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By Robert Matsumura, Active Media
Every year on April 22nd, millions of people around the world celebrate Earth Day, a day commemorating environmental protection and raising awareness about our planet’s well-being. But how did Earth Day come about? The story of Earth Day is both fascinating and inspiring, a testament to how a collective push for change can have a lasting impact.
The Spark of the Movement
Earth Day actually dates back to the late 1960s when environmental concerns swelled across the United States. Issues of water pollution, air quality, pesticide use, and the loss of wildlife were looming large in the public consciousness. Rachel Carson’s 1962 book Silent Spring had already brought to light the dangers of pesticides, and a growing concern for the environment was beginning to take root.
It wasn’t until 1969, however, that the idea of Earth Day began to form. Senator Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin — alarmed by the lack of political attention to environmental issues —vowed to take action. He envisioned a nationwide teach-in focused on the environment to engage the public and pressure politicians to embrace the environmental cause. Nelson drew inspiration in part from the student protests of the 1960s, which demonstrated how grassroots movements could galvanize the public and bring about real change.
Earth Day was born on April 22, 1970. Nelson, with the assistance of activist Dennis Hayes, mobilized an astonishing 20 million Americans across the country — about 10 percent of the U.S. population at the time — who came together in rallies, teach-ins, and protests. The movement was not just about protesting, but about generating a dialogue around the need for environmental regulation and conservation.
The first Earth Day was a monumental success. People from all walks of life came together, including students, teachers, scientists, and activists. For the first time, environmental issues were discussed on a grand scale, clearly showing that protecting the Earth was no longer a niche concern but one that deserved national attention.
The success of Earth Day extended far beyond rallies, however. Significant changes in U.S. policy resulted from this event. In the wake of the first Earth Day, Congress passed major environmental legislation, including the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was also created in 1970. It was clear that public opinion had shifted, and lawmakers took notice.
Although Earth Day was born in the United States, its message resonated around the world. In 1990, Earth Day went international, with 200 million people in over 140 countries participating. Since then, Earth Day has continued to grow. Events now take place in countries across the globe, with the Earth Day Network actively coordinating the activities.
Today, Earth Day is more relevant than ever. As the planet grapples with climate change, deforestation, and diminishing biodiversity, Earth Day is a reminder that everyone has a role to play in protecting our environment.
So this April 22nd, whether you’re planting a tree, cleaning up a local park, or simply recycling a plastic container, remember that Earth Day is a day to celebrate the planet we all share, ensuring that it continues to be a healthy and enjoyable place for generations to come!
A perfect movie for springtime, this is an adventurous modern retelling of Beatrix Potter’s beloved classic, full of energy and sweet humor. The story follows the mischievous Peter Rabbit as he and his rabbit siblings wage a rivalry with Thomas McGregor for control of their country garden. With gorgeous animation, a charming English countryside, and a story full of slapstick comedy, the movie captures the air of renewal and adventure that defines spring. Unlike the original books, where old Farmer McGregor is the rabbits’ main adversary, this movie introduces Thomas McGregor, his great-nephew. A meticulous cityslicker from London, Thomas inherits his late uncle’s farm and initially wants to sell it — until he discovers Peter and his family invading the garden. What follows is a ridiculous rivalry between Thomas and the rabbits. The movie offers a surprisingly heartfelt journey about family, friendship, and learning from your mistakes. Starring James Corden, Rose Byrne, Domhnall Gleeson, Margot Robbie, Daisy Ridley, and Elizabeth Debicki. Rated PG for some rude humor and action.
Few movies capture spring quite like The Sound of Music. The story follows Maria, a free-spirited postulant (woman training to be a nun), who is sent to be the governess for seven von Trapp children. Through music, kindness, and an unshakable zest for life, Maria breathes new life into the family — just as Austria faces the impending rise of the Nazi regime. The stunning outdoor cinematography, from the lush meadows to the blossoming romance between Maria and the Captain, makes the movie feel as fresh and invigorating as spring itself. And this is more than just a picturesque musical — as the von Trapps face difficult choices under Nazi occupation, their courage and devotion to each other creates a powerful message of hope and resilience. The movie somehow blends joy, romance, and suspense, making it an unforgettable experience. Starring Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, Eleanor Parker, Richard Haydn, and Peggy Wood. Rated G, but please note themes of Nazi occupation, strict parenting, traditional gender roles, and religious life.
Young love, springtime in high school, and prom. A loose, modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s comedy “Taming of the Shrew,” 10 Things is an iconic ’90s teen rom-com. The story follows Kat, the “shrew” (a smart, independent, rebellious woman) and her sister Bianca. Bianca wants to date but can’t until Kat does. Cameron, a new student, falls in love with Bianca but she wants to date Joey, a rich bad boy. So Cameron schemes with his friend Michael: convince Joey to pay moody outcast Patrick Verona to date Kat, thus allowing Joey to date Bianca (and unofficially allowing Cameron to date Bianca eventually). Like most rom-coms, there’s a relationship reversal — Patrick really falls for Kat, Bianca realizes that Joey is a jerk and Cameron is actually great. However, Kat soon discovers the scheme and is heartbroken. But in true rom-com fashion, there’s a dramatic reconciliation where Kat confesses her feelings for Patrick as well as the 10 things she hates about him. Starring Julia Stiles, Larisa Oleynik, Joseph GordonLevitt, Heath Ledger, and more. Rated PG-13 for crude humor, brief strong language, and some sexual references.
* The Spring Equinox, usually around March 20th or 21st, marks the day when daytime and nighttime are nearly equal in length, signaling the official start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.
* Spring is crucial for plant life because it’s the time when many plants break dormancy. As temperatures rise and days lengthen, plants begin to bloom and grow, using the energy from the sun to fuel their photosynthesis and bloom in vibrant colors.
* Many bird species migrate during the colder months and return in spring to breed. These birds follow seasonal patterns and rely on the availability of insects and plants that peak in spring to nourish themselves and raise their young.
ROBERT H. RYAN
By Kelly Romo, Active Media
Milwaukie resident Robert H. Ryan was born and raised in Germany until the end of fourth grade, and he viewed America as a land of opportunity. His stepfather’s Army career led to frequent relocations and immersed him in the realities of the Cold War. He graduated from an American high school in Heidelberg in 1975 and saw military service as his entry into adulthood. Robert’s initial goal was the Navy, but the Army became his route.
Robert served in the U.S. Army from 1975 to 1979 and was stationed in Louisiana before deploying to Germany. He became a naturalized U.S. citizen to qualify for the assignment and avoid the German military draft. His service continued with the Oregon Army National Guard from 1984 to 2016. He returned for the structure and camaraderie, starting as a tool and parts clerk and later becoming an engineer equipment maintenance technician and warrant officer. His military career paralleled his civilian employment in defense logistics at Camp Withycombe.
Robert’s family moved frequently when he was a child and he had to navigate life as a non-native English speaker, which
presented many challenges. Without a strong family support system, Robert learned self-reliance. The military instilled values of trust and discipline, though he found that honesty was not always appreciated. His experiences reinforced his belief in verification and direct communication.
Robert moved to Oregon on a whim when a friend from the Army invited him to come up and work with him. He tried community college but slowly realized he was better suited for a blue-collar job. After working in construction and warehousing, Robert realized he missed the military environment. Through his experiences with Youth Soccer, he found a Federal full-time job working on military equipment at Camp Withycombe.
Robert encourages young people considering the military to choose a career path with post-service applications. Education and skill development open doors. His ideal do-over would involve the Air Force or Navy and focus on longterm career potential.
Robert’s retirement in 2016 has allowed him to travel, including a solo motorcycle trip across the U.S. Volunteering at the Oregon Military Museum, American Legion, and with local volunteer firefighters, service remains central to his life. Robert hopes civilians recognize that every veteran’s experience is unique. Understanding their challenges takes more than appreciation — it calls for awareness of individual journeys.
Hadley is a beautiful 10 year old girl in the 4th grade. She is splendidly sweet, kind, and of course tremendously full of sass. On April 28, 2023, Hadley was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma Bone Cancer after a four inch tumor was found behind her left knee. Just three days later she got a port put in and started chemo on May 1, 2023. After 12 grueling weeks of chemo, her tumor did not shrink enough, so she had to have a partial amputation and a rotationplasty, which is a very unique surgery that will give her the best chance of doing everything she has ever dreamed of doing in the future. After that major surgery, she proceeded
with 16 more weeks of chemo. Thankfully, in December 2023, she finished the series and is currently in rehab to learn how to use her second prosthetic.
Even before her surgery, and in the midst of her toughest times, Hadley learned that she was granted a wish from the MakeA-Wish foundation. In May of 2024, her family got to go to Disney World & Harry Potter Land/Universal Studios. She’s House Griffindor all the way! Hadley flew on her first plane, rode her first roller coaster, met her first live in-person Disney and Marvel characters, and had the time of her life. Swimming – and eating Ben & Jerry’s ice cream for free everyday – made her Wish trip the greatest gift a sweet little nine year old could have. Even though she’s already endured some of life’s toughest challenges, her Wish showed her that there is still magic happening every day. Amazing people who donate to beautiful programs like Make-A-Wish truly do make a world of difference, especially giving kids and their families hope and excitement when their wish comes true and brings them magic when they may need it most. Hadley’s excited to be a 2025 Wish Ambassador to help other children get their wishes granted to spread hope and joy to others in need.
project too large or too small!
By Patti Jo Brooks, Active Media
Photos by Brittany Jungenberg, Active Media
Thought about replacing that worn-out, dated garage door? Do your spirits sink just a bit every time you pull up to it? Perhaps it’s broken or annoyingly noisy? Call the experts! Serving the Greater Portland-Metro Area and SW Washington, this family-owned and -operated business services everything from squeaky doors and broken springs to custom installations and repairs for both residential and commercial properties. Don’t let the name mislead you. Oregon City Garage Door’s headquarters is located in Clackamas, but with twelve field technicians and four estimators this local company covers a lot of ground! Oregon City Garage Door will install, repair and maintain your new or existing garage door at any location throughout the Greater Portland-Metro Area. “Let Oregon City Garage Door Open the Door for You!”
installation once they arrive at the local distribution center in Portland. Depending on the make and model, some doors are already in stock. Custom orders typically take a standard of three to four weeks to reach the local warehouse.
When you call Oregon City Garage Door, “You’re calling a professional,” says owner Ryan Dissen. Focused on customer service and fast turnaround time, many repairs are handled with same-day service. “We have 11 vehicles stocked and ready to go,” Ryan points out. New doors, manufactured by Clopay (American-made and American-owned), can be scheduled for
Visit the Oregon City Garage Door showroom to view a firsthand demonstration of one of their fully operational garage doors. Utilizing a garage door opener, you’ll see how smoothly the installed door opens and closes. The showroom also features doors in four different styles displayed on a sliding track for easy viewing. “We have samples, brochures and literature to help our customers decide which door they would like,” Ryan notes.
An Oregon City native and Air Force veteran, Ryan Dissen continues his close ties to the community through his membership, donations and fundraiser participation for the Oregon City Elks Lodge Christmas Basket program. Oregon City Garage Door also donated labor and installation services to accompany R&S Manufacturing’s donated garage door to La Salle High School for their softball hitting facility.
The Oregon City Garage Door showroom is located at 16000 SE Evelyn St. in Clackamas. Call (503) 664-9982 or visit oregoncitygaragedoor.com for their gallery and additional information.
By Robert Matsumura, Active Media
WWWhen you think of classic fair food, what comes to mind? Perhaps it’s cotton candy, funnel cakes, or caramel apples. For many Americans, the ultimate fair staple is the corn dog. And when it comes to corn dogs, one name stands out in the annals of fried food history: the Pronto Pup.
juicy hot dog encased in a crispy, fried shell was irresistible!
While you might think the Pronto Pup’s origins trace back to the bustling state fairs of Texas or Minnesota, it is the town of Rockaway on the Oregon Coast that claims the distinction. In the late 1930s George and Versa Boyington, a couple who operated a hot dog stand, found themselves at the mercy of Oregon’s notoriously wet weather. The rain would soak the buns, leaving them with soggy sandwiches and frustrated customers. Undeterred, George experimented with dipping hot dogs into a thick batter made from flour and frying them. The result? A crispy, golden, portable treat that was rain resistant — the perfect snack for the Pacific Northwest’s soggy unpredictable weather.
The Boyingtons desired a name that conveyed both the speed and convenience of their new invention.
After a brainstorming session they landed on “Pronto Pup,” evoking the quickness of serving and eating
More than just inventors, the Boyingtons were also savvy entrepreneurs. Recognizing the potential of their invention, they franchised the Pronto Pup, selling the equipment and batter mix to aspiring vendors across the country. By the 1950s, Pronto Pups had become a staple at fairs, carnivals and drive-ins nationwide.
The difference resides in the batter. While corn dogs are typically made with a cornmeal-based batter, Pronto Pups use a flour-based batter. The result is the Pronto Pup has a lighter, more pancake-like texture, versus its cornbread-coated cousin.
As fairs and festivals exploded in popularity throughout the mid-20th century, so too did the Pronto Pup. Its portability and affordability made it a perfect fit for the evolving American lifestyle. Drive-ins, a cultural hallmark of the
1950s, also embraced the Pronto Pup, offering it on their menus alongside burgers and shakes.
The Boyingtons continued to refine their business model, focusing on quality and consistency. Vendors were required to use the official Pronto Pup batter mix, ensuring that every Pronto Pup, whether sold in Oregon or Omaha, tasted just right. This commitment to quality also helped establish the Pronto Pup’s reputation as a consistent and delicious snack.
Of course, with success came competition. The Pronto Pup’s rise to fame spurred the creation of similar snacks across the country, most notably the corn dog. While many corn dog enthusiasts assert that the cornmeal batter adds a unique flavor, Pronto Pup loyalists insist that nothing beats the original flour-based recipe.
In Minnesota, the Pronto Pup’s popularity inspired fierce loyalty. At the Minnesota State Fair, an event that draws millions of visitors each year, Pronto Pups are sold at numerous stands and remain one of the fair’s most iconic treats. For many Minnesotans, the Pronto Pup isn’t just
What’s the Pronto Pup’s secret? What makes it so delicious? It’s all about the balance of flavors and textures. The hot dog provides a savory, juicy center, while the batter delivers a crispy, slightly sweet coating. When fried to perfection, the Pronto Pup achieves a delectable contrast that’s difficult to resist. Temperature and timing are critical in the frying process. The oil needs to be hot enough to cook the batter quickly without overcooking the hot dog. Too low a temperature, and the batter becomes greasy; too high, and it burns. Experienced vendors know that achieving the perfect golden brown color demands practice and precision.
American pop culture has embraced the Pronto Pup. It has been the star of food documentaries, fairground scenes in movies, even the occasional viral video. Rockaway Beach, the birthplace of the Pronto Pup, continues to honor its culinary legacy. Visitors to the town can stop by the original Pronto Pup stand, which operates to this day, and taste the Oregon classic that became a national favorite.
In recent years, food enthusiasts and vendors have begun customizing the Pronto Pup. Gourmet versions featuring artisan sausages, exotic spices, and unique dipping sauces have appeared at upscale food festivals and trendy
George and Versa Boyington
restaurants. However, even with these fancy variations, the core essence of the Pronto Pup — a simple, satisfying snack — remains the same.
Today, the Pronto Pup is a cultural icon, particularly in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest. In Rockaway Beach, the Boyingtons’ creation is celebrated annually at the Pronto Pup Festival. Beyond nostalgia, the Pronto Pup’s story is a testament to the spirit of innovation. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best ideas come in response to the simplest of problems — and thinking outside the (soggy) bun.
The next time you’re enjoying a Pronto Pup, or even a corn dog, remember the Boyingtons, Rockaway Beach and the crispy creation that started it all. Whether you prefer yours with ketchup, mustard, or both, there’s no denying the enduring appeal of this quintessential American treat!
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