MONMOUTH & INDEPENDENCE
COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE
Monmouth-Independence Community Advantage Magazine
FEB/MAR 2025
Published by
Active Media Publishing Group
PO Box 672, Aurora, OR 97002
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ADMINISTRATION
Matthew Nelson, Publisher Catrina Nelson, CFO
Tara Weidman, Executive Assistant Raeann Van Arsadall, Business Development
PRODUCTION
Jeremy Okai Davis, Art Director
Donovan Darling, Creative Project Manager
Brittany Jungenberg, Director of Marketing
Kate Astle, Copyeditor
Kaity VanHoose, Social Media Manager
Justin Andress, Communications Manager
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Hilary Berg Sean Carver
Dani DeGraw Brittany Jungenberg
Morgan King Justin Nelson
Shawn Schmidt Kaity VanHoose
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Patti Jo Brooks Olive Gallagher
Angie Helvey Lucas Holmgren
Robert Matsumura Dennis McNabb
Peter Murphy Edward Novak
Malia Riggs Kelly Romo
Gretchen Van Lente Ty Walker
Justin Woomer Kerry Yu
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Laurel Bice Carly Carpenter
Tyler Francke Angie Helvey
Brittany Jungenberg Malaina Kinne
Lisa Kuhlman Kara Langley
MJ Media Productions Andrew Sambuceto
Henry Schifter Hayley Starkey
ADVERTISING SPECIALISTS
Don Ormsby Bill Kistler
Stephanie Baker Peggy Jacobs
David Long Chris O’Brien
John Zobrist Brad Marti
Shelley Zeman Tina Toney Darren Dwyer
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WHAT'S HAPPENING AT YOUR PUBLIC LIBRARY Monmouth
Friends of the Senior Center Pancake Breakfast
Saturday, February 1, 2025, 8:30 AM
Monmouth Senior Center, 180 S Warren
Manga and Anime Club
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Monmouth Historic Commission
Tuesday, February 25, 2025 6:00 PM
City Hall, 151 Main St W
Parks & Recreation Board Meeting
Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Monmouth Public Works, 401 Hogan Road
Keeping It Comfortable
HVAC offers a breath of fresh air
By Patti Jo Brooks, Active Writer
“Keeping you comfortable since 1954.”
Home Comfort Inc. celebrates 70 years of the highest quality heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) services throughout the Willamette Valley. Whether beating the soaring heat of recent summers or the freezing temperatures of winter, Home Comfort Inc. provides individualized options that can keep you and your home feeling perfect all year long. Home Comfort Inc. also specializes in safe air quality and offers a selection of purification systems as well as duct cleaning services to help you breathe easier inside your home.
With summer temperatures reaching triple digits and winters often bringing ice and snow storms, it is essential that your home has a heating and cooling system that can handle these fluctuations. Whether you want electric or gas furnaces, a mini split system or a heat pump, Home Comfort Inc. has solutions for your situation.
In addition to temperature control, air quality, which is all too often overlooked, should be considered as well. Advancements in technology have created products that can drastically increase air quality in the home. Whether one is suffering from the pollen of the Willamette Valley or smoke and particles from the annual forest fires, Home Comfort Inc. has a system that can “scrub” the air in your home of particulates, allergens and pet dander, leading to cleaner air and better health. Cleaning the home air duct system will also help the quality of air in the home and allow the heating and cooling systems to operate more efficiently.
Like its high-quality equipment, Home Comfort Inc. is a high-quality company that you can trust. Owned by Joe and Vicki
Flande along with their son Ben, Home Comfort Inc. employs a professional staff of highly trained and skilled technicians. From appointments to installs to service, maintenance and repairs, Home Comfort Inc. offers clients peace of mind with regard to all their heating and cooling equipment.
Joe Flande professes “it is not about money but people.” In keeping with that, Home Comfort Inc. encourages homeowners to schedule annual maintenance on their heating and cooling systems. Doing so can increase the life of the system and save money by avoiding costly repairs. It’s also important to have the dryer vent cleaned regularly to reduce the chance of house fires.
Membership programs designed to keep furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioners, tankless water heaters and fireplaces running at their most efficient, trouble-free performance start at just $11 per month. Home Comfort Inc. also offers 24-hour, seven-days-a-week emergency service should you experience a heating or cooling system fail outside of regular business hours.
Home Comfort Inc. is located at 1827 S. Main St. in Dallas. Give them a call at 503-623-2341 or visit their website at homecomfortinc.com for more information. You’ll be glad you did!
Owners Ben and Joe Flande
Owner Ben Flande with daughters
Feasts of Fat Tuesday
Pagan festivals evolved into global celebration
By Robert Matsumura, Active Media
Few celebrations capture the spirit of indulgence and revelry quite like Mardi Gras. Famous for its dazzling parades, vibrant costumes and festive atmosphere, this iconic event draws millions of visitors to New Orleans every year. But while New Orleans seems to be the hub of all things Mardi Gras, in truth, its origins are steeped in centuries-old traditions that span continents and cultures.
Tracing the roots of Mardi Gras takes us back to the ancient pagan festivals of Europe, particularly those focused on the arrival of spring, such as Saturnalia in Rome, and Lupercalia in ancient Italy. Featuring feasting, costumes, and public processions, these celebrations were a way to cast off the doldrums of winter and welcome the renewal of life. With the rise of Christianity, these pagan celebrations were integrated into, and reinterpreted by, the Church. Mardi Gras — which translates to “Fat Tuesday” in French — emerged as the final day of indulgence before the solemn 40-day season of Lent. With Lent being a time of fasting and discipline, Fat Tuesday was that last great blowout — a time to enjoy rich foods and pleasures one last time before a long period of abstinence.
At the heart of the Mardi Gras festivities is the krewe system, “Krewe” being an organization or social club that organizes and participates in Mardi Gras parades and festivities. Each krewe has its own theme, traditions, and membership requirements, contributing to the diversity and vibrancy of the celebrations. The first krewe was the Mystick Krewe of Comus in 1857, where elaborate floats, thematic parades, and nightime revelry were first introduced.
Beyond New Orleans, Mardi Gras is celebrated globally under various names and traditions. In Brazil, Rio’s Carnival dazzles with samba parades, glittering costumes, and massive street parties reflecting Brazil’s cultural fusion of African, European, and Indigenous influences. Venice’s Carnival is synonymous with opulent masked balls and intricate costumes evoking the city’s Renaissance history. Germany’s Fasching or Karneval features parades, comedic performances, and masquerades, with Cologne hosting one of the country’s largest celebrations.
Mardi Gras arrived in North America via French explorers. On March 3, 1699, Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville and JeanBaptiste Le Moyne de Bienville landed near present-day New Orleans and dubbed the site “Pointe du Mardi Gras” in honor of the holiday. By the early 18th century, French settlers in Mobile (modern-day Alabama) and New Orleans had established Mardi Gras traditions, featuring parades, masked balls, and feasts.
Traditional Mardi Gras foods also capture the spirit of indulgence and cultural richness. King cake, a sweet pastry decorated in the holiday’s iconic colors of purple, green, and gold, often contains a hidden figurine symbolizing luck. Whoever finds it is tasked with hosting the next party. Jambalaya, gumbo, and crawfish boils showcase the Creole and Cajun culinary heritage of Louisiana, blending French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences. Beignets, deep-fried pastries dusted with powdered sugar, are also a beloved sweet treat.
More than just a party, Mardi Gras is a living tapestry of history, culture, and community. From its ancient origins to its modern expressions, it lives on as a celebration of joy, resilience and creativity. Whether you’re catching beads in New Orleans or dancing at a samba parade in Rio, Mardi Gras draws everyone into its timeless revelry. And as the locals say, “Laissez les bons temps rouler” — let the good times roll!
Heartwarming Tradition
Celebration of love benefits downtown
By Angie Helvey, Active Media
Independence is the perfect place to celebrate this month’s traditions of showing affection to loved ones, and the Independence Downtown Association is excited to invite the community to the annual “Walk of Hearts” event. Personalized hearts will be hung on the light posts during the first week of February, just in time for Valentine’s Day, and will remain displayed the entire month, decorating downtown with beauty and expressions of love.
The “Walk of Hearts” event is a yearly tradition for downtown Independence and raises funds that directly pay for the exquisitely beautiful flower baskets that are hung in the Spring. Community members, businesses and organizations alike purchase hearts — sold by the IDA during January — and can add a special message to one or both sides of the heart. These hearts offer a unique opportunity to honor loved ones,
celebrate special occasions, or simply share a message of love and kindness in the community.
The colorful hearts will adorn every light post in historic downtown Independence, creating a festive and heart-filled atmosphere for all to enjoy. Visitors can stroll through town all month and peruse the memos of love on every corner. In past years, they’ve even contained marriage proposals! But it’s not just for romance — many messages are from friends, family and colleagues. What a delightful surprise to wander downtown and spy a heartfelt message meant especially for you! The hearts are collected in early March, and some are reused from year to year.
The “Walk of Hearts” Event is a wonderful way to support the Independence Downtown Association while adding a personal touch to the downtown area. The IDA is dedicated to keeping historic charm present in Independence, and in addition to hosting the “Walk of Hearts,” they provide all the downtown flower baskets, hang and maintain holiday wreaths in the winter months and promote local businesses and events.
The city is home to many locally owned businesses and eateries, so exploring Main Street and beyond is always an adventure. To add to the celebration, many downtown shops and restaurants often offer special deals and themed meals for the occasion. Follow the Independence Downtown Association on social media for updates, and plan an excursion downtown this February with the ones you love. Whether celebrating a loved one or simply spreading some cheer, each heart becomes part of a beautiful, community-wide display of love.
For more information on the “Walk of Hearts” event, visit the IDA website at www.downtownindependence.com/hearts.
Chemeketa Graduates: The Backbone of Our Community
From the paramedics saving lives to the dental assistants ensuring your brightest smile, Chemeketa Community College graduates are everywhere, making a difference.
They are the auto mechanics keeping you on the road, the electricians powering your homes and businesses, and the skilled professionals driving our local economy forward.
Our community depends on their expertise, and so do local employers. At Chemeketa, we provide the training and hands-on experience needed to build a healthy, strong, and thriving community.
Will you be among our next group of graduates?
Explore our diverse career education pathways in healthcare, skilled trades, technology, and beyond. Your future starts here.
Chemeketa Community College
Building Careers, Strengthening Communities.
Farming Fate
Family-owned agritourism destination flourishes
A massive cleanup and restoration began and continues today, from clearing out dumpsters of garbage to building irrigation and infrastructure. The Highland cow was one of the first animal additions.
By Angie Helvey, Active Media
Photos by Laurel Bice, Active Media
Scottish Highland cows have become more well-known and increasingly popular in recent years, famous for their long, fluffy coats and docile temperaments. “They’re like giant dogs,” says Ava Jensen. “Once they trust you, you’re part of the herd.”
Ava and her husband Mat — along with their three daughters — are the owners of On the Edge Farm, a nearly 40-acre Dallas property they’ve transformed into a picturesque oasis with a friendly flock of farm animals that includes the Highland cattle, Texas Longhorns, Wagyu and Black Angus beef cattle, goats, miniature donkeys, alpacas, llamas, chickens, ducks, turkeys, meat pigs and a spirited Kune Kune pig fittingly named The Notorious P.I.G.
The couple, who both grew up as city kids, owned two acres in McMinnville with a gigantic garden when they decided to build something bigger as a legacy for their family and the community. The farm is a dream fulfilled, fueled by a passion for the property they fell in love with at first sight back in October 2021. “It had been abandoned for quite some time and was very overgrown,” says Ava. “Once we got past the weeds and saw the pond, it felt like home, and our vision expanded.”
“We’re animal lovers, and I told myself I was going to have one,” Ava says.
“About a year later, Mat was helping a gentleman find his dog, and he happened to be re-homing a Highland cow — it was fate.” The family fell in love with the breed and found that Texas Longhorns have similar personalities. “They’re very playful and friendly — they love to be around their people,” says Mat. Visitors are welcome to the farm by scheduled tours where people of all ages delight in learning about and getting up close and personal with these gentle giants. “They can brush the Highland cows and pet the donkeys and goats. Some of the kids have never seen a big animal up close like that, and for the adults, the excitement is super nostalgic. It makes them feel young again,” Mat says.
The farm also hosts photoshoots coordinated by Laurel Bice of LB Photography Ink, who’s been a huge supporter since the beginning. Birthday parties and private farm-totable events are something they’re planning to expand in 2025, along with elopement-style weddings. “We’re creating a couple of spaces where we plan to invite chefs to come and cook exclusively from the farm,” Ava adds.
But animals aren’t the only attraction at On the Edge — Mat and Ava cultivate a seasonal U-Pick garden with a variety of fresh produce customers can harvest themselves or choose from pre-picked assortments at the self-serve on-site farmstand, which also sells farm-fresh eggs. Growing methods are all-natural and yield delicious varieties of tomatoes, various squashes, peppers, beans, beets, strawberries, onions, lemon cucumbers and more.
The garden also grows a beautiful selection of pumpkins they use for their annual pumpkin patch, which they’ll hold for the third time later this year. Amenities will include coffee, food, bounce houses for kids and other attractions.
“Every year, we’re growing,” says Ava. “And, being a young family ourselves, we keep it affordable.” It’s a busy time for field trips, too, and they host schools from all over Oregon.
With Mat managing the property full time as a farmer and Ava balancing a full-time job alongside kids in competition sports, it’s unfathomable how the family
sectional fencing depending on the season and condition of the pastures.
The animals graze together and watch out for one another, including the chickens, ducks and turkeys that free-range the property.
“They’re up in your business all the time,” says Ava with a laugh, “and the kids love feeding them.”
Creating such a magical destination for the public is the family’s biggest reward.
“The community has been so supportive; we’ve just loved meeting everyone and seeing the excitement on their faces when they connect with the animals.”
Hands-on Science and Life Lessons
Dallas middle school teacher has lasting positive impact on LaCreole students
his animated teaching style. “Everything in life involves science in some way,” Ken says, emphasizing the importance of observing, experimenting and learning from mistakes. He encourages his students to take risks and not be afraid of failure as he fosters a classroom environment where trying and learning from errors is celebrated.
Ken has also been instrumental in developing the school’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) program, which later evolved into STEAM by adding the arts. His classes involve hands-on projects with technology like AutoCAD software, 3D printers and CNC machines. His students create everything from personalized gifts to roller coaster models as they learn critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
By Kelly Romo, Active Media
Ken Guffey, a science teacher at LaCreole Middle School in Dallas, took a unique path to the classroom. Ken grew up in a difficult family situation where he was raised by relatives due to an abusive home environment. Despite these challenges, he eventually turned his focus to education after years of hard work in various blue-collar jobs.
Initially, Ken wanted to be a physical therapist, so he studied pre-med in college. Although he maintained a strong 3.78 GPA, the program’s competitive nature at George Fox University meant his application wasn’t accepted. During this period, Ken was also a single parent who balanced school with jobs as a truck driver and road construction worker. While teaching martial arts, someone noticed his knack for teaching and suggested he consider a career in education, so he went back to school.
Now, 27 years later, Ken is a beloved teacher at LaCreole Middle School. He uses his life experiences to connect with students who face their own challenges, and his dedication has earned him a Distinguished Teacher Award.
Ken’s passion for science is infectious, making learning fun and engaging for his students. He teaches eighth grade earth science where he brings these subjects to life through
Ken believes science education is key to preparing students for the future. He teaches them to think critically, do their research and make informed decisions based on data. “Science is all about data and using the scientific method,” he says. One challenge Ken faces is keeping disengaged students motivated. He tackles this by building strong relationships and encouraging them to take risks in their learning. His goal is to make each student feel capable and valued, no matter their starting point.
Beyond the classroom, Ken has been involved in both the school and the community. He has coached soccer and baseball, served as vice president of the teachers’
union and played a key role in the development of the Morison Program, a job he held for 10 years. During his time there, he encouraged students to start a Conservation Club where they fostered partnerships with organizations like Polk Soil and Water Conservation, and Oregon Fish and Wildlife. The students’ efforts in these projects led to Ken receiving recognition for his contributions.
Ken Guffey’s journey from blue-collar work to teaching is a story of resilience and commitment. His approach not only focuses on science but also on inspiring students to think critically, face challenges head-on and find joy in learning.
PEAK HEATING AND AIR is founded on providing installation, maintenance and repairs of HVAC systems with a level of integrity that is greater than traditional companies. We only work with materials of the highest quality and our suppliers are known for their superior performance.
We are a Trade Ally of Energy Trust which affords us the opportunity to connect our customers with savings on energy solutions that are cost effective and environmentally responsible.
Experience PEAK performance and efficiency that lasts for years to come.
Make sure to ask us about our 10 year labor warranty!
Owners Shane Rodriguez and Troy DeYoung. Together, they have over 30 years of experience in the HVAC industry.
HVAC Solutions With Integrity
“Peak” quality services and products at prices you can afford!
the industry’s inefficiencies and acknowledged the opportunity to do better. Sharing the same drive, passion, and commitment to excellence, they established Peak Heating & Air in 2018 to provide HVAC installation, maintenance, and repairs with integrity. They use only the highest quality products, maintain complete transparency regarding costs and repair times, and afford unparalleled customer service across the board. And they never compromise quality for time!
By Dennis McNabb, Active Media
Photos by Laurel Bice, Active Media
Over the past decade, HVAC installation costs have ballooned due to unnecessary overhead expenses (resulting from service providers’ inefficiencies) and brand/product prices. It’s unfortunate for consumers in that we often get stuck paying these higher prices without alternative options or recourse. Fortunately, some HVAC service providers exist to buck such trends. They employ more effective and conscientious methods to deliver installation services of the highest quality while still keeping overhead costs at a minimum. One such company is our very own locally-owned and-operated Peak Heating & Air.
Peak Heating & Air is the brainchild of owners Shane Rodriguez and Troy DeYoung. After working for several years at larger corporate entities, they were each exposed to many of
Services include but are not limited to: maintenance, repair, and replacement of air conditioning units, heat pumps, furnaces, refrigeration units, and thermostats. They can also run a full home energy assessment.
As a Trade Ally of Energy Trust of Oregon, they are licensed to provide tools and recommendations to help you save money on energy solutions that are both costeffective and environmentally responsible. They offer financing through their partnership with FTL Finance and a vast array of service plans designed to best suit your specific needs.
When it comes to choosing HVAC service providers, there is no shortage of alternatives. Few, however, promise the same level of care, expertise, and quality of work as Peak Heating & Air, and at such a fair price. Because this is a locally-owned business, both owners have close ties to the community. They are heavily involved in many local charities and regularly donate time, money and equipment to various causes. The Dallas community is home and they pride themselves on treating customers and staff members alike as friends and family.
Don’t waste your time or your hard-earned money looking elsewhere. Peak Heating & Air is the premier business of its kind in the region and boasts an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Whether you need a quick service call or a full energy assessment, contact them today for a free consultation. On a side note, if you are an HVAC expert looking for a job, they are hiring!
For more information, check out their website: peakheatingandair.net or call 503-623-0800.
Borrow a Brush! Winter Chimney Care
you return them within 24 hours so they are available to others to borrow.
Polk County Fire District No.1 residents may borrow chimney brushes from the Central Station at 1800 Monmouth Street, Independence. Business hours are Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding holidays.
There is no charge to borrow the brushes. Come into the station and fill out a check out/loan form and we will provide you with the brush and poles you need. You will need to know the size of your chimney pipe and approximate height. We ask that
We recommend that you clean your chimney at least once a year to remove the creosote buildup to prevent a chimney/flu fire.
Please remember that your safety always comes first and working on a roof or ladder can be dangerous. Use proper safety precautions and if you are not able to clean your chimney, hire a professional chimney sweep to do it for you.
If you have questions, please contact Polk County Fire District No.1 at 503-838-1510 or visit their website at www.polk1.org.
What’s in a Heart?
Why candy hearts remain a cultural icon
By Donovan Darling, Active Media
Necco wafers, candy hearts, Sweethearts, conversation hearts. The candy goes by many names, with silly messages and a chalky consistency. The notorious candy hearts have a strange history that harkens back to a Civil War-era pharmacy and America’s first candy machine. The story begins in 1847, with a pharmacist named Oliver Chase, who invented a machine to produce lozenges. Back then, apothecary lozenges were popular for sore throats and other illnesses. But 175+ years ago, the process to make a lozenge was labor-intensive: pulverizing medicine and sugar paste by hand with a mortar and pestle, kneading dough, then rolling and cutting out little discs. Considered the first candy machine, Oliver invented a lozenge cutter to simplify the process and smartly shifted from making medicine to making candy, founding Chase and Company, which later became New England Confectionery Company, or Necco!
Here’s where the story gets really interesting. Legend tells us that Union soldiers during the Civil War carried Necco wafers, known as “hub wafers,” and Oliver Chase might have been inspired by the love letters these soldiers carried. Historians also suggest that perhaps Daniel Chase, Oliver’s brother, was inspired by the growing popularity of Esther Howland’s Valentine’s Day cards which began selling in the mid-1800s. A third and more likely explanation is that the candy wafers were inspired by the oddly named cockle, a popular candy shaped like a scallop seashell which contained a “motto” printed on a thin roll of paper stuffed inside. Daniel may have cleverly improved upon this design, printing the messages directly onto candy by using a felt roller pad wetted with red vegetable coloring.
However, Daniel’s “conversation candies” or “motto lozenges” weren’t heart-shaped until later in 1902. Until that time their candy was sold in a simple disc shape, but eventually they were sold in shapes like baseballs, watches and horseshoes. When the candy hearts were introduced they were hugely successful, and over the next 100 years other smaller companies began selling similar candies. In 1990, Necco acquired Stark Candy Company and became the “leading manufacturer in conversation hearts.” Today, the company claims to manufacture nearly 100,000 pounds of Sweethearts every day and approximately 8 billion candy hearts each year.
But what is a candy heart exactly? Necco offers classic Sweethearts, as well as chocolate, sugar-free, “dazzled,” and “color your own” varieties. According
to their website: “Manufacturers combine sugar, corn syrup, cornstarch, flavors, gums and colors into a mixing machine to create a dough, which then goes into a machine that presses it flat, stamps it with sayings and cuts it into hearts. After 30 minutes in a “drying tunnel,” the six different heart flavors are mixed together and packaged.” I guess they’re not made out of chalk!
Daniel Chase’s original printed lozenges were larger and therefore included longer phrases, like “HOW LONG SHALL I HAVE TO WAIT? PLEASE BE CONSIDERATE” and “WHY IS A STYLISH GIRL LIKE YOU A THRIFTY HOUSEKEEPER?” Obviously, times have changed! There were also weddingthemed sayings, such as “MARRIED IN WHITE, YOU HAVE CHOSEN RIGHT,” “MARRIED IN SATIN, LOVE WILL NOT BE LASTING.” Previous sayings like the deeply dated “FAX ME” and “GROOVY” have been discontinued. The more timeless messages like “BE MINE” and “KISS ME” you may be more familiar with. Whatever your feelings on candy hearts, they’re a fun and fascinating little piece of American history.
You People (2023)
A fresh and modern rom-com that hilariously and awkwardly navigates the cultural clash between two families, the movie follows Ezra (Jonah Hill), who’s Jewish, and Amira (Lauren London), who’s Black and Muslim. While they’re deeply in love they struggle to bring their families together — a task that proves to be heartfelt, relatable, and funny. Ezra and Amira’s relationship, which portrays a love that feels tender and real, is challenged not by their own doubts but by the prejudices and misunderstandings of their families, played brilliantly by Eddie Murphy and Julia LouisDreyfus. This familial tug-of-war adds a layer of complexity to the movie, and suggests that love is shaped and tested by what we can’t control. For Valentine’s Day viewers, You People serves as both a cautionary tale and a celebration of the enduring power of love, with all its imperfections. Rated R for strong language and mature themes.
Say Anything (1989)
Few movies capture the essence of young love quite like Say Anything. Cameron Crowe’s cult classic is the perfect combination of passion, vulnerability, and grand romantic gestures. Lloyd Dobler (John Cusack) is the prototypical lovestruck dreamer, chasing after Diane Court (Ione Skye), the class valedictorian with a complicated family life. What makes this movie so enduringly romantic is its simplicity: love here isn’t flashy but genuine. Lloyd’s now iconic boombox scene — a serenade to Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes” — is pure movie magic and an example of the grand romantic gestures of the past. The movie’s ’80s vibe, with its mixtapes, payphones, and heartfelt rebelliousness, adds a certain nostalgic charm, perfect for those reminiscing about first loves. As a Valentine’s treat, Say Anything reminds us that love is about persistence, honesty, and embracing imperfection, even in a perfectly imperfect world. Rated PG-13 for mature themes.
Elemental (2023)
Pixar’s Elemental is a whimsical love story set in Element City, where fire, water, air, and earth coexist but rarely mix. The movie shines as a celebration of love’s ability to transcend differences. Ember, an obviously “fiery” and passionate character, meets Wade, a gentle, free-flowing water elemental, and their connection grows in spite of social rules and personal hesitancy. Their, ahem, “chemistry,” is both touching and playful, and a play on how opposites attract. Pixar’s hallmark storytelling and gorgeous animation bring the relationship to life, from awkward beginnings to heartfelt resolution. Ember and Wade’s journey is a reminder that true love isn’t about finding someone identical to you — it’s about embracing what makes you different. Perfect for kids and the young at heart, Elemental is a Valentine’s Day treat. Rated PG.
Stream these movies where available, or rent from your local movie store, library or rental kiosk.
