YAMHILL COUNTY
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Yamhill County Community Advantage Magazine
FEB/MAR 2025
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
Justin Andress, Communications Manager
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Hilary Berg Sean Carver
Dani DeGraw Brittany Jungenberg
Morgan King Justin Nelson
Shawn Schmidt 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
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
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
Helping Build Future Innovators
Patton teacher earns national recognition
By Kelly Romo, Active Media
Michele Reschly, a STEM teacher at Patton Middle School in McMinnville, has been selected as a teacher ambassador for the Smithsonian’s Network for Emergent Socio-Scientific Thinking (NESST) program. This recognition highlights her commitment to innovative STEM education and her role in inspiring students to engage with real-world challenges. Last year, she also received the recognition of Regional Teacher of the Year.
Ms. Reschly is a McMinnville native and former Patton Middle School student. She began her career as a chemical engineer, but due to life events, including the loss of her parents and the responsibility of raising a child with high-functioning autism, she shifted her focus toward education. Ms. Reschly went back to school and earned her teaching credential in chemistry. When a STEM position opened at Patton Middle School, she seized the opportunity and was hired to teach at her alma mater.
Ms. Reschly teaches introductory engineering to 6th graders and elective STEM courses for 7th and 8th graders. STEM classes blend engineering and science, both areas she is passionate about.
These classes also align with high school pathways and help students build foundational skills for advanced learning. STEM education fosters essential problem-solving skills and resilience. Students are encouraged to learn from failure and adapt their approaches to gain technical knowledge as well as life skills. This approach empowers students to take ownership of their education and apply it to real-world problems through student-led investigative learning.
Her role as a NESST ambassador connects her local efforts with global initiatives. The program emphasizes the United Nations’ sustainability goals and focuses on how scientific thinking can address societal issues. These activities also emphasize the importance of teamwork and the potential for science to create meaningful change.
In her classroom, Ms. Reschly guides students through projects that promote critical thinking and creativity. Her students have designed various projects such as water purification systems, disaster preparedness pods and solar ovens. One creative group designed a video game that simulated ocean cleanup.
The McMinnville community has played an integral part in supporting STEM education. Local businesses have contributed resources, collaborated on projects and provided field trip opportunities that have created connections between classroom learning and practical applications. Ms. Reschly also incorporates partnerships with initiatives such as Edible Yamhill. Her greenhouse class grows seedlings and plants for a Farm to Table Unit, and have even adopted a planter box on Alpine Avenue.
Ms. Reschly pointed out she is only part of a broad network of talented, dedicated educators within the McMinnville School District. While this article focuses on her achievements and contributions, countless teachers in the district are working tirelessly to inspire, educate and empower students. Together, they are shaping the future, fostering innovation, and building a stronger, more connected community through their collective efforts — and Ms. Reschly is proud to do her part.
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Owners Shane Rodriguez and Troy DeYoung. Together, they have over 30 years of experience in the HVAC industry.
Chemeketa Graduates: The Backbone of Our Community
From the paramedics saving lives to the dental assistants ensuring your brightest smile, Chemeketa Community College graduates are everywhere, making a difference.
They are the auto mechanics keeping you on the road, the electricians powering your homes and businesses, and the skilled professionals driving our local economy forward.
Our community depends on their expertise, and so do local employers. At Chemeketa, we provide the training and hands-on experience needed to build a healthy, strong, and thriving community.
Will you be among our next group of graduates?
Explore our diverse career education pathways in healthcare, skilled trades, technology, and beyond. Your future starts here.
Chemeketa Community College
Building Careers, Strengthening Communities.
Anything (1989)
A fresh and modern rom-com that hilariously and awkwardly navigates the cultural clash between two families, the movie follows Ezra (Jonah Hill), who’s Jewish, and Amira (Lauren London), who’s Black and Muslim. While they’re deeply in love they struggle to bring their families together — a task that proves to be heartfelt, relatable, and funny. Ezra and Amira’s relationship, which portrays a love that feels tender and real, is challenged not by their own doubts but by the prejudices and misunderstandings of their families, played brilliantly by Eddie Murphy and Julia LouisDreyfus. This familial tug-of-war adds a layer of complexity to the movie, and suggests that love is shaped and tested by what we can’t control. For Valentine’s Day viewers, You People serves as both a cautionary tale and a celebration of the enduring power of love, with all its imperfections. Rated R for strong language and mature themes.
Dobler (John Cusack) is the prototypical lovestruck dreamer, chasing after Diane Court (Ione Skye), the class valedictorian with a complicated family life. What makes this movie so enduringly romantic is its simplicity: love here isn’t flashy but genuine. Lloyd’s now iconic boombox scene — a serenade to Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes” — is pure movie magic and an example of the grand romantic gestures of the past. The movie’s ’80s vibe, with its mixtapes, payphones, and heartfelt rebelliousness, adds a certain nostalgic charm, perfect for those reminiscing about first loves. As a Valentine’s treat, Say Anything reminds us that love is about persistence, honesty, and embracing imperfection, even in a perfectly imperfect world. Rated PG-13 for mature themes. You People (2023)
Few movies capture the essence of young love quite like Say Anything. Cameron Crowe’s cult classic is the perfect combination of passion, vulnerability, and grand romantic gestures. Lloyd
Pixar’s Elemental is a whimsical love story set in Element City, where fire, water, air, and earth coexist but rarely mix. The movie shines as a celebration of love’s ability to transcend differences. Ember, an obviously “fiery” and passionate character, meets Wade, a gentle, free-flowing water elemental, and their connection grows in spite of social rules and personal hesitancy. Their, ahem, “chemistry,” is both touching and playful, and a play on how opposites attract. Pixar’s hallmark storytelling and gorgeous animation bring the relationship to life, from awkward beginnings to heartfelt resolution. Ember and Wade’s journey is a reminder that true love isn’t about finding someone identical to you — it’s about embracing what makes you different. Perfect for kids and the young at heart, Elemental is a Valentine’s Day treat. Rated PG.
Beyond Taxes
Serving the community’s growing needs
as a Featured Franchisee of the Year. Of the 900 franchisees represented, only three of these awards are handed out each year. Based on performance, top growth and top customer satisfaction nationwide, Olson won in the 3-7 office category.
By Patti Jo Brooks, Active Media
Photos by Malaina Kinne, Active Media
We all know that H&R Block is well-established as a personal tax filing company, but are you aware that they offer so much more? As the company celebrates 70 years of service, the business services division continues to grow steadily right along with their tax notice services and audit representation services. Customer service is also a key element as clients are served in the way they prefer and according to their own timeframe. So yes, let H&R Block assist with your personal and business tax returns, but once that’s off the table, take advantage of their year-round bookkeeping and payroll services. You’ll be glad you did!
“We handle payroll, bookkeeping, business tax returns, corporate tax returns, estates and trusts,” says H&R Block franchise owner Kevin Olson. “Clients can work with us in person or virtually,” he points out, adding “We focus on what our clients’ expectations are, how they want to be served and when they want to be served.” Whether you’re an individual who owns rental property, a self-employed driver or incorporated with millions in annual receipts and multiple employees, your H&R Block professional will present all the options and services available for you to choose from.
Owner of three local H&R Block franchises — McMinnville, Newberg and Lincoln City — Olson is an Enrolled Agent with 20 years of experience, a Master Tax Advisor and Small Business Certified. In November, he was honored at the annual convention
As the owner of a family business, Olson cares as much about his employees as he does about his clients. During tax season, he staffs around 35-40 employees and maintains a year-round full-time staff of fourteen. Quick to show his appreciation for all their hard work, he holds an “end of tax season” party for all to enjoy. Winter and summertime celebrations also contribute to the dynamic culture of these H&R Block franchises.
Growing up in McMinnville, Olson spent many hours at the local McMinnville H&R Block office, which was opened in 1967 by his mother. He began working there at age fifteen and took over as manager in 2004. He purchased the McMinnville franchise in 2018, adding the Newberg and Lincoln City locations in 2020.
Actively involved in the local community, H&R Block is a major sponsor for McMinnville Junior Baseball Organization, McMinnville Soccer Club, as well as several nonprofits. They also support the McMinnville Short Film Festival and the Grand Sheramina Food Bank.
Call or stop by any one of Kevin Olson’s three locations! H&R Block McMinnville is located at 865 NE Hwy 99 W, Suite F, phone 50-472-4596; Newberg location is 2504 E Portland Rd, phone 503538-3640; Lincoln City office is 2413 NW Hwy 101, phone 541-9946928. For online services search: H&R Block Kevin Olson.
From the Ground Up
Regenerative farm harmonizes land, animals and people
the farm. The biggest hurdle was finding a water source, but through the purchase of 10 neighboring acres with a well and the development of a water retention permaculture system, Tabula Rasa Farms became official in 2015.
The principles of regenerative farming aim to restore and enhance soil health by treating the operation as a cohesive ecosystem. “What we’re doing is preindustrial age: people rotated their animals through pastures regularly,” Brenda explains. “We use them as tools for fertilization and whatever they do best — the pigs till the earth, the cattle fertilize it, and the chickens add a ton of nitrogen.” With lush pastures and forested land to graze on, all animals are treated with the utmost respect, and the delicious, highly nutritious meat they produce is the true testament.
By Angie Helvey, Active Media
It’s easy to forget how lucky we are to live in a region so rich in agriculture. “Instead of going to the grocery store, you can buy direct from farmers — it’s a cool thing,” says Brenda Smola-Foti. Brenda founded Tabula Rasa Farms ten years ago in the heart of the Willamette Valley, and it’s flourished into a regenerative farming empire that works with the valley’s ecosystem to bring fresh local bounty to your family’s table.
The farm raises forested pork, about 120 hogs annually, around 300 pasture-raised turkeys, and 400 laying hens. It also breeds and raises heritagebreed beef cattle, with about 80 cows on the farm at any given time. Everything is locally processed, and they’ve got all the bases covered in terms of distribution, including direct-to-consumer shipping, herd shares, CSAs, and curated combinations of prepackaged cuts available through their marketplace, Source Farms, at local farmers’ markets and the farm stand. Source Farms was acquired from Chrissie and Koorosh Zaerpoor of Kookoolan Farms, and Brenda continued what they had created, a marketplace for neighboring farmers and ranchers to sell their goods.
A small-town country girl at heart, Brenda is a 7thgeneration farmer who grew up in Oklahoma as the daughter of a cattle rancher. After years of building careers and living in big cities, she finally settled in Oregon. “I owned an old farmstead when I lived in New York, and it reawakened the idea of living closer to the land and raising cattle,” she says. After moving to Portland and becoming a dedicated locavore, she bought 23 acres outside of Carlton in 2008 and began the arduous journey of building
About four years ago, Tabula Rasa added a Market Garden that yields an abundance of fresh, naturally grown produce available in the farm store and as a CSA. “It’s your everyday staples like potatoes and cabbage, but we spice it up with more exotic vegetables,” Brenda says. “You’ll also get online recipes to learn how to cook them. Many vegetables are a bit out of the norm for our society, but they’re delicious and so nutritious.” The Market Garden also grows produce for their farm-to-table restaurant in Historic Downtown McMinnville, Humble Spirit. The culinary side of the business offers catering services, and the team has
plans to open another soon-to-be favorite spot for locals in March 2025. Having a relationship with your local farmer and food producer is priceless in our society. Tabula Rasa invites the public for seasonal farm tours to meet the animals and learn all about regenerative farming. For a true getaway in the countryside, they’ve created three picturesque destination lodgings that provide the perfect opportunity to escape the bustle of the city. These include the estate at Source Farms, the
Farm House At Tabula Rasa, and a ninebedroom B&B called Inn The Ground that’s literally built into a hillside. Brenda’s husband, Frank Foti, sold his business in Portland in 2019 and joined her in Yamhill County, where they’ve both fully embraced country life. What started with Tabula Rasa Farms has grown into a flourishing ecosystem of businesses known as The Ground. At its core, Tabula Rasa Farms reflects Brenda’s passion for regenerative
agriculture. “This planet that we live on— it’s in crisis—and regenerative farming is a way to help address some of those issues,” Brenda explains. “It’s about the ecosystem as a whole. We believe that happy plants and animals equal happy people and bountiful earth.”
The Source Farms’ Farm Stand — Tabula Rasa Farms’ marketplace — is located at 15713 Highway 47 in Yamhill. Please give them a call at 503-730-7535 or visit their website at www.tabularasafarms.com.
Building Futures
Wolves Rising campaign a $20 million effort
By Dave Beasley, Western Oregon University
Western Oregon University recently launched a comprehensive fundraising campaign, Wolves Rising: The Campaign for Western Oregon University. This $20 million effort is broken down into three pillars: Scholarships, Wolves Athletics and Student Success. Each pillar will help the university grow and expand resources to meet the needs of over 3,800 students.
At $10 million, the scholarships pillar represents half of the entire campaign total and with good reason: many Western students rely on scholarships to complete their degrees. Half of Western students are the first in their families to attend college, and 40% are eligible for federal Pell Grants, which are only reserved for students who demonstrate extraordinary financial need. A scholarship can be the difference between continuing to pursue a college education and dropping out.” Wolves Rising will ensure that Western can offer even more need- and merit-based scholarships for deserving students.
The goal for Wolves Athletics, Oregon’s only NCAA Division II Athletic program, is $5 million. Over 430 student-athletes represent the university in 14 NCAA sports. Boasting over 40 conference championships, five NCAA Division II national championships, and over 20 national playoff berths, including one last year by the #23-ranked men’s soccer team, Western has a proud athletic tradition that stretches back over a century. Wolves student-athletes are champions in the classroom too, with an overall GPA of 3.09 for the men’s teams and 3.44 for the
women’s teams. Western can currently fund only 44% of its NCAA-allotted scholarships, with over 40% of student-athletes receiving less than $5,000 in athletic support. Despite the limited scholarship and program resources currently available, Wolves student-athletes are champions on and off the field. Funds raised through the campaign will go towards critical initiatives including a new turf soccer field and enhancing the studentathlete experience through scholarships and programmatic support.
Student Success is at the heart of the university’s mission, and $5 million of the campaign is reserved for initiatives and programs that help students thrive during their time at Western and earn their degrees. In recent years, Western has invested in student resources and support, focusing on first-generation college students and Western’s growing Hispanic/ Latinè student population, which now stands at 25%. These include financial literacy, network building, career readiness, leadership opportunities, and mental health support. Funds from the campaign will also support the new
Student Success Center, which opened in January, will be a one-stop shop for many of these services, allowing students a centralized place to find resources, support, and community.
Western Oregon University recognizes the importance, power and value of education, and is quickly becoming the university of choice for students in the state. With 84% of students from Oregon, Western students and graduates together make a difference in Polk, Marion and Yamhill counties and many other regions across the state. The Wolves Rising campaign will allow the university to do even more to support students who will shape the future of the state.
Join the pack and support the university in exceeding its goal to continue to transform the lives and trajectories of students, families, and communities across Oregon wou.edu/wolvesrising.
Western Oregon University is featured in The College Tour, an award-winning Amazon Prime TV series.
Trailblazer in Print
The first Black author published in The Oregonian
By Oregon Black Pioneers
Katherine Hall Bogle was a journalist and a civil rights advocate for Black Oregonians. Kathryn Hall was born in 1906 on her great-grandparents’ farm in Oklahoma Territory. Her mother Lillian was a domestic worker. Soon after her birth, the two moved to Kansas City, Missouri and then to Portland. Lillian married Herman Baker, and the family moved several times between Oregon and Washington. Kathryn spent much of her youth in Marshfield, Oregon (today the city of Coos Bay).
Kathryn later recalled the intense discrimination her family experienced in Marshfield. She changed schools several times because of bullying, and her parents faced racism at work. The Bakers eventually moved to Portland, but their fortunes were not much improved; their white neighbors often refused to speak to them.
Katherine graduated from Portland’s Washington High School, but could not find fulfilling work opportunities because of racist employment practices.
In 1927, Kathryn married Richard Bogle, a student at Oregon Agricultural College, today’s Oregon State University. Richard came from a family of Black pioneers who had been among the early Black residents of both Oregon and Washington. He took a job at the Portland Hotel and the couple purchased a home in southeast Portland.
Kathryn was a lifelong activist. In 1937, she protested the poor coverage of Black people in the Oregonian. In response, the newspaper gave her the opportunity to write her own story. Bogle’s essay, “An American Negro Speaks of Color,” described the realities
of Black Oregon life and was the paper’s first published submission from a Black author. After her essay’s publication, Bogle became a freelance journalist. She wrote for the Northwest Enterprise, the Portland Observer, and The Skanner, all prominent Black newspapers in the city
Her influence gave her the ability to promote social causes as well. Bogle spent seventeen years with the Boys and Girls Aid Society, was an active member of the Portland Branch of the NAACP, and supported the relocation efforts of Vanport survivors in 1948. Bogle also organized local efforts to support the Black residents of Montgomery, Alabama during their 1955 bus boycott.
Bogle was a co-founder and lifetime member of Portland’s St. Philip the Deacon Episcopal Church, and worked for seven years as a caseworker for Good Samaritan Hospital’s outpatient clinic. In 1993, Bogle was presented a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Portland Association of Black Journalists. Late in her life, Kathryn helped found the Friends of the Golden West, an organization dedicated to the preservation of Portland’s first Black owned hotel building.
Kathryn Bogle died in 2003 at the age of 96. She is remembered for her decades-long work to document and support Portland’s Black community.
Oregon Black Pioneers is Oregon’s only historical society dedicated to preserving and presenting the experiences of African Americans statewide. To learn more, and to support this nonprofit, visit oregonblackpioneers.org.
©Oregon Black Pioneers, 2025
Kathryn Bogle
Kathryn Bogle, 1989
Photo credit Kathryn Hall Bogle with son Richard, 1937, OHS Research Library
HISTORY
KATHRYN BOGLE
Is Solar For You?
Local renewable energy company puts you first!
By Patti Jo Brooks, Active Media
Thinking of going solar? Willamette Valley’s Sunpath Services is ready and waiting to install your residential, commercial or farm solar panel project. Taking a consultative, low-pressure approach, Sunpath Services focuses on first understanding a client’s needs, then providing accurate information allowing them to make informed decisions and proceed at their own pace.
“With utility costs continuing to increase, many homeowners are turning to solar for energy independence and to gain some control over their electricity bills. We provide that expert guidance, helping them understand what it costs, how it will perform and what the installation process looks like,” explains owner Chet Zimmer. A company that cares about the individual, Sunpath makes it their mission to educate and support potential clients while they explore solar options for their home or business.
Subsequently, if Sunpath determines that solar isn’t viable due to roof construction, affordability, etc., they operate under full transparency and will inform you of such. Their primary concern is what is in the home or business owner’s best interest.
Sunpath’s high level of commitment extends to employees and customers alike, making it a truly great company. A seasoned team, averaging 15 years of solar, electrical and roofing experience, bring unmatched expertise to every project. Customers empowered with knowledge confidently make their own solar decisions. “We believe that when you understand your options, you’re better equipped to make smart decisions that benefit your home and family,” Zimmer points out.
The first step is simple! Just fill out the contact form at http://sunpathoregon.com/ to receive a free system design and project estimate within 24 hours via email. Customers can then ask questions, schedule a call, request a free onsite assessment, or pass altogether if solar won’t fit their needs. Committed to customer care, Sunpath provides clear and consistent communication throughout each project including follow up to any questions or concerns that arise. Sunpath also provides a 10-year workmanship and labor warranty in addition to any manufacturer warranties.
Proud owners of Sunpath Services, Chet Zimmer and Jake Hoskins are lifelong residents of the Portland area, with Zimmer growing up in Canby and Hoskins in Forest Grove. They also take pride in being good neighbors and active members in the community. “Our office and warehouse are located just off of Allen Blvd. in Beaverton, keeping us rooted in the region we serve,” Zimmer relates. Every year, the Sunpath Season of Giving, a favorite holiday tradition, supports local nonprofits chosen by the employees. Donations this year went to Boys and Girls Aid, Silverton Area Community Aid, Autism Society of Oregon, With Love, TIPNW, Spark NW, SOS Pet Rescue and Wheel to Walk.
Mention the magazine ad and receive a $500 discount on your solar project! Also, be sure to check for any local incentive programs and federal tax credits for renewable energy.
Sunpath Services is located at 9978 SW Arctic Dr. in Beaverton. Call 503-433-6336 or visit their website at sunpathoregon.com.
Deep Dive in Love
Make a splash with a Valentine’s puzzler
ACROSS
3. In the movie “Sleepless in Seattle,” Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan meet for the first time at the top of the ____ ____ Building in New York City. (2 words, no spaces)
4. A strong-smelling underground fungus known as one of the world’s finest aphrodisiacs. Oregonians can hunt for four native species.
7. One of Oregon’s most romantic regions and the state’s western border.
8. Set on the iconic peak of Mount Hood, this historic hotel is the site of many proposals and weddings hosted at 6,000 feet elevation. (2 words, no spaces)
9. A fine alcoholic beverage used in romantic celebrations and rituals in ancient Greece and Rome. Pinot Noir remains Oregon’s signature variety.
11. Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland and Elvis Presley all got married in this U.S. city that “never sleeps.” (2 words, no spaces)
DOWN
1. Ocean mammal with the largest heart is known to show affection through highly complex “love songs.”
2. Oregon author of teenage romance books “First Love” and “Jean and Johnny.” Although she is best known for her beloved books about Ramona Quimby (2 words, no spaces)
5. The 1942 film featuring the famous line, “Of all the gin joints in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine.” Also a city in Morocco.
6. This animal group’s mating season begins on Feb. 14, linking it to the “lovey-dovey” romance of Valentine’s Day.
8. Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson act as love interests in this movie series partially filmed in Oregon.
10. Portland’s nickname denoting the town’s signature flower and Valentine’s most epic bloom. (2 words, no spaces)
ACROSS
3. Empire State. 4. Truffle.
7. Coast. 8. Timberline Lodge.
9. Wine. 11. Las Vegas. DOWN
1. Whale. 2. Beverly Cleary.
5. Casablanca. 6. Bird.
8. Twilight. 10. Rose City.
WORD SEARCH SUDOKU
