Courtesy photo
JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
Matthew Feinkind and Panthea Bishop have a passion for farming. The two former New Jersey residents are working to make plants and vegetables grow as first generation farmers at their small two-acre family operation located at 34387 Bennett Road in Warren. They are doing so during an era when many farm operations across the nation have gone out of business or are on the brink of financial disaster. Overcast Farm is primarily a vegetable farm operation, growing for 20 families using a CSA vegetable box subscription system as well as supplying a few downtown Portland restaurants, according to Matthew. “CSA means Communi-
Panthea Bishop harvesting carrots at the Overcast Farm at Warren.
Matthew Feinkind knealing inside the Overcast Farm’s greenhouse.
ty Supported Agriculture,” Panther said. “The subscription is a 24-week, once a week box of veggies they either pick up, or that we deliver. We vary what veggies are in the box as things are in their prime.” “We also offer flower bouquets at our farm stand on the weekends and some tea and herb blends,” he said.
support, Matthew said the couple sees other rewards in farming as well. “As a farmer, I love watching the seasons progress not so much measured in days or months but by when it’s time to plant the peas; when the first tomato blushes red,” he said. “I get to spend all day with my hopelessly codependent dog Hudson. I can do something for our community that I feel is truly important.”
Farming challenges Matthew adds that family farming in Columbia County is challenging. “While everyone likes to paint a rosy picture of local agriculture right now, it’s never been easy,” he said. “It took me years to find a suitable piece of property to grow food, one that ended up being far costlier than I bargained for.” Matthew said margins are thin. “And far too many people like the idea of the food but not the price tag: a likely result of a food chain that has had all the wrong
priorities,” Matthew said. Describing farming as a job with long hours and aching bodies, Matthew said the biggest challenge of all is starting the couple’s first year farming in the thrall of a worldwide pandemic. “In the span of two months, we completely changed the entire business plan, bought a whole new round of seeds, and built an online selling platform all while preparing for the season,” Matthew said. “It’s been harder to connect with our community and there’s a constant weight on our shoulders. If we were to get sick, the entire business could fall apart. Most of all, we could inadvertently endanger the people who have given us their trust.” Matthew said farming has always been an occupation of hope. “While all of these challenges still exist, I’ve been incredibly surprised at the local enthusiasm and support I’ve received from the community,” he said. Beyond the community
Background Matthew said he and Panthea met in Portland after they both left separately from New Jersey. Matthew said he went to school for horticulture, Panthea for art and graphic design. The two describe themselves as young, maybe a bit quirky, first generation farmers. Matthew is farming full time, while Panthea is both farming and doing elder care in Portland. “Our belief is everyone deserves healthy nourishing foods, grown in a way that
makes sense for the environment, the growers, and the community,” the couple said. “I started on this journey with a disillusionment of politics as usual at a large land grant research university.” Matthew said. “From my perspective, farming today seemed like a race to the bottom economically and environmentally. We’ve all seen the decline, and like a lot of us, decided to be a part of an alternative approach.” The couple said they hope to be a part of a new model that can show small farms can not only be environmentally sustainable, but financially as well. “This requires, among other things, the support from a devoted local community,” the couple said. “We also donate some of our food as well as organizing with other produce resources to help nourish underserved communities, which we feel is very important always, but particularly vital during these
Courtesy photo
challenging times.” Public engagement Overcast Farm is not currently having community gatherings at the Warren location. “Because we are hyper vigilant about social distancing, we are greatly interested in having our community visit once COVID-19 has become more manageable,” Matthew said. “In the meantime, we encourage people to come visit the farm stand on weekends from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for flowers, veggies, and herbs.” Follow Overcast Farms on Instagram and Facebook. If you know of someone, an agency or business, or a group, that is making a positive difference in our community and would like to see them featured in Who We Are, email details to jruark@countrymedia.net.
News Advertiser
Classifieds Columbia County
Page 2
Wednesday, August 26, 2020
Listings are updated daily at thechronicleonline.com
105
311
Cleaning Services
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Landscape Maint
ATTN! Land Owners WE BUY CEDAR & NOBLE BOUGHS. The season is on! We do all of the work! Min. of 10 trees. Call now for an appt. Jaime at 360-751-0120 or 360-430-8510. Free estimates and references.
150
Misc Services
MONGILLO’s Rideshare Services, LLC. Owner/operator Renee Thayer 971328-2440. Hours Mon.- Sat. 10 AM to 10 PM rideshare and food deliveries. CASH only. https://www. facebook.com/renee.thayer.2440
Enterprises Inc.
502
Help Wanted
Help Wanted
Paul’s Tree Service Inc. No bush too small, no tree to tall- Call Paul! Specialized in danger trees, take downs, storm clean-up. Time to prune- pruning Lace Leafed Maples & ornamental shrubberies, chipping, senior or veterans discount, free estimates. CCB# 217173 Lic., Bonded & Insured. 503-440-0723 or 503-543-8274
Community Justice Director Columbia County, OR EOE Deadline 9/18/2020 Apply at ColumbiaCountyOR.gov
NOW RECRUITING for the following full-time positions: Public Works Director, Police Support Specialist, Water System Filtration Operator Open Until Filled. First Review Deadlines. See website for details: www. sthelensoregon. gov/jobs Equal Opportunity Employer
301
Health & Nutrition
Alcoholics Anonymous Info-line, (503) 366-0667 www.oregonaadistrict-18.org
302
Personals
ALCOHOL & DRUG, also co-dependents Overcomer Outreach Monday 7 pm 503-543-3028 or 503-369-5759 Christian 12-step (No Preaching) grandmascountry rental.com.
Hosting a
garage sale? Let everyone know with an ad in The Chronicle. Call 503-397-0116.
• Excavation • Site prep • Bush hogging • Blackberry removal • Landscaping
We are a family owned small business based out of St. Helens and proud supporters of Columbia County Call 503-397-9013, call or text 503-704-3636 Email: sheena@grasshopperenterprise.com Find us online, on Facebook, or Home Advisor
CCB#222987, WA license #GRASSEI829PJ
Columbia County
502
Announcements
Custodian Columbia County, OR EOE Deadline 9/2/2020. Apply at ColumbiaCounty OR.gov Eagle Star Rock Products is seeking, full time dump truck delivery driver. Current Class A CDL needed. Overtime Pay and benefit package. Contact us at 503-3977861. LOOKING FOR A GREAT PARTTIME JOB? Become a School Bus Driver for Durham School Services. No Experience necessary. Paid training. Competive wages. Paid Holidays. Medical, Dental, Vision & 401K Stop by and complete an application or online at: www.Durhamschoolservices. com/careers Job Code :201181 We’re loctated at: 540 Milton Way, St. Helens, Or. 503-397-9072
The Rainier Police Department is currently taking applications to create a hiring list of qualified candidates for Volunteer Reserve Police Officer. Closing date is September 18, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. Qualified applicants must be: · At least 21 years of age · Possess a High School Diploma or G.E.D · Possess or be able to possess a valid Oregon Drivers License · Be a U.S. Citizen · Able to pass written examination · Able to pass a physical ability test · Be able to pass a stringent background check · Be able to attend the Reserve Police Academy. Applications are available at the Rainier Police Department or call (503) 5563644.
690
Ca$h 4 Car$
$Drake’s Towing is now paying TOP Cash$ 4 Junk Cars!!! we buy junk/broken cars,
trucks, vans, heavy equip. top $$ paid to $200
we are LOCAL, serving Columbia County same day service.
503-438-6099
702
Garage Sales
5 Family Sale! Gun case, hunting bow, tables & chairs, huge mirror, lighted hutch, misc furniture. Skutt brand electic kiln model # LT3K - $300, Fluke 78 processmeter, brand new - $250, Matchbox & Hotwheels, 5 filing cabinets, puzzles, toys & old vintage toys! Xbox games, over 100 VHS movies, DVDs, CDs, dishes, kitchen items, aquarium, cat carrier, adult & kids clothes, holiday & more. Strawberries, Rose of Sharon Hibiscus plants, and Japanese maple. SAT ONLY from 8 am 3 pm. 35014 Stag Ct, up Gable Rd. Please bring masks and prepare to buy!
VIEW OUR CURRENT RENTAL PROPERTIES AT:
www.therentalcenter.net
River City & Rentals Northwest 503-543-4440 Phone
702
Wanted Autos
503-543-7929 Fax
Kristie Flanagan, Licensed Property Manager 51891 Old Portland Road, Suite “A”, Scappoose OR 97056 (next to the scappoose totem pole)
706
742
Garage Sales
Estate Sales
Fertilizer
Garage Sale Aug. 28- 29 from 10-4 at 61858 Dart Ck. Rd., St. Helens. Over 40 years of stuff. Big variety of tools & fishing gear. 6gal. Buhl Milk Can, M &C co. 1934 Watertown WIS milk can & Standard Oil can. Many different dolls, Barbie & Ken, Mini, Marci, Bride dolls, dolls of the world and many more. Many doll clothes. Fiddle Bottles, old phone, souvenir shot glasses, old china, plants and much, much more.
work, help sell your items, or buy it out completely. Let us help you do your estate sale. Please call Darlene @ 503-308-2764 or Dan @ 503-3082759.
FREE COMPOST Horse manure & shavings mix, We load, U Haul. Please call for Info: 503-543-7406
GARAGE SALE Aug. 28-29 from 9 AM- 5 PM location is the parking lot of the Old John Gumm School. Corner of St. Helens and South 3rd Street in St Helens. Furniture, Jewelry, & more.
842
Pasture & Acreage
WANTED TO RENT PASTURE
FOR CATTLE SUMMER GRAZING ONLY 503-780-5759
Reach out to local customers Get your ad in the paper and reach thousands of readers. Call 503-397-0116 today.
ASPHALT PAVING Offering Quality Asphalt Paving Services to Columbia County and surrounding areas.
FREE Estimates
706
Estate Sales
ESTATE SALE HELP 30 years experience with references. No money up front. We work on commission. We can save you
COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL • INDUSTRIAL Driveways • Roadways • Subdivisions • Parking Lots • City, County, State Specification Products
Call Jim today at
(503) 509-8657
Quality Workmanship At Affordable Prices
Estate of Virgil & Syble Markus Saturday and Sunday September 29 & 30- 9 AM 59525 W Kappler Rd, St Helens Beginning the liquidation of years of accumulation. This will be the first of several sales. Former auctioneer and collectibles dealer mean a diverse collection of antique to modern stuff. Including:
• 2005 Chevy Tahoe • Hand and Power tools • Shop Shelving & Misc • Industrial Metal Band Saw • Household Furniture • Vintage & Costume Jewelry • Collectible Glass and Pottery • Vintage Picture and Wall Art
• 26’ Storage Trailer • 20’ Triple Axle Equipment Trailer • Hospital Bed • Home Health Medical Equipment • Western & Dressage Saddles • Lots of Misc Collectibles • General Household Items • Way too much to list!
B U S I N E S S & S E RV I C E D I R E C TO RY Waterman Garage Doors
CCB#204858
SALES, SERVICE INSTALLATION
Scott Waterman Owner
503.819.6715 St. Helens, OR 97051
Reach outto potential customers, your ad here.
Chronicle and News/Ad Classified Ad Deadline is Monday by noon Ads received after the deadline are not guaranteed to be placed in that week’s issue. Call 503-397-0116 for more information
Get your ad in the paper and reach out to potential customers. Call 503-397-0116 to place your ad in the newspaper and online.
Local county news, every day, online. Keep up to date on local stories, events, and ads by visiting thechronicleonline.com.
The Chronicle 503-397-0116 • thechronicleonline.com 1805 Columbia Blvd. St. Helens, OR 97051
News Advertiser
CedarAugust Chips26, 2020 Wednesday, Garden Mulch 2Cs is celebrating Fir & Hemlock 8 YEARS in business! Bark Dust celebrate Crazy 8s EVERY WEEK in Trailmix ToAugust 2Cs will be hiding #8s with prizes and discounts. Come in to find your Soil Blends treasure and help us CELEBR8 Crazy 8s! • Fir Shavings 215 S 1st Street St. Helens • 503-410-5280 • www.2csvendormall.com
Columbia County
Page 3
Simple Direct Cremation $795 Simple Direct Burial $995 Church Funeral $2,965
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Discounted price, caskets, urns & other memorial items.
Privately owned cremation facility. Locally owned and operated by Oregon families Offering online arrangements - CrownCremationBurial.com
Quality Bark at Competitive Prices
BEAVER BARK
Sold by yard or Unit for pick up or Delivery • • •
Variety of Fir & Hemlock Bark Dust Mulch & Potting Soil Cedar Chips & Trail Mix
Clean Woodwaste Recycling Yard Debris & Woodwaste Recycling
Yard Debris & Clean Wood Waste Recycling $15 $9 per yd. Clean = No pressure treated, paint or stain Wood Waste = Lumber, branches, small stumps and logs. We do not accept trash, plastic, dirt or sod.
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Read the news online
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www.thechiefnews.com • 503-397-0116 1805 Columbia Blvd, St. Helens, OR 97051
August 31st
3 pm & 6 pm classes
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585 S. Columbia River Highway, St. Helens
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News Advertiser Columbia County
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Wednesday, August 26, 2020
COLUMBIA PACIFIC
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Get Ready Guide
The Chief
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Advertising Advertising Deadline: 10 Deadline: Sept. Sept. 16 Inserted into 10 papers beginning the week of September 28, 2020 This guide to preparing for a health crisis,winter, storms and natural disasters is a special size: 6.75” w x 10.75 h”
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Caples House Museum
CASA
Al-Anon
Clatskanie Farmer’s Market
Habitat for Humanity
ReStore
Columbia Health Services Columbia County Cultural Coalition
NONPROFIT GUIDE 2020 HOPE
of Rainier
Columbia Community Mental Health
NAMI St. Helens Day Breakers Kiwanis
River City Singers
Kiwanis Club of St. Helens
Clatskanie Arts Commission lifempowered
Clatskanie Foundation
Communcation
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9th Annual 2020 Columbia County
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HALLOWEENTOWN EVENT GUIDE Sept. 25, 2019 – A publication of The Chronicle
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