve built. They can design and construct everything from the simplest of decks, to the most innovative, elaborate, and expansive deck and patio cover systems, transforming any outdoor space into a beautifully-integrated, comfortable, year-round sanctuary. These systems both match and enhance the look of your home, and add great value. In particular, their Acrylite Patio Covers are boasted as the only system available which keeps the weather out while still allowing the light to pass through.

Of course, no business can succeed without the support of a dedicated staff, and Robert and Jennifer are truly grateful for theirs. Their six craftsmen: Rikki, Charley, John, Patrick, Matt and Josh are the gears that keep the machine rolling. These guys have been with them for an average of 15 years each — a true rarity in this business, and Robert and Jennifer recognize they couldn’t do it without them.

Specializing in Acrylite Patio Cover Systems, custom patio covers and custom decks, they do the best work in town. Don’t go another season looking dejectedly out your living room windows! Call Pioneer Patio Covers & Decks today at 360-574-9085, and let them help you to create the outdoor living space you’ve always dreamed of!

Pioneer Patio Covers & Decks is located at 11318 NE Highway 99 in Vancouver. Give them a ring at 360-5749085, or visit their website at pioneerpatiocovers.com.

Photos by Shonda Feather

Keeping It 100

Real estate agent gives back with nonprofit

basketball coach) Al Aldridge led the band to win at numerous jazz festivals. This led to a European tour, playing two of the largest jazz festivals in the world, North Sea in Holland and Montreux in Switzerland.

After earning a bachelor’s in communications from Central Washington University, Eric, an aspiring sports broadcaster, embarked on a career requiring continual moves from market to market. Married with one small child and a mortgage, Eric decided “to make an adult decision” and move to the advertising/sales side of radio and TV.

That choice was golden. Eric discovered his knack for building relationships and communicating in person and by microphone. In 2000, Eric moved back to Vancouver and took on a new career as a loan officer with Capstone Home Loans. In 2009, after significant changes in the mortgage landscape, he joined BBSI’s corporate office in Vancouver, working for the original founder, CEO/Chairman of the Board Bill Sheretz. That position allowed him to continue to grow solid relationships in the community. Then, in 2021, Eric made another transition away from BBSI, returning to real estate, this time as an agent with Windermere Northwest Living and the Elevate Group.

In 2017, Eric experienced a remarkable moment. While waiting at The Heathman for a meeting with a client who was late, he bumped into Erin Stepanek, an employee there, who told him about a meeting that had happened the night before: the first meeting of 100 Women Who Care. He asked Erin if there was a like men’s group. When she answered “No,” he replied, “Well, then I’m starting it!” A few months later, he was invited by 100 Women founder Kathryn Morris, to join them at their quarterly meeting. He was blown away.

By Olive Gallagher, Contributing Writer

Adaptability. Deep faith. Positivity. Common qualities found in many uncommon heroes, quietly going about their lives. Like Eric Sawyer. Born in Phoenix, Arizona, he and his family moved to California when he was a baby and eventually settled in Hockinson, Washington. Brought up observing a mother who gave back to others, Eric claims his mom inspired him with her optimism and ability to positively deal with change, teaching him, “If you want something bad enough, you’ll find a way. If you don’t, you find an excuse.”

A solid student and enthusiastic football and baseball player, Eric also played drums in the band, and graduated from Prairie High School in 1989. Legendary band director (and girls

To get started creating this Clark County organization, he called on key relationships, recruiting Monte Phillips as his first Board member, then Brady Willkerson, general manager of The Heathman, and Don Stanton, CFO of The Heathman. Max Ault, Marc Neidlinger, and Henri Morreau were added, too. Together, they created the nonprofit and were off and running. By 2018, the organization had 126 members and this past year, membership approached 175. The business model is simple and productive. Each member pays a quarterly amount of $110; $100 goes into the pot and $10 covers administration costs and hospitality at The Heathman. Every quarter, at an in-person, evening event, three Clark County nonprofits present their mission, vision and impact to membership, who then vote. The two runner-up nonprofits each receive $1,000. The winner gets the remainder. This past quarter, the winner received $14,000. To date 100 Men has donated $300,000 back into the nonprofit community in Clark County.

For more information on 100 Men Who Care, please call Eric at (360) 521-8877 or visit www.100mencc.com.

We are a family-owned small business, serving Clark County since 1997. Our wonderful staff sets us apart from the rest, always striving to offer the best quality service and furniture.

No Job Too Small!

Local handyman services you can count on

They strive to meet each project’s requirements while saving their customers time and money.

I’m On It Handyman tackles larger jobs too. Many remodel projects can be handled by this team of experts as well. They do kitchen and bath remodels and pretty much any other interior/exterior remodeling needed. If it’s windows, doors, or siding you’re looking for, I’m On It Handyman’s owner, Jordan Olin, is happy to help you out through his other company — EcoView Windows, Doors, and Siding.

“We communicate every step of the way,” Jordan says. Prompt service and excellent communication are standard practices for this business. Customers receive a full consultation to explain all available options, then choose the repair service that’s best suited for their home, business, or budget. “With small jobs we charge a flat rate,” Jordan explains. “We show up and get the job done.” For

By Patti Jo Brooks, Contributing Writer

All of us have that list of home repairs we’ll get to when we get to. The leaky faucet, the gutters that flow like a waterfall every time it rains or the corner desk we ordered six months ago that’s still in pieces in the box it was shipped in. You’ve been slammed at work, busy with the kids, lack the know-how or would just rather read a book. No worries. I’m On It Handyman, your local small job specialist, is happy to step in and help you out. Real estate and home inspection repair services are also a specialty of I’m On It Handyman. Just give them the list and they’ll take care of any minor repairs including drywall, painting and other miscellaneous items.

Have a clogged drain? Torn window screen? Jobs like these can be tedious and time consuming for an average homeowner, but I’m On It Handyman will get right on it! A fully-vetted crew of only the most qualified and experienced professionals is standing by, ready to take on all those small tasks with skill and expertise. Many other professional outfits just won’t bother with the small stuff. I’m On It Handyman’s highest priority is you, the customer. They offer professional, skilled work at a fair price and are dedicated to getting the job done right the first time.

larger jobs estimates are free and include a detailed scope of the work to be done as well as a written report with a breakdown of cost and time estimates. Customers receive reminders of scheduled services via text or email and workers show up within the agreed timeframe. All work comes with a 100% Satisfaction

Photos by Hayley Starkey

Guarantee and complete documentation is provided for the customer, should they wish to submit an insurance claim.

I’m On It Handyman also provides countless other services such as furniture assembly. “We love building things,” they admit. Desks, shelving units, playground equipment, trampolines and more are all in their wheelhouse. Need a flatscreen mounted? No problem. How about cleaning out that dryer vent? Or ask about their Service Agreement that takes the hassle out of routine maintenance and includes a yearly home inspection at no extra charge. As Jordan says, “If you need local handyman services – I’m On It!”

Founded with a passion for helping people, Jordan started I’m On It Handyman about two years ago to meet all your repair and remodeling needs. A 3rd generation builder, Jordan has over

He grew

CAMPUS COMEDY

CAMPUS COMEDY

“National Lampoon’s Animal House” and its Oregon roots

After initial overtures to the University of Missouri were rejected, Universal Studios approached the University of Oregon, who agreed to permit filming on the campus for $20,000 and an agreement that the university not be identified in the movie. Universal also negotiated deals to use the houses of two fraternities located just off campus on the 700 block of East 11th Avenue. The Delta fraternity house was set in the Eugene Halfway House located between the two fraternities. The city of Cottage Grove, twenty miles south of Eugene, also got in on the fun. City officials agreed to close down Main Street for three days for the filming of the movie’s dramatic homecoming parade scene.

By Robert Matsumura, Contributing Writer

If you’ve ever wondered how the song “Shout” became a wildly popular tradition at University of Oregon football games, one need only watch “National Lampoon’s Animal House” to see the tie-in. But what does this outrageous comedic classic from the 1970s have to do with U of O? Unbeknownst to many people today, the movie starring Jim Belushi of “Saturday Night Live” fame was shot primarily on the U of O campus.

In the fall of 1977 the producers of “Animal House,” a movie that was to become one of the most successful American film comedies of all time — were searching for a college campus as the setting for their story about the scandalous Delta Tau Chi fraternity and the madcap chaos it wreaked on fictional Faber College.

In October of 1977 the cast and crew arrived in the area, settling at the Rodeway Inn in nearby Springfield. The movie was a showcase for Belushi, who had recently risen to fame due to “Saturday Night Live,” and featured Donald Sutherland as well, who played the role of an English professor on campus. “Animal House” was also the film debut for Kevin Bacon and Karen Allen, both of whom went on to enjoy major success in numerous hit movies. In addition to these famous Hollywood names, Tom Hulce (of “Amadeus” fame) and Tim Matheson (of the ’60s “Johnny Quest” series, and more recently, “The West Wing”) also played minor roles. Behind the scenes, “Animal House” was the first major Hollywood movie for director John Landis, who subsequently brought hit movies such as “Trading Places,” “The Blues Brothers,” “An American Werewolf in London,” and others to the big screen.

Auditions for extras were held on the U of O campus, and 150 men and 50 women were chosen to appear in the film. The students were paid $2.30 an hour, and the male extras were instructed to have their hair cut in the style of college students from 1962. Filming of the movie commenced on October 24 at the Sigma Nu house, where the majority of interior shots of the fictitious Delta house were taken. U of O President Boyd’s office was used for that of Dean Wormer, the enemy of the Deltas. The Dexter Lake Club, located 20 miles east of Eugene, served as the locale for the movie’s “road trip” scene, where the Deltas take their dates to hear their favorite R&B band called Otis Day and the Knights.

During his off hours Belushi befriended Portland blues legend Curtis Salgado, who helped fuel Belushi’s passion for the blues, which in turn led to the subsequent movie, “The Blues Brothers,” starring both Belushi and Dan Akroyd. While filming “Animal House,” Belushi and his wife, Judy, also had dinner with Oregon author Ken Kesey (“One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”) at his home in nearby Pleasant Hill.

“National Lampoon’s Animal House” premiered in New York

City on July 24, 1978, and in Portland in August of the same year, with many of the movie’s extras in attendance. The movie was the second most popular film in 1978 and a remarkable financial success. Produced for under $3 million, “Animal House” grossed $140 million in the U.S. and Canada. So successful was “Animal House” that it spawned a whole genre of zany, overthe-top comedies focused on younger audiences. Aside from one’s cinematic preferences, “Animal House” ranked 36th on the

American Film Institute’s list of the hundred greatest film comedies of all time. In 2001, the Library of Congress selected it for preservation in the National Film Registry.

Although “Delta House” was torn down in 1986 and replaced by another building, a bronze plaque still marks the site for posterity. The old Sigma Nu house still stands. The building is now home to the Northwest Christian University’s School of Professional Studies, but if you peer through the front door you can still see the stairwell where Belushi’s character, Bluto, bashed a hole in the wall with the guitar of a student playing folk music.

Despite the fact that the University of Oregon initially attempted to downplay its involvement

in the movie, “Animal House” has actually become a part of U of O’s popular culture and is even marketed as a feature of the school’s identity. Locations from the movie are pointed out on campus tours, and Otis Day and the Knight’s version of “Shout” is belted out by the audience at Duck football games. To this day, people in both Eugene, and Cottage Grove, take great pride in their town’s participation in this American comedy classic.

So, the next time you witness Duck fans singing “Shout” at a U of O football game, or happen to watch “Animal House” on television, know that this wild, raucous and influential movie was filmed close to home, right here in the state of Oregon in the southern Willamette Valley.

Southwest Washington

Julie Williams

HOME INSTEAD

1412 N.E. 134th St. #150, Vancouver 360.253.6028

julie.williams@homeinstead.com www.homeinstead.com/436

Michelle Smith HAUTE MADRE

602 E. Main St. #102, Battle Ground 360.342.8327

michelle@hautemadre.com www.hautemadre.com

A caregiver made me do it! I was in the financial world before coming to home care. My job in 2005 brought me to Omaha, where I was fortunate enough to attend a caregiver celebration dinner with the Home Instead network. They honored a caregiver for the work she did, the relationships she built and the impact she had on her clients’ lives. I was blown away! There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. My hands stung from clapping so hard. It was at that moment when I said, “I want to do this, I want to make an impact like that!” One year later, I was in business! It’s been seventeen years and I have never looked back. Caregivers are my heroes and my teachers; their hearts guide my business. I feel so fortunate to be in this field, in this community, working with amazing health care providers and caring for our wonderful seniors.

Growing up, I LOATHED thrifting. My mom, aka the Queen of garage sales and Goodwill, dragged me and my brothers around in search of the perfect “Thrift High.” Little did I know that little seed of thrift would grow to be a passion I crave daily. Haute Madre is not your momma’s thrift shop. She is a curated style experience that, in one visit, will instantly have you hooked. Far more than a bargain bin filled with forgotten treasures, she is a vibe, a feeling, A NEED! Whether you are on the hunt for the perfect pair of jeans or looking to recycle your shorts that no longer fit from last summer (we’ve all been there), Haute Madre will scratch that itch. We are a modern resale boutique that specializes in women’s fun, fresh fashion. We carry tween sizes thru plus with a sprinkle of maternity. If you’re a thrift queen or simply interested in experiencing the thrill of the thrift, then Haute Madre is the place for you!

3602 N.W. 119th St. #100, Vancouver 971.219.0763

stacey@corkandbubbles.com www.corkandbubbles.com

Cheers, wine & bubbly friends! My name is Stacey Medak, the owner of Cork & Bubbles, a new and unique wine and champagne bar. I wanted to bring some bubbly to the Felida neighborhood and share new experiences with sparkling wine. I am one to always try new things. I went to Sacramento, California, and tried flavored sparkling wine for the first time and fell in love! So what did I do? I decided to open an upscale wine & champagne bar that serves first-rate wine, champagne, cocktails, beer and food. Adding multiple sparkling options along with some champagne cocktails allows my customers the opportunity to try new things! It’s a great place for friends, couples, date nights, PTA meetings, teacher hangouts, celebrations, book club meetings, and so much more!

Women in Business

Jessica Colunga

PINE & MAPLE BOUTIQUE AND HOME DECOR

713 W. Main St. #107, Battle Ground 360.723.5529

pineandmapleboutique@gmail.com

pineandmapleboutique.com

Heather Erwin

LITERARY LEFTOVERS USED BOOKSTORE

813 W. Main St. #105, Battle Ground 360.342.8268

literaryleftoversusedbooks@gmail.com www.literaryleftoversbookstore.com

Bochsler

713 W. Main St. #102, Battle Ground 360.342.8183

joyfulhoneyandbeekeepingllc@gmail.com www.joyfulhoneyandbeekeeping.com

I’m a creator, designer and owner of Pine & Maple Boutique. Five years ago, a friend suggested I sell my handmade creations in a local shop. I took a chance on myself and never looked back. I opened Pine & Maple to bring the community a boutique gift shop with personality and to provide a new home for creators like me to develop their personal brand. I am so grateful that I get to do what I love, in a community I love. Most everything in my store is created and curated myself, allowing me the option to offer several custom options for you. I take a lot of pride in choosing quality unique items that are different than what you will find anywhere else. When you choose to shop in my boutique, you can be assured that each purchase is benefiting families in your community working hard to create a future all their own. Thank you so much for supporting my business and my dreams. I can’t wait to meet you.

In October 2021, I was working for Providence with no intent of owning a small business when I read Kelsey was selling the bookstore. My first thought was, “No! We cannot lose our local bookstore!” Even though I wasn’t reading much — distracted by life and my smartphone! — I was buying books for my grandson, and I adored that little store; it is one of many things that make Battle Ground so special, and we couldn’t stomach the thought of losing a 25-year-old local landmark. My husband and I prayed about it and chose to pull equity out of our house so it wouldn’t disappear. It’s been quite the journey, especially with Amazon and online retailers as competition; used bookstores are closing in droves every year across the country, but our community has been so generous that we’ve found ways to keep the doors open, and I pray we get to continue for another 25 years!

My Grandfather Dees was a beekeeper who inspired my love for beekeeping. I am the youngest of his grandchildren, so maybe that’s why I spent more time with him in his admired apiary. My husband, Mark, and I have several acres in Brush Prairie that houses our wonderful 20-plus hives and apiary. At Joyful Honey & Beekeeping Supplies, we sell supplies for home apiarists and host beekeeping classes for those wanting learn this ancient trade. We sell raw honey that is tested for pesticides and moisture. We have consignment, cups, hand towels, trinkets, books for children and shirts — everything bee — as well as honey stix and honey caramels. If you have a swarm, call me and I’ll send a beekeeper right away. Bees are in danger, and it’s up to us to have the knowledge to help them survive — in turn helping us survive!

A Shop Built on Integrity & Honesty

A local favorite for 18-plus years

explicitly on each car line. They offer oil changes, brake repairs, complete transmission services, basic tune-ups, diagnostics and general maintenance. Tony says they cover everything from bumper to bumper except tires and bodywork.

And their prices are more than reasonable! They don’t guarantee to be the cheapest place in town, but they’re always competitive, fair and honest. At Top Performance, they always tell you (and show you!) exactly what’s wrong, what it will take to fix it and how much it will cost, period. And now, for your convenience, they offer 90-day same-as-cash financing. No games, no hidden charges or fees.

Honesty and complete transparency is a major priority for Tony. He lives here in town and sees customers everywhere he goes. He has to be able to look them in the eye and know that he did right by them. So that’s what he does. He treats his customers’ vehicles as if they were his own. The crew also reflects that kind of integrity, most of whom have been with him for years — some since the beginning.

By Dennis McNabb, Staff Writer & Alice Williams, Contributing Writer

In the automotive service industry, it’s really all about integrity. There are dozens of service shops all over town. Trust is the key deciding factor in choosing a service shop for most of us. We must know that we are getting what we pay for and only paying for the services we want. In short, we need a shop built on integrity, which has made Top Performance Automotive a local favorite for over 18 years! Owner & operator Tony Martin has been in the industry for over 35 years, and there’s very little that he has not seen in that time. When he struck out on his own and founded Top Performance in 2004, he had a clear vision for the kind of business he wanted to run: one built upon a foundation of integrity, honesty, and complete transparency. In such a competitive industry, he understood those were the most basic and essential components, and not surprisingly the customers responded! Business was so good that in 2013 he outgrew his original location and built a brand new facility on 192nd Avenue, where he still runs the business today. What began as a one-person operation out of his garage has now expanded to a facility that boasts 12 service bays and as many as 19 employees, which includes someone who works

So next time you want to get some work done on your vehicle, you have a shop in town that will take care of your vehicle exactly how you want it handled: with fairness, kindness, transparency and absolute integrity. That place is Top Performance Automotive!

Top Performance Automotive is located at 2119 SE 192nd Avenue in Camas. Call them at 360-833-2281 or visit topperformanceauto.com for more information.