West Linn Community Advantage April 2024

Ropa Vieja

Experience the Authenticity of Ropa Vieja at Bistro Cubano

By Active Media Staff

Ropa vieja, derived from the Spanish term meaning “old clothes,” is a dish celebrated with regional variations across Latin America, the Philippines, and Spain. Typically featuring stewed beef and tomatoes with a base of sofrito, its origins trace back to Spain where it holds a significant place in culinary heritage and is recognized as one of Cuba’s national dishes. The name “ropa vieja” likely stems from its historical use of repurposing leftovers from previous meals.

Historically, this dish finds its earliest roots among the Sephardic Jews of the Iberian Peninsula. Originating as a slow-cooked stew known as “handrajos,” reminiscent of the

Spanish word “andrajos,” it was traditionally prepared for consumption during the observance of Shabbat. Over time, the dish traversed regions, spreading to North Africa and the Canary Islands of Spain.

Immigrants from the Canary Islands are credited with bringing ropa vieja to the Americas, where it first appeared in Cuba around 1857. Despite its Spanish origins, it has become deeply ingrained in Cuban cuisine, representing a culinary fusion of diverse cultural influences. Today, ropa vieja stands as a symbol of cultural exchange and heritage, cherished as a quintessential Cuban national dish.

Our chefs meticulously craft this beloved Cuban classic, infusing it with authentic ingredients and traditional techniques passed down through generations. From the tender, slowcooked beef to the aromatic sofrito base, every element of our Ropa Vieja pays homage to its Spanish origins while embracing the unique nuances of Cuban cuisine. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or a newcomer eager to explore new culinary horizons, we promise an unforgettable dining experience that will transport you to the sun-drenched streets of Havana. Join us at Bistro Cubano and let your taste buds revel in the irresistible allure of Ropa Vieja — a dish that embodies the essence of Cuba’s culinary legacy.

MStrut Your Stuff

Serving Lake Oswego since 2018

By Active Media Staff

eet Nik and Susie Park, proud residents of Lake Oswego, who have been the proprietors of Peacock Cleaners since 2018. Alongside their management of Peacock Cleaners, they also oversee Top Cleaners situated on South Shore Boulevard. With 22 years of experience in the dry cleaning industry, Nik brings second-generation expertise to the business.

Distinguishing themselves from other dry cleaners, Peacock Cleaners offers comprehensive services, catering not only to clothing but also to bedding, comforters, blankets, placemats, linens, oriental and area rugs. Moreover, their establishment boasts an in-house alterations specialist.

When you step into Peacock Cleaners, expect warm greetings and perhaps even some cheerful laughter from Nik or Susie. Their dedication to providing exceptional

service to their patrons is evident through their hard work and commitment.

Nik’s advice? Leave any spots or stains untouched and let him handle them first! Additionally, they encourage adherence to pandemic guidelines for the collective well-being.

Drop by Peacock Cleaners today! They’re open Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can find them at 15898 Boones Ferry Road, Lake Oswego, or reach out to them at 503-636-0934 or 503-784-4111. For more information, visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/peacockcleaners

Purrfect Posture

Improving lives, one animal at a time

By Dr. Clara Medalen

Here at Cloudberry Lane we are experts in the animal nervous system. To get at the root cause of many health concerns we look to the nervous system. The brain is the main control center for the entire body. We utilize its ability to communicate with every cell to make healing changes. We do so with state of the art technological advancements and safe, gentle chiropractic methods. Restoring communication. Restoring lives.

Dr. Clara Medalen (Meh-doll-en) is the founder and head chiropractor of Cloudberry Lane Animal Chiropractic. Born and raised in Petersburg, an island community in Southeast Alaska, she went on to get her Bachelor of Science in Organismal Biology from Montana State University. After that she attended Life Chiropractic College West in Northern California where she graduated with her Doctorate of Chiropractic six months early. She is now happily serving the pets of the greater Portland area and beyond.

Dr. Medalen is a specialist with her Animal Chiropractic degree from Options for Animals, the longest standing animal chiropractic college in the United States and the originator of the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association. She is

passionate about caring for the pets of people in need and in her spare time you can find her volunteering her skills to help the pets of underserved populations. She and her partner own two Australian Shepherds and often care for the litter mate of their youngest pup. You can follow their fluff filled adventures on Instagram at @cloudberry_lane_chiropractic or visit their website at cloudberrylanechiropractic.com.

Clearing the Air

Northwest Breeze remains Oregon’s top-rated air duct cleaner

By Dennis McNabb, Contributing Writer Photos by Carly Carpenter

Americans spend 90% of their time indoors, and studies show that air inside is two to five times more polluted than the air outside. Our homes can accumulate up to 40 pounds of debris in the HVAC system every year, and that’s for households with no pets. The Science Advisory Board has stated that indoor air pollution is one of the top five environmental risks to public health.

What does all of this mean to homeowners? It’s an absolute imperative to follow the EPA’s guidelines and schedule your air ducts to be cleaned at least once every three to five years. And when it comes to the cleaning and maintenance of your HVAC system, there’s no one better in the Willamette Valley and Portland areas than Google’s top-rated air duct cleaners,

Northwest Breeze.

Northwest Breeze absolutely guarantees the work they do, employing the usage of a Negative Air Vacuum, a complex system that uses a compressed-air blower to clear the ducts while a vacuum traps the hazardous particles and releases them outside your home. Their method is the only one on the market, in fact, that cleans the entire HVAC system effectively and without damaging the ducts. Whether cleaning your cold air returns, supply vents, furnace burners, outdoor A/C units and coils or dryer vents, they use all of the most effective, efficient tools and methods in the industry.

Northwest Breeze is a locally-owned and -operated business with strong ties to the community. Support your family’s health while supporting local business. Contact Northwest Breeze today for a free quote. Call 503-851-0212 or check them out online at nwbreezeor.com for more information.

Mattress World NW is a local, family-owned business dedicated to helping their customers get a better night’s sleep, serving their community and helping their employees have the best life possible. We serve our customers with the best selection in the NW and ensure confidence in your new mattress with free delivery and haul away, plus a 90 night comfort and price guarantee.

We support many local charities in the community like Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Senior Citizens Council of Clackamas County, Special Olympics Oregon, and many smaller organizations including high school fundraisers, for which we’ve raised over $200,000.

This April we are supporting Make-A-Wish Oregon’s World Wish Month campaign. World Wish Month celebrates all wish kids past, present and future, and is a remembrance of the first ever wish granted for Chris Greicius back in 1980. Thanks to the Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation, every dollar raised here in Oregon will be matched up to $300,000. Learn more at www.oregon.wish.org/worldwishday.

Thank you for your support! We are proud to serve your community.

CREATING JOY FOR CHILDREN FIGHTING CRITICAL ILLNESS

My name is Indie. I am 6 years old.

My wish was to be a princess. I love putting on princess outfits, going in the backyard and belting out my favorite songs. In fact, my neighbors knew when I got sick with cancer because they didn’t hear me singing in the backyard anymore.

After treatment, my wish brought me to Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at the Walt Disney World® Resort. It was a total surprise. It brought me to this very good place where I wanted to be for two years. It felt like I was in the world where princesses live. I loved it very much!

My wish also created a special core memory for my family as we were watching the fireworks over the castle. I wanted to show my mom and dad how happy I felt, so I took a glow stick and made the shape of a cancer ribbon to wave high. It showed me that fighting cancer gives me power.

Today, I’m asking you to support me in donating so we can share that renewed strength with future wish kids.

Let’s show other kids in our community what can happen when a group of caring people rally around them to make dreams come true. Donate today in support of local, life-changing wishes, like mine.

A Lifetime of Color and Creativity

Teaching tomorrow’s artists

By Kelly Romo, Contributing Writer

Janet Hickok knew that she loved drawing, coloring, and painting before she even started kindergarten. When everyone in her class was given a picture to color, she preferred to draw her own. Her mother was an artist, and her talents were passed down to Janet, who started participating in contests as early as 4th grade. She won her first art contest when she was only ten and got four dollars as a prize. Her passion for painting grew every day, and she knew from an early age that she wanted to become either an artist or a nurse.

Janet’s journey as an artist took a more significant turn when she had an inspired teacher in 6th and 7th grades. This exceptional teacher focused on the basics of art, like the color wheel, which she had to recreate using only the three primary colors and mixing the rest. The teacher taught as if she were educating high school or college students, which challenged Janet and helped her develop her skills further, laying the groundwork for her future as an artist and an educator.

Janet is enthusiastic about everything she does and loves to share her knowledge with others. She started to teach kids of all ages in her hometown in her consignment art shop, offering classes in drawing, pottery, and watercolors. When she moved to Alaska, she started teaching in different mediums and opened two studios. Eventually, Janet moved back to Oregon and got involved with Valley Art, where she started teaching again: it felt like coming home.

Janet’s passion for art education goes beyond the classroom, as she’s always looking for ways to help people learn about painting and other art forms. She’s been involved with many workshops, presentations, and events, establishing herself as a leader in the local community. She’s also an entrepreneur and has launched several businesses that focus on making art more accessible to everyone, regardless of skill level. Janet knows art can unite people and promote healing, growth, and creativity, and she’s committed to spreading that message.

Valley Art caters to a wide age range, from young children to adults. Janet adapts her teaching strategies to accommodate varying experience levels. The objective is not to create a specific resemblance but to allow students to play and enjoy the medium for what it can do. This approach makes art accessible and enjoyable to everyone, regardless of their prior experience or skill level, reinforcing the idea that art is not just about the end product but also about the process of creation.

Janet Hickok’s journey as an artist and an educator is inspirational. Her love for painting and eagerness to educate others has greatly benefited her local community wherever she has lived. She exemplifies how passion, dedication, and hard work can help anyone achieve their dreams.

If you’re interested in painting or want to learn more about the beauty of art, don’t hesitate to reach out to Valley Art and take a class with Janet. Valley Art is located at 2022 Main St., Forest Grove. She can be reached at 503-357-3703. For more information, visit www.valleyart.org

Brown Sugar-Cinnamon Filling and Icing

Combine ½ cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 2 tablespoons melted salted butter and 1 tablespoon flour. Scoop a tablespoon onto pastry. For icing, add ½ teaspoon cinnamon a nd 1/4 teaspoon brown sugar to icing ingredients.

Homemade Toaster Pastries

Breakfast classic worthy of dessert Ingredients

1 package rolled pie crust (2 count)

1 cup jam or preserves

1 large egg

1 cup powdered sugar

2–3 tablespoons milk or cream

½ teaspoon vanilla

Directions

 Preheat oven to 400°F.  Lay sheet of parchment paper on baking sheet. Set aside. On a different sheet of parchment, unroll the crusts. Cut as many rectangles (approximately 3 by 5 inches) as you can from each crust — use an index card as a guide. Knead together remaining crusts and roll out into another large, thin piece (just under ¼ inches). Cut remaining rectangles.  Beat egg in small bowl. Lay out 8 rectangles on parchment-lined baking sheet, adding 1 tablespoon of desired jam to each. Brush edges with egg wash. Then place another rectangle on top of rectangle with jam. Gently pinch edges to seal. Use fork to crimp edges. Poke some holes in top of pop tarts. Brush entire tops, including edges, with egg wash. Continue with rest of pop tarts.  Bake 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow pop tarts to cool.  Whisk together powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla. Spread over each pop tart. Top with sprinkles or whatever you desire!

Cows, Racing, and Western Wonderland

The history of Alpenrose Dairy

By Robert Matsumura, Contributing Writer

Pony rides? Baseball? Go kart racing? A person unfamiliar with the history of Alpenrose Dairy might frown in confusion at the mention of such activities in relationship to a dairy, but for those of us fortunate enough to have grown up in the Portland area during the last half of the 20th century, the name Alpenrose conjures up so much more than just dairy products.

It all began in 1896 when Florian Cadonau, a Swiss immigrant, moved to Oregon with his wife Agnes. The couple purchased a dairy at 35th and Vermont (known then as Hoffman Road) and started delivering milk to customers via horse-drawn buggy. At the time, many Swiss immigrants were moving to Portland due to the state’s fertile land and temperate climate. So similar were Oregon and Switzerland in this respect that in 1912, Paul Ritter, the Swiss Ambassador to the United States, while touring the state called Oregon “a second, but a larger Switzerland.”

In 1916, Henry Cadonau, Florian’s son, along with his wife Rosina (daughter of the Swiss consul to Portland) took over the family business. Henry and Rosina established their own farm nearby at 45th and Vermont which they named Alpenrose Dairy. The next few decades saw Alpenrose expand its operations, thriving while other competing dairies fell prey to mergers and consolidations. However, in 1943 a fire destroyed a barn and other equipment, and the decision was made to relocate Alpenrose to its present location on Shattuck Road. For years the Alpenrose delivery truck was a common sight in Portland neighborhoods, delivering milk in glass bottles straight to the milk box at one’s front door. At its height, Alpenrose had 50 delivery trucks and 35,000 customers.

It was during the 1950s when Henry’s grandsons were playing baseball too near Rosina’s rose garden (and trampling some of her plants) that she tasked her husband with building a baseball field for the boys. It wasn’t long before the local Little League was playing there also, and dugouts, lights, and a scoreboard were subsequently added. In the following years two more fields were constructed, and Alpenrose became known for its excellent baseball facilities. For a number of years Alpenrose Field even hosted the Little League Softball World Series which was broadcast on ESPN.

As it turned out, the baseball fields were just the beginning of Alpenrose’s involvement in the community. A hundred Shetland ponies were purchased by the family shortly thereafter, and pony rides were offered to children visiting the dairy. The Cadonaus also brought the ponies to local events — making it possible for numerous children to experience their first horseback ride. Alpenrose trotted out their ponies to represent the dairy in many city parades as well.

Soon baseball and ponies were not the only attractions drawing people to Alpenrose. Uncle Ray, the father of Rod Birkland — a cousin of the Cadonau boys — being mechanically-minded, came up with the idea of a quarter-midget racing track. It wasn’t long before the idea became a reality, and child-sized race cars were zooming around a track a quartermile in length, set in a natural bowl shaped area with seating for up to 500 spectators. In addition to the midget racing track, a velodrome facility was added in 1967 for bicycle racing. Carl Cadonau Sr. was sold the idea by the owner of Kissler’s Cyclery, a longtime bicycle shop in Southwest Portland. At the time the Pan American games needed a location for cycling trials. The Alpenrose Velodrome was one of the first constructed in the U.S. for that purpose, and with the steepest bank of any outdoor velodrome in the world, it drew enthusiasts from around the globe.

With the popularity of the aforementioned facilities, the Cadonaus created a final addition to their burgeoning recreational wonderland — Dairyville. A dairy-themed village with Old West-style storefronts, the charming attraction featured a doll museum, a harness-maker’s shop, an ice cream parlor, a music shop, and a 600-seat opera house with a Skinner pipe organ (now located in Portland’s Keller Auditorium). For decades, Dairyland was the nexus of a plethora of community events, ranging from “Sunday Fundays” featuring kite flying and frog races to visits from Rusty Nails, a popular clown with a local television show for children. From trapeze acts to chariot racing, Alpenrose grew from just a local attraction to a major amusement venue for the entire region.

The winter holiday season saw Alpenrose transform into a magical place. Christmas in Dairyville featured Storybook Lane, an elaborate display with live animal displays and 300 Christmas trees set in a miniature town. Each year 400 volunteers gathered to set up and host this traditional event that drew thousands of families from around the area.

Rosina Cadonau became known simply as “Grandma” to generations of fourthgraders who field-tripped to Alpenrose to learn the operations of a dairy. “Swiss Miss” taught the children how to milk a cow and then escorted them across the street for ice cream and cookies baked by “Grandma.”

Today, Alpenrose Dairy remains in operation, but Dairyville is closed. The race tracks and sports fields, too, face an uncertain future. A dispute between family members that ended in litigation resulted in Alpenrose being sold to the Kent, Washington-based Smith Brothers Farms. Smith Brothers continue to operate the dairy under the Alpenrose name. In July of 2021, items from the former Storybook Lane and Dairyville were sold at auction, bringing to a close one of Portland’s most cherished cultural treasures.

For those of us who grew up in Portland with the good fortune to partake in the sporting events, pony rides, fireworks, and holiday fun that was Alpenrose, we will forever miss this magical place. But we should all thank the Cadonau family for their generosity, decades of hard work, and a community spirit that transformed a regular dairy into a place that will reside in our memories forever!

Repairs Done Right

By Donovan Darling, Staff Writer

Founded in 2023, owner Eric Varivoda has taken his 10 years’ experience in the IT industry and decided to strike out on his own, with E-Tech Repair & Solutions now serving West Linn and the greater Portland Metro area! Eric and his talented team have incredible passion, work hard and are completely honest and transparent about their work. They are a locally-owned and -operated small business, and they’re even more accommodating than their competitors — allowing customers to borrow devices to keep you productive and plugged in during lengthy repairs, including phones and laptops. In a hurry? They also offer expedited repairs!

E-Tech offers a multitude of repair services, device and accessory sales, and technical and set up assistance. Just a few repair services they offer include: smartphone, computer and laptop, tablet, replacement screens and devices, batteries, hardware and micro-soldering. But wait, there’s more! They also sell devices, including phones, tablets, laptops and computers. But that’s not all! They also do home visits for repairs and device set up, as well as IT assistance via phone and face-to-face. Run your own small business? You’re in luck, because they also provide business server and IT services as well. At E-Tech in West Linn, they have you covered no matter what you need.

E-Tech Repair & Solutions goes above and beyond. They’re a humble, locally-owned business committed to earning your trust and repeat business. They’re honest, hardworking and have 10 years of experience in the IT industry. Give them a call today at (503) 342-8210, or stop by at 21530 Salamo Road in West Linn.

Opus

women and men of most skin types who want to minimize wrinkles

caused by the sun and the natural aging process.

Agnes

and removes fat from the neck and jawline area. Cystic acne is

by removing the sebaceous gland.

Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing is one of the most effective way to treat fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, loose or sagging skin, as well as scars. In addition to treating the face, we can treat the neck, chest and even hands.

LASER HAIR REMOVAL

Cutera’s Nd: YAG and ProWave lasers use state-of-the-art technology to remove hair from all skin types. These lasers provide comfortable and long-lasting hair removal treatment you can count on.

ACCENT ULTRA V-SHAPE

JuVaShape Ultra by Alma is an ultrasound to destroy the fat and Radio Frequency to tighten the skin, reduce wrinkles, improve the appearance of cellulite and contour the body.

COOLSCULPTING - 1 POINT

Noninvasive fat reduction procedure • Lose up to 2” of belly fat

No downtime. No surgery • Reduce appearance of cellulite and stretch marks

Nonsurgical, noninvasive, painless, and requires no anesthesia or downtime

Nonsurgical body contouring treatment that FREEZES & ELIMINATES FAT from your body.

BTL VANQUISH ME

BTL CELLUTONE

Reduce appearance of cellulite and stretch marks

Nonsurgical, noninvasive, painless, and requires no anesthesia or downtime

Non-surgical body contouring treatment that FREEZES & ELIMINATES FAT from your body. CHOICE OF: IPL

Remove sun spots. age spots, acne spots and any other skin pigmentation. NIR

Light therapy that removes the appearance of sagging skin, wrinkles and fine lines.

Improves fine lines, skin tone & increases collagen production.

Lifts sun damage, pigmentation & dark and red scars including Melasma.

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.