Issuu

SHERWOOD JANUARY 2024

COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE

MEET THE ARTIST

COMMUNITY

SEASONAL

Painter Angela Hawes

Elijah’s Heart House

History of Auld Lang Syne

NEW LOOK but still the longest serving daylight patio cover company in town

Visit us online at Patiocoverpeople.com

Outdoor Living All Year Long! Add livability to your home with our customized Patio Covers and turn your patio into a year-round area for relaxing.

Contact Patio Cover People Today! Call Now! 503-744-6394

300 OFF 500 OFF $

PATIO COVERS

Patio Cover People Are HAPPY PEOPLE!

Get our FREE Estimate Then Present Coupon For Real Savings

Licensed • Bonded • Insured

PATIO ROOMS

Get our FREE Estimate Then Present Coupon For Real Savings

OR CCB#236429 • WA#DIRELSV795MB

Sherwood Community Advantage Magazine JANUARY 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

PRODUCTION Jeremy Okai Davis, Art Director Donovan Darling, Content Manager Kate Astle, Copyeditor Kaity VanHoose, Social Media Manager Hilary Berg, Graphic Designer Sean Carver, Graphic Designer Dani DeGraw, Graphic Designer Brittany Jungenberg, Graphic Designer Morgan King, Graphic Designer Shawn Schmidt, Graphic Designer CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Patti Jo Brooks Tyler Francke Olive Gallagher Angie Helvey Lucas Holmgren Robert Matsumura Dennis McNabb Kelly Romo Gretchen Van Lente Ty Walker Alice Williams Kerry Yu 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

TASTE OF THE TOWN Gyro House Mediterranean Grill

COMMUNITY Elijah’s Heart House

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 information, call 503.825.2111 or email info@ActiveMediaUSA.com CHECK US OUT ONLINE AT CommunityAdvantageMagazines.com

LOCAL HISTORY Mount Hood Aerial Skiway

26 COVER PHOTO BY MALAINA KINNE

SEASONAL

THE HISTORY OF AULD LANG SYNE

Echoes of Time Unveiling the melody and memories behind “Auld Lang Syne”

As to the lyrics of the song, the title “Auld Lang Syne,’’ (Scottish) literally translates in English to “old long since,” or s the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve and the “days gone by.” The central theme of the song revolves around world steps forward into the New Year, the strains of “Auld the remembrance of past relationships — friends, family and Lang Syne” will inevitably reverberate across countless venues those dear to us — and honoring their memories. The song around the globe. Yet where did this repeatedly poses the question, “Should auld classic song come from, and why do we acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to sing it to celebrate the New Year? mind?”which highlights the significance of Although “Auld Lang Syne” is those important people in our lives who have traditionally associated with the New shared our journey. The song concludes with Year, the song is generally tied to the phrase, “We’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet, for endings and new beginnings and is auld lang syne,” which evokes recognition of the also sung at graduations, funerals and transience of life and the fleeting nature of time. events that call for reflection on the In suggesting we “take a cup o’ kindness,” the past. This Scottish song is attributed lyrics embrace a spirit of goodwill as we move into to Robert Burns, the famous Scottish the future, while simultaneously honoring the past poet who collected and adapted the and the “old acquaintances” we left behind. lyrics in the late 18th century. Burns, So, when the clock who is today known as the National strikes midnight on Bard of Scotland, drew inspiration New Year’s Eve and from an encounter with an old Scottish the poignant lyrics of gentleman who sang a version of the “Auld Lang Syne” are song to him. Burns felt the song held sung aloud amidst Robert Burns cultural significance and decided to champagne and revelry, preserve and enhance it through the addition of poetic and remember Robert Burns, lyrical elements that elevated the song from a mere folk tune Scotland’s National to the poignant piece that has endured to this day. Bard, who preserved Guy Lombardo Throughout the years, this traditional song has inspired an old folk song of the arrangements and adaptations by numerous musical artists. people and crafted it into a poetic ballad that has endured for “Auld Lang Syne,” however, became particularly associated over a century. Despite the winds of change continually blowing with New Year’s Eve through the New Year’s Eve broadcasts through our lives, the shared sense of humanity embodied in of bandleader Guy Lombardo in 1929. The song is most often this beloved song fosters a sense of unity, togetherness and the performed in 4/4 time, a moderate tempo that lends itself to universal connection between our past, the people who have communal singing. defined our lives and the future that lies before us.

By Robert Matsumura, Contributing Writer

6 TO ADVERTISE WITH US, CALL 503.825.2111

NOW OPEN IN SHERWOOD!!! CATERING SPECIAL

50 OFF

ANY CATERING ORDER OVER $300 Valid at Dundee & Sherwood locations. Must present coupon. Not valid with other offers. One per order. Expires 3/15/24

5 OFF

$30 PURCHASE Valid for Lunch or Dinner Valid at Dundee & Sherwood locations. Must present coupon. Not valid with other offers. One per order. Expires 3/15/24

503 -822-5162

20403 SW BORCHERS DR (Located across from Sherwood Ice Arena) LaSierraMexicanGrill.com

OPEN SUNDAY–THURSDAY 11AM–10PM • FRIDAY & SATURDAY 11AM–10:30PM VISIT OUR DUNDEE LOCATION! 1175 SE HWY 99W, Dundee | 503-554-1562

10 OFF

$50 PURCHASE Valid for Lunch or Dinner Valid at Dundee & Sherwood locations. Must present coupon. Not valid with other offers. One per order. Expires 3/15/24

ORDER ONLINE!

ORDER.MENUDRIVE.COM/ LASIERRAMEXICANGRILL

WEEKLY SPECIALS

/LaSierraMexicanGrill

READ MORE AT CITYHANDSHAKE.COM 7

COMMUNITY

ELIJAH’S HEART HOUSE

Heart of the Matter Supporting families and ill children in need

By Olive Gallagher, Contributing Writer Photos courtesy of Elijah’s Heart House

he remarkable nonprofit, Elijah’s Heart House, was founded by Kimmee Auxier and her husband, Jeff, after the tragic loss of their youngest son, Elijah, to restrictive cardiomyopathy on Sept. 3, 2017 at age 16. The family will be forever imprinted by the six-week ordeal that began with rushing Elijah to Seattle for urgent help by Life Flight with no idea where they could stay to be near their son in the hospital. Left with a hole in their hearts, Kimmee and Jeff and their three other children chose to use Elijah’s death and their own experience of being dislocated away from home as an impetus to funnel their indescribable grief into the creation of something positive to help others. Their inspiration, fashioned on the Ronald McDonald model of support, was to create a nonprofit that would provide a “safe harbor” for families needing to be near a hospital or medical center where their gravely ill child was receiving treatment. To begin, Kimmee and Jeff set aside one of their private homes and turned it into the refuge that is known today as Elijah’s Heart House (EHH). Their mission was simple and generous: the families that would be chosen to stay would not be limited to those with children just dealing with heart issues, but rather would include parents of children with other serious diagnoses such as cancer. Families are invited to stay at no cost for as little as a weekend or as long as a month, whatever the

8 TO ADVERTISE WITH US, CALL 503.825.2111

need, including just needing to “take a break” for a few days from their current ordeal. In addition, the chosen families receive three specific gifts: a bag of swag when they arrive that might include gift cards worth as much as $1,500; if the family needs to travel to a more distant location for medical treatment, the bill for their stay at a B&B or hotel is covered by EHH; and finally, participants are welcome to come to EHH and stay for a quiet, private respite, somewhat like a mini-vacation. All decisions at EHH are made by the Auxier family board with every choice discussed by all before a decision is made. They’re very proud that they’ve never had to turn anyone away. Their ultimate goal is to establish EHH all over the country, an appeal directed, as Kimmee succinctly put it, “to anyone who owns a property and has a beating heart.” The organization has one annual fundraising event, so mark your calendars for Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024. This specific date is deliberate because the event is always held on the Saturday before Valentine’s Day. An open house, the event will take place at EHH & Barn located at 15668 N.E. Eilers Road, Aurora, 3 to 7 p.m. Attendance is $25, children are welcome and the attire is casual. There will be a silent auction, a tour of the house, great music, including a performance by Olivia Harms, and a nohost bar along with complimentary spreads of yummy foods. EHH swag will be available for purchase, miniature donkeys serving water will be there, along with ducks, pigs and goats that can be fed. There also will be a s’mores bar, tea bar, hot chocolate bar and coffee bar, with vendors like Half Pint Bros., Shaker & Feb. 10, 3 to 7 pm Salt, Tamale Boy, Good News BBQ, Sprig & Spread, Gather + 15668 N.E. Eilers Give and Archer Vineyards. Road, Aurora As of December 2023, EHH has raised $125,000. Along with some sizable donations, much of that impressive total has come from small donors giving as little as $1. In fact, the next time you treat yourself to a delicious meal at Oswego Grill, remember to order the creme brulée. The restaurant donates $1 to EEHH for every creme brulée ordered! For more information, visit elijahshearthouse.org, contact info@elijahshearthouse.org or call (503) 704-0741.

Elijah’s Heart House Annual Fundraiser

COME WATCH THE GAME WITH US! Kids Welcome Until 10PM!

KARAOKE LIVE MUSIC FOOD & DRINKS

GET TO KNOW US ON FACEBOOK @generationssportsbar WE DELIVER THROUGH

Find Our Menu Online @ generationssportsbar.com Located right next door to The Hampton Inn Sherwood

21900 SW Alexander Lane

5ANY off FREE

PURCHASE OF $35 OR MORE

Not valid with any other offers. Not valid during Happy Hour or Holidays.

503.610.1403

Present this coupon before ordering. Offer Expires 3/15/24

Coffee

with Sunday Breakfast

Breakfast Served Every Sunday 9am-2pm 503.610.1403

Present this coupon before ordering. Offer Expires 3/15/24

TASTE OF THE TOWN

GYRO HOUSE MEDITERRANEAN GRILL

Hummus Where the Heart Is Take your taste buds to the Mediterranean

Owner Asem Samman has been in the food industry for the past 25 years and opened the first Gyro House 13 years ago in Beaverton. He loved the community in Sherwood, so he decided to open a new branch there over five years ago. Since then, Gyro House has gained a huge following in the area, treasured for its fantastic food and gracious team members who work hard to keep the atmosphere in the restaurant friendly and relaxing. The menu at Gyro House features all the classic Mediterranean options with traditional flavors. Customer favorites include fresh, housemade hummus, lamb and chicken gyros, and kebabs. All meat is seasoned with special Mediterranean spices that will definitely please your palate! Portions are extremely generous, ingredients are fresh, and the recipes come straight from their native regions. “Our food is a representation of Lebanon and Jordan,” explains Asem. “I worked in many restaurants in both countries, so I brought that experience here.” Other tempting menu items include fresh salads, crispy falafels, baba ghanouj, lamb and chicken shawarma plates, and plenty of

By Angie Helvey, Contributing Writer Photos by Malaina Kinne

ood has the uncanny ability to transport us to other lands. Enjoying fresh hummus spread over soft pita bread or a crispy falafel can send your appetites straight to a picturesque beach in Lebanon or a busy street corner in Jordan. Gyro House is known for its authentic cuisine and tasty homemade desserts, guaranteed to take you on a flavor journey through the Mediterranean!

tzatziki and tahini sauce. Gyro House fries are round-cut and can be topped with spicy garlic, feta, or delicious slices of lamb. Several vegetarian options are available, including a falafel gyro, veggie kebabs, and a vegetarian plate with spinach or cheese pie. A kid’s menu is available for the little ones, complete with a child-size gyro, and don’t forget to end the meal with a homemade dessert! “All our desserts are homemade from scratch, like our famous Baklava, which is my mother’s secret recipe,” says Asem. Baklava is a traditional dessert made of delicate layers of filo pastry filled with walnuts and pistachio, moistened with a light sugar syrup. They also do a mosabak 10 TO ADVERTISE WITH US, CALL 503.825.2111

jalebi, which is deep-fried sweet dough dipped in honey, and awama, mini doughnut balls covered in honey syrup. Asem and his team are committed to maintaining a warm, family-friendly ambiance with a culturally authentic feel. The restaurant walls are adorned with pictures of Mediterranean culture.

Some of the staff are family members, and the manager, Flor, has been with the company for many years. Asem loves being part of the Sherwood community, and Gyro House has plenty of repeat patrons. “Most of our customers are regulars, but we also gain new customers through our good reviews and feedback, which truly makes us happy,” Asem says. “We love to interact with our customers because it’s important to us to get to know them and to make sure they are completely satisfied at all times.” Asem says that bringing his business to Sherwood has been a wonderful experience. “We feel at home in the Sherwood community. It’s a safe community, and it has brought my business to the next level.” Visit Gyro House for an authentic Mediterranean meal with traditional flavors straight from Jordan and

Lebanon, complete with homemade Baklava. It’s the perfect way to experience another country without ever having to leave your hometown. Gyro House is located at 15996 SW Tualatin-Sherwood Rd, Sherwood, OR 97140. Please give them a call at 503-610-1515, or visit their website at thegyrohouse.com

Delicious Mediterranean & Lebanese Cuisine 50% OFF $5 OFF GYRO Any Buy 1 Gyro & 2 Fountain Drinks & Receive the 2nd 50% OFF

One coupon per visit/table. Must present coupons at time of purchase. Cannot be combined with any other discount, promotion, special or offer. Expires 3/15/24

Try Our Fresh Homemade Hummus GIANT GYROS Salads & More

CATERING AVAILABLE

Purchase

OF $30 OR MORE DINE IN ONLY One coupon per visit/table. Must present coupons at time of purchase. Cannot be combined with any other discount, promotion, special or offer. Expires 3/15/24

50% OFF $40 OFF Catering ENTREE AnyOrder Buy 1 Entree item and 2 fountain drinks and receive the 2nd entree 50% off

One coupon per visit/table. Must present coupons at time of purchase. Cannot be combined with any other discount, promotion, special or offer. Expires 3/15/24

of $200 or More

One coupon per visit/table. Must present coupons at time of purchase. Cannot be combined with any other discount, promotion, special or offer. Expires 3/15/24

15996 SW Tualatin-Sherwood Rd 503-610-1515 • www.thegyrohouse.com Located next to Baja Fresh & Baskin Robbins READ MORE AT CITYHANDSHAKE.COM 11

Mo tor iz ed Sh ad es

Easy to control, even easier to enjoy.

ller Shades

neycomb Shades

Our design experts are ready to show you Cordless shades offer effortless how motorized shades provide function and a clean look. seamless light control and privacy. Enhances safety in homes with kids and pets too.

GET

30% OFF*

Call 503-472-0792 for a FREE in-home consultation. | budgetblinds.com Call 000.000.0000 forHighway a free in-home consultation. | budgetblinds.com 1411 NE 99W Ste B, McMinnville Contractors License #211800 © 2024 Budget Blinds, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Budget Blinds is a trademark of Budget Blinds, LLC and a Home Franchise Concepts Brand. Each franchise independently owned and operated.

NO INTEREST NO PAYMENTS FOR 12 MONTHS! $

1000 Whole Home

Installation

+ $300 off

if installed within 30 days

WHAT YOU GET: GUTTER CLEANING MAINTENANCE & ROOF CLEANING AVAILABLE

• Lifetime-guarantee to NEVER clog, leak or pull away from your home! • The largest and most durable gutter system on the market • All-in-one enclosed gutter guard system built to withstand the heaviest rain • Transferable warranty adds value to your home WA#PACIFGC809MA

CCB#231981

Call Now For A FREE In-Home Consultation 971-203-0075 *ALL OFFERS EXPIRE 1/31/24. Other restrictions may apply. Visit Pacificgutter.com for complete details.

New Year, New Countertops!

SAVE WITH

Square Footage Discounts for Your Kitchen Remodel! Dan Izoita, Owner

Financing Available Call For Details

503.744.5336 CrowleysGranite.com

Locally Owned & Operated For Over 25 Years

SCAN NOW To Receive our WINTER OFFER

OVER 200 5 STAR REVIEWS!

*Restrictions apply. Call store for details. Agreements must be finalized by 3/15/24. CCB#237110

READ MORE AT CITYHANDSHAKE.COM 25

LOCAL HISTORY

THE MOUNT HOOD AERIAL SKIWAY

Bus Ride Among the Clouds Unique ’50s tram loses its ticket to ride

By Robert Matsumura, Contributing Writer

or many of us the idea of a flying car is enchanting. The notion of a bus trekking through the clouds, however, takes the concept to a whole different level. While the Mount Hood Aerial Skiway didn’t actually fly (the tram was named “Skiway” instead of “Skyway” due to copyright issues), it did at times travel through the clouds, providing passengers with the sensation of being conveyed up the mountain in a flying bus. The venture didn’t last long, but for Oregon skiers in the 1950s this unique tram offered an unforgettable journey up Mount Hood. On October 24, 1947, in the wake of World War II, two men, Dr. Otto J. George and A.L. Greenwalt created the Mount Hood Aerial Transportation Company. The founders envisioned a stateof-the-art aerial tramway that connected Government Camp to Timberline Lodge. In contrast to the lightweight chair lifts of today, the idea was to modify two city buses — each powered by two 185-horsepower gasoline engines — that, by transferring power from the drive wheels to the 1.5 inch diameter traction cable above,

26 TO ADVERTISE WITH US, CALL 503.825.2111

could claw their way up and down the mountain. The concept was based upon technology employed in the logging industry at the time. The interior of the buses were outfitted with streetcar-style seats that could be flipped about to enable passengers to always be facing forward. Each bus could hold a maximum of 36 people, and cost $40,000 to customize in this manner, as compared to a regular city bus which only cost $16,500. As you can imagine, constructing a tram of this type was a costly and laborious process. After building the lower terminal building — which housed a restaurant and snack bar — near Government Camp, a path had to be cut all the way up to the west side of Timberline Lodge. For this daunting task the company hired Volley Reed, previously of the U.S. Forest Service, to direct two cutting crews which were to start at opposite ends of the route and meet in the middle. The process commenced in 1948, but shortly thereafter it was discovered that the two crews were not, in fact, cutting a straight line, and the strategy had to be altered. Once the cutting crews finished their task, 38 steel towers were erected to support the 3.2 miles of cable required to connect Timberline Lodge to the lower terminal building. On January 2, 1951, the Skiway tram was finally ready to commence operation. Despite significant snowfall at the time, skiers made their way up to the mountain and the trams were full to capacity for their inaugural run. To much media fanfare, the buses completed their first run, scaling slowly but steadily on the uphill sections, and sliding rapidly on the downhill parts. Although the Skiway tram did indeed operate as designed, successfully transporting skiers up and down the mountain, the venture proved unprofitable due to a

number of factors. Bill Keil, a Timberline Lodge Publicity Director during the 1950s recalled, “the tramway crippled its way through five years of marginal operation before suspending,” in 1956. One of the problems was the poor mechanical design of the buses themselves. Not only were the buses slow and loud — so loud that passengers couldn’t easily converse while in transit — they were also terrifying. It required a stout heart to endure the precarious nature of the ride itself. When one considers that a city bus full to capacity weighs approximately 15-20 tons, the idea of it suspended high in the air on cables moving up and down the mountainside is a harrowing thought. The sheer weight dragging down on the cables would cause the buses to sag as they traveled from one support tower to the next. A member of the company’s board, George Rausch, expressed concern about the passenger experience on the tram. “I’ve ridden the tramway,” he stated. “I’ve listened to the

shrieks, and taken the jolts over those, what you call them — the saddles, and I’ve heard what people say.” In addition to the less than ideal engineering and physics of the trams, not to mention the frightful nature of the journey itself, the economics of the operation were dismal. Due to the enormous weight of the buses, it took 25 minutes for it to crawl its way up the mountain, resulting in a bus taking one hour to complete a roundtrip. As a full to capacity bus only held 36 people, the revenue generated per day could not keep pace with the expenses of the venture. Despite the aforementioned problems, it’s possible that changes could have been implemented to salvage the company’s future. Unfortunately for the Skiway tram, at about the same time as the tram began operating, improvements were made to the highway leading up to Timberline, thus eliminating the very reason for the tram in the first place. In addition to direct access by road to Timberline Lodge,

there were also shuttle buses that charged less money than the tram for transport between the two locations. From 1956 through 1958 the board met numerous times in an attempt to save the company. Different proposals were considered, including replacing the buses with smaller, traditional gondola-style cars. In the end, the skiing conditions between Timberline Lodge and the lower terminal were deemed too poor to warrant investment in a traditional-style lift system. By the end of 1960, Mount Hood Aerial Transportation company had been liquidated. On your next trip up the mountain, linger for a moment at the Thunderhead Lodge in Government Camp, the former lower terminal building of the Skiway tram. This lone building is all that remains of this ambitious, imaginative, but ultimately doomed venture. For Oregonian skiers in the 1950s, a bus ride through the clouds was a unique and unforgettable experience! READ MORE AT CITYHANDSHAKE.COM 27

“Happy Brown” (1986) “Happy New New Year Year Charlie Charlie One Brown” (1986) year older than

Oneyou yearcan’t olderreally than me, me, you can’t really beat the innocence beatsimple the innocence and comedy of and simple comedy of Charlie Brown in this Charlie Brown in this New Year’s movie. New Year’s movie. In this oldie-butIn this oldie-butgoodie, Charlie faces goody, Charlie faces yet another anxietyyet another anxietyinducing decision inducing — stay in decision for a quiet — for a quiet evening, or go to a party forstay NewinYear’s Eve? evening, or go to a party for New Year’s Eve? I’m of the age and opinion that a quiet evening I’m of the age and opinion that a quiet evening is the way to go, and so does Charlie Brown, is the way to go,However, and so does Charlie Brown, unsurprisingly. that’s not how ol’ unsurprisingly. However, that’s not how ol’ Chuck operates. Out of a sense of social duty Chuck operates. Out of a sense of social duty and peer pressure, he obligatorily goes against andbetter peer pressure, goes against his judgmenthe toobligatorily accommodate and his better judgment to accommodate and make others happy, much to his anxiety and make othersThankfully happy, much to his anxiety and frustration. these sitcom-esque frustration. Thankfully these sitcom-esque scenarios are good fun and rarely have lasting scenarioseffects are good fun and as rarely negative on Charlie, he’s have happylasting to be negative effects on Charlie, as he’s happy tono be with his friends in the end. And this one is with his friends in the end. And this one is no exception. Rated G. exception. Rated G.

“Igby GoesDown Down”(2002) (2002) Igby Goes This is not a New

This ismovie, not a New Year’s nor does Year’s movie, nor does it have a New Year’s it have a New Year’s scene. But it’s one scene. But it’s of my favorite one dark of my favorite dark dramedies that’s so dramedies that’s so deeply philosophical deeply philosophical and chaotic you can’t and chaotic you can’t help but examine help but examine your own life after own life after watching it. The insanelyyour star-studded cast watching it. The insanely star-studded includes Kierin Culkin, Jeff Goldlbum, cast Susan includes Kierin Culkin, Jeff Goldlbum, Sarandon, Bill Pullman, Ryan Phillippe,Susan Clair Sarandon, Bill Pullman, Ryan Phillippe, Danes, Amanda Peet, Rory Culkin, JaredClair Danes,and Amanda Rory Culkin, Jared on Harris more.Peet, The story, loosely based Harris and more. The story, loosely based J.D. Salinger’s “Catcher in the Rye,” followson J.D. Salinger’s “Catcher in theCulkin), Rye,” follows young Igby Slocumb (Kierin a rich young Igby Slocumb (Kierin Culkin), a rich and snarky wunderkind who keeps flunking and snarky wunderkind who keeps flunking out of boarding schools. Eventually he’s sent outa of boarding schools. Eventually to military academy, which proves he’s to besent to a military academy, which proves to be his breaking point. Meanwhile his godfather his breaking point. Meanwhile his godfather grooms him to become a socialite, his father groomsa him to become a socialite, his father suffers nervous breakdown, his mother is suffers a nervous breakdown, his mother is dying and he’s trying to make sense of it all. dying and he’s trying to make sense of it all. As hysterical as it is heartbreaking, a mustAs hysterical as it is heartbreaking, Rated a mustwatch for the existentially-minded. R watch for the existentially-minded. Rated R for really mature content. for really mature content.

“When “When Harry Harry Met Met Sally” Sally” (1989) (1989) I saw this for the

I sawtime thisthis for the first year, first time this year, and to be honest… and to be honest… it’s fantastic! A it’s fantastic! saccharine yetAgoofy saccharine yet stars goofy rom-com, this rom-com, this stars Billy Crystal, Meg Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, Bruno Kirby Ryan, Bruno Kirby and (amazingly) and (amazingly) Carrie Fisher. When Fisher.Eve When Harry and Sally meet at aCarrie New Year’s Harry and Sally meet at a New Year’s Eve party, they share a midnight kiss, starting party,years-long they share“will a midnight their they or kiss, won’tstarting they?” their years-long “will they or won’town they?” saga. They’re both difficult in their way, saga. They’re both difficult in their own neurotic, unreasonable and just generallyway, neurotic, unreasonable and—just generally make the wrong decisions as their best make the wrong decisions — as their best friends Jess and Marie, who end up together, friends Jess and Marie, who end up together, are quick to admit to each other. A time are quickinto to admit to each other. time machine ’80s New York, this Aa mustmachine into ’80s New York, this a watch for New Year’s and rom-com mustfans. watch RforforNew Year’s and rom-com Rated mature content, like thatfans. one very Rated Rrestaurant for maturescene. content, like that one very famous famous restaurant scene.

The History of New Year’s Celebrations The History of New Year’s Celebrations The earliest known record of a New Year festival dates from about 2000 bce in Mesopotamia, where in

The earliestthe known record of a New Year festival dates from about bce in Mesopotamia, where Babylonia new year (Akitu) began with the new moon after the2000 spring equinox (mid-March) andin in Assyria Babylonia the new year (Akitu) began with the new moon after the spring equinox (mid-March) and in Assyria with the new moon nearest the autumn equinox (mid-September). with themedieval new moon nearest equinox In early times mostthe of autumn Christian Europe(mid-September). regarded March 25, the Feast of the Annunciation, as In early medieval times most of Christian Europe 25, on theDecember Feast of the as the beginning of the new year, although New Year’sregarded Day wasMarch observed 25Annunciation, in Anglo-Saxon the beginning of the new year, although New Year’s Day was observed on December 25 in Anglo-Saxon England. William the Conqueror decreed that the year begin on January 1, but England later joined the rest of England. William the Conqueror decreed that the year begin on January butby England later Catholic joined theChurch, rest of Christendom and adopted March 25. The Gregorian calendar, adopted in 1, 1582 the Roman Christendom and adopted March 25. The Gregorian calendar, adopted in 1582 by the Roman Catholic Church, restored January 1 as New Year’s Day, and most European countries gradually followed suit: Scotland, in 1660; restored January 1 as New Year’s Day, and most European countries gradually followed suit: Scotland, in 1660; Germany and Denmark, about 1700; England, in 1752; and Russia, in 1918. Germany and Denmark, about 1700; England, in 1752; and Russia, in 1918. https://www.britannica.com/topic/New-Year-festival https://www.britannica.com/topic/New-Year-festival

Stream these movies where available, or rent from your local movie store, library or rental kiosk. Stream these movies where available, or rent from your local movie store, library or rental kiosk. 28 TO ADVERTISE WITH US, CALL 503.825.2111

WE HAVE YOU COVERED: PATIO COVERS, GLASS ENCLOSED ROOMS, SCREENED ROOMS, DECKS & RAILING

COOL BLUE PANELS (GABLE 16’ X 12’)

COOL BLUE PANELS (SHED 24’ X 16’)

75% HEAT BLOCK * 28% LIGHT TRANSMISSION * 100% UV BLOCK

BRING NEW OUT YEAR BRINGOUT THETHE INSIDE

ENJOYFOR OUTSIDE LIVING GET READY SUMMER SPECIAL ALL YEAR LONG!

LIVING SPACE * GRILL & DINE OUTDOORS ALL YEAR * ENJOY NATURAL SUNLIGHT

STAY DRY * EXPAND LIVING SPACE * GRILL & DINE ALL YEAR ROUND

WE HAVE YOU COVERED: PATIO COVERS, PATIO COVER GLASS ENCLOSED ROOMS, SUN SHADES, DECKS & RAILING



503-406-9111

503-406-9111 CrownPatioCovers.com

CrownPatioCovers.com



PATIO COVERS

$1,000 OFF

HHHHH

Only with magazine. Not valid with other offers. Exp. 2/29/24

35+ Google Reviews CCB # 2 3 9 0 42 - WAL I C #C R OW N P C 784C 3 CCB #239 012 - WA L I C # C R OW NP C 784 C 3

LIGHT WHITE PANELS (SHED 24’ X 16’)

COOL BLUE PANELS (GABLE 16' X 16"}

35% Heat Block * 74% Light Transmission * 100% UV Block

75% Heat Block * 28% Light Transmission * 100% UV Block

BUSINESS FEATURE

SWAN ISLAND DAHLIAS

New Gift Shop Blooms All Year Dahlia grower unveils lofty, loaded boutique

By Patti Jo Brooks, Contributing Writer Photos by Jen Blair Photography

hen is a gift shop more than just a gift shop? When it’s Swan Island Dahlias Gift Shop. A newly constructed showcase with painstaking attention to detail, this gift shop gives back every bit as much as it receives. The shop’s symbiotic relationship with the community is evident the moment you walk through the door. Everything is locally sourced: the building itself, the vintage furniture, the interior design and the many unique items for sale. The family-owned and -operated gift shop, which is located on the Swan Island Dahlias farm, is open year-round. As the seasons change, so do the themes in the shop. Of particular note is the overhead loft which features unique displays showcasing every season. Throughout the interior, retail items also reflect a seasonal focus. January will be welcoming in the New Year! Regardless of the time of year or event driving your gift-giving search, there are treasures to be found among the plethora of offerings. Wedding, anniversary and birthday selections, as well as holiday seasonal specialty items, are at your fingertips as you stroll down the aisles.

30 TO ADVERTISE WITH US, CALL 503.825.2111

Available inventory on a year-round basis has “something for everyone,” says Heather Schloe, the owner’s daughter and property manager. Local vendors and artists supply the shop with jewelry, farm goods, kitchen and bath items as well as greeting cards and stationery. Men, kids, babies and pets are all well-represented. The shop’s artfully displayed merchandise can be seen online through the website’s “Visit Us” tab; products, however, can only be purchased on site at the gift shop. Jellycat stuffed animals are a top seller for youngsters. They’re “absolutely the softest, most wonderful line of stuffed animals and many have books to go along with the characters,” says Heather. The Amuseables line features food-themed stuffies with cute little faces, and customers come in looking for them specifically. Ooly art supplies for kids provide every kind of marker, highlighter, colored pencil and paint imaginable. Teens and adults are drawn to Jotter pens with their multitude of ink colors and the bright, vibrant stationery of Taylor Elliott. T-shirts and books sport local themes of the Pacific Northwest such as hiking, mushroom foraging, cycling and gardening. Cookbooks, entertaining items, flower growing and more also have their place upon the shelves. Other finds include Dahlias Farm’s own honey as well as additional bee products such as

candles, honeycombs, lotions and lip balms. With so much to look at and choose from, you’ll just have to set aside an afternoon! Heather, poised to take over after her father Nicholas Gitts retires, is proud of her third-generation family farm. She and husband Brendon, along with daughter Gabbie, a freshman at

O.S.U., and son Cooper, seventh grader at Baker Prairie, enjoy a rich life on the farm. Heather’s sister-in-law and right hand, Kaisha Bloedel, works full time alongside her in the business. This impressive 6,000-square-foot structure with its beautiful 26-foot ceiling took two years to build from the time plans were submitted to the county until opening day. “It’s really a dream come true,” says Heather, a dream that was made possible through the efforts of many local businesses. Their builder, Nick Netter Construction, “did an amazing job,” relates Heather, and he deserves praise for “sticking by us for the two years of craziness.” Marcie Harris of HS Interiors helped Heather with the interior design. Aurora Mills Architectural Salvage was instrumental in finding the right pieces of furniture for displays, and their employee Nathan

repaired a beautiful piece of vintage glass for Heather to hang in the gift shop. Thea Cutsforth of Henderson & Daughter helped Heather choose the perfect windows to fit the design. All they are missing is you! Visit Swan Island Dahlias Gift Shop at 995 NW 22nd Ave. in Canby for a memorable shopping experience. For inquiries call (503) 266-7711 or email info@dahlias.com.

Welcome to Our New Gift Shop! So Much More than Dahlias! Décor • Kitchen Gourmet • Toys Candles • Soaps T-Shirts • Books Cards • & More!

5off

$ A

995 NW 22nd Ave., Canby • 800.410.6540 Hours: Monday–Friday, 9am to 4:30pm

D VALI

Excludes prior purchases, dahlia tubers, and gift certificates.

FF ER .

$30 Purchase

4. M

IN AY NOT BE COMB

Be sure to order your dahlia tubers now for spring!

dahlias.com