Monmouth Independence Community Advantage Magazine April 2023

INSPIRING PNW HOMEOWNERS FOR OVER 30

YEARS

Everyone wants their outdoor spaces to be an extension of their home. As your local family-owned supplier of pavers and wall block, we look forward to helping you make your dream a reality.

The Concrete Advantage.

Ron Nevison Legendary

Music Producer and Sound Engineer

By Dennis McNabb, Contributing Writer

With a career spanning nearly 5 decades, he is one of the most distinguished record producers/audio engineers to ever spin the knobs. And he lives right here in the Pacific Northwest!

From a young age, Ron Nevison had an innate fascination with both music and electronics, a fortuitous combination he would soon learn. He was the kid in school who had his nose perpetually buried between the pages of Popular Electronics and was constantly frequenting Radio Shack for parts to build radios. While he initially sang in the school choir and a variety of doo-wop bands, hoping to break into the business as a performer, his first gig was with Festival Group Sound, traveling with bands on tour, driving truck, hauling gear, etc. Recognized for his strong work ethic, organizational skills, and extensive knowledge of electronics, however, he was quickly moved over to the arena of sound mixing where his strengths could be better utilized.

Over the course of just a few years, Ron earned a reputation for being one of the prominent “sound men” in the business, making some of the biggest acts of the time (Jefferson Airplane, Traffic, and Derek and the Dominos) sound absolutely incredible live. That said, while he was in high demand, his ultimate goal was to work in the studio. An auspicious meeting

with Chris Blackwell, founding owner of Island Records, secured an opportunity for him, and a month later Ron was living in London. His first job as a sound engineer was working on The Who’s seminal double album, “Quadrophenia”. It was a massive undertaking: a year-long project that required extensive use of sound effects (which all had to be collected manually at the time) and a trial-by-fire learning experience for Ron. But it was one of the most memorable of his career. Ron stated that Pete Townsend was a brilliant and generous man, and a real mentor for the fledgling engineer.

Over the next 4 decades, Ron earned his place among the upper echelon of recording engineers and producers by working with some of music’s most popular acts while putting out some of their best-selling albums. Led Zeppelin, Bad Company, The Rolling Stones, Heart, Chicago, Meat Loaf, Ozzy Osbourne, KISS, Europe; the list goes on and on. Highlights of his career include many of the record industry’s highest distinctions, including being recognized by Billboard Magazine as one of their “Top-5 Producers of the Year” four separate times, garnering countless Grammynominated and winning hit singles and albums, and producing a host of Multi-Platinum and Gold-selling albums.

And he’s still at it! These days Ron can still be hired to produce and engineer albums through SoundBetter, the world’s leading music production marketplace. Interested in working with one of the all-time greats for your next musical project? Hop on SoundBetter.com and check out Ron’s profile. He’s local. He’s one of the coolest, most low-key, easy-going guys you’ll ever meet, and he has a track record that’s hard to beat!

Roger Daltrey, Keith Moon and & Ron Nevison Rampart Studios, 1973

Ron Nevison

KISS “Crazy Nights”, 1987

The Who “Quadrophenia”, 1973 UFO “Strangers in the Night”, 1979

Ozzy Osbourne “The Ultimate Sin”, 1986

Hamblin’s Nursery

By Dennis McNabb, Contributing Writer

Make your neighbors jealous this year by embellishing your yard with hanging baskets, bedding plants, and vegetable starts from Hamblin’s Nursery.

There’s nothing quite like a gorgeous hanging basket to beautify the facade of your home or business. But let’s be honest, not all baskets are created equal. Many big-box stores and nurseries throughout the Valley simply don’t have the passion or expertise to give those flowering plants what they truly need to flourish in our climate. With rising costs on everything, including plants, it’s vital to be selective in where we choose to purchase them from. And there’s no better place than Hamblin’s Nursery in Dallas, Oregon.

Customers frequently comment about Hamblin’s, “Why are their plants so much healthier than everyone else’s?” And, “How do they get their leaves to be such a vibrant green?” While the explanation is not simple, the answer is: Owners John and Calene Hamblin have put in countless hours of research and trial and error to ensure their quality. The whole operation began back in 2000 and was born of a passion for agriculture. Not confident that people would make the drive—before earning the stellar reputation they enjoy today—they grew the plants at home and drove them to Saturday Market in Salem. It didn’t take long, though, before the word spread.

Each year, the demand grew. John kept working, trying different combinations to find the best flowers for the local

climate. He also discovered the best bloom fertilizer (which he sells) especially formulated for the specific plants they sell. And now, 23 years later, the business is flourishing. Expanding from eight greenhouses in 2017, they currently have a whopping 26, all built by John himself, and they’re still growing. They no longer participate in the Saturday Market—all plants are sold from the retail outlet on their property—but people are more than happy to make the drive since the quality of their plants are genuinely unmatched.

Even more incredible is the fact that their prices are 40% to 50% cheaper than most of the competition. Their biggest sellers, 12-inch hanging baskets, are priced at only $26—or $24 each when you buy five or more. In a single season, they will sell upwards of 90,000 plants—roughly 8,000 hanging plants and the rest are individuals. But beware, it’s first come first served, and once they’re gone their season is over. One year, it only took 36 days to sell out of every single plant.

So, if you’re looking for a pop of color to brighten your yard, look no further than Hamblin’s Nursery. Their season opens April 14th and inventory goes quickly. Mark your calendars. You don’t want to miss out.

Find them online at hamblinsnursery.com or on Facebook for more information. Hamblin’s is located at 4550 Kings Valley Hwy, just four short miles south of Dallas.

Hanging baskets to “leaf” you speechless

Only 4 Miles South Of Dallas

“It’s Worth The Drive!”

4550 Kings Valley Hwy Dallas

503-508-4374

Hamblin’s NURSERY

Hanging Baskets · Annuals · Vegetable Starts

Nursery Hours

Open 7 days a week during growing season 9am - 6pm

12” Hanging Baskets

100s of Varieties Grows all season

Growing Season

Open middle of April until all plants are sold. Call for current season.

What our Customers are Saying

“

Every spring, I eagerly anticipate the arrival of my hanging basket from Hamblin’s Nursery. The vibrant splashes of color blend perfectly, making my front porch bright and beautiful all throughout the spring and summer.” Jane

“

Emmons

My son surprised me on Mother’s Day with a Hamblin’s Nursery hanging basket. I love their flowers with their colorful and long-lasting blooms. Neighbors often stop to ask me where I got the basket. I tell them Hamblin’s Nursery, the best place for quality flowers.” Kathy Edell

BILL BIXBY The INCREDIBLE HULK & MORE

By David Grove, Contributing Writer

Although actor Bill Bixby certainly played many different types of characters throughout his nearly 32-year television acting career, the essential Bill Bixby television persona is that of an everyman who makes the fantastical seem plausible.

Bill’s career breakthrough in Hollywood came in 1962 when he landed a starring role in the science-fiction television sitcom “My Favorite Martian,” which aired on CBS between 1963 and 1966 over three seasons. In “My Favorite Martian,” Bill plays Tim O’Hara, an eager young newspaper reporter who, in the show’s pilot episode, discovers a crashed spaceship and its Martian pilot, a Mars-based anthropologist played by Ray Walston. “Growing up in the 1960s, I was a big fan of “My Favorite Martian,” and a lot of the show’s appeal, for me, had to do with the impact that Bill made as an everyman,” says magician David Copperfield. “We dreamed, and experienced a sense of awe and wonder, through Bill’s eyes. As an actor, Bill was the man who experienced, and observed, crazy and impossible things. He was relatable. Bill played us.”

In the NBC television series “The Magician,” which aired between 1973 and 1974 for one season, Bill plays Anthony (Tony) Blake, a famous jet-setting stage illusionist who uses his performing skills to solve crimes. Bill himself

was a competent amateur magician. “I think that Bill was underrated as a performer, both as an actor and as a magician,” says Copperfield, who appeared alongside Bill in Copperfield’s 1979 CBS television special, “The Magic of David Copperfield II,” which Bill hosted. “I think that Bill was better than most, if not all, actors who performed magic on television. Bill was cool. He very much acted like, and certainly looked like, a real magician. Again, I found Bill to be so believable and relatable. With “The Magician,” I believed that Bill, playing a magician, knew what he was doing.”

Of course Bill is best remembered–largely due to the proliferation of the Marvel Cinematic Universe–for the Marvel Comics-based television series “The Incredible Hulk,” which aired on CBS between 1977 and 1982 over five seasons.

In “The Incredible Hulk,” Bill plays Dr. David Banner, a brilliant scientist who becomes a fugitive after a cell-altering process causes him to transform into the show’s titular monstrous green being, played by Lou Ferrigno, whenever Banner experiences great anger or stress. “[Bill] was my first, and only, choice for David Banner,” said Kenneth Johnson, the show’s creator and executive producer. “The network [was] very happy that I convinced Bill to come aboard. He was just terrific as David Banner.”

Following the end of the series, Bill and Ferrigno reprised their roles from the series in the 1988 NBC made-fortelevision film “The Incredible Hulk Returns,” followed by the films “The Trial of the Incredible Hulk” (1989) and “The Death of the Incredible Hulk,” both of which were directed by Bill. “Bill took me under his wing and taught me a lot,” said Ferrigno. “He was the first star [whom] I ever met. Bill was very genuine, quick, witty. I remember being so proud when Bill said to me: ‘Your character has connected with the public.’”

Born and raised in the bustling city of San Francisco, California, actor Bill Bixby, best remembered for the television series “The Incredible Hulk,” nonetheless discovered and fell in love with the outdoor lifestyle at an early age.

Throughout his childhood and teenage years, Bill spent many summers vacationing with his parents in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, specifically within the range’s Cisco Grove region, where Bill’s mother’s family owned an acreage

compound. Between 1955 and 1957, Bill spent much of his summers working as a bellhop and fledgling entertainment organizer at the Jackson Lake Lodge in remote northwestern Wyoming.

In July 1971, as a wedding present to his first wife, actress Brenda Benet, Bill purchased 110 acres of land alongside the beautiful McKenzie River in Lane County, Oregon. Bill’s ranch, which was known as the Hidden Valley Ranch, served as his primary vacation home and sanctuary throughout the rest of his career and life.

Whenever Bill visited Oregon, he stayed at the property’s main house, which could accommodate four people and offered a clear view of the surrounding McKenzie River Valley. Off to the west, there was Finn Creek, which ran behind the property’s barn and slaughter house.

To manage the property, the land and ranch, Bill selected his beloved maternal aunt, Ellen Hayes, who lived in Oregon until her death in 1997, and her husband, Ernest Hayes, who died in Oregon in 1986. “They [Ellen and Ernest] did a fair job of buying and registering cattle and maintaining the buildings and land,” said Ellen’s son, John Schubert, who died in June 2022. “Financially, the ranch wasn’t profitable, self-sufficient, nor would I say that it was a money pit. Bill loved the ranch. He needed someone to manage the ranch, and he was very happy with how [Ernest] and Mom took care of the property while Bill was in California.”

Diagnosed with cancer, Bill made his last visit to the beautiful Hidden Valley Ranch in Oregon, where he celebrated Christmas with family, including his Aunt Ellen and mother Jane. Bill died on November 21, 1993, in California, at the age of 59.

Lou Ferrigno & Bill Bixby in The Incredible Hulk November 4, 1977 –May 12, 1982

Bill Bixby & Ray Walston in My Favorite Martian September 29, 1963 – May 1, 1966

Bill Bixby as Tony Blake in The Magician March 17, 1973 – April 15, 1974

LOU FERRIGNO/BILL BIXBY

From 1978-1982, The Hulk series aired on CBS starring Bill Bixby as Dr. David Bruce Banner and Lou Ferrigno as The Hulk. Dr. Banner is a widowed physician-scientist presumed dead who travels the U.S. with fake identities, trying to earn money to cure or pacify his dark secret while helping others in need. Interestingly, the series premiered with a 2 hour made-for-TV pilot movie, which aired on November 4, 1977. The TV series, whose adventure and excitement got rave reviews unlike the pilot movie, pioneered the quote: “Don’t make me angry. You wouldn’t like me when I’m angry.” In 1988, New World Television purchased the film rights from MCA/Universal and produced three TV movies: The Incredible Hulk Returns (1988), The Trial of the Incredible Hulk (1989), and The Death of the Incredible Hulk (1990), the latter two directed by Bill Bixby. The TV series and TV movies, while lesser known among Marvel buffs, remain cult classics and were genesis to the later movies to come.

EDWARD NORTON

The Incredible Hulk (2008) is a standalone movie by Universal Studios. While not as iconic or prolific as Mark Ruffalo, this movie rebooted The Hulk for the New Millennium after almost 20 years since the last Hulk movie with Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno. Here, the origin story comes right away–a scientist struck by gamma rays, causing super size and strength–followed by Bruce Banner (Ed Norton) running from the U.S. Army and General Ross, as well as the government agency S.H.I.E.L.D. Culminating in a showdown with Abomination (Tim Roth), The Hulk seeks refuge to understand how his two personalities work together (or don’t). While the plot is lean, this Hulk movie is fun, exciting, and well worth a watch. Rated PG-13.

Stream

MARK RUFFALO

Mark’s film credit as The Hulk is widespread, starting with The Avengers (2012) and spanning 10+ years of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including all Avengers movies, Thor:Ragnarok (2017), She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (2022) TV show, and countless cameos. It’s no wonder Mark Ruffalo is the face of Bruce Banner and The Hulk these days. What’s refreshing is the much-needed humor that Mark brings to this role, yet he also brings a seriousness and fear surrounding the appearance of The Hulk. In these movie, Bruce Banner is a genius physicist whose fascinating story unfolds over 5 films, which presents a challenge because you can’t watch his story all at once, as there is no standalone Hulk movie in the current MCU due to Universal still owning solo movie rights. At one point in his story, The Hulk leaves Earth to go live on another planet entirely. At another, Bruce and Hulk form a collective being named Smart Hulk, sharing mind and body. If you’ve never seen the modern MCU, or if you’re ready for a rewatch, you’re in for a treat. Rated PG-13.

Incredible Hulk #1 was printed in May 1962 by Marvel Comics, created by legendary comic creators Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Interestingly, The Hulk was at first gray, but due to printing issues was changed to green. Over 6+ decades there have been almost countless movies and comics with appearances by The Strongest One There Is. The Hulk has come a long way since 1962. The Hulk is intellectual property jointly-owned by Disney/Marvel and Universal Pictures.

these movies where available, or rent from your local movie store, library, or rental kiosk.

Enjoy the Outdoors No Matter the Weather!

By Colton Womack, Contributing Writer

Oregon is a state best known for its scenic landscape, and with it comes a thorough experience of the four seasons. It’s important to be able to enjoy the outdoors no matter the weather, and better yet if it’s from the comfort of your own patio – whether it be a family get-together, a barbecue, or simply a private retreat. This was a need felt strongly by the good people at Crown Patio Covers, a business locally owned by a husband and wife team born and raised in Oregon. They graduated from Oregon State University in 2004. With a passion for business ownership, and wanting to have a positive impact on their local community, the patio cover business was a perfect fit. It also gave them the opportunity to show their two kids, ages 8 and 10, what it looks like to work hard and meet the needs of others. They built an all-star team from the best people in the industry, made up of folks with up to 15 years of experience, and sought to fill a niche that wasn’t being served in their community: high quality, affordable patio covers to expand outdoor living spaces.

What separates Crown Patio Covers is their culture and the quality of their products. Offering services from North Salem all the way up to Vancouver, they cover the wider Portland Metro area. Using aluminum framing, double-layered acrylic paneling, and with a hefty snow load, these patio covers won’t yellow, brittle or break –unlike the poly-carbonate of their competitors! With complete UV protection, and a variety of transparency options, the customer is able to tailor how much light comes through so they can enjoy the beauty of the open sky while still having shelter.

A design consultant will also advise customers on their services and options, even helping to develop custom designs to match their needs. With clear communication and reliable installation, they’ve made sure the process of purchasing with them is a breeze. It’s this customer-first approach that allows Crown Patio Covers to help people spend more time with friends and family in the backyard, and have fewer rainy days spoil the fun!

Give Crown Patio Covers a call at 503-406-9111, or check out their website crownpatiocovers.com for more information.

Carrot Cake Cupcakes

Carrot cake cupcakes are moist, flavorful cakes with rich cream cheese frosting. Share this recipe with your friends and family for Easter!

INGREDIENTS

CUPCAKES

1 ¼ C all-purpose flour

1 t baking powder

½ t baking soda

½ t salt

1 t ground cinnamon

¼ t ground nutmeg

2 cups shredded carrots

¾ C granulated sugar

¼ C packed brown sugar

DIRECTIONS

2 large eggs

1 t pure vanilla extract

2/3 C vegetable oil

Optional: Raisins

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

8 oz cream cheese, softened

¼ C unsalted butter, softened

1 C confectioners’ sugar

½ t pure vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a standard muffin tin with paper liners and set aside. This recipe makes 14 cupcakes.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. Set aside.

3. In a bowl, beat together granulated sugar, brown sugar and vegetable oil until combined. Add eggs and vanilla.

4. Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir in the shredded carrots by hand.

5. Fill prepared cupcake liners two-thirds full with batter. Bake cupcakes at 350° F for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool cupcakes in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. To make the frosting: In a bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the vanilla and mix until combined, about 15 seconds. With the mixer on low, slowly add the confectioners’ sugar and mix until incorporated.

7. Transfer frosting to a frosting bag fitted with desired tip. Frost the cooled cupcakes and dust with ground cinnamon as an option. Serve at room temperature.

Spring Gardening Tips

By Donovan Darling, Staff Writer

Get to Know Your Garden

Is it south-facing or north-facing? Knowing where the sun hits the ground will help you decide what to grow where. It’s also worth knowing what soil type you have. Take a look at what’s growing. Doing a soil test will also help you know your soil, and therefore what plants you can grow.

Plan Your Garden

Plan what to grow where, rather than getting carried away at the garden center and ending up with too many random plants that neither look good together nor suit your growing conditions. Planning also enables you to use color and structure wisely, which will help you create a garden that looks great throughout the year.

Learn How to Plant

Proper planting will ensure good growth and longevity. Make sure you weed and prepare the soil before planting, and add mulch or fertilizer where necessary. If you’re unsure how to plant something, look online for instructions or check the nursery tag.

Feed and Water Regularly

Proper watering is the difference between life and death. As a general rule, water the root ball rather than the leaves, as the roots absorb the water. Soaking the root ball every week is better than watering a little bit every day. Feeding is also important. Generally you should feed every two weeks during spring and summer, and feed more if growing in containers.

Watch Out for Pests

Most garden pests don’t do much harm and can be left alone, as there are plenty of natural predators that will keep them in check. However, sometimes pests can become an infestation and you need to act. Keeping an eye out for pests in excess like aphids, slugs and snails will help keep your plants safe and save you a lot of heartache.

Make Your Own Compost

Composting kitchen and garden waste is good for the environment, wildlife, your wallet, and also your garden. Let the waste break down (usually for months) and then use it when planting or as a mulch around the base of plants in your garden and veg patch. There are also many ways to compost, so look online for ideas that work for you.

Be Kind to Wildlife

You may see wildlife as the enemy to gardening. But wildlife can be useful in the garden, too. Birds eat a variety of garden pests like slugs and snails, aphids and caterpillars. Bees pollinate our food crops. Creating habitats for them and learning to share your garden with them is the key to enjoying your space.

info from gardenersworld.com

Lifetime Windows & Doors Celebrating Their 25th Anniversary

By Dennis McNabb, Contributing Writer

Photos By Carly Carpenter

From windows and doors to siding and roofs: whatever your exterior needs, Lifetime Windows & Doors has got you covered!

Here in the Northwest, we are all familiar with the ways in which inclement weather can wreak havoc on our home’s exteriors. Whether we are able to relax and embrace that weather, like true Oregonians, or not, depends on the quality and condition of that exterior. If it’s as wet on the inside of your window as it is on the outside, then it’s time to take action. In the Portland, Vancouver, and Bend areas, there is only one place you need to call for all of your exterior needs: Lifetime Windows & Doors.

Owners Eric Peterson and Carl Thompson have been friends since high school. They grew up here in the local community together, worked at their first jobs together, and now run Portland’s premier window and door replacement business together. Their friendship has stood the test of time because they live their lives and—especially—manage their business, by following a simple set of core values: 1. Attitude is everything 2. One Team 3. Own it-Make it Better. Simple and straightforward, but equally profound, these are the keys to their success.

A positive attitude is important in any business, but it’s an imperative at Lifetime Windows & doors. Every single employee, from top to bottom, must understand that “attitude is everything.” If employees recognize a problem within the organization or an opportunity to improve some aspect of their workflow, they are encouraged to “own it”

and help the company to “make it better.” In that way, not only is efficiency improved, but employees are engaged in the process. And finally, at the end of the day, they must recognize they are all part of the same team, “one team.” When they work cooperatively towards common goals, everyone wins!

Since their inception in 1998, Carl and Eric have been honing their skills and building their business with complete transparency, honesty, and integrity. They have always treated their employees as part of the family, and consider themselves mentors above all else. I had the pleasure of speaking with Carl, and not only was he genuinely affable and passionate about the business, but his sincere affection and

This year marks their 25th anniversary, and they would love to invite their Portland and Bend communities to share in the celebration. Festivities will take place in Portland Saturday, May 13th 11AM3PM and in Bend Saturday, June 3rd

from 11AM-3PM and everyone is welcome. Hot dogs and refreshments will be served. You can meet the staff, and even enter a raffle to win free window upgrade prizes! This is a locally-owned and operated business led by people who have deep ties to the communities they serve. Eric and Carl both are extraordinarily proud of where they come from and committed to giving back at every opportunity.

Call today at 503-461-6302 for a free estimate or check out their website, lifetimewindows.net, for more information. You can also visit their beautiful new showroom at 14110 SE McLoughlin Blvd in Milwaukie.

We offer a comprehensive safety policy, outstanding communication, and personalized service. Our crew is easy to work with and provides exceptional, long-lasting results.