Lake Oswego Lifestyle Magazine - October 2021

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Life /styLe L A K E

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OCTOBER 2021

AESTHETIC MEDICINE Her e F o r Y o u O n Y our A es t h e t i c Jou r n ey pg. 8

IN GOOD TASTE Thai Bas i l pg. 4

OREGON DESTINATIONS Frog Pond Farm pg. 28

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT St a nd a rd T V & A pp l i a nce

SPECIAL FEATURE M e e t M r s . Ore go n A m e r i c a 2021

pg. 6

pg. 30

COOK WITH ICONIC STYLE ACCLAIMED CHEF THOMAS KELLER USES HESTAN APPLIANCES I N A L L H I S RESTAURANTS INCLUDING THE FRENCH LAUNDRY AND BOUCHON. E A R N A F R E E D I N N E R AT T H E F R E N C H L A U N D R Y W H E N Y O U P U R C H A S E A Q U A L I F Y I N G H E S TA N PA C KA G E . ( $ 1 0 0 0 VA L U E )

BEST SERVICE.

BEST SELECTION.

BEST PEOPLE.

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Lake Oswego Life/Style ★ OCTOBER 2021

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A PUBLICATION OF

PO Box 672 · Aurora, OR 97002 info@ActiveMediaUSA.com 503.825.2111

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ADMINISTRATION Matthew Nelson, Publisher Catrina Nelson, CFO

TASTE OF THE TOWN: Thai Basil

8 FEATURE: Aesthetic Medicine

Jenna Preston, Editor Dan Snyder, Associate Editor Donovan Darling, Content Manager Nancy Reynholds, Executive Assistant OPERATIONS Jeremy Okai Davis, Art Director Stacy Benner, Sr. Graphic Designer

30 SPECIAL FEATURE: Lake Oswego’s Mrs. America

6 BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Standard TV & Appliance

HISTORY: Mother of Invention, “Peng-Wings”

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TASTE OF THE TOWN: Thai Basil

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Standard TV & Appliance

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FEATURE: Aesthetic Medicine

12

FALL FASHION: Kerry Yu’s Sneak Peek

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CHINESE ROSE PRINCESS & QUEEN GALA by Kerry Yu

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HOW TO CARVE THE PERFECT PUMPKIN

18

LIFE | STYLE | LIVING: Renaissance Homes

20

RECIPE: Scarecrow Cookies

22

HISTORY: Mother of Invention, Roscoe Magone’s “Peng Wings”

24

LAKE OSWEGO PUBLIC LIBRARY

27

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Synergy One Lending

28

IN AND AROUND LO: Frog Pond Farms

30

SPECIAL FEATURE: Merryn Roberts-Huntley, Mrs. Oregon

Publisher’s Note: The article “How The Oswego Heritage Council Began” published in the August 2021 edition of Lake Oswego Lifestyle was printed in error. We apologize to the Oswego Heritage Council for any confusion or grief that the article caused.

Holly Darling, Sr. Graphic Designer CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tyler Francke Kerry Yu

David Bates

Dennis McNabb

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Craig Brubaker

Carly Carpenter

Kim Elliott

Kara Langley

Jayme Romine Andrew Sambuceto ADVERTISING SPECIALISTS Don Ormsby

Bill Kistler

Stephanie Baker

Jim Belan

Peggy Jacobs

David Long

Chris O’Brien

John Zobrist

Brad Marti

Shelley Zeman

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TASTE OF THE TOWN

The Taste of Southeast Asia

THAI BASIL

Written By Dennis McNabb, Active Media Contributing Writer Photos By Tarina Westlund & Kim Elliott

L

ooking back thirty to forty years ago, there was really very little variety when it came to popular cuisine in the area. If you lived in or near a major city like Portland, you may have been lucky enough to have more options to choose from, but even then, typically the most “ethnic” foods available were Americanized versions of popular Chinese, Italian, or Mexican dishes. That’s all many of us knew growing up, which is why it’s so amazing that today we can go anywhere around town, even the burbs, and get fantastic, authentic meals from virtually any country in the world! As it happens, one of the best places in the area to get authentic Thai and Malaysian cuisine is right here in Lake Oswego, and it’s called Thai Basil.

Owner, operator, and founder Vone Phandouangsy grew up in a family as the only sister amongst 4 brothers. The boys were always out doing “boy stuff,” so she spent much of her childhood in the kitchen with her mother learning how to cook.

She discovered quickly that she not only had a knack for it, but thoroughly enjoyed it as well. Dinner time was family time, and she valued that opportunity to contribute. She found that she could provide something which enhanced the experience for the entire family.

When she moved to the United States as a young woman and began searching for employment, the restaurant industry was the first place she looked; that’s what appealed to her and that’s what made the most sense. Her first job was at a restaurant called the Thai House, where she learned the ropes of how to work in a restaurant, how to cook on a larger scale, how to adjust flavors to maintain authenticity while still appealing to their local clientele.

All the while, her heart was always set on eventually owning and running her own restaurant, and in 2007 that dream became a reality when she opened Thai Basil. Now, 14 years later, she’s still going stronger than ever. By integrating all of the business knowledge and experience she’d gained working in the industry, along with all of the cooking experience she’d obtained growing up, Vone put herself in the best position to succeed.

And succeed, she has! She’s been very smart about it as she went, as well, beginning slowly, keeping the number of menu items to a minimum at first and focusing on quality, consistency, and quick service over quantity. As time went on and the business grew, she was then able to slowly introduce new items while still maintaining the same strict standards of service. Today, their menu offers an immense variety of

4 • LAKE OSWEGO LIFE/STYLE • OCTOBER 2021

fantastic Thai and Malaysian dishes, and the majority of the recipes come straight from Vone’s family kitchen!

There are so many words to describe the cuisine here: traditional, delicious, authentic, delicious, fresh, delicious! You get the idea… everything is delicious! I’ve been eating at Thai Basil for over 10 years and I can honestly attest to the fact that I’ve never once had a bad meal there!

Local favorites include Pad Thai, Drunken Noodles, Basil Fried Rice, Spicy Basil, Cashew Nut Stir Fry, Yellow Curry, and Pumpkin Curry. Everything is made fresh and almost entirely from scratch. Even after 14 years of business, Vone still insists on going herself to pick out all of the fresh produce! Fresh vegetables are such a key component in so many of their dishes, and Vone refuses to give even an inch on her standards of quality. That dedication and commitment really shows!

Thai Basil is the quintessential locally and family-owned business! Vone’s husband takes care of a lot of the day-to-day tasks behind the scenes, while their children have begun training and slowly learning the ropes. The restaurant itself has a very warm and comfortable atmosphere providing both booth-seating and free-standing tables. Although it has an open concept, it’s never too loud and the soft lights provide a nice golden hue.

It’s elegant, tasteful, and it’s exceptionally clean! For anyone concerned about COVID, they follow all of the usual protocols in addition to regular sanitization of menus, tables, etc.

Vone wants to thank the community for their support during these difficult times. Although it’s been a time of struggle for so many, she really appreciates that people have continued to show up and support all of the smaller local businesses.

Thai Basil is a local gem offering fresh, authentic, and yes, delicious Thai and Malaysian food. Support small business and treat your tastebuds to an amazing meal! Come on down to Thai Basil tonight!

Thai Basil is located at 6328 SW Meadows Road, near the intersection of Kruse Way and Bangy Road in Lake Oswego.

Call them at 503-601-8424 or visit thaibasilcuisine.com for more information and to see their menu. Vone would like to thank her family for the love and support!

OCTOBER 2021 • LAKE OSWEGO LIFE/STYLE • 5

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Happy 74th Anniversary!

Written By Dennis McNabb, Active Media Contributing Writer

A

s we have all witnessed over the last 10 to 20 years, with the advent of the cyber marketplace, many of the old brick-and-mortar small businesses have faded into the pages of history. Even many of the larger, corporate-owned big box stores have struggled to survive. That’s why it’s so exciting for us to be able to highlight smaller, locally owned and operated businesses like Standard TV & Appliance, and to do our part to remind everyone that they are still out there, still thriving, and still providing superior products and services to our local communities!

They’ve also placed added focus on both their service and services. First and foremost, they have the largest inventory of any retailer in the market. The supply chain may have been disrupted by COVID, but at Standard you have a much better chance of getting your purchases delivered within days, not months! Also, uniquely to the industry, they have their own highly-trained delivery teams, installation teams, and service department, so you don’t have to rely on unknown third party vendors. They can only guarantee their work if they do it themselves!

Clement and Hazel Gander founded the Standard company back in 1947, and through the decades it has expanded from a single store with a couple of employees to 4 retail locations and almost 300 employees! Their growth can mostly be attributed to the fact that they understood two simple principles: always conduct business with integrity and always give back to the community. Those principles have served them well, and today they are the largest independent appliance, electronics, and mattress retailer in Oregon!

At Standard TV & Appliance, they truly own their business in every context, including their victories and mistakes. Jeff will even personally call a customer if there was an egregious problem of some kind. You’ll never get that kind of service from a big box store! They truly go the extra mile to assure your complete satisfaction, from the moment you step into their showroom to the moment you light up your new stove for Thanksgiving dinner!

Current President and co-owner, Jeff Jarvis, stated that the key to their success lies in strict adherence to those original core values, and in preserving the legacy of their history while also incorporating new strategies to continue their expansion into the future. In recent years, they’ve focused a lot of attention on their showrooms, completing significant remodels so that they’re able to exhibit the largest showroom displays in the market, including live appliances! Jeff is adamant that customers should know what they are buying, and should be able to see it within a kitchen setting and be able to test how it works so they will be completely satisfied with their purchase.

6 • LAKE OSWEGO LIFE/STYLE • OCTOBER 2021

Locally owned and operated, you just won’t get the same kind of care and service anywhere else! These people take care of their customers, they take care of their employees, and they take care of their communities by being heavily involved in a multitude of local philanthropic activities.

October is anniversary month and there are many reasons for celebration: Exclusive Rebates, Free Installation Programs, Give-Aways, Cooking Demos, and Longer-Term Financing!

Come on down, take advantage of the best sale of the year, and celebrate a huge milestone with one of our locally owned gems!

For more information, including store locations, visit standardtvandappliance.com.

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COVER FEATURE

Aesthetic Medicine

By Dennis McNabb, Active Media Contributing Writer Photos by Kim Elliott

I

t’s unfortunate that for many of us, the only exposure we knowingly get to aesthetic medicine comes from seeing the botched plastic surgeries of Hollywood celebrities splashed all over the tabloids. Unsettling pictures of Michael Jackson, Kenny Rogers, Joan Rivers, and so many more are hard to erase from our minds, but even though these are obviously extreme examples, they are largely responsible for the opinions many of us have formed regarding the industry as a whole. Nevermind that there are literally millions of procedures done annually which don’t catch headlines. Those are the procedures that aren’t so noticeable, the ones that make us green with envy, the ones that make people look radiant and ageless.

And according to Shana LaMarsh, those are the procedures that really represent what the industry is all about. Shana is the CEO and COO of Aesthetic Medicine Physicians & Surgeons here in Lake Oswego, and in her view, it’s not about appearing to be 20 when you’re 50, but about looking like the healthiest, most youthful version of yourself at any age. Their goal is to expose, maintain, and enhance the client’s inherent natural beauty.

Such transformations, although noticeable, should be subtle.

I was so impressed by Shana and the way she explained her interpretation of the art of aesthetics, because to her, it really is an art. And what we see in the tabloids is not a fair representation of it. People are naturally beautiful, and it’s her chosen purpose to help people bring it to the surface.

8 • LAKE OSWEGO LIFE/STYLE • OCTOBER 2021

She’s incredibly pragmatic about it, too, and she recognizes the obvious: that people look older as they age. That’s just a fact of life.

There’s no way around it.

However, even though aging is inevitable, there are ways of slowing the process, and at Aesthetic Medicine, they are extremely adept with all of these methods. There are even some ways to “reverse” aging to some extent, but Shana treads carefully with her clients heading down that path. She is adamant about being completely open, honest and transparent about every aspect of every procedure, and what the client should expect.

Educating her clients and setting realistic expectations for them is an imperative.

Shana has worked tirelessly to ensure that they remain at the cutting edge of the industry (pun intended); that they have all the best equipment, the most highly-trained technicians and doctors, and the ability to offer the widest array of treatment options available in the local market. That said, according to Shana, when anyone in their industry is doing their best work, nobody

should notice! It’s ironic, but true. You should look younger, healthier, your skin more vibrant and less wrinkled, but you should not appear “doctored”. It should not be obvious that you had anything done.

And therein lies the art!

Aesthetic Medicine Physicians & Surgeons was founded by Dr. Darm 26 years ago. The office actually started out in Lake Owego, but then moved to Tigard for a time and has now returned to their hometown. Shana has worked in the industry (and with Dr. Darm specifically) for over 10 years now and has additional years of experience as a medical assistant and working in oncology. Although she initially worked for Dr. Darm years ago, she returned to AM in her current role in 2019, and she couldn’t be happier to be back!

Skin Treatments (Laser Scar Reduction, Microneedling, Acne Treatments, Sun Damage Laser, Facial Vein Removal, Laserlift, Laser Pore Reduction, Laser Treatments for Rosacea, Microdermabrasion, and Cellulite) as well as Intimate Wellness (Urinary Incontinence).

This is a locally owned and operated patient-driven business, where the team truly cares about their customers, as well as the community at large. They are heavily involved in many local fundraising events, they’ve According to Shana, things are going donated truckloads of supplies incredibly well at AM, even during a to Meridian Park Hospital worldwide pandemic, and she credits during COVID, provided free much of that success to their wonderfully treatments to underprivileged dedicated staff. She is grateful to community members, and everyone there and, of course, to the presented cash donations to customers who have continued to support many local shelters. them. And that leads us to some exciting Although men are welcome, new announcements! it is a female-centric business In the near future, clients can look forward and they want to ensure that to three new procedures that will be women feel very comfortable offered at AM very soon: Thread Lifts (aka here. The staff are well-trained “Lunchtime Lifts”), Fat Grafting, and Hair and highly professional— Removal. They also just added “Mini Face especially when it comes to Lifts” to their catalog last year and Laser understanding the difficulties Lipolysis (which is the new-and-improved women face regarding the aging process, method of Liposuction, using a laser which and how sensitive they might be about is less invasive and less damaging—and it coming in. Youth and beauty are such tightens your skin in the process!). highly-coveted commodities in our culture and there is a significant amount of anxiety In addition to the new procedures that are over maintaining both. Simultaneously, or will soon be on offer, they also still have their usual blend of services: Body Sculpting many women have little to no support. (both Minimally Invasive: Lipolift and BodyTite, and Non-Invasive: Emsculpt and Vanquish Me), Skin Tightening (BodyTite, Exillis, and Microneedling), Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures (MiniFaceLift, FaceTite, and Accutite), Injectables (Wrinkle Reducers and Dermal Fillers), Cosmetic

We all like to believe we are more evolved now than we were 40 or 50 years ago, but it bears acknowledging that women have not always been kind or supportive to one another. Here at Aesthetic Medicine, Shana and her team have carefully fostered

a positive, collaborative, and supportive environment; one where anyone can feel comfortable and no judgments will ever be made. Treat yourself to the most relaxing, rejuvenating, and age-defying experience of your life! Call Aesthetic Medicine and make an appointment today!

Aesthetic Medicine Physicians & Surgeons is located at 4800 Meadows Road, just off Kruse Way in Lake Oswego. Call 503-907-9401 or visit drdarm.com for more information, or follow them on Facebook or Instagram @AestheticMedicineLakeOswego.

OCTOBER 2021 • LAKE OSWEGO LIFE/STYLE • 9

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OPEN IN LAKE OSWEGO OCTOBER 2021 OCTOBER 2021 • LAKE OSWEGO LIFE/STYLE • 11

Sneak Peek of the Fall Fashion in Lake Oswego

Photos and Article By Kerry Yu

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Dress- Matta NYC Made in small batch, hand block printed all in India Designer based in New York

Top: Atelier Delphine Bottoms: Etica Denim Earrings: Amaree + Reese (a local designer) Bag: Cydwoq Shoes: Lotta From Stockholm Clogs

Active Media Fashion Consultant

owntown Lake Oswego has always been one of my favorite destinations for a weekend stroll, especially in the fall. I enjoy passing

by First and A Street, checking out the stores while grabbing a bite to eat at one of the many amazing restaurants available to choose from.

strive to carry only natural fiber goods such as cotton, linen, wool and silks,” Rachel added.

We are grateful to be able to feature the fall fashion line for “Dream Cloud Bohemian Market” and to have the opportunity to promote unique, original, and sustainable fashion to the community.

One Sunday afternoon Top: It is Well LA I walked into a unique shop, Overalls: Conscious new to the downtown Lake Clothing Hat: Gigi Pip Oswego community. Located in Windward on First and A street, “Dream Cloud Bohemian Market” showcases artisan made apparel and other merchandise. This boutique is filled with works from the creative minds of many inspiring artisans, bringing beautiful creations and designs that our local community can enjoy. The boutique focuses on finding emerging independent designers that offer handmade, ethical, and sustainable goods.

To learn more, you can follow them on Instagram @dreamcloudbohemianmarket

“Shops have a responsibility to uplift the Dress: Injiri (hand loomed and artists in their own community and from hand stitched in India) Scarf Shop (kettle dyed areas with less economic opportunity that Scarforganic small batch) offer a beautiful indigenous craft,” says Rachel, one of the shops owners.

Right: Wool Sweater- Pappus

(hand knit in Europe ) Dress: Injiri (hand loomed in India) Necklace: Amaree +Reese ( Local Portland designer)

Hat: Gigi Pip

“It is important to us to raise each other up whenever possible, our shop is a gathering space, not just a store.”

Jacket: Aunti Oti Scarf- Quilt scrap scarf from vintage materials Denim: Etica Denim (sustainable, small batch denim) Cogs: Lotta from Stockholm (sustainable, handmade in Sweden) Knot Bag: Mable- Vintage quilt scrap

“We want to feel connected to everything in the shop. We love the story behind each artisan and the goods we offer. In a world that is about mass production and quick delivery we embrace completely the inverse ideologies. We admire the slow process of a true artist, like the wabi-sabi imperfection of a hand block printed textile that has been dyed by flowers and then dried in the sun. We also believe in a more sustainable future by offering goods that are made with the earth in mind. We

12 • LAKE OSWEGO LIFE/STYLE • OCTOBER 2021

Jacket: Atelier Delphine

(Japanese Designer - Made in USA) Top: Injiri - Hand Loomed and Indigo dyed in India

Pants: Mirth Caftans -

Dress: It is Well LA - Designed

and made in CA

Sweater: Pappus (hand knit in

Europe)

Necklace: Amaree + Reese

handmade Linen and cotton from India (Local designer)

Models: Hope Schenk, Karen Johnson-Miller, Tiffany Gidley (Mrs. Oregon American 2021)

Chinese Rose Princess and Queen Gala

Article By Kerry Yu Active Media Fashion Consultant • Photos by Charles Zhang & Zike Xu

O

n Aug 5th 2021, Lake Oswego based organization The Chinese Rose Princess and Queen Court hosted their 4th annual Chinese Rose Princess and Queen Gala at Lakeside Gardens in Portland, Oregon.

The organization aims to promote Chinese culture and heritage by focusing on art, music, and of course, fashion. The organization also places an emphasis on environmental sustainability and justice.

The Chinese Rose Princesses and Queens utilize their platforms to encourage eco-friendly lifestyles. They pose as ambassadors that help to encourage the community to become better educated about the environmental issues facing our planet today. Each and every one of us are capable of making significant changes in our world and on our planet.

“Regardless of ethnicity, everyone is welcome to join us in becoming a Chinese Rose Princess or Queen. Together we can all make a lasting difference in the world!” The organizer remarked.

Each year, the Chinese Rose Princess and Queen Gala is held in June in conjunction with the Portland Rose Festival. Due to the pandemic, the 2020 gala was unfortunately cancelled, and the 2021 gala was held 2 months later than usual. Hopefully next year it will be back in June again!

At the gala, 2021 Chinese Rose Princesses and Queen were crowded. Miss Oregon USA 2021 Allison Cook was among the special guests.

OCTOBER 2021 • LAKE OSWEGO LIFE/STYLE • 13

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How to Carve the Perfect Pumpkin

By Donovan Darling, Active Media Contributing Writer

Everyone can be an artist at pumpkin carving because it’s actually easier than it looks.

These 10 terrifying tips will have your gory gourds looking great for the entire spooky season.

1. START WITH THE PERFECT PUMPKIN Choose one that’s fresh, with a sturdy stem, no bruises, and a flat bottom so it won’t roll while you carve. Wash it with warm soapy water to prevent mold and dry it off with a paper towel.

2. CUT THE BOTTOM, NOT THE TOP For the lid, instead of cutting the top, cut the bottom. Cutting your lid from the bottom helps prevent the sides from caving in later. This also keeps moisture inside the pumpkin longer.

3. SCOOP OUT ALL THE PULP (strings and seeds) in a spiral motion until the pumpkin is clean inside, not one scoop at a time, and everything will come out in one drop. You can use the special “claw” that comes with a pumpkin carving kit, an ice cream scoop, or a large wooden spoon.

4. YOU CAN USE PREMADE DESIGNS from a pumpkin carving kit, from the internet, or design one yourself. For your own design, sketch it out on paper first and trace the sketch with a thick marker. Whichever design you choose, use masking tape to tape the design to the front of your pumpkin. Poke holes along the lines of your design with the poker from a pumpkin carving kit, or a pencil will also work.

5. WHEN YOU’RE READY TO CARVE, put the pumpkin in your lap with a towel (or wear pants you don’t mind getting dirty). Carving is easier when the pumpkin “face” is close to you, and this can reduce neck or back strain instead of leaning over the dining table. A sharp medium serrated knife is best for cutting medium to large features, and an X-Acto knife or small knife from a pumpkin carving kit is best for carving the small details.

8. CREATE A CHIMNEY You can use a real candle such as a votive, or you can skip this step and use an electric candle. For a real flame, light the candle on the bottom lid and place the pumpkin over it. After a few minutes the “ceiling” will have blackened. Cut around this blackened spot to make a small hole to vent the candle heat.

How to Carve The Perfect Pumpkin

6. WITH YOUR SMALL KNIFE, start by cutting the small details first so the pumpkin is more intact; if you cut the large features first you can accidentally break it. After the small details are cut, cut out the large features with your medium serrated knife. When everything is roughly cut out, you can use the small knife to clean up the edges of your design.

You can also use the discarded pieces creatively! The pulp can make a great tongue, vomit, or messy hair. Smaller pieces can be used for spikes, eyebrows, or teeth. Be creative!

9. SPRINKLE CINNAMON INSIDE Cinnamon will prevent fungus, and when you light the candle your jack-o’-lantern will smell like a pumpkin pie.

10. ROAST THE PUMPKIN SEEDS! After removing the pulp, wash the seeds in a colander and dry between a towel. In a large bowl, toss the seeds with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper, or season to your liking. Spread the seeds evenly on a lightly greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes, tossing the seeds every 5 minutes for even browning. When the seeds are golden brown and radiate a cozy nut aroma, they’re done! Pumpkin seeds are a great source of fiber, zinc, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and iron.

7. KEEP YOUR PUMPKIN FRESH! Rub vaseline (petroleum jelly) on the cut edges to seal in moisture. If your pumpkin Enjoy your jack-o’-lantern for the whole haunted holiday! still shrivels a few days later, you can revive it by soaking it face down in cold water for up to eight hours.

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LAKE OSWEGO LIFE | STYLE | LIVING “Our building science and our attention to detail supersede any other builder in the area.”

AREA INTEL FROM THE PROS • On Lake Oswego Everyone knows Lake Oswego has great schools, which is its greatest draw. Less understood are the challenges involved in gaining access to the lake itself. Knowing the easements, what they do, how much they cost and most importantly, who gets them, is the most important piece to living on LO, and why an expert is essential.

• On Portland

RENAISSANCE HOMES

There are many distinct factors associated with where people choose to live in the city. A few blocks in any direction can make a huge difference in pricing. Schools are a driving force as is walkability. Buyers are beginning to look further out from the downtown area and into suburban neighborhoods as well. Adaptability is key, and a strong point for us, so we are always ahead of the game.

503.636.5600 | renaissance-homes.com | renaissancehomespdx Builder Randy Sebastian, president of Renaissance Homes, has much to celebrate in the way of naming and numbers. Throughout his company’s 36-plus years in business, Sebastian and his team have built more than 4,500 homes, received more Street of Dreams awards than any other builder (54, but who’s counting), and have become the area’s builder of choice. Sebastian opened Renaissance in 1986, and today is regarded as one of the best high-end builders in the Portland metro area, specifically in Portland and Lake Oswego.

“We have a shortage of inventory in both areas right now, so people are looking for land to build on,” he says. “Clients like Portland for the walkability. Lake Oswego clients love the city, schools and amenities.” When it comes to what makes or breaks a sale, Sebastian sticks to the tried-and-true cliché. “No matter how desirable the community, location is always king.”

18 • LAKE OSWEGO LIFE/STYLE • OCTOBER 2021

Top: This home was built for a custom client in the Stafford area, a PDX suburb. Left: Large sliding-glass doors bring the outside in, creating an incredibly open space—perfect for family and entertaining. Right: This view of the juice kitchen is taken from the inside looking out to the barbecue area. Above: Set away from the main outdoor living area, a juice bar opens onto the barbecue area, which allows the chef to visit while grilling a favorite meal.

All photography by Diana Sell Photography

The Best Built Homes are Renaissance Homes Po r t l a n d & L a k e O s w e g o ’ s b u i l d e r o f c h o i c e

renaissance-homes.com OCTOBER 2021 • LAKE OSWEGO LIFE/STYLE • 19

RECIPE

Scarecrow Cookies Enjoy these Halloween-style cookies that are creatively shaped to look like scarecrows.

INGREDIENTS

1/4 C Betty Crocker™ Ready-To-Spread Vanilla Frosting 10 Creme-Filled Vanilla Sandwich Cookies 5 Baked Whole-Grain Wheat Crackers, Cut In Half 1 Tablespoon Sugar 10 Large Gumdrops 10 Pieces Candy Corn Black Decorating Gel

DIRECTIONS

1. Spread 1 slightly rounded teaspoon frosting on each cookie. For each scarecrow cookie, cut half cracker into shreds with sharp knife; place shreds on 2 sides of each frosted cookie to resemble hair.

2. Sprinkle work surface with sugar. Place 1 gumdrop on its side on sugar; flatten with rolling pin into 1/8-inch-thick triangle. Fold up one edge to form hat brim; place on cookie, trimming to fit if necessary.

3. Place 1 piece candy corn on cookie to resemble nose. Use black decorating gel to make eyes, mouth and hatband. *recipe reprinted from BettyCrocker.com

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Mother of Invention The story of Etta Carman and her son Roscoe’s “Peng-Wings”

by Char Green and Dr. Mark Browne, Oswego Heritage Council

E

arly pioneering Oswego resident Waters Carman was in most ways a man of his time. Like many men in the 19th century, he quickly remarried within a year of his first wife’s passing. Following the first official wedding in Lake Oswego on September 12, 1852, Waters’ second family in Oswego with Lucretia Gurney would eventually grow to include four children. First-born son George would be followed by the powerful pioneer force of three strong-willed girls: Mary Lucretia (Mamie), Henrietta Susanna (Etta) and Helen Adelia (Della).

Lulu, Francette and Mamie Magone ca.1888/89

While crossing a felled log lying across the steep-walled canal, Francette the youngest Magone daughter tragically made a misstep, slipping and falling into the canal. Their brave tutor immediately dived in to save her, only to get caught on a submerged snag and quickly drown. Lulu and Mamie watched helplessly Middle daughter Etta (1858Daniel and Etta Magone while Francette struggled before following their tutor to a 1925) grew up in the homestead at watery grave. It took two hours for the bodies to be retrieved Springbrook Farm, familiar to most Lake Oswego and returned to Dogwood Farm. Etta’s life was shattered, but she residents of today as the Carman House. In 1881 she still had five remaining children who would soon be joined by the married Daniel Dean Magone, the handsome son of second set of twins within the year. another local pioneer family.

The young newlyweds soon settled down at Dogwood Farm, on Etta’s share of the original Carman land claim. Daniel and Etta would eventually bring a total of eight children into the world, including not one, but two sets of twins! Son Roscoe, their fourth child, was born in 1889.

Roscoe Magone as a child

In 1886 Etta’s life began to unravel. On a lazy Sunday afternoon under blue skies and wispy clouds tutor Maxwell McKechnie asked Etta for permission to take his charges, her three oldest children, daughters Lulu, Mamie and Francette to the canal that connected the Tualatin river with Oswego Lake for their weekly landscape painting lesson.

22 • LAKE OSWEGO LIFE/STYLE • OCTOBER 2021

Husband Daniel would eventually crumble under financial set-backs as well as the loss of Francette. The death of twin sons Maxwell and Rexford drove him over the edge. He became manic, angry and eventually abandoned his family at Dogwood Farm, spending most of his time in Portland dive bars at night and fishing the Willamette during the day. He eventually ended up part

Mother of Invention of a scheme to extort money that involved digging up the body of William S. Ladd to hold for ransom. Things did not go according to plan. Magone ended up with no cash but a new set of clothing that included prison stripes.

This proud pioneer daughter of Waters Carman was left with five children, a husband locked up in an East Salem prison and the public shame that often comes with small town village life. To survive and rebuild, Etta left the farm to find work wherever she could. Moving into a small house in Sellwood, she worked as a weaver for the woolen mills along with surviving daughters Lulu and Mamie.

In early 1906 Etta sent Roscoe, then only 15, to work at a basket factory in nearby St. Johns.

Assigned to a machine he had no familiarity with and no training, Roscoe completely severed his right hand within 45 minutes of starting the job. Etta later sued the company and lost.

Despite a life of continual hardship and tragic losses, Etta managed to live a life of noble grace, charity and devotion to her family.

Letters written when she was well into old age reveal a sweet uncomplaining spirit, battered but without a shred of bitterness.

Like his mother, Roscoe did not let the unfortunate loss of his hand impede him. He would earn his living as a commercial fisherman, eventually becoming a crack violinist and excellent swimmer.

In the years after WWII Roscoe put his talents to inventing prosthetic devices for amputees, including a

device for playing the violin. His most interesting patent is unquestionably for a swimming aid he named “Peng-Wings”

According to a December 1959 article in the St. John’s Review, Roscoe’s idea was to allow anyone who “wished to swim and dive like a penguin” to be able to do so. Constructed of rubber and neoprene, those detachable wings were officially patented in 1957.

Roscoe’s invention didn’t exactly fly off the shelves but there is an existing pair currently held in the archives at the Oswego Heritage House Museum.

Roscoe passed away in 1966 and is buried at Greenwood Hills Cemetery in Portland, along with his parents and siblings, Francette, Max and Rex. Anyone interested in seeing the amazing Peng-Wings up close and personal is encouraged to visit the Oswego Heritage House at 398 10th Street, Lake Oswego, Oregon.

OCTOBER 2021 • LAKE OSWEGO LIFE/STYLE • 23

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE LIBRARY? Much to the delight of our community, many of the Library’s Cultural Pass Express partners have reopened, providing entry to some of the most beautiful and captivating cultural destinations around the area. Free passes to the following venues can be reserved and downloaded online with a Lake Oswego Public Library card: • Oregon Garden • Portland Japanese Garden • Lan Su Chinese Garden • Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden • Pittock Mansion • Oregon Historical Society • Evergreen Aviation Museum • Gilbert House Children’s Museum

706 4th Street • Lake Oswego • www.ci.oswego.or.us/library

NEW GALLERY WITHOUT WALLS ROTATING SCULPTURES ARE ADORNING THE STREETS OF LAKE OSWEGO

Big Bright Brookie Artist: Rick True

24 • LAKE OSWEGO LIFE/STYLE • OCTOBER 2021

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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.

10175 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy Beaverton • 503-644-9663 customnwremodeling.com 26 • LAKE OSWEGO LIFE/STYLE • OCTOBER 2021

BUSINESS FEATURE

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Jay Jaffee, Sales Manager at Synergy One in Lake Oswego, is one of the top 50 loan officers in the country for customer service ratings, and it’s easy to see why. He is a kind and genuine man whose sincerest goal is to assist his clients in getting the home of their dreams. Synergy One’s cutting edge technology (the Modern Mortgage Experience) already places them above the competition, but it’s their corporate culture that really makes them shine. With a focus on consistently treating customers

and employees with complete honesty, transparency, excellence, innovation and empowerment, they seek to educate and enable their clients, not to shroud the process in mystery.

The other factor that sets Synergy One apart is that it is a privately-owned business and the entire process is handled in-house! There is no red tape, no waiting around, no sending the paperwork out to a 3rd party.

This is nothing like dealing with a bank, where processing loans is just one of a thousand services they offer. At Synergy One, that is ALL they do! They are experts in the field and they make it as quick and painless as possible.

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Toll Free #: (888) 995-1256. Synergy One Lending, Inc. is licensed in the following states: OR, WA. All Loans are Subject to Credit and Property Approval. Equal Housing Lender. www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org

OCTOBER 2021 • LAKE OSWEGO LIFE/STYLE • 27

n d o P F a g r o r m F Pu mpk i n Patch & Sp o oky Far m Tr ai l!

by D enni s Mc Nabb • Photos by C arly C ar p enter

normally do. Granted, COVID restrictions are still in place and everyone there at the farm is well-versed on all of the proper protocols, so you can rest assured they have been mindful and cautious in how everything has been set up. They will continue to monitor festivities and adjust accordingly as needed. Their two highest priorities are keeping everyone safe and making sure they are having fun. They ask their patrons to do the same and please be respectful of those around you.

T

he last couple of summers have been long ones. The world-wide pandemic continues on its destructive path, we all continue to struggle adapting to all of the new protocols and mandates, and we’ve had record high temperatures and drought conditions all along the west coast.

So it’s nice to have things to look forward to as we ease into fall: cooler temperatures, precipitation, holidays, and of course, the fall and winter extravaganzas held by our friends at Frog Pond Farm!

Justin Timm and the whole crew at the farm always go way above and beyond to ensure that everyone here in the metro area has the opportunity to enjoy a true fall farm experience. Last year, with such tight restrictions in place due to COVID, they had to significantly reduce and temper their normal celebration, but despite all that it was still a fantastic event chock-full of creative and alternative attractions. Events like the drive-thru safari ended up being hugely successful, and now that they know how resourceful and creative they can be, this year Justin is happy to announce that they are back to full swing!

If last year was your first time encountering the Frog Pond Farm Experience, you really only got to see about half of what they

28 • LAKE OSWEGO LIFE/STYLE • OCTOBER 2021

So with all that said, here are the big announcements for 2021: beginning the last Friday of September and for the entire month of October, Frog Pond Farm will be the best place in the Portland Metropolitan area to get your autumn vibes going. First and foremost, as always, they have their incredible pumpkin patch, and this year, it’s going to be inhabited by llamas! So even if you decide to only do the pumpkin patch, the kids will still get to see some animals. This is an exciting and truly unique addition to what you would normally see at most pumpkin patch attractions around town. And let’s face it, anyone can go to the local grocer and grab a pumpkin, right?

But that’s not an experience! At best, it’s simply a convenience. You need a real patch, and if you’re up for the whole experience, then you need hay.

You need haunted woods. You need animals and games and fun!

The good news is that they have all of that here at the Farm! Besides the annual pumpkin patch, they also have their annual Spooky Farm Trail, and this year the trail is bigger and spookier than ever. First off, it’s over a half mile long and goes through the woods. There will be both live actors and animatronics dispersed throughout the trail and it will be divided into 5 different “scary zones” all designed to give you chills! It’s all family-friendly and no-contact, of course, but it will definitely be spooky! The trail is open from 5:00pm to 10:00pm, and it gets progressively scarier as the night progresses, so for older kids who really want a scare, the later

the better! Please note that it’s best to make reservations for this attraction ahead of time on their website since it can get very crowded. They will accept walk-ins, but there are no guarantees on wait times.

But wait, there’s even more! While most pumpkin patches are just that: patches full of pumpkins and perhaps an animal or two or a hay ride, Frog Pond Farm is all of that plus a thousand other things. They are the Ginsu knives of fall extravaganzas!

In addition to the Pumpkin Patch and the Spooky Farm Trail, they will also have a huge obstacle course loaded with inflatable obstacles, slides, and more that are both challenging and fun to navigate. They will also have carnival rides provided by another local company, PartyWorks out of Oregon City.

They will have more than 20 farm games and attractions, including things like Cornhole, Tetherball, Jumbo Connect Four, Hay Towers, Hay Slides, a huge and elaborate Maze to get lost in, Mini Backhoe Diggers (which you actually get to sit in and maneuver—aka dig!), and a mining sluice where you can search for jewels and treasures! There’s also the Slingshot Challenge (you get to hit targets with tennis balls in a slingshot), Hamster Rollers (people sized culverts you can roll around in!), and many more!

For all of the animal lovers out there, Justin said they will have approximately 80 animals on site! Llamas, camels, cows, goats, sheep, pigs, ponies, mini donkeys, regular-sized donkeys, emus, alpacas, guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens, ducks, and geese - it’s almost as good as the zoo!

There is plenty to do and plenty to see for all ages and all levels of interest in activity. You can simply come for the pumpkin patch, or you can purchase the deluxe/premium entry pass and receive access to everything they have to offer. Because this is a real working farm, it’s always difficult for them to make any guarantees about anything, but the best way to plan a trip is to check them out online at thefrogpondfarm.com, or find them on facebook @thefrogpondfarm to check status and buy tickets. You can purchase tickets there on site, but just be aware that it can get a little hectic sometimes.

This is a family-owned local business, and they put all of this together every year simply because they love to bring the joys of fall to the entire community, and they really do it better than anyone else in the area! Justin and his family are sincerely the nicest, most generous people you’ll ever meet, and they work so hard every year to make this such a fun and special event. Please support local businesses and local families, and enjoy the full impact of fall spirit while you’re at it!

Frog Pond Farm is located at 2995 SW Advance Road, just northeast of Wilsonville. The pumpkin patch is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Visit thefrogpondfarm.com or call 503-475-5997 for more information.

OCTOBER 2021 • LAKE OSWEGO LIFE/STYLE • 29

SPECIAL FEATURE

There’s no room in our national discourse anymore for body shaming or superficial judgements of any kind. Even within the pageant circuits, there are surprising new standards by which the contestants are judged. In the Mrs. America Pageant for example, the interview portion of the competition is a whopping 50% of the contestant’s total score! That leaves only 25% for the Fitness Competition (bathing suit) and 25% for the Evening Gown Competition and Q&A Portion.

Clearly, the focus here is on wellrounded individuals; contestants who exhibit intelligence, poise, and ambition, in addition to physical attractiveness. This enlightenment benefits us all. Without it, we may not have winners like our most recently crowned, Mrs. Oregon America 2021, Merryn Roberts-Huntley!

Photo by Erin Galey

MERRYN ROBERTS-HUNTLEY

Here She Comes

MRS. OREGON AMERICA 2021

W

e are fortunate enough to live in a time now when beauty is much more than skin deep.

We’ve always known this intuitively, but it seems to be emerging recently as a much more prevalent attitude culturally. We are seeing it in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, which now celebrates a far more diverse cross-section of body types. We are seeing it in Victoria’s Secret with the disbanding of their “Angels” marketing campaign to focus on appealing to a wider audience. We see it in photography books such as Strong is the New Pretty: A Celebration of Girls Being Themselves, a fantastic book by Kate T. Parker which celebrates girls being fearless, being active, being covered with dirt and grime, and most importantly, being comfortable in their own skin.

30 • LAKE OSWEGO LIFE/STYLE • OCTOBER 2021

Photo by Danielle Elizabeth

A year ago, entering any pageant, let alone one as prestigious as Mrs. America, was the furthest thing from her mind. Merryn is, after all, a mother of 3 and a wife first, and a highly-successful business woman and entrepreneur second. Beauty pageant contestant was not expected to be number 3. It wasn’t even a distant, far-off number down the line. She had always been interested in pageantry from the time she was a little girl, but she was never involved in them. She was really more of a tomboy with 3 older brothers who were all into sports.

In an interesting and oddly direct way, however, that was to her benefit. She became very athletic and held her own competing against her testosterone-laden

MERRYN ROBERTS-HUNTLEY / MRS. OREGON AMERICA 2021

siblings, simultaneously becoming very determined and focused on cutting her own path to success. And she did just that.

Merryn considers herself very fortunate to have such a successful career, but as any entrepreneur knows, there’s much more to it than just good fortune. Merryn is an incredibly passionate, hard-working, intelligent and dedicated person. So as “fortunate” as she may be, make no mistake, she has worked very hard to get where she is. She has absolutely earned every bit of credit, respect, and success she has been awarded.

For over 20 years, she has been building her empire and working tirelessly in her field of choice: sports marketing. The first 10 of those years were spent in her “dream job” working at Nike Headquarters and consulting in both Canada and the U.S. as a representative of multiple global brands. At that 10 year mark, however, she realized it was time to branch out on her own, to find balance and find it on her own terms. That’s when she founded FIXX Consulting, a private consulting firm designed to help sports-focused companies with marketing and business development. It bears noting that her very impressive client roster still includes Nike!

Suffice it to say, Merryn found her balance. It could also be said that her success with that new endeavor simply whetted her appetite, because in addition to starting her own consulting firm, she then went on to become a founding team member of the University of Oregon’s Master in Sports Product Management program, which includes courses and workshops taught by Merryn herself.

Her many years of experience consulting, coupled with her passion for teaching and helping young students, then inspired her next venture - a second company called Made To Hire. Made To Hire is a career coaching firm which essentially teaches students and young professionals how to market themselves. In

conjunction, she wrote a book under the same title: Made To Hire: How to Get the Job You Really Want, which can currently be purchased from Amazon and boasts an impressive 4.7 star rating. Oh, and don’t forget, in the middle of all of that work, she also found time to get married and raise 3 children, a full time job in itself!

After all those achievements, what hurdles were left to clear? What hill was left to conquer? As Merryn tells it, the book was really a turning point. As much as she enjoyed every aspect of her career, every avenue she pursued over the years, the book somehow gave her a sense of accomplishment she’d never felt before.

And that’s when she started doing a little soul searching and remembered her childhood infatuation with pageantry.

Now at the age of 42, she realized she finally had the confidence she’d always been lacking to put herself out there and enter a pageant, so she decided to change that. It was certainly worth her while to take the leap, because she was just recently crowned Mrs. Oregon America 2021, and in November will be flying down to Las Vegas to compete in the enormous Mrs. America Pageant. Not only is it the realization of a life-long dream, one she never thought she would realize, but in the process she gets to promote female empowerment and bring awareness to one of her favorite non-profit organizations, Dress for Success Oregon (one of the biggest non-profit institutions in the state which not only aids women in dressing for interviews but also helps them develop professionally through workshops and skills-based programs, many of which Merryn has run herself).

Merryn Roberts-Huntley is beautiful on the outside, but more importantly, she is beautiful on the inside, intelligent, and strong. She has dedicated her life to helping others in every endeavor she has undertaken and now we can help her. Follow Merryn on Instagram (@MadeToHire) and be part of her exciting journey!

OCTOBER 2021 • LAKE OSWEGO LIFE/STYLE • 31

Life /styLe L A K E

O S W E G O

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Willamette Valley Vineyards, Inc., has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus) with the SEC for the offering to which this communication relates. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus in that registration statement and other documents we have filed with the SEC for more complete information about our company and this offering. You may get these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC Web site at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, you may obtain a copy of these documents at http://www.wvv.com/prospectus, or we will arrange to send you the prospectus (including the documents incorporated therein by reference) if you so request by writing us at stock.offering@wvv.com or calling 1-800-344-9463.