Oregon City Community Advantage Magazine October 2022

Active

PO Box 672 · Aurora, OR 97002 503.825.2111

ADMINISTRATION

Matthew Nelson, Publisher

Catrina Nelson, CFO

Tara Weidman, Executive Assistant

Donovan Darling, Content Manager

PRODUCTION

Jeremy Okai Davis, Art Director

Stacy Benner, Sr. Graphic Designer

Holly Darling, Sr. Graphic Designer

Shawn Schmidt, Sr. Graphic Designer

Hilary Berg, Sr. Graphic Designer

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Tyler Francke Dennis McNabb

David Bates Robert Matsumura

Patti Jo Brooks Olive Gallagher

Angie Helvey Sherry Dorn

CONTRIBUTING

Carly Carpenter Kara Langley

Laurel Bice Hayley Starkey

Malaina Kinne Angie Helvey

Brittney Waterman Henry Schifter

Andrew Sambuceto

Don Ormsby Bill Kistler

Stephanie Baker Jim Belan

Peggy Jacobs David Long

Chris O’Brien John Zobrist

Brad Marti Shelley Zeman

Tina Toney Darren Dwyer

the ADDA ms FA mily (1991)

“Smell that air, Fester! Like a tomb.”

Another of my favorites, this dark comedy

is based on the 1964 TV show! Starring Anjelica Huston, Raul Julia, Christopher Lloyd, and Christina Ricci, the movie follows a gloomy but loving family of outcasts who live in a gothic mansion on the hill. Full of the macabre, cartoony violence, and biting social commentary, the jokes and goofs land like punches in this otherworldly romp. Rated PG-13.

CA s P er (1995)

“Who says there’s no such thing as ghosts?” In this dark fantasy dramedy, afterlife therapist Dr. James Harvey (Bill Pullman) and his daughter Kat (Christina Ricci) move into a haunted mansion to exorcize ghosts for a greedy inheritor bent on finding treasure. It’s silly and slapstick, yet serious and contemplative–afterall, you can’t have ghosts without death. Good for kiddos 6+. Rated PG.

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

h o CU s Po CU s (1993)

“Oh, look. Another glorious morning. Makes me sick!”

One of my favorite Halloween movies, it’s the story of three witches burned at the stake who return to terrorize the children of Salem, Mass. With a killer cast including Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Thora Birch, it’s whacky, spooky, and actionpacked. Rated PG, but with strong language and mature themes it’s more like PG-13.

ghostb U sters (1984)

“Who you gonna call?”

There’s nothing like it, pure and simple. A supernatural comedy starring a legendary cast, including Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Sigourney Weaver, and more. Parapsychologists turn ghost hunters in New York City and end up saving the world. There’s ghosts, marshmallow giants, and so much nostalgia. Rated PG, but with strong language and mature themes it’s more like PG-13.

By Donovan Darling, Staff Writer

Nightm A re o N elmstreet (1984)

“Whatever you do, don’t fall asleep.” I binged all 7 of these movies last year, and they are equal parts horror and camp. They’re so bad that they’re good, you know? Imaginative, terrifying, funny, and always graphically violent, Robert Englund haunts my nightmares indefinitely! Adults only.

Rated R.

sh AUN o F the D e AD (2004 )

“Winchester?”

One of the very few horror comedy zombie movies, this movie has “killed” since released. Like Simon Pegg and Nick Frost’s other movies, this plays on genre tropes and makes for geniuslevel comedy. Ultra violence and profuse profanity really make this a dirty pleasure movie. Adults only. Rated R.

KNOCK-KNOCK!

By Tyler Francke, Contributing Writer

Ghosts, ghouls and other “creatures of the night” are set to take over the Canby Fairgrounds again this fall, for the 2022 edition of the Canby Haunted House (formerly known as the Clackamas County Scare Fair) — and this year’s version promises to be the spookiest one yet.

Creatures of the Night, the haunting experts who have collaborated with the fairgrounds for three straight years of thrills and chills, are set again to present this year’s uniquely tailored Halloween experience, “Knock, Knock,” which will take place over four weekends in October.

To say Creatures CEO David D. Jones is excited would be a bit of an understatement.

“Halloween is one of the most universal of celebrations for us as a people,” David says. “Halloween is the one day that we feed the people who come to our door. It’s the one day that every child is safe. It’s the one day that we all agree to play the same game — and that’s worth protecting.”

David and his nonprofit team, which has included family, friends, and hundreds of volunteers over the years, got into the scaring business sort of by accident.

“Creatures of the Night started nine years ago in the Mary S. Young Park in West Linn, where we accidentally created an urban legend,” he says. “We literally got into haunting as a lark, as a goof. It wasn’t for ‘realsies’, it was just us being silly. We entered a contest, and we realized we were

weirdly, really good at this. So we continued, and we started studying and doing research and becoming better at it.”

Creatures of the Night creates highly crafted, thoughtful haunts that are uniquely tailored for each year and location they partner with. Though the team presented an in-person haunt in a different location at the fairgrounds last fall — this year’s will be completely different. The haunters also rely heavily on ancient myths, more modern urban legends, local lore, and interviews with hundreds of area residents, business owners, and leaders to produce their unique experiences.

“If you just do a collage of mad scientist, alien, Godzilla monster and so on, it doesn’t resonate,” David explains. “You’ve got to have a cohesive story, a narrative. It’s got to be like a three-act play: beginning, middle, and end. You start with universal stories, and then you get more specific. You have to reflect the stories and fears of people now. So when we start writing the story in early spring or the turn of the year, we’re trying to guess what people are going to be scared of 10 months from now.”

And when we say Creatures’ haunts are “uniquely tailored” and “hand crafted,” we mean that literally. David and his team spend the weeks leading up to October training volunteers and staff — as well as building their haunted houses and all of their associated set pieces by hand. Many of their volunteer actors who participate in the haunt also lend a hand or, you know, paw, claw, talon, or fin.  The actors, which the outfit usually refers to as “creatures” or “haunters,” are a huge part of the experience — and much more goes into it than you might think. As David explains, these are not people pulled off the street, given a mask, and simply told to lunge and go “Rawr!” at whomever passes by. For Creatures of the Night, there is an in-depth training and character development process spanning at least two months.

“They are a full character: There is a history, there is a complete story — and it’s actually a tragic story,” David says. “Like Frankenstein’s monster, every monster was somebody who was on a hero’s journey, which is what a haunt really is. We’re creating an environment where we tell a story, but the guest is the hero of the story. They’re the ones that have to fight the monsters. They have to figure their way out of the maze.”

But as to the specifics of what guests might experience at the Canby Haunted House this year, David’s lips are as sealed as Billy Butcherson’s in Hocus Pocus, saying it would be like a magician revealing his secrets — before the show. The only way to find out is to dare to enter the Canby Haunted House for yourselves.

The Canby Haunted House will be open from 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, October 7 through the 29th. It will take place in the 4-H Hall at the Clackamas County Fairgrounds and Events Center, located at 694 Northeast 4th Avenue in Canby. For more information, visit creaturesofthenighthalloween.com or connect with Creatures of the Night on Facebook at facebook.com/CreaturesHaunt.

“This year’s uniquely tailored Halloween experience promises to be the spookiest yet.”

They’ve got our backs ... literally!

Locally owned and operated, Mattress World Northwest (MWNW) is the preeminent mattress retailer in the northwest. As an integral part of our local community, they have consistently served our sleep needs for over 27 years. Sean Hathaway and his amazing team of professional associates are well-trained to match each customer with the sleep system best designed to meet our individual needs by assessing personal sleep histories, sleep postures, patterns, tendencies, and preferences.

MWNW RESTS ON ITS CORE VALUES

At the heart of their business, lie three core values. First, is their sincere dedication to helping every customer get a better night’s sleep. They have the largest selection of name brand mattresses and specialty mattresses in the Northwest, from handmade to 100% natural latex, as well as adjustable frames. They carry every type of mattress for every type of sleeper!

GET A BETTER NIGHT’S SLEEP

Second, MWNW believes in empowering employees to live their best possible lives. Happy employees means happy customers, so you can trust you’ll be greeted with a smile and an attentive ear. Mattress purchases are done only a handful of times in our lives. That experience, good or bad, leaves a lasting impression. At MWNW, they have perfected the process to ensure that you get the best possible service and overall experience every time.

A FOUNDATION OF PHILANTHROPY

Third, and perhaps most importantly, is their dedication to philanthropic work. Each and every month, MWNW supports local charities and schools in a variety of ways. To date, they have donated over $230,000 to local high schools and other charities! Giving back to the community is an integral part of what defines this organization.

DEDICATED CHARITABLE SUPPORT

In October, all locations will be accepting donations to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in support of their work to provide the means to find the cure for CF and ensure that those living with the disease can live long and productive lives. MWNW is gladly donating to this benevolent cause while also raising awareness by offering to take donations on the organization’s behalf. Please help raise funds by donating online or visiting one of their local stores. Family owned and operated, dedicated to providing customers the best products at the lowest prices, plus donating to and participating in our community is proof Mattress World Northwest exemplifies the very best of retail.

COME IN TODAY – FOR A BETTER NIGHT’S SLEEP!

Visit mattressworldnorthwest.com for a location near you or call 503-594-0551 to order by phone.

CLACKAMAS

8861 SE Jannsen Rd • 503-594-0550

CLACKAMAS TOWN CENTER 12000 SE 82nd Ave • 503-653-6913

GRESHAM • 1160 NE Burnside • 503-907-0296

HAPPY VALLEY • 11444 SE 82nd Ave • 503-594-2750 OREGON CITY • 19502 Molalla Ave • 503-305-8905

Please join us in support by making your donation at any MWNW location or through our website. Ask us how.

OPEN: 10 am -8 pm MON-SAT 10 am -7 pm SUNDAY

The Tale of Stingy Jack

Exploring the myth behind Halloween’s pumpkin pastime

By Krysta M. Nelson, Contributing Writer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Elmer’s Flag & Banner was started by Elmer Reider in 1963. A former car salesman, Elmer learned about a new kind of business when his car lot was visited by a man whose trade was decorating dealerships with flags, signs and colorful banners. “The story goes that there was a guy who was coming around doing decorations for the car lot,” explains Dave Anchel, president of Elmer’s. “Elmer asked him if he was making any money and the guy said, ‘Better than you!’” Elmer believed it, so he left auto sales for the car lot decorating business. The store prospered, thanks to his talent for spotting niche business opportunities, like flags and banners, and his commitment to building customer loyalty with quality products and honest service. Today, Elmer’s is Portland’s largest flag, banner and kite store, with 4,000 square feet of products, everything from weathervanes to windsocks.

Anchel grew up in rural northeast Pennsylvania, where he spent 22 years in the family business, learning how to run a successful small company. In their search for a business to purchase, Anchel and his wife visited Portland and fell in love. “We came to Portland, had some really good chocolate and said to each other, ‘We could live here,’” he recalls.

Variety is the spice of life and it’s also what you’ll find at Elmer’s. Anchel estimates the store offers some 8,000 different products, about 1,200 of which are available online. Elmer’s also makes its

own custom flags and banners, by hand and in-house. They make both high-quality, digitally designed flags and banners, and are one of the only companies in the United States that still does appliqué - the time-honored tradition of sewing one piece of fabric onto another - just like Betsy Ross.

“We make those by hand, upstairs in our sewing shop, and they look gorgeous,” Anchel explains. “It’s for when people want an heirloom qual ity flag, like of their family crest, or when a high school wins a cham pionship and wants to hoist a banner to their gymnasium ceiling.”

Elmer’s also manufactures, sells, installs and services custom poles, including two of the tallest in the state of Oregon, measuring 120 feet. “They’re monsters,” Anchel says with a laugh.

Elmer’s selection of kites, flags, banners, weather vanes, wind spin ners and other wind toys will amaze you. Looking to spruce up your home’s exterior? Stop into the retail store at 1332 NE Broadway in Portland, Monday-Friday from 8:30am to 5:30pm and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm. Or visit their website, elmersflag.com anytime.

Custodial Worker’s Recognition Day

Fried Scallops Day

Name Your Car Day

Produce Misting Day GOE Day

Boyfriend Day Techies Day Child Health Day Consignment Day

Angel Food Cake Day Handbag Day • Metric Day

Cinnamon Bun Day Golf Lover’s Day Day

Vodka Day

Eat Fruit At Work Day

Apple Betty Day Do Something Get Funky Day Rhode Island World Teachers’ Walk to School Pumpkin Seed Coffee with a

Leif Erikson Day

Moldy Cheese Day

Pro-Life Cupcake Day

PANS/PANDAS Awareness Clergy Appreciation Day

Walk to a Park Day World Mental Health Day Columbus Day Kick Butt Online Bank Day American Day

General Pulaski Memorial Coming Out Day

InterDay of the Girl Child Sausage Pizza Day

Farmer’s Day Gumbo Day • Curves Day • Emergency Nurse’s Stop Bullying Take Your Parents Lunch Day

Department Store Day Global Cat Day Dictionary Day Day Day

Swallows Depart From Juan Capistrano Day

Black Poetry • Edge Day Mulligan Day • Pasta Day Clean Your Virtual Desktop Day BOSS’S DAY

United Nations Day Bologna Day Day

InterLegging Day Chocolate Cupcake Day Exascale Day No Beard Day Pharmacy Technician Day

LGBT Center Seafood Bisque BRA Day USA Hagfish Day Support Your Chamber of Commerce Medical Assistants Recognition

Day of the Deployed Financial Crime Mincemeat Day Mule Day Pumpkin Day Corn Day Day Day Day Apple Day

Chucky, The Notorious Killer Doll Day Food Day Day

Your Full Service Exterior Contractor

By Patti Jo Brooks, Contributing Writer • Photos By Craig Brubaker

Kenai Construction glistens like a crown jewel among West Linn’s community of contractors.

This gem of a construction company is a “premier provider for all your home’s exterior needs.” Licensed, bonded, and insured, Kenai Construction provides expert Customer Service, Quality Materials, and Workmanship Warranties on all projects.

Bryan Schmunk, General Contractor and Owner of Kenai Construction LLC, operates his business within West Linn’s regional community. He offers personalized service to his West Linn neighbors, and makes it a point to get to know each customer a little before taking on a project with them. To accomplish this, Bryan sets aside one-hour blocks of time for a Free Consultation so he can build rapport and thoroughly understand the client’s needs. Consultations can be scheduled by phone, or directly on Kenai Construction’s website (which provides a complete calendar of dates and times available).

When you talk to Bryan, you’ll experience a business

owner with a unique blend of the “professional” and “personable.” He’s easy-going, friendly, and approachable, but don’t be fooled—he knows his stuff! When it comes down to it, Bryan’s been in the contracting business for over 20 years, and has done everything from individual sales to running an entire sales department for a large company. Before making his home in West Linn 3 years ago, he’d lived and worked 10 years in the Portland Metro area. In addition, he’s partnered with over 125 realtors who have sought his professionalism and expertise to deliver top-quality results. This set of circumstances provided Bryan with a solid clientele to build up Kenai Construction. He continues to check back periodically with the “new” home owners to see if any upcoming improvements have made it to the top of their list.

Kenai Construction, with Bryan at the helm, is dedicated to establishing a comfortable, trusting relationship with the client—an important component to ensure a successful outcome for both client and contractor, particularly with

large jobs involving considerable time and resources. Open communication from a customer is encouraged throughout the duration of a project. Any concerns or input they have can be addressed along the way. “My business is about people more than anything,” Bryan states. He goes on to explain that his “primary focus and motivation is to help people—with money being a by-product of the service.” This comprises the driving force behind Kenai Construction’s commitment to “actually service” the customer.

Coming from a small town “where your name carries weight,” Bryan has built a reputation for Kenai Construction of honesty, ethics, and trust.

Kenai Constructions specializes in Roofs and Siding. From full roof replacements, to gutter installations, and anything in between, they’ll take care of all your roofing needs. A certified Jamie Hardie siding installer, Kenai Construction handles a variety of siding options to meet a client’s design and budget specifications. Their Warranty programs often exceed Oregon state law requirements. Kenai Construction’s Roofing Workmanship Warranty, for instance, is backed by a Lifetime Warranty. Referring to his business from a personal perspective, Bryan states, “I’m certified in everything I do – anything I

touch, I warranty it. That’s where my good name comes from.”

Customer service, customer satisfaction, and follow up play a huge role in Kenai Construction’s business. Once you’ve established a relationship with Bryan, you’ve become a friend and neighbor for life. He’s always looking out for the customer’s needs, will make a thorough assessment of any problems, and answer any questions without pressure. “I’m your contractor, that’s what I want to be,” he professes, and adds light-heartedly that he “knows the ins and outs of a house like a surgeon.” Operating in that theater, he’s known to draw upon his expertise to confidently refer a fellow contractor for any job (fence work, for instance) that falls outside the scope of his business—that includes interior work too!

If you’re looking for a friend who knows home construction from the “outside in,” from roofing to siding, gutters to windows, doors and paint jobs too— you’ll get the best products, services, and workmanship available from Kenai Construction— guaranteed. Hire with confidence, as you can be sure the project will be done right!

You can reach Kenai Construction by phone (971) 800-3800, or visit their website at kenaiconstruction.com.

BE SURE TO SCHEDULE YOUR PROJECTS BEFORE THE RAIN COMES!

Roofing

The History of Linfield Football: A Streak of Greatness

By Robert Matsumura, Contributing Writer

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

It started on an autumn day, October 6, 1956. Great things often have humble beginnings, and for Linfield football this was certainly the case. While it would have been more dramatic if the Wildcats’ win that day had been defined by a scintillating highlight moment—a miraculous last minute catch in the endzone, or a gutty goal line stand—such was not the case.

experience it and build up over the years.” For a team composed of small town kids and Korean War veterans attending college on the GI Bill, they had no idea that their victory over the Ramblers that fateful October day would be the start of the “Streak.” The “Streak,” which has now extended to 65 consecutive winning seasons as of 2021, is the longest active winning streak in NCAA history at any level. No other team is even close to this record, with the next in line coming in at 42. In retrospect, Ward admits no one at the time had any idea of what was to come. “I guarantee you that in 1956, nobody had any idea there would be any kind of streak,” he said. “We were just happy that we could get through the season with a win.”It was coach Paul Durham’s team that started the “Streak,” but it is a testament to the pride, tradition, and dedication to excellence, fostered by successive coaches over the last six decades, that is

Linfield had just suffered back-to-back losing seasons, and the 1956 campaign looked like more of the same. The opponent that Saturday was the Seattle Ramblers, a semi-pro team on a tear, who had defeated the Wildcats the previous year, and dominated the conference titles over the last 14 seasons. Against the odds, Linfield managed to defeat the Ramblers 13-7. From that game on, the Wildcats wouldn’t lose another game that season. This win over the Ramblers marked the beginning of what has become known as the “Streak.”

Paul Ward, who played guard on the ’56 team, recalled: “Once we had a winning season, we knew we could win. We had to

responsible for Linfield’s relentless march through the NCAA history books. Looming at the forefront of the Mount Rushmore of Linfield football coaches is Ad Rutschman. Hired as head football coach in 1968, Rutschman continued the winning tradition until his retirement in 1991. Rutschman not only coached football, but baseball as well. Rutschman is still the only coach at any level to win national titles in both football and baseball. In his 24 seasons as Linfield’s head football coach, Rutschman won three NAIA national championships (1982, 1984, 1986), and 15 Northwest Conference titles. Perhaps Rutschman’s most epic victory occurred in the 1984 national

championship game, where Linfield trailed Northwestern 22-0 with just over three minutes left in the third quarter. Against all odds, the Wildcats roared back to win the game 33-22.

In addition to coaching football and baseball, Rutschman also served as Athletic Director for 25 years, during which time the school’s athletic facilities were greatly improved. Among these improvements were two new gymnasiums, a baseball stadium, and the 26,600 square foot field house named in honor of Rutschman and his wife Joan, for their dedication and service over 27 years to Linfield University.

From 1992 to 2005, Linfield’s football program was led by Ed Langsdorf (1992-95) and Jay Locey (1996 -2005). Both coaches kept up the winning tradition. Langsdorf’s brief tenure resulted in a record of 32-9-1 and three championships. Locey’s tally at the end of his Linfield career was a stellar 84-18 and six championships, including one NCAA Division III title. During one stretch of his impressive career, Locey coached the team to a 41-game win streak.

In 2006, the future of Linfield football was turned over to Joseph Smith, and he has not only continued the “Streak” but pushed the school into the NCAA record books. Under Smith’s leadership Linfield has amassed an incredible record of 13827, with a .836 win percentage, the highest percentage of any coach in Linfield history.

When Smith, a former defensive back for Linfield in the 90s, took over in 2006, he was well aware of the legacy he was responsible for and described his role as that of a “caretaker.” With Locey’s departure, Smith understood that the decision to hire him had been carefully considered. “It couldn’t be someone from the outside to come in and run the program,” Smith explained. “We had to maintain who we are. If we lost that, we’re just another school.”

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

Smith credits a number of factors, foremost of which is the sense of family that permeates the entire Wildcat program. Caring for

one another. This intense trust that grows from respect and brotherhood is interwoven with a blue-collar work ethic of toughness

and we are the hammer.”

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

and a thirst for excellence. Ryan Carlson, a defensive star on the 90s era teams, sums it up beautifully: “Once you’re in our Linfield family, you’re connected to 60 years of people who have had those core principles shape their young lives. Those life experiences continue to breed an incredible amount of love and loyalty towards the program.” As inspiration to his players, Smith periodically invites guest speakers to address the team. One of the speakers, Bretton Brown, an Army Ranger and a friend of Smith’s, imparted words from the Rangers’ credo that resonated with the team: “We are Men of Action. We do the heavy lifting. We are the walls,

Coach Joseph Smith

Linfield Football Courtesy of Linfield University

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

Linfield Football team with Coach Smith-Courtesy of Linfield University

Halloween Popcorn Balls

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup unpopped popcorn

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick)

1 tsp vanilla

4-5 cups mini marshmallows

3/4 cup Reeses pieces

3/4 cup candy corn

3/4 cup white chocolate pretzels (chopped)

DIRECTIONS

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

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

Allow to set for a couple minutes, then stir in half the Reeses pieces and candy corn. Separate your popcorn into 10 sections.

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

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

Press additional candies onto the outside of the popcorn balls.

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

CARVE THE PERFECT PUMPKIN

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

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

 Cut from the bottom, not the top.

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

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

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

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

 Sketch your design to size on paper first.

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

 Try holding the pumpkin in your lap.

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

 Start by making simple rough cuts.

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

 Use your scraps creatively.

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

 Keep your pumpkin fresh.

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

 Create a chimney.

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

Sprinkle cinnamon inside.

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