Gorgeous Wilsonville Home
This gorgeous, park-front Legend home is just what you’ve been waiting for! Situated on a corner lot, this former model home is move-in ready! A fenced, hardscaped front yard with a large covered patio is ideal for relaxation. Upon entrance, you are greeted by the den, which is separated from the rest of the main level and offers privacy. The light and bright main level also offers a terrific entertaining area with the open nature of the kitchen and living room. Easy access to the backyard through sliding glass doors in the living room only adds to the convenience. With features such as a soaking tub, walk-in shower & closet, and set apart from the other bedrooms, the primary suite offers both comfort and privacy. Upgraded wall to wall carpet and padding covers the entirety of the upper level, as well as a laundry room with extra storage and built-in features. Additional features include a sunken, hardscaped backyard patio, a protective coating on the garage floor, and custom cabinetry/additional storage in the garage. Come on by and check it out. This beautifully maintained home won’t last long!
Wilsonville Lifestyle Magazine
SEPTEMBER 2024
Published by
Active Media Publishing Group
PO Box 672, Aurora, OR 97002 info@ActiveMediaUSA.com 503.825.2111
ADMINISTRATION
Matthew Nelson, Publisher Catrina Nelson, CFO
Tara Weidman, Executive Assistant
Raeann Van Arsadall, Business Development
PRODUCTION
Jeremy Okai Davis, Art Director
Donovan Darling, Creative Project Manager
Brittany Jungenberg, Director of Marketing
Kate Astle, Copyeditor
Kaity VanHoose, Social Media Manager
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
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
Looking to reach local consumers?
We specialize in direct-mail products: community magazine advertising, mailing inserts, postcards and more. For more details, call 503.825.2111 or email info@ActiveMediaUSA.com
CHECK US OUT ONLINE AT CommunityAdvantageMagazines.com
WIC Pop-up Clinic
Fridays September 6, 13, 20, 27
10am-12pm & 1-4pm Rose Room
WIC helps income-eligible women, infants and children up to age 5 by providing nutritious foods and education, lactation support, health care screenings and referrals to resources.
Family Storytime
Wednesdays and Thursdays
September 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26 10:30am Oak Room
Presenting favorite stories with our own zany and creative blend of storytelling including early learning fun.
For children 3-5 years with their grown-up.
A Special Storytime with Author, Sara Behrman
Saturday, September 14 11am
Oak Room
Sara Behrman will join us to read her new picture book, The Sea Hides a Seahorse. This storytime is appropriate for children of all ages. Seahorse-themed songs and crafts will follow storytime. The book will also be available for sale and signing by the author.
Mushroom Hunting
Thursday, September 19 6-8pm Oak Room
Learn where to search for edible mushrooms and how to identify common wild mushrooms and poisonous species. Discover more facts about fungi in your backyard!
Teaching, Tuning, Thriving
Newest team member celebrates one-year anniversary
Story and photo by Tyler Francke
As the Canby community looks ahead to the end of summer, another milestone looms for the newest team member at Canby Music: Instructor and retail clerk Chloe Boehler will mark her first anniversary with the store in September 2024. A lifelong Canby-area resident, student and musician, Chloe has quickly become a key part of the Canby Music family.
Chloe’s musical journey began unexpectedly during a childhood family trip to Hawaii. “My dad bought a $20 ukulele, and he was kind of messing around with it and trying to play it,” Chloe says, then adds with a chuckle. “And I just had to take over. I ended up teaching myself and then got a guitar. That’s how it all started.”
She joined the Canby School District band program in the seventh grade at Baker Prairie Middle School, adding a new discipline to her repertoire with the clarinet. She was just starting her band journey at Canby High School when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted in-person learning. “Trying to play in a band over Zoom is not the same,” she recalls. “It was tough, but I think it made us stronger as a group.” That thought seems born of the fact that Chloe and her bandmates made their first trips to the state championships over the past two years (her junior and senior campaigns), finishing second and third, respectively.
Now, Chloe channels that resilience into her work at Canby Music. Fluent in English and Spanish, she’s become known
not only for her musical talents but also for her dedication to teaching and customer service. “Teaching was a surprise for me, but it’s become one of my favorite parts of the job,” Chloe shares. “The connections we make through music are incredible.”
Brian Haines, owner of Canby Music, describes Chloe as a valuable asset to the store. “Chloe stood out from the beginning. She came in with a strong background in music and quickly adapted to our needs,” Haines notes. “She’s not only great with teaching and retail but has also started to dive into repairs, showing her versatility and eagerness to learn.”
As Chloe looks ahead, she plans to attend Clackamas Community College to explore her options in music education or performance. “I’m excited to see where my journey takes me,” she says. “For now, working here helps me keep my skills sharp and my love for music alive.”
For Canby Music, which has long enjoyed a close relationship with the band and orchestra programs at Canby and surrounding school districts, back-to-school season is its busiest time of year. The store’s rent-to-own program, which allows
families to pay monthly rental fees that also count toward the purchase price of the instrument, is especially popular for many local band students (Chloe herself took advantage and now sings the program’s praises).
A newer initiative for students allows customers to use up to one year of rental payments as credit toward the purchase of an upgrade — either a step-up or professional-level instrument.
“We’re always trying to make music more accessible for people, whether they’re looking to pursue it as a career or a lifelong hobby,” Haines explains. “Every musician has these steps along their musical journey, and we’re here to help navigate those steps.”
Canby Music offers a wide variety of instruments for rent and sale, along with experienced, caring instructors. The store also offers a full array of repair and maintenance services. Canby Music is located at 590 NW 1st Ave. For more information, visit canbymusic.com or call 503-263-2263.
Revolutionizing Weight Loss
Semaglutide and Tirzepatide now available
Christine Lewy
Divine Complexions
Spa Owner
Licensed Esthetician Award-Winning
West Coast
Glo Skin Beauty Makeup Artist
NW YUMI
Lashes Educator
As we age, maintaining a healthy weight can become increasingly challenging. Hormonal changes, slower metabolism and life’s demands often make it harder for women over 40 to shed those extra pounds. Thankfully, the latest advancements in weight loss medications, Semaglutide and Tirzepatide, offer new hope. At Divine Complexions, we are excited to introduce these groundbreaking treatments in partnership with the worldrenowned celebrity aesthetic physician, Dr. Jen Armstrong of BRAVO’s Real Housewives of Orange County.
How Do They Work?
Semaglutide and Tirzepatide belong to a class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. They work by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which regulates appetite and blood sugar levels. Semaglutide slows down gastric emptying, making you feel fuller for longer, while Tirzepatide combines GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonism, offering a dual approach to appetite control and insulin sensitivity. The result is a significant reduction in hunger and increased satiety, helping you consume fewer calories naturally.
Safety and Efficacy Both medications have undergone rigorous clinical trials and have been approved by the FDA for their efficacy and safety. Semaglutide has been shown to help
patients lose up to 15% of their body weight, while Tirzepatide has demonstrated even more impressive results, with some patients losing over 20%. Side effects are generally mild and include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which usually subside as the body adjusts to the medication. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if these medications are suitable for you, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions.
How They Can Help For women over 40, these medications can be a game-changer. By effectively reducing appetite and improving metabolic health, Semaglutide and Tirzepatide can help you achieve sustainable weight loss. Beyond the physical benefits, losing weight can significantly boost your confidence, energy levels, and overall well-being. At Divine Complexions, we understand the unique challenges you face and are committed to supporting you every step of the way.
Our Partnership with Dr. Jen Armstrong To ensure the highest standard of care, we have partnered with Dr. Jen Armstrong, a celebrity doctor renowned for her expertise in aesthetic and metabolic health. Dr. Armstrong brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, ensuring that our clients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available.
If you’re ready to embark on a transformative weight loss journey, visit Divine Complexions today. Together, we can help you reclaim your health and vitality with the revolutionary benefits of Semaglutide and Tirzepatide. For more details or to schedule a consultation, contact Divine Complexions at divinecomplexions. com. Let’s start this journey towards a healthier, happier you!
DR. JEN ARMSTRONG
Creative Confections
Local chocolate shop hand dips caramel apples
By Angie Helvey, Contributing Writer
This month, the first day of Autumn arrives and there’s no better way to celebrate than indulging in the season’s classic treat: rich, sweet, gooey caramel apples. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is famous for its fresh, old-fashioned gourmet caramel apples and a luxurious assortment of milk and dark chocolates, truffles, caramels, toffees and other luscious confections.
Co-owner Amanda Keeling and her business partner Andre Cintron – also her fiance — originally hail from the Midwest, but an entrepreneur course at their college in Missouri connected them with a business owner in Oregon who was looking to pass the torch. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory at the Woodburn Outlets has been there since the mall opened in 1999, and the couple moved to Oregon to purchase the location almost ten years ago. For Amanda, it was just the opportunity she was looking for.
“Managing a business paired with the creativity of making candy was the perfect combination,” she says. The chocolate shop is a franchise that originated in Colorado and has over 250 locations across the United States and the Philippines.
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is renowned for its rich, silky, premium chocolate, skillfully crafted into every delightful confection imaginable, including caramels, toffees, peanut butter pails, coconut clusters and a decadent selection of truffles. Treats like strawberries and marshmallows are freshly dipped in chocolate on-site, and from the front window, you can watch the cooks using a traditional copper kettle and the marble-slab cooling table to make confectionary magic right before your eyes!
Fudge and caramel are also cooked on-site, with fresh caramel apples the star of the show. Made fresh in-store and only available at its retail locations, Rocky Mountain uses crisp, green Granny Smith apples smothered in thick, chewy caramel and dipped in delectable adornments. “People love them; the caramel apples alone account for about one-third of our sales,” says Amanda. Around 20 varieties are handdipped in-house, but with all the topping choices, the possibilities are endless! The English toffee variety is rolled in almonds and toffee pieces and drizzled in milk chocolate. The Rocky Road is rolled in chopped walnuts with marshmallows and drizzled with warm milk chocolate and sweet white confection. The Apple Pie is dipped in sweet white confection and rolled generously in brown sugar and cinnamon before it cools. Larger orders of apples can be purchased for events. “It’s been a popular option for weddings,” Amanda says. “Each guest gets their
own caramel apple dressed up with colored ribbons and an individual thank you note attached.”
Amanda and Andre love the Rocky Mountain Chocolate franchise and its unique offerings. “The chocolate is from Guittard, which is California-based, and it’s incredibly rich and smooth,” says Amanda. The company follows worldwide chocolate trends and plans to release gold chocolate in the fall, a luxurious new confection that often features notes of caramel and toffee. In the hot summer months that can melt
instead indulge in housemade ice cream.
Operating a business right off the interstate for nearly ten years has allowed Amanda to grow her crowd of regular customers, many of whom are
local residents and others who stop by a few times a year while traveling. The chocolate shop has a small, cohesive staff who love their customers. “We all work together, and they keep things running smoothly whether I’m there or not,” she says. “It’s great to have a team I can trust.”
When guests walk into Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, they’re greeted by the sweet, toasty scent of caramel cooking and friendly faces ready to bring all their chocolate dreams to fruition! Specially curated gift boxes and towers are available in-store and online for pick-up or local delivery.
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is located 1001 N Arney Rd #409 in Woodburn. Please give them a call at 503-981-0008, or visit their website at www.rmcf.com.
The Winning Touch
Improve
athletic performance, strength and fun with chiropractic care
By Patti Jo Brooks, Contributing Writer
Wilsonville loves their athletes! Devoted coaches, the local community and Joy of Life
Chiropractic all join together to train, support and keep their athletes healthy and happy. Whether a youth up-and-comer, a Wilsonville High School
Wildcat or a retiree playing pickleball or golf, Dr. Laura LaJoie sees each athlete as unique and tailors all treatment plans to the individual.
Practicing for 30 years, Dr. LaJoie sees patients of every age and stage from infant to elderly and for every circumstance, from wellness checks to physical and neurological disorders. Her particular passions lie with
sports performance and “fitness for life.” As an athlete herself, Dr. LaJoie notes, “I try to teach people how to get the most out of their bodies regardless of activity.” Dr. LaJoie, who began playing soccer at age five, was a multi-sport athlete in high school and ultimately became a college heptathlete, believes that “athletes have an intention to get back to their sport as quickly as possible.” She works to get them back on the field of play efficiently “as long as they are safe to return.”
Dr. LaJoie has held a spot on the Wilsonville High School football sidelines for more than 28 years, starting as an interim trainer when the school opened in 1995. With hundreds of hours of advanced training in sports medicine, she has worked with every sports team at Wilsonville High. Varsity football head coach Adam Guenther shares, “Dr. LaJoie is not just a critical member of our community, she’s vital to our success as a team. She takes care of our players when they are injured and also for optimal performance. She shows the care that everybody deserves in our community. Our athletes are very lucky to have her.”
Athletes that Dr. LaJoie sees at
her
clinic fall into three main categories:
Performance – These athletes are actively engaged in their sport and come to enhance their sports performance. Through chiropractic care, Dr. LaJoie helps them increase flexibility, reduce restrictions, and helps their nervous system function optimally.
Recreation – A new trend in society, casually referred to as “couch-to-pickleball,” involves transitioning from being sedentary to taking up a new activity. This group, consisting of a wide range of ages, seeks to enjoy using their body athletically and to ultimately avoid injury. “Fit AND fun is the name of the game!”
Sports Injury – Athletes initially come in for anything from neck and back pain to ankle sprain or shoulder injury. Once cleared to get back on the field of play, it’s important that these athletes continue being seen to increase strength
Photos by Carly Carpenter
and flexibility of the injured area as well as continuing to improve their overall sports performance. This also helps to reduce risk of repeat injury.
Concussion protocols are also extremely important and Dr. LaJoie worked with the Oregon legislature in 2018 on the Return to Play laws regarding concussions. A headache is often one of the symptoms of a concussion:
“Frequently, there’s a whiplash in the neck that’s causing the headache even when the concussion has resolved,” Dr. LaJoie explains. A chiropractor can treat the recovery from the
concussion as well as the neck injury.
Late mornings on Saturdays, after Friday night varsity football, is known as “Wildcat Hour” at Joy of Life Chiropractic. “Sports can be tough on the body and regular chiropractic care can reduce injuries and improve overall performance.” Dr. LaJoie declares.
“What a joy it is to see young athletes go on to perform in college and in life!”
Sports physicals for middle school and high school athletes are also provided at the clinic. Joy of Life is accepting new patients. Call and schedule your appointment today!
Joy of Life Chiropractic is located at 29955 SW Boones Ferry Road, Suite J, in Wilsonville. Open TuesdaySaturday Call (503) 682-9596 or email joyoflifechiropractic@yahoo.com. For more information visit their website joyoflifechiropractic.com.
Whisking Wonders
Where culinary passion meets family legacy
By Kelly Romo, Contributing Writer
In the heart of our community resides a culinary enthusiast whose recipes and tales from the kitchen transport her loved ones to a world of flavors, memories and warmth. Meet Stephanie Reif, a local cookbook author whose passion for cooking was ignited by her Norwegian grandmother, a cook for a wealthy family in Chicago before moving to the Pacific Northwest. On the other hand, Stephanie’s gift for writing was inherited from her English grandmother, who may not have been a great cook but was an accomplished writer, postmistress and bear hunter in the wilds of Alaska.
Stephanie honed her natural writing skills through the guidance of demanding English teachers at a private school in Seattle. After high school, she pursued higher education at the University of Washington. After earning an English degree, she began a fulfilling decadelong teaching career in Beaverton before fate intervened in the form of a blind date that blossomed into marriage and a lifelong partnership.
resilience and determination. While raising her two children and volunteering in the community, she felt the need for a personal creative outlet. This led her to write for the Canby Herald, where she added a personal recipe at the end of each column. Her passion for cooking opened many doors, including a television program called “Home Sweet Home,” which featured not just her cooking but also other segments about interior design, crafting, gardening and a segment on Home Heritage.
Stephanie’s travels became not just adventures but culinary expeditions. Everywhere she went, she sought out cooking classes. From the spicy kitchens of New Orleans to the diverse dishes of San Francisco, each experience enriched her culinary expertise.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic became a catalyst for Stephanie’s cookbook dreams. With her grandchildren by her side, she embarked on a journey of writing, photographing and self-publishing her culinary adventures. From her first book, MY HOME SWEET HOME KITCHEN, to the heartwarming anecdotes in STORIES FROM MY HOME SWEET HOME KITCHEN,” Stephanie’s books are more than just recipes; they are windows into her world, travels and family.
Stephanie’s journey from a stay-at-home mom to a successful cookbook author is a testament to her
Stephanie began teaching her grandchildren to cook when they were three to four years old. She has been guiding them through the kitchen, nurturing their skills ever since, and now they are accomplished cooks. Each year, on their birthdays, Stephanie gifts them with money for a shopping spree, followed by lunch at a restaurant of their choosing and ending with a delightful tradition of baking either a cake or pie together. Through these shared experiences, she fosters their love for cooking and creates cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
As she delves into her latest creation, MY HOME SWEET HOME KITCHEN: JUST DESSERT, Stephanie blends her love for writing, cooking and family. With each recipe, she hopes to create not just meals but memories that will be cherished for generations to come.
Run to Remember
Summer numbers point to “fishy” fall
By Lucas Holmgren, Contributing Writer
Arecent article of mine discussed the start of a very encouraging number of summer steelhead. What hadn’t started yet was the sockeye salmon run, which is brief for the Lower Columbia and almost completely made up of fish headed far above Bonneville Dam to the upper reaches of the Columbia River. Unlike the summer steelhead and summer Chinook runs, the sockeye run in the Columbia is very brief, and as a result, on a good year, it can be mindblowing how many salmon are swimming by the very banks of Oregon and Washington beaches.
At the time of writing (July 16, 2024), more than 742,000 sockeye have crossed over Bonneville Dam. This is far beyond the previous record of 614,179 sockeye that passed over the first Columbia Dam (Bonneville) in 2014. With such an incredible run of what many consider to be the world’s
best-tasting salmon, one would think that the fishing season in the Lower Columbia would have liberal limits and lots of opportunity. That is not the case this year, as just a few endangered stocks of sockeye in the Snake River have shown some sign of decreased returns, combined with concerns about spawning-time temperatures, which can have a dramatic affect on sockeye salmon as they are not as hardy as other species. Other stocks of sockeye, however, have far exceeded expectations, resulting in increased limits to allow for more harvest.
By the end of July, the sockeye run usually dwindles to small numbers, even on excellent years like 2024. So although 2024 is the best year on record since Bonneville Dam started counting fish returns, residents looking to fish around cities like Vancouver and Portland were not able to fish at the peak of the season due to an early emergency closure of the fishery. This is a common occurrence with many stocks of fish, especially the prized spring Chinook.
Anglers fishing in the Upper Columbia have been able to enjoy excellent fishing and relatively high harvest limits. No matter what, the number of sockeye salmon, not to mention a strong improvement in summer steelhead returns, point to improved ocean conditions, as salmon and steelhead returns are not only affected by their juvenile development in the river, but, in large part, by ocean conditions and predation as well.
With numbers like this returning to the Columbia River, there is an optimistic outlook as to what is usually the best time for salmon fishing in the Northwest: fall. Chinook and coho are more coastal in their ocean migration, and if this summer is any indication, we could be in for a very “fishy” fall.
Chinook salmon
Sockeye salmon
Beyond Beer
Culinary classics celebrate German fall fest
By Robert Matsumura, Contributing Writer
Every autumn, Oktoberfest, whether in Munich, Germany, Mt. Angel, Oregon, or elsewhere, attracts millions of visitors from around the globe, eager to raise a stein of frothy beer and celebrate Bavarian culture. Beyond the beer drinking and polka music are a host of culinary classics that pair perfectly with the beer to make Oktoberfest a hearty, tasty time of year.
Pretzels
These iconic, twisted knots of dough, originally born in a monastery during the Middle Ages, are baked to golden perfection and standard at every Oktoberfest celebration.
Pork
Smoky bratwurst or spicy weisswurst (veal and pork back bacon) are grilled and served with a side of sweet mustard, seasoned with leeks, chives and green onions. Weisswurst were typically eaten in the morning, with the old saying, “Weisswursts should not be allowed to hear the noon chime of the church bells.” Schweinshaxe, roasted pork knuckle, is seasoned with herbs and served with sauerkraut and potato dumplings.
Beef
Sauerbraten, a beef pot roast, is marinated for days in a mix of vinegar, water and spices such as cloves, juniper berries and bay leaves. The roast tastes tangy and is served with a sweetsavory gravy made of gingersnaps alongside red cabbage and potato dumplings.
Dumplings
Made from potatoes, bread or semolina flour, knödel come in a wide variety. Kartoffelknödel (potato dumplings) are popular. A mix of mashed potatoes, flour and sometimes breadcrumbs, they’re boiled until fluffy. Pretzel dumplings are chewy and fused with savory herbs and spices, made for rich gravies and sauces.
Pancakes
A delicious crispy treat, kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes) are crafted from grated potatoes, onions, eggs and flour, and fried until golden brown and served with applesauce or sour cream. On the sweet side, kaiserschmarrn is a shredded pancake served with fruit compote and powdered sugar.
Apples
Apfelstrudel is a traditional apple strudel with cinnamon-spiced apples and raisins and blanketed in thin pastry layers, topped with powdered sugar and whipped cream.
Pairing Perfection
While beer is the star of the show at Oktoberfest, pairing the various culinary specialties featured in this article with their proper mate will heighten one’s gastronomic experience. Weissbier, a wheat beer known for its fruity and spicy notes, is a fine complement for sausages and pretzels. For those partaking in Schweinshaxe, Märzen beers with their malty sweetness and robust character provide a balanced accompaniment. Even apfelstrudel finds a perfect partner in eiswein, a sweet dessert wine that elevates the apple and cinnamon flavors.
Beer, Food and Tradition
Far more than just a beer festival, Oktoberfest is a culinary voyage through Bavarian tradition and hospitality. So whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Oktoberfest enthusiast, grab a stein of beer and a plate of sausages and savor the flavors of autumn. Feel the convivial spirit of community and tradition, and raise a toast to the culinary classics that have made Oktoberfest a cherished world-wide event. Prost!
Into the Vortex
Vortex I, Oregon’s counterculture music festival
By Robert Matsumura, Contributing Writer
The name “Woodstock” reverberates throughout the annals of Rock and Roll history as one of the greatest concerts of all time. Lost to many people today, however, is the memory of Portland’s own version of Woodstock which took place in the summer of 1970. An era defined by the Vietnam War, social upheaval, and the countercultural revolution, these were turbulent times in America, as the winds of change ushered-in debates on the very nature of our country’s identity. In the midst of this turmoil, Oregon became the site of a unique and almost surreal event: Vortex I. This rock festival at McIver State Park on the outskirts of Portland transcended the definition of a “concert.” As memorable as the music was, it proved to be a radical experiment in peacekeeping and a significant event in the cultural history of Oregon.
An Out-of-the Box Solution to Potential Chaos
In the summer of 1970, Governor Tom McCall faced a major dilemma. Portland was set to host the American Legion convention, at which President Richard Nixon was scheduled to appear to promote the continuation of the Vietnam War. As one might imagine, this promised to attract both veterans and crowds of anti-war protesters. In the wake of the tragic events at Kent State University, fears ran high that chaos and violence might erupt at such a contentious event. Motivated to find a solution, McCall and his advisors met with a coalition of Portland counterculture-peace-activists who had devised a strategy to promote the emerging peace community — a music festival called Vortex I: A Biodegradable Festival of Life. McCall agreed to issue a permit for the rock festival to take place at the same time as the American Legion Convention, despite the well publicized nudity
and the marijuana use of the recent Woodstock concert. McCall was quoted as saying he had “just committed political suicide.”
Thus Vortex I was born. The strategy was bold but simple: create a free rock festival to draw potential protesters away from the city. Although it was a gamble, McCall’s willingness to embrace such an unconventional approach is what set Oregon apart.
McIver State Park:
A Natural Haven
Due to its natural beauty, situated along the Clackamas River, McIver Park was chosen as an ideal place to promote love, peace and harmony. The park rapidly transformed into a bustling festival ground with stages, food stalls, and campsites to accommodate the influx of attendees.
Anticipation for the event was palpable. Word spread like wildfire through the counterculture grapevine and soon thousands of young people were migrating to the park. By the start of the festival on August 28, 1970, McIver State Park was brimming with an estimated 30,000 attendees eager to embrace the spirit of Vortex I.
A Festival Unlike Any Other
Vortex I was anything but your typical rock festival. A freeflowing eclectic mix of music, arts, and alternative lifestyles, the festival grounds featured makeshift art installations, communal kitchens and included a free health clinic. Famous national acts such as The Grateful Dead, Santana, and Jefferson Airplane were supposed to have performed at the festival, but never actually did. The music was provided primarily by local talent such as Brown Sugar, Lloyd Jones, and Jacob’s Ladder, among others. Two national acts who did perform were blues harmonica player and vocalist Charlie Musselwhite with his band, and
Soul/R&B singer Gene Chandler backed by the band Funk. The music was diverse, ranging from rock and folk to blues and psychedelic, reflecting the varied tastes of the crowd. Attendees participated in yoga sessions, meditation circles, and impromptu drum jams. It was a celebration of countercultural ideals, with peace, community and environmental consciousness as the focal point.
The Spirit of Vortex I
What made Vortex I unique versus other festivals of the era was its sense of purpose. It wasn’t just a party; it was a statement. The attendees, most of whom had come of age during the civil rights movement and the Summer of Love, saw Vortex I as an opportunity to demonstrate that peace and unity were achievable goals. The event’s mantra: “Break free! Love is the answer” was fully embraced by the festival-goers. This spirit of harmony even extended to relations between the attendees and the authorities. The Oregon National Guard, mobilized to ensure safety and order, found themselves in a unique
position. Prepared for confrontations, they experienced cooperation and respect. Guardsmen were offered food and some even joined in the festivities — a direct contrast to the violence seen at other protests and gatherings across the country.
A Peaceful Legacy
Vortex I was a resounding success in multiple ways. The American Legion convention in Portland proceeded without major incident (as it turned out, Nixon ended up canceling his appearance and Vice President Spiro Agnew appeared in his place), with the festival functioning as intended, by drawing potential protesters away from the city. More importantly, Vortex I left an enduring legacy of peaceful protest and community spirit.
As for Governor McCall, the bold experiment paid dividends. The success of Vortex I earned him national attention and solidified his reputation as a forwardthinking leader. The festival itself came to symbolize the positive potential of creativity and open-mindedness when
applied to problem-solving — that peace and music were harmonious partners, particularly in times of division and strife.
Vortex I in Retrospect
Today, the memory of Vortex I lives on. Remembered fondly by those who attended it, Oregonians can look back to it as a testament to the power of unconventional thinking and the enduring appeal of music and community. More than just a historical footnote, it’s a reminder of a time when Oregon dared to do something different, pioneering innovative solutions to the societal challenges of the time.
So next time you’re enjoying the beauty of McIver State Park, take a moment to reflect on the festival that once transformed this tranquil space into a revolutionary haven of peace and music. If you listen hard, you may still hear the echoes of guitars and the laughter of a generation committed to make the world a better place. Vortex I is now but a part of history, but its spirit lives on, a vibrant part of Oregon’s rich cultural tapestry.
Matilda (1996)
“I’m right and you’re wrong, I’m big and you’re small, and there’s nothing you can do about it.” Oddball, wallflower, nonconformist, weirdo. Whatever you want to call her, Matilda does not belong, especially in her family, almost as if she was adopted. She’s kind, lonely, she loves to read, she can solve large math problems in her head, and, well, eventually she can move things with her mind. And once she’s allowed to go to school, she begins to thrive, finds happiness and is well-beloved by her classmates. She finds a confidant in her teacher, Miss Honey, with whom she shares a common enemy, the scary Ms. Agatha Trunchbull (and Miss Honey’s aunt), who terrifies the school she leads. It’s dark, wryly funny and somehow magical. Starring Mara Wilson as Matilda, Danny DeVito, Rhea Perlman, Embeth Davidtz, Pam Ferris and more. While suffering at the box office, Matilda has become a cult classic since its release. Rated PG for mild violence, scary images and rude language.
Breakfast Club (1985)
“You see us as a brain, an athlete, a basket case, a princess and a criminal. Correct? That’s the way we saw each other at 7:00 this morning. We were brainwashed.” You can’t help but feel existential when watching The Breakfast Club and that’s precisely the point. A movie that examines cliques, stereotypes and teenagers’ desire to be understood by their parents and adults, we learn the secrets and struggles of each student stuck in all-day detention at Shermer High School. We sometimes forget that none of us doesn’t have it all figured out, and that’s very much the case here — each of the students feels the pressure of expectations, whether it’s good grades, athletic success, or beauty. Even the “criminal” and “weirdo” have a reputation to uphold, but they’re just as vulnerable and lovable as anyone else. If there’s a point to this movie, it’s to be kind. Starring most of the “Brat Pack” — Emilio Estevez, Anthony Michael Hall, Judd Nelson. Molly Ringwald, Ally Sheed — as well as Paul Gleason and John Kapelos. Rated R for strong language, adult themes and triggering topics.
Harry Potter (2001)
“You’re a wizard, Harry!” As a millennial who grew up with Harry Potter in real-time, to say this movie is meaningful to me is an understatement. From the mind of a then-single mother on welfare writing in the Elephant House Cafe in Edinburgh, it’s easy to see why the magical world of Harry Potter and Hogwarts so easily whisks you away from reality. Directed by Chris Columbus, the first movie (and second) have an unmistakable warmness to them that’s impossible to hate — like a fireplace on a cozy night. Harry, living with his awful aunt and uncle and cousin, discovers on his 11th birthday that he’s a wizard, and is invited to attend Hogwarts to study magic. It’s a coming-of-age, family comedy, action-adventure fantasy all rolled into one. There are spells and wands, trolls and elves, dark wizards, goblins and unicorns, and all manner of magical creatures running around this mystical world. Rated PG for scary moments and mild language.
Stream these movies where available, or rent from your local movie store, library or rental kiosk.
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