DEC 2024/JAN 2025
MAGA ZINES
Published by
Active Media Publishing Group
PO Box 672, Aurora, OR 97002
info@ActiveMediaUSA.com 503.825.2111
ADMINISTRATION
Matthew Nelson, Publisher Catrina Nelson, CFO
Tara Weidman, Executive Assistant
Raeann Van Arsadall, Business Development
PRODUCTION
Jeremy Okai Davis, Art Director
Donovan Darling, Creative Project Manager
Brittany Jungenberg, Director of Marketing
Kate Astle, Copyeditor
Kaity VanHoose, Social Media Manager
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Hilary Berg Sean Carver
Brittany Jungenberg Morgan King
Shawn Schmidt
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Dani DeGraw, Justin Nelson, Kaity VanHoose
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Patti Jo Brooks Olive Gallagher
Angie Helvey Lucas Holmgren
Robert Matsumura Dennis McNabb
Peter Murphy Edward Novak
Malia Riggs Kelly Romo
Gretchen Van Lente Ty Walker
Alice Williams Justin Woomer Kerry Yu
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Laurel Bice Carly Carpenter
Tyler Francke Angie Helvey
Brittany Jungenberg Malaina Kinne
Lisa Kuhlman Kara Langley
MJ Media Productions Andrew Sambuceto
Henry Schifter Hayley Starkey
ADVERTISING SPECIALISTS
Don Ormsby Bill Kistler
Stephanie Baker Peggy Jacobs
David Long Chris O’Brien
John Zobrist Brad Marti
Shelley Zeman Tina Toney
Darren Dwyer Lynnette Scott
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4 TASTE OF THE TOWN Von Ebert Taproom
BUSINESS FEATURE Muhly’s Garage Doors
COVER PHOTO BY MALAINA KINNE 8 HISTORY Winter Solstice in Culture
VON EBERT PIZZERIA & TAPROOM
Pints & Pizzas
Brewery blends craft beer with gourmet pizza pies
By Angie Helvey, Active Media
Photos by Malaina Kinne, Active Media
The Von Ebert brand has built a legacy with its awardwinning craft beers, but this locally-owned business offers much more than tasty brews. Founded in 2018 by father-son duo Tom M. Cook and Tom S. Cook, Von Ebert Brewing is named for the family matriarch, ‘Grandma Ebert.’ Her tenacious legacy and Von Ebert’s loose translation, ‘House of the Boar, ’ inspire the German-style lagers and scratch-made menu items customers know and love. Award-winning Brewmaster Sam Pecoraro runs the craft beer side, while Joe Janaszek manages the restaurant division.
with fresh toppings and every artisanal flavor combination you never knew you needed. Their thin-crust, hand-tossed pies come in three sizes, customizable for any group size and by the slice. Classic varieties like pepperoni and Hawaiian are available, as are the unique in-house creations like the Modern Marg, Chicken Bacon Ricotta and Hail the Boar, which features house-made red sauce, mozzarella, bacon, sausage and Canadian bacon.
The pizzeria has recently introduced a line of mouth-watering deep-dish pizzas that have been a massive hit among guests! Try the Chicken Bacon Ranch or the Hot Honey Ricotta Margherita, which comes with mozzarella, oregano, and red sauce and is topped with ricotta, basil, and hot honey. Happy hour is daily from 3 to 6 p.m. and offers $10 cheese and pepperoni pizzas with a $3 20 oz. Stein of Clubhouse Lager, which is by far the best deal on beer you’ll find in the Portland area.
The star of the show at Von Ebert Pizzeria & Taproom is by far the pizzas,
When visiting the taproom, you might be there for the pizza, but indulging in one of Von Ebert’s exceptional brews is hard to pass up. Premium beer is available on tap or in the can, from Italian Pilsners and American IPAs to Fresh Hop Beers and Seasonal Lagers. Their core German-style Pilsner — called Pils — is a best-seller and inspires flavors of fresh flowers, white peppercorn and lightly-toasted crackers. Kegs and growler fills are an additional option.
Von Ebert is also excited to announce that two of their alltime most popular varieties, Pils and Volatile Substance, are now for sale at Safeway and Fred Meyer. Volatile is a delicious Northwest IPA that won the gold medal for American IPA at the 2021 Great American Beer Festival and features tasting notes of smashed berry blend, sticky pine resin and sweet citrus.
The vibe at the pizzeria and taproom is fun and family-friendly. Their rockstar team includes longtenured employees like Trey, who’s been there for over ten years, and General Manager Jacob, who does a phenomenal job ensuring you get the same fantastic experience every
time you visit. The dining room is bright and open, with several TVs for watch parties, and the event
The family-owned business is thrilled to add a third taproom in Portland off Mississippi Ave, slated to open in early 2025. Von Ebert is looking forward to expanding their culinary offerings. “We have customers who’ve said we make the best New Yorkstyle pizza, and this is the only place they go in the Portland area,” says Joe. “We’re very proud of that. People often think of us as just a brewery, but we want them to know we don’t only make great beer; we also have killer pizza.”
Von Ebert Pizzeria & Taproom is located at 11800 NW Cedar Falls Dr in Portland. Please give them a call at (503) 716-8663 or visit their website at www.vonebertbrewing.com
The Magical Legend of Santa Claus
1600 years in the making
By Robert Matsumura, Active Media
As the holiday season rolls around, Santa Claus assumes center stage. But where exactly did this rotund, jovial old man in a red suit originate, and how did he become the iconic symbol of Christmas that he is today? In truth, the history of Santa Claus is a fascinating tale that intertwines folklore, legends and a sprinkle of entrepreneurial ingenuity.
Santa Claus as we know him today traces his roots back to a number of historical figures, each contributing to the contemporary version we know and love. Perhaps the earliest inspiration for Santa Claus was Saint Nicholas, a Christian bishop of the 4th century, renowned for his acts of kindness and gift-giving. In time, Saint Nicholas became the patron saint of children, sailors, merchants, archers and brewers, among others.
In the British Isles, a character known as Father Christmas emerged during the mid-17th century and was frequently depicted as a bearded man garbed in green, symbolizing the spirit of the season. By the 18th century, however, the concepts of Father Christmas and Saint Nicholas merged, resulting in a hybrid figure that blended elements from both traditions.
The American version of Santa Claus began to take shape in the 18th century. Influenced by Dutch and German settlers, the name “Santa Claus” evolved from the Dutch term “Sinterklaas.”
During this period, “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (commonly known as “The Night Before Christmas”), a poem published in 1823, played a pivotal role in shaping the modern image of Santa. This poem described Santa
as a rotund gift-giver in a red suit who utilized chimneys rather than the front door for his Christmas visits. The poem, attributed to Clement Clarke Moore, established not only Santa’s magical nighttime journey around the world delivering toys to children, but specified his vehicle of choice as a sleigh powered by eight reindeer with specific names and attributes. Also introduced in the poem was the idea of Santa monitoring children on his “naughty and nice” list and filling stockings accordingly.
The classic image of Santa Claus in a red suit with a white beard was tweaked further in the 1930s due to a marketing campaign by Coca-Cola. The company’s advertisements depicted Santa as plump, rosy-cheeked, and garbed in a red and white outfit and hat. Although Santa had been portrayed in robes of other colors prior to this marketing campaign, CocaCola’s version of Santa Claus was embraced by the popular imagination and remains the image we associate with him to this day.
As the holidays roll around, and images of Santa Claus abound, know that, like so many things in life, Santa has evolved from his ancient origins as Saint Nicholas and Father Christmas to the iconic figure of Christmas cheer crafted by an imaginative poet and creative corporate advertising. One thing is for certain, whether you’re a child or an adult, the holidays would not be the same without Santa, his reindeer and the spirit of the season that he represents to so many around the world!
The Darkest Days
How the winter solstice brings hope
By Robert Matsumura, Active Media
Every year around December 21st in the Northern Hemisphere, the winter solstice occurs, marking the shortest day and longest night of the year. Through the centuries this annual cosmic event has inspired stories, myths, and celebrations, blending elements of nature, light, and spirituality in traditions shared by numerous cultures across the globe. At the heart of these ancient rituals and festivities is the summer solstice’s association with birth and renewal, a seasonal change in nature that heralds the coming of spring and an end to the darkness of winter.
Ancient Origins: Celebrating the Sun’s Return
Before calendars and clocks were invented, people lived in accordance with the sun’s cycles. In a sun-centric world the solstice served as a pivotal marker in their agricultural, spiritual, and social lives. For many cultures, the winter solstice was viewed with trepidation — a time when the world could fall into chaos, a dark period where the sun was symbolically at its weakest — before returning to glory as the days lengthened. The summer solstice was a reminder of the sun’s return, bringing warmth, growth, and sustenance. Elaborate feasts were often held, sacred rituals performed, and fires lit to encourage the rebirth of the sun.
Northern Europe: Yule and the Norse Pantheon
One of the most famous winter solstice traditions took place in Northern Europe where ancient Germanic and Norse tribes celebrated Yule. A festival that honored the Norse gods, particularly Odin, Yule focuses upon the rebirth of the sun. Evergreens, symbolizing eternal life, were central to Yule, and homes were decorated with boughs of holly, ivy, and mistletoe — plants resistant to winter’s chill. Over time, these traditions blended with Christian customs, resulting in today’s wreaths, garlands, and Christmas trees.
Rome: Saturnalia and the Feast of Misrule
Across the Roman Empire, the solstice celebration known as Saturnalia was a time of joyous revelry. Saturnalia honored Saturn, the god of agriculture and time with festivities that flipped societal norms. During Saturnalia, carnivallike chaos reigned — slaves could become masters for a day, gambling was permitted, and everyone feasted. It was a season of merriment, gift-giving, and the relaxation of social rules. Everyone — rich and poor alike — could partake in the festivities. Saturnalia had a profound influence on later Christmas celebrations, particularly the communal feasting, exchanging of gifts, and sense of goodwill.
The British Isles: Stonehenge and the Celtic Solstice
East Asia: Dongzhi Festival and Harmony in Balance
In East Asia, the Dongzhi Festival signals the arrival of winter and the rebirth of yang energy. Dongzhi, meaning “extreme of winter,” derives from the concept of yin and yang — the cosmic balance of dark and light. While the winter solstice represents the darkest day, it also signifies the gradual rise of yang energy and the light.
In the British Isles, Stonehenge remains one of the most iconic sites associated with the winter solstice. Constructed thousands of years ago, this mysterious stone circle aligns perfectly with the solstice sunrise, drawing crowds of onlookers annually to witness the event. Though Stonehenge’s origin is unknown, it’s clear that its creators were deeply attuned to the celestial rhythms, and utilized the monument to mark important seasonal shifts.
In the Celtic world, the summer solstice was a time when the Oak King triumphed over the Holly King in their eternal battle for earth’s light. The Oak King, symbolizing the waxing sun, would begin to grow stronger with the longer days, heralding the return of spring. Rituals involved bonfires, feasts, and offerings to the gods in gratitude for the return of the light.
In China, Dongzhi is a time for family reunions and feasting on specific culinary favorites such as tangyuan — glutinous rice balls served in sweet syrup, symbolizing family unity. In southern China, dumplings are also popular and are believed to protect against the winter cold. Dongzhi is also a time for reconnecting with ancestors, and the belief is that one’s good fortune and health in the coming year depends on harmony between the living and the deceased.
Indigenous Peoples: Honoring the Dark and the Light
For many Indigenous cultures of North America, summer solstice rituals were held to celebrate the return of the sun. The Pueblo peoples celebrated Soyal with purification rituals and dances meant to awaken the sun from its winter sleep. Central to the ceremony is the creation of kachina dolls — symbolic representations of deities or spirits — that play a crucial role in the life cycle.
Far to the North, the Inuit people of Alaska and Canada honored the summer solstice with a festival called Quviasukvik, a time when families convened to share food and stories, reflect on the past and anticipate the return of the sun. As a people accustomed to harsh Arctic winters, the summer solstice indeed was cause for celebration. Longer days and the return of the sun literally represented survival in the brutal conditions of the North.
South America: Inti Raymi and the Andean Celebration
In the Southern Hemisphere, the summer solstice occurs in June. Among the Incas, Inti Raymi, the festival of the sun was held in honor of Inti, the sun god. The Incas, who revered the sun as their primary deity, performed elaborate ceremonies in honor of Inti to ensure good harvests in the coming year. At the heart of the solstice celebrations was the city of Cusco, where ritual sacrifices, offerings and dances were performed to demonstrate the people’s gratitude and reverence for the sun’s critical role in sustaining life. Modern day celebrations honoring Inti are held to this day.
The Solstice Today: A Time for Reflection and Renewal
While solstice celebrations have evolved over the centuries, themes of light, rebirth, and reflection are timeless. From spiritual gatherings to cozy times around the hearth, the winter solstice invites us to anticipate the return of the sun and all that it brings to the earth. So as the winter solstice rolls around, take a moment to slow down, reflect, and find balance, like our ancestors once did. On the darkest of days, the solstice is a celebration of endurance, hope, and abundance that light makes possible in our lives.
Requires
Why Choose Soft washing?
SOFTWASHING
TUALATIN VALLEY FIRE & RESCUE
HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS
It’s the holiday season and traditions abound. One tradition many families have is bringing a cut tree into their home and decorating it with twinkling lights and ornaments. Each year, these trees account for hundreds of fires across the nation. But keeping your tree healthy and green will help keep your holiday safe! Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue encourages you to choose a healthy tree that has been recently cut or to cut one down yourself.
Below are some tips to keep your tree merry:
å Right before placing the tree in its stand, cut about 2 inches from the base of the trunk. This helps the tree draw up water.
å Once the tree is in its stand, add water daily or as needed.
å Place the tree at least 3 feet from any heat source such as space heaters, fireplaces, heat vents, etc. Trees placed in a room where fireplaces and woodstoves are used will dry out much quicker and should be placed as far as possible from them.
å Make sure the tree doesn’t block an exit.
å Use only decorative lights that have a label of a recognized testing laboratory and make sure the bulbs, strings, and connections are not damaged or broken.
å Never use lit candles to decorate a tree.
å Check for dryness by running your hand down a branch; if the needles fall off, the tree is too dry and should be taken down and disposed of properly.
å Never burn a tree in your fireplace. The combination of dry branches, pitch, and tree oils can ignite within seconds, sending sparks and flames into the room.
å Most communities in TVF&R’s service area have a recycling program where a dry tree can be disposed of properly.
å If your choice is an artificial tree, look for the label “Fire Resistant.” This does not guarantee the tree won’t catch fire, but it indicates the tree will resist burning and should extinguish quickly.
å When it comes to brightening your home with twinkling lights, TVF&R offers the following tips:
å Only use UL-approved, low-heat lights.
å Always use outdoor lights outside and indoor lights inside.
å Never use light sets with broken sockets, frayed and/ or cracked wires, or missing sockets. Any one of these problems may cause an electrical shock or a fire.
å Prior to using a light set, place it on a non-flammable surface and plug it in for 10 to 15 minutes to check for smoking or melting.
å Lights should only be used on fresh or fire-resistant plastic trees. Never use electric lights on a metal tree as the tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights and a person touching the tree could be electrocuted.
å Fasten outdoor lights securely to exterior walls, trees, or other firm supports to protect them from wind damage. Do not use nails or tacks to hold light strings in place. Instead, use plastic light string holders or run your light strings through hooks.
å Only use outdoor-rated extension cords with outside lighting displays.
å Turn off all lights when you go to bed or leave the house. Lights can short out and start a fire.
For additional safety tips, visit www.tvfr.com.
New Garage Door Is 2024’s Best ROI
Elevate your home’s value and curb appeal with Muhly’s expertise
By Donovan Darling, Active Media
Photos by Malaina Kinne, Active Media
Investing in a garage door replacement is more valuable than ever, say the industry experts. According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2024 Cost vs. Value Report (www. costvsvalue.com), the average cost of $4,513 nationally for a new garage door returns a staggering 193% ROI (return on investment), effectively doubling the initial investment. This ROI is a significant jump from the previous year’s 103%, and once again places garage doors at the top of the list for value-added home improvements. Replacing a garage door not only enhances curb appeal but also substantially boosts resale value, making it a smart, high-ROI upgrade for homeowners. The report, which compares 23 common remodeling projects, underscores garage door
replacements as a leading investment across all U.S. regions. In fact, the return exceeded 100% nationwide, with the Pacific Northwest reaching an astounding 251%.
Choosing Muhly’s Garage Doors ensures quality, expertise and top-tier products that maximize your return. Known for reliable installations and exceptional customer service, Muhly’s helps clients increase their home’s value with highperformance, stylish garage doors tailored to individual needs. With ROI this impressive, it’s clear that Muhly’s is the go-to for those looking to enhance both their property’s aesthetics and financial return.
“No two houses are alike,” says Muhly’s Garage Doors, “and we work hard to find a solution that’s best for your house or commercial project.” Starting with a quick phone call, Muhly’s will design the project of your dreams according to your individual style and needs, for your home or your business. They are total experts when it comes to door installations, repairs, service and openers, so you can trust Muhly’s Garage Doors to get the job done.
This local Hillsboro business was founded in 1991 by Shawn Muhly and is run with the help of his family. Shawn helps customers with designing their projects; Barbie, Shawn’s wife, manages the office; son-in-law Tyler has worked as an installer since 2022; and “honorary daughter” Morgan backs up Barbie as the office assistant. Newer installer apprentice Hayden Duggan is now working on installs and repairs.
A longtime member of the community, Shawn proudly points out, “We are now doing jobs for the third generation in some families.” Every year, Muhly’s gives back to the community through donations to local school sports teams and the local 4-H groups in the area.
Military and First Responders receive discounts at Muhly’s Garage Doors as an acknowledgment and thank you for their service.
Call Muhly’s Garage Doors today at (503) 640-6084 to get your project started! Email muhlysgaragedoors.com or visit www.muhlysgaragedoors.com for more information and to view their complete product line and photo gallery.
PHOTO BY MALAINA KINNE
PHOTO
PROVIDED
Homemade Eggnog
Cheers to a classic holiday sipper
Ingredients
6 large egg yolks
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg pinch of salt
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract ground cinnamon, for topping
1/4 cup alcohol, optional (see note)
Directions
Whisk together egg yolks and sugar until light and creamy in medium bowl. In saucepan over mediumhigh heat, combine cream, milk, nutmeg and salt. Stir often until it reaches a bare simmer. Add a big spoonful of hot milk to egg mixture, whisking vigorously. Repeat, one spoonful at a time to temper eggs. Once most of hot milk has been added, pour mixture back into saucepan on stove. Whisk constantly until slightly thickened (or until 160°F) — it will thicken as it cools. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla and alcohol (if using). Pour eggnog through fine mesh strainer into pitcher; cover with plastic wrap. Chill in refrigerator. Serve with sprinkle of cinnamon. Store in fridge up to 1 week.
NOTE: If you’re adding alcohol, start with ¼ cup brandy, bourbon, rum or whiskey added at same time as vanilla, or after eggnog cools. For a thinner, completely smooth consistency, pour mixture into blender with 1 or 2 tablespoons milk; blend until smooth.
Die Hard (1988)
“Now I have a machine gun. Ho ho ho.” Yes, Die Hard is a Christmas movie and this is not up for debate — it’s objectively true. The movie takes place during a holiday office party, it has Christmas music, John’s wife is named Holly, there are presents, John wears a Santa hat, it snows. Millions of Americans watch this movie on Christmas Eve every year, and most polls skew in favor of it being a Christmas movie. So there. And with all the action, it’s one heck of a Christmas movie!
The infamous John McClane (Bruce Willis), a NYC cop, is visiting his estranged wife Holly (Bonnie Bedelia) and two daughters in LA on Christmas Eve. He joins his wife at her holiday office party when terrorists suddenly take everyone hostage, and no one else can save them but John! Also starring Alan Rickman, Paul Gleason, Willam Atherton, and more. It’s violent and exciting, funny, full of foul language, and rated R, so it’s ok for teens and adults only.
Home Alone (1990)
“Keep the change, ya filthy animal.” Probably the most iconic Christmas movie ever made, Home Alone is jam-packed full of hilarious quotes, slapstick and action, and remains an unmistakably heartwarming family movie. If you’ve lived under a rock for 35 years and don’t know, the story follows Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) who’s left home alone after his family forgets him in Chicago when they travel to Paris for Christmas. Being a bit of a black sheep and the youngest in a large family, Kevin welcomes this time alone when his wish comes true — that is, until “Wet Bandit” burglars Harry (Joe Pesci) and Marv (Daniel Stern) start scoping out his house. From there, Kevin develops an elaborate plan to defend his home while trying to remain self-sufficient without his family, learning many lessons along the way. Also starring Catherine O’Hara, John Heard, Kieran Culkin, John Candy, and more. One of my all-time favs, this is rated PG for slapstick violence and ok for older kids. And if you love this, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York is also fantastic.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
“Dear Santa Claus, How have you been? Did you have a nice summer?” A Charlie Brown Christmas is a timeless holiday movie that’s perfect for families, offering a heartwarming tale about the true meaning of Christmas. This cartoon follows Charlie Brown as he wrestles with the commercialization of the holiday season, feeling sad despite all the holiday fun happening around him. With the help of his friends and a scrawny little Christmas tree, Charlie discovers the joy and love of togetherness. What makes A Charlie Brown Christmas so special is its universality — the story is sweet and simple, with humor and themes of kindness and reflection that both kids and adults will appreciate. Also, not to be forgotten is the jazz-infused soundtrack by Vince Guaraldi Trio, which adds an extra layer of nostalgia. The movie is unrated but views like a G — wholesome enough for the whole family.
Stream these movies where available, or rent from your local movie store, library or rental kiosk.
