Oregon Lifestyle South River April 2024

Self Care Practices to Enrich Your Life

By Jules Helm, Contributing Writer

FEEL BETTER, BE MORE EFFECTIVE AND CONNECTED WITH GREATER EASE

Iwill share one simple yet powerful practice called “Allowing Your Body to Breathe You.” What does that mean? As Victor Frankel says, “Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” I am inviting you to make a simple but powerful choice to embark on a truly empowering journey by cultivating the frequent practice to pause and remind yourself to “Allow Your Body to Breathe You.” The emphasis is “Allow Your Body to Breathe You” versus “Taking a Breath” — this distinction is paramount, as it encourages reconnecting to your authenticity, the present moment and your body’s intuitive intelligence.

Instead of controlling breath with the intellectual mind, we release control to open up to a receptive side of our being. We listen, therefore reawakening curiosity, one of our keys to a truly fulfilling, creative and empowered life. No more holding onto the past or fear of the future, but true presence responding accurately to the moment.

Everyday activities come with both major and micro stress which accumulates in the body in the form of muscular tension and blocked breath. When we bring awareness as an objective witness to the ocean-like wave quality of breath, watching as we’d watch the sea, the mind’s focus is redirected, organically giving the clinging mental stress habit a chance to break rhythm. This gives your body/nervous system a natural reset from fight or flight to return to a more easeful homeostasis space.

Please pause now, even for a minute — disconnect from the phone, email, social media, even this article. Give yourself this gift to do nothing, receive a recuperative moment as you bear witness to “Your Body Breathing You.” No judgments, no changing or fixing anything — simply observe the sensations and feelings present in your body in this moment and “Allow Your Body to Breathe You.” Congratulations! Your participation is the most valuable commodity you possess in this exploration, as exhibiting your willingness is another powerful key to personal empowerment, growth and transformation.

All too often we abandon the “self” in service of a task. Our modern world has us so zoomed out or zoomed in, consumed with good or bad, that we are missing what is right in front of us. Furthermore, social conditioning rewards this imbalanced use of the self. We are encouraged to disconnect from the sensorial and feeling aspects of our body, overinhabiting the intellectual/analytical part of our brain. It is a false perception that this makes us more productive. Again, Victor Frankel reminds us that we do have a choice. With patience and compassionate repeated practice, habits evolve organically. With this newfound awareness your body will naturally gravitate toward ease, authentic productivity and most important, grounded well being.

Now, let us conclude by revisiting this awareness/ balancing practice. Let the next few moments be all about observing and “Allow Your Body to Breathe You.” Consciously choose to invite your awareness into the sensations and feelings present in your body right now. There is nothing that needs to be fixed or changed. Simply be here now with your body and breath. Present, aware, accepting.

Fields of Flavor

By Angie Helvey, Contributing Writer

Photos courtesy of Ramage Farms

Ryan Ramage knows better than most that a good grass farmer makes a better cattle rancher, meaning that maintaining the quality of the grass and soil is vital to raising healthy cows. We’ve all heard the phrase “You are what you eat,” but Ramage Farms takes that concept to a new level. Using regenerative practices, this local family farm produces only the highest quality natural grassfinished beef. Antibiotic-free, hormone-free, and always handled humanely, their meat is USDA-processed at Revel Meat Co. in Canby and packed with so much flavor that you’ll be amazed!

Ryan grew up in the agricultural world, mostly around nursery stock, and in 2016, he returned to his roots and began a hobby farm, raising a few cows and growing his own vegetables. The farm’s reputation for its beef has grown exponentially over the last four years. “It’s been a lot of word-of-mouth, and people are changing their habits,” says Ryan. “Once they try local products and experience the difference, they can’t go back to eating commercial meat.”

But what’s the secret to great taste? According to Ryan, it’s all about starting from the ground up.

That includes planting different types of grass seed and following a wholesome mineral program. “We stick with a full grass-fed, grass-finished program,” he explains. “Some people think you need to use grain or corn to get flavor, and we’ve proven you don’t; these cows just need variety.”

The herd is primarily Angus with a few Charolais, both breeds that thrive on Ramage’s farming practices. 25-pound assorted Butcher Boxes, half and whole beef, and bulk ground beef orders can be bought directly from the farm, but for customers who want a smaller sample, Ramage Farms has partnered with Tony’s Fish Market in Oregon City and keeps a consistent supply for purchase in the store. “When you buy corporate products, you have no idea where they came from,” Ryan points out, “but here, you have cows that were raised and processed right down the road. The product never leaves that circle, and you’re supporting small businesses and families by buying locally.”

As far as daily life on the farm goes,

it’s just a dad and his girls. Madison, 26; Reagan,15; Reese,13; and nine-year-old Roxy all pitch in, whether helping out with the animals, boxing products, or keeping Dad organized. Madison lives in Bend and is dedicated to spreading the message that locally sourced food is the key to a healthy body and lifestyle. It’s been fun for Ryan to watch them grow passionate about the cows they raise. “The girls know how to work body language with the cows, and you can see their calmness,” he says. “That’s the whole vibe we want on our property.”

Ramage Farm’s primary location is on Central Point, where the cows live, but three years ago, they also acquired the Mulino Venue property. Originally an old hemp farm, Ryan’s been busy using natural soil restoration practices to bring the neglected land back to life. “When I first started, you couldn’t find so much as a worm in that soil; it was completely dead. Working the fields with manure and biochar has made a huge difference and we’re creating a habitat for birds and pollinators,” he says. “It’s been neat to see all the wildlife returning to the area simply by focusing on the dirt.”

The family anticipates a full summer schedule at the Mulino property with chances for visitors to walk the U-Pick sunflower field and attend events with live music and local food vendors. “We live in a loud, fast-paced world. Sometimes you’ve got to kick off your shoes and get grounded. This is a place where local people can come and just relax,” says Ryan.

The Ramage family hopes to empower the community to focus on food as medicine. “We’ve loved hearing feedback from our repeat customers and changes they’ve noticed as they transition to a healthier lifestyle and begin sourcing their food locally,” Ryan says. “There’s so much evidence that implementing the right things with diet will heal our minds and bodies. We’re inspiring people to ditch ‘the pharm’ and come out to the farm.”

Ramage Farms is located at 25272 S. Central Point Rd. Canby, OR, 97013. Please give them a call at 503-799-9728 or visit their website at www.ramagefarms.net

From City to Forest

By Dennis McNabb, Contributing Writer

HIKING PORTLAND’S FAMOUS 4T TRAIL LOOP

Looking to go for a hike but craving something a little different? If you don’t mind hitting the pavement, Portland’s 4T Trail offers a wholly unique and worthwhile experience. It’s not a quick one. Completing the loop can take a solid 3 to 4 hours, but it’s a terrific way to observe the city from some unusual views and try out different means of mass transit.

The 4Ts of the Loop refer to: Trail, Tram, Trolley, and Train. The Trail portion of the trip is roughly 4 miles long and runs from Council Crest (which at 1, 073 feet is the highest point in the city) down to OHSU. At OHSU, you will catch the Portland Aerial Tram (which travels 3,300 linear feet downhill to the waterfront in only 3 minutes). From there, you will hop on the Trolley (The Portland Streetcar) and take that into downtown Portland where you can eat and shop to your heart’s content. Finally, the MAX (light rail train) will shuttle you back to where you started.

There is no right or wrong way to do the loop! You can start at either end or anywhere in between and of course there are no rules stating that you have to complete the

loop at all. There is a shorter urban trail option that cuts some of the distance off the hike if that’s a concern, or if it’s a greater challenge you seek, you can travel the loop in the reverse direction (hiking up the hill from OHSU to the top of Council Crest). The possibilities are endless, but regardless of how you approach it, there is something for everyone along the way. If you only like remote hikes where running into others is a rarity, this may not be for you. But for everyone else, this is a fantastic alternative to the norm.

During the winter months, the Tram does not run on Sundays or national holidays. So make sure to keep that in mind. It’s also a good idea to confirm if the trail is open by checking the “Trail Closures and Delays” page under Parks & Recreation on the website: Portland.gov/parks. This is a good rule of thumb any time you go hiking since mudslides have been known to occasionally close down even some of the most popular trails. Leashed dogs are allowed on this trail, but not on the Train, Trolley, or Tram unless kept in a carrier.

Check their website: 4t-trail.org for more details regarding exact routes, places to park, where to find restrooms, etc.

Budding Connections

LOCAL DISPENSARY CULTIVATES CANNABIS AND COMMUNITY

Finding a local dispensary to call home with an excellent selection of green and personable budtenders can be challenging. Stopping at an unknown place alongside the highway can be hit or miss in terms of quality. Conveniently located off Pacific Highway in Hubbard, Hierba Buena always carries a wide variety of premium products such as CBD, CBG, CBN, and THC. Their friendly, knowledgeable budtenders will share their knowledge and help you choose the right product for a safe and enjoyable cannabis experience and get the relaxation and relief you deserve.

Local resident Salvador Ortiz and his family were contemplating the process of opening the dispensary in 2017 when he brought in Kurt Weiss, a small business owner who previously owned several locations of Izzy’s Pizza. “Salvador and his family introduced me to the Hierba Buena opportunity here in Hubbard, so we got started together,” says Kurt.

By Angie Helvey, Contributing Writer

The menu at Hierba Buena is a vast library of products, including: pipes and bongs, flower, edibles, regular and infused prerolls, cartridges, tinctures, topicals, every texture of concentrate dabs, RSO and a small selection of accessories like grinders and lighters.

Kurt ensures they carry all the latest and greatest brands and that customers love, such as legacy flowers including White Widow, Purple Hindu Kush, Jack Herer and Blue Dream. A new such brand is Hellavated, which offers infused prerolls, cartridges and edibles with hard-hitting potency and tasty fruit flavors. Other popular brands include Verdant Leaf, Dr. Jolly’s, Oregrown, Killa Beez and Sauce Bars. He also ensures anyone who walks in can find something that fits their budget, stocking options at the lowest price point for each category. “The great thing is, we aren’t trapped in a

vertical organization where we have growers and processors we have to buy from,” he explains. “So we can shop the market and find the best quality at the best prices.”

Superior customer service is a cornerstone of the business and the budtenders at Hierba Buena are mainly tenured employees who are very knowledgeable, experienced and helpful. When customers enter the door they’re met with upbeat music and a smiling budtender to assist them. “It’s our goal to treat everyone with dignity and respect, and for people to feel good about their purchase when they walk out the door,” Kurt says. “We want them to be confident they made a good selection and the product will elicit the desired effects, and we enjoy hearing afterward how the product worked for them.” To achieve the synergistic “entourage effect,” some products contain THC, CBD and CBN, a combination believed to provide unique benefits and increase the overall effect of the strains.

With a large following of regular customers of all ages who use cannabis for a variety of reasons, the budtenders at Hierba Buena are skilled in steering their customers in the right direction in terms of choosing brands, concentrations, and methods of consumption. That includes customers new to using cannabis. “Sometimes new customers are a bit shy about coming in, so we want to educate and coach them,” Kurt explains. “With cannabis, everyone processes it differently, so it’s always best to start small on the dosing and build to a level you’re comfortable with. Always wait for it to take full effect before consuming more.”

Staff are not doctors and cannot give medical advice, but they can make suggestions to help customers achieve their desired cannabis experience. “We have a flier that gives instructions on making cannabutter if people want to cook or bake with it,” says Kurt. “We recommend different ways to use RSO, like putting it on toast or in coffee. For the topicals, we often suggest a thicker or lighter consistency depending on what you’re using it for and how long you want it to last.”

Hierba Buena has found a forever home in the small, rural area of Hubbard, and Kurt couldn’t be more grateful for the community support they’ve received. “We’re blessed to be part of this town with all our return customers and people who have spread the word and talked us up to their friends and family,” he says. The strength of the relationship between the dispensary and the town extends all the way to City Hall, including the police department. Hierba Buena participates in the community at every opportunity, like hosting their yearly booth at the Hubbard Hop Festival and sponsoring local golf events.

If you plan to visit Hierba Buena, take note of their Hippy Hour and get discounts in all categories every day from 4:20 p.m. to 7:10 p.m., a play on the 420 and 710 numerals that signify “a time to partake” in the cannabis community. Visit on Wax Wednesdays for 10% off wax concentrates, or show up anytime to take advantage of 50% off select bulk flower. They also have vendor days, where reps offer education and info on their brands and often giveaway free swag.

Hierba Buena is located at 3674 Pacific Highway, Hubbard, OR 97032. Please give them a call at 971-4441420, or visit their Leafly page at https://www.leafly.com/ dispensary-info/hierba-buena to view their menu and place an order for pickup.

From Teacher to Full-Time Musician

By Dennis McNabb, Contributing Writer

‘BRIGHT GLOOM’ INDIE MUSIC MAKES LASTING IMPRESSION.

Beautiful musician. Evocative artist. Skilled professional. Isabeau Waia’u Walker is all of those things and so much more, all wrapped up in one perfectly imperfect package. Born in California and raised in her home state of Hawaii (where her family returned to shortly after she was born), she moved “temporarily” to Oregon to attend Warner Pacific University, but fell so deeply in love with the local community she never left. It’s a fortunate turn of events for us, because after a lifetime of considering her talents to be avocational, she recently retired from teaching to commit full-time to the pursuit of her passion: music.

A ubiquitous presence in her life since childhood, music was and is simply an integral part of Isabeau’s identity. It’s a key aspect of her culture. It’s in her blood. Her entire family sings and/or plays an instrument, and those songs that they “performed” during family gatherings not only planted the seeds of her inspiration, but also helped to inform and develop her unique sound. Make no mistake, Isabeau has “arrived.” One listen to her most recent output will quell any doubts about that, however much like the legendary “Road to Hana,” it has been a long and windy road.

Tentative steps were initially taken in the early 2000s. Isabeau recorded an EP, but the songs were experimental, a little rough by her current standards and she had yet to find her voice. A second EP followed a few years later. That one was better, but still more of a learning experience than an actual representation of who she is as an artist. It wasn’t until 2020, when she put out her 3rd EP and first official release, entitled “Better Metric,” that she discovered her sound. To announce her arrival in grand fashion, her track “Woman” from that EP made OPB’s list of top songs in 2020.

Of course, COVID hit at the same time and all of her plans to tour and promote the album were instantly scrapped. That could have derailed a lesser creative, but instead she utilized that time to write and record her first full length record “The Body,” which came out in May of 2022. A highly personal and emotional album, the songs on this one delve deep into what it means to be a woman, to reconnect with the physical body as well as the spiritual and to embrace every facet of what that entails. Taken directly from her journal, her lyrics provide a window into the soul of an incredible woman and an amazing artist.

To paraphrase from her website, Isabeau is “bright gloom.” Her songs are “soothing and soft while powerful.” They are “accessible while complex,” “sweet [while] aching.” There is a duality that reverberates through the layers of her music that brings such tension and depth that it invites repeated listenings for full digestion. Beautiful and devastating, her haunting and ethereal voice makes a lasting impression, no small feat in today’s musical landscape. And this is just the beginning. With the support of her producer, Ryan Oxford, and manager, Dan Cable, Isabeau hopes to return to the studio and record a second album in addition to touring this fall.

Do yourself a favor and seek out this local rising star. You can stream her music on Spotify, follow her on Instagram @ beaubeaubarina, or watch her amazing collection of videos on Youtube. If you want to support the cause, you can find her on Patreon.com/Isabeau. And don’t forget to watch her live shows! She performs both as a solo act and also with the band Y La Bamba.

Photo by Mary Putulin

1

Shepherd’s Pie

Prep Time 20 Minutes

Cook Time 50 Minutes

6 Servings

1) Add oil and chopped onion to a heated pan and cook till onion is tender.

2) Add in your ground lamb and season with parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Combine and mix in worcestershire sauce and minced garlic.

3) Once cooked add in flour a little at a time and tomato paste to thicken the mixture.

8 Tablespoons Butter

1/3 Cup Half and Half Garlic Powder

1/4 Cup Parmesan

4) Add your beef broth and frozen vegetables. Cook untill veggies are soft and set mixture aside.

5) Peel, cut, and boil your potatoes till soft. Strain out water and transfer to a large bowl.

6) Mash potatoes and combine with butter, half and half and parmesan. Season with , garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste.

7) In a casserole dish, cover the bottom with your lamb and veggie filling.

8) Cover the filling with a layer of your potato mixture, making sure to meet the edges of the dish.

9) Bake uncovered at 400 F for 25-30 minutes. Let cool and enjoy!

40 Years and Still Growing OUT &

Clackamas County Master Gardener™ Association presents: 2024 Spring Garden Fair Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5

The Pacific Northwest’s favorite garden event returns for its 40th year, bringing together 100 plus vendors at the Clackamas County Fairgrounds and Event Center in Canby, Oregon. Mark your calendars for May 4th and 5th and join us in exploring everything for the garden.

Discover

• Plants: Explore a wide range of annuals, perennials, and specialty plants, all carefully chosen to thrive in our Pacific Northwest climate.

• Tools and Treasures: Browse booths with specialized gardening supplies, tools, and captivating garden art crafted by local artisans, adding personalized touches to your outdoor space.

• New finds: Be the first to discover exciting new plant varieties and bid in the Silent Auction. Check out the Garden Fair Raffle with hundreds of chances to win each day. And don’t miss the Potting Station, featuring cool new pots and experts to help you pot up your new plant finds.

Shopping Made Easy

Shop hands-free with convenient Plant Taxis and free Plant Check: Students tow for tips as you shop the fairgrounds, and Plant Check will securely store your purchases until you’re ready to leave.

More to Explore

• Grow a thriving garden: Master Gardener Volunteers will be on hand to answer your questions and offer free personalized guidance. Check out the informative “10-Minute University” sessions covering a range of gardening topics and take advantage of our free pH soil testing service to step up your gardening game.

• Family fun: Engage in children’s activities, explore informative exhibits, and sample delicious food at the Good Thyme Food Court. Find it all in the Exhibits Center (4-H Hall) and on the Main Lawn. And Sunday brings the Portland Iris Society early show and Ikebana Displays to the Main Pavilion.

• Don’t miss our 40th anniversary celebration: Enjoy a weekend of discovery, inspiration, and fun! Located at the Clackamas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - 694 NE 4th Ave, Canby 97013. The hours are Saturday 9am – 5pm and Sunday 9am – 4pm. Admission is $7.00 for a single day pass & $12.00 for a weekend pass. We also offer ticket presales through the venue webpage. And don’t forget that parking is FREE! .

Friendly reminders: The Fairgrounds is a smoke-free facility. No pets are allowed, except service dogs.

Stay informed: You can find out more about our event, ticket sales, and updates on our pages: www.springgardenfair.org, and Facebook https://www. facebook.com/SpringGardenFair.

The Clackamas County Master Gardener Association acts in collaboration with and in support of the Oregon State University Extension Service Master GardenerTM Program. Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made by April 19, 2024, to Catalina Santamaria at 503-6558631, catalina.santamaria@oregonstate.edu.

Oregon State University Extension Service prohibits discrimination in all its programs, services, activities, and materials on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, genetic information, veteran’s status, reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

The Legacy of Bob’s Red Mill

REMEMBERING BOB MOORE

Shoppers strolling the health food aisle in their local grocery store are likely familiar with the congenial image of Bob Moore in his signature cap gracing the label of Bob’s Red Mill products. The homey design of the packaging, with its early 20th century fonts and engaging slogans, has become synonymous with fine, organic milled flours and staple food products.

Today, Bob’s Red Mill products are sold not only throughout the U.S. and Canada, but overseas as well, covering 60 countries spanning the entire globe. But where and how did it all start? If you don’t know already, Bob’s Red Mill is a locally-based company with its headquarters in Milwaukee, Oregon. With Bob’s recent passing at the age of 94, it seemed an appropriate time to appreciate not only the accomplishments of Bob himself, but of this iconic Oregon brand that has played a significant role in facilitating organic foods and healthy living.

It seems only fitting that we start the story of Bob’s Red Mill with the man himself, Bob Moore. During the 1950s, Moore, after failed attempts at owning and operating two gas stations in California, eventually bought a five-acre goat farm with his wife Charlee. It was here that they raised their sons and began baking whole grain breads. By the 1960s Bob became fascinated with stone-ground flours after reading a book titled “John Goffe’s Mill.” The book was about an archaeologist who rebuilt a flour mill, and with no prior experience, turned it into a successful business. In time, Moore purchased some traditional stone-grinding flour millstones, and with the help of his wife and sons, opened Moore’s Flour Mill in Redding, CA.

During the 1970s, Moore and his wife moved to Portland, OR to pursue studies at a seminary. It wasn’t long, though, before Bob was back in the flour business. After purchasing a commercial flour mill in Oregon City and painting it red, Bob acquired additional millstones and launched Bob’s Red Mill, which produced stone-ground flour for the local Portland market. Initially, the flour and

By Robert Matsumura, Contributing Writer

cereals could only be purchased directly from the company itself, but in 1978 Moore struck a deal with Fred Meyer who began selling his products in their grocery stores.

In 1988 tragedy struck when an arsonist’s fire destroyed the original mill. Fortunately, the millstones themselves

were spared, and the Moores borrowed $2.5 million to construct a new 60,000 square-foot facility in Milwaukie, Oregon. Bob’s Red Mill was one of the early companies into the whole grains movement, and their 1991 gluten free mill was one of the first of its kind. The Moores were also one of the first to introduce retail-sized packaging for specialty grains and cereals. In addition to these innovations, Bob’s Red Mill established a laboratory to test their products in order to certify them organic and gluten-free.

In February of 2010 Bob transferred ownership of the company to his employees through an employee stock ownership program. By 2018 Bob’s Red Mill had expanded operations to a 325,000 foot facility, and the products were being distributed both regionally and overseas with annual revenue over $100 million. Bob Moore passed away in 2024 at the age of 94, but Bob’s Red Mill, the organic whole foods company that he founded, not only helped improve the way America and the world eats, but continues to deliver the healthy products we know and love!

By Dani DeGraw & Kaity VanHoose, Staff Writers

Full Bloom Films

Clementine (2019)

Following a one-sided breakup, Karen finds solace in a picturesque lakehouse owned by her ex. Her solitude is interrupted when she meets another young woman, sparking a romance that spirals into a maelstrom of drama. As their story unfolds, a complex web of truths and lies emerges, revealing their shared desire to escape reality. Set against a lush forest and serene lake views, this cinematic journey is complemented by the atmospheric beauty of the Pacific Northwest. While not rated, the film delves into mature themes and has a runtime of 93 minutes.

Free Willy (1993)

Keiko the killer whale became a true Oregon celebrity after starring in ‘Free Willy,’ a film that spotlighted his real-life journey. ‘Free Willy’ introduces Jesse, a young boy determined to free Willy from captivity, aiming to highlight the harsh conditions and cruelty faced by marine animals like Willy. Ironically, the production had to maintain Keiko in similar conditions to authentically portray his plight. This poignant narrative, with a runtime of 112 minutes and a PG rating, not only entertained but also sparked a broader conversation on animal welfare and conservation.

Leave No Trace (2018)

Based on the 2009 novel ‘My Abandonment,’ this moving film captures a father and daughter duo living off the grid in Forest Park, a vast natural reserve in Portland, Oregon. Their existence is disrupted by a single mistake, propelling them on a journey to preserve their way of life. As they seek a new sanctuary, their profound bond and resilience are put to the test. A thought-provoking PG thriller/documentary with a runtime of 119 minutes, it invites viewers into the heart of a relentless quest for a place to call home.