A Call to Action for Our Planet
The ongoing challenge of sustainability and climate action
By Robert Matsumura, Active Media
Every year on April 22nd, millions of people around the world celebrate Earth Day, a day commemorating environmental protection and raising awareness about our planet’s well-being. But how did Earth Day come about? The story of Earth Day is both fascinating and inspiring, a testament to how a collective push for change can have a lasting impact.
The Spark of the Movement
Earth Day actually dates back to the late 1960s when environmental concerns swelled across the United States. Issues of water pollution, air quality, pesticide use, and the loss of wildlife were looming large in the public consciousness. Rachel Carson’s 1962 book Silent Spring had already brought to light the dangers of pesticides, and a growing concern for the environment was beginning to take root.
It wasn’t until 1969, however, that the idea of Earth Day began to form. Senator Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin — alarmed by the lack of political attention to environmental issues —vowed to take action. He envisioned a nationwide teach-in focused on the environment to engage the public and pressure politicians to embrace the environmental cause. Nelson drew inspiration in part from the student protests of the 1960s, which demonstrated how grassroots movements could galvanize the public and bring about real change.
The First Earth Day: A Massive Success
Earth Day was born on April 22, 1970. Nelson, with the assistance of activist Dennis Hayes, mobilized an astonishing 20 million Americans across the country — about 10 percent of the U.S. population at the time — who came together in rallies, teach-ins, and protests. The movement was not just about protesting, but about generating a dialogue around the need for environmental regulation and conservation.
The first Earth Day was a monumental success. People from all walks of life came together, including students, teachers, scientists, and activists. For the first time, environmental issues were discussed on a grand scale, clearly showing that protecting the Earth was no longer a niche concern but one that deserved national attention.
The Birth of Environmental Legislation
The success of Earth Day extended far beyond rallies, however. Significant changes in U.S. policy resulted from this event. In the wake of the first Earth Day, Congress passed major environmental legislation, including the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was also created in 1970. It was clear that public opinion had shifted, and lawmakers took notice.
Earth Day Goes Global
Although Earth Day was born in the United States, its message resonated around the world. In 1990, Earth Day went international, with 200 million people in over 140 countries participating. Since then, Earth Day has continued to grow. Events now take place in countries across the globe, with the Earth Day Network actively coordinating the activities.
A Day for Action and Reflection
Today, Earth Day is more relevant than ever. As the planet grapples with climate change, deforestation, and diminishing biodiversity, Earth Day is a reminder that everyone has a role to play in protecting our environment.
So this April 22nd, whether you’re planting a tree, cleaning up a local park, or simply recycling a plastic container, remember that Earth Day is a day to celebrate the planet we all share, ensuring that it continues to be a healthy and enjoyable place for generations to come!
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Opening Northwest Doors
Delivering courteous care for 30 years
By Justin Andress, Active Media
by Lisa Kuhlman, Active Media
Anyone fortunate enough to live in their own home understands the critical importance of a properly functioning garage door. It keeps your car sheltered from bad weather and plays a critical role in keeping your home safe from potential intruders. Fortunately for residents of the Portland Metro Area, the team at Ponderosa Garage Door works tirelessly with homeowners and business owners alike keep their garage doors in pristine condition.
In the grand scheme of the company’s thirty-year history, Anna Fielding is relatively new on the job at Ponderosa Garage Doors. Though she might be new to the Operations Department, Anna has been a part of Ponderosa’s legacy since it began. As part of the second generation to run Ponderosa Garage Doors, Anna is keen to get involved and promote the growth of her family’s company. “For me, it was an opportunity to invest in something that’s always been a big part of my life.”
Anna runs the office and acts as service dispatcher for Ponderosa, but she’s quick to give a lot of the credit for the company’s recent growth to her brother, Brock.
“Ponderosa Garage Doors started as a one-man show,” she says. “My dad, Ken, has had employees here and there over the years. Right before 2020, however, my brother Brock started working for the company. We joke that, at that point, it turned into a 25-year-old startup company, because that’s when a lot of growth started happening.”
Thanks to the influx of enthusiasm, Ponderosa Garage Doors has grown to support 18 employees who work throughout the extended Portland Metro area. However, growth hasn’t slowed down the company’s ability to focus on its customers’ needs.
“We provide pretty quick turnaround time,” explains Anna. “Typically, we can get out there, provide estimates and do the work all in the same day. So it’s often same day or next day service from start to finish.”
That commitment to quick, reliable service is only one aspect of what makes Ponderosa Garage Doors successful. Their secret to longevity is their commitment to their neighbors. As Anna says, “We have a really strong presence in the community. We love being a part of it. We’ve collaborated with several businesses, booster clubs, and sports teams. Our customers are the community, so we try to be a face in the community as well.”
Whether you need a quick repair or a full installation, the dedicated team at Ponderosa Garage Doors is ready to keep garage doors running smoothly.
Ponderosa Garage Doors is located at 12308 NE 56th St., Vancouver. Call,text or email customerservice@ ponderosagaragedoors.com. Visit ponderosagaragedoors. com for more information and special deals, or to book an appointment online anytime day or night!
Photos
FIGHTING CRITICAL ILLNESS
Hadley’s journey from Wish Kid to Wish Ambassador
Hadley is a beautiful 10 year old girl in the 4th grade. She is splendidly sweet, kind, and of course tremendously full of sass. On April 28, 2023, Hadley was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma Bone Cancer after a four inch tumor was found behind her left knee. Just three days later she got a port put in, and started chemo on May 1, 2023. After 12 grueling weeks of chemo, her tumor did not shrink enough, so she had to have a partial amputation and a rotationplasty, which is a very unique surgery that will give her the best chance of doing everything she has ever dreamed of doing in the future. After that major surgery, she proceeded
with 16 more weeks of chemo. Thankfully, in December 2023, she finished the series and is currently in rehab to learn how to use her second prosthetic.
Even before her surgery, and in the midst of her toughest times, Hadley learned that she was granted a wish from the MakeA-Wish foundation. In May of 2024, her family got to go to Disney World & Harry Potter Land/Universal studios. She’s House Griffindor all the way! Hadley flew on her first plane, rode her first roller coaster, met her first live in-person Disney and Marvel characters, and had the time of her life. Swimming – and eating Ben & Jerry’s ice cream for free everyday – made her Wish trip the greatest gift a sweet little nine year old could have. Even though she’s already endured some of life’s toughest challenges, her Wish showed her that there is still magic happening every day. Amazing people who donate to beautiful programs like Make-A-Wish truly do make a world of difference, especially giving kids and their families hope and excitement when their wish comes true and brings them magic when they may need it most. Hadley’s excited to be a 2025 Wish Ambassador to help other children get their wishes granted to spread hope and joy to others in need.
Classic Lemon Bars
Tangy, sweet, buttery, creamy and refreshing
Shortbread Crust
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
Lemon Filling
2 cups granulated sugar
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
6 large eggs
1 cup lemon juice (about 4 lemons) Confectioners’ sugar for dusting, optional
Directions
Preheat oven to 325°F. Line bottom and sides of 9×13-inch glass pan (do not use metal) with parchment paper, leaving
overhang on sides to lift finished bars. Set aside. CRUST: Mix melted butter, sugar, vanilla and salt in medium bowl. Add flour and stir to completely combine. Press firmly and evenly into prepared pan. Bake 20 minutes, or until edges are lightly browned. Remove from oven. With fork, poke holes over top of warm crust (not all the way through). Set aside. FILLING: Sift together sugar and flour in large bowl. Whisk in eggs, and then lemon juice until combined. Pour filling over warm crust. Bake 22 to 26 minutes or until center is relatively set (no longer jiggles). Remove from oven. Cool at room temperature 2 hours. Place in refrigerator for 1 to 2 more hours until chilled. Once cool, lift parchment paper out of the pan using the overhang on the sides. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and cut into squares.
