ARTICLES

When Bryan Nation enlisted in the U.S. Army in January 2001, he was searching for direction. College didn’t feel right, and he wanted something more purposeful. Less than a year into his service, the world changed. Bryan had already completed basic training and his medic training earlier that summer, before 9/11, but when his unit began field exercises that fall, the tone shifted dramatically. What had started as routine preparation quickly became focused, high-intensity trai

Photos by Avery Eckley, Active Media To officially kick off Week 1, Wilsonville hosted the Sandy Pioneers in the most competitive four quarters we’ve witnessed in these past few seasons. Over the course of this campaign, we saw two very different offenses clash in what came out as a narrow 34-27 win for Wilsonville. We knew the narrative going into this game — Sandy year in and year out has had a competitive run game that serves as the focal point of their offense. Their star

Late fall in Oregon is about more than colorful foliage and Thanksgiving –  it’s also hazelnut season. For years known as “filberts” to Oregonians, the name derived from early French settlers of the Willamette Valley in tribute to St. Philibert whose feast day was associated with the hazelnut. In the early 1980s the Oregon Filbert Commission officially adopted the “hazelnut” name for broader market appeal. Today, Oregon produces about 99 percent of domestic hazelnuts, making

For those who enjoy natural light and outdoor spaces, living in the Northwest can sometimes be a frustrating experience. We joke about coming out of hibernation, but it genuinely feels that way when summer finally arrives and we’ve spent the past six months locked indoors. But what if there were a way to alleviate those rainy-weather woes, to enjoy the outdoors come rain or shine, and add considerable value to your home without breaking the bank? Enter the Patio Cover People,

In her only four months in business in Sandy, Suzanne Jackson has already made a name for herself, serving up pizza by the slice and a family-oriented space and menu at Mt. Pizza and Brews. Knowing she grew up in the food industry, with her parents running a coffee shop when she was a teen, it’s not too surprising how natural the role of restaurateur is for Jackson. Jackson and her father Wayne Slagle turned the former Le Happy Creperie at 38687 Proctor Blvd., into Mt. Pizza

In 1951, just after his 18th birthday, Dick Bennett made the decision to join the Navy. The Korean War was at its height, and with the draft underway, he wanted a path that would give him some control over his future. The Navy offered the chance to travel and the promise of life aboard a ship, which suited him more than other branches of service. Boot camp in San Diego marked the start of his journey. His strong test scores earned him a spot in Class A School, where he traine

Nestled at the base of Willamette Falls, just 13 miles south of Portland, lies a city that was once viewed as a symbol of hope, grit, and new beginnings. Oregon City — modest in size today — was once the ultimate destination for tens of thousands of immigrants who braved the 2,000-mile journey along the Oregon Trail. It was the end of the line, and the beginning of a new life. The Trail Ends Here By the 1840s, word had spread across the American Midwest and beyond: a bounty o

Nestled against the Cascade foothills just east of Portland lies the city of Gresham. Oregon’s fourth-largest city, Gresham possesses a rich, intriguing past — a mosaic of pioneer grit, Native history, agricultural richness, and steady suburban growth. Like many towns across the Pacific Northwest, Gresham’s story is one of transformation — a place shaped by people, land, and change, with roots stretching back to rough-hewn trails and verdant berry-covered hillsides. Indigenou

Today, when we think of winter holiday fare, certain familiar foods come to mind: roasted turkey or ham, mashed potatoes, pies, cookies, and perhaps a candy cane or two. But if we dig a bit deeper into culinary history, we encounter a fascinating world of festive foods once beloved, but now largely forgotten. These dishes, hallmarks of winter gatherings from Christmas and Hanukkah, to New Year's and Epiphany, emerged out of scarcity, celebration, and centuries-old customs. Th

For those who care about where their meat comes from and how the animals are raised, Better Beef Company is redefining what quality meat can be. Founded on the belief that happy, well-cared-for cattle produce the best-tasting beef, they’ve built a brand rooted in humane ranching practices, sustainable methods, and exceptional flavor. From pasture to plate, Better Beef Company brings customers an extraordinary product they can feel good about! I had the pleasure of speaking wi

Tim and Jennifer Austen have been inviting the public to their farm for u-cut Christmas trees for the last six years — but the story of Austens’ Farm begins long before that, when Tim’s parents, Don and Anita Austen, originally bought the property in 1962. With Don’s new job as a teacher and guidance counselor at Canby High School, growing trees was the ideal agricultural venture, as it requires monthly and seasonal maintenance versus daily chores. Their two oldest sons were

Recognizing the impact of philanthropy and the contributions of those who give their time and talent to strengthen our Wilsonville and Portland-Metro communities, The Fowler Family Fund ( TheFowlerFamilyFund.com ) enthusiastically spotlights four of our favorite nonprofit organizations, each of whom serve as inspiration, especially as we prepare to celebrate National Philanthropy Day on November 15th. Closing out 2025, your volunteer, in-kind, financial, and legacy support wi

Woodburn is known for its cultural diversity, resonating with local heritage, talent, and celebrations that highlight its prominent Hispanic population. A recent art exhibit at the Bungalow Theatre featured colorful paintings by local artist Brenda Valentin-Bravo, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. In addition to her artistic endeavors, Brenda serves the Woodburn School District as Migrant Graduation Specialist.   If you were fortunate enough to view Brenda’s paintings at t

Every year CHS Theatre aspires to bring fresh productions and new perspectives to the high school stage. Directed by Sullivan Mackintosh, who’s now in her 5th year leading the program, this season promises laughter and lightheartedness for actors and audiences alike. Make no mistake, however, whether characters have been ultra-serious or are laughing gregariously, Sullivan has actors and design teams pushing their artistic limits.    Seeking opportunities that provide a chall

Want to make a child’s eyes light up during the holidays? Would you like to help families stretch their budgets to put food on the table for a special meal? You can play a part by helping with the Kiwanis Canby Community Food & Toy Drive, now through mid-December. Kiwanis Club of Canby coordinates the effort, but “it takes everyone to make this happen,” according to Sharon Schneider, longtime chair of the event. “We love working with our partners in other civic clubs, busin

One of the season’s most treasured family traditions is on the horizon — the hunt for a holiday tree! And the best news is you don’t have to travel far — there’s a family-owned farm right here in town that offers a stunning selection of trees and a traditional tree farm experience for all ages. Kraft & Son (formerly known as Kraft Farms) has been farming in Canby for well over 100 years, and it’s become a favorite stop at holiday time for the local community and beyond! Among

Step into a room with one of Ian Jones’s paintings, and it is almost impossible not to feel like the clouds have parted and the sun has broken through. His canvases practically hum with positive energy: chaotic, dreamlike underpaintings awash in color give way to bold, crisp geometric shapes that snap into focus. It is abstract art with a playful edge, and carries a clear purpose. “I want my work to brighten people’s lives,” Jones says, and with each non-repeating pattern and

For immediate release: Canby, Oregon — October 2025 The Mark Prairie Historical Society (MPHS) is proud to announce the hiring of Blaine Oswald as Site Manager for the historic Mark Prairie Schoolhouse. Alongside this appointment, MPHS is inviting community members, neighbors, and history enthusiasts to join as members, to volunteer, and to attend the October 18th Member, Guest & Neighbor Meeting and Potluck  at the restored 1879 landmark. Upcoming Event: Oct. 18 Member, Gues

It’s hard to believe Yesteryear Farms has only been open since 2019, especially given the popularity it has gained and the degree to which it has grown. What began as a small Christmas tree market has evolved to include a free-entry pumpkin patch with a 10-acre corn maze, a yearly sunflower festival and a 4th of July fireworks market, all of which have become treasured traditions for families throughout the Portland area and beyond. The Horner family originally started Yester

It’s almost that time when downtown Canby transforms into a Halloween wonderland, packed with a colorful cast of characters in costumes of every kind. So bring the whole family and get ready for a spooktacular time!  This year’s Halloween Trick-or-Treat will take place on October 31st from 3 to 6 p.m., and per tradition, all your favorite downtown businesses will be open and handing out sweet treats to the trick-or-treaters. “The majority of the businesses on 1st and 2nd Ave.