Happy Valley Community Advantage Magazine June 2024

Caribbean Bliss

Bistro Cubano’s Orange Shrimp Skewers Delight!

Introducing our signature dish: Caribbean Orange Shrimp Skewers. Picture succulent, seasoned prawns, grilled over an open flame to perfection, then generously brushed with our house-made tangy sweet citrus glaze. This glaze isn’t just any sauce; it’s a symphony of tropical flavors, reminiscent of the vibrant culinary tapestry of the Caribbean islands. Infused with the essence of ripe oranges and a subtle kick of heat, it’s a taste sensation that transports you to sun-kissed shores with every bite.

But this dish isn’t just about the shrimp; it’s a celebration of Caribbean cuisine and its rich history. In the Caribbean, seafood reigns supreme, and bold flavors are the norm. Drawing inspiration from this culinary heritage, we’ve crafted a dish that pays homage to the region’s abundance of seafood and tropical fruits.

Served atop a bed of fragrant saffron rice, our Caribbean Orange Shrimp Skewers are accompanied by a side of Cuban

coleslaw. Now you might wonder what sets Cuban coleslaw apart? It’s all in the dressing. Instead of the traditional mayonnaise base, we’ve elevated it with our creamy passion fruit vinaigrette, adding a refreshing twist to this classic side.

This dish isn’t just a culinary creation; it’s a labor of love that has captured the hearts and palates of our patrons. Originally introduced as a special, it quickly became a crowd favorite, selling out week after week. Such overwhelming demand led us to make it a permanent fixture on our menu, a testament to its irresistible blend of flavors and the enduring legacy of Caribbean cuisine.

And where better to savor this culinary delight than at Bistro Cubano, nestled in the heart of Oregon City? Our cozy restaurant is a local gem, known for serving up some of the finest Caribbean cuisine this side of the coast. With its warm ambiance and hospitable charm, Bistro Cubano offers more than just a meal: it’s an experience that transports you to the vibrant streets of Havana or the tranquil beaches of the Caribbean. Whether you’re a seasoned regular or a first-time visitor, our Caribbean Orange Shrimp Skewers await you, ready to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Come join us at Bistro Cubano and embark on a culinary journey like no other.

Backyard Bliss

Locally-owned company builds premium decks

By Angie Helvey, Contributing Writer

Photos provided by Grand Decks

It’s that time of year when most Oregonians have grown tired of the winter season and are ready for spring! Many residents eagerly anticipate spending leisurely afternoons outdoors. Whether it’s lounging on the backyard deck with a refreshing beverage or hosting barbecues on the patio while children frolic in the yard, creating the perfect outdoor space is a priority. Alex Saculteanu, the proprietor of Grands Decks, specializes in bringing these outdoor dreams to life, and now is the ideal time to embark on your dream project!

Alex was working for a decking company in New Jersey about 13 years ago when composite decking became popular and he realized it was the wave of the future. He started his own decking business in Jersey called the Guardian and after much success, he moved to the Pacific Northwest and opened Grand Decks six years ago.

A thoughtfully crafted deck enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home while adding value and serving as a hub for social gatherings. Grands Decks offers a range of services including the design and construction of new decks, fences, patio covers and deck resurfacing. “Customers get confused because they think resurfacing refers to sanding and resealing their current deck surface,” Alex says. “But we actually replace

the floor. Most times we can use the current foundation and framing if it’s in good condition.”

With over a decade of experience in deck construction, Alex personally oversees every project to ensure impeccable quality and attention to detail. “As the project manager, I’m hands-on at the job site nearly every day,” Alex explains. “I ensure that my team follows the plans, delivers exceptional workmanship, and provides ongoing support to our clients throughout the process.”

Collaborating closely with clients to conceptualize their projects is Alex’s passion. “Building a deck is about creating a living space,” he emphasizes. “Understanding our clients’ vision and preferences is crucial as they’ll be spending a significant amount of time on the deck. We guide them through the entire process, offering samples, color options and visual aids to help them make informed decisions.”

Grands Decks utilizes premium materials from reputable manufacturers, with Trex® being their preferred choice for composite decking. Renowned for its durability, ecofriendliness, and longevity (with a lifespan of at least 25 years), Trex® is unmatched in terms of quality and performance. “Trex® offers superior products, customer service, and warranties,” Alex attests. “Our team is extensively trained in working with Trex® and adhering to industryspecific codes to ensure flawless construction and longterm satisfaction.” Trex also offers different grades of their composite at affordable prices so there are options and customers can choose what works for their budget.

In addition to Trex’s 25-year warranty, Grands Decks stands behind its workmanship with a three-year warranty for deck resurfacing and a five-year warranty for new deck installations. Transparency and integrity are at the core of Grands Decks’ business philosophy. They never alter the agreed-upon price mid-project, even if unforeseen expenses arise.

If you’re in the market for a new deck this year, you’ll want to start the process early. “From the moment the customer signs the contract we are working on architecture, blueprints and making engineering calculations, but many projects require permits from the city and we have no control over their timeline,” Alex explains. “It’s best to start the process at the beginning of the season or even before. That way in May or June you’ll be enjoying your new deck rather than waiting several weeks to start the project.”

As a friendly, locally-owned business, Grands Decks takes pride in fostering strong relationships with clients, prioritizing open communication and resolving any issues promptly. “Our motto is ‘no problems, just work to do’,” Alex declares. “We’re committed to delivering exceptional results and ensuring our clients’ complete satisfaction.”

Please visit their website at granddecks.com for more information or to request a free estimate. Or give them a call at 503-305-3965.

Dad-ication

The history of Father’s Day

By Donovan Darling, Staff Writer

Father’s Day will be celebrated on June 16 this year. Father’s Day, a holiday celebrated around the world, is a day dedicated to honoring fathers and father figures.

The origins of Father’s Day can be traced back to the early 20th century in the United States. The holiday’s establishment is often credited to Sonora Smart Dodd, who was inspired by the newly recognized Mother’s Day. Sonora, the daughter of a Civil War veteran and single father, William Jackson Smart, wanted to honor her father’s selfless service in the war. So in 1909 she proposed the idea of Father’s Day to local ministers in Spokane, Washington, to be celebrated on June 5, her father’s birthday. However, there wasn’t enough time to prepare for the holiday that year, so the first Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910.

popular as the holiday became more mainstream and commercial.

In the mid-20th century, the roles of fatherhood began to shift, with an increasing emphasis on fathers being more involved in raising the children and doing more things around the house. This social shift could be seen in how people viewed Father’s Day as a celebration, not only of paternal authority but also of paternal love, care and nurturing.

Father’s Day gradually gained popularity, with several attempts made to establish it as a national holiday. It wasn’t until 1972 that President Richard Nixon officially recognized Father’s Day as a national holiday in the United States, to be celebrated on the third Sunday of June each year.

Throughout its history, Father’s Day underwent several transformations due to cultural, social and economic factors. Initially, it was celebrated with the simple gestures of wearing a red rose to honor a living father and a white rose to honor a deceased father. Greeting cards, often accompanied by gifts and family gatherings, became increasingly

Around the world, Father’s Day has different origins and traditions. In many countries, it’s celebrated on different dates and with varying traditions. For example, in Catholic countries like Spain and Portugal, Father’s Day is celebrated on March 19, coinciding with the Feast of St. Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus Christ. In Germany, Father’s Day, known as “Vatertag,” is celebrated on Ascension Day, with traditions that include men going on hiking trips and pulling wagons filled with beer.

Today, Father’s Day is celebrated worldwide with a variety of traditions, ranging from simple acts of appreciation to elaborate family gatherings, gift-giving and beer-filled wagons (yes, please!). While its commercialization is often criticized, Father’s Day remains an important holiday for expressing gratitude and love for fathers and father figures, honoring their contributions to family and society as a whole.

As a father myself, I wish you and your families a “Happy Father’s Day!” this June.

Exploringtheretrovideogamerenaissance

ByRobertMatsumura,ContributingWriter

most realistic, imaginative video games for both consoles and streaming platforms, many enthusiasts are increasingly looking to the past for a familiar, relaxing and affordable gaming experience.

With the dizzying array of tantalizingly new games out there, complete with ultra-high definition graphics and immersive music and storylines, the rising popularity of old low-tech games with pixelated graphics and simplistic controls is a bit of a head-scratcher. In order to wrap one’s mind around this curious phenomenon, it’s important to understand what the term “retro game” refers to. In gaming parlance the term “retro gaming” instantaneously evokes primitive but charming 8-bit graphics, intuitive straightforward gameplay that is addictive and challenging, yet is, at its core, innately simple.

The heyday of these retro games was back in the 70s and 80s when the internet was still a dream, and words like “cell phone” and “streaming” had not yet entered the common lexicon.

experience was to play these games standing up on arcade machines located in pizza parlors, convenience stores and malls across America.

For those of us who grew up during this era the nostalgia factor is immense. As the world continually grows faster and more complex, there is a certain comfort in the return to something familiar. Engaging again with the graphics, sounds and challenges of these simple games has the ability to evoke the past, like a time capsule transporting one back to the days of their youth. Whether rescuing the princess in the various castles of Super Mario Brothers, zapping fast flowing insects in Centipede or defending humanity from invaders from outer space in Galaxian or Space Invaders, engaging once again with these simple yet thrilling games is like reacquainting oneself with an old friend.

Another lure of retro games is their simplicity. Unlike contemporary video games whose complexity often mirrors real life, retro games offer a binary experience that requires minimal decision making and strategizing. In a world where everevolving technology demands increasing levels of expertise and knowledge,

the straightforward gameplay of retro games can be a refreshing change of pace. Basic hand/eye coordination and reaction time are typically the skills required in retro games, versus the detailed storylines and game mechanics common to today’s popular titles.

Aside from nostalgia and relaxing game play, the affordability of retro gaming is also appealing. The expense of today’s popular titles creates a strain on the pocketbook for budget-minded individuals. The inexpensive price of retro games — frequently bundled together at minimal cost — creates a democratizing effect, wherein the vast majority of gamers can afford to participate, rather than only the hardcore few willing to shell out significant dollars to stay up to date on the latest and greatest new releases.

Finally, one cannot discount the aesthetic appeal of retro games with their pixelated graphics and jaunty chiptune soundtracks that impart a certain charm to these old titles. While highly orchestrated

musical scores and jawdropping HD visuals are indeed impressive from a technical standpoint, there are times when simple equates to good. In a sense, retro games are the comfort food of the video game industry. While gourmet cuisine can be an amazing culinary experience, there are times when you simply desire a good old burger and fries. Leaning over a classic arcade machine, joystick in hand, is a completely different experience to gaming online via the latest PlayStation or Xbox console wearing a headset and communicating in realtime with players around the globe. So how has the recent resurgence in retro game popularity affected the gaming industry?

arcade establishments also double as restaurants serving food and beverages to hungry gamers as they strive to save the world from galactic invaders or guide Pacman through a labyrinth of hungry ghosts.

As one might expect, the surging popularity of retro video games has spurred demand for old gaming consoles. The resale market on sites such as eBay for vintage Atari, Nintendo, and Sega Genesis consoles has exploded as the younger generation of gamers discovers these old classics, and Boomers reengage nostalgically with the favorite games of their youth. The demand for retro game

The surging demand for retro games has manifested itself in a myriad of ways, from the creation of small hand-held arcade machines for gamers on the go to the digital remastering of classic retro titles. Game designers are also incorporating visuals, sound effects, and game mechanics from the old retro titles and developing new games that capture the essence of these timeless originals. In cities across the globe the burgeoning demand for retro video games has spawned arcade establishments catering to gamers wishing to play the old classics standing up, on machines like those of their youth. Often these new

in lockstep with the demand for the old consoles and games cartridges, driving a craze for all things retro gaming. No matter what your age or level of gaming experience — Baby Boomer to Gen Z, avid gamer to newbie – retro video games have something to offer everyone. Whether you grew up in the 70s or 80s and seek a nostalgic blast to the past, or hail from a more recent generation, the realm of retro gaming is a wonderful respite from the complexities of our modern life—digital comfort food for the soul!

CHILDREN’S CANCER ASSOCIATION

In the months of June and July, join Mattress World Northwest in supporting JoyRx, the mission delivery of Children’s Cancer Association, and bring joy to thousands of seriously ill kids in Oregon.

Why is this nonprofit so important? JoyRx programs are designed to relieve the sadness, anxiety and isolation kids experience during hospitalizations. Through music, nature and mentorship, their no-cost joy-based programming

has been providing emotional healing to children with cancer and other illnesses for over 27 years. JoyRx provides what every parent with a sick child so desperately hopes for — just a little bit of joy to bring light to the dark treatment journey.

Family-owned and -operated, dedicated to providing their customers the best products at the best prices, all while donating to and participating in their local communities, Mattress World Northwest exemplifies the best of what retail businesses have to offer. This proves that not all mattress stores are created equal.

Get a better night’s sleep and help support your local community at the nearest Mattress World Northwest store. They are open every day or you can order online at mattressworldnorthwest.com.

Feeling Is Believing.

Vampire Facial (PRP)

$699 Includes Face & Neck

PRP Under Eye Treatment

3 Treatments - $1649

Co2 Fractional Laser

Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing is one of the most effective way to treat fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, loose or sagging skin, as well as scars. In addition to treating the face, we can treat the neck, chest and even hands.

$1,199 one area

Opus Plasma Fractional Laser

Opus Plasma represents the next generation of fractional skin resurfacing treatments for women and men of most skin types who want to minimize wrinkles and reverse damage caused by the sun and the natural aging process.

$799 Incl. Face, Neck & Décolleté

Nova PDO Thread

NovaThreads is the Face-Lift alternative! It can fill wrinkles and slightly lift the skin. Additionally, as a result of the PDO being absorbed, the skin naturally produces collagen.

$135 per thread

Agnes Precision

Microneedling

Agnes RF is a non-surgical radio frequency device that treats eye bags, tightens and removes fat from the neck and jawline area. Cystic acne is treated by removing the sebaceous gland.

$825 one area

Secret RF

Microneedling

The Secret RF Micro-needling System is a powerful new technology that is ideal for facial rejuvenation, improving scars, cellulite, and plumping and tightening loose skin.

$725 Incl. Face, Neck & Décolleté

IPL

Remove sun spots. age spots, acne spots and any other skin pigmentation.

NIR

Light therapy that removes the appearance of sagging skin, wrinkles and fine lines.

Laser Genesis

Improves fine lines, skin tone & increases collagen production.

Clear Lift

Lifts sun damage, pigmentation & dark and red scars including Melasma.

PCA Chemical Peel

Increase the skin’s cell turnover rate, bring new skin cells to the surface, diminish dark spots, reduce fine lines & wrinkles, clear breakouts as well as restore youthful and radiant appearance.

3 - Small Areas $199 (Under arms, Upper lip, Sideburns, Chin)

3 - Medium Areas $399

(French bikini, lower arms, lower legs, lower back, lower abdomen)

3 - Large Areas $699

(full Brazillian, full leg, full abdomen, full back, full arms