WILSONVILLE
Cozy Home in Villebois
Located in the heart of Villebois, this delightfully cozy home offers comfort and convenience. Large windows and an open concept allow for tons of natural light, while the living room and kitchen area provide excellent entertainment options. The kitchen has stainless steel appliances, a large pantry, breakfast bar and wine rack, with access to a comfortable, easily maintained backyard. Upstairs you will find large bedrooms, a loft-style bonus room, and utility closet. The primary suite offers both privacy and relaxation, with a soaking tub, walk-in shower, and walk-in closet with built-in features. Additional upgrades and features include brand new exterior paint, a new HVAC system(2023), wood-wrapped windows, dual tankless water heaters, garage storage, custom window coverings, and a small mudroom off the kitchen. This home truly offers bang for the buck!
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ADMINISTRATION
Matthew Nelson, Publisher Catrina Nelson, CFO
Tara Weidman, Executive Assistant
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PRODUCTION
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Kate Astle, Copyeditor
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SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Hilary Berg Sean Carver
Brittany Jungenberg Morgan King
Shawn Schmidt
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Dani DeGraw, Justin Nelson, Kaity VanHoose
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Patti Jo Brooks Olive Gallagher
Angie Helvey Lucas Holmgren
Robert Matsumura Dennis McNabb
Peter Murphy Edward Novak
Malia Riggs Kelly Romo
Gretchen Van Lente Ty Walker
Alice Williams Justin Woomer
Kerry Yu
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Laurel Bice Carly Carpenter
Tyler Francke Angie Helvey
Brittany Jungenberg Malaina Kinne
Lisa Kuhlman Kara Langley
MJ Media Productions Andrew Sambuceto
Henry Schifter Hayley Starkey
ADVERTISING SPECIALISTS
Don Ormsby Bill Kistler
Stephanie Baker Peggy Jacobs
David Long Chris O’Brien
John Zobrist Brad Marti
Shelley Zeman Tina Toney
Darren Dwyer Lynnette Scott
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Wilsonville Lifestyle Magazine
OCTOBER 2024
Cake Couture
Award-winning bakery & coffee spot
By Angie Helvey, Contributing Writer
Photos by Carly Carpenter
Lux Sucre translates to ‘luxury sugar’ in French, so if you’re a fan of the finer things in life, Lux Sucre Bakery + Cafe in Charbonneau awaits. From elegant wedding cakes to fresh-baked confections, it’s the perfect place to help you celebrate a special occasion or sweeten up your day with a stop at their picturesque cafe, conveniently located less than two miles from downtown Wilsonville.
Baking and designing cakes began as a hobby for Chanelle Walters. After leaving a career in television production to attend Oregon Culinary Institute for baking and pastry in 2011, she worked various related jobs and simultaneously started Lux Sucre, finally making it her full-time gig and leasing a brick-and-mortar in Charbonneau in 2016. Nowadays, Chanelle and her husband Brandon, whom she met in 2012, own and run the business together. In early 2022, they moved to a larger space in the same building, which they’ve transformed into a stunning open-concept cafe with an outdoor patio and a whimsical pink phone booth in the front ideal for photo opportunities.
The wedding cakes at Lux Sucre are as delicious as they are beautiful, and couples can customize their dream dessert from a selection of styles, cake flavors, fillings and exterior icings. Chanelle and her team specialize in a variety of buttercream designs and use
fondant, floral accents, and refined decorating techniques to build a work of art tailored to your vision. Their versatile dessert tables, featuring an assortment of delectable mini desserts, also work well for weddings or any event, small or large.
As one of the region’s few full-service dessert catering companies, the bakery offers a seamless process that begins with a tasting box so couples can sample each option, followed by a phone consultation to decide and confirm all the details. On the day of, they deliver and offer complete setup and takedown. Lux Sucre is a preferred vendor at venues all over the Portland Metro area and has won the award for Best Cakes + Desserts in Portland in Oregon Wedding Day magazine the last two years.
For smaller celebrations, Lux Sucre creates signature and custom cakes personalized to fit any theme or occasion. Multiple sizes are available depending on your expected attendees, or, for an assortment of flavors, order a batch of their cupcakes. And don’t forget, the sweetest season of the year is on the way, and Lux Sucre is famous for their decorative holiday cakes and pies for Thanksgiving.
Casually elegant with a polished, contemporary aesthetic, the cafe features a stunning floral wall and an open floor plan with long display cases full of the day’s fresh-baked goodies, all gorgeously presented to please the eye and the palate. Guests can peruse a curated menu of elevated lunch and breakfast items and pair their treats with mimosas, locally roasted coffee, and a variety of locally blended loose-leaf teas.
From breakfast tacos and toasted sandwiches to hearty soups and fresh salads, everything at Lux Sucre is handcrafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Make your next event extra special with their new brunch + lunch catering service, featuring an assortment of delectable pastries perfect for office parties or corporate functions. The bakery is also a wholesale supplier for a handful of local catering teams, and Chanelle and Brandon are always open to new partnerships.
It’s a wonderful time of year to drive through Charbonneau and admire the colorful fall foliage, so when you do, seek out Lux Sucre Bakery + Cafe and enjoy this chic hidden gem, which offers a delightful array of savory foods, pastries and desserts. Watch for exciting changes on the horizon, including space updates and tasty menu additions. “Being so tucked away, we know people aren’t stumbling upon us by accident,” Brandon says. “We love to be creative and make items you can’t find elsewhere; it’s become a unique destination.”
Lux Sucre Bakery + Cafe is located at 31840 SW Charbonneau Dr #A in Wilsonville. Please give them a call at (503) 694-2321 or visit their website at www.luxsucre.com.
spotlight october
First Friday Films
Ghostbusters (PG-13)
Friday, October 4
3-5pm Oak Room
When an ancient artifact unleashes evil, new and old Ghostbusters unite to protect their home and prevent a second ice age.
Space Talks
Planetary Defense with DART
Saturday, October 5
11am-12:30pm
Oak Room
We are enhancing asteroid detection capabilities, but there are still surprises. Can asteroid trajectories be changed? Join us to delve into the possibilities!
STEAM Stuff
Wednesday October 9
2:30-3:30pm Oak Room
Drop-in program for hands-on STEAM activities at the library. Younger siblings are welcome to join! For elementary age children (kindergarten to 5th grade) with an adult in attendance.
Pink Pig Puppet Theater
Saturday, October 12
11am
Oak Room
Three short stories about tricky guys, including a peapoaching rabbit, a kitten who teases a puppy, and Anansi the Spider. Each story is introduced by Pink Pig, with his willing, but not always able assistant, Rooster.
Tricky Guys
The Truth About Aging Skin
What really works and what doesn’t
Christine Lewy
Divine Complexions
Spa Owner
Licensed Esthetician Award-Winning
West Coast Glo Skin Beauty Makeup Artist
NW YUMI Lashes Educator
Aging skin is a topic most of us have been thinking about for years. The internet is full of promises for youthful-looking skin, but it can be overwhelming to separate fact from fiction. As someone who owns a MedSpa and works with clients every day, I’ve seen firsthand what works and what doesn’t. Let’s explore some triedand-true methods for maintaining healthy, glowing skin over 40.
Recently, a long-time client, Mary, came in for a skin consultation. She shared her frustration about trying every anti-aging cream out there with little to no results. She was ready for a change but didn’t want to go under the knife. I assured her that while creams can help with hydration and surface-level fine lines, they aren’t magic potions for deeper wrinkles or sagging skin. We discussed non-invasive treatments like microneedling and ultherapy, which stimulate collagen and elastin production to firm the skin. Mary decided to start with a series of
microneedling. Proud to say she comes in glowing now, thrilled with the subtle but noticeable improvements in her skin’s texture.
Then there’s Melissa, who was so skeptical about fillers and Botox. “Aren’t they just for people who want to look plastic?” she asked. This is a common misconception. When done correctly, injectables enhance your natural beauty without making you look ‘overdone.’ Melissa decided to try a little filler to smooth out her smile lines and Botox to smooth her crows feet. She was amazed at how refreshed she looked — like a more rested version of herself. Her friends noticed too, commenting that she looked vibrant and full of energy.
The key takeaway? It’s not about turning back the clock but about embracing your skin’s journey. Professional treatments like microneedling, Ultherapy, and injectables are tools to enhance what you already have. If you’re ready to explore options that actually work for mature skin, I’d love to help guide you on this journey.
After all, you deserve to feel beautiful at every age!
Baseline
8 Weeks
Día de los Muertos
A celebration of life and memory in Mexico
This blending of pre-Hispanic and Christian traditions is a reflection of Mexico’s rich and complex history, where the combination of indigenous practices and European culture have created something entirely new.
By Robert Matsumura, Contributing Writer
Every autumn, as the air grows cool and crisp and the trees turn brilliant shades of gold and scarlet, Mexico becomes a whirl of vibrant colors and music. The fall season ushers in the Day of the Dead — Día de los Muertos in Spanish — a unique cultural celebration honoring the lives of those who have passed away. Though the name of the celebration sounds ominous, it is anything but. It’s a joyous festival that melds ancient indigenous traditions with Catholic influences, resulting in a dazzling tapestry of love, life and remembrance.
Central to the Day of the Dead is the belief that, once a year, the departed souls of loved ones return to the world of the living for a reunion with their families. These souls, whether they be the spirits of honored ancestors or beloved pets, are welcomed back with offerings of their favorite foods, drinks and mementos from their lives. Families construct ofrendas, or altars, decorated with candles, photographs and colorful papel picado — ornate paper cut-outs that flutter in the breeze. With its bright orange petals, the marigold, or cempasúchil, is everywhere, its sweet fragrance serving as a guide to draw the spirits home.
The two-day celebration, every November 1st and 2nd, corresponds on the Catholic calendar to All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. The first day is focused on the souls of children, known as angelitos (little angels) while the second day is dedicated to adults.
What makes the Day of the Dead so special, however, is not just its pageantry, but a continual connection with loved ones that transcends the finality of death. Families gather in cemeteries, often staying overnight, to clean and decorate graves, share stories and celebrate with music and food. Frequently, entire communities join together for processions and parades, where everyone is invited to join in the festivities.
An important part of the Day of the Dead is the food. Each dish bears symbolic significance. Pan de muerto, a sweet, anise-flavored bread decorated with bone-shaped designs, is a classic treat. Sugar skulls, often personalized with the names of departed loved ones, are a sweet reminder of the cycle of life and death. Mole, tamales, and atole (a warm, spiced corn drink) are other traditional offerings, each selected for its connection to the deceased one’s tastes or the family’s heritage.
More than just a time to remember those who have passed, the Day of the Dead is a celebration of life itself. Rather than something to be feared, death is viewed as an integral aspect of the human experience. By honoring those who have departed, their memories are kept alive, thereby ensuring they continue on as a vital part of our lives.
So should you find yourself in Mexico during these magical days of autumn, embrace the celebration. Savor the delicious traditional foods, dance, and above all reflect on how, in celebrating the dead, we are also embracing the enduring beauty of life.
Farmyard Fall Festivities
Local farm has become a holiday hotspot
By Angie Helvey, Contributing Writer
Photos by Carly Carpenter
Frog Pond Farm is the ultimate holiday destination, with over 80 friendly animals, 10 acres of fun activities, and the only place in the country where families can frolic with free-roaming llamas while they pick their pumpkins.
Mike and Beth Timm founded the farm in 1985 with their two children, three-year-old Justin and one-year-old Courtney. It was exclusively a llama farm for years, but in 2008 they moved to their current 40-acre property and began a massive expansion. These days, Justin Timm runs it as an agritourism destination open to the public from May through December.
During pumpkin patch season, the farm is open seven days a week through October 27th. The pumpkin patch and llama field are one and the same, so visitors can mingle amongst 30-50 friendly llamas while they select from carving pumpkins in all sizes to gourds in a variety of types and colors. Admission to the farm includes a self-guided tour to visit and feed camels, rabbits, llamas, alpacas, donkeys, cows, tortoises, chickens, ducks, geese, miniature ponies, Kunikuni pigs and multiple breeds of sheep and goats.
their new 10-house Bounce Park so they can have fun and play regardless of the weather conditions. Various food vendors are onsite near the covered pavilion every weekend, including apple cider donuts, tacos, burgers, barbecue and a pizza truck also serving beer and wine. Check their social media before your visit to learn about any special performances. The Oregon Bird Man and The Magic of John W. Stevens host multiple shows a day on Saturdays and Sundays.
As in the past, Frog Pond is offering two or four-person season passes that allow for unlimited admissions, 10% off admission to the Bounce Park (normally $7) and other perks. The pass pays for itself in two and a half visits, and many families come several times per week. They’ve extended the hours and are open this year from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the weekends with discounted pricing for early bird and evening visits. Weekday hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. October is also the perfect time to book a school tour or an autumn birthday party.
Open through the Christmas season, wintertime at Frog Pond is always extra magical! Justin brings in a beautiful pre-cut selection of Nobles, Doug Firs, and a variety of garlands and wreaths, mostly displayed under a covered space so visitors can enjoy their tree hunt without worrying about rain. On the weekends, they can relax around multiple bonfires and roast marshmallows for s’mores to enjoy with coffee and pastries from Lux Sucre Bakery. Santa Claus and The Grinch both make appearances for giggles and photo opportunities. The farm store transforms into a holiday gift shop with all kinds of Christmas decor and gifts and toys for kids.
Truly a giant playground, Frog Pond features 15 to 20 lawn games and activities for kids, including access to
Frog Pond Farm is also open from May through September for their summer walkabout and llama walks with frequent opportunities to hold and interact with baby animals. No matter what time of year, the farm is a place of joy and excitement for all ages. “It’s a pleasure to see kids and adults alike have such a positive emotional reaction to their experience here,” says Justin.
Frog Pond Farm is located at 2995 SW Advance Rd in Wilsonville. For pricing and other information, give them a call at 503-475-5997 or visit their website at thefrogpondfarm.
VALLEY FIRE & RESCUE
SMOKE ALARMS: MAKE THEM WORK FOR YOU!TM
October is Fire Prevention Month, and Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue reminds you to check your smoke alarms. Working smoke alarms help save lives by providing an early warning so you and your family can get outside quickly in the event of a fire in your home.
TVF&R is teaming up with the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal and the National Fire Protection Association to promote this year’s educational campaign, “Smoke Alarms: Make them work for you.”
The majority of people who die in a fire succumb to heat and smoke inhalation, not flames. Having working smoke alarms in your home greatly increases your chances of surviving a fire.
Fire is nothing like what you see on television or in the movies. It produces dark and deadly smoke that can fill your home in minutes and can confuse you to the point that you never make it out. That is why every firefighter wears an air pack before entering a burning building.
Most fatal fires happen at night when people are sleeping. Working smoke alarms are designed to activate early to help ensure you and your family have time to safely escape from your home.
TVF&R offers the following advice to help protect your family:
• To ensure maximum protection, install smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement.
• Make sure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities. Smoke alarms are available that use strobe lights or vibration to alert residents.
• Check your alarms every six months by pushing the test button and replace when they are 10 years old.
• Smoke alarms that also provide carbon monoxide detection may require devices to be replaced every seven years.
• Hard-wired alarms — those wired directly into home electrical systems — should have a battery back-up.
• Never disconnect or remove batteries from smoke alarms.
• An alarm’s hush button allows you to temporarily silence the device if it’s false a alarm.
• Develop and practice a fire escape plan with the entire family that includes designating a meeting place outside.
• If your smoke alarm sounds, immediately exit your home, call 911, and stay outside.
Oregon law requires working smoke alarms in all rental dwellings. If you rent and do not have working smoke alarms, contact your landlord or property manager.
School Zone Safety
Help keep kids safe in our neighborhoods
By Wilsonville Chief of Police Rob Wurpes
While school is back in session, one thing we can all agree on is that the safety of our children is vitally important. Primary, middle and high school are all in full swing. As a friendly reminder to everyone in our community, from your officers here at your police department — please watch your speeds in school zones, especially while the school zones are active. We frequently get questions about school zone signage and speeds and the following information will help shed some light on the issue. According to the Oregon Driver Manual, a school zone is a section of road adjacent to a school or school crosswalk where signs designate a school zone. A school speed zone is an area where a reduced speed of 20 mph applies and is
defined by school speed signs. The school speed zone begins at the “School Speed Limit 20” sign and ends at the “End School Zone” sign or at another posted speed sign. You may not travel faster than the posted school zone speed until completely out of the school zone. Three of the most common signs you will see are shown below with a description:
• Any time a yellow light on a school speed sign is flashing, it indicates that children are arriving at or leaving school.
• Between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on a day when school is in session. If you are unsure whether or not it is a school day, slow down to 20 mph.
• Any day, at any time children are present. Children are present means: children are waiting at a crosswalk; children are occupying or walking within a crosswalk; a traffic patrol member is present to assist children at a crosswalk. Along with school opening, you should expect to see school buses picking up and dropping off students around town. Remember, it is always unlawful to pass a school bus when the red lights are activated.
We will be out providing education and enforcement in and around the school zones. Let’s all work together to be responsible drivers and help keep the students safe by following all traffic laws in school zones. Drive safely.
Through A Child’s Eyes
Building family bonds to reduce recidivism
The Rotary Club of Wilsonville held its annual Through A Child’s Eyes (TACE) event Aug. 10 and 11 at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility. The program is a partnership between the club and the Oregon Department of Corrections. It is an opportunity for AIC (adult in custody) mothers to practice their bonding and parenting skills alongside their visiting children and families. Instead of meeting in a visiting room, they meet in the prison yard where the club sets up games, crafts, activities, a barbecue and more. AICs must earn the right to participate by taking parenting classes and exhibiting good behavior.
The program has taken place annually since 2002, except for a break during the COVID pandemic. This year’s event was pronounced a big success.
“Between the two days we served about 250 kids and 500 total guests this year,” said Rotarian Kyle Bunch, who co-chairs the event along with fellow Rotarian Brad Hansen. “Between the two days, we had 95 volunteers ensure the event was a success. We had inflatables, crafts, basketball and pickleball, carnival games and even America’s Got Talent Finalist Scott Anderson this year. We had the normal snacks (popcorn, cotton candy and snow cones) as well as ice cream treats as something new this year.”
“Many of the programs inside Coffee Creek provided booths such as Green Team, DMV, Family Preservation Project, Girl Scouts and Camp Agape,” he said. “The Life Skills Team provided keepsake photos for the families and graffiti name art for the kiddos to take home. The prison’s hair design program provided over 100 back to school haircuts as well as nails, hair braiding and face painting.”
The TACE program facilitates bonding opportunities for AIC mothers and their children, with a goal of encouraging more positive relationships between them, both while the women are at Coffee Creek and after they are back with their children. It is based on studies showing that children of incarcerated parents often have social and academic challenges, and have up to six times the risk of their peers for juvenile delinquency, depression, drug abuse and eventual incarceration.
By helping AIC moms be their best selves for their children, the program aims to help prevent them from re-offending, and strives to help break the intergenerational cycle of incarceration.
Funds to support TACE come from grants from OrePac Building Products Inc., Stimson Lumber Company, and the OCF Joseph E. Weston Public Foundation. The program was founded in 2001 by John Ludlow, then a member of the club.
Each summer, a two-day TACE event is held in July or August at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Wilsonville. Volunteers can sign up to serve on either or both days. Those interested in volunteering for a summer event should let us know by the early spring of that year, as there is a volunteer background vetting process to complete.
To learn more about the Through A Child’s Eyes program or to express interest in volunteering, contact Kyle Bunch, co-chairman of TACE, using the form at www.WilsonvilleRotary.com/TACE.
According to Bunch, the TACE program drew on several partnerships with Coffee Creek programs to enhance the day’s offerings this time around.
Ghostbusters I & II (1984, 1989)
“Who you gonna call?” There’s nothing like the original Ghostbusters, and the reboots aren’t even worth watching in my opinion. Not one but two sci-fi action-comedies star a legendary cast, including Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver, Annie Potts, Rick Moranis, and more. Parapsychologists turned ghost hunters in New York City end up saving the world twice — from an ancient god, Dozer, hellbent on destruction, and the Stay Puft marshmallow man (Ghostbusters I), and then again from a psychoactive pink slime flowing under the city, and a 16th century sorcereralchemist Vigo the Carpathian who wants to be reborn in the 20th century. The movies are occult, spooky, funny, actionpacked, and great for the whole family. Rated PG, but with strong language and mature themes it’s more like PG-13.
Stream these movies where available, or rent from your local movie store, library or rental kiosk.
Kiki’s Delivery Service (1990)
“Without even thinking about it, I used to be able to fly. Now I’m trying to look inside myself and find out how I did it.” This heartwarming anime follows the journey of 13-yearold Kiki, a young witch who moves to a quaint seaside town with her loyal talking cat, Jiji. As part of the tradition in her village, Kiki must spend a year living on her own to complete her training as a witch. Armed with her broomstick, she quickly learns to harness her flying abilities and starts a unique delivery service, delivering packages to the town’s residents. The movie captures Kiki’s growth and the challenges she faces — she becomes part of the community and yet her confidence begins to waver, leading her to lose the magic that once came so easily. And the animation is utterly stunning. Rated G.
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
“How’s that for a slice of fried gold?” The movie opens with an homage to London citizens going through their work days like zombies, arguably showing how complacent and boring our lives have become — only when threatened, like our primordial days, do we truly live again.
Once the zombie outbreak takes hold, things get exciting. Shaun, an AV salesperson, and Ed, a small-time weed dealer, are thrust into action to defend themselves. Once outside, they band together with friends and quest to their local pub, The Winchester. Billed as a rom-com with zombies, there are interpersonal subplots galore, including Shaun and Liz’s deteriorating relationship (Shaun isn’t spontaneous or romantic), Shaun and Ed’s one-sided friendship, Shaun’s rocky relationship with his stepfather, and jealous David whose love for Liz is unrequited. It’s gut-ripping gore hyperbole. It’s deeply funny with its dry British humor. And it’s action-packed. A zombie movie in its own right, it’s also an homage to George A. Romero. Directed by Edgar Wright and starring a huge cast with Bill Nighy, Peter Serafinowicz, Kate Ashfield and more. Rated R for language and graphic violence.
Freaky Facts
Halloween’s origins go back to the ancient Celtic festival of “Samhain,” the celebration of the end of harvest season. The Gaels believed that on October 31, the boundaries between the worlds of the living and the dead got a little blurry and the dead would come back to life and wreak havoc among the living. How to scare the dead? Wear costumes and masks.
The average American eats about 3.4 pounds of Halloween candy.
Try wearing your clothes inside out and walk backwards on Halloween. According to traditions, this will make sure you see a witch at midnight.
Unmasking Halloween
A journey into its ancient origins
By Robert Matsumura, Contributing Writer
Each autumn as October draws near, neighborhoods transform. Pumpkins leer from porches, skeletons and monsters festoon front yards, and children eagerly anticipate the thrill of trick-or-treating and the hoard of candy they will amass. But where did this creepy spectacle we call Halloween originate?
The answer to this stretches back over two thousand years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sowin). Celebrated on October 31st, Samhain marked the close of summer and the commencement of winter — a dark, cold, time associated with death in Celtic tradition. On the night before Samhain, the Celts believed the boundary between the living and the dead grew thin, permitting spirits to roam freely across
the earth. To ward off these visitors from the other side, people built bonfires and donned costumes fashioned from the heads and hides of animals.
Later, as the Roman Empire gained dominion over much of Europe, their festivals of Feralia (commemorating the passing of the dead) and Pomona (honoring the goddess of fruits and trees) merged with Samhain. This cultural fusion brought apple bobbing into the festivities. Pomona, the goddess of orchard fruits, was often depicted bearing apples, a symbol of the harvest and abundance. Incorporating apples into the holiday is a nod to Pomona’s influence — still seen today in bobbing for apples and the tradition of candy apples. As the centuries passed, celebrating the harvest and honoring the dead were integrated into Halloween traditions, blending Roman and the older Celtic customs together as something new.
Fast forward to the 8th century when Pope Gregory III declared November 1 as All Saints’ Day or All Hallows’ Day, to honor saints and martyrs. These new holidays were part of a broader strategy by the Christian church to replace pagan festivals with Christian ones. As time passed, the night before October 31, became All Hallows’ Eve — morphing eventually into Halloween. It was during this period that traditions like souling and guising emerged, where the poor went door to door requesting soul cakes in exchange for their prayers on behalf of the dead. It was this tradition that evolved into what we know today as trick-or-treating.
The jack-o’-lantern, one of the most iconic symbols of Halloween, has its own fascinating origin. The tradition of carving faces into vegetables predates Halloween and originates from ancient Irish folklore. According to the story, a man named Stingy Jack attempted to trick the Devil and was condemned to roam the earth with only a lantern fashioned from a carved-out turnip to light his way. In Ireland turnips were used for this purpose during Halloween festivities, but upon reaching the New World, Irish immigrants discovered that pumpkins, native to their new home,
were larger and easier to carve. This practical switch gave rise to the nowfamiliar jack-o’-lantern, a central feature of Halloween décor to this day. Halloween continued to evolve in the New World. In colonial America, European traditions integrated with indigenous harvest festivals creating new customs. While many American colonists celebrated Halloween with activities such as fortune-telling, dancing and communal gatherings, the Puritans, due to their strict religious views, frowned upon Halloween festivities, deeming them to be pagan and irrelevant. Despite puritanical naysayers, the 19th century saw Halloween expand into a communitycentered event with activities like parades, parties and mischief-making. Halloween also grew to be accepted by schools, churches and civic groups which began holding those same parties, parades and other festivities. As Halloween became a familyfriendly event, much of the raucous mischief-making of the past began to diminish. By the early 20th century, Halloween was celebrated from coast to coast as a national holiday.
In the decades following World War II, Halloween traditions were firmly entrenched with costumes, trick-or-treating and spooky decorations taking center stage. Instead of the laborious handsewn costumes of the past, factories now massproduced inexpensive costumes that made dressing up for Halloween a snap. As Halloween became increasingly commercialized, themed parties, haunted houses and an expanding array of Halloweenthemed merchandise became the norm.
Today, Halloween’s popularity has only burgeoned. Contemporary trends run the gamut from spooky movie marathons and elaborate haunted attractions, to viral social media challenges and interactive experiences. Year-round Halloween shops exist to satiate your spooky urges. Halloween has even expanded the ghostly season to stretch beyond October 31, with Halloween promotions and events commencing as early as September. So commercially successful is Halloween from a business standpoint that it stands second only to Christmas in terms of revenue generated — a testament to its enduring appeal across generations.
As the air grows chill and the trees turn red and gold, remember that Halloween is more than just candy, costumes and jack-o’-lanterns. It’s a tapestry woven from ancient rituals, Christian traditions and the spiritual beliefs of numerous cultures spanning centuries. It’s a time to embrace the spooky, celebrate community and be on the lookout for spirits that may stalk the earth at this sacred time of year.
So as you don your costume and select a pumpkin for carving, take a moment to ponder the ancient roots of this beloved holiday. Whether you’re young or simply young at heart, Halloween is an invitation to revel in the mystery of the unknown, celebrate the cycle of life and death, and to maybe even bob for an apple or two. And as the last light fades on All Hallows’ Eve, the timeless allure of things that go bump in the night is sure to embrace you once more.
JPainting History
Portraits reignite forgotten histories and spark dialogue
By Dennis McNabb, Contributing Writer
eremy Okai Davis is an incredibly busy man. Between his full-time day job working as a graphic designer and illustrator here at Active Media, his full-time 24/7 job of being a good companion to his partner and proud father of two, and his full-time artistic endeavors (which involve deadlines for both ongoing and upcoming shows), it’s a wonder he finds any time for rest, let alone relaxation. You would think that something would have to give, but for Jeremy, expressing himself artistically is as integral as breathing. Without it, he is not living his best life, not being the best version of himself that he can be.
Of course, if you are familiar with Portland’s vibrant local art scene, Jeremy’s name will likely not be foreign to you. His fantastic work has been shown in the Rotating Art Program at Portland International Airport, in the Lonnie B. Harris Black Cultural Center (at Oregon State University), in the University of Oregon’s permanent collection, and many others. His works are primarily portraits of forgotten or underrepresented Black historical figures, painted in a wonderfully expressive pointillist style, juxtaposed against relatively simple backgrounds which may include poignant graphic
elements to expand the story. Jeremy believes art to be an interactive and communal experience, and hopes to not only inspire a deeper dive into the subjects’ history but also to open a broader dialogue in general.
Jeremy has two shows on the horizon that are not to be missed. The first is at the Elizabeth Leach Gallery and opens
on Thursday, November 7th. This show will expand on his previous show, “A Good Sport” which highlighted Black Americans performing in the fields of sports and academia and navigating the highly complex ideologies of “sportsmanship” throughout their careers. This time around, Jeremy will turn his keen eye toward Black
comedians, performers, and vaudevillians, particularly those who pressed boundaries and broke down racial barriers in the industry. He will invite viewers to ponder the subjects’ punchlines.
His second “show” will be the unveiling of his final 2 pieces for the Bush House Museum’s “Reinvisioned: Contemporary Portraits of our Black Ancestors.” Jeremy has been working on this collection for over two years, adding 2 new pieces every six months, and he is as honored to be a part of this important project as he is proud to be completing it. There is a dark history within the walls of this museum, but with their inclusive and intentional recontextualization, growth and healing have been made possible.
Jeremy Okai Davis is a remarkable artist and man. His message is one that needs to be heard. Support local artists and don’t miss out on these important shows. Follow Jeremy on Instagram: @jeremyokaiart for updates and info.
Photo by Cheryl Juetten
Wink, Acrylic on Canvas
Installation view, University of Oregon
Metering, Acrylic on Canvas
5 Year Celebration & Spark @ Insurance by Design October 30th 7:45-9am
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Agent of Good
Insurance pro committed to community
By Patti Jo Brooks, Contributing Writer
by Brittany Jungenberg
Who is Kris Sallee? Yes, she’s Canby’s local insurance agent with HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, but let’s push that out a little further. Kris is a longtime local who grew up in Aurora and although she maintains a connection to her native state, she considers herself an Oregonian through and through. Kris can be seen “parading around” out and about in the Canby community sporting platinum locks and tooling around in her classic peacock ‘64 Mercury Comet Caliente. She’s easy to spot and in essence has become sort of a local brand!
Kris actively supports the community in any way she can. Sometimes it’s fun, sometimes it’s professional, but always, always, it’s caring. Whether she’s providing sponsorship at the Clackamas County Fair & Rodeo, hanging out with her Comet Caliente at Hope Village Senior Living, sponsoring a trophy at the Cutsforth Cruise-in or participating in Aurora Colony Days, Kris is 100% engaged. Particularly close to her heart is Aurora Emergency Preparedness, a local nonprofit that Kris serves as president and founding member. Riding on Matt Nelson’s vintage fire truck, the Aurora Emergency Preparedness team members made quite an impressive showing along the Aurora Colony Days parade route.
Kris also serves the community as a board member of the Canby Rotary Club. Additionally, she’s a member of the Canby Chamber of Commerce, the Aurora Pythian Lodge, and the Hope Village Foundation Board. She is also a member of Business Network International (BNI), a networking group in Oregon City. Within the scope of HealthMarkets Insurance, Kris continues to reach Gold Level standing in the Chairman’s Club and ranked 50 among the top national producers this year, earning a trip to Italy. To be considered for Chairman’s Club, agents must demonstrate a commitment to building their client base while providing a level of service that helps ensure a high degree of client satisfaction for years to come. Kris is highly successful, professional, yet humble and extremely caring.
As your HealthMarkets Insurance Agent, Kris realizes clients are filled with “unknowns.” Can I afford my health insurance? How can I best protect my investments? What happens if I lose my job or become seriously injured and unable to pay the bills? Kris tells us: “I consider it a consultative partnership with my clients by designing a health insurance strategy for their healthcare needs. My goal is providing
Photos
(From left) Teresa Sasse, Judi Aus and Kris Sallee volunteer at the Rotary Club of Canby Big Burger barbecue stand at the 2024 Cruise-In.
HealthMarkets Sponsorship winners Kris and Bonnie Zimmerman at the 2024 Custforth Cruise-In.
clients with the best protection by using a variety of policies, while keeping within their budget.”
Health insurance alone is not enough in today’s environment. It no longer covers medical expenses the way it did 20 years ago. HealthMarkets Insurance offers numerous products including individual plans for under 65, Medicare, Small Business, Life, and Supplemental plans like dental and vision. “I want them to have their personal corporate package,” says Kris, who is also a certified Oregon Health Plan enroller. “When I put a personal corporate package together it’s health insurance, supplemental, and life to protect their income should they experience a major medical event.” She consults with the client, identifies their needs, puts together a plan, and shows them “how these policies will work together to
provide additional coverage for you.”
Annual enrollment for Medicare starts in October. For health insurance marketplace under age 65, open enrollment is Nov. 1, 2024 through Jan. 15, 2025. Kris and her team of qualified agents stand ready to answer any questions and help complete the enrollment process. Schedule a time to review your options to make an informed decision for your 2025
coverage by calling ahead or visiting calendly.com/ksallee and click on the service you need. Remember, services are always provided at no cost to you! There continues to be a growing need for qualified health insurance agents across the states. If you are thinking about a career as a Health & Life Insurance Agent, email Kris directly at ksallee@healthmarkets.com. She is available to anyone interested in exploring this opportunity.
Kris Sallee/HealthMarkets Insurance Agency is located at 1433 S.E. First Avenue, Ste. 103 in Canby. Call the office at 503-263-8200 or email ksallee@healthmarkets.com. For more information, visit healthmarkets.com/ local-health-insurance-agent/ksallee or facebook.com/HealthMarkets.Kris.Sallee. Licensed in OR, WA, AZ, CA, FL, MI, NM, NV and TX.
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