Tualatin Community Advantage Magazine June 2023

503.825.2111

ADMINISTRATION

Matthew Nelson, Publisher

Catrina Nelson, CFO

Tara Weidman, Executive Assistant

Donovan Darling, Content Manager

PRODUCTION

Jeremy Okai Davis, Art Director

Hilary Berg, Sr. Graphic Designer

Brittany Jungenberg, Sr. Graphic Designer

Morgan King, Sr. Graphic Designer

Shawn Schmidt, Sr. Graphic Designer

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

David Bates Patti Jo Brooks

Tyler Francke Olive Gallagher

Angie Helvey Robert Matsumura

Dennis McNabb Kelly Romo

Alice Wiliams

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Laurel Bice Carly Carpenter

Tyler Francke Angie Helvey

Malaina Kinne Lisa Kuhlman

Kara Langley Tayler Lundquist

Andrew Sambuceto Henry Schifter

Hayley Starkey Brittney Waterman

ADVERTISING SPECIALISTS

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

Ashley Berotte Mary Kay Wiens

Looking to reach local consumers?

We Specialize in direct-mail products: community magazine advertising, mailing inserts, postcards and more. For more information, call 503.825.2111 or email info@ActiveMediaUSA.com

CHECK US OUT ONLINE AT CommunityAdvantageMagazines.com

TASTE OF THE TOWN Dub’s Tavern

All That Jazz

A local treasure celebrating her 10th year of bringing the best jazz in the city to Langdon’s Grill in Aurora!

BY DENNIS MCNABB, STAFF WRITER

Rebecca Hardiman is a unique and singular talent. Growing up on a steady diet of jazz standards courtesy of her father, she gained a genuine appreciation for the genre at a young age. By the time she reached high school, she discovered she had an innate talent for singing in that style, and began honing her skills in the jazz choir. Straight out of high school, she auditioned and was selected out of over 100 applicants to enter the prestigious Soundsation Vocal Jazz program at Edmonds College in Washington. That’s where she got her first taste of life on the road, touring Europe and performing at a host of different festivals and venues.

Dazzling audiences and fellow musicians everywhere she performed, she was then recruited to join the prestigious Bostonbased vocal jazz group, The Ritz. There she began her professional career, recorded her first CD entitled “The Ritz,” and met her future husband, Ray Hardiman (the group’s keyboard player). It was an incredible and enlightening experience for them both, but playing in a touring band while simultaneously working full-time jobs was unsustainable as a long-term way of life.

In 1990, they moved from the East Coast back to Rebecca’s home state of Oregon. They continued playing with a variety of local bands—most notably, the vocal jazz group Euphoria which Rebecca

not only formed, but also played in for over a decade. Entertaining and inspiring audiences all over the Northwest, they were a cornerstone of the festival circuit, but it was all familiar territory for Rebecca. She was and always had been a part of a larger group. It was time to break out on her own, and that’s when her star truly began to shine.

In March of 2013, Ray began playing Friday nights at Langdon’s Grill. Shortly thereafter, Rebecca joined him, and over the succeeding months they developed a rabid following. Now, exactly 10 years later, Rebecca, Ray, and Whitney Moulton–their incredible bass player who is an equally incredible human being and integral part of the group–are one of the most popular and renowned jazz house bands in the Portland Metro Area. And their home is right here in Aurora! While their regular band consists of Rebecca, Ray, and Whitney, they also attract a host of guest musicians from all over the Northwest. Everyone who is anyone on the Portland jazz scene jumps at the chance to play with this “little band” out in Aurora.

So, listen up folks! Next time you and the spouse are looking for a fantastic Friday date night, including great food, great atmosphere, and the best entertainment in the city, look no further than Langdon’s Grill. Every Friday night between 6-8 PM, Rebecca, Ray, and Whitney hit the stage, and they will absolutely transport you to another world! Come celebrate 10 years of excellence!

Check out her website at RebeccaHardiman.com for more information and access to her incredible recordings.

Education in Tune

The world’s happiest music school

By

Music lessons provide children with many beneficial opportunities beyond learning music, like improved academic performance, heightened self-confidence, enhanced social skills, and expanded creativity. David and Tiffani Martin, the owners of Arts Academy, are wildly passionate about providing the best music education for students. “It has always been essential to us that we make the experience for the student absolutely amazing,” shares David. “We are constantly innovating and coming up with ways to make things as exciting and fun as possible.”

“It’s important to make the whole experience enjoyable,” Tiffani chimes in. “Things like their teacher being fun, the office staff having a smile on their face. We want to welcome them into a warm environment, so they want to return each week, and they want to keep with music.”

David and Tiffani have both loved music from a young age. “I was brought up in a very musical home,” shares David. “My dad was a music history professor and inspired me to take piano lessons as a young boy.” Tiffani’s passion for music began with playing and singing for her church. The couple originally began teaching music in their home but saw the need to expand as they gained more students and expanded their family. Hence, they opened a studio in Happy Valley and now have locations in Tigard and Wilsonville. Kids as young as five can learn to play piano, guitar, drums, violin, ukulele, and take voice lessons. Arts Academy is Oregon’s largest private music school with more than 800 students and over 40 teachers, featuring state-ofthe-art studios with dazzling pianos, comfortable seating areas for parents, and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

Arts Academy boasts a staff of experienced and professional music teachers who focus on creating fun and engaging lessons tailored to the student’s individual needs.

“Our teachers are the best in Oregon,” says David. “Having the right teacher in your music lesson is such an important piece because it makes or breaks the experience.” Teachers are trained in various innovative teaching styles, allowing them to personalize lessons and work with kids of all ages and abilities. Children can choose the instrument they want to use and what songs they learn to play. Instructors guide the lesson based on the student’s personality, goals, and preferred learning style. Adult lessons are also available. The Martins believe the joy of making music should be available to everyone!

Arts Academy provides a student-centered experience that makes it easy for every student to succeed. “We are unique in that we focus a lot on recognition for the kids,” explains David. There are opportunities to win prizes and awards every month, and free music recitals are held every six months. Lesson times are flexible to accommodate all schedules, including homeschoolers and working professionals. Tuition is month-tomonth with no long-term contracts.

Book a trial at Arts Academy and bring your child the joy and excitement of music. There’s a reason why it’s known as “The World’s Happiest Music School.” The number one goal is always to have fun.

Arts Academy has locations in Happy Valley (14654 SE Sunnyside Road), Tigard (15605 SW 116th Avenue in King City), and Wilsonville (8261 SW Wilsonville Road). Visit their website, artsacademy.com, for more information or to book a trial.

Angie Helvey, Contributing Writer

Photos by Malaina Kinne

The Family Legacy Continues

Same corner, same amazing food, fun, and fantastic service

she has done though is add a couple of exciting new dishes. So, next time you’re in, try their brisket sandwich, one of their pulled pork items, or one of their new appetizers. And for the first time in their long history,

they are now serving amazing breakfasts on Saturdays and Sundays, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Since Tracie took the reins last year, she has put her heart and soul into honoring the legacy her family built while subtly making some small improvements and upgrades to carry them over the next 60 years. Some of you will have already noticed that she installed a new deck with heaters, a cover, and is working on getting ADA compliant restrooms. And there will be more changes to come as she adjusts to her new role. Most importantly, she goes to work every day with a smile. She loves nothing more than seeing

BY DENNIS M c NABB, STAFF WRITER PHOTOS BY CARLY CARPENTER

The tavern at the corner where Borland and Stafford Roads intersect has been owned by the Wanker family since its inception back in 1961. Walter “Dubs” Wanker was a passionate and hard-working man, and it was his distinct vision which established a legacy that has persisted for over 60 years. Passed down first to his daughter and most recently (as of January 2022) to his granddaughter, Tracie Tolbert, the family tradition lives on! And it has never been stronger!

Walking into Dub’s Tavern is like walking through a portal back to the ’60s. The walls are teeming with fun and fantastic bits of nostalgia: old license plates, hats, photos, you name it. An entire evening could be spent enthralled with the decor, and you won’t even have witnessed half of what there is to see. It’s a veritable archive of local events which have taken place over the past six decades. It’s warm, it’s inviting, and it’s everything you look for in a tavern.

And the food is outstanding! If you’ve been before, the menu hasn’t changed much, but Tracie understands the importance of not fixing what isn’t broken. If you’re coming in for your favorite burgers or ribs, fear not, they still serve them! What

familiar faces and welcoming them in. This is a locally-owned and -operated business with ties to the community going back decades. If you’ve been looking for a neighborhood bar to call home, look no further than Dub’s Tavern.

Happy Hour is 3 to 6 p.m. and 9 to 11 p.m. every day but Sunday. Come down and get a taste of local!

Dub’s Tavern is located at 2509 SW Borland Road in West Linn. Give them a call at (503) 638-2523.

Superb Customer Service Since 1971

Continuing the commitment to community

“We are extremely thankful for our guests, the community, and our Beaverton Toyota family. What a great ride: we couldn’t have done it without you! We believe our greatest strength is listening to our guests and team members. In fact, we transformed our business model to “One Person, One Price” in 2014 based on years of guest feedback. We call it CLEAR — a simple, fun and transparent purchase and ownership experience. We are here to listen and advise you on the best ownership experience for you!”

Striving to make Beaverton Toyota “the best” in service, Russ Jr. hired Service Director Jim Waters to head up the department. “The goal was to serve customers the best, be the best place to work for our employees, and be the best company in the community,” Jim relates. As a result of the Service Team’s combined efforts, Beaverton Toyota is now the seventh largest Toyota Service department in the nation and the largest in the state of Oregon. As proud as they are of this accomplishment, it was achieved by simply wanting to be the best. “I’m honored to be the

By Patti Jo Brooks, Contributing Writer

Photos by Malaina Kinne

Beaverton Toyota has served the community for the last 52 years! Since 1971, when Russ Humberston Sr. opened Beaverton Toyota in its original location in West Slope, just a few miles from where it is today, they have been a mainstay of the local community. Russ Humberston Jr. took over the dealership following his father’s passing in 2014, bringing the company forward into the age of technology and continuing the traditions and commitment to the community.

head of this team, but they do the work,” Jim acknowledges. “I manage a wonderful team that makes all this happen.”

To help build that “wonderful team,” Steve Roos, the resident historian and senior employee, provides the orientation and training for all new hires; that training includes interesting historical trivia about Beaverton Toyota, as well as the means to properly take care of their customers. “Customer service is our No. 1 priority,” Jim emphasizes, saying, “We respect our customers’ time. We want to be sure we’re working hard for them, doing the right thing, sticking together as a team and having fun while we’re doing it. That’s what we live by!”

Stop by Beaverton Toyota, located at 4300 SW Murray Blvd. For more info, call or text (503) 626-7200, visit their website beavertontoyota.com, or email service@beavertontoyota.com.

CHILDREN’S CANCER ASSOCIATION

Come to MWNW and help support JoyRX!

Celebrating 28 years in business, locally-owned and -operated Mattress World Northwest (MWNW) carries the largest selection that will fit your needs best, and the only store with the 4 major sleeping technologies: GelFlex Grid, TEMPUR® foam, Air, and Natural Latex. They carry major brands like: Tempur-Pedic®, Purple™, The Number Bed by Instant Comfort®, and Posh+Lavish™ Natural Latex. They’re all in-store, side-by-side, for your convenience! And they guarantee the lowest price and have a 90-night comfort guarantee, so you can take home a better night’s sleep with confidence. Their employees love working here and will always greet you with a smile, listen to your needs and concerns, and give you a great buying experience. On average, team members have worked here for 5+ years, and their management team 10+ years, so you know they are committed to this company and making their customers happy.

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 $500,000 to local high schools and other charities! Giving back to the community is an integral part of what defines this organization.

Dedicated Charitable Support

During June and July, join Mattress World in supporting JoyRX, the mission delivery of Children’s Cancer Association, to bring Joy to thousands of seriously ill kids in Oregon. JoyRx programs are designed to relieve the sadness, anxiety, and isolation kids experience during hospitalizations. Through music, nature, and mentorship, their no-cost Joy-based programming has been providing emotional healing to children with cancer and other illnesses for over 27 years. JoyRx provides what every parent with a sick child so desperately hopes for: just a little bit of Joy to bring light to the dark treatment journey.

Family-owned and -operated, dedicated to providing customers with the best products at the lowest prices, and donating to and participating in their local communities – Mattress World Northwest exemplifies the very best of retail. Get a better night’s sleep and help support your community by visiting your local Mattress World Northwest location for more information, or you can order online at mattressworldnorthwest.com.

Feeling Is Believing.

Heat Blocker Extreme® is one of the most energy efficient residential windows available! Dave's presentation took 30 minutes and the price was 1/3 the cost of double pane windows and a 4 hour presentation by another company…….. The reduction in street noise with these new windows is amazing………..YELP REVIEW

As

Mommy-Era Advice

Hacks for maternal skincare survival (Part 2)

Like I mentioned in my May article, my husband and I have officially welcomed our sixth son into our family! In the story, I started to address the motherhood era of skincare and makeup with the first of seven tips.

To recap, the first three hacks are essential. No. 1. Micellar Water: Use this product as a quick and easy way to cleanse your face. No. 2. Tinted SPF: Combining your foundation and sunscreen via a tinted SPF can save you time while protecting your skin. No.

3. Wash Your Face Earlier in the Evening: No need to explain this important advice that will allow you more ease at the end of your day. Now, onto the final four tips for newborn mothers. Here we go!

Mom Skincare Hack No. 4 — Tinted Brow Gel

As someone who makes eyebrows look good for a living, I know how much of a difference grooming your eyebrows makes on your overall appearance. A quick easy hack instead of filling them in with a pencil is using a tinted brow gel like the high-def brow gel from RevitaLash. You can easily swipe this on, kind of like mascara for your brows. It gives light color and definition, giving you a lifted look that helps frame your face. Yes!

Mom Skincare Hack No. 5 — Pink Undertone Concealer

If you have dark circles from sleep deprivation, like I am all too familiar with, then investing in a good concealer — preferably with a pink undertone to cancel out darkness — will be your new best friend. Depending on your skin tone, a pink undertone concealer may not be your main concealer, but a pink undertone concealer corrects darkness, so start with that. I use the dual camouflage concealer from Glo in beige, which has a pink undertone.

Mom Skincare Hack No. 6 — Feel-Good Skincare

This is my version of “filling my mom cup,” and maybe it will work for you, too. I use products that work but — heck — look pretty on my counter, too. I also use my skincare time as a time to intentionally lift myself up mentally while physically caring for myself as well. By using self-affirmations — “Wow, I got through that today; I’m so proud of me,” or “You’re doing the best you can” — combined with a little “you time” in front of the mirror can make a major difference in taking care of yourself.

Mom Skincare Hack No. 7 — Cream Eyeshadow Stick

When I want a bit more, but I’m short on time, I love using cream stay shadow sticks from Glo Skin Beauty. Swing by the spa and let me show you. You swipe them on, quickly blend, (no skill required; I promise), and you look like you spent a lot longer on your eyeshadow than you did. A lot easier and faster than powder. Be sure to share any of your own mom skincare or makeup advice for a chance to be featured on our Instagram page: @divine_complexions.

CHRISTINE LEWY Licensed Esthetician • Owner of Divine Complexions Spa Award-Winning West Coast GloSkinBeauty Makeup Artist • NW Regional YUMI Lashes Educator

Matt Groening Oregon Cartoonist

Once-struggling artist succeeds with worldwide hit “The Simpsons”

By Robert Matsumura, Contributing Writer

“D’oh!”

This simple catchphrase of Homer Simpson’s from the hit TV show “The Simpsons” is so famous that it’s been listed number six on TV Land’s 100 Greatest Television Catchphrases. The state of Oregon has contributed its share of inventions to the global community, from athletic shoes to more prosaic items such as the Tater Tot™ and Phillips screw. Perhaps the zaniest, however, are the creations of cartoonist Matt Groening.

Born in Portland, Oregon in 1954, Matt Groening (pronounced gray-ning) grew up in the City of Roses in a neighborhood near Washington Park. After attending Ainsworth Elementary School and Lincoln High School, Groening spent his college years up north in Washington at Evergreen State College in Olympia, which during the ’70s the cartoonist describes as “a hippie college, with no grades or required classes, that drew every weirdo in the Northwest.” At Evergreen, Groening served as editor of the campus newspaper, The Cooper Point Journal, for which he also contributed articles and drew comics. Inspired from a young age to draw cartoons, Groening has cited Disney classics such as “101 Dalmatians” to Monty Python and the works of Charles M. Schultz as influential in his development. At Evergreen, he was befriended by fellow cartoonist Lynda Barry who had impressed him by writing a letter to one of Groening’s favorite authors, Joseph Heller, and she actually received a response. Groening has credited Barry as being one of his biggest inspirations.

After graduating from Evergreen with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism in 1977,

Matt moved to Los Angeles to pursue writing. After enduring a “series of lousy jobs,” including bussing tables at a nursing home, landscape work at a sewage treatment plant, chauffeuring, ghost writing for a retired Western director and working as a sales clerk at Hollywood Licorice Pizza record store, he began sketching out cartoons based upon his experiences of living in L.A. This self-published comic book titled “Life in Hell” was partially inspired by a chapter in Walter Kauffman’s book “Critique of Religion and Philosophy,” titled “How to Go to Hell.” After distributing his “Life in Hell” comics from the book section at Licorice Pizza, he sold his first comic to avantgarde “Wet” magazine in 1978.

At a subsequent job for the alternative newspaper, the Los Angeles Reader, Groening convinced the editor to run his comic strip on a regular basis.

“Life in Hell” (1984) became a hit almost immediately. Groening’s then girlfriend, Deborah Callahan, who worked with Groening at the Reader, helped the cartoonist publish his first book, “Love is Hell,” which

was based on relationships. It was an underground success, selling 22,000 copies in its first two printings. The subsequent “Work is Hell” (1985) was also a hit. By the time his “Hell” series had run its course, “Life in Hell” had been carried in 250 weekly newspapers and anthologized in a series of books which included “School is Hell,” “Childhood is Hell,” “The Big Book of Hell,” and “The Huge Book of Hell.”

The stage was now set for Groening’s next big move. The success of Groening’s “Hell” series caught the attention of Hollywood director/producer James L. Brooks. In 1985, Brooks contacted Groening and began exploring working together on a production for television. What emerged from this creative union was the Simpson family, which Groening conceived while waiting in the lobby of Brooks’ office. He had originally intended to adapt the “Life in Hell” characters for television, but fearing the loss of ownership rights, he chose to move in a different direction.

The Simpson family was named after members of Groening’s own family — Homer the portly father (and in honor of the Greek poet), Marge (Margaret) the slender wife, and three children —

Bart the bratty son, Lisa the bright middle child, and Maggie (Margaret) the baby. Instead of naming the son after himself, which he felt was too obvious, he selected the name Bart which was an anagram of Brat.

“The Simpsons” originally premiered as a short cartoon on “The Tracey Ullman Show” in 1987. By 1989, however, “The Tracey Ullman Show” was on its way out, but “The Simpsons” had proved so popular that Fox (which aired the show) decided to produce an entire half hour program dedicated to Homer and his dysfunctional yet relatable family. In 1989, “The Simpsons” debuted on Fox on a weekly basis, and to Groening and Fox’s surprise the show became a smash hit. Groening’s goal of creating a show that offered the audience an alternative to what he termed “mainstream trash” took the world by storm. Considered by many to be one of the smartest shows on television due to Groening’s sharp satirical wit and complex characters, “The Simpsons” has won over 20 Emmy awards and now stands as the longest-running primetime

scripted show and longest-running animated series in American television history. Many of the characters and locales on “The Simpsons” were inspired by Groening’s Oregon roots. Springfield, the town where The Simpsons reside, has been revealed by the cartoonist in an interview with “Smithsonian Magazine,” to indeed be a reference to Springfield, Oregon near Eugene. Groening liked the fact that Springfield was such a generic name that audiences across the country could identify with it. As a tribute to its “Simpsons” connection, murals have been created at locales across Eugene-Springfield by a number of local artists. While many fans believe that Sideshow Bob Terwilliger was a reference to Terwilliger Boulevard, Groening has revealed that the character was actually inspired by Dr. Terwilliker from the film “The 5000 Fingers of Dr. T.” Other names from the show, however, were derived from Portland street names such as Lovejoy, Flanders, Kearney, Powell, and Quimby. Chief Wiggum drew his name from Groening’s mother’s maiden name. Although Groening went on to create other inventive shows such as “Futurama,” an animated comedy series about life in the year 3000, “Krusty the Clown,” a Simpsons spinoff, and “Disenchantment,” a fantasy-comedy series for Netflix, none of these projects were nearly as popular or culturally relevant as “The Simpsons.”

If you happen to be a fan of Matt Groening and were ever curious about the inspirations for his zany creations which have literally shaped contemporary culture, look no further than right here in the Pacific Northwest. You may very well be driving on a street or through a town that gave birth to some of your favorite cartoon characters!

Photo courtesy of UCSB Arts & Lectures

Where Good Friends Gather

Serving the community since 1985

crispy, and served with Boston’s own house-made fries. “We’re very famous for that,” comments

Andrew Tinling, General

Manager and Partner. Another featured item is Alaskan Halibut which is used in Boston’s Fish & Chips and Halibut Burgers. Soups, salads, sandwiches and more can be found among the Americanstyle fare offered at Boston’s Pub & Grill. Ask your server for vegetarian and glutenfree choices, and check out the kids’ menu for all their favorites!

BY PATTI JO BROOKS, CONTRIBUTING WRITER PHOTOS BY CARLY CARPENTER

Boston’s Pub & Grill “Where Good Friends Gather.” Wilsonville’s Best Pub & Grill has been a mainstay of the local community since 1985. Serving delicious breakfasts, lunches and dinners, Boston’s Pub & Grill offers longtime family tradition, quality food and a level of comfort that spans the generations. Whether you’re a Boston’s regular or a brand-new face, everyone’s welcome and treated with the same care and consideration. Stop in and enjoy a tasty meal!

A full breakfast menu including Chicken Fried Steak, Prime Rib Hash and New York Steak Pub Breakfast is featured daily from opening until 1:00 p.m. Add a cocktail such as a Mimosa or Bloody Mary from the full-service bar to compliment your brunch or afternoon meal. Or try Boston’s Fried Chicken, a menu staple since the restaurant’s beginning. Prepared in special fryers, the chicken is moist, golden and

To assure that Boston’s Pub & Grill receives only the freshest and highest-quality vegetables and meats, they partner with companies who can be trusted to provide outstanding products. Fresh produce and meats are sourced locally whenever available. Boston’s also offers a great value at reasonable prices, high quality standards and friendly and efficient service in addition to their great food. Join them for Happy Hour from 3-6 p.m. or 9 p.m. -close. “It’s a great time to come in and try our food at a discounted price,” says Andrew. If you can’t make Happy Hour, or you have an appetite for something off the main menu, stop by Mon-Sat till 11 p.m. or Sun till 10 p.m. You can view all menu listings on the website by scrolling to the bottom of the page.

Community driven, Boston’s boasts of many long-time employees and a family-friendly environment which supports high schoolers and adults alike. They are partners with Wilsonville’s football team which sells annual Wildcat Cards

BOREDOM BUSTERS FOR A SUNNY SUMMER!

By Donovan Darling, Staff Writer

Kids and adults alike CAN’T WAIT for summer to roll around every year. But without fail and after a few weeks, the phrases “I’m bored” and “There’s nothing to do!” are inevitable. Here are some fun things to do to BUST that summer boredom before it starts!

Climb a Tree

This might sound weird, but there’s no better way to feel like a kid or literally get into nature. Read a book or see how high you can climb!

Photograph

With modern cameras, almost anyone can take great photos. Look up a photo challenge or list of practice shots, and get out there. It’s actually quite fun!

Take a Hike

Just getting outside in the fresh air is a great way to enjoy summer. Long or short, flat or steep, woods or beach, it doesn’t matter. Bring some snacks and drinks!

Go Camping

Go to a local state or national park, the beach, or even your backyard! If you’re not a big camper (me neither), roast some marshmallows and hotdogs in a fire pit instead.

Make Popsicles

A favorite of mine and actually very easy. You just need a blender, popsicle mold and sticks, frozen fruit and juice, yogurt, and honey or agave nectar. And it’s a healthy and fun way to eat fruit.

Swim

When it’s finally warm enough to swim in the PNW, find a creek, river, lake, or local beach. If you don’t love swimming, at least get your feet wet, collect rocks or shells, or watch the wildlife.

Upcycle

No, not biking. Upcycling is where you take free old junk and make it into art or something useful, like a bathtub becoming a planter box. The possibilities are endless. Look online!

Play a Sport

Anything from yard games like croquet or cornhole, to golf and tennis, sports are great for exercise, endorphins, and vitamin D. And an easy way to socialize and get outside.

Movie Night

Just the family, or invite friends over. Pop some popcorn, bust out the candy and soda. For a real adventure, rent an outdoor projector and watch outside on a white sheet or blank wall.

“MEAT

THE VETERAN

BY TYLER FRANCKE, CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Born in Beaver City, Nebraska, and growing up in various farming communities in the Willamette Valley, Ira Dean Basinger Sr. grew up dreaming of two things: serving his country and working on airplanes.

So, it was really no surprise when, during the height of the Korean War, when the United States came knocking, Dean answered.

“We wanted to serve, and we weren’t scared,” Dean says of himself and a high school friend who enlisted with him. “You know, living on a farm, we weren’t scared of much. And we were a little isolated from it, to be honest. We had a TV, but we didn’t watch a lot of news or anything. The coverage wasn’t like it is now.”

Dean was not a pilot in the Air Force but, in his words, “the next thing to it.”

“When you get in, they give you an aptitude test to see what you’d be best at,” he recalls. “And I was mechanically inclined, from my father. When I got my license and bought my own car, I was always working on it. I would take it apart just to see how it worked. So that was my No. 1 thing.”

After basic training, Dean was sent to technical school in California and a trade school in Amarillo, Texas,

to complete his training. Afterward, he was deployed not to Korea, but to the southernmost island of Japan: the subtropical, volcanic island of Kyushu, where he was attached to a fighter and bomber squadron and given a top-secret assignment.

“There are some things I’m not going to tell you about,” Dean confides. “That was drilled into us. But basically, I loved what I was doing.”

Dean was in the service for three years, eight months and 17 days, until after the Korean War Armistice in 1953. He eventually earned the role of crew chief and was honorably discharged at the rank of Airman First Class.

After service, he continued to put his mechanical aptitude to good use, working in tire shops in Woodburn

and Mount Angel. His son, Ira Dean Basinger Jr., followed in his old man’s footsteps and then some, serving 26 years in the United States Air Force.

“Now, that’s a veteran,” Dean says of his son with a chuckle. “We’re very proud of him.”

Of course, he’s proud of his own service as well, and that he was there to answer the call when his nation needed him.

“I’m glad I served my country,” he says. “I love this country. I get goosebumps just thinking about it.”

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PcA cheMicAl Peel

Increase the skin’s cell turnover rate, bring new skin cells to the surface, diminish dark spots, reduce fine lines & wrinkles, clear breakouts as well as restore youthful and radiant appearance.

Secret rF Microneedling

The Secret RF Micro-needling System is a powerful new technology that is ideal for facial rejuvenation, improving scars, cellulite, and plumping and tightening loose skin.

LASER GENESIS

Choice of Full Face, Full Neck or Full Chest Improves fine lines, skin tone & increases collagen production.

CLEARLIFT

Choice of Full Face, Full Neck or Full Chest Treats acne scars, fine lines & wrinkles, rough skin texture, sun damaged skin, melasma and other forms of hyperpigmentation,

Choice of Full Face, Full Neck or Full Chest Lifts sun damage, pigmentation & dark and red scars including Melasma.