2 National Holidays Today you should pay attention to

There’s a common misperception that Chamber of Commerce people don’t like to have fun.  They’re stuffy and just really like the good ol’ boys club.  Well I thought I’d attempt to prove otherwise.  There are some weird holidays out there every year.  And some are worth celebrating and enjoying.  We even think that by enjoying these holidays you can support your local economy and increase your business acumen.

National Double Cheeseburger Day – go get yourself a BURGER!  It’s a requirement on a day like this.  Stop in at Washington Street Steakhouse & Pub, West Valley Taphouse, Spirit Mountain Casino or Blue Garden Restaurant and enjoy one of their delicious burgers and wash it down with a milkshake, soda or craft brew.  My mouth is watering already.

National Online Learning Day – time to add to your knowledge.  Today is the day you register for an online class of your choice through Chemeketa Community College, Western Oregon University or SBDC.  There’s so much learning to do you just have to decide what you want to learn next and do it in the comfort of your home.  Homework in your pajamas, been there done that, bought the T-Shirt.

See, we like fun.

He Drives all the Nuts Around Dallas – Squirrel’s Taxi Service

The One & Only Taxi in Dallas, OR.  Forget the big-name transportation apps, They aren’t permitted in town anyway.  You really want a ride with Squirrels Taxi Service, the preferred method of transportation for the locals of Dallas, OR and throughout Polk County. Owner Merlin Berkey is safe, dedicated, friendly and hardworking. Squirrels Taxi Service holds the same characteristics as the beloved woodland creatures our company is named after. Merlin was once referred to as a hero.  A retired Dallas police officer shared that he felt that without Merlin, there would likely be a lot more driving related injuries and fatalities, emphasizing that “he really is a hero.”

Rides for Any Reason or Occasion.  Need a ride to an appointment? We can provide you with the medical transportation you need. Had too many drinks? We’ll be your designated drivers so the party never has to stop. Whatever reason you may need to get to and from, let Squirrel’s get you where you need to be.

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Dallas Grocery Outlet

Did you know our Wine Department is stocked with 100’s of bottles at everyday low prices? We receive multiple shipments throughout the month so the vintages are always changing. Our next Wine Tasting will be held on Saturday, June 15 from 1-4pm. We’ll be sampling some light and refreshing varieties just in time for summer!

At Grocery Outlet, they love their brands. Like, really love them. That is why they work so hard every day to bring their customers the brands they love at prices that are nothing short of pure bliss. In fact, Grocery Outlet has been helping customers save big since 1946. That is when their founder Jim Read opened his very first store, selling military surplus at deep discount prices.

Jason and Sandy Thornton, owners of our new Dallas Grocery Outlet, say that in is their privilege to offer fresh, healthy options to Dallas at low prices saving their customers each and every time they shop at Grocery Outlet.

Be sure to visit Dallas Grocery Outlet this Saturday, June 15th and see what they have to offer our community. While you are there be sure to stop by the Wine Department between 1 and 4 to try their light and refreshing wine varieties.

https://groceryoutlet.com/

West Valley Taphouse

Welcome to Dallas’ local hang out, West Valley Taphouse.  Offering 65 taps of the best craft beer, cider, local wine, kombucha, and craft sodas. in the West Valley, the Taphouse offers happy hour every day from 2 pm to 5 pm where all appetizers are $5 and $1 off all pints.

West Valley Taphouse has been hard at work over the last year to ensure they are offering Dallas the best experience. The recent remodel, including 18 different changes, are designed to make the atmosphere more comfortable, modern, and welcoming. In addition, the Taphouse is featuring a new menu to offer delicious local food. With Summer around the corner make sure you enjoy some time on their new outdoor patio.

Tap Takeover has returned! June 6th Tap Takeover will be with Wilde Ride Brewing. They will bring samples and free swag and games. This is a great opportunity to talk to a company representative and learn what exactly makes each brewing company unique.

Since joining the Dallas community, West Valley Taphouse has gained a reputation for giving back. Community involvement and giving back is definitely not lost on Sam Duffner, owner of West Valley Taphouse. Patrons enjoy getting together to enjoy new and unique craft beers, ciders and delicious food. Owners and staff have worked hard to create a family friendly environment with options of non-alcoholic drinks. Everyone is welcomed at West Valley Taphouse until 9pm.

http://westvalleytaphouse.com/

Parkside Self Defense

Parkside Self Defense is gearing up for our summer camps! Here are just a few of the many activities we have in mind for kids this summer.

Learn the ways of the ninja! This is a unique and informative two day martial arts training camp where kids will learn the history, culture, and techniques used by the ninja in Feudal Japan. Great for kids ages 10 and above. Ninja Camp will take place June 28th from 12 pm to 4 pm, and June 29th from 12 pm to 5 pm. The cost is $100 for the camp, and will include a ninja sword, three ninja stars. If you preregister before June 15th you will also receive a Parkside T-shirt while supplies last, and a month of free lessons!

Jedi Camp July 20th from 12 pm to 3 pm, and July 21st 12 pm to 4 pm. Camp cost will include a Lightsaber, a Parkside T-shirt for $150. Preregister before July 6th, and receive a free month of lessons. Students will participate in agility course, learning the basics for a saber, learning the laws of the Jedi, and reenact their favorite scenes from the movies.

Don’t miss out on any of these fun camps, and follow us on Facebook for more activities!

https://www.facebook.com/ParksideSelfDefense/

Promise

Did you know in that in 1986 Dallas Oregon went to Hollywood? Rather, Hollywood came to Dallas Oregon! That’s right, the movie “Promise”, starring James Garner and James Woods, was filmed right here on Main Street and inside the Blue Garden.

Long absent from his family, Bob Beuhler (James Garner) returns home after his mother’s death to find she has left him her estate and placed his brother, D.J. (James Woods), in his care. Harking back to a promise made many years earlier, Bob cannot bring himself to put D.J., who suffers from epilepsy and schizophrenia, in a home. Slowly, he and his brother bond, and in the process Bob rehabilitates his own scars, including the mark left on him by his childhood sweetheart (Piper Laurie).

Join us on Saturday, May 18th for a re-screening of the movie at Dallas Cinema! Tickets are $5.00 and available for purchase online or at the box office!

After the movie, hop on over to Blue Garden for an after party! There will be lots of fun memories shared and maybe even some surprises!

Awards and Nominations for Promise:

 

Awards

  • 1987Peabody Award — CBS Entertainment, Garner-Duchow Productions[5]
  • 1987Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama/Comedy Special
  • 1987 Emmy Award for Directing in a Miniseries or a Special — Glenn Jordan
  • 1987 Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Special — James Woods
  • 1987 Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Special — Piper Laurie
  • 1987 Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing in a Miniseries or a Special — Richard Friedenberg
  • 1987Golden Globe Award for Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for TV
  • 1987 Golden Globe Award for Lead Actor — James Woods
  • 1987 Humanitas Prize— Richard Friedenberg[6]
  • Christopher Award[2]:193

 

Nominations

  • 1987 Emmy Award for Outstanding Cinematography for a Miniseries or a Special — Gayne Rescher
  • 1987 Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Special — James Garner
  • 1987 Golden Globe Award for Lead Actor — James Garner
  • 1987 Golden Globe Award for Supporting Actress — Piper Laurie

Spirit Mountain Casino

Up Coming Events:

May 18th two-time Grammy nominee Lee Brice will be performing at Spirit Mountain Casino!

He is not only one of country music’s most prominent vocal acts and guitarists, he’s also one of the best lyricists in the entire genre. Lee Brice has co-written a multitude of hits for other artists like Adam Gregory, Tim McGraw, Garth Brooks, and more. Not to mention Brice also has a slew of hits of his own that have reached the number one spot on the Billboard Hot Country Songs including “Hard to Love,” “I Don’t Dance,” “I Drive Your Truck,” and “A Woman Like You.”

Purchase your tickets at: https://www.spiritmountain.com/events/an-evening-with-lee-brice


Australia’s Thunder from Down Under, the internationally acclaimed male revue show that gets hearts pounding and the audience dancing on its feet, is coming to Spirit Mountain Casino on June 7th and 8th!

If you’re planning a night out, pre-wedding party, or birthday celebration, you need to see the hottest Australian export since Hugh Jackman. With their mesmerizing accents, rock-hard abs, and of course, their dancing, you’ll be transported to the land down under for one magical, thrilling night.

Watch each performer embody a different persona as they bring to life characters as diverse as Captain Jack Sparrow, a knight in shining armor, a fireman, and a cowboy. Let your imagination run wild and enjoy the show as these Australian gents charm their way into your heart.

Purchase your tickets at:  https://www.spiritmountain.com/events/thunder-from-down-under


Get your hot rod into gear and mark your calendar! On Saturday, June 15th, Veterans Roll the Dice Car Show is coming to Spirit Mountain Casino, and we want you to join us for an afternoon filled with rods, food, exhibitors and live entertainment.

Our parking lot will be transformed into a hub of activity for car aficionados. Get a close up look at hot rods, rat rods, and custom vehicles. If you own a vehicle that deserves a share of the limelight, show off your car at the show for just $15 with your submitted pre-registration plus one can of food.

Purchase your tickets or register your car at: https://www.spiritmountain.com/events/car-show

West Valley Taphouse

Welcome to Dallas’ local hang out, West Valley Taphouse.  Offering 65 taps of the best craft beer, cider, local wine, kombucha, and craft sodas in the West Valley, the Taphouse offers happy hour every day from 2 pm to 5 pm where all appetizers are $5 and $1 off all pints.

West Valley Taphouse has been hard at work over the last year to ensure they are offering Dallas the best experience. The recent remodel, including 18 different changes, are designed to make the atmosphere more comfortable, modern, and welcoming. In addition, the Taphouse is featuring a new menu to offer delicious local food. The patio, still under construction, is the final phase of the renovation and the crew is excited to unveil it in May!

Tap Takeover will be returning in May! The May Takeover will be Ninkansi Brewing. They will bring samples and free swag and games. This is a great opportunity to talk to a company representative and learn what exactly makes each brewing company unique.  Junes Takeover is to be announced, but Wild Ride will be taking over on June 6th with Julys Takeover to be determined.

Since joining the Dallas community, West Valley Taphouse has gained a reputation for giving back. Community involvement and giving back is definitely not lost on Sam Duffner, owner of West Valley Taphouse. Patrons enjoy getting together to enjoy new and unique craft beers, ciders and delicious food. Owners and staff have worked hard to create a family friendly environment with options of non-alcoholic drinks. Everyone is welcomed at West Valley Taphouse until 9pm.

http://westvalleytaphouse.com/

Itemizer-Observer

The Polk County Itemizer-Observer is your local news source. We print Wednesdays to a circulation of roughly 4,000, and daily online, reaching more than 10,000 unique readers each week on our website. Our Classifieds are mailed out across the county to nearly 9,000 additional homes.

Back by popular demand, we will publish the Eagle Directories, updated with current listings for both business and residential. Call us to find out how to spotlight your business in this annual publication mailed to about 19,000 Polk County customers. Want to include your cellphone in the phone book? Let us know by emailing iosales@polkio.com.

Also coming up is our annual, award-winning Explore Polk County, with about 10,000 distribution in print. The publication also is linked on Travel Salem’s website, as well as found on our website. Don’t miss this opportunity to get your message out!

Got a story tip or want to submit a photo to Explore Polk County? Send it to ionews@polkio.com. We’re still searching for our cover shot – do you have a Polk County photo that could make the cut?

Deadlines on both of these publications is early May, but that will be here before you know it. Don’t delay, call today! 503-623-2373.

http://www.polkio.com

St. Patricks Day

Saint Patrick’s Day, or the Feast of Saint Patrick, is a cultural and religious celebration held on 17 March, the traditional death date of Saint Patrick (c. AD 385–461), who was the foremost patron saint of Ireland.

Saint Patrick’s Day was made an official Christian feast day in the early 17th century and is observed by the Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion (especially the Church of Ireland), the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the Lutheran Church. The day commemorates Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland, and celebrates the heritage and culture of the Irish in general. Celebrations generally involve public parades and festivals, céilís, and the wearing of green attire or shamrocks. Christians who belong to liturgical denominations also attend church services and historically the Lenten restrictions on eating and drinking alcohol were lifted for the day, which has encouraged and propagated the holiday’s tradition of alcohol consumption.

Saint Patrick’s Day is a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador (for provincial government employees), and the British Overseas Territory of Montserrat. It is also widely celebrated by the Irish diaspora around the world, especially in the United Kingdom, Canada, United States, Brazil, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand. Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated in more countries than any other national festival. Modern celebrations have been greatly influenced by those of the Irish diaspora, particularly those that developed in North America. In recent years, there has been criticism of Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations for having become too commercialized and for fostering negative stereotypes of the Irish people.