WOODBURN
INCLUDES HUBBARD
COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE
Woodburn Community Advantage Magazine
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
Donovan Darling, Content Manager
PRODUCTION
Jeremy Okai Davis, Art Director
Hilary Berg, Sr. Graphic Designer
Brittany Jungenberg, Sr. Graphic Designer
Morgan King, Sr. Graphic Designer
Shawn Schmidt, Sr. Graphic Designer
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
David Bates Patti Jo Brooks
Tyler Francke Olive Gallagher
Angie Helvey Robert Matsumura
Dennis McNabb Kelly Romo
Alice Wiliams
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Laurel Bice Carly Carpenter
Tyler Francke Angie Helvey
Malaina Kinne Lisa Kuhlman
Kara Langley Tayler Lundquist
Andrew Sambuceto Henry Schifter
Hayley Starkey Brittney Waterman
ADVERTISING SPECIALISTS
Don Ormsby Bill Kistler
Stephanie Baker Jim Belan
Peggy Jacobs David Long
Chris O’Brien John Zobrist
Brad Marti Shelley Zeman
Tina Toney Darren Dwyer
Ashley Berotte Mary Kay Wiens
Looking to reach local consumers?
We Specialize in direct-mail products: community magazine advertising, mailing inserts, postcards and more. For more information, call 503.825.2111 or email info@ActiveMediaUSA.com
CHECK US OUT ONLINE AT CommunityAdvantageMagazines.com
30 COMCAST DISCOVERING WOODBURN French Prairie Kiwanis
JUNE 2023 MEET THE ARTIST
18 SEASONAL Boredom Busters
Rebecca Hardiman
We Treat Patients Of All Ages
“This was the best walk-in care experience we’ve ever had! Everyone was friendly and polite. We were in and out within the hour. We would recommend this place to everyone!”
-Leah S.
•
• Fever & Flu
• Fractures
• Cough & Congestion
• Sprains & Strains
• Minor Eye Injuries Services
• Lacerations
• Skin Rashes & Infections
• Abscess Care
• Allergy & Asthma
• Dehydration
• Sports Physicals
• EKG
• Vaccinations & Immunizations
• On-site Lab & X-Rays
• Sprains & Strains
• Sutures and Stitches
• DOT Physicals (Call to Schedule)
HAZ UNA CARRERA
EMPIEZA EN TU LOCALIDAD
Nuestros mejores talentos son DE ORIGEN LOCAL.
¿Buscas hacer una carrera gratificante con oportunidades de crecimiento y progreso?
Interfor Molalla puede ser el lugar para ti.
$21.25/hr Salario inicial
Paquete de beneficios competitivo, que incluye médico, dental, visión, Short-Term Disability, 401k y Profit Share
$3,000 Bono de inicio, pagado en incrementos durante el primer año
#StartHereGoFar (#ComienzaAquíLlegaLejos)
Presenta tu solicitud en línea en: Interfor.com/careers
Presenta tu solicitud en persona los martes de 9:00 am a 2:00 pm
BUILD A CAREER START LOCAL
Our best talent is HOMEGROWN.
Looking to build a rewarding career with opportunity for growth and advancement?
Interfor Molalla might be the place for you!
$21.25/hr Starting wage
Competitive benefit package, which includes medical, dental, vision, Short-Term Disability, 401k and Profit Share
$3,000 Signing bonus, paid in increments over first year
#StartHereGoFar Apply online at: Interfor.com/careers
Apply in-person on Tuesdays from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Chocolate Ganache Sauce
¼ cup heavy cream
2 ounces finely chopped chocolate
In small saucepan, heat heavy cream on medium-high heat to a boil; turn off heat and add chocolate. Let sit for about 3 minutes, and then stir until smooth.
Churros
Crisp on the outside, soft on the inside and bursting with flavor
SERVINGS: 18
Ingredients
½ cup granulated sugar
¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup water
¼ cup unsalted butter, cubed
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour (scoop and level)
1 large egg
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
* vegetable oil, for frying
Directions
Whisk together sugar and cinnamon in shallow dish, set aside. Heat 1½ inches oil in large pot over medium-high heat to 360°F — maintain temperature. Add water, butter, sugar and salt to large saucepan, bringing to a boil over medium-high heat. Add flour. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring constantly, until smooth; transfer to large bowl. Let cool 5 minutes. Add vanilla and egg to flour mixture; blend with electric mixer until smooth (it will separate at first but keep mixing). Transfer to 16-inch piping bag fitted with a rounded star tip (no bigger than ½ inch). Carefully pipe mixture (6 inches) into preheated oil, and cut end with clean scissors. Fry until golden, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to paper towels briefly, and then to sugar mixture. Roll to coat. Repeat process (frying no more than 5 at once). Serve warm with chocolate ganache (see left) or caramel sauce for dipping.
PET TIPS FOR
JUNE
By Donovan Darling, Staff Writer
Spending time outside with pups and kitties during summer days is fantastic. But it can also be dangerous! Follow these guidelines to help them stay cool and safe.
DRINK UP
Pets dehydrate fast on hot days. Make sure they have a big bowl of fresh water, plenty of shade, don’t overheat them with too much playing, and keep them inside if it’s crazy hot. If your pet is overheated, symptoms may include heavy panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, excessive drooling, weakness, daze, or even collapse. So keep them cool and hydrated.
TAKE A SWIM
Pool water contains chemicals which are toxic if ingested, and many pets can’t swim. If your dog does swim, take them for a dip in a local creek, river, or beach. Just keep them on a leash and/or closeby, and give them plenty of breaks. And enjoy the water!
DON’T PARK
This is no joke – heat stroke can be deadly! Never leave your animals alone in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked. After 1 hour your car can be 43 degrees hotter inside!
GO HIKING
Maybe this one is obvious, but take a trip to the trails with your pup. Sunshine and exercise are great for everyone, and going for a drive will get you out of your rut and comfort zone and maybe even lead to adventure. Make sure to bring water, food, and collapsible dishes for your doggo.
FIREWORKS
With July 4th approaching, it’s good to remember most animals are scared by loud fireworks. If unavoidable, put your pets in a quiet, secure spot to protect them from emotional trauma, burns and toxic chemicals found in fireworks.
BBQ
Barbecue season is here! But with that comes insecticides, herbicides, fertilizers, citronella candles, charcoal, and other dangers. The same goes for alcohol and foods toxic to pets like raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate, and xylitol. And really, most human food isn’t healthy for pets. Keep an eye on your dogs and keep cats inside if possible. Then enjoy!
Sábado, 17 de Junio • 11am–9pm
Domingo, 18 de Junio • 12pm–6pm
DOWNTOWN/CENTRO WOODBURN
SPONSORS:
Features of the event include: Music and entertainment ranges from traditional Mexican music and dancing, to rock bands and acoustic music.
Vendors from around the region will be selling their hand-crafted items and gifts.
Taste food from different regions of Mexico represented by restaurants in the downtown core. After you’ve enjoyed the happenings in the plaza, follow the signs to many of the nearby restaurants, where owners are cooking up and selling special dishes that represent their regions.
A Different Kind of Art Gallery
SUPPLIES
Art Supplies
$13.00
$5.99
$24.95
Quilling Kit: Flower Sampler
Flowers! Flowers! and more Flowers! Learn to make a beautiful rainbow assortment of flowers with our adorable Sampler paper packs! It only takes a few of our Sampler packs of quilling paper to make over 30 different flowers. It’s a fun kit full of possibilities! Kit includes easy-tofollow instructions, pictures and three Sampler packs (8” in length paper strips).
Razzle Dazzle Mini Gem
Art -Cheery Cactus
Includes Cheery Cactus artwork, 1 gem tray, 1 wax pencil, and 6 gem packs. Suitable for ages 8 and up.
Paint by Numbers - Campervan Traveling Around TheWorld
Each kit contains everything you need to get started. A high-quality canvas certified wrinkle-free. An acrylic paint set. A set of 4 brushes You can start painting straight from the box. An A3 paper chart In case you painted the wrong color in a specific numbered area. The complete painting instructions - Perfect for beginners as well as for DIY fans.
Class
Schedule
or
Chalk Art Workshop
June 10th, 1pm to 3pm • Class fee: $50 per person Ages 10 and up (must know how to write in cursive).
Come learn about chalk art, a fun and budgetfriendly artform, from a local, experienced artist. This two-hour class is designed for anyone who is interested in beginning to learn chalk art. Instructor, Emra Nation will teach you her tried and true tips and tricks to create unique designs that are perfect for home décor, special events, or as a gift.
In this class, you’ll learn some of the basic chalk design elements:
• How to draw banners
• How to create shadows
• Basics in lettering
• How to draw beautiful (and easy) flowers and leaves
Kids Summer Art Program
Session One: Under Water Wonders
Class fee: $100 Per Child, For all 3 Classes For all 3 Classes: 11am to 12:30 pm.
Wednesday June 21st
Pigment alcohol inks to make a sea turtle
Wednesday June 28th
Acrylic fluid pouring on 2 coasters and whale Wednesday July 12th
Acrylic painting on a tropical fish
Join Sheryl and make an adorable gnome scene using alcohol inks, a highly pigmented medium used for painting. Learn different ways to create patterns and designs with these inks and incorporate them into a whimsical piece of art (6-by-6-inch) to display. All materials and tools will be provided. *An adult must accompany minors.
Kids Acrylic Painting Class, “The Colorful Wave”
June 29th, 12pm to 2pm Class fee: $30.00 Per Child
Join Angela Hawes in painting “The Colorful Wave.” No experience necessary as Angela will take you through the painting Step by Step. Included with ticket price is everything needed to create your own acrylic painting on a 8”x10” canvas the same night.
To attend a class, registration is required.
RAY OF HOPE Community THRIFT STORE
BOREDOM BUSTERS FOR A SUNNY SUMMER!
By Donovan Darling, Staff Writer
Kids and adults alike CAN’T WAIT for summer to roll around every year. But without fail and after a few weeks, the phrases “I’m bored” and “There’s nothing to do!” are inevitable. Here are some fun things to do to BUST that summer boredom before it starts!
Climb a Tree
This might sound weird, but there’s no better way to feel like a kid or literally get into nature. Read a book or see how high you can climb!
Photograph
With modern cameras, almost anyone can take great photos. Look up a photo challenge or list of practice shots, and get out there. It’s actually quite fun!
Take a Hike
Just getting outside in the fresh air is a great way to enjoy summer. Long or short, flat or steep, woods or beach, it doesn’t matter. Bring some snacks and drinks!
Go Camping
Go to a local state or national park, the beach, or even your backyard! If you’re not a big camper (me neither), roast some marshmallows and hotdogs in a fire pit instead.
Make Popsicles
A favorite of mine and actually very easy. You just need a blender, popsicle mold and sticks, frozen fruit and juice, yogurt, and honey or agave nectar. And it’s a healthy and fun way to eat fruit.
Swim
When it’s finally warm enough to swim in the PNW, find a creek, river, lake, or local beach. If you don’t love swimming, at least get your feet wet, collect rocks or shells, or watch the wildlife.
Upcycle
No, not biking. Upcycling is where you take free old junk and make it into art or something useful, like a bathtub becoming a planter box. The possibilities are endless. Look online!
Play a Sport
Anything from yard games like croquet or cornhole, to golf and tennis, sports are great for exercise, endorphins, and vitamin D. And an easy way to socialize and get outside.
Movie Night
Just the family, or invite friends over. Pop some popcorn, bust out the candy and soda. For a real adventure, rent an outdoor projector and watch outside on a white sheet or blank wall.
ONE HOME AT A TIME WITH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Better and Stronger
Did You Know That I Serve on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity of North Willamette Valley?
Habitat for Humanity is a global nonprofit organization that is dedicated to building affordable housing for families in need. As a proud member of the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity of North Willamette Valley, I am excited to share our exciting initiatives and goals.
Our mission is to build safe, decent, and affordable housing for people across the world. In the North Willamette Valley, we have a goal to provide affordable and sustainable housing for families who live in substandard housing or are
unable to afford homeownership. We are committed to closing the housing gap by offering local families a path to homeownership, building long-term equity and stability.
Our efforts would not be possible without the incredible support of our donors, volunteers, and partners. From financial contributions and donations of land to hours spent building homes and advocating for affordable housing, every contribution helps us better serve our community. We invite all to join us in our collective effort to build stable communities through affordable housing.
I can connect you with resources!
In addition to building homes, we are also dedicated to offering holistic support to our homeowners. We want to make sure that our homeowners succeed in maintaining their new homes, which is why we offer education on topics such as mortgage literacy, home repair, and home maintenance. We believe that homeownership provides more than shelter, and we are committed to empowering families to achieve self-reliance.
You can support us by volunteering, donating, or advocating for affordable housing in our community!
JONATAN RUBIO HERNANDEZ MEET JR
We are thrilled to announce the latest addition to our team of real estate professionals!
Please join us in welcoming JR, who brings a wealth of passion and excitement for real estate. We are excited to see him bring his unique talents and perspectives to our team and help us further elevate the level of service we provide to our clients.
knowledge and expertise to guide you through every step of the process, whether you're
or an experienced investor. Let me help you achieve your real estate goals and start your next adventure. Contact me today to get started.
What do you do for fun?
As a real estate agent, my top priority is to help you achieve your dreams of buying or selling your home. I'm committed to providing exceptional customer service and going the extra mile to ensure that your experience is smooth and stress-free. With a passion for success and a dedication to my clients, I have the 01 02 What languages do you speak?
When I'm not busy assisting clients, I enjoy spending my free time playing golf. I believe that the same principles that make me successful on the golf course apply to my work as a real estate agent - persistence, focus, and dedication.
I am fluent in Spanish and English, which enables me to effectively communicate with a wider range of clients in the real estate industry. Fluido en español e inglés, lo que me permite comunicarme efectivamente con una amplia gama de clientes en la industria inmobiliaria.
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Robin Hood Festival, Sherwood,
DISCOVERING WOODBURN AND BEYOND
Discovering Woodburn and Beyond highlights the best the Woodburn area has to offer, including businesses, nonprofits and residents making a difference. Learn about what makes the French Prairie Kiwanis Club a special organization.
The Breakfast Club
GOOD MORNING AND GOOD DEEDS FROM THE FRENCH PRAIRIE KIWANIS CLUB
STORY BY HILARY BERG
The French Prairie Kiwanis Club was born out of a need to help children and a better time slot for members of the Wooburn Kiwanis Club. Pastor Steve Kufeldt of Hoodview Church of God in Woodburn says the midday meetings were difficult to attend for a number of working Kiwanians, so the “morning group” was founded, in 1979.
Pastor Steve, a proud “morning” Kiwanian welcomes anyone interested in joining Kiwanis to one of their weekly breakfasts. “We meet Thursday mornings at Discovering Woodburn is sponsored by our friends at Comcast Business.
7 o'clock, at the Country Cottage restaurant.” As a guest, you are offered breakfast, and chances are you’ll meet some fantastic people, including a community member scheduled to speak about their business or organization.
Kiwanis, the international organization founded in 1915, has long centered on “serving the children of the world.” In fact, the group has been instrumental in eradicating maternal and neonatal tetanus in what is called The Eliminate Project.
Locally, the French Prairie Kiwanis Club supports a number of area projects and charities, such as AWARE Food Bank, Oregon
...DISCOVERING WOODBURN AND BEYOND
Battle of the Books, Love Santa, Ray of Hope Thrift Store, Love Inc. of North Marion County, Doernbecher Children’s Hospital and more.
French Prairie’s top annual fundraisers and events include the ever-popular Chili Cook-Off in late January and the Chuck Wagon Breakfast, which takes place July 4, from 7 to 10 a.m., at Legion Park. Pastor Steve explains,
“We will serve about 400 to 500 people breakfast to start their Independence Day celebrations. This is an event that has gone back a number of years. I think the Jaycees started it a long
time ago. And then our Kiwanis Club took it over probably in the ’80s and kept it going.”
The annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, marking its 43rd iteration on May 11, represents a collaboration of both Kiwanis Clubs of Woodburn. At the recent gathering, prayers were offered in seven different areas: families; public safety; the business community; schools and education; the faith community; government, and health and welfare. French Prairie Kiwanis Club president Gary Johnson introduced the current
LEFT: At the 2022 Kiwanis Chili Cook-Off at Hoodview Church of God, Woodburn Deputy Chief Jason Millican serves his own recipe while current French Prairie Kiwanis president Gary Johnson (right) waits for a taste. ABOVE LEFT: Pastor Steve Kufeldt (right) and Warde Hershberger at the 2022 Chuck Wagon Breakfast at Legion Park. ABOVE RIGHT: Son of French Prairie Kiwanis Club member Laurie Cooper. Levi Cooper holds his daughter while serving pancakes at the Chuck Wagon Breakfast the morning of Independence Day.
mayor, Frank Lonergan, and the attending prayer leaders.
Indeed, Pastor Steve felt right at home during the Prayer Breakfast, hosted at Woodburn United Methodist Church, but it was not this annual tradition that inspired him to join Kiwanis seven years ago. The service to his community and the focus on helping children is what sparked his alliance with Kiwanis.
“I love Woodburn,” says Pastor Steve. “I love the diversity we have as a community. Kiwanis allows us to partner with other organizations and people in the community, to make this a better place, really for the children in our community and the world.”
Delicious breakfast every week with like-minded people is simply the icing on the cake — rather, bacon on the side. For more about the French Prairie Kiwanis Club, search for the group on Facebook. If you’re not a morning person, learn about the Woodburn Kiwanis Club — “the noon club” — at woodburnkiwanis.portalbuzz.com.
French Prairie Kiwanis
Meetings: Country Cottage Restaurant, Thurs., 7 a.m. 503-982-7040
www.facebook.com/ frenchprairie.kiwanis
All That Jazz
A local treasure celebrating her 10th year of bringing the best jazz in the city to Langdon’s Grill in Aurora!
BY DENNIS MCNABB, STAFF WRITER
Rebecca Hardiman is a unique and singular talent. Growing up on a steady diet of jazz standards courtesy of her father, she gained a genuine appreciation for the genre at a young age. By the time she reached high school, she discovered she had an innate talent for singing in that style, and began honing her skills in the jazz choir. Straight out of high school, she auditioned and was selected out of over 100 applicants to enter the prestigious Soundsation Vocal Jazz program at Edmonds College in Washington. That’s where she got her first taste of life on the road, touring Europe and performing at a host of different festivals and venues.
Dazzling audiences and fellow musicians everywhere she performed, she was then recruited to join the prestigious Bostonbased vocal jazz group, The Ritz. There she began her professional career, recorded her first CD entitled “The Ritz,” and met her future husband, Ray Hardiman (the group’s keyboard player). It was an incredible and enlightening experience for them both, but playing in a touring band while simultaneously working full-time jobs was unsustainable as a long-term way of life.
In 1990, they moved from the East Coast back to Rebecca’s home state of Oregon. They continued playing with a variety of local bands—most notably, the vocal jazz group Euphoria which Rebecca
not only formed, but also played in for over a decade. Entertaining and inspiring audiences all over the Northwest, they were a cornerstone of the festival circuit, but it was all familiar territory for Rebecca. She was and always had been a part of a larger group. It was time to break out on her own, and that’s when her star truly began to shine.
In March of 2013, Ray began playing Friday nights at Langdon’s Grill. Shortly thereafter, Rebecca joined him, and over the succeeding months they developed a rabid following. Now, exactly 10 years later, Rebecca, Ray, and Whitney Moulton–their incredible bass player who is an equally incredible human being and integral part of the group–are one of the most popular and renowned jazz house bands in the Portland Metro Area. And their home is right here in Aurora! While their regular band consists of Rebecca, Ray, and Whitney, they also attract a host of guest musicians from all over the Northwest. Everyone who is anyone on the Portland jazz scene jumps at the chance to play with this “little band” out in Aurora.
So, listen up folks! Next time you and the spouse are looking for a fantastic Friday date night, including great food, great atmosphere, and the best entertainment in the city, look no further than Langdon’s Grill. Every Friday night between 6-8 PM, Rebecca, Ray, and Whitney hit the stage, and they will absolutely transport you to another world! Come celebrate 10 years of excellence!
Check out her website at RebeccaHardiman.com for more information and access to her incredible recordings.
Matt Groening Oregon Cartoonist
Once-struggling artist succeeds with worldwide hit “The Simpsons”
By Robert Matsumura, Contributing Writer
“D’oh!”
This simple catchphrase of Homer Simpson’s from the hit TV show
“The Simpsons” is so famous that it’s been listed number six on TV Land’s 100 Greatest Television Catchphrases. The state of Oregon has contributed its share of inventions to the global community, from athletic shoes to more prosaic items such as the Tater Tot™ and Phillips screw. Perhaps the zaniest, however, are the creations of cartoonist Matt Groening.
Born in Portland, Oregon in 1954, Matt Groening (pronounced gray-ning) grew up in the City of Roses in a neighborhood near Washington Park. After attending Ainsworth Elementary School and Lincoln High School, Groening spent his college years up north in Washington at Evergreen State College in Olympia, which during the ’70s the cartoonist describes as “a hippie college, with no grades or required classes, that drew every weirdo in the Northwest.” At Evergreen, Groening served as editor of the campus newspaper, The Cooper Point Journal, for which he also contributed articles and drew comics. Inspired from a young age to draw cartoons, Groening has cited Disney classics such as “101 Dalmatians” to Monty Python and the works of Charles M. Schultz as influential in his development. At Evergreen, he was befriended by fellow cartoonist Lynda Barry who had impressed him by writing a letter to one of Groening’s favorite authors, Joseph Heller, and she actually received a response. Groening has credited Barry as being one of his biggest inspirations.
After graduating from Evergreen with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism in 1977,
Matt moved to Los Angeles to pursue writing. After enduring a “series of lousy jobs,” including bussing tables at a nursing home, landscape work at a sewage treatment plant, chauffeuring, ghost writing for a retired Western director and working as a sales clerk at Hollywood Licorice Pizza record store, he began sketching out cartoons based upon his experiences of living in L.A. This self-published comic book titled “Life in Hell” was partially inspired by a chapter in Walter Kauffman’s book “Critique of Religion and Philosophy,” titled “How to Go to Hell.” After distributing his “Life in Hell” comics from the book section at Licorice Pizza, he sold his first comic to avantgarde “Wet” magazine in 1978.
At a subsequent job for the alternative newspaper, the Los Angeles Reader, Groening convinced the editor to run his comic strip on a regular basis.
“Life in Hell” (1984) became a hit almost immediately. Groening’s then girlfriend, Deborah Callahan, who worked with Groening at the Reader, helped the cartoonist publish his first book, “Love is Hell,” which
was based on relationships. It was an underground success, selling 22,000 copies in its first two printings. The subsequent “Work is Hell” (1985) was also a hit. By the time his “Hell” series had run its course, “Life in Hell” had been carried in 250 weekly newspapers and anthologized in a series of books which included “School is Hell,” “Childhood is Hell,” “The Big Book of Hell,” and “The Huge Book of Hell.”
The stage was now set for Groening’s next big move. The success of Groening’s “Hell” series caught the attention of Hollywood director/producer James L. Brooks. In 1985, Brooks contacted Groening and began exploring working together on a production for television. What emerged from this creative union was the Simpson family, which Groening conceived while waiting in the lobby of Brooks’ office. He had originally intended to adapt the “Life in Hell” characters for television, but fearing the loss of ownership rights, he chose to move in a different direction.
The Simpson family was named after members of Groening’s own family — Homer the portly father (and in honor of the Greek poet), Marge (Margaret) the slender wife, and three children —
scripted show and longest-running animated series in American television history.
Bart the bratty son, Lisa the bright middle child, and Maggie (Margaret) the baby. Instead of naming the son after himself, which he felt was too obvious, he selected the name Bart which was an anagram of Brat.
“The Simpsons” originally premiered as a short cartoon on “The Tracey Ullman Show” in 1987. By 1989, however, “The Tracey Ullman Show” was on its way out, but “The Simpsons” had proved so popular that Fox (which aired the show) decided to produce an entire half hour program dedicated to Homer and his dysfunctional yet relatable family. In 1989, “The Simpsons” debuted on Fox on a weekly basis, and to Groening and Fox’s surprise the show became a smash hit. Groening’s goal of creating a show that offered the audience an alternative to what he termed “mainstream trash” took the world by storm. Considered by many to be one of the smartest shows on television due to Groening’s sharp satirical wit and complex characters, “The Simpsons” has won over 20 Emmy awards and now stands as the longest-running primetime
Many of the characters and locales on “The Simpsons” were inspired by Groening’s Oregon roots. Springfield, the town where The Simpsons reside, has been revealed by the cartoonist in an interview with “Smithsonian Magazine,” to indeed be a reference to Springfield, Oregon near Eugene. Groening liked the fact that Springfield was such a generic name that audiences across the country could identify with it. As a tribute to its “Simpsons” connection, murals have been created at locales across Eugene-Springfield by a number of local artists. While many fans believe that Sideshow Bob Terwilliger was a reference to Terwilliger Boulevard, Groening has revealed that the character was actually inspired by Dr. Terwilliker from the film “The 5000 Fingers of Dr. T.” Other names from the show, however, were derived from Portland street names such as Lovejoy, Flanders, Kearney, Powell, and Quimby. Chief Wiggum drew his name from Groening’s mother’s maiden name. Although Groening went on to create other inventive shows such as “Futurama,” an animated comedy series about life in the year 3000, “Krusty the Clown,” a Simpsons spinoff, and “Disenchantment,” a fantasy-comedy series for Netflix, none of these projects were nearly as popular or culturally relevant as “The Simpsons.”
If you happen to be a fan of Matt Groening and were ever curious about the inspirations for his zany creations which have literally shaped contemporary culture, look no further than right here in the Pacific Northwest. You may very well be driving on a street or through a town that gave birth to some of your favorite cartoon characters!
Photo courtesy of UCSB Arts & Lectures
Louie Louie!
Portland band contributes to Rock and Roll History
By Robert Matsumura, Contributing Writer
There’s something about the song “Louie Louie” by the Kingsmen that to this day gets people on their feet and out on the dance floor. So impactful is the song, in fact, that it’s been honored for its influence on the history of rock and roll, and earned recognition in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Grammy Hall of Fame, “Rolling Stone” magazine, and the National Endowment of the Arts. Were you aware, however, that this famous song, and the band that performed it, are from Portland, Oregon?
The Kingsmen formed in Portland, Oregon in 1959. As teenagers, they performed at high school parties, dances and supermarket openings, covering popular music on the radio. In time, the Kingsmen developed into one of the top bands in the Portland area, but it wasn’t until 1963 that they actually produced their first recording. The song “Louie Louie,” and an instrumental piece, “Haunted Castle,” were produced on a tape which the Kingsmen used for an audition on a cruise ship. The entire recording session cost $36. Although they failed to land the gig, Jerry Dennon, a Seattle record producer, pressed a few hundred copies on his regional label, Jerden. Although Northwest music fans knew “Louie Louie” as released by Richard Berry (1956) and the Wailers (1961), the song wasn’t familiar in other regions. Eventually, the Kingsmen’s version reached the East Coast and earned air time on a couple of Boston radio stations, generating a massive response from listeners. Dennon subsequently negotiated a deal with New York’s Wand label for mass production and distribution of the song. Wand held up their end of
the bargain, and “Louie Louie” exploded in several markets, skyrocketing up the charts.
As the song’s popularity began to wane, a controversy regarding the lyrics arose. The record was banned from sales and airplay in certain states in response to teens nationwide believing the lyrics contained obscene words. As one might expect, this only stimulated interest in the song, to the extent that the FBI investigated the band, tracking them across the country for over a year. They ultimately deemed the recording “unintelligible.” Wand reissued “Louie Louie” in 1964 (and in 1965 and 1966) where the record reached #2 in Billboard and #1 in Cashbox. The Kingsmen’s first LP resulted from a live recording in 1963 at The Chase, a teen nightclub in Milwaukee, Oregon. “Money,” their second Wand single, came from this live LP. At one point, the Kingsmen had two singles and three LPs on the charts simultaneously. In 1965, the Kingsmen set 56 consecutive attendance records in colleges, ballrooms, arenas, state fairs and community dances, and became the #1 touring band in the U.S. They appeared in concert and on television with British acts such as The Rolling Stones, The Zombies, The Kinks and others. North American bands such as The Righteous Brothers, The Beach Boys, The Four Seasons, The Isley Brothers, The Guess Who, and The Byrds also featured them. The Kingsmen appeared on top TV music shows including “Shindig,” “Hullabaloo,” “American Bandstand,” and even the beach party movie “How to Stuff a Wild Bikini.”
So, the next time you hear “Louie Louie” playing on the radio or at an event, know that this legendary rock and roll classic, and the band that made it popular, originated right here in Oregon!
Value, Care, Respect
Woodburn’s finest auto body and service center
By Patti Jo Brooks, Contributing Writer
Photos by Andrew Sambuceto
Value, care and respect! That’s the gold standard at Mid-Valley Auto Body & Service Center in Woodburn. From collision repair to routine maintenance, Mid-Valley Auto Body, a complete automotive repair shop, provides skill and expertise in an allinclusive family-like atmosphere. Serving Woodburn and the surrounding region, Mid-Valley Auto Body & Service Center is a dynamic business that continues to keep pace with the growing needs of the community.
At Mid-Valley Auto Body & Service Center everyone is welcome! “We want women, senior citizens and everybody that comes through our doors to feel welcome,” proclaim Alfonso and Sandra Herrera, local operators and business owners since 2020. Committed to great customer service, they emphasize “that our customers are going to be well taken care of.” Originally one of three collision shops in town, Mid-Valley Auto Body is now “the only collision shop here in Woodburn,” Alfonso acknowledges. To the Herreras’ credit, not only have they maintained a successful business, but they have grown and expanded during some very challenging times.
Specializing in collision and paint repair, Mid-Valley Auto Body & Service Center will help customers navigate their insurance claims. “We work with all insurance companies although we do not partner directly with them, because we work
for our customers and repair vehicles back to pre-loss conditions using factory parts and high-quality paint and repair materials,” the Herreras explain. “We have a team of highly skilled mechanics in the service department and quality collision repair technicians in the auto body department.” All makes and models, including trucks and fleet vehicles, are serviced and repaired as quickly as possible.
Just need routine maintenance? Schedule your service appointment with Araceli or Alejandra, who welcome you with a friendly front office customer service experience. Whether your vehicle needs a tune-up, the “check engine” light is on, or you’re experiencing irregular noises or handling, Mid-Valley Auto Body & Service Center, open Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., will diagnose the issue and present the service options. “The customer always decides what repairs to make,” Alfonso affirms. Dedicated to transparency, services and pricing are also conveniently listed on Mid-Valley Auto Body’s website, midvalleyautomotivecenter.com.
Ask about senior and veteran discounts and watch for advertised coupons. Other ways Mid-Valley Auto Body & Service Center gives back to the community is by sponsoring local sports teams and continuous involvement with Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, church auctions and more. “We also have a scholarship for kids pursuing an automotive career which we offer to Woodburn High School and plan to expand to North Marion and Gervais,” Alfonso adds.
Mid-Valley Auto Body & Service Center is located at 2333 N Pacific Hwy. in Woodburn. For more information about their services, visit midvalleyautomotivecenter.com or email the business at info@midvalleyautomotivecenter.com for additional information. Call (503)981-3550 today to schedule an appointment!
Honoring Fallen Firefighters
Woodburn Fire District Shines a Light on Fallen Firefighters
National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend
As dusk turns to dark during the first weekend of May, more than 400 iconic buildings, landmarks, fire departments and communities across the country glowed in respect to the fallen and their families for Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters.
Participants included One World Trade Center in New York City, the Wrigley Building in Chicago and the LAX Pylons in Los Angeles. This nationwide lighting, sponsored by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), led up to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend on May 6 .
May 4–7, the City of Woodburn and the Woodburn Fire District lit up the city’s bridge that crosses Interstate 5 in red in remembrance of these fallen heroes.
Fire Chief Joe Budge shared, “We are honored that the cty of Woodburn took part in Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters by
adding their lights to this radiant nationwide tribute. The lights shone bright, not only in memory of America’s fallen firefighters, but in support of their loved ones.”
During the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, 147 firefighters who died in the line of duty were honored. A bronze plaque bearing the names of the fallen was officially added to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. A complete list of fallen firefighters being honored, along with related videos, photos, media, and streaming information, is available at firehero.org/events/memorialweekend/2023-roll-honor/.
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Veteran-Tough Tools
Spec Ops dedicated to making a difference
At Long Bros., we salute our veterans, active military members and first responders. So, when we learned about Spec Ops Tools, we knew we wanted to carry the product line.
Short for special operations, Spec Ops was started in the spirit of camaraderie, the heart of our country’s armed forces. As stated on the company’s website (www.specoptools.com): “We were founded on more than just a determination to create better tools. We’re a band of brothers and sisters, brought together and inspired by a seemingly ordinary gym conversation between two army veterans: one, a former leader of a global tool company, and the other a combat veteran who was wounded during an ambush in
early 2018, Spec Ops Tools was born with a single mission: Never forget those who serve us and never fail those we serve.”
In support of veterans and first responders, Spec Ops donates 3% of sales from each purchase through nonprofit partnerships, direct charitable contributions to organizations, individuals and their families, event sponsorships and more. Spec Ops proudly supports the Green Beret Foundation, Navy Seal Foundation and the Gary Sinise Foundation.
Afghanistan. Paralyzed from the waist down, his challenges went beyond the hardships of transitioning to civilian life. He was struggling to secure the aid he needed to add wheelchair ramps to his home, and after far too many delays, he gave up and funded the modifications from his own pocket.
“It was this exchange that sparked the other veteran and his team to act. They became determined to leverage their industry experience to help not only veterans, like his friend at the gym but the millions of hardworking people who count on their tools to build their slice of the American dream. As a result, in
Spec Ops tools include: levels, hammers, tape measures, pry bars, screwdrivers, knives, nut driver sets, tool sets, chisels, nail sets, fastening tools, work lights, headlamps, and merchandise.
Stop by Long Bros. Building Supply to check out the special product line that’s so much more than just quality tools.
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