Lake Oswego Life/Style Magazine October 2022

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From The Publishers Desk

Welcome to fall! The time of year when the changing of leaves occur and the changing of many of our routines, too. With kids back in school, after-school activities are in full swing, and things are finally getting settled as we slowly get set to navigate the next three months and all of the upcoming annual holidays and events.

For my wife and I, this fall feels decidedly different. It is the first fall since 2004 we have not been directly tied to a school district’s calendar or any after-school activities with our daughter graduating last June. I am reminded each day when I see the school buses on the road and 3 p.m. comes and goes without me having to leave the office to pick her up from school. I am not sure who is more excited about the change of schedule, my daughter or me.

Continuing with milestones, my son, our oldest, is getting married this month. He and his fiance will be starting the adventure of marriage and will mark the first time my immediate family will grow in numbers since 2004.

Looking back to when my wife and I got married, I realize how much we have both grown. I remember being young and having all of that youthful energy

making me feel as if I could take on the world. In retrospect, I am fascinated by how daily actions and many small decisions made over the last few decades have guided me to where I am today.

Now, as my children have both grown up and are in their young adult years, I realize how much I enjoy being a parent. I see photos of when they were little and can honestly say I miss those days. On the other hand, it is exciting to watch them grow into the adults they are becoming and being able to celebrate these important milestones with them. I am looking forward to seeing how their stories unfold.

May your fall be a memorable one for you and your family — school-time activities or not.

Matthew Nelson, Publisher Lake Oswego Life/style

Krysta and Justin Nelson, years apart in the same tree at the family’s camping spot outside Eugene.

ADMINISTRATION

Matthew Nelson,

Catrina Nelson, CFO

Tara Weidman, Executive Assistant

Donovan Darling, Content Manager

PRODUCTION

Jeremy Okai Davis, Art Director

Stacy Benner, Sr. Graphic Designer

Holly Darling, Sr. Graphic Designer

Shawn Schmidt, Sr. Graphic Designer

Hilary Berg, Sr. Graphic Designer

CONTRIBUTING

Tyler Francke

David Robert Matsumura

Patti Jo Olive

Angie

Carly

Laurel Hayley

Malaina

Brittney

Don

STRONG BODY

STRONG CHARACTER curriculum focused

STRONG BRAIN

Al’s Garden & Home of Sherwood

We’re Not Just

A Nursery

By Patti Jo Brooks, Contributing Writer

Al’s Garden & Home of Sherwood, the company’s flagship location, is the unique combination of a first-rate gardening nursery and an upscale garden/gift shop. As one of the largest nurseries in the area, this 10.5-acre plot bursts with all manner of plants, trees, shrubs, soils, accessories, and tools needed for every gardening season of the year. With a state-of-theart retractable roof that covers the garden center, customers can enjoy shopping rain or shine. Al’s Garden & Home — a recent name upgrade from Al’s Garden Center — reflects the variety Al’s has to offer. Featuring indoor home décor, gourmet foods, gift selections, and women’s apparel, in addition to outdoor patio furniture and fire pits, Jennifer Harmon, Marketing Director of all four Al’s Garden & Home locations confirms, “We’re not just a nursery!”

Open daily from 9am to 6pm, Al’s Garden & Home of Sherwood carries all the favorites. Some of the most popular customer selections include hanging baskets, planted containers, and Al’s signature heliotrope. The Sherwood location grows more than 80% of its inventory — they know the region and what thrives in it. And they go by past experience, and they listen to their customers. “We want to continue to understand our customers’ needs and meet those needs,” says Jennifer.

Family-owned and -operated, Al’s Garden & Home, a third generation business, is currently preparing the fourth generation— Al’s great-grandchildren — to take over the family legacy, which

began as a fruit stand in 1948. Al and Ann Bigej converted a vacated chicken coop along Highway 99E in Woodburn to sell fruits and vegetables to the local residents and traveling tourists. A strong family culture continues to thrive, and many of the staff members have worked for the business for more than 20 years. Maintaining strong ties with the local communities, Al’s Garden & Home extends in-kind donations annually, and hosts Kids Club quarterly events for children to learn more about agriculture, horticulture, and more. Visit the website for more information.

Shop at Al’s Garden & Home of Sherwood and SAVE BIG during the “Biggest Sale of the Year,” running now through October 24th. You’ll be glad you did! Also check out the Habitat Trunk Show, Thursday, October 20th, 5 to 6pm; and the Evening of Lights event on November 3rd. Shopping at Al’s is always fun and rewarding. Earn “Color Dollar” certificates with your purchases and redeem them at various times throughout the year. Participate in the Garden Rewards loyalty program to earn redeemable points and receive a 3% rebate on purchases. Stop by Al’s Garden & Home of Sherwood today!

Al’s Garden & Home of Sherwood is located at 16920 SW Roy Rogers Rd. in Sherwood. For questions, call (503)726-1162 or email gardening@als-gardencenter.com. Or visit als-gardencenter.

CARVE THE PERFECT PUMPKIN

Believe it or not, everyone can be an artist when it comes to pumpkin carving, but it is harder than it looks. Follow the following eleven tips, and your gourds will look and smell good the entire trick-or-treating season. Get carving!

 Start with the right pumpkin. Choose one that’s fresh, with a sturdy stem, no bruises, and a flat bottom so it won’t roll while you carve.

 Cut from the bottom, not the top.

Cutting your “lid” from the bottom of the pumpkin helps prevent the sides from caving in later.

 If you carve from the top, cut lid on an angle. This way it won’t drop inside the pumpkin when you replace it, like it would with a straight up-and-down cut. A boning knife should work well for this.

 Scoop out all the pulp (and then some).

You can buy a special “claw” for pumpkin gutting, but an ice cream scoop will do just fine. Thin the inner wall of the “face” area to 1¼-inch thick, so it will be easier to pierce the shell.

 Sketch your design to size on paper first.

Tape it to the front of your pumpkin. Using a fork or pencil, poke holes along the lines you want to carve.

 Try holding the pumpkin in your lap.

It’s easier to create features when the face is gazing up at you. It is suggested to use a serrated kitchen knife or an X-Acto knife.

 Start by making simple rough cuts.

If you get the big pieces of pumpkin out of the way first, you can go back and clean up the edges of your design later.

 Use your scraps creatively.

Make a tongue, pipe, or hair accessories out of discarded pieces of pumpkin shell, for example.

 Keep your pumpkin fresh.

Spread petroleum jelly on the cut edges to seal in moisture. If your pumpkin still shrivels a few days later, revive it with a facedown soak in cold water for up to eight hours.

 Create a chimney.

First, leave the lid on for a few minutes while the candle burns. Cut a small hole where the pumpkin has blackened up top. Or, save yourself the stress and opt for a battery-operated votive.

Sprinkle cinnamon inside.

That way, when you light the candle, your jack-o’-lantern will smell like a pumpkin pie. Yum.

Halloween Popcorn Balls

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup unpopped popcorn

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick)

1 tsp vanilla

4-5 cups mini marshmallows

3/4 cup Reeses pieces

3/4 cup candy corn

3/4 cup white chocolate pretzels (chopped)

DIRECTIONS

Pop your popcorn and put in a large bowl. In a large pan over medium high heat, melt your butter. Add in your vanilla and marshmallows, stirring constantly until melted and creamy.

Pour the marshmallow mixture over your popcorn and stir until popcorn is fully coated.

Allow to set for a couple minutes, then stir in half the Reese’s pieces and candy corn.

Separate your popcorn into 10 sections.

Press in the white chocolate pretzels (they’ll melt if they go in sooner) into each section.

Shape popcorn into balls. If the mixture is sticking to your hands, spray them with nonstick spray as needed.

Press additional candies onto the outside of the popcorn balls.

Place balls on parchment paper and allow to set for about an hour.

The Perfect Piece: Please Join Us For Our First Year Anniversary

What do balloons, cake, and a ribbon cutting have in common?

A one year celebration! The Perfect Piece Gallery & Gifts, home to the works of over 45 fine artists, is celebrating their first anniversary on Saturday, October 15th, 2022 with a celebration you won’t want to miss! The gallery is so thankful for the community, their artists and customers, for their support on this journey. Starting from an idea to bring a fine art show to the customer, Tina Hospers and John Koster (husband and wife owners of The Perfect Piece Gallery and juried fine art show artists) solicited many of the best fine artists from their shows across the country to

join them in a gallery in Lake Oswego. With a full selection of mediums represented, The Perfect Piece Gallery offers something for everyone and looks forward to sharing their first anniversary celebration with the community. Artists will be available to discuss their work, refreshments will be served and an official ribbon cutting ceremony with the LO Chamber of Commerce will occur Saturday, October 15th, 2022, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mark your calendars to join this FREE event!

Our hours are Tuesday thru Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 10-4. Stop in today at 1179 McVey Ave. Lake Oswego, OR or view online at www.theperfectpiecegallery.com.

Come have lunch selection 500+

A Streak of Greatness

By Robert Matsumura, Contributing Writer

If you’re a fan of college football, doubtless names like the “Crimson Tide,” “Fighting Irish,” and “Buckeyes” require no explanation. They speak for themselves. However, if you don’t follow NCAA Division III football, you might not realize that one of the nation’s most successful football programs resides right down the street in McMinnville, Oregon. None of the haloed Division I teams cited above can match the accomplishments of the Linfield University Wildcats.

It started on an autumn day, October 6, 1956. Great things often have humble beginnings, and for Linfield football this was certainly the case. While it would have been more dramatic if the Wildcats’ win that day had been defined by a scintillating highlight moment—a miraculous last minute catch in the endzone, or a gutty goal line stand—such was not the case. Linfield had just suffered back-to-back losing seasons, and the 1956 campaign looked like more of the same. The opponent that Saturday was the Seattle Ramblers, a semi-pro team on a tear, who had defeated the Wildcats the previous year, and dominated the conference titles over the last 14 seasons. Against the odds, Linfield managed to defeat the Ramblers 13-7. From that game on, the Wildcats wouldn’t lose another game that season. This win over the Ramblers marked the beginning of what has become known as the “Streak.”

Paul Ward, who played guard on the ’56 team, recalled: “Once we had a winning season, we knew we could win. We had to experience it and build up over the years.” For a team composed of small town kids and Korean War veterans attending college on the GI Bill, they had no idea that their victory over the Ramblers

that fateful October day would be the start of the “Streak.” The “Streak,” which has now extended to 65 consecutive winning seasons as of 2021, is the longest active winning streak in NCAA history at any level. No other team is even close to this record, with the next in line coming in at 42. In retrospect, Ward admits no one at the time had any idea of what was to come. “I guarantee you that in 1956, nobody had any idea there would be any kind of streak,” he said. “We were just happy that we could get through the season with a win.”It was coach Paul Durham’s team that started the “Streak,” but it is a testament to the pride, tradition, and dedication to excellence, fostered by successive coaches over the last six decades, that is responsible for Linfield’s relentless march through the NCAA history books. Looming at the forefront of the Mount Rushmore of Linfield football coaches is Ad Rutschman.

Hired as head football coach in 1968, Rutschman continued the winning tradition until his retirement in 1991. Rutschman not only coached football, but baseball as well. Rutschman is still the only coach at any level to win national titles in both football and baseball. In his 24 seasons as Linfield’s head football coach, Rutschman won three NAIA national championships (1982, 1984, 1986), and 15 Northwest Conference titles. Perhaps Rutschman’s most epic victory occurred in the 1984 national championship game, where Linfield trailed Northwestern 22-0 with just over three minutes left in the third quarter. Against all odds, the Wildcats roared back to win the game 33-22.

In addition to coaching football and baseball, Rutschman also served as Athletic Director for 25 years, during which

time the school’s athletic facilities were greatly improved. Among these improvements were two new gymnasiums, a baseball stadium, and the 26,600 square foot field house named in honor of Rutschman and his wife Joan, for their dedication and service over 27 years to Linfield University.

From 1992 to 2005, Linfield’s football program was led by Ed Langsdorf (1992-95) and Jay Locey (1996 -2005). Both coaches kept up the winning tradition. Langsdorf’s brief tenure

resulted in a record of 32-9-1 and three championships. Locey’s tally at the end of his Linfield career was a stellar 84-18 and six championships, including one NCAA Division III title. During one stretch of his impressive career, Locey coached the team to a 41-game win streak.

In 2006, the future of Linfield football was turned over to Joseph Smith, and he has not only continued the “Streak” but pushed the school into the NCAA record books. Under Smith’s leadership Linfield has amassed an incredible record of 138-27, with a .836 win percentage, the highest percentage of any coach in Linfield history.

When Smith, a former defensive back for Linfield in the 90s, took over in 2006, he was well aware of the legacy he was responsible for and described his role

as that of a “caretaker.” With Locey’s departure, Smith understood that the decision to hire him had been carefully considered. “It couldn’t be someone from the outside to come in and run the program,” Smith explained. “We had to maintain who we are. If we lost that, we’re just another school.”

The Smith era at Linfield has been nothing short of remarkable. For a school that offers no football scholarships, a modest budget for athletics, and typically doesn’t attract big time recruits with NFL aspirations and talent, the question remains: “How does Linfield do it?” How do the Wildcats continue to churn out victories, winning seasons, and championships? Ultimately, how do they keep the “Streak” alive?

Smith credits a number of factors, foremost of which is the sense of family that permeates the entire Wildcat program. Caring for one another. This intense trust that grows from respect and brotherhood is interwoven with a blue-collar work ethic of toughness and a thirst for excellence. Ryan Carlson, a defensive star on the 90s era teams, sums it up beautifully: “Once you’re in our Linfield family, you’re connected to 60 years of people who have had those core principles shape their young lives. Those life experiences continue to breed an incredible amount of love and loyalty

towards the program.” As inspiration to his players, Smith periodically invites guest speakers to address the team. One of the speakers, Bretton Brown, an Army Ranger and a friend of Smith’s, imparted words from the Rangers’ credo that resonated with the team: “We are Men of Action. We do the heavy lifting. We are the walls, and we are the hammer.”

So this fall, as Linfield continues on its historic march through the NCAA record books, take a moment to appreciate what six decades of commitment to family, grit, and excellence can achieve. As Coach Smith reflected, “From Coach Durham to Coach Rutschman, to now, the secret to this place has been that we have really good people coming and being part of a really good program. When you focus on excellence and put the team first and you’re a man of your word, great things happen.” The “Streak” lives on!

Coach Joseph Smith

Linfield Football Courtesy of Linfield University

Linfield Football team with Coach Smith-Courtesy of Linfield University

“It couldn’t be someone from the outside to come in and run the program. We had to maintain who we are. If we lost that, we’re just another school.” —Joseph Smith

TOP LAKE OSWEGO BOUTIQUES FOR YOUR DREAM WEDDING

Lake Oswego Businesses With A Passion for Helping Brides Feel Special On Their Big Day ANNA’S BRIDAL TAI VAUTIER JEWELRY

In 1993 Anna opened her first storefront in Lake Oswego and for 29 years she has been helping brides walk down the aisle in style. With in-house alterations, wedding planning by Bridal Bliss, stunning mother’s dresses and bridesmaid dresses Anna’s can take care of all your wedding needs. Here’s what their brides are saying:

“I loved my experience at Anna’s! The dresses were beautiful and the staff is fantastic. I couldn’t have been happier with how my dress shopping day went. I felt truly special” “If I had to say one word that summed up my whole experience at Anna’s Bridal it would be “outstanding!”” 402 N. State Street • Lake Oswego • (503) 636-1474 annasbridal.com

Tai Vautier has been creating artisan jewelry for 20+ years. Her jewelry is all hand made in her Portland studio. She hand-makes all her jewelry from silver and high Karat gold. Her unique style is inspired by ethnic tribal adornments from around the world and the intricate textures found in nature.

Ancient elements meets contemporary style. Precious gemstones, diamonds and Tahitian pearls designed for women who crave a soulful look in modern times.

Pearls by the Lake, specializing in the highest quality Tahitian pearls in the Pacific Northwest. They sell pearl strands, earrings, rings and pendants.

440 5th St. • Lake Oswego taivautierjewelry.com

Lumera Regenerative Medicine

The Role of Hormones

By Roberta Huang

Hormones play a major role in a multitude of bodily functions. This includes the sex hormones estrogen and testosterone as well as other hormones such as growth hormone. It is not widely known is that declining hormone levels can start for some men and women as early as in their 30’s leading to symptoms that often become evident in a person’s 40’s, symptoms we often attribute to being tired, overworked, or just natural aging. It is also not well known that the hormone testosterone is as important for women as it is for men.

Menopause is a stage of life which results in a drastic reduction in hormone levels of estrogen, testosterone and progesterone with the cessation of menstrual cycles in women. Though each woman may experience menopause and the transition into menopause differently, the most commonly recognized symptoms which are related to declining estrogen levels include hot flashes and night sweats and as the low hormone state continues urogenital symptoms can worsen such as vaginal dryness, loss of lubrication, painful intercourse, worsening urinary incontinence and painful urination.

Symptoms of low testosterone in women include:

• Decreased energy levels/fatigue

• Mood changes including irritability, depressed mood, anxiety

• Lowered libido or sex drive

• Loss of muscle mass and increasing body fat

• Decreased bone mass (which is affected by both estrogen and testosterone)

• Brain fog with decreased memory and focus

Symptoms of testosterone deficiency in men include:

• Reduced sex drive

• Erectile dysfunction

• Decreased energy/fatigue

• Loss of lean body mass and increasing fat mass

• Mood changes such as irritability, depressed mood, anxiety

• Brain fog with decreased memory and focus

Of course, some of these symptoms are not only specific to low hormones but can also represent other physical health or mental health conditions, so before embarking on a quest for treatment with hormone therapy, it is important to have regular health checks with

a primary care provider and to strive toward healthy lifestyle habits such as optimizing one’s diet, getting adequate sleep and getting regular exercise.

Also worth mentioning is that despite the boost in well-being that is evident to both men and women who are appropriately treated with hormone therapy, testosterone therapy is still not widely accessible, especially to women. For this reason, men and women who are motivated to improve their quality of life often seek help for their hormonal concerns through clinics that specialize in hormone therapy. In fact, a drastic reduction in prescriptions for hormone therapy for women occurred after 2002 in response to a study published by the Women’s Health Initiate (WHI) which showed an increase incidence of breast cancer and an increase in blood clot related complications.

However, some experts have revisited and criticized that the study on the ground that it did not look closely enough at the different groups of women in the study and what types of hormones were used. We do know now that estrogen hormones taken by mouth can increase the risk for blood clots and that using estrogen either in the form of a cream, patch or pellet does not incur the same risk.

As far as breast cancer is concerned, whether the hormones are bio-identical may make a difference including whether a progestin is used versus a bio-identical progesterone. There is evidence that testosterone can actually lower a woman’s chance of developing breast cancer, including a recent study published in the European Journal of Breast Health showing a 35.5% lower incidence of invasive breast cancer. None of the participants in the WHI study had testosterone as a part of their hormone replacement program.

All of this being said, each person’s decision whether or not hormone therapy is appropriate for them needs to be discussed with a healthcare provider versed in providing these services and the pros and cons of therapy considered.

Lumera Regenerative Medicine is located at 6464 SW Borland Road, Suite C3, in Tualatin. For more information, visit lumeramedical.com or call 503-852-9680.

Dr. Roberta Huang, MD, FACOG

Our team of medical specialists and certified Aestheticians have years of experience. They have been trained in the latest technology specifically to help our patients get the results they want.

Fred Astaire Dance Studio

Dancing With Our Heroes

By Patti Jo Brooks, Contributing Writer Photos by Angie Helvey

Eager to share their passion for dance with larger segments of the community, Alex and Jessi Aillon, owners of Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Lake Oswego, invite you to slip on your dancing shoes and come in for a few introductory lessons. The Aillons’ goal is to help members of the community understand that dancing can truly be enjoyed by everyone; it shouldn’t be intimidating or scary. In fact, most new students agree that the Studio has a welcoming and comfortable environment, and they are glad to know that such a place exists.

Ballroom dancing at Fred Astaire Dance Studio offers a fun atmosphere for connecting with others and provides social, emotional, and physical rewards. The primary sentiment students express is that while at the dance studio they “can’t think about anything else.” Jessi adds, “It’s kind of like a retreat from real life because dancing requires every ounce of your

brain, but in a way that allows you to connect with another person, whether that’s a partner you come in with or your dance instructor.” New students can sign up for an Introductory Program which Jessi compares to a wine tasting. Basic moves of the six most popular social dances are taught, giving students an idea of which ones they’d most enjoy. After completing the introductory course, a customized program can be formulated to meet an individual’s particular goals, whether that’s to go out Salsa dancing on a Saturday night or just feel comfortable moving about the dance floor at your best friend’s wedding. (To receive 50% savings on a New Student Introductory Program, mention this article and pay only $25.)

On October 7th and 8th, Fred Astaire Dance Studio will host a showcase event in the gorgeous ballroom of The Nines Hotel in downtown Portland. The Studio will present its own dance competition paired with a special charity event, “Dancing with Our Heroes.” The evening of October 8th, Fred Astaire Dance Studio professionals will partner with veterans to perform a “Dancing with

the Stars” style competition, to help support military families through donations to the Fisher House Foundation. Jessi Aillon relates that the purpose and goal of this event “is truly to honor veterans and service members within the communities,” and she openly invites all veterans and service members to attend. In addition, the Studio is working with Forward March Inc., an organization run by a veteran with contacts in the American Legion and Officers Association. Through these efforts the Studio hopes to have a large community of veterans and military personnel present in the

by Fred Astaire Dance Studio professionals. General Admission tickets for Saturday evening’s program are available for $25. (Veterans and service members can receive a complimentary ticket by calling the Studio and mentioning this article.)

audience to be honored and recognized. Come and watch the “Dancing with Our Heroes” competition, meet Celebrity Judge Tony Dovolani, and enjoy a Patriotic Tribute Show

On another front, the Aillons are preparing to open a second Fred Astaire Dance Studio within the next few months at Progress Ridge in Beaverton. “What we’re finding coming out of the pandemic,” Jessi explains, “is that there is even more demand than ever for people to get connected in a healthy way, and that is primarily what learning to dance offers.” She adds lightheartedly, “It’s so much more than just learning what to do with your feet.” Recognizing the demand, Alex and Jessi

are branching out to offer other communities more convenient access to lessons, classes, and social events, allowing for an easier integration into day-to-day lifestyles. “We are coming to you,” Jessi says, “because we know that you want to be able to come to us, and walking through the door for the first time is the hardest part!”

So if you’re looking for a comfortable venue to practice your skills and gain confidence on the dance floor, “We are that place,” Jessi says. And for those who dismiss the thought with, “Oh I don’t dance,” Take heed—most new students leave the Fred Astaire Dance Studio saying, “Wow. That was so much more fun and simple than I thought it would be. When can I come back?”

Fred Astaire Dance Studio is located at 6520 SW Rosewood St. in Lake Oswego. To schedule lessons, inquire about group classes or social dances and events, call (971)255-1918 or visit their website at fredastaire.com/portland.

Alex & Jessi Aillon

October / November

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE LIBRARY?

LOPL MONTHLY TRIVIA NIGHT THURS., OCT. 20, 7:00 PM

Join the LOPL trivia team—host Carissa, trivia master Jamie, scorer Cindy, and Blake the Wonder Pup™--for a fun and fast evening of online trivia, at 7 pm Thursday, October 20, on Zoom. It’s just like pub trivia, except you’re home in your pajamas or sweats. Preregistration is required. Trivia Night is free, and is made possible by the Friends of the Lake Oswego Public Library. More information here: tinyurl.com/3t2f34yc or email librarian Carissa Barrett if you have questions at cmbarrett@lakeoswego.city.

DUAL POETRY BOOK LAUNCH: EMMETT WHEATFALL AND JOHN SIBLEY WILLIAMS WEDNESDAY, OCT. 26, 5:30 - 6:30 PM

Join esteemed poets Emmett Wheatfall and John Sibley Williams on Wednesday, October 26 at 5:30 pm for their exciting dual poetry book launch! Emmett Wheatfall lives in Portland, Oregon where he writes, records, publishes and performs poetry. His new publication recalls and examines the early days of COVID-19.

John Sibley Williams is the author of seven poetry collections. He is the founder and head teacher of Caesura Poetry Workshop, a virtual workshop series, and he serves as co-founder and editor of The Inflectionist Review. He also works as a poetry editor and book coach. John lives in Portland, Oregon. The Lake Oswego Public Library is located at 706 Fourth Street, Lake Oswego. Contact Alicia Yokoyama, Adult Services Librarian, at ayokoyama@lakeoswego. city if you have questions.

STORYTIME, OCT. 4 - NOV.17

Preschool Storytime (3-5 years)

Tues. at 10:30 am

Toddler Storytime (2-3 years) Wed. at 10:30 am

Fun for Ones Storytime (12-24 mos) Thurs. at 10:30am

Baby Storytime (0-12 mos) Thurs. at 3 pm

Third Tuesday

Author: Daniel Nieh

Tuesday, Oct. 18, 5:30 – 6:30 pm

Join us for a presentation by local author Daniel Nieh. Mr. Nieh is a writer and translator. He was born in Portland, Oregon, and has also lived in China, Japan, Singapore, Mexico, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. He is the author of two international crime thrillers, Beijing Payback and Take No Names, both of which were New York Times Book Review Editor’s Choice selections. His nonfiction writing has appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, and Esquire. This presentation is made possible by the Friends of the Lake Oswego Public Library. Contact Alicia Yokoyama, Adult Services Librarian, at ayokoyama@lakeoswego.city if you have questions.

TEENS READ BOOK CLUB

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 6:00 PM (LOWER LEVEL)

The Lake Oswego Public Library invites teens to read diversely and meet on the fourth Thursday of every month for snacks and lively book discussion. Celebrate spooky season with a thrilling horror read: White Smoke by Tiffany D. Jackson.

DENTISTRY WITH HEART!

By Dennis McNabb, Contributing Writer Photos by Kerry Yu

Dr. Fadi Ibsies, owner and founder of Smile Oswego Dental in Lake Oswego (near the Mary’s Woods Senior Living facility) and Smile Linn Dental in West Linn, is that rare sort. On the surface, he’s a brilliant dentist, entrepreneur, private practice owner, and voted one of “Portland’s top dentists” by his peers in Portland Monthly Magazine. But a peek behind the curtain reveals that he’s also a family man, a self-proclaimed tech geek, and an all around genuinely nice guy. He sincerely cares about his patients, and his down-to-earth demeanor and humility are so disarming you’d never guess he was such an accomplished, respected leader in his field.

Let’s be honest: nobody enjoys going to the dentist. But Dr. Ibsies and his staff at Smile Linn Dental, and his partner Dr. Marcus Uchida and staff at Smile Oswego Dental in Lake Oswego, have bridged the gap to make it as pleasant an experience as possible for their patients. Their knowledge and expertise are incomparable, and as a testament to his personality and his professionalism, much of Dr. Ibsies’ staff has been with him from the beginning—over 16 years now! Being a patient here means building a long-term relationship and becoming a member of their family. They know you, they know your history, and it’s more like visiting family than going to see the doctor!

Dr. Ibsies and Dr. Uchida believe that good dental health is the key to one’s general well-being, so they employ all the latest in dental technology in their state-of-the-art facilities. Dr. Ibsies, in fact, contributed to the advancement of dentistry by inventing a better solution for dentists to interact with

dental software, protecting both the doctor and the patient in the process. Your health and your smile are their greatest concerns, and every procedure is done with the utmost precision and heart. Their offices are warm, comfortable, and calming. They offer blankets and pillows, noise-canceling headphones, movies, and more to help put patients at ease.

Both practices are highly involved in our local communities as well. Not content to “only” provide the best dental care available, they are also constantly striving to give back as much as possible. Whether it’s providing aid to the disadvantaged, contributing to programs like Head Start, or helping sponsor celebratory events like Music in the Park or Lake Oswego Farmer’s Market, they are always first in line with donations.

Smile Linn Dental is located in West Linn next to Backyard Burger in the Robinwood area, and Smile Oswego Dental is less than a mile away and above Ovation Coffee in Mary’s Woods. Both Smile Linn Dental and Smile Oswego Dental offer preventative, restorative, cosmetic, and general dentistry for children and adults of all ages. Come down, visit with your dental family, and then grab a delicious sandwich or a cup of joe at Ovation. Make a day of it, and leave smiling.

Smile Linn Dental is located at 18750 Willamette Dr. Suite B-2 in West Linn. Call the office at 503-607-2222 or visit smilelinndental.com. Smile Oswego Dental is located at 17510 Provost St, Unit 205, just off Holy Names Drive near the Village at Mary’s Woods, in Lake Oswego. Call the office at 503-7655555 or visit smileoswegodental.com for more information.

The Tale of Stingy Jack

Exploring the myth behind Halloween’s pumpkin pastime

By Krysta M. Nelson, Contributing Writer

Oh autumn, what a wonderful time of year! A time to break out all my favorite sweaters just as the leaves are turning into vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red. And best of all, the arrival of Halloween, my favorite holiday. My nickname as a kid was Little Miss Mess Maker, as carving pumpkins has always been my favorite Halloween activity–one time I even recreated a horror movie with gourd guts. While carving pumpkins is extremely popular, most people don’t know the myth behind the mess and tradition.

Long ago in a small Irish town, a drunkard named Stingy Jack earned his moniker after tricking the Devil himself. Jack was notorious in his little town, and Satan had heard of his mischievous deeds. Jack may have been known for being a drunken scoundrel—scuttered and bollocksed—but he was also a clever lad, so he convinced the Devil to take him to his favorite pub as a last request and to pay for the bill. When the tab came due, Jack convinced the Devil to turn himself into a coin so Jack could pay for the drinks, then they could leave for the underworld.

The Devil was fooled. And instead of paying up, Jack dropped the coin into his pocket alongside a silver crucifix, trapping the fiery foe in the form of a coin. The Devil begged Stingy Jack to

release him. And so Jack released him, but only on the condition that the Devil would not bother him for another year, and should Jack die, Satan could not claim his soul.

True to his word, the Devil didn’t return for a whole year. When the Devil finally reappeared to claim his soul, Jack tricked the Devil to climb a fruit tree and pick him a last meal to eat before traveling to Hell. Once the Devil reached the top of the tree, Jack carved a cross into the bark of the tree trunk, trapping the Devil high among the branches. Again, Satan begged Jack for freedom, but this time, Jack made the Devil promise to not bother him for another 10 years. Of course, the Devil agreed to his terms and was freed.

Jack died soon thereafter. Because of his mischief and sins, he was denied entrance to Heaven. Upset by the trickery and scheming, and true to his word of not claiming his soul, Satan denied Jack entrance into Hell, too. As a parting gift, the Devil gifted Jack a lump of burning coal to light his way

and sent him off into the night. Jack placed the burning coal in a hollowed out turnip, and he has roamed the earth ever since. The Irish began calling this eerie creature “Jack of the Lantern,” or “Jack O’Lantern” for short.

In Ireland and Scotland, people began carving their own unique versions of jack-o’-lanterns, cutting terrifying faces into turnips, potatoes,

beets, or rutabagas, and lighting and displaying them near doors or windows to frighten away Stingy Jack and other evil spirits. In the mid-1800s, Irish and Scottish immigrants brought the jack-o’-lantern tradition with them when they moved to the U.S. And they soon found that pumpkins, a large fruit native to America, made for perfect jack-o’-lanterns.

Since then, there have been many attempts in popular culture to revive this long-forgotten tradition of carving jack-o’-lanterns from turnips. In 2015, due to a severe pumpkin shortage caused by severe rain, the charity English Heritage called for Brits to rekindle their love for turnip carving and return to the original tradition of turnip jack-o’lanterns. English Heritage even went so far as to install many ghoulish turnip jack-o’-lanterns at Dover Castle to inspire others to do the same. Whether carving trunips will become popular again is still unknown.

In Ireland and Scotland, people began carving their own unique versions of jacko’-lanterns, cutting terrifying faces into turnips, potatoes, beets, or rutabagas, and lighting and displaying them near doors or windows to frighten away Stingy Jack and other evil spirits.

There are, however, many benefits to turnip carving over pumpkin carving. There’s no stringy pumpkin mess or seeds to clean out. Turnips are quite small and portable, so they can actually be hung like little lanterns. Also, turnips are cheap! So you can afford to make dozens and dozens if you’re so inclined. If they’re careful with a knife, older kids can carve a turnip by themselves because they’re so much simpler and smaller. The red-white color and eerie roots are scarier than pumpkins. After you scoop out the insides of the turnip, you can make mashed turnips. Yum! And because they’re available year round, you can carve turnips for more than just jack-o’-lanterns — votive holders, artwork or whatever you want.

So, there you have it. I love it when holidays and their fun-filled activities have such a rich history as Halloween and the Stingy Jack origin of pumpkin carving. And the fact that the history is also a ghost story is even more fun! Whether you choose to carve a pumpkin or turnip, I hope you and yours have a safe, fun, messy, and memorable holiday.

New York Fashion Week

Every year, designers, models, buyers, media, bloggers, photographers, celebrities, influencers and fashionistas will gather together for New York Fashion week. It is a must-see event. People fly from all over the world to New York just to be there for the exciting few days of fashion shows.

Fashion shows help in creating interest among the public to spread awareness about new arrivals in design and style and set new fashion trends, coordinate sales and promote goods.

People use fashion shows as tool to express themselves, their believes, their individuality, uniqueness, new ideas, and culture. This season in New York Fashion Week, I helped to produce three shows for three wonderful designers and brands. These designers are from New York, Canada, as well as Vietnam.

By Kerry Yu, Fashion Consultant

Sustainability is a big theme this year. The New York brand D’Marsh and the Vietnamese brand Hulos used recycled material to create one of a kind pieces. Hulos’ collection were all handmade with embroidery. The collection looked absolutely stunning. The Canadian brand Amelia Tuu was established by Miss Universe Canada which contains French accents within the collection. They also emphasized the use of organic cotton as the main materials for the brand.

I have some exciting news to mention. The Canadian brand Amelia Tuu will be featured at Portland’s official Fashion Week - FashionNXT on Oct 7th. Take out your most fashionable outfits and experience Fashion from the comfort of your own town.

Names of the brands: D’Marsh ( New York) / Hulos ( Vietnam) / Amelia Tuu ( Canada)

D’Marsh Couture Amelia Tuu

Kerry Yu directingHulos Brand

Local models Carmen and 70 year old Colleen made it to The Big Apple.

A SHOWROOM LIKE NO OTHER

CUSTOM NW REMODELING & FLOORS

Make your dream come true! From start to finish Custom NW Remodeling & Floors can turn dreams into reality. Whether it is a beautiful staircase, kitchen, or the luxurious master bathroom you have always wanted, Custom NW Remodeling is here to help take thoughts and ideas and turn them into reality. Our team of skilled craftsmen have years of experience in all aspects of interior remodeling and when paired with our expertise of design we can help you build a dream and turn your house into your dream home.

At Custom NW Remodeling & Floors we provide you with the highest quality of workmanship, paired with the highest quality products for all your home remodeling needs. Whether its flooring, tile, cabinets, countertops, decks, stairs, or carpeting, we have the best products from the brands you know and trust. We carry a wide variety of products for every aspect of your remodeling needs, as well as the capability to help you envision, design, and build your dream. There is never a need to shop around as we have the best selection of products and the team to get your project done.

Our beautiful showroom showcases our quality products in real life settings. Unlike any others we have full kitchen displays featuring Hamilton’s Appliances, who we are proud to be partnered with. Hamilton’s Appliances have all your appliance needs, including, refrigerators, dishwashers, stoves,

cooktops, microwaves, hood vents, downdrafts, and washers & dryers, too! To go along with that we have spectacular displays of cabinets, countertops and backsplashes.

As you continue through the showroom, you will find all your flooring needs from custom stained hardwoods to engineered flooring, as well as luxury vinyl plank and tile. We also feature custom closets in a variety of styles as well as carpeting to go along with your master bedroom. Relax on the couch in front of the built-in fireplace on a 12-foot wall of tile with a built in TV. Every aspect of our showroom is designed with the idea of vision and craftsmanship. Check out our stairs as we have a variety of cable systems, iron balusters and glass, as well.

The bottom line is that we offer what others cannot. We have our own employees who take great pride in their work and will treat your home with the utmost respect. From start to finish our whole team is there for you. Jean Carey, Owner, along with her partner, Brad Fay, invite you to experience a showroom like no other. Choose us to partner up with our expertise and turn your dreams into reality.

Custom NW Remodeling & Floors is located at 10175 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy. in Beaverton. Visit their website for more information at www.customnwremodeling.com or call them at 503-644-9663.

Photos By Craig Brubaker

Ace Nilson Dakar Rally Competitor

By Dennis McNabb, Contributing Writer

The Dakar: 9,300 miles of the most intense, grueling, and exciting motor racing in the world! It all began back in 1976, when French competitive racer, Thierry Sabine, went off course and got lost in the Ténéré Desert while competing in a Abidjan-Nice Rally. He was so enamored with the terrain that he vowed to share it with his fellow racers. After working tirelessly throughout the following year to establish a new course, one which incorporated the desert he was so inspired by, in December of 1977 the first Paris-Dakar Rally was staged. It was a unique event, open to all riders, and promoted a sense of friendship and camaraderie between competitors. 45 years later, the race is still organized and run with that same spirit, and it has never once failed to challenge, surprise, and excite both racers and spectators alike.

This is the biggest rally-raid in the world; it’s legendary, and as such, participation for bikers and quads is limited. Candidates’ applications are carefully reviewed and selected based on previous experience in similar races. Only the best of the best are invited. So it is with great pride and gratitude that local resident, Ace Nilson, has been chosen to participate as a member of team DUUST.CO (a satellite of Red Bull KTM Factory Team). Being accepted with your first application is almost unheard of, but it speaks to Ace’s skill level

and dedication to the sport. This truly is a dream come true.

During the day, Nilson is the manager for the respiratory and cardiopulmonary departments at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland. In addition, he founded, owns, and runs High Desert Adventures, Oregon’s premier off-road motorcycle adventure company. So he is clearly a very intelligent, ambitious, and driven individual, but dirt bike riding is his true passion. This is where he gets to escape, to let everything else go, and simply focus on the task at hand. These rally-raids are a serious test of endurance, but they are also the most therapeutic and exhilarating experiences you can imagine.

Of course, the cost of entry is astronomical–in the vicinity of $100,000 for entry fees, team fees, travel, etc.–and cost-prohibitive for many people. So if you’re interested in finding out more on Ace’s adventure, fundraising or advertising opportunities, please contact him via email at Ace@highdesertadventures.net. And check out his and others’ adventures at highdesertadventures.net.

2022 Monster Mash Spooktacular:

Frightful Fun!

By Donovan Darling, Staff Writer

Iremember black clouds and heavy mist under murky yellow streetlights, my rain jacket flapping over my vampire costume, and hauling an orange plastic jacko’-lantern through the monster-crowded streets more than 20 years ago. The houses with jump scares were always the best–the dad crouching in the bushes, the mom “asleep” in the rocking chair–my little brother and I always jumped and screamed. Homes all strewn with cobwebs, gravestones, red lights, and skeletons. And the bowls of witches’ hair (spaghetti) and eyeballs (peeled grapes).

hosting the Monster Mash Spooktacular. 2019 and 2020 were a bit different–due to COVID they adapted into a Drive-Thru format, but thankfully this year returns to the classic indoor trick-or-treat format.

Instead of house by house, it’s almost like a trick-ortreat party–you get to hang out with family and friends without getting rained on! Dress up in your favorite spooky Halloween costume and bring the whole family to this great event. Walk through the trick-or-treat “streets” to collect candy, toys, and more at every station. This cobweb-filled celebration includes spooky tunes and ghoulish crafts too! The best part of all is this takes place during daylight hours, in a well-lit building, getting safe and prepackaged candy from trustworthy folks. The church supplies the candy themselves, and many folks dress up to partake in the festivities and feel like a kid again; the pure joy and innocence of dressing up in a costume and being silly for a few hours.

While I remember those Halloweens fondly, gone are the days of going door-to-door for candy and scares. Times change, and we just want to keep our kids safe. And that’s where the Monster Mash Spooktacular comes in. Many cities have adopted a new, safer style of trick-or-treating, whether downtown, at malls, or in local churches. The good news is that the kids still get to dress up, say “trick or treat!”, have fun, and binge on candy at the end of All Hallows’ Eve.

For the past several years, the Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation and Christ Church Episcopal Parish have been

Don’t just sit at home drinking hot mulled cider and eating a bag of candy corn, watching your favorite Halloween movies all cozied up on the couch–although that’s a good start. Get up, get costumed, and head down for candy, fun, and festivities. Join the Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation and Christ Church Episcopal Parish for trick-or-treating on Monday, October 31, 3-6PM.

Christ Church Episcopal Parish is located at 1060 Chandler Rd. in Lake Oswego. For more info, give CCP a call at 503-636-5618, or Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation at 503-635-0270.