Keizer Community Advantage Magazine April 2025

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CHEMEKETA BOND

Career & Technical Education Bond Information (Measure 24-513)

On May 20th, voters will have the opportunity to consider a ballot measure which would fund an expansion of Career and Technical Education-CTE programs, teaching & learning spaces, campus safety, and building infrastructure maintenance.

If passed, this bond will retain the expiring Chemeketa Community College Bond Rate of $.27/$1,000 of assessed property value.

See what projects the bond will fund at go.chemeketa. edu/bond or scan this QR code.

Chemeketa Graduates: The Backbone of Our Community

From the paramedics saving lives to the dental assistants ensuring your brightest smile, Chemeketa Community College graduates are everywhere, making a difference.

They are the auto mechanics keeping you on the road, the electricians powering your homes and businesses, and the skilled professionals driving our local economy forward.

Our community depends on their expertise, and so do local employers. At Chemeketa, we provide the training and hands-on experience needed to build a healthy, strong, and thriving community.

Will you be among our next group of graduates?

Explore our diverse career education pathways in healthcare, skilled trades, technology, and beyond. Your future starts here.

Chemeketa Community College

Building Careers, Strengthening Communities.

FIGHTING CRITICAL ILLNESS

Hadley’s journey from Wish Kid to Wish Ambassador

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.

MAY IS SKIN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

Stay Safe in the Sun!

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., and it’s also one of the most preventable. As you head outside to enjoy the warmer weather and fresh air, remember to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Reduce your risk of skin cancer with these tips from our experts at Valley View Dermatology:

Avoid sun exposure from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when UV rays are the strongest. Keep sunscreen and an umbrella in your car, in case you need them.

Wear sun-protective clothing, such as a lightweight and long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. For more effective protection, select clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 30 or higher on the label.

Apply sunscreen that is broad-spectrum and waterresistant with an SPF of 30 or higher to all skin not covered by clothing. Remember to reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

Get your skin checked. A yearly full-body skin check is recommended after age 25. Call to schedule your skin check today.

APRIL AND MAY SPECIAL

STOCK UP ON SUNSCREEN

All sunscreen – including Elta MD, ZO and Skin Ceuticals – is 20% off!

75 Years of Excellence

Valley View Dermatology has offered the highestquality, comprehensive skin care since 1950. Our premier clinics provide the most advanced general, surgical and cosmetic procedures to patients of all ages in Salem, the Willamette Valley and the Oregon Coast.

Pronto & Perfect Pronto & Perfect Pronto &

How a small-town snack became an American icon

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.

Rainy Start in Rockaway Beach

juicy hot dog encased in a crispy, fried shell was irresistible!

Birth of a Franchise

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.

What’s in a Name?

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.

Corn Dog vs. Pronto Pup?

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.

Expanding Pronto Pup’s Reach

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.

Science of the Perfect Pup

Regional Rivalries and Imitators

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.

Pronto Pup in Pop Culture

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.

A Modern Take on a Classic

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.

Pronto

Pup Legacy

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!

If you need a driveway redone, there’s no better company than Holmes Asphalt. They were so quick to send someone out to give me a quote and their prices were some of the best I’ve found. Their crew started work right away and did an awesome job. My new driveway looks amazing. Everything is so even and perfect. They really do great work and use great quality materials. I highly recommend them. —BILL T.

Badunka Dunkers & Capitals Basketball

Serving up quality fare with community spirit!

What’s the latest at Odd Moe’s Pizza in Keizer?

Their Northwest Style gourmet pizza and local craft beers, wines and ciders are as crowdpleasing as ever! Whether you’re feeding a group of frenzied pizza lovers, grabbing a quick bite after work or a leisurely meal on the weekend, Odd Moe’s promises to give you the best quality carry-out pizza around. Adult beverages from local vendors and the smaller breweries are available for carry-out and delivery with a food order. Beer, wine and cider offerings change with the seasons, so you may want to call ahead or check Odd Moe’s website for current selections.

During April and May, watch for local Odd Moe’s franchises to be hosting the concession stand for the Salem Capitals home games in the Salem Armory. Keep an eye out behind the counter for Mike and Sam, co-founders of Odd Moe’s Pizza Company as well as owners of the Keizer store, and Eric and Mandy Burdge, along with other Odd Moe’s owners and staff who operate stores in the local area. For Salem Capitals home game schedule and to purchase tickets online, visit their website: salemcapitalsbasketball.com. Catch a game. Grab some grub. And enjoy “Professional Basketball with a Personal Touch!”

Are you the “odd man out?” Not at Odd Moe’s. Just because you’re craving something other than pizza doesn’t mean you need to pass with your friends or go somewhere else. Moe’s offers delicious pasta dishes with tops crisped to perfection. They also have amazing wings, Moe Joes, garden salad and more. For a starter, try Badunka Dunkers – Moe’s newest appetizer featuring bite-size pieces of Cheezey Bread served with your choice of dipping sauce and optional pepperoni or garlic toppings. Then finish up with a mouthwatering dessert like Strawberry Ganache Cake. Meat lovers, vegans or gluten-free customers can all be sure there’s something for everyone at Moe’s.

For eight years now, Keizer’s Odd Moe’s Pizza franchise owners, Eric and Mandy Burdge have been known for the quality and freshness of their Northwest Style pizza. “The ingredients and toppings are always fresh,” says Mandy. “Our dough is always made fresh too; it’s never frozen or pre-made.”

Odd Moe’s uses their own delivery drivers, even if the order comes through a third-party service, to ensure a speedier delivery time and a fresher pizza in your hands.

Mandy shares her time cooking and baking alongside Moe’s local staff as well as caring for their six children who all enjoy being a part of the family business and helping out. Their oldest started working at Odd Moe’s as an employee after graduating from North Salem High School in 2023.

Odd Moe’s supports the local schools, in particular the McNary High School Marching Band. Donating pizzas every year to the McNary theatre program for their musical production and to the students working the School Fireworks Stand are two more ways they show their appreciation to the community.

Odd Moe’s Pizza in Keizer is located at 5151 River Road North. Order by phone (503)390-0098 or online at www.oddmoes.com. Visit the website for additional details and store hours.

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